Archives for July 2009
Do you step in when you see antisocial behaviour?
A woman in Leeds has suffered burns after being attacked with bleach. She's doesn't yet know if her sight's been permanently damaged. She was targeted because she'd told a group of teenagers to be quiet in a cinema.
We've all been in similar situations: noisy neighbours, dangerous drivers, people who drop little, rowdy behaviour. Do you step in? Or is it just too risky?
Nicky'll be talking about this on the phone in from 9am.
Are some people just not fit to have children?
Many of this morning's papers report the story of a woman who's had 13 children taken into care.....and is now pregnant with her 14th. It's not the first time the issue of how we protect children has hit the headlines this year.
With so many high-profile cases involving children at risk in the UK - can social workers always make a difference? So much work goes into helping vulnerable parents and children - but are there cases where it's just a waste of time? Are there some people who just can't care for children - and aren't fit to have them?
That's the phone-in from 9.
Bernie Ecclestone on Breakfast
This morning there were rumours that Formula 1 team BMW were to quit the sport from next season. By coincidence I already had F1 Supremo Bernie Ecclestone lined up to speak to us about safety concerns in Formula 1, so we asked him if he could put any substance to the speculation.
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Would the world be a better place without religion?
An atheist summer camp gets underway today near Bath - they're already a popular type of holiday in America. The children will get lessons on evolution and they'll get to sing John Lennon's Imagine.
So is atheism the answer to the world's problems? If we got rid of religion, would we get rid of most wars and prejudice? Or would we just find something else to argue about?
Do we all need something to believe in? Whether it's a god, a set of principles, a celebrity - does having a beliefs comfort us, or would we be better off just relying on ourselves?
That's the phone in, with Nicky, from 9am.
Breakfast at the 2012 Olympics site
It's three years to the day until the London 2012 Olympics gets underway and we've been given access to the site in Stratford.
Have a look at the pictures and hear Nicky's reports from the stadium on today's programme. Our reporter Stephen Chittenden has visited the rest of the site, including the Aquatics Centre. Plus at 9 o'clock, Shelagh will be asking if London 2012 is inspiring you.
For example, are you or your children playing more sport? Or will the games only affect London?
Is honesty the best policy?
A couple will find out today how much money they'll have to hand back - after they found a winning lottery ticket lying on a shop floor. They cashed it in, and kept the money.
But what would you have done? Ever found some money or a wallet in the street and thought twice about handing it in?
Does being honest get you anywhere? People getting in touch with us this morning show are divided. Ollie in Suffolk says: "When I was 15 I handed a wallet full of cash and cards in to the police. It was claimed and I was not even thanked. I felt good though." But Stuart in Colwyn Bay tells us: "Many years ago I found a wallet with £18 in it. I kept the money and posted back the wallet."
So is honesty always the best policy? That's the phone in with Nicky from 9.
Why can't Brits behave abroad?
On this morning's Phone-in with Nicky: why can't Brits behave abroad?
Greek police meet British officers today to work out how to tackle drunkenness among UK holidaymakers this summer. Islanders there blame tour companies for encouraging binge drinking, but don't we have a responsibility for our own behaviour when we're letting our hair down?
Do we deserve our reputation - is it just the British who can't have a holiday without a hangover? Why can't we have a good time without the booze?
One texter this morning says: "Many have lost the plot, simple as that. UK airports are the only ones I've seen where the bars full at 6.30am!"
What were you doing when you were 15?
I was learning to play the guitar, playing football and generally throwing teenage strops. Out of those three I'm still doing two of them consistently, and one of them I've had to stop because of knee injury!
At the age of 15 Tom Daley has becomes Britain's first individual diving World Champion. This is a proper bit of sporting history.
You might have known Tom's name ever since he qualified to represent Team GB at the Beijing Olympics in the 10m diving event. Not bad for a then 13 year old to come 7th.
On Breakfast this morning we managed to catch up with this precocious talent:
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How would you tackle knife crime?
In ten areas covered by a government scheme to combat knife attacks in there's actually been a rise in the number of people killed by knives.
So if that's not working -- what will? Is prison the answer? Or is it all about working with communities to stop young people picking up knives in the first place?
That's the phone-in from 9 with Nicky.
Should we bring back grammar schools?
Former Labour minister Alan Milburn says children from poorer backgrounds still aren't able to get many of the UK's top jobs -- and that social mobility just isn't a reality. He's expected to say that even though the government's spending millions getting students from deprived families into university, it isn't working -- and a classless society is further away than ever.
