Hi all,

Due to a recent relaunch of the BBC natural  history web pages, I was
wondering what people in this group thought about it ?

It can be found at:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/earth/nature/uk/

Any comments would be really good.


Thanks,

Jeremy

On Thu, 29 Nov 2007 08:14:56 -0800 (PST), jpcoles
 wrote:

>Hi all,
>
>Due to a recent relaunch of the BBC natural  history web pages, I was
>wondering what people in this group thought about it ?
>
>It can be found at:
>
>http://www.bbc.co.uk/earth/nature/uk/
>
>Any comments would be really good.

My personal opinion but I don't like sites with a lot of black
backgrounds. Mixed with the almost fluorescent bold green links it
means it isn't very comfortable to read.  :o)

Chris R.

"jpcoles"  wrote in message 
news:f124927c-b1c0-4a10-b4c3-ff418cbcdfc1@d27g2000prf.googlegroups.com...
> Hi all,
>
> Due to a recent relaunch of the BBC natural  history web pages, I was
> wondering what people in this group thought about it ?
>
> It can be found at:
>
> http://www.bbc.co.uk/earth/nature/uk/
>
> Any comments would be really good.

........ even critical ones?

The 'Tag Cloud' ( what does that mean?) varying font sizes against a 
multicoloured background are a nightmare to read for those with 'visual 
acuity' problems.
It's just a gimmick - and an ill thought out one at that.
Readers want information presented simply in a format they understand.

I think the website designer needs to talk to the BBC program producers. The 
presentation requirements are the same. And I suspect the audience is the 
same.

ned

On Thu, 29 Nov 2007 22:04:10 -0000, "ned"  wrote:

>
>"jpcoles"  wrote in message 
>news:f124927c-b1c0-4a10-b4c3-ff418cbcdfc1@d27g2000prf.googlegroups.com...
>> Hi all,
>>
>> Due to a recent relaunch of the BBC natural  history web pages, I was
>> wondering what people in this group thought about it ?
>>
>> It can be found at:
>>
>> http://www.bbc.co.uk/earth/nature/uk/
>>
>> Any comments would be really good.
>
>........ even critical ones?
>
>The 'Tag Cloud' ( what does that mean?) varying font sizes against a 
>multicoloured background are a nightmare to read for those with 'visual 
>acuity' problems.
>It's just a gimmick - and an ill thought out one at that.
>Readers want information presented simply in a format they understand.
>
>I think the website designer needs to talk to the BBC program producers. The 
>presentation requirements are the same. And I suspect the audience is the 
>same.

I agree - I would be quite interested to read the site but the
clashing colours and varying font sizes gave me an overwhelming urge
to go and do something less stressful  ;o)

In website design I like to follow the KISS principle  ;o)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/KISS_principle

Chris R.

jpcoles wrote:
> Hi all,
> 
> Due to a recent relaunch of the BBC natural  history web pages, I was
> wondering what people in this group thought about it ?
> 
> It can be found at:
> 
> http://www.bbc.co.uk/earth/nature/uk/
> 
> Any comments would be really good.
> 
> 
> Thanks,
> 
> Jeremy
I think it's just fine. Good stuff!

On 29 Nov, 22:37, Cheb  wrote:
> On Thu, 29 Nov 2007 22:04:10 -0000, "ned"  wrote:
>
> >"jpcoles"  wrote in message
> >news:f124927c-b1c0-4a10-b4c3-ff418cbcdfc1@d27g2000prf.googlegroups.com...
> >> Hi all,
>
> >> Due to a recent relaunch of the BBC natural  history web pages, I was
> >> wondering what people in this group thought about it ?
>
> >> It can be found at:
>
> >>http://www.bbc.co.uk/earth/nature/uk/
>
> >> Any comments would be really good.
>
> >........ even critical ones?
>
> >The 'Tag Cloud' ( what does that mean?) varying font sizes against a
> >multicoloured background are a nightmare to read for those with 'visual
> >acuity' problems.
> >It's just a gimmick - and an ill thought out one at that.
> >Readers want information presented simply in a format they understand.
>
> >I think the website designer needs to talk to the BBC program producers. The
> >presentation requirements are the same. And I suspect the audience is the
> >same.
>
> I agree - I would be quite interested to read the site but the
> clashing colours and varying font sizes gave me an overwhelming urge
> to go and do something less stressful  ;o)
>
> In website design I like to follow the KISS principle  ;o)http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/KISS_principle
>
> Chris R.- Hide quoted text -
>
> - Show quoted text -

