Five in the Eye
By Michael and Phil
www.facebook.com/5intheEye
Five in the EyeJul 22, 2021
Five in the Eye 452 with Seun
0452 with Seun
MICHAEL
Hello and a very warm welcome to the final edition of Five in the Eye. This is me – Michael Ohajuru – revealing that, yes, after nine years, one or two tears and quite a lot of laughs, Phil and I are hanging up our headphones and heading off into the sunset. But before we go, we plan to make episode 0452 extra special.
PHIL
And this is Phil Woodford joining Michael via Zoom for the last time and welcoming a guest who’s going to bring her own unique perspective to the week’s news. Seun Matiluko is a writer, journalist and poet who recently launched a podcast on BBC Sounds called Seun’s Talking Drum. Welcome to Five in the Eye, Seun!
SEUN
Thanks, Phil and hello, Michael. It’s great to be here on Five in the Eye. Our top story this week is going to be controversy over remarks made by Tory donor Frank Hester about MP Diane Abbott. While Prime Minister Rishi Sunak eventually conceded the comments were racist, he seems content to accept Hester’s apology. And to pocket £10 million for the Tories.
MICHAEL
For story number two, it’s the mystery over a royal photograph. After speculation over the health of the Princess of Wales, the Palace released a picture of her with her kids. But a ‘kill notice’ was issued by a photo agency when it was discovered the image had been manipulated.
PHIL
What’s story number three? Well, singer Lily Allen told the Radio Times podcast that having kids put the kibosh on her musical career. Does motherhood inevitably spell the end of women’s ambitions, even in the 21st century?
SEUN
For our fourth story, The Metro reports that Gen Z are taking fussiness over jobs to a new level. They’re refusing to work in environments if their future boss has an incompatible starsign!
MICHAEL
And finally, to wrap up Five in the Eye forever, it’s the news that Queen Camilla has been turned into a Barbie doll.
PHIL
Does that mean King Charles is Oppenheimer? And that’s the line-up for the last-ever Five in the Eye!
++++
Episode 451 Five in the Eye
PHIL Hello and a very warm Friday welcome to Five in the Eye - your weekly news review show on Colourful Radio. We’re broadcasting on DAB in London and the South East or perhaps you’re streaming us online or over apps. However you’re listening, you’re very welcome.
MICHAEL It’s episode 0451 and this is me - Michael Ohajuru - revealing that our top story is going to be the AI manipulation that is already starting to affect the US election. With the latest developments in image and video creation, how worried should we be?
PHIL Our second story is the Russians getting hold of leaked audio from the German military. Apparently the tape reveals that we Brits may be more involved in Ukraine than we might publicly admit.
MICHAEL If you’re on Facebook or Instagram, did you panic the other day when they had that outage? I certainly did! Are we too addicted to social media? That’s story number three.
PHIL Our fourth story takes us to Dublin, where some locals and tourists have become over-friendly with a city landmark.
MICHAEL And finally, to wrap up the show, it’s the academic who found herself stuck in a tower in Cambridge. She found an ingenious means of escape.
PHIL Stuck in a real-world ivory tower. That’s something you could never accuse us of here on Five in the Eye!
++++
Episode 450 of Five in the Eye
MICHAEL
Hello and a very warm welcome to Five in the Eye - Colourful Radio’s weekly news review show! This is me - Michael Ohajuru - and you’re listening to episode 0450. Yes, unbelievably we’ve notched up a staggering 450 shows! If you’ve been with us for the journey, all we can say is thank you very much!
PHIL
And this is Phil Woodford joining Michael via Zoom and revealing that our top story is going to be the row in the Tory Party over racism and Islamophobia, as well as the extraordinary conspiracy theories of former Prime Minister Liz Truss.
MICHAEL
For story number two, we look at the play in London that is excluding white theatregoers for a couple of nights. Only those who ‘identify as Black’ will be allowed in.
PHIL
For number three, it’s the controversy over what people describe as ‘woke’ AI. Google’s Gemini has been rewriting history and some people say it will be a hard problem to fix.
MICHAEL
What’s story number four, then? Well, an event aimed at families, that was supposed to celebrate the chocolate-loving factory owner Willy Wonka turned out to be an embarrassing flop. Upset kids and angry parents led to the police being called!
PHIL
And finally, it’s the guy who goes around cleaning road signs just because he likes to see the streets looking smart.
MICHAEL
I’ll have to invite him down to Abbey Wood! And that’s this week’s Five in the Eye!
