PM Glass Box
Every weeknight after PM, the production team meets in a Glass Box to talk about the programme...a frank and civilised discussion about what worked and what didn't. Please contribute your thoughts on this subject in a similar spirit.
Archives for August 2010
Those Labour leadership candidates
at a glance. Well, quite a long glance.
AM Glass Box
What ideas, related to today's news, do you have for PM tonight?
This virtual glass box emulates the real glass box we sit in at 11.00 for our main editorial meeting of the day. Your comments can contribute to that meeting.
Please leave your comment before 11, after which time the box may be closed.
PM Glass Box
Every weeknight after PM, the production team meets in this Glass Box to talk about the programme...a frank and civilised discussion about what worked and what didn't. Please contribute your thoughts on this subject in a similar spirit.
AM Glass Box
What ideas, related to today's news, do you have for PM tonight?
This virtual glass box emulates the real glass box we sit in at 11.00 for our main editorial meeting of the day. Your comments can contribute to that meeting.
Paddy is your host tonight. Please provide him with lots of good ideas.
iPM: Unashamedly auto-tuned
Packed lunches at the summer camp. It offers a holiday for brothers and sisters in care who live apart. The charity was set up by Delma Hughes. She was taken into care herself and took twenty years to find her seven siblings.
In order to see this content you need to have both Javascript enabled and Flash installed. Visit µþµþ°äÌý°Â±ð²ú·É¾±²õ±ð for full instructions. If you're reading via RSS, you'll need to visit the blog to access this content.
Michael Buchanan reports on a rambling mess...
In order to see this content you need to have both Javascript enabled and Flash installed. Visit µþµþ°äÌý°Â±ð²ú·É¾±²õ±ð for full instructions. If you're reading via RSS, you'll need to visit the blog to access this content.
And we hear from a listener with Romany ancestors who challenges anyone using, what he calls, the "P-word".
In order to see this content you need to have both Javascript enabled and Flash installed. Visit µþµþ°äÌý°Â±ð²ú·É¾±²õ±ð for full instructions. If you're reading via RSS, you'll need to visit the blog to access this content.
You can listen to the podcast and if there's something you'd like to hear on the programme comment below, email ipm {at} bbc.co.uk or .
PM Glass Box
Every weeknight after PM, the production team meets in this Glass Box to talk about the programme...a frank and civilised discussion about what worked and what didn't. Please contribute your thoughts on this subject in a similar spirit.
Hurricane Katrina...Michael Buchanan reports.
When Hurricane Katrina hit New Orleans, five years ago this weekend, around a quarter of million people headed to Houston for food, shelter and medical attention. Though most have since returned, tens of thousands decided they'd try to build a new lives for themselves in Texas and tonight we'll hear some of their stories.
Though initially welcomed, Houston turned on the evacuees, blaming them for a rise in crime and accusing them of sponging off the system.
Erroll and Lisa Donahue, seen here with their five-year-old son Ethan (who does a mean line in Michael Jackson songs), felt some of the backlash despite the fact they found jobs. Lisa's colleagues accused her - and other evacuees - of being lazy and ignorant.
Aaron Spells was constantly drawn into fights at school simply because he came from New Orleans.
I met Aaron when I attended church in Houston, the New ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ Family Worship Centre, which was specially built for what the pastor Robert Blakes calls the 'diaspora' from New Orleans.
Pastor Blakes, here on the left conducting a baptism, says the reason so many people stayed is because there are better economic and educational opportunities in Houston than there are in New Orleans. He commutes between the two cities every weekend to conduct services and hopes the better chances the kids from New Orleans have in Houston will benefit their old city in time.
While the future may be bright, the present is a bit dull for those youngsters who live on Angel Lane, a street of houses built in Houston specially for Katrina evacuees with help from Oprah Winfrey.
The kids miss their music, their grandparents and their food, especially the seafood. But this is what some have left behind - the Lower Ninth Ward of New Orleans, five years after the hurricane hit.
Hugh in Iraq
Here are some photos of the people and places in Hugh's report from Kerbala last night:
"Seyed Murtada Qazwini, 82-year-old Shia cleric whose bodyguards chased away two potential assassins who tried to break into his home in Kerbala on August 11th.
Seyed Murtada with his grandson Mothafar, who was with him in a car in 2006 when gunmen ambushed them. They shot Seyed Murtada in the arm and thigh.
Seyed Murtada with a photograph of his father, who died in a Saddam Hussein gaol.
Pallbearers a funeral at Imam Hussein mosque, Kerbala.
Imam Hussein mosque
Imam Abbas mosque, two hundred meters away from the Imam Hussein shrine. Worth Google Earthing Kerbala/Karbala for a staellite view of the shrine area.
Inside Imam Hussein mosque
Archway above the entrance to Imam Hussein's tomb, in the centre of the mosque.
Mosque attendants
Mosque attendants waiting for an Imam to chant verses from the Koran.
