I know that's a common experience for listeners who find the hour can drag. But the clocks really did go backwards...round and round the wrong way for several minutes from about 20 past to half past. Then they were ok.
You didn't do something odd to your radio about that time, did you?
The Glass Box is where the PM team meets in at 18.00 every weeknight to discuss the content of the programme.
We try to be honest with each other, but not hurtful, as we talk about what worked and what didn't...what met our expectations and what fell short.
This virtual glass box is where you're encouraged to take part in the same spirit. Tonight's editor, Roger Sawyer will read your comments and may well add his own. In fact - try to stop him.
After our item last night, there's , about the value of doodling.
"Welcome to The Beach, a very special place on the PM Blog. The sun shines, the drinks are free, there are more than enough sun loungers and hammocks to go round, and the camels are friendly. So, take a break from your day to day stresses and strains and relax.
There are only two rules; 1) be nice to everyone, and 2) don't eat the petunias."
...you'll hear us talk about it, and the government's plans for a review in England.
What's your experience?
The Glass Box is where the PM team meets in at 18.00 every weeknight to discuss the content of the programme.
We try to be honest with each other, but not hurtful, as we talk about what worked and what didn't...what met our expectations and what fell short.
This virtual glass box is where you're encouraged to take part in the same spirit. Tonight's editor, Eloise Twisk will read your comments and may well add her own.
We have been looking at report about something the consumer group Which has been up to.
It asked three experts to check claims made about several devices, including the Nintendo DS, on memory and staving off dementia. They found the evidence behind such claims was non-existent or "weak".
Do you use those games...or try other techniques? I've stumbled across this ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ stuff about how to improve your memory, and some old Radio 4 stuff about memory is here.
And thank you if you took the time to share your experience on the iPM blog, of breaking news of death to children. If you haven't had a read, please click here.
Our guest, "Jack" runs website.
Over at our interactive programme, iPM, we're keen to hear from you if you have some experience of this. Please click here.
The Glass Box is where the PM team meets in at 18.00 every weeknight to discuss the content of the programme.
We try to be honest with each other, but not hurtful, as we talk about what worked and what didn't...what met our expectations and what fell short.
This virtual glass box is where you're encouraged to take part in the same spirit. Tonight's editor, Eloise Twisk will read your comments and may well add her own.
David Cameron and his family are in mourning. ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ News coverage of the death of their son, Ivan is . Gordon Brown has just issued a statement saying: "Sarah and I were very saddened to hear of the death of Ivan and we have sent our condolences to David and Samantha. The death of a child is a loss no parent should have to bear. I know Ivan was a child who brought joy to all those who knew him and his was a life surrounded by love. The thoughts and prayers of the whole country are with David, Samantha and their family."
Jade Goody is reportedly worried about how to tell her own children about her own death. "I want them to see me before I get too poorly" she is quoted as saying.
It's sad almost beyond words.
How do you tell children about death? What can be said?
1025 UPDATE: Just seen in which Jade Goody discusses a book about dying. The same paper hears from a childcare and parenting author, .
We're serious. Over at iPM, we're looking at whether shoplifting is on the increase? One expert told us that in some areas thieves might be seen as "freedom fighters". Do you have a shoplifting experience to share? Are you a shopkeeper seeing your margins squeezed by theft? Are you a shop security guard? Do you know something you think we should know?
Please share what you know here.
The Glass Box is where the PM team meets in at 18.00 every weeknight to discuss the content of the programme.
We try to be honest with each other, but not hurtful, as we talk about what worked and what didn't...what met our expectations and what fell short.
This virtual glass box is where you're encouraged to take part in the same spirit. Tonight's editor, Briony Harris will read your comments and may well add her own.
Some things might make us laugh - they might even make Mikhail Gorbachev laugh. But they're not for polite company. In our recent request for PM Newsletter jokes to lighten the economic gloom, we got a lot of rude ones we couldn't possibly send out. There was another one today. So instead of sending the joke we sent out the punchline only.
Just wondering if there are any rude jokes you know that have a clean punchline. Feel free to add it. Remember - clean only! (you know who you are...)
I'm going to be interviewing Jeremy Paxman about the phenomenon which is Gail Trimble. She's been the contestant on University Challenge who has been wowing viewers with her quick wits and fast buzzer action....
She's the boss. Top cat. Ms Joanna Carr.
Address any complaints to her!
Ed's away for the day and has, very efficiently , already posted the Glass Box for today's programme even though it's far too early yet for us to even know if we'll turn up this afternoon - the running order is, in the parlance, "a work in progress".
We might be doing a little more on Northern Rock returning to mortgage lending and the Prime Minister's call for a return to prudent practice. Made me wonder what you might make of this if you're a former building society or bank manager yourself who used to do things "the old fashioned way". Let us know if you have any memories of the way things used to be done i.e. saving up a deposit and making that nervous appointment with the bank manager. If you were a manager, how many people did you have to disappoint?
The fact that everyone in this office is looking unusually clean and shiny has nothing to do with the fact that PM's new Editor started this morning. You may remember Peter Rippon moved to Newsnight ? He's been replaced by Jo Carr, who many moons ago was a producer on PM/Wato and has returned at the helm of PM, IPM and BH. We'll make her pose for a photo later.
Eddie's absence has nothing to do with Jo's arrival either.
The Glass Box is where the PM team meets in at 18.00 every weeknight to discuss the content of the programme.
We try to be honest with each other, but not hurtful, as we talk about what worked and what didn't...what met our expectations and what fell short.
This virtual glass box is where you're encouraged to take part in the same spirit. Tonight's editorial team will read your comments and may well add their own.
The Glass Box is where the PM team meets in at 18.00 every weeknight to discuss the content of the programme.
We try to be honest with each other, but not hurtful, as we talk about what worked and what didn't...what met our expectations and what fell short.
This virtual glass box is where you're encouraged to take part in the same spirit. Tonight's editor, Rupert Allman, will read your comments and may well add his own.
We often get emails from people who think they've heard something on PM and would like more information...but are mistaken. And much as we collectively scratch our heads to think of what the item might have been...or which programme might have broadcast it, we draw a blank.
