BEYOND NORTHERN IRAQ: mail2bni@yahoo.co.uk

2007-07-05T13:55:00.000+01:00

FREE AT LAST

After more than 110 days in captivity, my colleague Alan Johnston is finally free.

Yesterday was one of the greatest days I've ever spent in the BBC newsroom. Even the most grizzled hack had a smile on his or her face.

Yesterday evening, we celebrated Alan's release at the Amnesty International Media Awards, where his parents Graham and Margaret received a standing ovation.

And after thinking long and hard about it, I've decided to use Alan's release as an opportunity to draw this blog to a close....for the moment at least.

The sad fact is that with the demands of my beautiful baby, work and assorted other projects, I just haven't had the time or energy I'd like to devote to this blog recently.

I don't like doing things by half measures, so I'd rather stop completely than continue half-heartedly.

Although I haven't decided yet, I'm tempted to continue podcasting and would be interested to hear about any projects which might be of interest to a cynical, one-legged hack.

It's been a fascinating, stimulating, if at times tragic four years.

Thanks to everyone who's followed the journey.

2007-05-09T15:54:00.000+01:00

For info, my contribution to "Listening Post" will air on Al Jazeera English this Friday at 1530BST.

You can watch it on Sky channel 514.

2007-05-08T17:57:00.000+01:00

The view from my office window...

2007-05-08T15:09:00.000+01:00

I'm probably hopelessly behind the curve on this one, but James Hider's piece in today's Times alerted me to the most outstanding example of citizen journalism I've ever seen.

Hometown Baghdad is a series of short video diaries posted on You Tube which chronicles the lives of three twentysomethings living in the Iraqi capital.

All three seem destined for million dollar US TV contracts and a primetime series.

You'll learn more about Iraq from one of their video diaries than you will from a month of network TV news.

2007-05-08T12:48:00.000+01:00

WOMBLING FREE(CYCLE)

I've blogged about it before, but I can't help but sing the praises of the modern marvel that is Freecycle.

We're getting our loft converted in a few months and have been clearing out all the unwanted crap that's been sitting up there for years.

But one man's trash is another man's treasure.

I put a whole host of items up on Freecycle -- stereo equipment, shelves, bits of furniture -- and within a few hours most were snapped up.

They would have ended up in landfill, but instead they've been given a whole new lease of life somewhere in West London.

Maybe they'll just end up on eBay, but if someone can make a profit from my old junk, good on them.

2007-05-07T22:06:00.000+01:00

The BBC's Gaza Correspondent Alan Johnston has now been held for eight weeks, and as my colleague Matthew Price reports, his ordeal is adding to the sense of deep pessimism in the Gaza Strip.

I was contacted last week by a producer from Listening Post, Al Jazeera English's weekly media review.

They asked me to contribute a videoblog about Alan. The vlog should appear on next week's show, but in the meantime you can watch it below.

2007-05-04T13:51:00.000+01:00

The sweetest words I've read on the wires today came from the Press Association:

"Tickets for Barbra Streisand's first UK gig in 13 years sold out in just 20 minutes today - despite their hefty price tag."

My trigger finger was twitching at 08:59:30 this morning and I snapped up a pair of £200 tickets for the show within seconds of them going on sale.

If anyone wants to make me an offer for a pair of seats in Block 404.....

2007-05-04T11:06:00.001+01:00

I've uploaded Mike Wooldridge's report on the Alan Johnston service at St Bride's yesterday. Watch it below.

2007-05-04T07:09:00.000+01:00

Start your Bank Holiday Weekend with a smile in the form of a very cute picture of Billy Bob.

2007-05-03T20:59:00.000+01:00

A special thanks to the New Yorkers at Streetsblog for the link back here following my recent comments about cycling in the capital.

Seems we have a lot in common.

Streetsblog is a new discovery for me -- but is one I'll be visiting regularly from now on.

2007-05-03T20:49:00.000+01:00

I can't let today go by without mentioning the fact that it's World Press Freedom Day.

Those of us who are campaigning for Alan Johnston's release having been using the day as a means of keeping Alan's plight in the public eye.

There have been events worldwide -- most notably at the UN -- and Alan's situation has been even more uppermost in our minds today.

For my part, I dashed over to Fleet Street at lunchtime for a special service for Alan and all journalists who are under threat at St Bride's Church -- the spiritual home of journalists.

St Bride's has an altar set aside for journalists and every time I go there I'm struck by its poignancy. The altar seems ever more crammed with memorial nameplates for friends and colleagues I've worked with and who have been killed in the course of their work -- Kaveh Golestan, Kate Peyton, Simon Cumbers....

Sadly, the list keeps growing.

2007-05-03T20:38:00.000+01:00

A rare foray into the corporate world today -- but for a very good reason.

For the last few months I've been working with MAG and the No More Landmines Trust on the launch of a scultpture exhibition by the Canadian artist Blake.

This morning, amid the magnificent surroundings of Haberdashers Hall near Smithfield Market, we launched Blake's new collection Fragments. I was on hand to speak about my personal experience of landmines and the importance of donating to mine clearance work.