Thanks very much for all the comments, even critical ones are
appreciated, we take on board all these comments both negative and
positive, also it is worth mentioning that the points raised so far
have also been put forward before. Just to clarify, what you see on
NatureUK is a front end for a massive database and at present is an
asset viewer. What sort of content would people like to see ?

Thanks again,

Jeremy

On Mon, 3 Dec 2007 01:23:36 -0800 (PST), jpcoles
 wrote:

>On 29 Nov, 22:37, Cheb  wrote:
>> On Thu, 29 Nov 2007 22:04:10 -0000, "ned"  wrote:
>>
>> >"jpcoles"  wrote in message
>> >news:f124927c-b1c0-4a10-b4c3-ff418cbcdfc1@d27g2000prf.googlegroups.com...
>> >> Hi all,
>>
>> >> Due to a recent relaunch of the BBC natural  history web pages, I was
>> >> wondering what people in this group thought about it ?
>>
>> >> It can be found at:
>>
>> >>http://www.bbc.co.uk/earth/nature/uk/
>>
>> >> Any comments would be really good.
>>
>> >........ even critical ones?
>>
>> >The 'Tag Cloud' ( what does that mean?) varying font sizes against a
>> >multicoloured background are a nightmare to read for those with 'visual
>> >acuity' problems.
>> >It's just a gimmick - and an ill thought out one at that.
>> >Readers want information presented simply in a format they understand.
>>
>> >I think the website designer needs to talk to the BBC program producers. The
>> >presentation requirements are the same. And I suspect the audience is the
>> >same.
>>
>> I agree - I would be quite interested to read the site but the
>> clashing colours and varying font sizes gave me an overwhelming urge
>> to go and do something less stressful  ;o)
>>
>> In website design I like to follow the KISS principle  ;o)http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/KISS_principle
>>
>> Chris R.- Hide quoted text -
>>
>> - Show quoted text -
>
>Thanks very much for all the comments, even critical ones are
>appreciated, we take on board all these comments both negative and
>positive, also it is worth mentioning that the points raised so far
>have also been put forward before. Just to clarify, what you see on
>NatureUK is a front end for a massive database and at present is an
>asset viewer. What sort of content would people like to see ?

Without looking at what you have already (and in no particular order):
1. recent interesting sightings from around the UK 
2. what to look out for week by week
3. safety & practical advice for people walking and visiting the
countryside 
4. links to wildlife organisations and their event calendars etc
5. links to wildlife enthusiast's websites etc
5. perhaps a photogallery of images sent in by viewers - with
automatic consideration for inclusion in any BBC wildlife photographer
competition
6. nature reserve reviews and articles
7. conservation advice - how to join nature-reserve work teams and how
to improve your own garden etc
8. regular wildlife/countryside articles from BBC TV presenters 
9. articles submitted by members of the public on what excites them
about the countryside etc 

Basically, anything that stimulates interest and passion for the
countryside around us - and then information to help people channel
that interest in whatever way they want. Some people might want to
volunteer and do physical work; while others might want to help out
their local wildlife organisations or donate money. Their enthusiasm
might run to writing poetry or painting or taking photographs - but it
would be good to have a platform where they could share their
enthusiasm and get feedback etc.

Chris R.

"jpcoles"  wrote in message 
news:2799fd3a-8748-458e-89e1-aca7c4d74cd6@d27g2000prf.googlegroups.com...
> On 29 Nov, 22:37, Cheb  wrote:
>> On Thu, 29 Nov 2007 22:04:10 -0000, "ned"  wrote:
>>
>> >"jpcoles"  wrote in message
>> >news:f124927c-b1c0-4a10-b4c3-ff418cbcdfc1@d27g2000prf.googlegroups.com...
>> >> Hi all,
>>
>> >> Due to a recent relaunch of the BBC natural  history web pages, I was
>> >> wondering what people in this group thought about it ?
>>
>> >> It can be found at:
>>
>> >>http://www.bbc.co.uk/earth/nature/uk/
>>
>> >> Any comments would be really good.

