Chris Rock in Libya

Anybody who watched the news or read a paper last year should know at least something about what happened in Libya. I wrote a couple of blog posts about it here and also here, although it might be worth looking for a reputable news source than reading heavily satirical blog posts written by me. I'm concentrating on one period of last year, namely August, as is highlighted in the above screen shot of Sky News.

I don't know the story behind the depicted interview with Alex Crawford, but he appears to be wearing Gaddafi's hat and be in possession of the former dictators gold stick stick. He is also sporting a rapper/MrT style gold chain and enough swag about his demeanour to put Cher Lloyd to shame.

What concerns me is that he looks like Chris Rock. In fact, I think it is Mr Rock, purely on the fact that the film Madagascar 3 is due to be released this year. My convoluted link of evidence is that Madagascar isn't that far from Africa and he could easily have popped over to Libya to lay the smack down on Gaddafi.

I however feel sorry for Jackie Chan and Chris Tucker, this would have been an ideal chance for them to team up again for Rush Hour 4. Instead they lost out to the voice of a Zebra from an animated film series.

GI Journo

We've given journalists a bit of a hard time lately. I would even argue that it's not just a bit of a hard time, but more reminiscent of the Salem witch trials of 1692. Yes, I just made a witch hunt reference (not Salem the cat); get the kettle on, sit comfortably and deal with it or otherwise speak to some soldier friends of mine as they may lend you the keys to the Outrage Bus.

To those of us who sit on the outside of the media world and only see the output, may well come to the conclusion that it is a dark and murky world. If I had to conjure up some make believe comparison, it would be that the media world is the real world Ministry of Magic. Except the only magic I know of is the mystique surrounding such characters as the Fleet Street Fox. She's had some excellent views on persecution of the media, see here for details.

Lillys Miles

There have been some rather naughty people working in the trade as of late, but you can't tarnish everyone with the same brush; especially not with Ronseal wood stain because that does exactly what it says in on the tin. Most journalists act exactly how they mean to, not how we expect them to (with disdain and horror).

Coming onto the "GI Journo" theme of this blog post, many journalists have and continue to put themselves in severe danger. I'd like to make clear that I'm in no way detracting from any respect due for members of the armed forces, this post just isn't about that so please don't think I'm being disrespectful in any way.

Members of the armed forces in the UK are aware of what they sign up for, and for this current generation it's highly likely that you will/have serve(d) on or in support of operations in Iraq/Afghanistan. Journalists who have reported from the "front line" have taken a step beyond what would normally be expected of them, and have truly volunteered in full knowingness of the danger they may encounter.

The reporting on last years Arab spring and in particular Libya, highlight some of the risks that are taken by those working in the media, with little or no safety net or logistical support. Alex Crawford rode into Tripoli with what were at the time Libyan rebels. She is by most markers a pretty hard-core reporter, and this is reflected by the number of RTS awards she has won thus far. Sam Kiley (Security editor, Sky News) spent a full 6 months in Helmand with 16 Air Assault Brigade, but if you have a look through his past achievements, this is just one part in a long list of achievement in the face of danger.

Big Sam

More recently the continuing violence in Syria has further highlighted some of the risks and dangers involved. Smuggling yourself into a country where civilians are being massacred by the national security forces on a daily basis, is no easy task. If these people didn't do things like this, we wouldn't have first hand reputable evidence of some of the horrors which go on in the world. The advent of technology and social media has helped spread news of the bad things which happen in the world, but they still only go part of the way to doing so. Back in the days before the internet, journalists in conflict zones did exactly what they continue to do so, uncover the truth.

Could you imagine someone from the British Army going out on a patrol on his own; with just his helmet and body armour, no ammunition, no weapon and no back up or support? I couldn't, because its primarily crazy talk. This is effectively what many trusty old journos do on a continuing and regular basis.

Some people might get pissed off that the media uncovers less than savoury news about them. Although my amazing powers of hindsight would tell the "victim" (of press action) in question that it would have been easier and all round better if they hadn't been naughty in the first place. After all, prevention of an act that will cause bad press is much easier than trying to argue that getting caught and exposed is worse than the original wrong.