We're aiming first at corporate clients as they have the deepest pockets. The profits from every sale will go towards landmine clearance and Blake is hoping to raise £1.2m for the cause.

It's an ambitious target, but a very worthy one.

Read more about what Blake's trying to achieve by downloading the exhibition prospectus here.

2007-05-02T17:18:00.000+01:00

Maybe it's the prospect of this Summer's Grand Depart, maybe it's the boom in the number of cyclists in the capital, but the London Evening Standard -- bible of the city's tube-bound strap hangers -- has gone cycling crazy.

The Standard is pushing a 12 point charter to bring about nothing short of a London Cycling Revolution. (The charter isn't available online but I've uploaded it here.)

Why they've suddenly started crusading for us dedicated pedallers is the subject of much debate. Is it just because Associated Newspapers hate Ken Livingstone and see the cycling issue as a stick with which to beat the Mayor? Is the paper trying to court a new market of readers because more cyclists = fewer strap hangers = fewer sales of the Standard at tube stations?

Resonance FM's Bike Show chews over the Standard's proposals in a podcast, which is worth a listen.

I hope the plans are noted by one Mr Williams of Acton, the owner of the black Peugeot 407 that hit me yesterday morning after making a blatantly illegal manouevre, sending me flying over his front quarter.

Send me the cheque for the repairs to my beloved Specialized Tricross, Mr Williams, and we'll take it no further.

2007-04-27T13:11:00.000+01:00

HANGING'S TOO GOOD FOR 'EM...

It won't surprise any cyclist to learn that a bike is stolen every 71 seconds.

My regular cycling routes -- central London, Richmond, Kingston and Twickenham -- are among the hot spots.

Unusually, Tory MP Boris Johnson had the right idea when he called for sharia law for bicycle thieves.

Alternatively, councils should be lobbied to use some of the millions they're making from parking tickets to provide secure cycle storage.

2007-04-27T11:14:00.000+01:00

Wherever you look at the moment there seem to be amputees breaking sporting records.

There's Oscar Pistorius, of course, who has become the first amputee to break 11 seconds for the 100m.

Kelly Bruno has broken 14 hours in her first Ironman competition -- and now has her eye on the Kona Ironman.

And last Sunday Richard Whitehead completed the London Marathon in under 4 hours.

All three put me to shame.

2007-04-25T22:30:00.000+01:00

It's a Big Week at Hughes Towers.

There comes a time in every man's life when he has to forsake the breast and the bottle and grow up a little.

For me, that moment has yet to come.

For William Robert, however, it's time to get weaning.

Some babies may find weaning difficult, but not the Bobster. He'd probably chew a chunk out of your arm if you gave him half a chance.

And so -- filmed entirely in Spoon-O-Vision -- I give you Billy's Adventures In Solids.

2007-04-25T19:23:00.000+01:00

And so farewell, Heather Mills, who has been booted off Dancing with the Stars in the sixth week.

Still, her departure gives me a chance to highlight this fine piece of journalism once again.

2007-04-20T14:20:00.000+01:00

The Times reports on strategies suggested by a psychologist to beat commuter stress, such as singing to yourself, chewing gum or praying.

But there's a far more effective to overcome rush hour hell.

Ditch that stinking, overcrowded, sweaty tube carriage altogether and cycle to work instead.

2007-04-20T11:35:00.000+01:00

Never mind Heather Mills in Dancing with the Stars, artist Lisa Bufano has got some real crazy amputee shit going on.

Visit her personal website here.

2007-04-18T13:53:00.000+01:00

My boss Jon Williams explains how you can spread the word about Alan Johnston.

2007-04-18T11:53:00.000+01:00

OPIUM OF THE MASSES

In this multi-channel digital age there's a channel for just about everyone -- winelovers, golfers, people living on the Isle of Wight....and babies.

William's become hooked on Sky channel 626 -- home of Baby TV.

Watching it is the most surreal experience -- chilled out visuals for the under 3s, 24 hours a day. It seems to work like infant crack, turning the most fractious tot into a blissed out bundle of love -- especially just before bedtime.

Naturally, I only allow Billy to watch TV in small doses -- 12 hours at a stretch is my absolute maximum.

2007-04-18T11:30:00.000+01:00

The Israeli press have picked up on the absurb NUJ boycott -- but British hacks working in Israel are suitably dismissive.

Over at the Times, Michael Gove is cancelling his NUJ subscription because of the Israel row.

The Foreign Office also thinks it's bonkers.

The NUJ has, once again, misjudged the mood of the rank and file over this one.

2007-04-16T11:18:00.001+01:00

There's a deeply sombre mood in the newsroom today.

We've got no further information on Alan Johnston other than the details we've been reporting.

We're all just desperately hoping the claim he's been killed proves to be untrue.

2007-04-16T11:18:00.000+01:00

2007-04-13T18:39:00.000+01:00

Further justification that my decision to leave the NUJ was the right one.

