Posted by: Michelle Nielsen
Sunday, 31 January 2010
Monday, 25 January 2010
Monday, 18 January 2010
Muslim protesters hurl abuse at troops
By NEIL SYSON
Published: 09 Jan 2010
A MUSLIM protester accused of shouting abuse at a soldiers' homecoming parade yesterday said his group went out of their way not to cause offence.
Munim Abdul, 29, admitted they branded the troops rapists, murderers, baby killers and terrorists.
But he claimed it was never their intent to upset anyone.
He and six other Muslim men are accused of using threatening, abusive or insulting words and behaviour during the parade by the Royal Anglian Regiment through Luton, Beds, on March 10 last year.
Abdul said: "We chose our words carefully. We did not intend to distress or alarm anyone. The banners were saying they are murderers.
"We meant the entity of the British Forces are a murdering entity.
We meant they are killing people when there is no justification. The war was illegal. Anyone that kills was a murderer."
Asked about the claims that the soldiers were rapists, he said that an Amnesty International report recorded many cases of abuse.
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He said the soldiers were described as "baby killers" because of the bombing of towns and villages.
He added: "We are not judging an individual, we are judging the Armed Forces as an entity."
He and Jubair Ahmed, 19, Jalal Ahmed, 21, Yousaf Bashir, 29, Shajjadar Choudhury, 31, Ibrahim Anderson, 32, and Ziaur Rahman, 32, - all from Luton - are appearing before the town's JPs.
Case continues.
http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/news/campaigns/our_boys/2801177/Muslim-protestor-Minim-Abdul-meant-no-offence.html
Posted by: Grace Vernon
Joanna Lumley donates tickets for troops
ACTRESS Joanna Lumley yesterday announced a Valentine's Day treat of opera and ballet dedicated exclusively to Tickets for Troops.
The Royal Opera House is the first theatre to donate an entire auditorium to the charity, which gives free tickets to our heroes.
Joanna, 63, said: "I am thrilled to host this most special event at such an iconic venue.
"It is a fantastic opportunity for those who put their lives on the line for us."
In the afternoon show military families will be able to dress up in costumes, try instruments and learn from the ROH crew about how shows are staged.
An evening performance follows featuring excerpts from La bohème and Tales of Beatrix Potter danced by The Royal Ballet.
Tickets will be available at ticketsfortroops.org.uk
GURKHA veterans lost a High Court test case with the Ministry of Defence over pensions yesterday.
They will appeal the decision in their battle to get the same rights as UK comrades for around 25,000 Nepalese troops who retired before July 1997.
Posted by: Grace Vernon
The Royal Opera House is the first theatre to donate an entire auditorium to the charity, which gives free tickets to our heroes.
Joanna, 63, said: "I am thrilled to host this most special event at such an iconic venue.
"It is a fantastic opportunity for those who put their lives on the line for us."
In the afternoon show military families will be able to dress up in costumes, try instruments and learn from the ROH crew about how shows are staged.
An evening performance follows featuring excerpts from La bohème and Tales of Beatrix Potter danced by The Royal Ballet.
Tickets will be available at ticketsfortroops.org.uk
GURKHA veterans lost a High Court test case with the Ministry of Defence over pensions yesterday.
They will appeal the decision in their battle to get the same rights as UK comrades for around 25,000 Nepalese troops who retired before July 1997.
Posted by: Grace Vernon
Vinnie Jones in BB house to raise money for Help for Heroes
By JEN BLACKBURN
Published: 04 Jan 2010
Add a comment (21)
HARDMAN Vinnie Jones' stint on Celebrity Big Brother will take his mind off the perils facing his soldier son in Afghanistan.
The soccer star turned film hunk - who entered TV's camera-strewn house last night - is proud that 18-year-old Aaron is fighting for his country in the Household Cavalry.
But he admits he fears for the youngster's life on the frontline, where 245 Brits have been killed since 2001.
He opened his heart before housemates arrived last night for the start of the final Celebrity Big Brother series - seen in our slideshow below...
Among those joining him were Usual Suspects film actor Stephen Baldwin, 43, former R&B star Sisqo, 31, Jordan's cage-fighter lover Alex Reid, 34 - and her pop singer ex-boyfriend Dane Bowers, 30.
Exploits
Vinnie, 44, spent time with Aaron over Christmas. Yet now the teenager is headed to war for the first time, the dad of two admits his stomach is churning with anxiety.
