It is the hidden ingredient found in masses of everyday food and household products, but what exactly is palm oil and why is their currently such a fuss about it.
Well it is the cheapest form of oil, which is clearly why it is so popular among huge corporations. It is found in Asia, and is responsible for widespread environmental destruction.
The damage it is causing to the environment can no longer be ignored. Watch last weeks Panorama to discover the grim truth about the palm oil industry.
Thursday 25 February 2010
Wednesday 24 February 2010
It's Miller-Time
Bode Miller stands a reformed man. The former bad boy of the US Ski Team, looks set to be the main man of the Winter Olympics after taking 3 medals in Vancouver with the slalom still up for grabs.
Miller had promised so much for so long. In the Turin Winter Olympics 2006, he was hotly tipped to sweep the Alpine board but dissappointingly came away empty handed. His antics off-piste caused a bit of a scandal and he subsequently fell out with the US ski team.
However, the Miller that skis before us today is a different man, calmer, more focused than ever and more dedicated to the sport. He has finally fulfilled his potential and has taken his first ever Olympic gold in the super combined, along with a silver and a bronze in the super g and downhill. He adds these to his silvers from Salt Lake City in 2002, world championship medals in 2003, 2006 and numerous world cup titles including, most important of all, the coveted overall title in 2008.
Miller has now achieved everything possible in the sport. He stands as the most decorated American alpine skiier of all time, and one of the greatest all-round skiiers to ever grace the piste; one of the few to win Olympic medals in 4 disciplines.
Bode has taken a long road and its been a hard road, but you cannot say he has not done it his way. Who knows where he will go from here. Even Bode probably does not know at this time whether he will continue on the piste. If he does decide to hang up his ski boots, it will be a huge blow to the alpine world. As one of the most entertaining skiiers of all time, he will be sorely missed on the circuit.
Miller had promised so much for so long. In the Turin Winter Olympics 2006, he was hotly tipped to sweep the Alpine board but dissappointingly came away empty handed. His antics off-piste caused a bit of a scandal and he subsequently fell out with the US ski team.
However, the Miller that skis before us today is a different man, calmer, more focused than ever and more dedicated to the sport. He has finally fulfilled his potential and has taken his first ever Olympic gold in the super combined, along with a silver and a bronze in the super g and downhill. He adds these to his silvers from Salt Lake City in 2002, world championship medals in 2003, 2006 and numerous world cup titles including, most important of all, the coveted overall title in 2008.
Miller has now achieved everything possible in the sport. He stands as the most decorated American alpine skiier of all time, and one of the greatest all-round skiiers to ever grace the piste; one of the few to win Olympic medals in 4 disciplines.
Bode has taken a long road and its been a hard road, but you cannot say he has not done it his way. Who knows where he will go from here. Even Bode probably does not know at this time whether he will continue on the piste. If he does decide to hang up his ski boots, it will be a huge blow to the alpine world. As one of the most entertaining skiiers of all time, he will be sorely missed on the circuit.
Tuesday 23 February 2010
Death of Cinema?
Today it emerged that the Odeon Cinema chain will not be showing Tim Burton's newest release Alice in Wonderland in its cinemas.
The dispute is based around the fact that Disney (Wonderland's distribution company) want to reduce the films run in cinemas from the standard 17 weeks to a shorter 12 week window, in order for the DVD to be released sooner.
Disney say this process will help to cut down piracy, by bringing the film to customers more quickly. This decision has ramifications not just for this film, but the entire film industry and the cinema as a viable format.
Newer technologies like DVD have already posed threats to cinema as a medium. Despite the uptake of new technology and increase of piracy, the year 2009 was still the most successful year for the big screen. Clearly it still has its attractions.
It is clear that even though other formats are available, people are still willing to go out and pay for the big screen experience. Alice in Wonderland is a 3D film, and clearly the best way to view this film is on the big screen, you simply cannot get the same experience by watching it at home. So the question has to be raised as to why Disney want this particular film to have a shorter window, as it has a huge pull to the big screen. Shortening its window, means less people will get to have this experience, especially in smaller cinemas.