Decoration on the entrance to Imam Hussein mosque.
Children reading the Koran, Imam Hussein mosque
Inside Imam Abbas mosque
Golden minarets, Imam Abbas mosque
Detail, Imam Abbas mosque.
Families at Imam Abbas mosque.
And here are some smiles from this lovely friendly city":
AM Glass Box
What ideas, related to today's news, do you have for PM tonight?
This virtual glass box emulates the real glass box we sit in at 11.00 for our main editorial meeting of the day. Your comments can contribute to that meeting.
Glenn Campbell is your host tonight. Please provide him with lots of good ideas.
PM Glass Box
Every weeknight after PM, the production team meets in this Glass Box to talk about the programme...a frank and civilised discussion about what worked and what didn't. Please contribute your thoughts on this subject in a similar spirit.
Jon Manel's Olympic Mystery....solved
On Friday's programme, Jon continues our series meeting the people who could be the stars of the 2012 Olympics and Paralympics. There are two audio clues as to which sport it is...and three visual ones. You can see the answer by clicking on "read the rest of this entry" at the bottom.
In order to see this content you need to have both Javascript enabled and Flash installed. Visit µþµþ°äÌý°Â±ð²ú·É¾±²õ±ð for full instructions. If you're reading via RSS, you'll need to visit the blog to access this content.
In order to see this content you need to have both Javascript enabled and Flash installed. Visit µþµþ°äÌý°Â±ð²ú·É¾±²õ±ð for full instructions. If you're reading via RSS, you'll need to visit the blog to access this content.
AM Glass Box
What ideas, related to today's news, do you have for PM tonight?
This virtual glass box emulates the real glass box we sit in at 11.00 for our main editorial meeting of the day. Your comments can contribute to that meeting.
Please leave your comment before 11, after which time the box may be closed.
PM Glass Box
Every day a dedicated team of people work very hard to make PM as good as it can be. Today the team is led by Dan Mitchell and Amanda Lewis.
After 1800, while we sit in a Glass Box in our office, discussing what worked and what didn't, why don't you let Dan and Amanda know what you think?
Please confine your comments to how you think the programme performed.
Another clue to Jon Manel's Olympic mystery
On Friday's programme, Jon continues our series meeting the people who could be the stars of the 2012 Olympics and Paralympics. Now there are two clues as to which sport it is:
In order to see this content you need to have both Javascript enabled and Flash installed. Visit µþµþ°äÌý°Â±ð²ú·É¾±²õ±ð for full instructions. If you're reading via RSS, you'll need to visit the blog to access this content.
In order to see this content you need to have both Javascript enabled and Flash installed. Visit µþµþ°äÌý°Â±ð²ú·É¾±²õ±ð for full instructions. If you're reading via RSS, you'll need to visit the blog to access this content.
AM Glass Box
What ideas, related to today's news, do you have for PM tonight?
This virtual glass box emulates the real glass box we sit in at 11.00 for our main editorial meeting of the day. Your comments can contribute to that meeting.
Please leave your comment before 11, after which time the box may be closed.
PM Glass Box
Every day a dedicated team of people work very hard to make PM as good as it can be. Today the team is led by Joanna Carr and Jatinder Sidhu.
After 1800, while we sit in a Glass Box in our office, discussing what worked and what didn't, why don't you let Jo and Jatinder know what you think?
Please confine your comments to the production of the programme.
Does the ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ need a Religion Editor?
The Church of England thinks so. We'll discuss the idea tonight.
You can read coverage from The Guardian and the Daily Telegraph .
Jon Manel's Olympic Journey.
On Friday's programme, Jon continues our series meeting the people who could be the stars of the 2012 Olympics and Paralympics.
Which sport is it this week?
In order to see this content you need to have both Javascript enabled and Flash installed. Visit µþµþ°äÌý°Â±ð²ú·É¾±²õ±ð for full instructions. If you're reading via RSS, you'll need to visit the blog to access this content.
AM Glass Box
You may have read your morning paper and listened to the radio, and have some ideas you want to hear on PM tonight.
Perhaps you have a question about something in the news you would like answered - or better still, direct experience of something topical. Or maybe there's an aspect to a big story you haven't heard explored that you would like to hear.
The PM team will meet in a real glass box at 11am. Why not be part of the meeting by sharing your thoughts in this virtual glass box? We don't really look in after 11am so please be prompt! And if you want to simply drone on about something, please try somewhere else.
PM Glass Box
Every day a dedicated team of people work very hard to make PM as good as it can be. Today the team is led by Amanda Lewis and Bruce Douglas.
After 1800, while we sit in a Glass Box in our office, discussing what worked and what didn't, why don't you let Amanda and Bruce know what you think?
Please confine your comments to the production of the programme.
Electing police chiefs.