In all walks of life, the truth might hurt; but not accepting it has a cost, sometimes a grave one.

Glasses raised to those (the majority) who are hard working individuals, who at times often put themselves in considerable danger. Greater danger than most of the general public (and even some members of the armed forces) put themselves in. I must however make it clear that this is an open invitation for a drink and I most definitely DO NOT have any blank receipt books before you get all excited.

In a late update to this post; it has been reported that Marie Colvin has been killed in Syria. A woman who wore an eye patch after losing an eye due to a shrapnel wound sustained in Sri Lanka (2001), is internationally recognised as a legend of the journo world. Her reported passing highlights the dangerous situations journalists put themselves into, when they are in search of the truth. Here is her last report.

The Sunday Sun

A short while ago I learned that Rupert Murdoch and his News International empire, will be publishing a new sunday paper "Sun on Sunday" as early as next weekend. You might remember that the News of the World was shut down in the summer of last year when it was discovered they had been hacking the voicemails' of many people. The many people including a dead girl called Milly Dowler.

Now since I never bought the NOTW (and unlikely to buy this new paper), I'm not all that bothered that they will be releasing this new venture. However, the name "Sun on Sunday" is something that really boils my piss on a massive scale. A publication called the Sunday Sun (logo at start of blog post) already exists, and will likely lead to mass confusion.

This is an issue that the editor of the Sunday Sun brought up in July last year (story here). When you read the story I have linked you will realise why I feel so strongly about this issue. As a lad born and raised in the north east, the Sunday Sun has been a staple part of my upbringing; reporting on local news and sport with a high degree of respectability and integrity. The News of the World didn't have the word "Sun" in it, so why should the new title have to?

Here is the warning from July 2011;

“This newspaper [Sunday Sun] has a proud reputation of fighting on behalf of the people of the North East and Cumbria. Our unrivalled news and sports coverage has helped us gain a reputation as a trusted brand across the region. We never act illegally and uphold the highest standards of ethics.

We are part of the community and take our responsibilities seriously. What happened at the News of the World is totally unacceptable but it mustn't be allowed to undermine the important job newspapers do up and down the land.

However and whenever Rupert Murdoch decides to replace the paper he publishes for the last time today, we will be here.

And our message is clear. There is only ONE trusted Sunday Sun – so keep your hands off.”

I know that this blog post will do little to raise awareness or rectify the matter at hand. I also wish to note that this isn't the north having a go at the south. This is just me pointing out something which astounds me as to how this has even been overlooked?

I'm the Geordie Bore, you might not always agree with my principles, but respect the fact that I have them and stand by them too. So go enjoy the real Sunday Sun.

Geordie Bore: The Sunday Sun geordiebore.org.uk/2012/02/sunday… #notw #sundaysun #sunonsunday #murdoch

— Gareth Milner (@mrgarethm) February 20, 2012

Brain Tumours (it could be you)

Recently, the uncle of a friend of mine was told that he has a large brain tumour. Not only was Rebecca very upset about this news, she decided to do something about it as well. Tomorrow she is running the Sleaford half marathon in aid of the charity Brain Tumour UK in an effort to raise as much money as she can. She has raised a large amount of money so far, which I believed surpassed her original expectations.

I'm writing this blog post tonight on the off chance that some of you who read it, may be feeling generous and decide to donate to a charity which helps to research brain tumours in order to make things better, for the nearly 5,000 people who are diagnosed with tumours each year. If you wish to sponsor her then VISIT THIS PAGE and give generously.

In Rebecca's own words;
"The Brain is such a complex part of our body and if I can help with fundraising towards research on the Brain and treatment, then I will do everything I can. I have never run a half Marathon before, but I am motivated by my Uncle."

You never know, at some point in the future it could be you or someone you love and care for, who benefits from the hard work undertaken by Brain Tumour UK. Thank you in advance for anyone who chooses to help out this evening, Rebecca doesn't know that I've done this blog post, but I'm sure she will be eternally grateful for your help as well.

I didnt cry for you Argentina

Almost 30 years ago, a war broke out between Argentina and the UK. From the 2nd of April and through the 74 days of conflict till the 14th of June 1982, over 250 British Military personnel gave their lives in service of Queen and country; 649 Argentine service personnel also lost their lives.