The Odeon chain owns two-thirds of all the screens in the UK so this dispute is going to be damaging for this film, as less people will be able to see it. Ultimately, more people will be turning away from the big screen and towards other mediums, which is a crying shame, because films like this need to be shown on the big screen.
There is nothing like seeing a film for the first time in the cinema, and this dispute poses questions over the viability and the future of the cinema industry.
The dispute is based around the fact that Disney (Wonderland's distribution company) want to reduce the films run in cinemas from the standard 17 weeks to a shorter 12 week window, in order for the DVD to be released sooner.
Disney say this process will help to cut down piracy, by bringing the film to customers more quickly. This decision has ramifications not just for this film, but the entire film industry and the cinema as a viable format.
Newer technologies like DVD have already posed threats to cinema as a medium. Despite the uptake of new technology and increase of piracy, the year 2009 was still the most successful year for the big screen. Clearly it still has its attractions.
It is clear that even though other formats are available, people are still willing to go out and pay for the big screen experience. Alice in Wonderland is a 3D film, and clearly the best way to view this film is on the big screen, you simply cannot get the same experience by watching it at home. So the question has to be raised as to why Disney want this particular film to have a shorter window, as it has a huge pull to the big screen. Shortening its window, means less people will get to have this experience, especially in smaller cinemas.
The Odeon chain owns two-thirds of all the screens in the UK so this dispute is going to be damaging for this film, as less people will be able to see it. Ultimately, more people will be turning away from the big screen and towards other mediums, which is a crying shame, because films like this need to be shown on the big screen.
There is nothing like seeing a film for the first time in the cinema, and this dispute poses questions over the viability and the future of the cinema industry.
Wednesday 17 February 2010
Lent
I had pancakes yesterday, as well as many other sweet delights for the final time before lent. Pancakes with chocolate and banana yum, as well as your standard sugar and lemon.
I have decided to give becoming a vegan another go. Last time did not go badly, but I just struggled with hidden ingredients and eating out. This time I am ready to go fully vegan for the whole of lent, no ifs, buts, or maybes.
I am also giving up all cereal/bread/crisps/biscuits/cake/chocolate (regardless of whether they are vegan), in a quest to stop eating unhealthily.
The health kick has started, I need to be in great shape before my trip to South America at the end of April, and I am also running the Sport Relief 6 miles at the end of March. So I have little over a month to get in some serious training. Wish me luck.
I have decided to give becoming a vegan another go. Last time did not go badly, but I just struggled with hidden ingredients and eating out. This time I am ready to go fully vegan for the whole of lent, no ifs, buts, or maybes.
I am also giving up all cereal/bread/crisps/biscuits/cake/chocolate (regardless of whether they are vegan), in a quest to stop eating unhealthily.
The health kick has started, I need to be in great shape before my trip to South America at the end of April, and I am also running the Sport Relief 6 miles at the end of March. So I have little over a month to get in some serious training. Wish me luck.
Saturday 13 February 2010
Tragic Death casts a dark shadow over the games
The Winter Olympics are all set to kick off in Vancouver tonight, but the opening ceremony has been overshadowed by the tragic death of Georgian athlete Nodar Kumaritashvili.
The 21-year-old Luge competitor passed away after losing control of his sled during a training run. Doubts had already been cast over the safety of the luge track, many athletes had struggled during training runs, and it seems that an accident was inevitable.
Even if they change the track, and improve its safety, it would be terribly disrepectful to Kumaritashivili, his family and the Georgian team, to hold the men's luge event.
Clearly any sport in which you throw yourself head first down an ice track at 150kph with little to hold onto but a small sheet of metal is always going to be dangerous, but the signs point to the fact that this tragic accident could have been prevented. The track was deemed far too fast by experts, so why did it get the go-ahead.
The games have already struggled to hit the ground running, with protests from all sides, injuries to games top stars like American Skiier Lindsay Vonn. This tragedy is likely to take all the headlines, and the Vancouver games will struggle to recover from such a terrible beginning.
The 21-year-old Luge competitor passed away after losing control of his sled during a training run. Doubts had already been cast over the safety of the luge track, many athletes had struggled during training runs, and it seems that an accident was inevitable.
Even if they change the track, and improve its safety, it would be terribly disrepectful to Kumaritashivili, his family and the Georgian team, to hold the men's luge event.