He said: "Aaron's been in the Army for two years now, but him going to Afghanistan is one of those things you put to the back of your mind.
"Although I don't think about any of the bad things that can happen, it still turns your tummy."
But Vinnie, who is expected to donate a percentage of his $1million fee to the Sun-backed troops' charity Help for Heroes, reckons his son is well equipped to deal with the hostilities of war.
He added: "He's been brought up around guns and fishing rods. I grew up with blokes around me and he loves all that too. In a lot of ways, he's identical to me.
"Although I should think he's a lot fitter!"
Bosses on the Channel 4 show are hoping Vinnie, wed 14 years to wife Tanya, will tell tales of his acting exploits after ten years living in the Hollywood Hills and hanging out with the likes of superstars Brad Pitt, Madonna and Sting.
The former Wimbledon and Leeds footballer was last night named as 5/2 clear favourite to win by bookies Ladbrokes.
Close ... Vinnie and son
1\B\Ben Lack
The firm's David Williams said: "Vinnie looks like the perfect Big Brother star. He's got attitude, personality and is likely to shake the house to its foundations."
Cross-dresser Reid arrived at the house to a chorus of boos from fans.
Wearing a hooded coat and trousers, he told host Davina McCall that he hoped to win over the crowd while in the house. He said: "This is why I'm here - to change these boos to, hopefully, cheers."
Actor Baldwin, a born-again Christian, had been the first to enter the house.
Wrapped up against the cold in a leather jacket and scarf, he told Davina before going in: "I'm really only prepared to be able to have this experience by faith."
Nicola T - The Sun's original Page 3 Idol - was the first girl into the house.
The 27-year-old WAG, who lives with Crewe Alexandra footballer Simon Walton, 22, first posed for pictures in a cream baby doll style dress and knee-length stockings.
Dynasty actress Stephanie Beacham, 62, who recently appeared in Coronation Street, made her entrance to the Tom Jones song She's A Lady before being cheered on her way into the house.
She was dressed in Eighties glamour with black satin gloves and a string of pearls.
Once inside she greeted Stephen Baldwin like an old friend, but he didn't seem to know who she was and asked "What's your name?" Stephanie admitted she was "genuinely underwhelmed" by appearing on the show until she saw the welcome she received.
Next in was rapper Lady Sovereign - real name Louise Harman - who introduced herself to Stephanie as "Sov".
When asked by Davina who her nightmare housemate would be, the 24-year-old said: "Someone with an old fashioned opinion or a chav".
Both Stephanie and Baldwin failed to grasp her nickname and referred to her as Soph.
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Sisqo sang along to his hit single Thong Song as he made his way into the house. He told Davina he was looking for love, adding: "Hopefully there'll be some beautiful ladies."
Lady Sovereign remarked they were the same height. He replied: "I'm a little taller when I stand on my wallet."
Jordan's ex boyfriend Bowers was next into the house, sporting what appeared to be a bruise above his eye.
He was greeted by Reid, who cuddled him and shouted: "Round Two" - a jokey reference to their alleged brawl at a New Year's Eve party. When Davina asked "Is there going to be a fight?", Bowers - who starred in '90s boyband Another Level - said: "I'm sorry to disappoint you but we actually get on OK. I've met him a few times and he's a cool guy."
Inside the house, Stephanie asked the singer: "What have you done with your forehead?" He said he had "a boo boo" on it from a few days ago - and admitted using make-up to hide the bruising.
Also in the house is Ronnie Wood's ex Ekaterina Ivanova, 21, who is expected to spill the beans on her time with the veteran Rolling Stones legend. Meanwhile Hollywood madam Heidi Fleiss, 44, could lift the lid on the celebrities to whom she supplied escorts.
Completing the line-up was 25-year-old DJ and producer Basshunter, whose real name is Jonas Erik Altberg.
He is joint second favourite to win, alongside Baldwin and Bowers - all at 7/1.
READ full Vinnie Jones interview in Hello magazine, out now.
http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/showbiz/big_brother/celebrity_big_brother/2792962/Vinnie-Jones-says-hes-going-into-CBB-house-for-his-soldier-son.html
Posted by: Grace Vernon
Published: 04 Jan 2010
Add a comment (21)
HARDMAN Vinnie Jones' stint on Celebrity Big Brother will take his mind off the perils facing his soldier son in Afghanistan.