Regardless of the rights or wrongs of last year's war in Lebanon, how can British journalists working in Israel possibly be regarded as neutral observers when the organisation supposedly representing them votes in favour of a boycott on Israeli goods.

The Israeli press will have a field day.

The Guardian's Stephen Brook, blogging from the NUJ conference, is spot on:

"Once again the NUJ has made a fool of itself with the worst kind of display of right-on, sanctimonious posturing. I'm sure that the Knesset will be quaking in its boots.

"It's not what I joined the NUJ for. I didn't vote against the motion as I am not a delegate at these proceedings, but a working journalist. But I am comforted by two thoughts. Firstly, that the vast majority of NUJ members (some 39,000) would not support the motion, as opposed to the 66 that did. Secondly, that the motion will have zero effect, apart from some isolated sentiments of "we showed 'em" around the bar of the Birmingham Holiday Inn tonight.

Why can't NUJ delegates get passionate about something that is really important to journalists..."

2007-04-13T12:29:00.000+01:00

A few more offerings from the Alan Johnston campaign.

Pictures of the billboards featuring Alan which have been erected in central London are here and here and above is a GIF which can be attached to e-mails and websites to draw attention to his situation.

2007-04-12T18:15:00.000+01:00

TAKING ACTION

To the Foreign Press Association in London this morning to produce coverage of the press conference held by the family of our friend and colleague, Alan Johnston.

Alan was abducted in Gaza exactly a month ago and a series of events were held in the UK and the Middle East today to highlight his plight and try to put pressure on those holding him.

Large billboards have been erected in central London locations to remind the public at large of his situation.

It was a day of many moving moments.

In an unprecedented move, the BBC, Sky, CNN and Al Jazeera came together to broadcast a special programme for Alan.

It's a sign of how far the broadcast industry has come in recent years on issues of journalist safety that for a short time we were all able to put aside competitive rivalries and speak with one voice.

As I know from personal experience, when one of our number is killed, injured or taken hostage in the line of duty there's a collective sense of "there but for the grace of God go I...." What has happened to Alan could have happened to any of us -- and it affects us deeply.

But the most moving part of the day was undoubtedly the letter read by Alan's father Graham, addressing both his son and those who are holding him.

We can only hope that wherever he is, Alan was watching or listening.

I've uploaded Mr Johnston's statement onto You Tube and I urge you to watch it, and to spare a thought for Alan.

2007-04-11T17:41:00.000+01:00

I've fixed the broken links to the blog archives.

Now every post -- from the heady pre-war, two-legged days of February 2003 to the present day -- can be accessed from the front page.

Enjoy!

2007-04-11T16:42:00.000+01:00

Watch out for 7/7 survivor and double amputee Gill Hicks on a media outlet near you.

She's doing the rounds promoting her new book One Unknown, an account of her journey of recovery.

It's strange to think that while I was rushing towards Tavistock Square on my bike on 7/7, providing some of the first reports from the scene, Gill Hicks was fighting for her life.

Gill is also an ambassador for the charity Peace Direct.

Watch her moving promo video for the organisation below.

2007-04-04T17:19:00.000+01:00

Today marks the catchily-named International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action.

For anyone living in Chicago, an exhibition of photos by my chum Sean Sutton at the Chicago Cultural Centre's Michigan Avenue Galleries.

2007-04-02T13:33:00.000+01:00

My name is among several hundred friends and colleagues who are calling for the immediate release of Alan Johnston in an advert in the Guardian.

Download the advert here.

It's a poignant day for the ad to be published.

It's four years to the day since I lost my leg to an Iraqi landmine and Kaveh Golestan lost his life.

I make a point of treating the anniversary as a cause of celebration. Despite the tragedy, I'm still here.

This year I've got more reason than ever to celebrate. Not only am I here but little William Robert is too.

2007-03-30T13:20:00.000+01:00

The News and Observer asks amputees what they think of Heather Mills.

What a good idea for a story. Why didn't I think of that?

2007-03-28T13:48:00.000+01:00

DANCING QUEEN?

Heather Mills is, unsurprisingly, causing quite a buzz with her amputee dancing antics on Dancing With The Stars.

But what do other amps make of her?

I put the question out to the amputee community for discussion and wrote up the response in an article for the BBC News website.

2007-03-27T12:03:00.000+01:00

I'M BACK

Thanks for all the e-mails over recent weeks from people asking "where the hell are you?"

Well rest easy, I'm still here.

The simple fact is that I've been preoccupied with my shitting, puking, crying bundle of joy and so blogging (and indeed most other things) have taken a back seat.

But after four tumultuous months things -- or rather one thing in particular -- are starting to settle down a little.

I'm starting to plan some interesting assignments and it'd be a shame not to share them.

Meanwhile, there are some new photos of the little fella on the Flickr photostream.

2006-12-25T12:37:00.000Z

Santa's little helper wishes you a very merry Christmas.

(More photos here.)

2006-12-23T17:29:00.000Z

The Scotsman has a lengthy article of the work of demining organisation the HALO Trust in Angola.