Clearly any sport in which you throw yourself head first down an ice track at 150kph with little to hold onto but a small sheet of metal is always going to be dangerous, but the signs point to the fact that this tragic accident could have been prevented. The track was deemed far too fast by experts, so why did it get the go-ahead.
The games have already struggled to hit the ground running, with protests from all sides, injuries to games top stars like American Skiier Lindsay Vonn. This tragedy is likely to take all the headlines, and the Vancouver games will struggle to recover from such a terrible beginning.
Monday 8 February 2010
Go Saints
It is always great to hear a bit of a good news story, and today the story is the New Orleans Saints winning their first ever Superbowl, after beating the Colts.
I think all the neutrals globally were pulling for the Saints, and it is great for them and the state of New Orleans. It is about bloody time the people of New Orleans had some good news, something to celebrate, and something to bring a little bit of hope and joy into the lives of people who have suffered unbearably since Katrina.
It is great to see an underdog come through and it is even nicer when it's effect will be so positive for so many people.
I think all the neutrals globally were pulling for the Saints, and it is great for them and the state of New Orleans. It is about bloody time the people of New Orleans had some good news, something to celebrate, and something to bring a little bit of hope and joy into the lives of people who have suffered unbearably since Katrina.
It is great to see an underdog come through and it is even nicer when it's effect will be so positive for so many people.
Saturday 6 February 2010
Stop the 'honour' killings
I just find it hard to believe that supposed 'honour' killings are still happening in the world.
The Guardian has reported on this recent case today. It is truly horrific. A 16 year old girl from Turkey was killed for talking to boys...Now I know that our culture is very different to that of Turkeys, but it is wholly unaccetable that 'honour killings' were ever allowed to happen, let alone that they are still happening in this day and age.
This story made me sick to my stomach, particularly the way in which it was carried out. The family had a 'council' meeting...I am sure that was carried out democratically, and obviously the child got a chance to speak...yeah whatevs. Then she was buried alive...
I just cannot think what she had been feeling, she must of been so alone, what a waste of a life. People die everyday, accidents happen, but to cut a life short for something so ridiculous, is just not right.
Apparently these 'honour killings' are still quite common in Turkey. Where do we draw a line under this, where does it stop.
The Guardian has reported on this recent case today. It is truly horrific. A 16 year old girl from Turkey was killed for talking to boys...Now I know that our culture is very different to that of Turkeys, but it is wholly unaccetable that 'honour killings' were ever allowed to happen, let alone that they are still happening in this day and age.
This story made me sick to my stomach, particularly the way in which it was carried out. The family had a 'council' meeting...I am sure that was carried out democratically, and obviously the child got a chance to speak...yeah whatevs. Then she was buried alive...
I just cannot think what she had been feeling, she must of been so alone, what a waste of a life. People die everyday, accidents happen, but to cut a life short for something so ridiculous, is just not right.
Apparently these 'honour killings' are still quite common in Turkey. Where do we draw a line under this, where does it stop.
Friday 5 February 2010
We have all been merkd.
'Super JT' has been stripped of the England captaincy. Absolutely the right decision by Capello.
Although slightly worrying to me was the statement from Capello about his vice-captain. I believed this to be Stevie Gerrard, but apparently it is Rio Ferdinand. Now, if I understand Capello's words correctly, then that would mean that Rio would now be the new England Captain.
Does anyone else find that slightly concerning? This is the guy who has been utterly destroyed by numerous defenders in the premier league this season-Bellamy ripped him to shreds the other night just as one example-, not to mention has been out for extended periods of time with injury. I do not even think he should make the starting eleven on current form, and do we really want a guy who came up with the absolutely terrible "you've been merckd!" catchphrase to lead our national team.
There are calls to give the armband to Rooney, but I am not sure about this. I think it is a huge pressure, with the weight of the nation on your shoulders. I believe we would get the best out of Rooney if he played with freedom and wearing the captains armband he is not going to achieve that.
Please save Capello, give the armband to Liverpool's finest for everybodys sake.