<responses snipped>

>
> Thanks very much for all the comments, even critical ones are
> appreciated, we take on board all these comments both negative and
> positive, also it is worth mentioning that the points raised so far
> have also been put forward before. Just to clarify, what you see on
> NatureUK is a front end for a massive database and at present is an
> asset viewer. What sort of content would people like to see ?

That's a difficult one.   :-)
What content have you got?

My personal feeling is that NatureUK does not have a focus. It seems to be 
trying to be all things to all people - except I couldn't find the bit aimed 
at me.   :-)

A Home Page sub heading explaining that the site relates to a specific TV 
programme would help clarify its role. (No. It is not obvious to all 
viewers.)

But, a site entitled 'NatureUK' at first glance implies, to me, all things 
UK nature. So it was a bit disappointing when I keyed 'soldier flies' into 
the search box and was presented with topics concerning warfare and flying. 
Even 'sargus' took me to WW2! Keying in 'ants' worked just fine. Maybe the 
'massive database' needs refining.

Oh,
PS - What's an asset viewer?   :-)

-- 
ned

> >> >> Hi all,
>
> >> >> Due to a recent relaunch of the BBC natural  history web pages, I was
> >> >> wondering what people in this group thought about it ?
>
> >> >> It can be found at:
>
> >> >>http://www.bbc.co.uk/earth/nature/uk/
>
> >> >> Any comments would be really good.
>
> <responses snipped>
>
>
>
> > Thanks very much for all the comments, even critical ones are
> > appreciated, we take on board all these comments both negative and
> > positive, also it is worth mentioning that the points raised so far
> > have also been put forward before. Just to clarify, what you see on
> > NatureUK is a front end for a massive database and at present is an
> > asset viewer. What sort of content would people like to see ?
>
> That's a difficult one.   :-)
> What content have you got?
>


At the moment images, video and news stories. I'm thinking about
original articles and things....



> My personal feeling is that NatureUK does not have a focus. It seems to be
> trying to be all things to all people - except I couldn't find the bit aimed
> at me.   :-)
>
> A Home Page sub heading explaining that the site relates to a specific TV
> programme would help clarify its role. (No. It is not obvious to all
> viewers.)


NatureUK as a site does not relate to a specific TV program, but see
'Nature of Britain' and 'Autumnwatch', it is more of a celebration of
UK nature from the BBC (albeit in its first stages)




>
> But, a site entitled 'NatureUK' at first glance implies, to me, all things
> UK nature. So it was a bit disappointing when I keyed 'soldier flies' into
> the search box and was presented with topics concerning warfare and flying.
> Even 'sargus' took me to WW2! Keying in 'ants' worked just fine. Maybe the
> 'massive database' needs refining.
>


Your right this is not clear, the top search box searches the whole of
the BBC site including history etc. The find box at the bottom of the
page only searches NatureUK database with what it contains at the
moment (which is only a small sample)




> Oh,
> PS - What's an asset viewer?   :-)
>


An asset is something like a image or video or article etc...
therefore it is a front end to viewing these




> --
> ned


Thanks for taking the time to view it

jpcoles wrote:
> Thanks very much for all the comments, even critical ones are
> appreciated, we take on board all these comments both negative and
> positive, also it is worth mentioning that the points raised so far
> have also been put forward before. Just to clarify, what you see on
> NatureUK is a front end for a massive database and at present is an
> asset viewer. What sort of content would people like to see ?

This is a partly tongue-in-cheeky response, partly because I haven't looked 
at the site and partly because I know the question has been hanging for 
ages. But I want to know why it is not, apparently, possible to buy a copy 
of "My Halcyon River", the wonderful award-winning programme by Charlie 
Hamilton James and Philippa Forrester?