So as a little experiment, I thought I'd throw open to the floor an email we've had to see if bloggers can help.
"My wife suffers from Osteoperosis, and missed the the subject . I have tried the ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ i player link , but cannot find the link. Is it possible to e\mail a summery of this Please or even better tell me how to get the link to replay the programme . I realize that this may not be possible but appreciate your help in this matter. Many Thanks in anticipation."
Welcome to the Beach. The off topic place for froggers and peeps to be frivolous, have fun or just to chill out.
The weather is always perfect, the sea is never cold and the breeze always warm and gentle, ideal for blowing away the woes of RL and flying kites.
The company is always engaging and there is usually a something going on at 'The Nick Clarke' bar where tipples and nibbles can also be had. There are hammocks to laze in, a dog walking area and even a naughty step for those that want to self administer mild punishment!
Whether it is a herd of camels wandering by, parties or semi organised beach games and activities there is always something to watch or join in with, so why not come and join us?
All we ask is that you be nice to everyone.
The Glass Box is where the PM team meets in at 18.00 every weeknight to discuss the content of the programme.
We try to be honest with each other, but not hurtful, as we talk about what worked and what didn't...what met our expectations and what fell short.
This virtual glass box is where you're encouraged to take part in the same spirit. Tonight's editor, Briony Harris, will read your comments and may well add her own.
We've just recorded an interview with a man in Antigua who has known him for ten years and worked for him for three.
You'll find he's full of interesting insights.
As for WHERE Sir Allen is - click here.
Last night on the programme we heard about the death of Victoria McBryde. Her mum, Jennifer and her sister Charlotte told of how Victoria was killed by a driver who was sending a text message. They're campaigning for a change in the law.
Many listeners have been in touch asking for details of the online petition Jennifer and Charlotte mentioned.
It's NOT yet available on the Downing Street website. It's been sent for approval and they are waiting for it to go online. is a link to that site. We're told it should be up in five working days.
There is a Facebook page which people can sign. You need to be a Facebook member, and look for "Victoria McBryde petition"
The ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ News coverage of their story is .
Click .
We're anxious to hear from you if you've seen him. Please alert us to sightings by clicking on Comments.
FRIDAY UPDATE: turns out he's .
has been played out on television. What appears to be her final months are also featuring on TV screens.
We'll talk about that tonight. A famous PR man writes about the story . And I'm keen to hear your view.
some trails for Radio 4's Comic Relief effort this year. Seems like a very good idea to me. I don't think they're announcing it yet but keep an eye on the Radio 4 Website's comedy section.
The Glass Box is where the PM team meets in at 18.00 every weeknight to discuss the content of the programme.
We try to be honest with each other, but not hurtful, as we talk about what worked and what didn't...what met our expectations and what fell short.
This virtual glass box is where you're encouraged to take part in the same spirit. Tonight's editor, Eloise Twisk, will read your comments and may well add her own.
Several of us have been given new computer screens today. As you can see, they're W--I--D--E and huge. I have had to shove it quite far back. It's like being at the cinema. I will bring in movies and popcorn tomorrow.
The person you can see on the left of the shot, darting behind her screen, is Briony, who is today's deputy editor. She's shy. She also accuses me of passing on my cold. Sorry Briony.
Different rules in different parts of the UK....what's been your experience?
Yes, once again, PM is to feature in a TV trailer!
Some lovely people came to see our editor, Joanna and me last night to kick around a few thoughts.
Something we were all agreed on was that we'd make the process of making the trail as open as possible - they are mad keen for bloggers to help out and be involved in the process.
I'll keep you posted...but in the meantime...have a think about how you would persuade people to listen to PM if they don't listen to Radio 4, or listen to Radio 4 but not to PM.
The Glass Box is where the PM team meets in at 18.00 every weeknight to discuss the content of the programme.
We try to be honest with each other, but not hurtful, as we talk about what worked and what didn't...what met our expectations and what fell short.
This virtual glass box is where you're encouraged to take part in the same spirit. Tonight's editor, Briony "please don't adjust my chair" Harris, will read your comments and may well add her own.
The Glass Box is where the PM team meets in at 18.00 every weeknight to discuss the content of the programme.
We try to be honest with each other, but not hurtful, as we talk about what worked and what didn't...what met our expectations and what fell short.
This virtual glass box is where you're encouraged to take part in the same spirit. Tonight's editor, Amanda Lewis, will read your comments and may well add her own.
Our security correspondent Frank Gardner writes:
"'Britain and America have actively undermined the framework of international law in the way they fight terrorism'. That's the conclusion of a panel of international judges and lawyers whose report is published today. The damning report by the International Commission of Jurists is the result of a global study carried out over 3 years.
The report released today will make uncomfortable reading for many in governments on both sides of the Atlantic. After a painstaking study carried out over 3 years in several countries, the panel of eminent lawyers and judges have concluded that the framework of international law that existed before the 9/11 attacks was robust and effective. But now, it says, it is being actively undermined by many states and that liberal democracies like the US and the UK have led that undermining. Many of the measures used to fight terrorism, says the report, are illegal and counter-productive. The panellists express concern at the lack of adequate safeguards in the use of control orders, the weakness of diplomatic assurances in relation to deportations and at what the report calls 'excessive detention without charge'. At 28 days, it says, Britain has the longest period of pre-charge detention of any common law country. Overall, it concludes, the gains made in the previous century to a shared concensus on human rights have been immensely damaged over the last seven years."
You can read the report for yourself .
the Russians left Afghanistan? We've a report in PM tonight - and will take you back...in the company of The World This Weekend's Brian Hanrahan.
...lovely drama and the jury was made up of real members of the public. . Over at iPM, we're wondering whether you have done jury service. You can share what you know here.
The Glass Box is where the PM team meets in at 18.00 every weeknight to discuss the content of the programme.
We try to be honest with each other, but not hurtful, as we talk about what worked and what didn't...what met our expectations and what fell short.
This virtual glass box is where you're encouraged to take part in the same spirit. The editor of the day will read your comments and may well add their own.
.... you know what the date is?