Michael Buchanan writes: "Would you like to police your neighbourhood? The government is looking for active citizens to come forward and stand for election as police chief. Jimmy Ray Swindle is taking up the challenge - in Alabama.
He's standing for the sheriff's office in Fayette County, a small, rural corner of north west Alabama.
Jimmy used to be a country music DJ, a timeshare salesman and now he flogs flag through a website. He has no law enforcement experience. When I ask him about this, he replies "The president of the United States is not a general, yet he is in charge of the most powerful military on the face of the planet earth."
Tonight, we'll hear about the American experience of electing police chiefs - and what possible lessons the US has for us. And our colleagues on have been speaking to arguably America's most high profile elected law enforcement official, Sheriff Joe Arpaio."
AM Glass Box
You may have read your morning paper and listened to the radio, and have some ideas you want to hear on PM tonight.
Perhaps you have a question about something in the news you would like answered - or better still, direct experience of something topical. Or maybe there's an aspect to a big story you haven't heard explored that you would like to hear.
The PM team will meet in a real glass box at 11am. Why not be part of the meeting by sharing your thoughts in this virtual glass box? We don't really look in after 11am so please be prompt! And if you want to simply drone on about something, please try somewhere else.
Broadcasting House: An Englishman In New York.
New York is home to some 120,000 English men and women - including photographer Jason Bell. Inspired by the sheer number of British-born people who live there, he tracked down some of better known faces, but also others who do their 'day jobs' in The Big Apple.
His photographic results - published in a new book 'An Englishman in New York' - are on display at the National Portrait Gallery in London. On Broadcasting House this morning you hear from Jason and some of his subjects.
You can see more by clicking HERE.
iPM: more bark than bite
Listener Clare Logan's new puppy, Eddie Mair, co-presents this week. Apparently she tried other names but this one just stuck... they do have another Labrador called Melvyn (as in Bragg).
Stories on iPM this week:
"I'm furious with people like BAA staff who threaten a strike over a 1% pay rise. My family are still in a recession!" A wife and husband on having to watch their budget like a hawk.
In order to see this content you need to have both Javascript enabled and Flash installed. Visit µþµþ°äÌý°Â±ð²ú·É¾±²õ±ð for full instructions. If you're reading via RSS, you'll need to visit the blog to access this content.
Becky Milligan reports on the debate surrounding the ordination of women priests in the Catholic Church.
In order to see this content you need to have both Javascript enabled and Flash installed. Visit µþµþ°äÌý°Â±ð²ú·É¾±²õ±ð for full instructions. If you're reading via RSS, you'll need to visit the blog to access this content.
And in the UK's most popular month to get married, one woman has decided relationships just aren't for her. She wrote after hearing actor Kathy Burke on Desert Island Discs.
In order to see this content you need to have both Javascript enabled and Flash installed. Visit µþµþ°äÌý°Â±ð²ú·É¾±²õ±ð for full instructions. If you're reading via RSS, you'll need to visit the blog to access this content.
If you've an idea for the programme or a single sentence of news you'd like to send us, comment below, or email us ipm [@] bbc.co.uk
And finally
We're reading out summer postcards from listeners in our podcast.
Andrew Edwards sent us this one and wrote about the short courses and evening classes he's been taking. These include "'Civilising' the Aztecs", "How Parliament Works" and "Right brain coaching". He's not suggesting there's a link between all three.
If you want to send us a postcard, write to iPM, Room G601, ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ Television Centre, London, W12 7RJ.
PM Glass Box for Friday
It's Charlie Bell and Steven Wright at the PM controls this evening. Here they are ignoring the tub of chewy sweets in front of them. By the time we go on air tonight, the sweeties will have all gone.
Would you like to tell Charlie here what you thought of the programme. He'll have a look through your comments when we come out of our meeting at 6pm.
Thanks,
sequin
The Labour leadership candidates talk to PM.
All this week on the programme, the people who want to lead the Labour party are talking to us.
In order to see this content you need to have both Javascript enabled and Flash installed. Visit µþµþ°äÌý°Â±ð²ú·É¾±²õ±ð for full instructions. If you're reading via RSS, you'll need to visit the blog to access this content.
In order to see this content you need to have both Javascript enabled and Flash installed. Visit µþµþ°äÌý°Â±ð²ú·É¾±²õ±ð for full instructions. If you're reading via RSS, you'll need to visit the blog to access this content.
In order to see this content you need to have both Javascript enabled and Flash installed. Visit µþµþ°äÌý°Â±ð²ú·É¾±²õ±ð for full instructions. If you're reading via RSS, you'll need to visit the blog to access this content.
In order to see this content you need to have both Javascript enabled and Flash installed. Visit µþµþ°äÌý°Â±ð²ú·É¾±²õ±ð for full instructions. If you're reading via RSS, you'll need to visit the blog to access this content.
In order to see this content you need to have both Javascript enabled and Flash installed. Visit µþµþ°äÌý°Â±ð²ú·É¾±²õ±ð for full instructions. If you're reading via RSS, you'll need to visit the blog to access this content.