Argentina invaded the islands, and we retook the islands from them. The issue, of who the islands belong to, has been a long standing issue which one again has come to the forefront of political discussion in the UK. I would say the same has happened in Argentina, except it has been an issue over there since before time began.

Both sides have legitimate argument and counter argument to claims on the Falklands (or Malvinas as the Argies like to call them). However; the way Argentina keeps bleating on about certain things, to me at least, makes them look like they have just spat their dummy out.

From various sources and news outlets, I get the impression that if you want to run for election in Argentina then you're not actually supposed to talk about the issues that matter; you are supposed to bring up the Falklands and blind out anything meaningful. Fair play to them, its pretty much what politicians do over here as well, just they don't use the Falklands. It also seems that a lot of the younger generation either don't care that much about the Falklands, or those that do, are very keen to push the self-determination line.

Now that is the big issue, self-determination my friends is what the game is all about. Sean Penn (in my eyes) made a bit of a t**t of himself not too long ago when he started talking horsey poo and rat piss about the whole situation. To summarise him in a very haphazard way, it seems he thinks the UK to be bad boy colonialists. If you want to get a grown-ups view on what Sean Penn said, have a look here. Also, William's job as a search and rescue (SAR) pilot does actually require him to be posted to the Falklands as part of his career progression. Good on the Royal for not shying away from his duties.

Now back to the self-determination issue and the accusations that we are naughty colonialists. Firstly the islanders on the Falklands want the British there, the place has a British post office, a red telephone box and many people have fish and chips for tea. They choose to see themselves as British, so the constant and repetitive bleating from Argentina about wanting the islands back leads me to believe it is the Argies who are the badass colonialists.

The inhabitants of the Falklands (even the penguins) have always wanted peace above all else, after all, who wants war and conflict? Argentina has tried trade sanctions and blockades, all of which are more likely to piss the islanders off than anything else. The Falklands islands have an immensely proud people who are full of skill and initiative, who have managed to carry on with a stiff upper lip despite increased bullying of a political and economic nature.

Dr Barry Elsby is a member of the legislative assembly of the Falkland islands and the following is what he has to say on the matter (click here for full article);

"With the eyes of the world on the South Atlantic in recent weeks, one unified message continues to come from those that live in the Islands; that is our right to self-determination. The people of the Falkland Islands remain a British Overseas Territory by choice. It is our constitutional right and a fundamental freedom enshrined in the UN Charter. This right to self-determination is a value that is protected and promoted by democratic powers the world over; the Falkland Islands are no different. We are happy to talk, but our sovereignty remains non-negotiable"

So there you have it from the proverbial horse's mouth. The people who live there do not want to be under Argentinian rule. You are welcome to pull me up on this overtly patriotic and highly biased blog post, but you can't argue with what the inhabitants of the islands have said themselves. So please I beg of you Cristina Fernández de Kirchner (President of Argentina); please shut the hell up and go sort out the issues your country has instead of blinding them with patriotic talk of them there Malvinas. There has been talk that British Armed forces couldn't retake the islands if Argentina managed to successfully invade them again; though fear not, I for one think it's highly likely that the Argies don't stand a chance in the slightest of managing it.

This post is now over, but below is a list of the British service personnel and the islanders who died during the conflict in 1982. You are remembered by all British people. (yes you will have to scroll through ALL of the names if you want to leave a comment)