Still, we've got tomorrow to cheer us up...... er... maybe not. Judging by ValP''s posting yesterday and some of your replies, Valentine's Day does anything but put you in the mood for love.
Even if you don't get a card or flowers or chocs or a lovely meal out or a mystery weekend away or diamonds ....... don't forget. Your friends at PM are thinking about you.
Does that help?
In any way?
Welcome to the Beach. The off topic place for froggers and peeps to be frivolous, have fun or just to chill out.
The weather is always perfect, the sea is never cold and the breeze always warm and gentle, ideal for blowing away the woes of RL and flying kites.
The company is always engaging and there is usually a something going on at 'The Nick Clarke' bar where tipples and nibbles can also be had. There are hammocks to laze in, a dog walking area and even a naughty step for those that want to self administer mild punishment!
Whether it is a herd of camels wandering by, parties or semi organised beach games and activities there is always something to watch or join in with, so why not come and join us?
All we ask is that you be nice to everyone.
The Glass Box is where the PM team meets in at 18.00 every weeknight to discuss the content of the programme.
We try to be honest with each other, but not hurtful, as we talk about what worked and what didn't...what met our expectations and what fell short.
This virtual glass box is where you're encouraged to take part in the same spirit. The editor of the day, Eloise Twisk will read your comments and may well add their own.
Thanks to Big Sis . Keep them coming.
Why not try this at home? This is Marc Settle's effort...
If you want to make your own, go
They've all gone unfortunately. Just as I'm called in to step into Ed's shoes at short notice. Poor love has lost his voice. Completely, utterly gone. Nada. Rien. Nowt coming out.
Of course, if I wasn't here I'd be watching Gordon Brown appearing at the Liaison committee. Of course I would. The PM has just been given a bit of a grilling by the Conservative Michael Jack about the . We'll be doing more on the programme later.
Better put my headphones back on and continue listening.
The Glass Box is where the PM team meets in at 18.00 every weeknight to discuss the content of the programme.
We try to be honest with each other, but not hurtful, as we talk about what worked and what didn't...what met our expectations and what fell short.
This virtual glass box is where you're encouraged to take part in the same spirit. The editor of the day, Eloise Twisk and Briony Harris will read your comments and may well add their own.
And can I open it now?
1130 UPDATE: Eloise, tonight's editor is about to open them.
Attacking the box with a knife.
It's a wrapped box within the box.
Lovely wrapping.
The card says "For everyone in the PM Office - Happy Valentine's day!"
Beautiful chocs! Which have now been passed round the office. If the World at One team at Westminster are reading this - hurry back before they're gone! Our thanks to the generous soul who sent these. Thank you so much.
"Wondered if you might like to read on this rhyme, which I wrote when listening to the news about the Angel of the South. If not, apologies for wasting your time! One has to try these things occasionally!
Depression's on the horizon;
recession's in full force;
but what feast to feed sad eyes on:
a great big impression of a horse!
Kate Williams
(Cardiff)"
(The original posting including a link to a photo of the horse, is here.)
Feel free to click on Comments.
. In the programme tonight we'll hear from its creator, Mark Wallinger.
Researchers at Canterbury Christ Church University are trying to promote drumming as an alternative therapy. They say evidence from studies - carried out in the United States - shows drumming helps to combat anxiety, depression, drug addiction. The health benefits are so good, they say, it should be available on prescription. For PM, Yvonne Murray went to a drumming workshop on the Folkestone Campus and you can hear her report tonight. Here are some of her words and pictures:
"Nick "Topper" Headon, former drummer of The Clash - at home in Folkestone.
This is Simon Lee, Community Musician who uses drumming to help people cope with depression, anxiety, mental health problems - he was photographed at the University Centre Folkestone."
This is the Glass Box the PM team meets in at 18.00 every weeknight to discuss the content of the programme.
We try to be honest with each other, but not hurtful, as we talk about what worked and what didn't...what met our expectations and what fell short.
This virtual glass box is where you're encouraged to take part in the same spirit. The editor of the day, Roger Sawyer and his deputy Amanda Lewis will read your comments and may well add their own.
Six months after the war in Georgia, the country is struggling to cope with the aftermath - and the impact of the global economic downturn. There's also political instability, with the country's usually fractious opposition uniting to call on President Saakashvili to resign and hold fresh elections. PM's Ray Furlong has been granted exclusive access to accompany the President on a tour of the country, and sends these words and pictures to go with tonight's report.
"The picture was on the wall just outside my hotel room and was my little welcome to Georgia. Later in the week, I got to meet the current top-dog President Saakashvili, who took me on a whirlwind tour of Georgia - first in the presidential jet, then by helicopter .
I got to spend more or less the whole day with him, including lunch when sadly photos weren't allowed (you should have seen the feast - huge even by Georgian standards), so there was time to ask him everything. He was quite candid - admitting that we were visiting good examples of investment etc but that Georgia is really 'feeling the heat,' as he put it, due to the impact of first the war and second the global economic crisis.
The pix of him getting a warm welcome are from near the town of Zugdidi, in a part of Abkhazia which fell to the Russians during the war but which they later withdrew from. It's now the only part of Abkhazia under Georgian control.
There are also some pix of where the refugees I met in Tbilisi live (a freezing squat without power). Some of the people living here have been refugees for 16 years, since the conflicts when Abkhazia and South Ossetia first broke away. One family had hooked up electricity from a neighbouring building, but the only heat came from a small electric ring they were boiling spuds on. And it was very cold. I got the people themselves on camera for a TV piece but I rather annoyingly forgot to do any stills...
Also some shots of a village near the South Ossetian border and EU monitors meeting Georgian front-line guards. In most of the villages the people were just standing around doing nothing - the harvest was mostly lost as a result of the war and they too are feeling the pinch. Add in the risk of kidnapping from South Ossetian militia and you can see their lives are pretty miserable this winter."
Hugh has sent these photos and words to go with his reports last night and tonight.
"Najib the first and second, who were in last night's report.
Security in Jerusalem.
Democracy or Kung Fu? Your choice.
Negative campaigning.
Negative campaigning.
Traffic jam.
Here's why.
Labour supporters.
Without irony.