AM GLASS BOX FOR FRIDAY
While Ed takes on Any Questions duty I'll be in the chair today. You'll be able to hear the last of his Labour leadership interviews and a roundup of your correspondence to PM throughout the week, but if there is anything else you would like us to feature on the programme then let us know.
Give us your ideas before 11am - we go into our morning meeting then.
See you later,
sequin
The Beach
Even though Eddie can't join us, no reason to miss out. Come on down..
PM Glass Box
Every day a dedicated team of people work very hard to make PM as good as it can be. Today the team is led by Charlie Bell and Bruce Douglas.
After 1800, while we sit in a Glass Box in our office, discussing what worked and what didn't, why don't you let Charlie and Bruce know what you think?
Please confine your comments to the production of the programme.
The Labour leadership candidates talk to PM
All this week on the programme, the people who want to lead the Labour party are talking to us.
In order to see this content you need to have both Javascript enabled and Flash installed. Visit µþµþ°äÌý°Â±ð²ú·É¾±²õ±ð for full instructions. If you're reading via RSS, you'll need to visit the blog to access this content.
In order to see this content you need to have both Javascript enabled and Flash installed. Visit µþµþ°äÌý°Â±ð²ú·É¾±²õ±ð for full instructions. If you're reading via RSS, you'll need to visit the blog to access this content.
In order to see this content you need to have both Javascript enabled and Flash installed. Visit µþµþ°äÌý°Â±ð²ú·É¾±²õ±ð for full instructions. If you're reading via RSS, you'll need to visit the blog to access this content.
In order to see this content you need to have both Javascript enabled and Flash installed. Visit µþµþ°äÌý°Â±ð²ú·É¾±²õ±ð for full instructions. If you're reading via RSS, you'll need to visit the blog to access this content.
AM Glass Box
You may have read your morning paper and listened to the radio, and have some ideas you want to hear on PM tonight.
Perhaps you have a question about something in the news you would like answered - or better still, direct experience of something topical. Or maybe there's an aspect to a big story you haven't heard explored that you would like to hear.
The PM team will meet in a real glass box at 11am. Why not be part of the meeting by sharing your thoughts in this virtual glass box? We don't really look in after 11am so please be prompt! And if you want to simply drone on about something, please try somewhere else.
PM Glass Box
Every day a dedicated team of people work very hard to make PM as good as it can be. Today the team is led by Lucy Sheppard and Bruce Douglas. They're seen here from the back. The uber editor Jo is seen hard at work. Treasure this snap.
After 1800, while we sit in a Glass Box in our office, discussing what worked and what didn't, why don't you let Lucy and Bruce know what you think?
Please confine your comments to the production of the programme.
Sir Frank Kermode has died.
In the programme tonight we'll talk to .
Hugh in Iraq. "The silent aftermath of violent death...
This is the Maidan, the Baghdad square where at least 50 people were killed and more than 120 injured by a suicide bomber early on Tuesday morning.
The shoes of the men who died.
Blood still on the ground later in the day.
A local resident deep in thought by a pool of water red with blood.
The men who died were waiting to apply for work at the army recruitment centre at the end of the square. This is one of their application forms. I have no idea if he is alive or dead. It shows his name - and his birth year, 1989. There was panic after the explosion - survivors rushed away, terrified that there might be a second explosion - as there often is.
Father and daughter walk past the scene."
Hugh reported on this bombing in PM last night. You can hear his live report below, and read the latest ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ News coverage here.
In order to see this content you need to have both Javascript enabled and Flash installed. Visit µþµþ°äÌý°Â±ð²ú·É¾±²õ±ð for full instructions. If you're reading via RSS, you'll need to visit the blog to access this content.
AM Glass Box
You may have read your morning paper and listened to the radio, and have some ideas you want to hear on PM tonight.
Perhaps you have a question about something in the news you would like answered - or better still, direct experience of something topical. Or maybe there's an aspect to a big story you haven't heard explored that you would like to hear.
The PM team will meet in a real glass box at 11am. Why not be part of the meeting by sharing your thoughts in this virtual glass box? We don't really look in after 11am so please be prompt! And if you want to simply drone on about something, please try somewhere else.
PM Glass Box
Every day a dedicated team of people work very hard to make PM as good as it can be. Today the team is led by Sarah Wadeson and Lucy Sheppard. As an added bonus you can see a titan of financial broadcasting hovering in the background.
After 1800, while we sit in a Glass Box in our office, discussing what worked and what didn't, why don't you let Sarah and Lucy know what you think?
Please confine your comments to the production of the programme.
The Labour leadership candidates talk to PM.
All this week on the programme, the people who want to lead the Labour party are talking to us.