The soccer star turned film hunk - who entered TV's camera-strewn house last night - is proud that 18-year-old Aaron is fighting for his country in the Household Cavalry.
But he admits he fears for the youngster's life on the frontline, where 245 Brits have been killed since 2001.
He opened his heart before housemates arrived last night for the start of the final Celebrity Big Brother series - seen in our slideshow below...
Among those joining him were Usual Suspects film actor Stephen Baldwin, 43, former R&B star Sisqo, 31, Jordan's cage-fighter lover Alex Reid, 34 - and her pop singer ex-boyfriend Dane Bowers, 30.
Exploits
Vinnie, 44, spent time with Aaron over Christmas. Yet now the teenager is headed to war for the first time, the dad of two admits his stomach is churning with anxiety.
He said: "Aaron's been in the Army for two years now, but him going to Afghanistan is one of those things you put to the back of your mind.
"Although I don't think about any of the bad things that can happen, it still turns your tummy."
But Vinnie, who is expected to donate a percentage of his $1million fee to the Sun-backed troops' charity Help for Heroes, reckons his son is well equipped to deal with the hostilities of war.
He added: "He's been brought up around guns and fishing rods. I grew up with blokes around me and he loves all that too. In a lot of ways, he's identical to me.
"Although I should think he's a lot fitter!"
Bosses on the Channel 4 show are hoping Vinnie, wed 14 years to wife Tanya, will tell tales of his acting exploits after ten years living in the Hollywood Hills and hanging out with the likes of superstars Brad Pitt, Madonna and Sting.
The former Wimbledon and Leeds footballer was last night named as 5/2 clear favourite to win by bookies Ladbrokes.
Close ... Vinnie and son
1\B\Ben Lack
The firm's David Williams said: "Vinnie looks like the perfect Big Brother star. He's got attitude, personality and is likely to shake the house to its foundations."
Cross-dresser Reid arrived at the house to a chorus of boos from fans.
Wearing a hooded coat and trousers, he told host Davina McCall that he hoped to win over the crowd while in the house. He said: "This is why I'm here - to change these boos to, hopefully, cheers."
Actor Baldwin, a born-again Christian, had been the first to enter the house.
Wrapped up against the cold in a leather jacket and scarf, he told Davina before going in: "I'm really only prepared to be able to have this experience by faith."
Nicola T - The Sun's original Page 3 Idol - was the first girl into the house.
The 27-year-old WAG, who lives with Crewe Alexandra footballer Simon Walton, 22, first posed for pictures in a cream baby doll style dress and knee-length stockings.
Dynasty actress Stephanie Beacham, 62, who recently appeared in Coronation Street, made her entrance to the Tom Jones song She's A Lady before being cheered on her way into the house.
She was dressed in Eighties glamour with black satin gloves and a string of pearls.
Once inside she greeted Stephen Baldwin like an old friend, but he didn't seem to know who she was and asked "What's your name?" Stephanie admitted she was "genuinely underwhelmed" by appearing on the show until she saw the welcome she received.
Next in was rapper Lady Sovereign - real name Louise Harman - who introduced herself to Stephanie as "Sov".
When asked by Davina who her nightmare housemate would be, the 24-year-old said: "Someone with an old fashioned opinion or a chav".
Both Stephanie and Baldwin failed to grasp her nickname and referred to her as Soph.
Advertisement
Sisqo sang along to his hit single Thong Song as he made his way into the house. He told Davina he was looking for love, adding: "Hopefully there'll be some beautiful ladies."
Lady Sovereign remarked they were the same height. He replied: "I'm a little taller when I stand on my wallet."
Jordan's ex boyfriend Bowers was next into the house, sporting what appeared to be a bruise above his eye.
He was greeted by Reid, who cuddled him and shouted: "Round Two" - a jokey reference to their alleged brawl at a New Year's Eve party. When Davina asked "Is there going to be a fight?", Bowers - who starred in '90s boyband Another Level - said: "I'm sorry to disappoint you but we actually get on OK. I've met him a few times and he's a cool guy."
Inside the house, Stephanie asked the singer: "What have you done with your forehead?" He said he had "a boo boo" on it from a few days ago - and admitted using make-up to hide the bruising.
Also in the house is Ronnie Wood's ex Ekaterina Ivanova, 21, who is expected to spill the beans on her time with the veteran Rolling Stones legend. Meanwhile Hollywood madam Heidi Fleiss, 44, could lift the lid on the celebrities to whom she supplied escorts.