++++
Episode 449 of Five in the Eye with Mark
PHIL
A very good morning to you all! You’re listening to Colourful Radio and I’m Phil Woodford in London introducing our weekly news review show, Five in the Eye. It’s where we look back at everything that’s gone over the past seven days, pick the stuff that interests us and give it a once-over. This is episode 0449, which will excite my co-host, as it’s a PRIME number.
MICHAEL
Yes, indeed! This is an excited Michael Ohajuru joining Phil via Zoom for this prime number show and revealing we have a very special guest joining us. He’s an old friend from my home city of Liverpool. It’s Mr Mark Dalgliesh. Welcome to Five in the Eye, Mark!
MARK
Thanks, Michael. Hello, Phil. It’s great to be here on the show. So what’s our top story going to be today? Well, the talk at the recent security summit in Germany was of a ‘lose-lose’ scenario in international relations. Former Labour Minister David Miliband described the meeting as ‘the conference of a disordered world’. How worried should we be?
PHIL
What’s story number two? Well, it’s Mayor of London Sadiq Khan. He’s in hot water over his supposedly woke inclinations. Not only did he rename London Overground lines with monikers such as Windrush and Suffragette, but he’s shortlisting what some claim are ‘anti-British’ sculptures for the fourth plinth in Trafalgar Square.
MICHAEL
We love something controversial on Five in the Eye, so why not the claim that men and women’s brains are different? Boffins at Stanford University in the USA say they’ve found evidence that some of us are sugar and spice and all things nice, while others are made of snips and snails and puppy-dog tails! That’s story number three.
MARK
For our fourth story, cathedrals are under fire for allowing events such as silent discos to raise funds. Is nothing sacred any more?
PHIL
And finally, to wrap up the show, it’s the Olympic showjumper who was horsing around recently, wearing just a ‘mankini’ at an event near Sydney, Australia.
MICHAEL
We’re all here in our mankinis today, so I don’t see what this gentleman has done wrong! And that’s this week’s Five in the Eye!
++++
Episode 448 with the author Subhadra Das
PHIL
Hello and a warm welcome from me – Phil Woodford here in London - to a very special edition of Five in the Eye. As you know, this is the show each Friday on Colourful Radio where we dissect the week’s news. But today, for episode 0448, we’re breaking with tradition.
MICHAEL
Yes, this is me – Michael Ohajuru – joining Phil via Zoom and revealing we’re welcoming a very special guest to the show. Subhadra Das is the author of an exciting new book – shortly to hit the shelves – called Uncivilised – Ten Lies That Made The West. It’s published by Coronet and we hope it will be making its way to all good book shops soon! We’re devoting this show to finding out more about the author and her ideas.
MICHAEL
So, Sub, we’re delighted to have you hear on Colourful Radio. Thanks so much for joining us today.
Before we get into your new book – which Phil and I have both read and thoroughly enjoyed – we wanted to understand a little bit more about you and your background. You had an unusual and interesting upbringing education, didn’t you?
++++
Subhadra Das the author of Uncivilised – Ten Lies That Made The West on Twitter/X @littlegaudy her book is published by Coronet out now.
Episode 447 of Five in the Eye
MICHAEL Hello and a very warm welcome to your weekly news review show on Colourful Radio. We call it Five in the Eye because we look back on five of the stories that have caught our eye over the past seven days and put them under the spotlight. This is episode 0447.
PHIL And joining Michael via Zoom this morning, it’s Phil Woodford, our top story thus week the devastating report from former Prime Minister Gordon Brown poverty in Brtain today
MICHAEL A great taster of what’s to come. And for story number two, we cross the Atlantic. A mother of a teenage killer has been found guilty of a crime herself, for supplying the youngster with the weapon he used to commit murder.
PHIL What’s story number three? Well, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak accepted a £1,000 bet with broadcaster Piers Morgan over whether he could get Rwanda flights off the ground. What does this say about his judgment?
MICHAEL Our fourth story is from an archeological dig, where a flat-pack bed has been discovered. It was made by ancient Romans for use in the afterlife!
PHIL And to round off the Eye at number five, it’s the assertion by a writer in The Guardian that game shows ain’t what they used to be. At least in terms of what people win and how they use it.
MICHAEL The only prize here is making our way through to the end of the show! And that’s this week’s Five in the Eye!