In order to see this content you need to have both Javascript enabled and Flash installed. Visit µþµþ°äÌý°Â±ð²ú·É¾±²õ±ð for full instructions. If you're reading via RSS, you'll need to visit the blog to access this content.
In order to see this content you need to have both Javascript enabled and Flash installed. Visit µþµþ°äÌý°Â±ð²ú·É¾±²õ±ð for full instructions. If you're reading via RSS, you'll need to visit the blog to access this content.
Confused about the different ways of measuring inflation?
Nils isn't. He'll be with us on the programme tonight, and in the Glass Box here on the Blog.
In the meantime, is the official explanation for the RPICPItastic way with numbers.
Happy birthday to the Blog...and thank you Big Sis.
Poor photography copyright Eddie Mair
AM Glass Box
You may have read your morning paper and listened to the radio, and have some ideas you want to hear on PM tonight.
Perhaps you have a question about something in the news you would like answered - or better still, direct experience of something topical. Or maybe there's an aspect to a big story you haven't heard explored that you would like to hear.
The PM team will meet in a real glass box at 11am. Why not be part of the meeting by sharing your thoughts in this virtual glass box? We don't really look in after 11am so please be prompt! And if you want to simply drone on about something, please try somewhere else.
PM Glass Box
Every day a dedicated team of people work very hard to make PM as good as it can be. Today the team is led by Joanna Carr and Bruce Douglas.
After 1800, while we sit in a Glass Box in our office, discussing what worked and what didn't, why don't you let Jo and Bruce know what you think?
Please confine your comments to the production of the programme.
Hugh in Iraq
On Broadcasting House on Sunday Hugh escaped the sandbags, razor wire and blast walls that surround the ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ's bureau in Baghdad and relaxes to the sounds of the National Youth Orchestra of Iraq, as they prepare for a concert:
"Annie Melconian, leader of the orchestra - an Armenian Iraqi from Baghdad
The conductor is Paul MacAlindin from Scotland - he's one of twelve foreign tutors who coached the musicians for their concert.
Frand 'Trumpeter' Nashat, as he signs his emails. He's 16. I fist met him - at the Baghdad School of Music and Dance - when he was a young boy. Virtually a prisoner in his Baghdad home during the bad years, he told me then that he dreamed of being able to ride a bicycle outside - and of being able to play football. Now he says he plays 'a lot of football.' But he has outgrown his bicycle.
And that (second from left) is Frand's sister, Rania. She also took a turn at conducting, and her brother played and took pictures:
And here are some other members of the orchestra - who had never met before. And because it was too dangerous to travel to Baghdad for auditions, they auditioned by uploading video to YouTube:
And as a 'warm up' the night before, the orchestra gave a concert in an Erbil garden. Nice cool evening? Er, no. At 10pm it was 46 deg centigrade (110 F)
And here they are in the Shaheed Saad Abdullah concert hall in Erbil. They received a standing ovation:
The UK flag is there alongside the flags of Iraq and autonomous Iraqi Kurdistan because the concert was part-funded by the British Council. The UK ambassador Dr. John Jenkins was there. He gave me an interview in fluent Arabic. I even managed one question in Arabic, which must have made sense because he answered it!"
AM Glass Box
You may have read your morning paper and listened to the radio, and have some ideas you want to hear on PM tonight.
Perhaps you have a question about something in the news you would like answered - or better still, direct experience of something topical. Or maybe there's an aspect to a big story you haven't heard explored that you would like to hear.
The PM team will meet in a real glass box at 11am. Why not be part of the meeting by sharing your thoughts in this virtual glass box? We don't really look in after 11am so please be prompt! And if you want to simply drone on about something, please try somewhere else.
More iPM summer postcards
We're reading postcards from our listeners in the iPM podcast extra-bit thingy.
If you'd like to send us a postcard, and we haven't had any from overseas, staycationers, send it to iPM, Room G601, ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ Television Centre, London, W12 7RJ.
"Wind is whipping up the waves, but the sun is still shining" writes Mike and M and Jess (the dog) in Nefyn, North Wales.
"First barge holiday..teenage children loving it but won't admit it" says Ray at Bratch Locks, Staffordshire and Worcestershire Canal.
What did you think of the programme?
Tell us here.
The Olympic hopefuls.
Tonight we'll continue our series of PM profiles of British hopefuls for the London 2012 Olympics. Our reporter Jon Manel has been meeting a man called Tim Don. What's his sport?
And now a story about Salman Rushdie...
...from your fellow listener Adrian Salmon. 
"In my cupboard at home, I have a prized possession - a jar of lime pickle signed by Salman Rushdie.
It's a slightly long story.
It goes back to 1989 when I was on my gap year living in Bristol. I'd just read Midnight's Children and Shame and had been blown away. And I saw that Salman Rushdie was coming to Bristol to sign copies of his new book - The Satanic Verses.