Mike.
-- 
If reply address = connectfee, add an r because it is free not fee.

On 3 Dec, 14:30, Cheb  wrote:
> On Mon, 3 Dec 2007 01:23:36 -0800 (PST), jpcoles
>
>
>
>
>
>  wrote:
> >On 29 Nov, 22:37, Cheb  wrote:
> >> On Thu, 29 Nov 2007 22:04:10 -0000, "ned"  wrote:
>
> >> >"jpcoles"  wrote in message
> >> >news:f124927c-b1c0-4a10-b4c3-ff418cbcdfc1@d27g2000prf.googlegroups.com...
> >> >> Hi all,
>
> >> >> Due to a recent relaunch of the BBC natural  history web pages, I was
> >> >> wondering what people in this group thought about it ?
>
> >> >> It can be found at:
>
> >> >>http://www.bbc.co.uk/earth/nature/uk/
>
> >> >> Any comments would be really good.
>
> >> >........ even critical ones?
>
> >> >The 'Tag Cloud' ( what does that mean?) varying font sizes against a
> >> >multicoloured background are a nightmare to read for those with 'visual
> >> >acuity' problems.
> >> >It's just a gimmick - and an ill thought out one at that.
> >> >Readers want information presented simply in a format they understand.
>
> >> >I think the website designer needs to talk to the BBC program producers. The
> >> >presentation requirements are the same. And I suspect the audience is the
> >> >same.
>
> >> I agree - I would be quite interested to read the site but the
> >> clashing colours and varying font sizes gave me an overwhelming urge
> >> to go and do something less stressful  ;o)
>
> >> In website design I like to follow the KISS principle  ;o)http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/KISS_principle
>
> >> Chris R.- Hide quoted text -
>
> >> - Show quoted text -
>
> >Thanks very much for all the comments, even critical ones are
> >appreciated, we take on board all these comments both negative and
> >positive, also it is worth mentioning that the points raised so far
> >have also been put forward before. Just to clarify, what you see on
> >NatureUK is a front end for a massive database and at present is an
> >asset viewer. What sort of content would people like to see ?
>
> Without looking at what you have already (and in no particular order):
> 1. recent interesting sightings from around the UK
> 2. what to look out for week by week
> 3. safety & practical advice for people walking and visiting the
> countryside
> 4. links to wildlife organisations and their event calendars etc
> 5. links to wildlife enthusiast's websites etc
> 5. perhaps a photogallery of images sent in by viewers - with
> automatic consideration for inclusion in any BBC wildlife photographer
> competition
> 6. nature reserve reviews and articles
> 7. conservation advice - how to join nature-reserve work teams and how
> to improve your own garden etc
> 8. regular wildlife/countryside articles from BBC TV presenters
> 9. articles submitted by members of the public on what excites them
> about the countryside etc
>
> Basically, anything that stimulates interest and passion for the
> countryside around us - and then information to help people channel
> that interest in whatever way they want. Some people might want to
> volunteer and do physical work; while others might want to help out
> their local wildlife organisations or donate money. Their enthusiasm
> might run to writing poetry or painting or taking photographs - but it
> would be good to have a platform where they could share their
> enthusiasm and get feedback etc.
>
> Chris R.- Hide quoted text -
>
> - Show quoted text -

Thanks Chris all valuable stuff, by the way are you familiar with
Breathing places:

http://www.breathingplaces.org/public/

Jeremy

On 3 Dec, 20:46, "Mike Coon" <mjcoon@@connectfee.co.uk> wrote:
> jpcoles wrote:
> > Thanks very much for all the comments, even critical ones are
> > appreciated, we take on board all these comments both negative and
> > positive, also it is worth mentioning that the points raised so far
> > have also been put forward before. Just to clarify, what you see on
> > NatureUK is a front end for a massive database and at present is an
> > asset viewer. What sort of content would people like to see ?
>
> This is a partly tongue-in-cheeky response, partly because I haven't looked
> at the site and partly because I know the question has been hanging for
> ages. But I want to know why it is not, apparently, possible to buy a copy
> of "My Halcyon River", the wonderful award-winning programme by Charlie
> Hamilton James and Philippa Forrester?
>
> Mike.
> --
> If reply address = connectfee, add an r because it is free not fee.