2006-12-23T17:22:00.000Z

Mainly for family consumption, I've uploaded some new pictures of William here.

2006-12-23T13:19:00.000Z

The Proprio made an appearance on BBC Wales Today last night.

It also marks Billy Bob's televisual debut at the tender age of five weeks. He plays the role of deceptively cute and quiet baby and gives the piece that added "aaahhhhhh" factor.

Download the Real Media file here -- the report starts 12'40" into the programme.

Apologies for the poor quality -- the version ripped off the web is the best I've got until I can get hold of a proper archive copy after Christmas.

2006-12-15T15:47:00.000Z

Please god, don't let that crooning scouse freak Eddie Munster win X-Factor.

Do your duty to humanity. Vote Leona.

2006-12-14T20:52:00.000Z

Today, I managed to breathe life into a state-of-the-art prosthesis worth £12,000 using nothing more than a paperclip and a roll of electrical tape.

My Proprio, as I've written many times before, is a fine piece of kit.

But like an iPod, a laptop or a mobile phone it relies on battery power and no power = useless.

In the course of regular use, one of the pins connecting the Lithium Ion battery to the foot unit snapped off -- and the foot immediately seized up.

Not a good advertisement when you've got BBC Wales coming to London next Tuesday to film a report about the leg.

So, using my best Heath Robinson ingenuity, I fashioned a new pin out an inch-long length of paperclip wire and lashed the rig back together with tape.

Amazingly, it worked.

The Proprio is functioning perfectly again -- for the moment at least.

I take great comfort in the knowledge that should I ever find myself in a war zone or up a mountain with a conked out bionic prosthesis, I might just be able to fix it.

2006-12-14T09:16:00.000Z

The latest edition of 220 Triathlon magazine contains a supplement about the London Triathlon group of races -- and an article written by a certain one-legged duathlete.

Download it here.

2006-12-12T23:09:00.000Z

I've uploaded a couple of new photos onto the Flickr photostream.

2006-12-12T08:56:00.000Z

Farewell Roadie -- an inspiration to amputees everywhere.

2006-12-11T06:01:00.000Z

Unusually, the baby woke me up at 3am crying for his middle of the night feed and, equally unusually, I've been unable to get back to sleep since.

So I've been passing the time by dipping into Jeremy Bowen's new book, War Stories.

In the flesh, Jeremy's not one of those "been there, done that" hacks who bores people rigid at the bar of the Frontline Club with tales of past derring-do. Perhaps he's been saving his yarns for the book because his experience of more than 15 years of conflict makes for compelling reading.

We worked together during the summer covering the war in Lebanon, and reading the book reminded me of the showreel of "highlights" that cameraman Shane McDonald of Crewhouse TV put together after his tour of duty.

So I've uploaded it for your viewing pleasure.

It's amazing what a crying baby does for your productivity.

2006-12-10T01:27:00.000Z

The best odds available on Nicole Cooke to win the 2006 BBC Sports Personality of the Year award are 50-1.

It's a crying shame.

This year, the Welsh Wonder became the world number one women's road cyclist, secured the Women's World Cup, won the women's version of the Tour de France, the British Road Race Championship, La Flèche Wallonne, the Magali Pache Time Trial, the Castilla y Leon World Cup Race and the Thüringen-Rundfahrt stage race.

And while her most illustrious male counterparts spent the season under a cloud of drug-fuelled suspicion, Cooke rode -- and won -- clean.

She's my sporting hero of the year by a mile.

2006-12-09T20:12:00.000Z

Billy Bob isn't the only new kid on the block.

Beating him in the age stakes by a full three weeks is his cousin Lauren, the newly-arrived daughter of Aileen's elder sister, Fiona (and seen here to the left.)

On the way back to London we popped in to see the Bristol-based bairn.

The two new fathers did a better job of bonding than did the babies themselves, who seemed utterly oblivious to the presence of the other.

Still, if nothing else the visit made me extremely thankful we didn't have twins.

I fear fatherhood is making me far too soft. I must ask for an assignment to another war zone ASAP.

2006-12-09T19:47:00.000Z

Back from Cardiff, where I've spent the week in the belief that it's important for Billy Bob to breathe some pure Welsh air before he gets too old.

However, I'd be lying if I said that the soothing sound of the lilting Welsh language or the rhythms of Dylan Thomas's poetry helped lull the boy to sleep.

While I've been away there's been a mini PR flurry over my new bionic leg.

The Mail on Sunday took the lead with this piece, which was followed up back home by the Western Mail (note: the article refers to me for first time ever using the time-honoured phrase "father-of-one") and the South Wales Echo.

There were a number of other follow-ups which I'm currently pursuing, so expect the leg to pop up in other media outlets soon.

2006-12-06T14:36:00.000Z

Apologies for the lack of posts in recent days.

I'm spending time with the Bloglet, taking delight in watching him grow and thrive.

And that, surely, must come first.

2006-11-28T19:02:00.000Z

You've got to admire this chap's ingenuity but there's really no need to use broom handles and gaffer tape -- a set of hand controls is the preferred option for amputees taking part in high speed police chases.