I couldn't afford to buy the book - I was temping to pay my rent. I couldn't take in a copy of his other books, because they didn't belong to me. But there was a chapter in 'Midnight's Children' where the narrator compares writing a novel to making pickles. Each chapter is like a pickle jar and the flavours have to be sealed in quickly, before they lose their intensity.
So I bought a jar of lime pickle at my local store. I wrote a note explaining my circumstances, and asked if Mr Rushdie would sign the jar of pickle as an analogue for his novel. And bless him, he did. And I have it still."
There are more signing stories here and tonight in "Previously on PM"
AM Glass Box
You may have read your morning paper and listened to the radio, and have some ideas you want to hear on PM tonight.
Perhaps you have a question about something in the news you would like answered - or better still, direct experience of something topical. Or maybe there's an aspect to a big story you haven't heard explored that you would like to hear.
The PM team will meet in a real glass box at 11am. Why not be part of the meeting by sharing your thoughts in this virtual glass box? We don't really look in after 11am so please be prompt! And if you want to simply drone on about something, please try somewhere else.
PM Glass Box
Every day a dedicated team of people work very hard to make PM as good as it can be. Today the team is led by Eloise Twisk and Jatinder Sidhu. That figure breezing through the background is Liz ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖwood who has been in the department for about as long as me and has fixed more discussions than we've all had hot dinners.
After 1800, while we sit in a Glass Box in our office, discussing what worked and what didn't, why don't you let Eloise and Jatinder know what you think?
Please confine your comments to the production of the programme.
Lots of love, Tony.
There's a lot of coverage today of the rules and regulations involved in getting a signed copy of Tony Blair's forthcoming book. Mr Blair is seen in the photo above with Art Garfunkel. Mr Garfunkel's hair had to be security searched before getting that close.
You can read accounts in , the and elsewhere.
I'm wondering whether you have a prized signed copy of some book or other. Who signed it? What did they write? How long did you queue for? Share your exciting experience here or by emailing pm@bbc.co.uk.
AM Glass Box
You may have read your morning paper and listened to the radio, and have some ideas you want to hear on PM tonight.
Perhaps you have a question about something in the news you would like answered - or better still, direct experience of something topical. Or maybe there's an aspect to a big story you haven't heard explored that you would like to hear.
The PM team will meet in a real glass box at 11am. Why not be part of the meeting by sharing your thoughts in this virtual glass box? We don't really look in after 11am so please be prompt! And if you want to simply drone on about something, please try somewhere else.
PM Glass Box
Every day a dedicated team of people work very hard to make PM as good as it can be. Today the team is led by Eloise Twisk and Marilyn Rust. That figure breezing through the background is Liz ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖwood who has been in the department for about as long as me and has fixed more discussions than we've all had hot dinners.
After 1800, while we sit in a Glass Box in our office, discussing what worked and what didn't, why don't you let Eloise and Marilyn know what you think?
Please confine your comments to the production of the programme.
Are people fundamentally good? Or bad? These brothers and this donkey plan to find out
Tom Baxter, Fergal the Donkey and Mike Baxter. Hear from all three in PM tonight. And you can read more .
Hugh In Iraq
Hugh has sent these words and photos. He spent the weekend in Erbil, capital of autonomous Iraqi Kurdistan. It doesn't look like Baghdad, does it?
"This mall, built by an Erbil-based company the Hewa group opened in November. Here are some more snaps from inside.
Pinch yourself. Yes, this is Iraq. Here's the supermarket - inside it's a bit like Carrefour, or a big Sainsbury's (I wasn't allowed to take pictures inside):
They shopped till they dropped ...in for a coffee.
Zahida Ased and her daughter Teibah and Teibah's sons Joseph, aged 5 and Diar who is 1. Maya is their maid. She is from Nepal.
Erbil children, on their way to Tae Kwondo
Turkish businessman Muzaffer Gunay (left), investing in Erbil - with a colleague. The little boy was unknown to them - he just asked if he could be in the photo. I can't imagine that happening so warmly in my homeland, with its stranger paranoia.
Erbil's main square, overlooked by the Citadel. 4,000 years old. 30 metre-high walls. It's being restored by UNESCO - a bit over-restored in places.
Relaxing by the fountains. Businessmen and tourists can fly direct to Erbil from several international destinations - including Frankfurt, Vienna, Malmo, Stockholm, Dubai and Istanbul.
And here's a taste - I wish it could be the spicy smell - of Erbil's ancient souk":
AM Glass Box
You may have read your morning paper and listened to the radio, and have some ideas you want to hear on PM tonight.
Perhaps you have a question about something in the news you would like answered - or better still, direct experience of something topical. Or maybe there's an aspect to a big story you haven't heard explored that you would like to hear.
The PM team will meet in a real glass box at 11am. Why not be part of the meeting by sharing your thoughts in this virtual glass box? We don't really look in after 11am so please be prompt! And if you want to simply drone on about something, please try somewhere else.