++++
Episode 446 of Five in the Eye
MICHAEL
Hello and welcome to this week’s edition of Five in the Eye! As you may know, it’s the place where we look back at five of the news stories that have caught our eye over the past seven days and pick them apart until there’s nothing left. I’m Michael Ohajuru and you’re listening to episode 0446.
PHIL
And this is Phil Woodford joining Michael via Zoom this week and revealing that our top story is going to be the government telling local councils to sell off their assets in order to plug huge funding gaps. Could there be a more terrible indictment of the Tory philosophy?
MICHAEL
And at story number two, we’re going to focus on AI. It seems as if bot-generated articles are making it into Google news feeds, potentially crowding out genuine journalism.
PHIL
For story number three, as Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp bows out - telling the world he’s run out of steam - we ask why politicians can’t do the same.
MICHAEL
What’s story number four? Well, some DLR trains now have fake control panels at the front, so children can pretend to drive. At least, they say it’s for children!
PHIL
And to cap off the show at five this week, how do you warm up your treat from Greggs? Some people like hanging their sausage rolls on radiators apparently!
MICHAEL
How common! I would never do anything like that. And that’s this week’s Five in the Eye!
++++
Episode 0445 of Five in the Eye
MICHAEL
Hello and a very warm welcome to Five in the Eye - your weekly news review show right here on Colourful Radio. This is me - Michael Ohajuru - looking forward to looking back over five of the stories that have caught our eye over the past week, in episode 0445.
PHILAnd this is Phil Woodford joining Michael via Zoom and revealing that our top story is going to be the call for a citizen’s army to fight Russia. If we’re going to end up being conscripted for our country, shouldn’t we be entitled to have votes that count? The Head of the Electoral Commission has claimed that strict voter ID rules could lay the Tories open to the charge that the system benefits their party
MICHAEL
And for story number two, I was saying only last week that if we want the top people running our public services, we need to pay top salaries. But the Chief Executive of British Gas’ parent company says that he can’t even justify his own!
PHIL
What’s story number three this week? Well, thanks to listener and contributor Lola Hatmil, who spotted that Woolworth’s just might - and I stress might - be revived in the coming years. Would you welcome the bargain store’s return to the British High Street?
MICHAEL
For our fourth story, it’s the restaurant in Toronto, Canada that’s asking people to sign a waiver if they order rare meat!
PHIL
And finally, to wrap up the show, AI holograms may allow the likes of Albert Einstein and Isaac Newton to give university lectures.
MICHAEL
But they’ll never replace us here on Colourful Radio! And that’s this week’s Five in the Eye!
++++
Episode 444 of Five in the Eye
PHIL
Hello and a very warm welcome to Five in the Eye - your weekly news review show here on Colourful Radio. In London, this is Phil Woodford and you’re listening to episode 0444.
MICHAEL
And this is me - Michael Ohajuru - joining Phil via Zoom and revealing that our top story is going to be the rebellion over Rwanda this week that seemed to threaten Rishi Sunak, but then fizzled out. With the Tories falling as low as 20% in some opinion polls, can the Prime Minister really survive until the election?
PHIL
And for story number two, we head to the railways. In a week where one privatised company seemed to joke about the ‘free money’ they were getting from the government, another nationalised one abolished cheaper fares for long-distance journeys. Why are our trains in such a mess?
MICHAEL
What’s story number three? Well, we’re looking at the trend for celebrities to turn themselves into novelists.
PHIL
And for story number four, it’s the accusation that Amsterdam’s prestigious Van Gogh museum has turned itself into a theme park through a collaboration with Pokemon.
MICHAEL
And finally, to wrap up the show, we’re talking about a dog who was supposedly the oldest one in the world. But was he? The Guinness Book of World Records is having second thoughts.
PHIL
Don’t worry, Michael. Your record as the oldest radio presenter in town is safe! And that’s this week’s Five in the Eye!
++++
Episode 443 of Five in the Eye
MICHAEL
Good morning! Have you missed us? Five in the Eye took a bit of a break over the Christmas and New Year period, but now we’re back and ready to take on 2024! And what better way to do it than with a prime number episode of your favourite news review show - 0443! I’m Michael Ohajuru and you’re listening to Colourful Radio.
PHIL
And joining Michael via Zoom, it’s Phil Woodford, revealing that our top story this week is going to be the scandal at the Post Office, which saw terrible miscarriages of justice for those using the faulty Horizon IT system. The government has acted this week. But why has it taken so long?