Settlement construction continues in the West Bank (west of Jerusalem)"
We're talking about strokes tonight - and how to spot the signs.
FACE - Has their face fallen on one side? Can they smile?
ARMS - Can they raise both arms and keep them there?
SPEECH - Is their speech slurred?
TIME - Time to call 999 if you see any single one of these signs.
The NHS has more information .
There is more to read from ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ News .
Maybe you've had a stroke and would like to share your experience? Please click on Comments.
Click here please to tell us.
Northern Ireland's environment minister has blocked this ad...he said it was "giving people the impression that by turning off the standby light on their TV they could save the world from melting glaciers and being submerged in 40ft of water". He said that was "patent nonsense".
You can read more . What do you think?
This is the Glass Box the PM team meets in at 18.00 every weeknight to discuss the content of the programme.
We try to be honest with each other, but not hurtful, as we talk about what worked and what didn't...what met our expectations and what fell short.
This virtual glass box is where you're encouraged to take part in the same spirit. The editor of the day, Roger Sawyer and his deputy Fiona Leach will read your comments and may well add their own.
. Happy birthday Jonnie.
I've just been interviewing Professor David Nutt who is chairman of the ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ Office Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs which is expected to recommend next week that ecstasy should be downgraded from a Class A to a Class B drug. Professor Nutt has been arguing that taking ecstasy is no more dangerous than riding a horse. Arguing with him on air was David Raynes from the National Drug Prevention Alliance.
Where do you stand on this?
Fabulous picture sent in by Jason Davies who lives near Linton and Linmouth on the North Devon coast. I've just recorded an interview with him for this afternoon's PM.
This is the Glass Box the PM team meets in at 18.00 every weeknight to discuss the content of the programme.
We try to be honest with each other, but not hurtful, as we talk about what worked and what didn't...what met our expectations and what fell short.
This virtual glass box is where you're encouraged to take part in the same spirit. The editor of the day, Mark Frankel and his deputy Amanda Lewis, will read your comments and may well add their own.
You can hear the comments as part of the ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ News coverage . The Guardian reports it like , and the Daily Mail . The Australian tells it like .
Mr Clarkson has been the subject of debate here on the blog before: click here for that.
What do YOU think?
1450 UPDATE: "Jeremy Clarkson has asked ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ Worldwide to issue the following statement on his behalf:
"In the heat of the moment I made a remark about the Prime Minister's personal appearance for which, upon reflection, I apologise.""
³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ response to that: "we note that Jeremy's made an apology for the comments he made about the Prime Minister"
The ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ added it will not be taking further action.
The Press Association reports: "TEACHERS TO GET MORE HELP TO IDENTIFY PUPILS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS
By Alison Kershaw, Press Association Education Correspondent.
Some schools are not identifying children with special educational needs (SEN)
at an early stage, the Government's top behaviour adviser said today. Sir Alan Steer said that while there were many examples of "excellent work" in supporting children with SEN, there is also "too great a degree of variation of performance."
Sir Alan will join us on PM. If you have a question for him, please click on Comments.
"My sister, Deborah, in Bristol, has just sent me this little cameo of a story that seems to encapsulate the best and the worst of British people in the snow. A pastiche in the British war film genre?.... but someone forgot to insert the generic brain cell making it more Pythonesque?
From my sister:
"More snow here as well. We've just been watching a man clearing snow off the bottom end of our road (first of all with a recycling box and then with a shovel that a neighbour lent him) and piling it all onto ... the pavements, or in front of other cars..... and right outside that neighbour's gate (with her shovel), and then she gave him a cup of tea.
That's what I call great British spirt!
Deborah""
The Beach, The place to visit for a little rest and relaxation when real life gets too real. Off topic friendly chat.
Your thoughts?
"For the past 3 days we've heard how bad it has been for England, in detail, county by county. And as an afterthought "Oh, and Scotland is getting snow too". (I'm paraphrasing; it's generally not that detailed). Now I'm getting used to the ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ largely reflecting the views of folks south of the border. After all, they are the largest population, however, just to keep the record straight, in the county of Moray (in Scotland), this is the level of snow we have - picture taken from my living room window this morning. Oh, and we listened to the weather forecast and prepared for the worst. Kind regards, Jennifer Farquharson,
Dunphail, Moray"...who sent us this:
"Hi Eddie, Banffshire, Scotland: only reports I have heard mention 8-10" of snow.....here, this morning, 2009-02-05 19" of snow at 0500 hrs and 2 and a half feet at 1000 hrs...photos attached Best wishes, Gloria"
This is the Glass Box the PM team meets in at 18.00 every weeknight to discuss the content of the programme.
We try to be honest with each other, but not hurtful, as we talk about what worked and what didn't...what met our expectations and what fell short.
This virtual glass box is where you're encouraged to take part in the same spirit. The editor of the day, Amanda Lewis and her deputy Richard Lawson, will read your comments and may well add their own.
Torin Douglas was with us on Tuesday's PM with first details of the story. Now it's everywhere. This is how reports the ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ response today.
is a link to the Daily Mail's story on "race row hitting the Royals" - there are links to the Carol Thatcher coverage on the same page.
is how the Daily Telegraph reports the story.
1500 UPDATE: By the way, if you've ever said something YOU'VE had cause to regret...please tell us more by clicking HERE.
This is the Glass Box the PM team meets in at 18.00 every weeknight to discuss the content of the programme.
We try to be honest with each other, but not hurtful, as we talk about what worked and what didn't...what met our expectations and what fell short.
This virtual glass box is where you're encouraged to take part in the same spirit. The editor of the day, Roger Sawyer and his deputy Sophie Morrison, will read your comments and may well add their own.
There's no business like snow business
Keep happy, Sing along .....
There's no business like SNOW business
Like no business I know
Travelling through the country is just freezing Even if the traffic will allow Everybody's snuffling and sneezing And getting stranded, don't ask me how?
There's no business like SNOW business
Like no business I know
Everything about it is appealing
Stay at home the weather men did say.