2006-11-25T12:05:00.000Z

Aileen, of course, deserves the little bit of bling she received for bringing Billy Bob into the world, but that's not to say the father shouldn't get a little something as well.

I'm a huge fan of illustrator Olivier Kugler's work, which has been featured recently in the Guardian. I love his free lines and comic-book style narratives.

I'm also a huge fan of Iceland, which Olivier visited during his recent Guardian assignment.

So I got in touch with Olivier and bought a signed print of his Iceland illustration as well as some of the illustrations of the Tour De France he did a few years ago for Outside magazine.

They're currently being framed and are going to take pride of place in my study.

After all, why should William get all treats?

2006-11-24T19:00:00.000Z

31 hours of labour deserves a reward -- and only bling will do.

2006-11-23T19:17:00.000Z

Sad news indeed that Nick Clarke has died at the age of 58.

A true giant of radio, a superb journalist and a genuinely lovely man.

2006-11-22T18:10:00.000Z

The Guardian features fellow amputees injured in Iraq in today's paper.

It's a heart-wrenching article but there's one uplifting paragraph I can totally relate to:

His wife Debbie is "an unpolished rock". He confessed: "So many times I've hit her with attacks like, 'What are you doing with me, I'm limbless?' When I first woke up, I was like, 'What do you want to be with me for, I'm not the bloke you married?' And she said, 'You may not be physically, but you are the same person on the inside.'

Billy Bob's appearance is testament to Aileen's similarly resolute spirit.

2006-11-22T10:42:00.000Z

My old mate Heather Mills claims she would rather lose the rest of her limbs than repeat the trauma of her marriage breakdown.

What complete bollocks.

I don't wish to underestimate what I'm sure is the huge anguish of a divorce, but having lost a limb I can assure you it's somewhat traumatic.

I'd rather not go through it again thrice over.

Get over yourself, love.

2006-11-21T16:03:00.000Z

He's official.

This morning I cycled over to Hammersmith Registry Office (any excuse to get out of the house and get on my bike for a quick thrash) and picked up Billy's birth certificate.

Now he's an official member of the human race the state will doubtlesly come after him for taxes and unpaid parking fines.

As for me, I'm still buzzing with the honey-coated euphoria of fatherhood despite the sleep deprivation.

As I pedalled along the Thames Path from Kew to Hammersmith in the crisp morning sunshine, the river sweeping along next to me and KT Tunstall's excellent acoustic album on the iPod, I found myself grinning uncontrollably.

When I got back home I asked Aileen how she was finding motherhood -- the long and painful labour, the endless feeds, the cries and yelps of a newborn.

"It's absolutely fantastic," she replied.

2006-11-20T22:15:00.000Z

As Alexander Litvinenko fights for his life after being poisoned with thallium, I thank my lucky stars.

In the past I've suffered from panic attacks and was prescribed valium by the GP.

But you know what doctors' handwriting is like.

A slip-up by the pharmacist and I too could be as bald as Yul Brynner after a visit to the barbers.

More importantly, Litvinenko recently spoke at the Frontline Club about the murder of Russian journalist, Anna Politkovskaya.

Watch his contribution and you can realise the full extent of his devastating poisoning -- and understand the reasons why some people would want him dead.

2006-11-20T14:17:00.000Z

2006-11-20T12:55:00.000Z

I recently raised the prospect of cancelling my membership to the National Union of Journalists.

Today, with heavy heart, I did so.

I hope it's only a temporary move. I'd be delighted to rejoin if I can be convinced the union is truly worth the subscription fees.

2006-11-17T19:44:00.000Z

William's home safe and sound and doing brilliantly.

Aileen and I have even managed to get some sleep -- we're making the most of BB's post-birth sleepiness.

There's some more pictures here and another video clip here.

2006-11-17T03:05:00.000Z

A little video snippet here of Billy Bob doing what babies who are seven hours old do.

Apologies for the lack of production values but I'm sure you understand.

2006-11-17T01:15:00.000Z

It pales into insignificance compared with the other goings on at the moment, but my article for BBC Online about the Proprio bionic foot has been published today and can be found here.

2006-11-17T00:54:00.000Z

I'd love to claim it was all my own work, but I'm afraid I'd be lying.

William Robert "Billy Bob" Hughes was born at 0844GMT on Thursday 16th November, weighing 6lb 14oz.

His arrival was without question the most raw, visceral, emotionally draining, at times frightening but ultimately amazing experience I've ever been through.

As I've already said to Aileen, it was harder to go through than losing my leg.

Over 30 hours of labour, she coped with an inner strength and a determination I could barely believe. The gas and air seemed to help -- and even Aileen said it was quite useful as well -- although at the end of it all she admitted she'd probably think twice about natural childbirth next time.

But now it's all over, the most important thing is that we have a strong, healthy son who's perfect in every way. Just lying with him cradled in my arms in the hospital as he snuffled gently next to me was truly magical.

Aileen's still at the hospital getting some help to get his feeding started and hopefully tomorrow we'll all be home. As a family.