Although slightly worrying to me was the statement from Capello about his vice-captain. I believed this to be Stevie Gerrard, but apparently it is Rio Ferdinand. Now, if I understand Capello's words correctly, then that would mean that Rio would now be the new England Captain.
Does anyone else find that slightly concerning? This is the guy who has been utterly destroyed by numerous defenders in the premier league this season-Bellamy ripped him to shreds the other night just as one example-, not to mention has been out for extended periods of time with injury. I do not even think he should make the starting eleven on current form, and do we really want a guy who came up with the absolutely terrible "you've been merckd!" catchphrase to lead our national team.
There are calls to give the armband to Rooney, but I am not sure about this. I think it is a huge pressure, with the weight of the nation on your shoulders. I believe we would get the best out of Rooney if he played with freedom and wearing the captains armband he is not going to achieve that.
Please save Capello, give the armband to Liverpool's finest for everybodys sake.
Thursday 4 February 2010
Face-Off
With the initial Oscar nominations just announced it looks like this years ceremony will be a two way fight between revolutionary 3D film Avatar and gripping Iraq war drama The Hurt Locker. Ironically, the battle sees Avatar director James Cameron pitted against his ex-wife and Hurt Locker director Kathryn Bigelow.The battle sees blockbuster spectacular Avatar, a huge success on a global scale, versus smaller scale though no less dramatic war movie, which has been roundly praised by the critics.
Avatar looks spectacular, no question about it, but for me for a film to get the nod at the oscars it needs to have a bit more of a coherent plot, driven by narrative not spectacle, with characters I can engage in. Avatar is visually stunning, but a film needs to do a lot more than just look pretty.
The Hurt Locker is absolutely gripping from start to finish, its gritty, its sweaty, its pulsating. You are right there with the Bomb Disposal Unit as they face every obstacle. Its an important film, and a story that needed to be told, highlighting, to some extent, the life and the problems that many troops in Iraq and Afghanistan are facing on a daily basis.
I just do not see how there can be any contest. I do not think a big screen spectacular blockbuster can get by on just looking good alone. It needs to have substance, and that is where I think Avatar fails. So come Oscars night I will be firmly backing Bigelow's The Hurt Locker, it has everything you would want from a good movie, and fully deserves to sweep the board for 2010.
Wednesday 3 February 2010
Go Team Bridge
I am fully on Wayne Bridges side with regards to the current John Terry scandal. I think it would be an absolute travesty if Bridge were to miss out on going to the world cup due to the disgraceful actions of Terry. Bridge is a quality left back, and is excellent cover for Ashley Cole.
"Super JT", should be stripped of the captains armbands of both club and country and as far as I am concerned should be kicked out of the England side completely. As England and Chelsea captain, Terry is a role model for children not only in the UK but worldwide and he should be setting a positive example. Terry's actions completely conflict with this role. I am sure we have not even heard all of the grimy details yet, and more will probably emerge over the coming days.
England boss Capello faces a big decision, and ideally with the World Cup looming on the horizon, this is not ideal preparation, and it could have an unsettling effect on the team. However, I do not think that Capello should have to make this decision. Terry should stand up, like a man, for once, apologise for his actions and step down as captain, that would be the right thing to do.
There are plenty of able replacements within the England team. Gerrard or Rooney would do a fine job leading England in South Africa in a few months time. If Terry is still in the job during the summer, and is the one who leads the line out in front of a global audience, then what sort of message is that sending.
"Super JT", should be stripped of the captains armbands of both club and country and as far as I am concerned should be kicked out of the England side completely. As England and Chelsea captain, Terry is a role model for children not only in the UK but worldwide and he should be setting a positive example. Terry's actions completely conflict with this role. I am sure we have not even heard all of the grimy details yet, and more will probably emerge over the coming days.
England boss Capello faces a big decision, and ideally with the World Cup looming on the horizon, this is not ideal preparation, and it could have an unsettling effect on the team. However, I do not think that Capello should have to make this decision. Terry should stand up, like a man, for once, apologise for his actions and step down as captain, that would be the right thing to do.
There are plenty of able replacements within the England team. Gerrard or Rooney would do a fine job leading England in South Africa in a few months time. If Terry is still in the job during the summer, and is the one who leads the line out in front of a global audience, then what sort of message is that sending.
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