So are grammar schools the answer? They gave children of all backgrounds the chance of a good education, and the opportunity to better themselves. Critics say they encourage division -- one texter this morning, David in Kent, called them "legalised discrimination".
So are they part of an outdated system? Or should we bring them back?
That's the phone-in with Nicky from 9am. Call 0500 909 693, text 85058, email breakfast@bbc.co.uk or you can leave your reaction on the blog right here.
Have a listen back to Nicky's interview with Alan Milburn below:
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Are you confused by the swine flu advice?
Later this morning the Health Secretary, Andy Burnham, will try to clarify swine flu advice to pregnant women and parents of young children after conflicting advice over the weekend caused confusion and concern. People's travel plans could also be thrown in doubt after British Airways and Virgin Atlantic said they want to ban people with swine flu from flying but doctors say the policy won't work.
On the phone in from 9am we're asking whether you're confused by the advice being given on swine flu. Call 0500 909 693, text 85058, email breakfast@bbc.co.uk or post a message on the Breakfast facebook page. Or you can leave your reaction below here.
Sand blasted
It's the shot most amateur golfers dread having to play and if badly executed it can ruin your round.
So it was pretty brave of Nicky to attempt a bunker shot live on air this morning and not surprising that his first couple of attempts ended with the ball still nestling in the sand.
The third shot, though, was a moment of class with the ball landing on the green reasonably close to the flag.
Key tip learnt: Open the club face so that you could balance a wine glass on it.
Is golf the only sport where players don't cheat?
Think of the Tour de France, the Olympics - events where spectators are disappointed but not surprised if the competitors are caught taking performance enhancing drugs.
Think of football where diving is regular practise among some players, rugby and Schalk Burger's eye-gouging. Ricky Ponting says England's players used delaying tactics in the first test of the Ashes.
Sandy Lyle has caused a furore by accusing Colin Montgomery of cheating four years ago; Monty was cleared of that. The R & A say they've introduced drugs tests at this year's Open, but do you expect golfers to be caught doping?
From 9am on the phone-in Nicky will be asking if golf is the only sport where players don't cheat.
Which sporting events should be protected?
The Open Champonship begins today: Tiger Woods will be targeting his 15th major title and Padraig Harrington will be going for three consecutive Open titles. There'll be full live coverage on BBC Two - and of course you can listen to all the action on 5 live.
Also starting today is the second Test of the Ashes. It'll be tense, following a draw in the first Test - can England recapture the success of 2005? Again, you can hear every ball with Test Match Special - on 5 live sports extra; but to watch the match you need to pay for a subscription to Sky.
The government is carrying out a review of the sporting 'crown jewels' - events that are protected for terrestrial television. 12 million people watched Andy Murray in the semi-finals at Wimbledon - are moments like that important in uniting the nation?
Nicky's at Turnberry for The Open, and from 9am he'll be asking: which sporting events should be protected for free-to-air tv? Call 0500 909 693, text 85058 or you can post your thoughts below here.
Northampton - so average it's special
Here's a blog post from Wake Up To Money's Andy Verity:
They sent us to Northampton because of a dubious honour. Northampton is the town adopted by 5 Live Breakfast as its "recession town". This is because it's, well, average. So average you could even call it special.
The vital statistics:
67 miles from London - close to the M1. Population 200,0000.
Employers: Carlsberg, Barclaycard, Avon, Traveis Perkins, Schweppes & National Grid.
Football club: the Cobblers.
Unemployment: 5.2%- about average.
Average Northamptonshire house price: £154,000 - the average for the UK.
When we arrived, we were kindly ferried around by a native of Northampton who is far from average. In fact, Helen Blaby is rather famous for Northampton and very good at avoiding hold-ups on the roads!
(left-right) Andy interviews the local shoppers, checking out Northampton's house prices and the Super Sausage Cafe - our home for the morning.
When we asked our Helen to name someone from Northampton even more famous than her, she had to phone her mum - a daughter of the town for 60 years. "Um, there was Bradlaw". "Who?" An MP opposed to birth control apparently. Um, Monty Panesar plays for Northamptonshire...Um, the cricketer Graham Swann. Then we struck gold - Matt Smith. Not the 5 live presenter, but the new Doctor Who, due to pilot the Tardis from 2010. Nothing average about that.
But the most not-average thing about Northampton is another reason we wanted to come back; to find out what's happened to the housing market.