There are more photos on the Flickr photostream here.

2006-11-16T16:05:00.000Z

Beyond Northern Iraq Audioblog #2

Gabcast! Beyond Northern Iraq Audioblog #2

2006-11-15T17:37:00.000Z

15 hours gone, 2 trips to the maternity ward, but we're still waiting. It's going to be a long night....

2006-11-15T04:00:00.000Z

As you may be able to guess from the time of this posting, today looks set to be the first day of Hughes Jr's life.

Off to the hospital shortly. More in due course.....

2006-11-14T14:04:00.000Z

A stunning piece on last night's evening news from my colleague, Al Leithead in Afghanistan.

I had meant to blog it anyway, but Jim e-mailed from the US to sing its praises:

"Alistair Leithead's report from Afghanistan last night on BBC World News (the feed we receive in the United States)is one of the reasons I watch the channel. He is an excellent reporter and that report while riding with the British troops, plus conversations with them, and the risks under fire from the Taliban was excellent.

It's compelling, courageous reporting, without fanfare or grandstanding. Watch the piece here.

2006-11-13T20:25:00.000Z

Still nothing to report.

2006-11-10T10:06:00.000Z

PIMP MY ARMOURED

Usually, the armoured cars we use to travel around hostile environments are pretty utilitarian affairs.

The air conditioning rarely works, you can't wind down the windows, and they handle like a skip on wheels.

Trust CNN to buck the trend.

They've taken the Hummer they used during the Iraq war to the custom shop for a few modifications.

The result is Warrior One -- a flag waving, gas guzzling, CO2 producing publicity stunt.......sorry, I meant "memorial to the journalists who risked their lives and in some cases gave their lives to tell the story of the war."

Just the thing that's needed for dodging small arms fire in....er....the local strip mall.

2006-11-09T19:13:00.000Z

This story caused much amusement in the office this morning -- but poor Radio 2 newsreader John Marsh was expected to read it on air.

Here's the inevitable result.

2006-11-09T11:35:00.000Z

I'm a loyal member of the National Union of Journalists.

The union helped me out with legal advice after I was injured in Iraq and I was very grateful.

But now I'm seriously considering canceling my subscription.

One of the main reasons is a groveling apology to MP Gregory Campbell in the union magazine, the Journalist -- which has itself long been an embarrassment to our profession.

The union which is supposed to represent journalists in the UK has paid substantial damages and legal costs -- funded out of our subscriptions -- because it totally failed to follow the most basic principles of media law.

Do I really want to be a member of an organisation which can't even follow the rules taught to trainee hacks on day one?

Can you give me a good reason why I shouldn't leave?

2006-11-08T10:07:00.000Z

Why can't newsreaders just read the news? asks the Telegraph's Jan Moir, to universal agreement.

What the Israelis will make of seeing the BBC's most senior Middle East correspondent camping it up as a James Bond villain is anyone's guess.

2006-11-08T09:00:00.000Z

Nothing to report. Absolutely nothing.

2006-11-06T14:23:00.000Z

It looks as though my son is going to miss his first, and most important, deadline.

I'm dismayed -- He'll never make it as a journalist if he can't file on time.

2006-11-05T15:54:00.000Z

Does my bump look big in this?

2006-11-03T20:42:00.000Z

72 hours to the due day -- but no sign of my son and heir yet.

According to which old wives tale you read, labour can be helped along through long walks, pineapples, hot curries and sex (although crucially, it's not made clear whether the sex has to be with the mum-to-be).

I'm going to be knackered and have chronic indigestion come Monday.

2006-11-03T17:49:00.000Z

We all know that Rageh Omaar, formerly of this parish and now of Al Jazeera, is a precocious talent -- but was he honestly a pre-pubescent newshound?

In a press release announcing his new documentary about Iran, the BBC press office says that:

"Omaar's last visit to Tehran, the region's capital, was as a news reporter, filming the incendiary demonstrations and recording the uncompromising statements from officials in the aftermath of the Islamic Revolution of 1979."

Rageh was born on 19th July 1967, which means he would have been 12 when the Shah was toppled.

A new world record for the youngest foreign correspondent ever?

2006-11-03T11:21:00.000Z

Vote early, vote often for your favourite Welshman.

I don't need a slate plaque -- I'm already well used to being walked all over.

2006-11-01T16:15:00.000Z

A major victory in the war against terror -- reported by AFP:

BAQUBA, Iraq, Nov 1, 2006 (AFP) - Iraqi forces have seized a donkey laden with land mines on the border with Iran, police in the border province of Diyala said Wednesday.

"Smugglers were bringing 52 mines from Iran on a donkey. When we intercepted them, the smugglers managed to escape back across the border but we got the donkey," an officer told AFP on condition of anonymity.

2006-11-01T11:23:00.000Z

To Marylebone this evening for the launch of fellow Cardiffian Jeremy Bowen's new book.

But wait. Spot the deliberate mistake on the front cover.

