Comments

1. At 08:11 AM on 15 Mar 2007, Paul Dockree wrote:

   That clouded leopard found in Borneo. Part of me worries what pressures will now be put on this big cat now - with understandable interest from the media.

   A couple of months ago, in Bill Bryson's book "about everything" I read about the fate of the hapless Dodo bird all those years back and almost cried.

   Sometimes I wonder if we humans deserve the care of the planet. Can we be really careful with our new found "friend"?

2. At 09:19 AM on 15 Mar 2007, rob wrote:

   >Did the man behind the September the 11th attacks also plan to blow up Heathrow Airport, the Canary Wharf tower and Big Ben?

   Nicky you post that like its some kind of cast iron guilt edged indisputable fact. Whilst he may well did in all probability, the fact remains you dont know for certain, and should therefor be more selctive in your choice of words.

3. At 09:50 AM on 15 Mar 2007, Paul Dockree wrote:

   Rob, can I disagree much as I like to criticise Nicky. The words were fine - all that was needed were inverted commas around "The man behind the September the 11th attacks" I put them in mentally myself. That ain't be proved either.

   Can anyone take anything from this story at face value? This so called confession being released by our Stateside authority friends, with no trial undertaken, evidence shown or honesty about how it may have been obtained. If I were to whisper the words "possible torture" would I be shouted down? What are those ridiculous words the Americans use instead of the dreaded "T" word - extraordinary rendition?

   No, Rob. FiveLives text is the least of my concerns for this news item.

4. At 11:12 AM on 15 Mar 2007, rob wrote:

   Paul - Of course you may. I didn't expect to get picked up on my point but as you are at it let me say that IMOt Journalists should know better and exercise a little more care with the trust that we put into what they say and how they say it. Agreed, the use of ""'s would have set that paragraph in a much better context, fact is it didn't, hence the drawing of Nicky's attention to it.

   Yes, of course the bigger points to which the story allude, far outweigh any trifling observations referenced. I thought that was pretty obvious in itself.

   Anyways, we can both agree that its a pretty shifty old piece of news at best.

   What does the Pentagon expect people to believe? Do they really think people would just read that rubbish and accept it without question..its an absolute nonsense,yet laudable that the BBC should put such rubbish as factual out without questioning some of the bigger points it raises. T

5. At 11:43 AM on 15 Mar 2007, Paul Dockree wrote:

   I must admit Rob - as my household tunes in and out of FiveLive and Radio 4 (my wife likes the latter) - I cannot confirm what was challenged about this story by Shelagh and Nicky. Shorthand is often used but I take it as read with FiveLive. All that news and scandal getting in the way of what is really important. Step forward Simon May and Mark Kermode's ego and also various football managers and make it a fair fight!

   Another person recently criticised this radio station for making Charlotte Church's pregnancy as top of the news - again I couldn't confirm if that was true - my memory! But I doubt it was top of the news in the Church's household if Gavin had been having a "bad hair day" LOL

   But I see what you mean, Rob. Points taken

6. At 01:19 PM on 15 Mar 2007, Roberto Carlos Alvarez-Galloso,CPUR wrote:

   You should cover Zimbabwe.

7. At 02:37 PM on 15 Mar 2007, Paul Dockree wrote:

   Roberto - you do know our reporters are only allowed to report on Zimbabwe from South Africa, don't you? You try reporting on the goings on in New York from say Georgia.

   Any coverage of that place is even more difficult because of all those (allegedly controlled by Mugabe) nice armed to the teeth policemen are being ruthlessly attacked by those violent unarmed Opposition representatives. Odd how the hospital are not full of those poor law officers isn't it?

   And you can guarantee those reporters sent in will suddenly be accused of being subversives and risk a lot more than rough treatment. I grieve for all the people of Zimbabwe.

8. At 03:16 PM on 15 Mar 2007, Roberto Carlos Alvarez-Galloso,CPUR wrote:

   Paul:

   Thanks for your comments. I am aware that Mugabe banned BBC Reporters from reporting inside Zimbabwe. I am also aware that any BBC Reporter in Zimbabwe would be treated roughly or worse. For this reason, BBC reports from South Africa.

   I saw the demonstrations in my computer. Regardless, BBC and other stations should be commended for reporting about the Zimbabwe situation in spite of the restrictions.

   In America, Zimbabwe gets almost no coverage due to the selectiveness of the US Media.While the Georgia/New York Analogy was good, I was thinking of the analogy US/Cuba.

   I too grieve for the people of Zimbabwe. If I had not done it before, I want to share with BBC Five Live Breakfast an article I wrote in my blog about Zimbabwe. It was based on a thesis I had to do in high school [1980] in Venezuela. At that time, the sources were my shortwave radio, BBC, Channel Africa, Radio Mozambique, ZBC [previously RBC]. I made an updated version with other sources.

   http://alvarezgalloso.blogster.com/zimbabwe_reality.html

   Cheers from Miami Florida
   Roberto

9. At 07:15 PM on 15 Mar 2007, Paul Dockree wrote:

   Roberto, Thank you - I have just visited your article and rather than join a new blog site - I am all over the place already - I will comment here.

   I consider Zimbabwe is being destroyed to the greed and vanities of those in power there. Mugabe. even were he to disappear tomorrow, is only a hated figure-head for a number of other abusers of power in the country. He would have been long gone before else.

   When Mugabe finally falls or is pushed - we may know who else by watching airports within the country and as the Oscar winning film this year is titled - The Departed.

   Towards wads of filched money and a nice easy life.

   Maybe, Roberto, just maybe we who care have finally got the worlds attention. I would love a word with certain government personages in South Africa for their tardiness in reacting to the outrage going on across one of their borders. Zimbabwe and SA own citizens, my half family included, deserved better

10. At 11:09 PM on 15 Mar 2007, Roberto Carlos Alvarez-Galloso,CPUR wrote:

    Paul:
    Thanks for your comments. I am already mailing the same article in Spanish for Latin America and the Latin Community here in America. I also agree with you about Zimbabwe, including why the South African Government reacted tardily.

    I can only fathom [my opinion] that since Mugabe stated he wanted to remain in power until 2010 and the World Cup will be in South Africa in 2010 but again that is my guess.

    Another reason may be some football lovers in America cancelling their reservations for South Africa 2010. Again, I am guessing.

    Regardless, if Mugabe leaves with wads of money, he and Mengistu [former Ethiopian Dictator] will probaly be granted asylum in Venezuela.

    Your family as well as Zimbabwe and South Africa are in my thoughts and prayers. While I do not have family in South Africa and Zimbabwe except via radio stations, my heart is angered at what Mugabe has done.

    Without much, cheers.
    Roberto

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