You don't even feel that you're freezing When you are stealing, that extra day
There's no people like SNOW people
They smile when they're low
Even with a Country that you know will fold You may be playing out in the cold Still you wouldn't change it for a sack of gold Let's go on with the SNOW
There's no people like SNOW people
They never ever run out of dough
Yesterday they told us we were going broke £2.billion lost, and that that's no joke Another day gone and yet here we are Spending all the dole money in the bar
Big crescendo......All together now .....
Lets get on with the SNOOOOOOOOW.........
And here are some more snow pics - no more please!
"Am a supply teacher. Schools closed no work, no money. Went for a refreshing walk to our local park in Hoddesdon and so did everyone else. It was lovely to see so many enjoying the arctic conditions. Helen Reeves"
From Rebecca: "I have to admit that I borrowed this picture from my friend Charly, taken on Epsom Downs Racecourse..."
From John Tozer: "Treacherous conditions. And just to prove that the buses were running - one taken from the top deck of one in Stamford Hill, Stoke Newington."
"Dear Eddie, Every day the kittens accompany the dog and I across the fells, today they decided to take a higher view upon the landscape, taking in the Three Peaks that surround them. Regards Robyn"
From John Cook: "A snowy scene fro Harston Cambridgeshire. Gee up Eddy"
"Lovely, snowy Dartmoor. A complete treat for those of us who are old enough to better but young enough not to care. Hope you all had a safe and snowy day too! Sarah"
"Here is the naked snow-lady my husband built while I was at work, having walked there because there were no trains. In your 'what's good about the snow' article I did not hear anyone talk about the 'let's all pull together' spirit that an occasion like this produces in those workplaces that simply have to keep going - I actually enjoyed yesterday at the hospital I work in. The snow is still thick here in inner London. Carol Stevenson, Nunhead"
Dear pm, Despite having to go in to work on Monday morning at St Thomas' Hospital rather than enjoy the snow at home, I was able to glimpse the Houses of Parliament looking even more beautiful than usual - shrouded in snow. The quiet of the early morning was a moment to savour. Happy Snow photos! Jessica Farmer"
Tony Williamson took this in Polegate in East Sussex. 
Catford, South East London, 11am 2 February 2009, from John Webber.
(is this the biggest snowman in Britain? Spotted in the Holland Park area of London. Standing with 2 year old Lorenzo.)
If you have a different view of the "snow chaos" and the "vast loss to the economy"...why not add a comment?
We asked in the PM newsletter about the joy the snow may have brought you. And we got lots of emails along the lines of this one from Chris...who will also be on the programme tonight.
"I am assistant headteacher of a secondary school in Hertfordshire, and I am getting increasingly irritated and depressed at the number of miserable people telling us how much having a day off because of snow 'costs'.
This is the Glass Box the PM team meets in at 18.00 every weeknight to discuss the content of the programme.
We try to be honest with each other, but not hurtful, as we talk about what worked and what didn't...what met our expectations and what fell short.
This virtual glass box is where you're encouraged to take part in the same spirit. The editor of the day, Roger Sawyer and his deputy Steven Wright (no relation), will read your comments and may well add their own.
Anne P sends "Bunkers Hill which is probably a prehistoric Hill fort."
"Why does the news geneally refer to the snow as the "worst" snow in 18 years? Surely, it's the best snow. Yours, as ever, Wolf"...who sends this:
Marilyn sends Snow Shark, from Ealing Common this morning:
and this one:
Howsabout this: "Dear Eddie, A contribution from the West Country - Clifton, Bristol. Bill"
Philip sends: "Brrrr....Blizzard '09. Day Two. I'm attaching an image taken a few minutes ago, as Manchester's frozen City Centre was battered by......well, nothing really. Not a cloud in the sky. Not a flake of snow.
"Hi! Listening to your programme in soggy Essex - the dogs enjoyed the snow before it became wet! Best wishes, Lyn"
"Pictures of snow taken on walk into work - or in other words a failed attempt to avoid having to pay for Christmas cards.
Thames looking back at Tower Bridge with artistic grass effect.
Tower of London with artistic bulb effect.
And on the way back....
Boris snowman outside City Hall with artistic hair effect"
Hugh working at home yesterday:
"A bike (not Boris) on the Parkland Walk (once a local London railway line)
An ambulance (valiant)
A train (Gospel Oak to Barking line. We never close)
Hard work
Finished product
Unofficial sledge slope, on the Mountview Road reservoir, north London
The Parkland Walk again. Who needs countryside?"
This, of course, was Martha after she'd WALKED to work yesterday:
Martha took some photos of the snow and here they are. "Some London images for your blog. One snowman has a gun. Another has a carrot in an interesting place. and a third has breasts. the pretty trees are on Shepherds Bush Green":
Dear Eddie. As you can see, the residents of Plover Way, London, reacted to the credit crunch and the snow event horizon by building some snowmen. But the local swans were nonplussed. David Aldworth"
"Jen Mathias, Betws Bledrws - It snowed a bit last night... lovely and quiet because the schools are closed and we only have a bus every two hundred years anyway.. the trains were axed by Beeching so no problems with the wrong sort of snow either. A few cars and vans, one small bus, but no heavy lorries. The farmer has just been to feed his sheep - life goes on."
Richard Barton sends: "no snow plough's or gritters here."
By way of a contrast, Rigobert sent: "Eddie, I've just received these photos from a friend in south australia which has been having record heat levels.....cute photos, don't you think?!" - this is my favourite:
Bronwen sends this of Ladywell Fields:
"Monday afternoon and the snow is gradually filling the traffic lights where I was waiting to join the M1 southbound from the M25. I'll look again tomorrow to see if the lights shine through the snow. Richard"
"Rachel: I'm a librarian and my housemate a geologist living in Tooting, London. Normally eminently sensible I am sorry to report that the snow got to our heads and we built this lovely snow lady (we're not responsible for the one on Kensington High Stree sent in by Eloise though). She's since lost her nose - it is buried somewhere under the snow that fell this afternoon."
Elizabeth sends this "taken in Hackney at about 2 p.m. today near St John's Churchyard"
Neil sends: "Stella, Lucy, Johnny, Matty and Neil's Snowman outside Ludlow Castle.
Couldn't wait for School to end today."