In the public's imagination Jeremy will forever be associated with the hairy caterpillar nestling on his top lip but our venerable Middle East Editor shaved off his trademark 'tache several years ago.

I can exclusively reveal that the cover photo was in fact taken in 1999, when we were all a lot younger.

2006-10-31T21:29:00.000Z

You could say I've undergone a re-boot.

This afternoon, Richard Hirons from Ossur fitted me with the new Proprio, making me only the second person in the UK to be given the foot.

I've only been walking with it for a few hours, so it's still far too early to assess the pros and cons properly.

But the early indications are extremely positive.

It was disconcerting at first to have a computer with a mind of its own attached to my body but I'm quickly getting used to the occasional whirring sound the foot makes as the sensors respond to the changes in terrain. I just need to remember to plug my leg into the mains before I go to bed to charge up the battery!

(There's more about the Proprio here.)

2006-10-30T11:24:00.000Z

Has it really been nine months?

It must be, because Hughes Jr is due exactly a week from today.

Although if he's anything like his father, he'll be running late.

2006-10-27T11:17:00.000+01:00

Every sensible person knows the only way to get around central London is on two wheels.

So bike chain Halfords came up with a cute PR idea.

Leave 10 brightly coloured bikes unlocked around central London so that commuters in a hurry can jump on, pedal to their destination, and leave them for someone else to ride.

The scheme's called Borrow the Bike.

It should have been called "Pinch the Bike" because the outcome was all too predictable.

In a city where even a bicycle chained up by Harry Houdini is likely to go walkabout, the Evening Standard reports that all 10 have been nicked (article not available online).

Halfords are now offering a free replacement to anyone who returns one of the stolen steeds.

What do Halfords think this city is? Copenhagen?

2006-10-26T17:28:00.000+01:00

Congratulations to Jack Straw for standing up in the Commons to defend my colleague David Loyn, who risked his life using contacts built up over years of reporting in some of the most dangerous countries in the world to produce an exclusive report from Helmand Province in Afghanistan.

David's report was the very embodiment of what ITN boss David Mannion said following Terry Lloyd's inquest:

"Independent, unilateral reporting, free from official strictures, is crucial; not simply to us as journalists but to the role we play in a free and democratic society."

2006-10-24T10:18:00.000+01:00

HOLLYWOOD AMP-SPLOITATION HORROR!

2006-10-23T10:17:00.000+01:00

I'm used to people staring curiously at my artificial leg when I'm out running, but a kid who saw me limbering up for the Great South Run yesterday had a novel explanation for the strange-looking piece of carbon fibre attached my leg.

"Daddy, is that man a robot?" she asked.

The weather for the GSR couldn't have been worse -- torrential rain from start to finish and stiff sea breezes. I thought my finishing time of 1:28:13 was fairly respectable given the conditions.

2006-10-20T18:50:00.000+01:00

In my never-ending quest for the perfect prosthesis I spent the day with the R&D team at Blatchford in Basingstoke, trialling some of their latest products -- the Elite foot, the TT Pro shock absorber and the Brio heel device.

As always, I was amazed by the way metal and carbon fibre can be made to mimic the complex movements of the human body, and by the way the tinest adjustment to a prosthesis -- even just a few millimeters -- can completely change the way it performs.

The guys at Blatchford were crackling with ideas for lighter, smarter, stronger and better performing prosthetics. I got the sense that despite the massive advances made in recent years, improved technology and new materials will continue to revolutionize the industry.

Now, I don't know much about biomechanics or medical engineering -- but I certainly know a good prosthesis when I put one on.

2006-10-18T10:09:00.000+01:00

Earlier this year I
wrote a story about Adaptive Action Sports, a non-profit in the US which helps people with disabilities get involved with "extreme" sports.

AAS have just launched a very cool skateboard deck emblazoned with the organisation's logo.

They're available in return for a modest $30 donation -- with the proceeds going towards the group's snow, skate and wake camps for people with disabilities.

I don't skate but if I did I'd be queueing up for a board.

Contact Daniel or Amy at Adaptive Action Sports or click here for more details.

2006-10-17T13:51:00.000+01:00

Diane Sawyer of ABC News has ventured inside North Korea -- She travelled 7000 miles (gasp!) and flew...wait for it...overnight (no!) -- so what insights can she bring us from the heart of the Hermit Kingdom?

North Koreans don't have Blackberrys. Some of them get married. Some even respond when you wave at them.

It's straight-off-the-plane journalism at its most cringe-inducing.

2006-10-15T18:16:00.000+01:00

The baby books and websites spend plenty of space listing the suggested contents of a hospital bag for a pregnant woman heading for the maternity ward.

But what about us dads?

With less than a month to go, I've taken matters into my own hands.

I've got a bag packed and ready in the hallway filled with Lucozade Sport, a couple of changes of clothes, iPod, camera, a good book and one of Havana's finest to light up when the little fella emerges (outside the hospital, of course).

Oh, and a pair of earplugs.

2006-10-15T17:29:00.000+01:00

A new PB for me in this morning's Cabbage Patch 10 (or 10.16 according to my GPS) -- 1:27:44.