MICHAEL
The second story is from the Telegraph and it features a discussion of so-called ‘junk’ history. My own project on the Black Tudor trumpeter John Blanke gets a positive mention in the article by parliamentary sketchwriter Madeleine Grant. But are we in danger of misrepresenting the past to kids?
PHIL
For our third story, we’re looking at the so-called ‘Robocop’ who will be patrolling the supermarket aisles at Morrisons.
MICHAEL
And for story number four, it’s the Alaska Airlines flight where part of the fuselage blew out. Someone lost their iPhone in the incident, but it was found on the ground. In working condition!
PHIL
And how are we wrapping up the show this week? Well, if you need any help tidying up your house, there’s a Welsh mouse who might be able to help!
MICHAEL
He’s leaving a man’s work surfaces squeaky clean! And that’s this week’s Five in the Eye!
++++
Episode 442 of Five in the Eye
MICHAEL
Hello and a very warm welcome to episode 0442 of Five in the Eye. As regular listeners know, this is the show on Colourful where we sift through the Christmas Pudding of news to find a handful of sixpences that we feel warrant discussion. I’m Michael Ohajuru - looking forward to looking back over those stories that have caught our eye.
PHILAnd this is Phil Woodford joining Michael via Zoom and revealing that our top story is going to be the controversy surrounding Baroness Mone and her involvement with a firm supplying PPE to the government during the Covid pandemic. She and her husband were grilled by the BBC’s Laura Kuennesberg, but many were unimpressed with the answers given in the interview.
MICHAEL
And for story number two, we head over to America, where the Supreme Court of the State of Colorado has ruled that Donald J Trump is ineligible to stand in the Republican primaries, because of an obscure clause in the constitution that bars people who’ve incited insurrection from holding office. The starting gun has been fired on a year of political intrigue.
PHIL
What’s story number three this week? Well, the UK’s Supreme court has ruled that AI can’t own a patent. An inventor has to be a person for the purposes of protecting intellectual property. What exactly does all this mean?
MICHAEL
And at number four this week, it’s the price of Christmas markets. Some people have claimed that it’s cheaper to fly to Germany than to buy something to eat at a German-themed Yuletide event in Birmingham!
PHIL
And to wrap up the show this week at number five, we check on Santa’s sartorial standards. Mums and dads were complaining about Father Christmas’ lack of headwear and shoes when they visited the Newcastle Metrocentre with their youngsters.
MICHAEL
Santa is on the naughty list this year! And that’s this week’s Five in the Eye!
++++
Episode 441 of Five in the Eye
PHIL
Good morning. You’re listening to Colourful Radio - either on DAB in London and the South East of England - or your streaming us online or over apps. However you’re joining us, you’re very welcome. This is Phil Woodford introducing episode 0441 of our Five in the Eye news review. Thanks so much to Olu Alake for standing in for me last week.
MICHAEL
And this is me - Michael Ohajuru - joining Phil via Zoom and revealing that our top story this week is going to be the dilemma Rishi Sunak faces over his flagship Rwanda policy. He got the first reading of his bill through Parliament, but some MPs to his left and his right are determined to see changes or are threatening to scupper it in the new year.
PHIL
And story number two this week concerns the bizarre comments of minister Kemi Badenoch, who objected to an archeological study into plague in medieval times, claiming it to be ‘woke’.
MICHAEL
So what’s story number three this week? Well the Meta/Ray Ban glasses have caused a stir, as they are wearable tech that incorporate AI. How comfortable are we with the new society that’s emerging?
PHILAnd for our fourth story, it’s the woman who lost a 750,000 Euro ring at the Ritz in Paris. The cleaning staff found it in a vacuum bag!
MICHAEL
And finally, to wrap up the show, we report on the confused burglar who ended up getting suspended upside down by his shoelaces when trying to break into a property.
PHILUpside down? That’s bats! And that’s this week’s Five in the Eye!
+++++
Episode 440 of Five in the Eye 440 with Olu
MICHAEL
Welcome to episode 440 of Five in the Eye Colourful Radio’s weekly news review show. From the hard shoulder of the motorway of life we look back over the news to look forward… Phil’s away this week so we’re joined by an old friend of the show Olu Alake ..
Our top story this week is Immigration, the Tory Party , Rishi Sunak what on earth is going on ?
OLU
For story number two we’ll be looking at report which says Saying 'good morning' to strangers and chatting with people you don't know gives you a major happiness boost
MICHAEL
And story number three we’ll be looking at the word named word of the year 2023 by Oxford University Press who has anyone heard of it and what does it mean?