Private Richard J. Absolon	Corporal Peter R Fitton
POAEM(L) Michael J Adcock	CPOWTR Edmund Flanagan
AEM(R)1 Adrian U Anslow	Private Mark W Fletcher
MEM(M)1 Frank O Armes	A/Ldg Cook Michael P Foote
Able Seaman Derek D Armstrong	MEM(M)2 Stephen H Ford
A/Cpl Raymound E Armstrong	Major Michael L Forge
A/Sgt J.L. Arthy	Mechanic Frank Foulkes
A/WO1 Malcolm Atkinson	PO(S) Michael G Fowler
Staff Sgt John I Baker	Lieutenant Kenneth D Francis
Lt Commander David I Balfour	WO2 Laurence Gallagher
Lt Commander Richard W Banfield	Sapper Pradeep K Ghandi
Able Seaman Andrew R Barr	Guardsman Mark Gibby
Lieutenant James A Barry	L/Cpl Brett P Giffin
Lt Commander Gordon W J Batt	Cook Neil A Goodall
A/Cpl William Begley	Guardsman Glenn C Grace
L/Corporal Gary D Bingley	Guardsman Paul Green
AB(R) Ian M Boldy	Private Anthony D Greenwood
POMEM(M) David R Briggs	S/Sergeant Chris A Griffen
POAEM(M) Peter Brouard	Marine Robert D Griffin
Corporal J.G. Browning	Guardsman Gareth M Griffiths
Private Gerald Bull	Private Neil Grose
L/Cpl Barry C Bullers	3rd Eng Officer Chris Hailwood
A/Sgt Paul A Bunker	WEM(O)1 Ian P Hall
L/Corporal Anthony Burke	Captain Gavin J Hamilton
A/Cpl Robert Burns	3rd Eng C Hailwood
Private Jason S Burt	A/Steward Shaun Hanson
ACWEA John D L Caddy	Corporal David Hardman
Marine Paul D Callan	A/Sgt William C Hatton
MEM(M)1 Paul B Callus	Std David Hawkins
L/Sergeant James R Carlyle	Flt Lieutenant Garth W Hawkins
POACMN Kevin S Casey	Able Seaman Sean K Hayward
Elect Fitter Dis Leung Chau	Lieutenant Rodney R Heath
Bosun Yu Sik Chee	Private Peter J Hedicker
L/Cpl Simon J Cockton	AEM(M) Mark Henderson
Private Albert M Connett	2nd Eng Paul Henry
Catering Assistant Darryl Cope	AB(EW) Stephen Heyes
L/Corporal Anthony Cork	L/Corporal P D Higgs
Private Jonathan D Crow	AEM(R)1 Brian P Hinge
Sergeant Philip P. Currass	Private Mark Holman-Smith
Lieutenant William A Curtis	1st Radio Officer Ron R Hoole
Guardsman Ian A Dale	Corporal Stephen Hope
A/Sgt Sid A I Davidson	Guardsman Denis N Hughes
Marine Colin Davison	Mechanic James Hughes
APOCA Stephen R Dawson	Guardsman Gareth Hughes
Guardsman D J Denholm	A/Sgt William Hughes
Captain Christopher Dent	A/Sgt Ian N Hunt
Private Stephen J Dixon	Private Stephen Illingsworth
AWEM(R) John K Dobson	MEA(P) Alexander S James
Bosun John Dobson	Guardsman Brian Jasper
Private Mark S Dodsworth	Private Timothy R Jenkins
Cook Richard J S Dunkerley	C/Sgt Brian R Johnston
Guardsman Michael J Dunphy	Sapper Christopher A Jones
Cook Brian Easton	Private Craig D Jones
Guardsman Peter Edwards	Private Michael A Jones
WEA1 Anthony C Eggington	Lieutenant Colonel Herbert Jones
Sergeant Clifford Elley	A/Sgt Philip Jones
Sub Lieutenant Richard C Emly	Yeung Swi Kami, Merchant Navy
Sergeant Roger Enefer	Guardsman Anthony Keeble
Sergeant Andrew P Evans	L/Sergeant Kevin Keoghane
Corporal Kenneth Evans	Laundryman Lai Chi Keung
Lt Commander John E Eyton-Jones	LMEM(M) Allan J Knowles
Petty Officer Robert Fagan	Laundryman Kye Ben Kwo
Butcher Dis Sung Yuk Fai	Private Stewart I Laing
L/Corporal Ian R Farrell	WEM(R)1 Simon J Lawson
C/Sergeant Gordon P M Findlay	LACAEMN David Lee
Susan Whitley	Mary Goodwin