"This was as near to the snow as Alfie wanted to get! Rachel and Marsha in Edgware"
"Locals enjoying the snow outside Marney's Village Inn. Lucy Matejka."
"Hi PM team, I live on the Roseland peninsula, near Falmouth and Truro, and we have had just the merest dusting of snow here today. It must be the first time my hens have experienced any snow, however. They were rescued last summer from a huge farm that was closing down (15,000 birds in total). They have been wandering round the garden all day as normal, quite unfazed. How they don't freeze to death in this cold I really can't fathom. Here's a picture of Mari (attached). Regards, Blogger, GerransGirl."
"Hi Eddie. Under the snow is our garden in East Dulwich, best regards, Olliver
From Mariyata Whittaker:
BATMAN! "He's at least 7ft tall, more sculpture than snowman. I don't know who made him, but I found him at midday today in one of the tennis courts in Ravenscourt Park, Hammersmith, and I think he's fantastic. Maureen Fox"
Sent to us last night: "Greetings from a surprisingly snowy NW Cumbria. Forecasts yesterday suggested that the snow would not be putting in an appearance this far west, but as on so many other occasions prediction and reality are somewhat different. If I live to be 100 and have to answer the inevitable 'what do you put it all down to' question then my explanation will be the excellent exercise and release of tension afforded by shouting at the radio in reaction to weather reports which ever so inaccurately describe weather that has just happened or is happening when simply looking out of the window confirms that nothing of the sort is the case. So what will tomorrow bring? According to the ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ Weather web site it should be 'light rain'. Hmmmm, we'll see. Kind regards,
Chris Atkinson"
"Hi! I had a wonderful time walking in the snow in Richmond Park this afternoon where I took this photo of the deer. Cheers, Margaret"
Snow in the South Downs: "Beautiful. Ann B, High Salvington in West Sussex"
"Here in Wild Wales the sun shone on the righteous... (well, until this evening)This is how it was around 9.30. The pony and trap were on the way to Llanbedr Pont Steffan from Llanfair Clydogau. Apart from road signs and a tarmac road the scene must have been much the same as in the 19th century. You can just make out a few flakes of snow under the trees. Jen Cairns"
Richard sent this: I have no idea how he created it:
Des Boxall sent this yesterday: "We reckon 4-5 inches snow cover and more to come overnight but nowhere near 1982, yet!"
Adam, who sent a snap earlier (see below) writes: "Another image of the snow in West Cornwall today. The black sky in the background is the next shower heading in and resulted in a complete white-out."
Owen Wood sends: "Soldiers training in Hawley, Hampshire."
"Eight years since we last got any snow and today it's been snowing more or less continuously since 8.15 am. Only about 35mm so far, but enough to make it well worth getting out in. Image shows Cape Cornwall near Lands Ends with a snow shower just passing through not long before sunset. The next wasn't far behind. Adam Sharpe"
"Hi, Here's a pic of my happy dog Chester. Aaaah! where'd that snowball go...?? He never found any... but had lots of fun looking. Genny."
Big Sis sends: "Monty taking a chunk out of my shoes this afternoon. This is what snow does to an excitable, and very naughty, collie."
"My kitchen window at 6.30am this morning. Anneberth Lux"
Liz Tunmer sends another from yesterday: "Dave's first view of snow - 7.15 a.m Feb 2nd, Brighton" 
"A snowy scene in The Close in Salisbury (The National Trust's Mompesson House is in the centre of the photograph). Bryn Jones, Salisbury."
"Here we have a nice collection of snow cushions as seen in our garden at 7 this morning. Totally impractical, we know, but very pretty. Loveliness. Dominic Arnold"
"The attached pic is of the Market Square in Saffron Walden, Essex, taken at 8.55am (yesterday). It's pretty rare these days to find the square almost empty of cars. Most of the snow had been cleared by 11am after the minor roads (and pavements) had been gritted. Main roads are clear - one of my colleagues cycled in, as usual, from Steeple Bumpstead, which is 10 miles away. Sara Willard, Saffron Walden.
Chloe Alexander sends: "The Grange Gardens, Lewes and The South Downs in the snow today":
David Tribe says this is the "fun side of the credit squeeze"
More from yesterday: "Eddie, Just back in from work, But attached is a 'photo from Tadworth (Surrey) this morning: "My driveway", regards, Peter Hutton.
Deer in Richmond Park, taken by Imogen Driver
From Barbara Watson: Snow scene Bourne End, Bucks.
Eddie, More snow in St Albans: David McNickle
"Not much work done today. Too much time spent looking out of my window...from Molly"
HelenSparkles in Sapcote, Leicestershire sends this:
"OK - I couldn't resist sending this photo - an ever-expanding group of snowpeople in North Millfields Park, Hackney. Every time I walked by there was a new addition! Ruth Tovim"
"This is Marcus Aurelius, looking rather jaunty. He lives in my garden in Wiltshire. Lynn Taylor"
"This is my Daughter in Law enjoying the snow in Hampshire. from C Cook Somerset"
"Please could you accept this picture taken this morning in Norton, Malton, North Yorkshire from our bedroom window. Best wishes, Nick Fletcher"
John writes of "Treacherous conditions. And just to prove that the buses were running - one taken from the top deck of one in Stamford Hill, Stoke Newington."
(The snow pictures are below...and we'll post more on Tuesday...but in the meantime)...on iPM, we're wondering if you're thinking about doing voluntary work? Perhaps instead of finding a paid job? The charity CSV (Community Services Volunteers) say they received 44% more applications to their full-time volunteering programme last month.
But shows that unemployed people volunteer slightly less than those in paid employment. Will the recession make us more or less likely to volunteer our time?
Are you a long-term volunteer or about to embark on your first ever voluntary job? Please click here.
All day listeners have been sending in their photos. While we're on the air I won't be able to post any more...you know...what with the programme an' all. But PLEASE keep sending tonight and tomorrow to the email address above....we will get round to posting them!
There are also more snow words and pictures . Enjoy.
1644: Alex says: "Eddy, Yet again we seem to be escaping the bad weather that summer and winter always hits the rest of the country and not us here in North-West Scotland. No snow today and virtually none all winter and last summer a stretch of almost 6-7 weeks with no rainfall and certainly no flooding at any time."