Dry, cool conditions and a flat, fast course meant I was able to knock 6 minutes off my previous best and give myself a great morale boost ahead of the Great South Run next weekend.

2006-10-13T13:18:00.000+01:00

Justice for Terry Lloyd -- but will those responsible for his unlawful killing ever face charges?

I'd be very surprised if they did.

I paid a high price for working as a "unilateral" in the Iraq war.

I was seriously injured in Northern Iraq less than fortnight after Terry, Hussein Osman and Fred Nerac were killed down south.

Even so, I fully agree with Daniel Demoustier's statement to the inquest:

"Unilateral journalism is of the highest importance. We can't give this up and I am absolutely sure that both Terry and Fred would continue to do what they did."

2006-10-11T11:09:00.000+01:00

I'm going bionic!

Yesterday, I met up with one of Ossur's technical supremos, Richard Hirons.

As a result, in the near future I'll become only the second person in the UK to try out the Proprio "intelligent" foot. I'll be putting the foot through its paces as part of a limited European trial before it goes on general sale.

2006-10-06T10:51:00.000+01:00

Watch out for Scott Rigsby.

Scott is believed to be the first double amputee to complete a half ironman using what look like Ossur Flex Run feet.

Next, Scott is aiming for the Big One -- next year's Ironman Coeur d’Alene in Idaho.

If he manages, it'll be one hell of an achievement.

In other prosthetic news, the New York Times recently featured the bionic Proprio foot.

I may have some of my own Proprio news next week. More to follow...

2006-10-04T11:26:00.000+01:00

Hurrah for Freecycle -- a simple, grassroots way of getting rid of unwanted stuff, reducing landfill and doing someone a favour all in one go.

I had a unwanted lawnmower in perfect working order that was set for a one-way trip to the dump.

Instead I put in on my local Freecycle list yesterday, offering it up to the first person who could come and collect it.

Within an hour of posting, a very nice chap called round the house and took it away, pleased as punch.

I got rid of my stuff, he got a free lawnmower and one less item ended up being buried in the ground for a thousand years. Everybody wins.

Now I just need to find a Freecycler with a Specialized S-Works Roubaix they're trying to offload.

2006-10-03T16:14:00.000+01:00

CLICHE WATCH

If I hear one more correspondent tell me that "a 19th century community has been dragged violently into the 21st century" I'm going to grow a beard, don a straw hat and move to Pennsylvania.

2006-10-02T23:11:00.000+01:00

Back in February I decided to forego my place in the Great North Run and set other training goals for 2006 instead.

After reading the Runners World Ratings of the GNR I think I definitely made the right decision.

My chosen "Big Races" for the year -- the Brussels 20k, the Reykjavik Half and the London Duathlon -- were all crackers.

Still, my mass start race hell still awaits -- the Great South Run is just a couple of weeks away.

2006-10-02T10:35:00.000+01:00

Another weekend, another NCT ante-natal class.

Instead of drinking and fornicating, my Saturdays are now spent attaching labels to a Playmobil simulation of a caesarian section.

But thanks to the classes I'm now a whizz at changing a toy doll's nappy.

2006-09-24T15:56:00.000+01:00

After today, I'll think twice before making the old crack about women and map reading skills.

In attempt to spice up my usual Sunday morning run I signed up for a 12k orienteering trail challenge around Ham and Richmond.

I had to double back after missing the first control point -- and my race went downhill from there on.

Stony or boggy, uneven terrain is incredibly punishing on my artificial leg. Add an overnight downpour into the mix and it's even worse.

Perhaps I should have known better -- the stretch of the Thames around which the race was organised is one I usually avoid because the terrain's so difficult and exhausting. It felt like taking part in the worst school cross country run of all time.

After running almost 10k while skilfully managing to miss control points 2, 3, 4 and 5 I threw in the towel.

In future, I think I'll stick to road racing.

2006-09-21T12:57:00.003+01:00

In just a few weeks my house will be filled with the sound of a wailing newborn and the smell of baby powder and shit.

In anticipation of the new arrival, Dad and I have spent this week turning my spare room into a nursery.

I must confess that the sight of the finished room -- with its baby blue walls, cot and soft toys, brought a lump to my throat.

But I'm sure a few sleepless nights will soon get rid of that rosy glow of anticipation.

This weekend, Aileen and I are off to our first NCT antenatal class.

Suddenly, it has all become very real.

2006-09-18T08:56:00.000+01:00

Back to London in time for one of my Big Races of the year -- the London Duathlon.

Although I finished almost bang on my personal target of 2hrs 15min I wasn't overly pleased with my performance.

I dawdled in transition and I could definitely feel the effects of two weeks in Beirut. I'm consoled by the fact that even race winner Dave Aitchison admitted he found the course "surprisingly hard."

Still, my times of 00:48:51, 00:50:20 and 0:26:41 -- total 02:15:23 -- could have been worse and racing in the stunning surroundings of Richmond Park was a real pleasure.

I'll definitely aim to be back next year.