PM Glass Box
Every day a dedicated team of people work very hard to make PM as good as it can be. Today the team is led by Joanna Carr and Steven Wright. He's not Steve Wright in the Afternoon.
After 1800, while we sit in a Glass Box in our office, discussing what worked and what didn't, why don't you let Jo and Steven know what you think?
Please confine your comments to the production of the programme.
Picket: ever crossed the line?
"I've just spent three hours on a picket line and got very bored."
Writes one listener. Turns out he's been on several strikes and his view has changed over time.
It's been suggested that we may see more strike action by unions this autumn. And we thought some of you might have your own experience of striking to tell. Have you stood on a picket line? Have you crossed one? What was it like going back to work afterwards?
Serious or funny, comment below or email ipm [at] bbc.co.uk
AM Glass Box
You may have read your morning paper and listened to the radio, and have some ideas you want to hear on PM tonight.
Perhaps you have a question about something in the news you would like answered - or better still, direct experience of something topical. Or maybe there's an aspect to a big story you haven't heard explored that you would like to hear.
The PM team will meet in a real glass box at 11am. Why not be part of the meeting by sharing your thoughts in this virtual glass box? We don't really look in after 11am so please be prompt! And if you want to simply drone on about something, please try somewhere else.
PM Glass Box
Every day a dedicated team of people work very hard to make PM as good as it can be. Today the team is led by Roger Sawyer and Ryan Dilley, photographed in our office this morning, briefing themselves.
After 1800, while we sit in a Glass Box in our office, discussing what worked and what didn't, why don't you let Rog and Ryan know what you think?
Please confine your comments to the production of the programme.
How contactable should an MP be?
One MP is having a row with a campaigning website. That's him there - , and is the website (and email exchange). Mr Rabb also has a which explains his side of the story.
They'll both be in live debate on PM tonight.
AM Glass Box
You may have read your morning paper and listened to the radio, and have some ideas you want to hear on PM tonight.
Perhaps you have a question about something in the news you would like answered - or better still, direct experience of something topical. Or maybe there's an aspect to a big story you haven't heard explored that you would like to hear.
The PM team will meet in a real glass box at 11am. Why not be part of the meeting by sharing your thoughts in this virtual glass box? We don't really look in after 11am so please be prompt! And if you want to simply drone on about something, please try somewhere else.
iPM For Men
It's also available as a spray and a podcast. Men are centre stage. Breast cancer and domestic violence feature.
There's more on breast cancer in men, in
And there's support and advice on the ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ website if you've been affected by domestic violence. specifically supports male victims.
Mike Harrall
On the programme tonight we heard from Flying Officer Mike Harrall... who contacted us about a starting pistol and ended up talking about nuclear bombs.
This is the photo I referred to during the interview. Mike is on the far left.
In order to see this content you need to have both Javascript enabled and Flash installed. Visit µþµþ°äÌý°Â±ð²ú·É¾±²õ±ð for full instructions. If you're reading via RSS, you'll need to visit the blog to access this content.
iPM Summer Postcard thing.
Fans of the "extra bit" on iPM...the bit you only get from downloading the programme... have been sending us postcards from around the world.
Last week Alex Dickson sent us this view of Lochinver (modelled here by Jen and me)
And this week Debbie sends this from "sunny Colchester. Wish you were here!"
Hugh in Iraq
Hugh reported for us from Iraq last night. Here are some words and photos to go with his report:
"Amar al Adhamee with a photograph of his dead brother Yassir
Yassir al Adhamee, died July 29th, Adhamiyah, Baghdad
Haider, student and café waiter and here are more scenes from the cafe:"
PM Glass Box
Every day a dedicated team of people work very hard to make PM as good as it can be. Today the team is led by Roger Sawyer and Dan Mitchell, photographed in our office this morning, briefing themselves.
After 1800, while we sit in a Glass Box in our office, discussing what worked and what didn't, why don't you let Rog and Dan know what you think?
Please confine your comments to the production of the programme.
AM Glass Box
You may have read your morning paper and listened to the radio, and have some ideas you want to hear on PM tonight.
Perhaps you have a question about something in the news you would like answered - or better still, direct experience of something topical. Or maybe there's an aspect to a big story you haven't heard explored that you would like to hear.
The PM team will meet in a real glass box at 11am. Why not be part of the meeting by sharing your thoughts in this virtual glass box? We don't really look in after 11am so please be prompt! And if you want to simply drone on about something, please try somewhere else.
PM Glass Box
Every day a dedicated team of people work very hard to make PM as good as it can be. Today the team is led by Eloise Twisk and Dan Mitchell, photographed in our office this lunchtime, hard at work.
After 1800, while we sit in a Glass Box in our office, discussing what worked and what didn't, why don't you let Eloise and Dan know what you think?
Please confine your comments to the production of the programme.
DEC appeal for Pakistan.
for more information or to donate, call 0370 60 60 900.