1642: "Snow! Snow! Snow! "tropical" Somerstown a little while ago... Aaargh... me date palm!!! Alan Slater"
1640 Katherine sends this from Andover: 
At lunchtime Ben sent us a photo of a rather unsnowy Warwick (see below...) - he's sent a snap from his mobile more recently, saying "Looks as though I spoke too soon earlier..."
From far afield at 1623: "Darling Eddy, Just to let you know we've not had a drop of rain or flake of snow here in Beijing since the last rainfall in October. I am unfortunately certain that nothing will stop me from getting to work on time for my performance review in time tomorrow morning. Love and hugs, Nick"
1620: "Dear Eddie. Thought you might like to see a picture of my dog's first experience of proper snow. He was simultaneously overjoyed and confused; although that's not difficult for a Springer. His name's Magic. Kind regards, Ana"
1616: The Parakeets of Catford, South London. 14.00 hours, from J. Webber:
1615: An email (from someone who asked us not to use his name) says: "Do you know that employers are telling employees that work 50 miles from home and in Sheffield that they have to go home and not book a hotel room. Many schools in Sheffield were closing at lunchtime and some before. The bus routes are passable, but some are not, with care but the by-roads are poor and there are many steep hills. It is snowing heavily and my daughter is still at work (4.10pm)fifty miles away and has to travel home."
1610 from France we've received this: "The current snowfall is completely unacceptable. Surely the time has come for the government to legislate and pass a bill to Ban Snowing in a Public Place. This snow which has apparently arrived from Eastern Europe is displacing British snow, which is the right type of snow, and proves yet again that the UK Border Agency is incapable of preventing invasions of foreign snow. All foreign snow without the correct documentation should be rounded up and deported.
Snowing should only be permitted in private under the supervision of an adult who has been trained by the Health and Safety Executive in relevant matters, such as the correct way of using Wellington Boots. Each snowflake should have a health warning attached, and a label indicating its origin.
The government should also set robust snow reduction targets, thus sending a clear message to the world that Britain will be trail blazers in "the War on snow".
Best regards, Eric Bowyer-Wilson."
1608: Sid sends this snap of "Mr Squirrel, waiting for his nuts ..."
1605: Mark sends Jacob in the snow:
1530 Norman Fitch in the London Borough of Croydon says: "The table is 2m diameter so note the height of the snow on it":
1522 from Rosie: "Hi Eddie, We were coming to a recording of Old Harry's Game this evening at Broadcasting House. Just had an email to say it has been cancelled. Do you think that Hell has frozen over?"
1515: What architects do at lunch: "Dear Eddie, My husband built this with his architect colleagues during his lunchbreak. At least someone's building something during the credit crunch.....Charlotte, Romsey, Hampshire"
1513: "No school. It's snowing in Winchester. "The best day of my life" Jessica aged 6."
1455 and Steven Piercy asks: "I don't suppose those of us who drive 4x4s who made it into work and are contributing to the economy whilst the eco-warriors are sat at home with the heating on will get any thanks"
1448 Eileen sends: "Emily (16) during a break in her study leave (Higher prelims) in Kinross, Scotland."
1445 brings this from "Algy Keuneman, Popes Lane, South Arctic":
1438: Eloise sends "my kids with a rather disturbing snow-lady (look carefully) in Kensington High Street. we didn't build it.. " 
1437: "A heavily-laden yew tree outside our back door. Over a foot of snow here - enough to keep my children busy all day! Perky" 
1427: "Dear Eddie, I attach a picture of the SnowHoward I just made in the garden. (Howard Moon from the Mighty Boosh). As appropriate he has raisins for eyes. I also attach the snow angel I made. Love, Mary (Age 31 and a half)"
1423: "Hi Eddie, a weather related replacement for a sandwich board, attempting to attract customers into a cafe on Eastcastle Street. Perhaps one of the sadder looking of Oxford Street's local snowmen, especially with that gammy eye, but I like his intent. The others are just lazing around being photographed. This one's proactive at least. Kyla"
1420: "Wandsworth Common Station this morning and tracks alongside Wandsworth Common leading to Clapham Junction; Wandsworth Common pines and pots in my back garden SW11....from Denise Mueller-Brown"
1410: Nils is having to work from home today and will do his Upshares Downshares via his ISDN line. He's just sent this photo of himself as he recorded an interview at 1400 for tonight's programme:
1404 David Tribe: "Waiting for Victoria train in vain at Cheam Station"
1403: Simon Tocker says "I see no snow. I came equipped with shovels, waterproofs and a flask of coffee and work was like this , next to nowt. Most disappointed."
1355: Clare Parkinson sends these of Crystal Palace this morning:
1345 Brian says: "Henry Moore...an original work?"
1342...sent from a mobile..."Here's the picture in Warwick. What little snow we had is thawing and the race course (in the background of the photo) is still mainly green. Slippery underfoot but still business as usual! Ben N (Mittfh)"
1338: "Brrr indeed, we couldn't get through to TfL's website this morning so heeded the radio warnings and stayed tucked up under the duvet with copious quantities of tea. Photos attached of the street outside on the edge of Epping Forest, taken from the bedroom window. Cheers, Gaye Monhollen-French" The first two are from last night then this morning:
1324: "...it's snowing, and I'm ill. Isn't it great? Don't know if it was a snow day at school but hey, I'm off! happy days, from Megan."
1322: Huw sends "The Clyde and the SECC in Glasgow, in the snow":
1315: Taken from the third floor of the Maths Building looking towards the
clock tower that is now a museum. The other is as it is now. Complete with snow falling! Enjoy, Lonnie"
"Here's our dog Jake in Milton Country Park - he had a great time. Paul Oldham"
1300: Annie McKie STILL reading the news on Radio 4.