Northampton is the negative equity capital of the UK, with more people estimated to have mortgages bigger than the value of their homes than anywhere else.
So how does that affect how they're feeling about how well off or poor they are? What has that done to the "feelgood factor"?
Are there signs of recovery - green shoots - here in average town? And, more to the point, is it safe to think it's going to get better? Do those green shoots really have roots?
Greetings from Turnberry
I'm with Vassos in Turnberry for the 138th Open Championship that officially gets underway tomorrow morning at 6:30am with Englishman Paul Broadhurst hitting the first tee shot.
Padraig Harrington holds the title at present and he is going for 3 Open wins on the trot. Tiger Woods is playing this time after taking the year off from Carnoustie to have surgery on his knee - he will be trying to win his 15th Major.
Wednesday is when all the engineers from around the world test their equipment to ensure that everything is up and running in time for tomorrow's tournament, and as you can see it was pretty quiet at the media centre this morning when Vassos was doing his sports bulletins at 6am.
This is a beautiful part of the country and the golf course is spectacular - just check out the Golf course hotel.....and before you ask we are not staying here. We are in a little 3 bed bungalow 10 minutes drive away. Gary Lineker, Peter Aliss and the rest of the TV and radio teams are also in the same street - it's a bit like Ramsey Street without the glamour.
The Golf course hugs the coast line and you'll see some spectacular shots if you see any coverage on BBC TV over the next few days.
As for 5 live we will be bringing you uninterrupted coverage of the Open from tomorrow morning starting with Breakfast. Nicky will be out and about on the course so i hope he's been practicing his whispering technique - an absolute must for broadcasting at Golf tournaments.
Olie D'Albertanson (Vassos's producer/cup of tea maker/driver).
Taking the pulse of the economy
All day across 5 Live we're reporting from around the UK on how the recession is affecting you. We've carried out a poll which suggests the majority of people think it'll be a while before the economy improves, while two thirds don't think the recession is going to get any worse.
From 9 on the phone-in join us in taking the pulse of the economy, how will you know when the recession is over?
You can comment here on the blog.
For more information on Taking The Pulse, visit our mini-site.
How is swine flu affecting you?
Tests are being carried out to determine whether a six-year-old child and a 64-year-old GP who contracted swine flu were killed by the virus.
Both were apparently healthy before they fell ill. Primary school pupil Chloe Buckley died within days of complaining of a sore throat.
Nearly 10,000 British people have been confirmed as suffering from swine flu. The government warns that by the end of the next month the number of cases could rise to 100,000 a day.
Are you a teacher, parent or doctor? How has your life have been affected by swine flu?
Are you changing your holiday plans as a result of the illness?
Is your business struggling to cope with the number of people off sick?
You can listen to today's phone-in on the podcast here.
Specs appeal
| 07:56 UK time, Tuesday, 14 July 2009
Nicky forgot his glasses this morning nearly putting the Breakfast programme in jeopardy.
Luckily we managed to borrow a pair of "standby specs" from our colleagues at Radio 4, although they didn't give Nicky the most stylish look.
Is the government failing our troops in Afghanistan?
The Conservatives have joined the Liberal Democrats in criticising the equipment the armed forces are supplied with. They say helicopters are desperately needed.
Meanwhile a poll for the BBC suggests half the population support the war in Afghanistan (read the full story on the BBC News website), but how would people feel about more taxes being spent on the conflict?
It's what Nicky will be talking about from 9 o'clock this morning. You can comment here on the blog, by calling 0500 909 693 or text to 85058.
Who is cricket's Twitter king?
The Ashes is one of sport's fiercest rivalries, but this series another one's bubbling (or bumbling?) along very nicely -- it's Jonathan Agnew versus David "Bumble" Lloyd on Twitter. (Or, if you prefer, @Aggerscricket versus @Bumblecricket).
The BBC's cricket correspondent Jonathan Agnew has been twittering on all things cricket, with the latest on the TMS cake intake, Vic Marks' sartorial elegance, and CMJ's trials with technology (laptop problems at the start of the test, phone in bits by the second day).
But he's facing a challenge -- from Sky's David "Bumble" Lloyd -- who gives regular updates from the commentary box on his curry, naan bread, and ale intake, the lunch habits of his colleagues... and a bit of cricket as well. Bumble's now got more than 14,000 followers (that's... ahem... twice as many as Aggers).