The RNLI. Ruining Britain's beaches?
Harry Mount from Telegraph.co.uk explains his thinking on one beach in blog posting.
He will join us tonight live, as will someone from the RNLI.
Do you have a view?
What would cause mass panic?
There are lots of reports today - including this in the - suggesting that Winston Churchill agreed to cover up evidence of flying saucers amid fears it would cause "mass panic".
I'm curious to know what you think would cause mass panic today.
PM listening figures: a record high.
We broke our record for our highest audience figures during last year. And now we've done it again.
More details at .
AM Glass Box
You may have read your morning paper and listened to the radio, and have some ideas you want to hear on PM tonight.
Perhaps you have a question about something in the news you would like answered - or better still, direct experience of something topical. Or maybe there's an aspect to a big story you haven't heard explored that you would like to hear.
The PM team will meet in a real glass box at 11am. Why not be part of the meeting by sharing your thoughts in this virtual glass box? We don't really look in after 11am so please be prompt! And if you want to simply drone on about something, please try somewhere else.
PM Glass Box
Every day a dedicated team of people work very hard to make PM as good as it can be. Today the team is led by Eloise Twisk and Lucy Sheppard, photographed in our office this lunchtime.
After 1800, while we sit in a Glass Box in our office, discussing what worked and what didn't, why don't you let Eloise and Lucy know what you think?
Please confine your comments to the production of the programme.
AM Glass Box
You may have read your morning paper and listened to the radio, and have some ideas you want to hear on PM tonight.
Perhaps you have a question about something in the news you would like answered - or better still, direct experience of something topical. Or maybe there's an aspect to a big story you haven't heard explored that you would like to hear.
The PM team will meet in a real glass box at 11am. Why not be part of the meeting by sharing your thoughts in this virtual glass box? We don't really look in after 11am so please be prompt! And if you want to simply drone on about something, please try somewhere else.
PM Glass Box
Every evening the PM team meet at 6pm in a large glass box to discuss the programme.
Carolyn Quinn is presenting and you can leave a comment here for tonight's editor Roger Sawyer. This is him pretending to be hard at work and barking orders in his own inimitable fashion. Oh, and pointing into the distance.
Talking of snails...
Sid writes
"... does anyone else have a surfeit of hoverflies this year? Here are some on a fennel in our garden - six on one head - hundreds altogether."
UPDATE: 15.49 Comments back. Please email if you have any more problems.
Sorry if you're having trouble commenting on the blog. ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ tech writes
"It appears that there is an issue with comments across all blogs and the DNA team is looking into this as top priority. They will be sending an email about this to everybody shortly."
Sequin and the snails
Sequin presenting today, but she appears to locked out of the blog - someone will be sacked. I said I'd blog on her behalf..turns out, it's about snails...
Chris Vallance will report on the programme. He writes
"Amateur scientist Ruth Brooks with some snails
Instructions on how to take part in the "The Great Snail Swap" experiment can be found at /radio4/snails
Ruth and the So You Want to Be a Scientist team need the results by 31st August.
There'll be more from Ruth (and the snails) on Material World at 4:30pm Thursday"
PM Glass Box
Every day a dedicated team of people work very hard to make PM as good as it can be. Today the team is led by Roger Sawyer and Fiona Leach, photographed in our office this lunchtime. Roger does not have a bike.
After 1800, while we sit in a Glass Box in our office, discussing what worked and what didn't, why don't you let Roger and Fi know what you think?
Please confine your comments to the production of the programme.
AM Glass Box
You may have read your morning paper and listened to the radio, and have some ideas you want to hear on PM tonight.
Perhaps you have a question about something in the news you would like answered - or better still, direct experience of something topical. Or maybe there's an aspect to a big story you haven't heard explored that you would like to hear.
The PM team will meet in a real glass box at 11am. Why not be part of the meeting by sharing your thoughts in this virtual glass box? We don't really look in after 11am so please be prompt! And if you want to simply drone on about something, please try somewhere else.
Jump to more content from this blog
About this blog
PM The evening news and current affairs programme presented by Eddie Mair.
iPM The programme that starts with its listeners. Join the discussions online and contribute ideas for a weekly programme presented by Eddie Mair and Jennifer Tracey.
The PM Privacy Commission
Read the final report of the PM Privacy Commission.
- Full Audio and Transcripts
- Hugh Tomlinson QC
- Zac Goldsmith MP
- Max Mosley
- Stephen Abell
- Hugh Grant
- Sir Charles Gray
- Alan Rusbridger
- Helen Wood
- Max Clifford
- Marcus Partington
- John Kampfner
- Christopher Graham
- Louise Mensch
- Andy Trotter
- John Mullin
- Avril Sanders Royle
- Jimmy Wales
Meet the commissioners, view the terms of reference and hear the Commission Chair Sir Michael Lyons explain his approach.
RSS feed
Email us
Listen to PM