Sergeant Robert A Leeming	L/Corporal David E Scott
MEM(M)2 Alistair R Leighton	Private Ian P Scrivens
L/Cpl Paul Lightfoot	Lt Commander John M Sephton
L/Cpl Budhaparsad Limbu	Craftsman Alexander Shaw
Corporal Michael D Love	Seaman Chan Chai Sing
L/Corporal Christopher K Lovett	L/Cook Anthony E Sillence
Marine Stephen G McAndrews	Sergeant John Simeon
AEMN(I) Allan McAuley	Private Francis Slough
Corporal Keith J McCarthy	Corporal Jeremy Smith
AEA(M)2 Kelvin I McCallum	L/Corporal Nigel R Smith
Corporal Douglas F MacCormack	Corporal Ian F Spencer
A/Cpl Michael McHugh	Steward Mark R Stephens
C/Sgt Ian J McKay	L/RO(W) Bernard J Still
L/Cpl Peter B Mckay	Guardsman Archibald G Stirling
Corporal Stewart P F McLaughlin	MEA2 Geoffrey L J Stockwell
Corporal Andrew G McIlvenny	L/Cpl Anthony R Streatfield
Marine Gordon C MacPherson	A/Weap Eng art David A Strickland
Cook Brian J Malcolm	Steward John Stroud
Guardsman David Malcolmson	S(M) Matthew J Stuart
Guardsman Michael J Marks	WEA1 Kevin Sullivan
NA(AH)1 Brian Marsden	Cpl P S Sullivan
Ldg. Cook A Marshall	Cook Andrew C Swallow
Private Thomas Mechan	L/Cpl Philip A Sweet
Corporal Michael Melia	AAB(EW) Adrian D Sunderland
Private P W Middlewick	Corporal Paul Sullivan
ALMEM(M) David Miller	Corporal Stephen J G Sykes
L/SGT Clark Mitchell	Sapper Wayne D Tarbard
Guardsman Christopher Mordecai	Guardsman Ronald Tanbini
3rd Eng Off Andrew Morris	Lieutenant N. Taylor
A/LS(R) Michael S Mullen	Guardsman Christopher C Thomas
L/Corporal James H Murdoch	Guardsman Glyn K Thomas
Lieutenant Brian Murphy	L/Cpl Nicholas D M Thomas
Lpt Gary T Nelson	Guardsman Raymound G Thomas
L/Corporal Stephen J Newbury	ACWEMN Michael Till
A/Cpl John Newton	Lieutenant David H R Tinker
Guardsman Gareth D Nicholson	MEM(M)2 Stephen Tonkin
POWEM Anthony R Norman	A/Cook Ian E Turnbull
Captain Ian North	Corporal Andrew B Uren
Marine Michael J Nowak	POACMN Collin P Vickers
Lieutenant Richard J Nunn	Mechanic Ernest Vickers
Major Roger Nutbeem	Guardsman Andrew Walker
A/WO2 Sgt Patrick O'Connor	WEMN2 Barry J Wallis
Cook David E Osborne	Corporal Edward T Walpole
AWEM(N)1 David J A Ozbirn	L/Cpl Christopher F Ward
APOWEM(R) Andrew K Palmer	Corporal L G Watts
Private David A Parr	Corporal Laurence Watts
Guardsman Colin C Parsons	Guardsman James F Weaver
L/Corporal John B Pashley	Master-at-Arms Brian Welsh
MEM(M)2 Terence W Perkins	Ldg Cook Adrian K Wellstead
Guardsman Eirwyn J Phillips	Private Philip A West
Marine Keith Phillips	AWEA2 Philip P White
Seaman Ng Por	ALMEM(M) Stephen J White
Guardsman Gareth W Poole	ALMEM(L) Garry Whitford
Staff Sergeant James Prescott	WO2 Daniel Wight
Private Kenneth Preston	Sergeant Malcolm Wigley
Corporal Stephen R Prior	Guardsman David R Williams
LAEM(L) Donald L Pryce	MEM(M)1 Gilbert S Williams
Guardsman James B C Reynolds	WEA/APP Ian R Williams
Cook John R Roberts	Cook Kevin J Williams
Lt Commander Glen S Robinson-Moltke	Marine David Wilson
Craftsman Mark W Rollins	Corporal Scott Wilson
Sergeant Ronald J Rotherham	Captain David A Wood
Guardsman Nigel A Rowberry	Lt Commander John S Woodhead
Marine Anthony J Rundle	Doreen Bonner
L/Cook Mark Sambles