UPDATE:
They joined us on air on Sunday morning for a twit-off... Have listen back to the results:
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Weekend Breakfast at Brands Hatch
The German Grand Prix takes place at the Nurburgring this weekend - and while the drivers taking part in that are at the pinnacle of motor racing, they all had to start somewhere. Most of the current Formula One drivers started their careers in karting.
Earlier this week, our reporter Richard Foster (right, with Alex Brundle, son of Martin) went to Brands Hatch in Kent to find out why karting has launched so many motor racing careers - and whether he had what it takes to become a driver himself.
Have a listen to how he got on:
Phil n Ranvir
Ranvir Singh joins Phil Williams on Weekend Breakfast (11/12 July). They are on air from 6-9 with all the latest news and sport.
Nicky at the Last Ever Royal Show
Today we're broadcasting from the last ever Royal Show in Warwickshire. It's the UK's biggest agricultural show and despite being the last one, it's as vibrant, busy and noisy as ever. Here are some of the people we've met:
Are British troops being put in an impossible position in Afghanistan?
That's what Liberal Democrat leader Nick Clegg thinks. He says our troops don't have the resources they need to win the fight against the Taliban. He thinks politicians are letting them down.
With seven deaths in seven days, the number of soldiers to die in there now stands at 176. The defence minister has warned more lives will be lost, but says the war against the Taliban is making Britain's streets safer.
What do you think?
A Real Aussie Sheila, Part 3: Shelagh's toughest challenge
Shelagh has completed all her tasks to transform her into an Aussie Sheila: she now has an Aussie keyring, knows how to sledge like an Aussie and play football like an Aussie.
But has she done enough?
Shelagh comes up against her toughest challenge yet...four real life Sheilas.
Listen here to find out how she gets on and to find out what a Lamington is...
Is producing human sperm in a laboratory one step too far?
British scientists say they've made a medical breakthrough and created human sperm in a laboratory.
The scientists hope the sperm could help infertile men have a baby which is genetically their own. At the moment the sperm is created from embryo stem cells. Critics say that this is unethical, and is trading the creation of one life for another.
In order to help infertile men, scientists hope in the future to use stem cells from skin. This raises the possibility that sperm could be produced from a woman - and that a baby could be created without the need for a man.
In the phone-in, Nicky asked whether this is an exciting development for infertile couples or an unethical development open to abuse.
Listen to the debate on iPlayer for up to 7 days.
We'd love to hear what you make of this development. Pop your thoughts here.
There's more on this story on BBC News website.
A Real Aussie Sheila, Part 2: Aussie Rules
| 16:43 UK time, Tuesday, 7 July 2009
When it comes to Aussie Rules football - who or what is Mark?
Shelagh finds out as part of her continuing quest to become an Aussie Sheila.
It's the first day of the Ashes on Wednesday - but will our Shelagh get us off on the right foot by kicking the football faster than any of the real Sheilas?
Listen here to find out...
Will Shelagh make it onto the Aussie Rules football leaderboard?
So you think you can play cricket?
| 16:22 UK time, Tuesday, 7 July 2009
Evan Morgan gets a good innings with Matthew Maynard
Village green cricketer, Evan Morgan, found out there was a lot left to learn when we sent him for a masterclass with former England and Glamorgan cricketer, Matthew Maynard. Today's lesson is in batting and, apparently, it's all in the back foot...
Follow Evan's progress when he picks up some tips on bowling and fielding tomorrow.
A real Aussie Sheila?
Would you know what it takes to be a real Aussie Sheila - firstly that you can't blag your sports knowledge, and secondly that women can't be trusted with a barbeque and should stick to making salads instead?
The Ashes starts on Wednesday, so to better understand our rivals we challenged our Shelagh to see if she could cut it as a proper Aussie Sheila.
John Torode teaches Shelagh how to be a Sheila
To get her started, Shelagh went to get some top tips from Masterchef presenter, John Torode.
Find out how she got on here:
Shelagh's new Twistie keyring
Is Roger Federer the greatest sportsperson ever?
Yesterday Federer broke world records after winning Wimbledon - as his white and gold jacket testified he now has 15 Grand Slam titles under his belt. It was an epic match, proving Federer has grit and determination as well as talent, so does anyone match Federer's dominance in tennis in their own sport?
What makes a great sportsperson? Skill - definitely, endurance and courage - for sure, but what about playing by the rules, being a sporting gentlemen. Is it just about notching up wins or is attitude as important?
You can listen to this programme in iPlayer or download the podcast.