Sorry Mike but i can't answer that one......

On Tue, 4 Dec 2007 00:23:45 -0800 (PST), jpcoles
 wrote:

>On 3 Dec, 14:30, Cheb  wrote:
>> On Mon, 3 Dec 2007 01:23:36 -0800 (PST), jpcoles
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>  wrote:
>> >On 29 Nov, 22:37, Cheb  wrote:
>> >> On Thu, 29 Nov 2007 22:04:10 -0000, "ned"  wrote:
>>
>> >> >"jpcoles"  wrote in message
>> >> >news:f124927c-b1c0-4a10-b4c3-ff418cbcdfc1@d27g2000prf.googlegroups.com...
>> >> >> Hi all,
>>
>> >> >> Due to a recent relaunch of the BBC natural  history web pages, I was
>> >> >> wondering what people in this group thought about it ?
>>
>> >> >> It can be found at:
>>
>> >> >>http://www.bbc.co.uk/earth/nature/uk/
>>
>> >> >> Any comments would be really good.
>>
>> >> >........ even critical ones?
>>
>> >> >The 'Tag Cloud' ( what does that mean?) varying font sizes against a
>> >> >multicoloured background are a nightmare to read for those with 'visual
>> >> >acuity' problems.
>> >> >It's just a gimmick - and an ill thought out one at that.
>> >> >Readers want information presented simply in a format they understand.
>>
>> >> >I think the website designer needs to talk to the BBC program producers. The
>> >> >presentation requirements are the same. And I suspect the audience is the
>> >> >same.
>>
>> >> I agree - I would be quite interested to read the site but the
>> >> clashing colours and varying font sizes gave me an overwhelming urge
>> >> to go and do something less stressful  ;o)
>>
>> >> In website design I like to follow the KISS principle  ;o)http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/KISS_principle
>>
>> >> Chris R.- Hide quoted text -
>>
>> >> - Show quoted text -
>>
>> >Thanks very much for all the comments, even critical ones are
>> >appreciated, we take on board all these comments both negative and
>> >positive, also it is worth mentioning that the points raised so far
>> >have also been put forward before. Just to clarify, what you see on
>> >NatureUK is a front end for a massive database and at present is an
>> >asset viewer. What sort of content would people like to see ?
>>
>> Without looking at what you have already (and in no particular order):
>> 1. recent interesting sightings from around the UK
>> 2. what to look out for week by week
>> 3. safety & practical advice for people walking and visiting the
>> countryside
>> 4. links to wildlife organisations and their event calendars etc
>> 5. links to wildlife enthusiast's websites etc
>> 5. perhaps a photogallery of images sent in by viewers - with
>> automatic consideration for inclusion in any BBC wildlife photographer
>> competition
>> 6. nature reserve reviews and articles
>> 7. conservation advice - how to join nature-reserve work teams and how
>> to improve your own garden etc
>> 8. regular wildlife/countryside articles from BBC TV presenters
>> 9. articles submitted by members of the public on what excites them
>> about the countryside etc
>>
>> Basically, anything that stimulates interest and passion for the
>> countryside around us - and then information to help people channel
>> that interest in whatever way they want. Some people might want to
>> volunteer and do physical work; while others might want to help out
>> their local wildlife organisations or donate money. Their enthusiasm
>> might run to writing poetry or painting or taking photographs - but it
>> would be good to have a platform where they could share their
>> enthusiasm and get feedback etc.
>>
>> Chris R.- Hide quoted text -
>>
>> - Show quoted text -
>
>Thanks Chris all valuable stuff, by the way are you familiar with
>Breathing places:
>
>http://www.breathingplaces.org/public/

Hi Jeremy

Yes, I was aware of the site and my comments really apply across all
the BBC wildlife sites and sub-sites. Breathing Places is a good idea
and I know it is already generating additional volunteer effort. My
only concern would be to make sure that any BBC website didn't
duplicate work on another BBC site and that there were clear
cross-overs to take people from one to the other - if indeed it was
necessary to have 2 or more sites covering roughly the same issues. 