1256: Just been sent this from the newsdesk: "The helicopter is on the ground until further notice because of bad weather"
1255: "View out of my office window at 12.40. The sun does sometimes shine on Northern Ireland! From Qualified Loon":
1231: "...here are a few views out of my square windows in East Lothian. Snow was bad enough that he couldn't get his car up the drive, but mine's a 4 x 4 so he's away in that instead - share and share alike. The photo with the witch hazel would have been far more interesting had the jay, the woodpecker, the robin, the 2 great tits and 3 blackbirds not all flown out of the picture just as I took it :-( ValeryP"
1220: Andy Williamson - fit as a flea after his transplant...sends this: "Hi Eddie, arrived at Guy's Hospital at 10.30 for a Dermatology check-up - us transplantees are prone to skin cancer due to the immunosuppression drugs. Glad to hear that my skin is all clear.. (and, incidentally, that all those expensive 'blackhead removing exfoliating face scrub creams' are a complete waste of time - how many other such things are still allowed to advertise such claims? IPM perhaps?). Here's a pic (about 11.45am) of the site of 'The Shard' next to London Bridge station. It's normally a deafening hive of demolition (sadly no huge ball-and-chain action - all seems very precise, almost surgical). But today all the huge yellow Tonka-type machines were eerily silent."
1130: A BLOG POSTING BY ANNIE MCKIE, WHO'S BEEN KEEPING RADIO 4 ON THE AIR...Annie was on shift yesterday afternoon and evening...and then this morning, and she'll be on this afternoon too. Here she is after her 1100 bulletin...along with her words:
"Got into work from my cold but snowless isolated cottage up a track, on top of a hill in the middle of a Forest in the middle of nowhere at 5 pm Sunday.Worked the Late News shift, during which this huge efficient,frantically busy and well populated major European city became stilled by swirling blizzards.Finished shift at 12.30."Slept" (lay down for a couple of hours on a sofa in a boiling hot, brightly lit glass box (not THAT glass box, this place is full of them.) Started Early News shift at 4.30 am., carried on into Day News shift at 11.00. Might get out at 4.00. That's almost a twenty-four hour shift! Back tomorrow morning at 4.30 am. Hey Ho...it's not exactly coal mining though is it? Oh, and news from the ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ Front....still no snow in the Forest!"
1130: Our editorial meeting has finished. Reporter Jon Manel (who came in on a van...see previous posting) sends this of his neighbour this morning:
1051: Annie McKie has been keeping Radio 4 on the air all last night and all morning. She slept here at work. Peter Donaldson should have been with us on PM tonight but is also stuck in the snow. Annie will write something for the Official Blog of Blizzard '09 a bit later.
1050: Nils Blythe stuck at home and will do Upshares from there tonight.
1047: "Eddie, I took these this morning (Monday) when going to buy a newspaper. We got 4-5 inches of snow in St Albans. David McNickle"
1035: "Eddie & huskies...Here's a photo taken just about 10am to prove that the south east of England aren't the only ones getting a bit of snow. This is the view from my sick bed (if I lever myself up a bit) across the south side of Glasgow...The Stainless Steel Cat."
1016: Our last producer, Sophie, has just made it in,
1015: Rachel Gooch writes: "Children off school, hurrah! Made the best snowman for several years. But at 10am it is already starting to thaw, boo.....>"
1013: Our tip top news organiser Laurie Margolis writes: "The "Snow Event" we keep hearing about will hit around rush hour. The area affected at first will be southeastern England from Norfolk down to the south coast, into London and the Thames Valley, and there will be "heavy and persistent snow", with strong winds. The snow will later move through the Midlands, into the North and Scotland."
0959: Snow in the Isles of Scilly
0957: ALL BA flights from Heathrow cancelled till 5pm
0940: People in the snowy areas are being told not to travel unless it's necessary. Did you heed that advice? We're thinking of doing an item in the programme tonight.
0930: Amanda (the World at One deputy editor has just arrived. From Basingstoke....she's normally here before 7am):
And here is a close up of Amanda's wellies: 
0931: Steve Mitchell, who's in charge of all of us and then some, has also just made it in. 
0920: Crowthorne @6am:
0915: 
Andrew Willis sends this: ""May", 7-months old Lhaso Apso encounters snow in "Her" garden earlier this morning in Taplow, Bucks"
0913: When I came in there were already people hard at work inside the TV Centre complex, clearing paths for us. Our thanks to them. And one just went by the window:
0910: Meeting over. Among the things we're looking at for tonight: reports that lots of travel websites have been down...so that people looking for train/bus etc info online have been rather stuck. Any experience of that?
0830: The PM editor Briony has just arrived! So has Jeremy, the Commissioning Czar. Some people who don't normally make programmes are being drafted in. Off now to the 0830 editorial meeting. If you have a snow pic sent it to pm@bbc.co.uk.
0811: Reporter Jon Manel has arrived having hitched a lift in a Halal delivery van. The World at One's Martha Kearney is here after walking from home for more than an hour. Here she is, and yes that's the Glass Box in the background:
0805: They're having trouble getting people in to look after Radio 4 continuity in Broadcasting House. The Today studio (which after 0900 becomes the World at One production studio) might be used for continuity purposes for a while here at TV Centre)
0753: Still no more staff. Have decided to turn this entry upside down. Send photos to pm@bbc.co.uk
0750: PM deputy editor Mark has made it in. WATO has an editor and one producer at the moment.
0746:
"Eddie, Its fairly deep up on the North Downs. As you can see from the picture out of my front window. Regards, RJM"
0745: Martha Kearney is walking to work as her car was cancelled. And she doesn't live round the corner. Tune in at 1 to hear if she makes it.
Below is the view from my office window at 0735 - the radio car is outside. PM and World at One staff are on the phone all the time, trying very hard to make it to work. Many are reporting that public transport has pretty much ground to a halt. 
Send your photos to pm@bbc.co.uk...and leave your "white hell" stories here by clicking on Comments.
This is the Glass Box the PM team meets in at 18.00 every weeknight to discuss the content of the programme.
We try to be honest with each other, but not hurtful, as we talk about what worked and what didn't...what met our expectations and what fell short.
This virtual glass box is where you're encouraged to take part in the same spirit. The editor of the day, Briony Harris and her deputy Mark Frankel, will read your comments and may well add their own.
If you get some - take a photo and email it to pm@bbc.co.uk.
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