Completing the line-up was 25-year-old DJ and producer Basshunter, whose real name is Jonas Erik Altberg.
He is joint second favourite to win, alongside Baldwin and Bowers - all at 7/1.
READ full Vinnie Jones interview in Hello magazine, out now.
http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/showbiz/big_brother/celebrity_big_brother/2792962/Vinnie-Jones-says-hes-going-into-CBB-house-for-his-soldier-son.html
Posted by: Grace Vernon
Friday, 8 January 2010
Forces Reunited
On the 5th January I attended the studio audience of the filming of Forces Reunited. The filming took place in Sky Studios, Isleworth.
The show was hosted by former GMTV host Fiona Phillips, who helped bring together long lost friends and relatives of members of the Armed Forces.
Attending the show meant I could do first hand observational research and conduct brief interviews with members of the audience.
The show will be aired on the 5th May on Sky real lives, so make sure you look out for me!!
Posted by Michelle Nielsen
Wednesday, 6 January 2010
New TV show for troops
I received this email today about a new TV programme for troops. WOuld be great if we could attend this.
Dear Miss Vernon,
Happy new year everyone! We bring news of a very special new show hosted by Fiona Phillips showcasing some amazing stories of the men & women of the British armed forces. The show is recording all week - details below! The ONLY way to get tickets is to contact the production team directly and transport to and from the studios will be arranged.
CONTACT: emmagray@leopardfilms.com
Tel: 07967 027722
You can now also keep up-to-date with us on our Twitter and Facebook accounts:
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/tvaudience
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=43452045814
Kind regards,
THE LOST IN TV TEAM
_________________________________________________
THE UMPIRE STRIKES BACK
http://www.lostintv.com/umpire.htm
This feel-good studio show tells amazing stories of the brave men and women of the British armed forces. We'll be staging unforgettable, emotional reunions between families and friends as we celebrate their bravery and achievements.
BE PART OF THE 'FORCES REUNITED' STUDIO AUDIENCE!
FREE TICKETS- GROUP AND SINGLE AVAILABLE.
Recording between 4TH-8TH January 2010, 10am-6pm (am & pm sessions)
Recorded at SKY TELEVISION, British Sky Broadcasting Ltd, Grant Way, Isleworth, Middlesex TW7 5QD.
Audience will be based at Wyke Green Golf Club, Syon Lane, Middlesex, TW7 5PT (adjacent to studios) before and in between filming sessions, with hot food and refreshments provided.
Transport to and from the studios will be arranged.
CONTACT: emmagray@leopardfilms.com
Tel: 07967 027722
Posted by: Grace Vernon
Dear Miss Vernon,
Happy new year everyone! We bring news of a very special new show hosted by Fiona Phillips showcasing some amazing stories of the men & women of the British armed forces. The show is recording all week - details below! The ONLY way to get tickets is to contact the production team directly and transport to and from the studios will be arranged.
CONTACT: emmagray@leopardfilms.com
Tel: 07967 027722
You can now also keep up-to-date with us on our Twitter and Facebook accounts:
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/tvaudience
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=43452045814
Kind regards,
THE LOST IN TV TEAM
_________________________________________________
THE UMPIRE STRIKES BACK
http://www.lostintv.com/umpire.htm
This feel-good studio show tells amazing stories of the brave men and women of the British armed forces. We'll be staging unforgettable, emotional reunions between families and friends as we celebrate their bravery and achievements.
BE PART OF THE 'FORCES REUNITED' STUDIO AUDIENCE!
FREE TICKETS- GROUP AND SINGLE AVAILABLE.
Recording between 4TH-8TH January 2010, 10am-6pm (am & pm sessions)
Recorded at SKY TELEVISION, British Sky Broadcasting Ltd, Grant Way, Isleworth, Middlesex TW7 5QD.
Audience will be based at Wyke Green Golf Club, Syon Lane, Middlesex, TW7 5PT (adjacent to studios) before and in between filming sessions, with hot food and refreshments provided.
Transport to and from the studios will be arranged.
CONTACT: emmagray@leopardfilms.com
Tel: 07967 027722
Posted by: Grace Vernon
Sunday, 3 January 2010
Rihanna New Video
Thought this deserved an add to the blog considering the army theme...
Posted by: Michelle Nielsen
Friday, 1 January 2010
New Year, New Trends
The Military Trends of 2010
Published: Elle January 2010
Posted by: Michelle Nielsen
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