Best wishes,
Chris R.

"jpcoles"  wrote in message 
news:0602b14f-2661-44a1-b28f-a657854a3912@s8g2000prg.googlegroups.com...
>> >> >> Hi all,
>>
>> >> >> Due to a recent relaunch of the BBC natural  history web pages, I 
>> >> >> was
>> >> >> wondering what people in this group thought about it ?
>>
>> >> >> It can be found at:
>>
>> >> >>http://www.bbc.co.uk/earth/nature/uk/
>>
>> >> >> Any comments would be really good.
>>

Hi,

I have a comment to make, not specifically about the website but about the 
recently reported slashing of the budget and numerous job cuts at the BBC 
Natural History Unit. You will find irate comments by myself and many 
individuals on the Autumnwatch website and I would imagine more info if 
googled.

I would personally like to see more Natural History programmes on TV rather 
than just on my PC by visiting websites such as the ones mentioned 
previously.

Kind Regards

Tony

"Tony Powell"  wrote in message 
news:aaE7j.70$PB.33@newsfe4-win.ntli.net...
>
> "jpcoles"  wrote in message 
> news:0602b14f-2661-44a1-b28f-a657854a3912@s8g2000prg.googlegroups.com...
>>> >> >> Hi all,
>>>
>>> >> >> Due to a recent relaunch of the BBC natural  history web pages, I 
>>> >> >> was
>>> >> >> wondering what people in this group thought about it ?
>>>
>>> >> >> It can be found at:
>>>
>>> >> >>http://www.bbc.co.uk/earth/nature/uk/
>>>
>>> >> >> Any comments would be really good.
>>>
>
> Hi,
>
> I have a comment to make, not specifically about the website but about the 
> recently reported slashing of the budget and numerous job cuts at the BBC 
> Natural History Unit. You will find irate comments by myself and many 
> individuals on the Autumnwatch website and I would imagine more info if 
> googled.
>
> I would personally like to see more Natural History programmes on TV 
> rather than just on my PC by visiting websites such as the ones mentioned 
> previously.
>
> Kind Regards
>
> Tony
Yes I like Natural History programmes too.
I do though hate the ones which devote the last 10 minutes of a 30 minutes 
show
to the dire warnings about the environment, the way our planet is being 
destroyed,
the way animals are disappearing because of human intervention.. etc.
I have heard it so often, yet have never been able to do anything about it, 
and the
film makers show no sign that they have done anything either.

have a Merry Yuletide, and lets remember, Christmas is not about spending 
all
we have on buying plastic toys for ourselves and others, it's a time to 
celebrate
of the birth of Santa Claus.

On Tue, 11 Dec 2007 22:28:22 GMT, "Tony Powell"
 wrote:

>
>"jpcoles"  wrote in message 
>news:0602b14f-2661-44a1-b28f-a657854a3912@s8g2000prg.googlegroups.com...
>>> >> >> Hi all,
>>>
>>> >> >> Due to a recent relaunch of the BBC natural  history web pages, I 
>>> >> >> was
>>> >> >> wondering what people in this group thought about it ?
>>>
>>> >> >> It can be found at:
>>>
>>> >> >>http://www.bbc.co.uk/earth/nature/uk/
>>>
>>> >> >> Any comments would be really good.
>>>
>
>Hi,
>
>I have a comment to make, not specifically about the website but about the 
>recently reported slashing of the budget and numerous job cuts at the BBC 
>Natural History Unit. You will find irate comments by myself and many 
>individuals on the Autumnwatch website and I would imagine more info if 
>googled.
>
>I would personally like to see more Natural History programmes on TV rather 
>than just on my PC by visiting websites such as the ones mentioned 
>previously.

I'd like to echo those remarks. Groundbreaking series like 'Planet
Earth', 'Life in the Undergrowth' & 'The Blue Planet' have maintained
the BBC's high reputation for exceptional quality wildlife programming
and we need more of them. 