Your swine flu questions answered
Health authorities are warning that new cases of swine flu could reach 100,000 a day by the end of next month. The government sent a leaflet with basic information about the virus to every household in the UK, but is there more you want to know? On Saturday morning's programme we asked Professor Steve Field from the Royal College of GPs and Noel Wicks, who owns a chain of pharmacists in Scotland, to answer your questions on the illness.
You can find out what they had to say by listening below.
Hello Sailor!
Vassos Alexander and I were at Henley this week, as guests of Matthew Pinsent.
We'd both done a bit of rowing in the past but never been to the historical Regatta on one of the most beautiful stretches of the River Thames.
While its image outside the rowing fraternity might be one of elitism, it seems to cater for all comers - multiple Olympic Gold Medallists, school, college, and club crews from as far afield as the US and China, and day trippers looking for a festival atmosphere on a sunny day.
Wandering around Henley with one of the most famous sportsmen in Britain has its advantages.......not least access to the boats which follow behind every race.
Matthew Pinsent carried out his Stewarding duties on board, writing a race report with the help of other officials dotted along the course. No high technology here - just shouts from boat to staging post. Simple. But it works!
Fittingly, as we left, our generous and attentive host hooked up with his old rowing partner Sir Steve Redgrave. And yes, he did greet him with the words "Hello sailor".
Vassos and I are hoping for a return visit next year.......I feel an Outside Broadcast coming on.
What would it mean to have a Brit in the final of Wimbledon?
Later today, Andy Murray will attempt to become the first man since Bunny Austin in 1938 to reach the final of the men's singles.
How important is it to you that he makes it?
Tim Henman reached four semi-finals but was beaten every time.
Now that Andy Murray has a chance of getting further, will you be cheering him on?
Does British sport - and Britain - need a winner?
Listen online or download the programme as a podcast.
You can also submit a comment below.
When is it right to release prisoners?
On the phone-in this morning we're asking: when is it right to release prisoners?
The Home Secretary has refused to release Great Train Robber Ronnie Biggs, despite his parole board saying he should be freed. 79 year-old Mr Biggs is unable to speak or feed himself after suffering a series of strokes. He's in hospital with a broken hip.
Jack Straw says Biggs was "wholly unrepentant" about his actions and had "outrageously courted the media" - are those the right reasons to keep him locked up? Are some prisoners let out to early while others languish in their cells? Should life always mean life?
Listen to the programme in the BBC iPlayer
Download the podcast of the programme
You can submit a comment below.
"Andy Murray's astonishing feat of strength"? Whatever!
5 live's Head of News, Richard Jackson, was crowing about how impressive Andy Murray's pose on the front of the Daily mail was this morning. The caption next to the picture says "Andy Murray warmed up for today's quarter final at Wimbledon with this astonishing feat of strength"
"What core strength, what balance, what a physique!" (Richard Jackson)
I shouldn't have quoted him as he didn't say that at all but he was very impressed.
However, I protested that in fact Murray was doing nothing more than just flipping his legs up and trying to hold it for a split second. It looks a bit like doing the famous break-dance move "The Caterpillar". I know this as I saw the clip on the news.
However, my protestations made it sound like it was about as difficult as opening a jar of pickled onion, which I wouldn't do anyway as I hate them and i have weak wrists.
Anyway - this conversation soon turned into a challenge and seeing as I was just about to leave the office to go and interview Britain's top Hurdler Andy Turner, I had a camera to hand so I duly set about making a total fool of myself.
I refused to take my top off for the photo-shoot on the roof of Television Centre despite some very lucrative offers. However I think you'll agree my pose would actually get more points for artistic style (note the parallel legs!!).
You may win Wimbledon Andy but I have a better Caterpillar!
Is private enterprise failing us?
Is private enterprise failing us?
The government have announced this morning they're taking control of the running of the East Coast rail service - which runs between London and Edinburgh. National Express say lower than expected passenger numbers mean they're losing money on the franchise - they expected a 10% rise in passengers every year. But fares have risen above inflation, so what is going wrong? Was it a mistake to privatise British Rail in 1996?
Lest we forget the taxpayer owns 70% of the Royal Bank of Scotland and all of Northern Rock.
So are big businesses too greedy - too concerned with profit over the service they provide? Or are they simply the casualty of a global recession? Do you welcome government intervention and takeover over companies?
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5LNPI: Afghanistan 06 Nov 09
10:06 Fri, 6 Nov 09
Gordon Brown spoke about Britain's strategy in Afghanistan this morning, and we got your reaction on the Breakfast phone-in
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