But what we don't need, in my opinion, are more of the style of
easy/cheap programming pioneered by channels like Discovery where
young, charismatic 'reporters' roll out yet another show on sharks,
snakes, lions ... or just about any large mammal found commonly on the
African plains. Let's face it, the common-man might like to go 'oohhh'
at big fluffy animals but Africa must be one of the easiest places to
get footage and film and you could do much more ground-breaking work
by covering species or locations that are rarely visited. The first
'big cat diary' was quite fun but since then I just reach for the OFF
switch when I see Simon King enthusing about yet another cheetah. 

Also, while on the subject of Simon King ... could someone tell him
that he really belongs behind the camera - not infront of it? He is a
great film-maker but his cringing commentaries, always giving animals
names and anthropomorphising them, just makes me switch off. David
Attenborough is just hits the perfect chord every time; I was also
impressed by Aubrey Manning's Earth Story series; and even though he
is a bit OTT sometimes I can listen to Bill Oddie because he seems to
have a genuine passion for British Wildlife. 

Hmm, I feel better now ... got that off my chest  :o)

Chris R.

Miles wrote on Wednesday 12 Dec 2007 8:56 am:

> 
> "Tony Powell"  wrote in message
> news:aaE7j.70$PB.33@newsfe4-win.ntli.net...
>>
>> "jpcoles"  wrote in message
>> news:0602b14f-2661-44a1-b28f-a657854a3912@s8g2000prg.googlegroups.com...
>>>> >> >> Hi all,
>>>>
>>>> >> >> Due to a recent relaunch of the BBC natural  history web pages, I
>>>> >> >> was
>>>> >> >> wondering what people in this group thought about it ?
>>>>
>>>> >> >> It can be found at:
>>>>
>>>> >> >>http://www.bbc.co.uk/earth/nature/uk/
>>>>
>>>> >> >> Any comments would be really good.
>>>>
>>
>> Hi,
>>
>> I have a comment to make, not specifically about the website but about
>> the recently reported slashing of the budget and numerous job cuts at the
>> BBC Natural History Unit. You will find irate comments by myself and many
>> individuals on the Autumnwatch website and I would imagine more info if
>> googled.
>>
>> I would personally like to see more Natural History programmes on TV
>> rather than just on my PC by visiting websites such as the ones mentioned
>> previously.
>>
>> Kind Regards
>>
>> Tony
> Yes I like Natural History programmes too.
> I do though hate the ones which devote the last 10 minutes of a 30 minutes
> show
> to the dire warnings about the environment, the way our planet is being
> destroyed,
> the way animals are disappearing because of human intervention.. etc.
> I have heard it so often, yet have never been able to do anything about
> it, and the
> film makers show no sign that they have done anything either.
> 
> have a Merry Yuletide, and lets remember, Christmas is not about spending
> all
> we have on buying plastic toys for ourselves and others, it's a time to
> celebrate
> of the birth of Santa Claus.

I can't let that one go. Did you leave a smiley out?
Christmas is short for Christ Mass, not Santa Mass:
we are celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ.

I too wish everyone a merry Christmas and a happy
new year. Or for one of you,
Nadolig Llawen a y Blwyddyn Newydd Hapus.
-- 
Edwin Hutton (use edwDOThuttonATlsaevaPOINTuklinuxSTOPnet for email)
...Grant we beseech Thee that, ... during our journeys through the
Internet we will ... treat with charity and patience all those souls
whom we encounter. Amen.From <http://www.catholic.org/isidore>

e.hutton said the following on 12/12/2007 12:00:
> Miles wrote on Wednesday 12 Dec 2007 8:56 am:
>> have a Merry Yuletide, and lets remember, Christmas is not about spending
>> all
>> we have on buying plastic toys for ourselves and others, it's a time to
>> celebrate
>> of the birth of Santa Claus.
> 
> I can't let that one go. Did you leave a smiley out?
> Christmas is short for Christ Mass, not Santa Mass:
> we are celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ.

Shame we can't celebrate it at the right time.  Let's take it as more a 
'Royal' politically chosen birthdate. :-)

Merry YuletimeChristSatanaliaMass to everyone (from someone who was a 
camera assistant for various BBC NHU productions)!