OLU
Story number Four is all about the tie King Charles was wearing at COP 28 Climate change talks in Dubai - what did it mean ? Was he trolling anyone ?
MICHAEL
For our final story we remember the great poet, committed activist and towering role model Benjamin Zaphiniaire who sadly passed away this week
OLU
That’s this week’s Five in the Eye.
Episode 439 of Five in the Eye
MICHAEL
Hello and a very warm welcome to Five in the Eye. This is me - Michael Ohajuru - hosting your weekly news review show on Colourful Radio. It’s episode 0439 and I can’t help noticing that 439 is a PRIME NUMBER, so we know that this is going to be a special show.
PHIL
And this is Phil Woodford joining Michael via Zoom and revealing that our top story is going to be about immigration. Ireland recently saw street violence in the capital and the Dutch elections produced a shock with right-winger Geert Wilders getting the largest number of seats in parliament. It seems the issue isn’t just a hot topic here in the UK.
MICHAEL
And for story number two, it’s the Christmas ad for a local pub that people are saying rivals John Lewis for its sentimental message. But what does it tell us about loneliness?
PHIL
What’s our third story this week? There have apparently been discussions about extending about the controversial VAR system in football. The suggestion has understandably sparked a mixed reaction.
MICHAEL
For story number four, we discuss the fact that Gen Z is apparently not so keen on the classic Christmas dinner with all the trimmings.
PHIL
And another food story to wrap up the show. How about some slap-up dining with… errr… Greggs?
MICHAEL
My favourite sausage roll is now haute cuisine! And that’s this week’s Five in the Eye!
++++
Episode 0438 of Five in the Eye
MICHAEL
Hello and a very warm welcome to Five in the Eye here on Colourful Radio. This is me - Michael Ohajuru - in the hotseat for episode 0438 of our weekly news review.
PHIL
And this is Phil Woodford joining Michael via Zoom and revealing that our top story is going to be about the way different wars are viewed around the world. Ukraine and Gaza have had no end of coverage in the media, but what about conflicts in Africa that have displaced millions? Shouldn’t they receive the same kind of attention?
MICHAEL
Our second story is something that we picked up in The Voice and also the Jamaica Gleaner. Are the ‘Heirs of Slavery’ - a group of people who directly benefited from their ancestors’ involvement in the slave trade - now getting too much attention? While they back calls for reparations, they also appear to benefit from book deals and TV appearances.
PHIL
What’s story number three this week? Well, we jump back to the Covid Inquiry, which has seen testimony from the scientists and doctors who were advising the government. Apparently former Prime Minister Boris Johnson wasn’t that good at interpreting charts!
MICHAEL
And what about the turmoil at OpenAI, the company that created ChatGPT? Sam Altman, the CEO, was forced out, joined Microsoft and then returned within just a few days. Some reports now say that the episode was sparked by a letter warning of dangers emerging with artificial intelligence.
PHIL
And finally this week, to wrap up the show, it’s the news that Santa was too busy to turn up a grotto, causing a lot of disappointment for well-behaved girls and boys.
MICHAEL
He said no-no-no to the ho-ho-ho! And that’s this week’s Five in the Eye!
++++
Episode 437 of Five in the Eye
PHIL
Good morning! If you’ve got that Friday feeling and you’re expecting a review of the week’s news here on Colourful Radio, you’re in the right place. This is Phil Woodford welcoming you to episode 0437 of Five in the Eye, broadcast on DAB in London and the South East or streamed over the web and via apps.
MICHAEL
And this is me - Michael Ohajuru - joining Phil via Zoom and revealing that our top story is going to be Rishi Sunak’s Cabinet reshuffle, including the removal of Suella Braverman and the reintroduction of former Prime Minister David Cameron.
PHIL
And the government suffered a big defeat over its ‘stop the boats’ pledge this week, when the Supreme Court ruled that its Rwanda policy wasn’t lawful. The government’s solution? Change the law! That’s story number two.
MICHAEL
And what’s story number three this week? Well, developments in AI continue apace and there’s concern that the latest generation of artificial imagery is impossible to tell apart from reality. In fact, many people when tested think the artificial images are more real!
PHIL
For our fourth story, we discuss the classic cartoon series The Simpsons. For a while, it looked as if some of the comic-book violence was going to disappear. But latest reports suggest that it’s going to stay after all.
MICHAEL
And you know we can’t resist an ‘animal loose on a plane’ story here on Five in the Eye. The latest example was on a cargo flight from the US to Belgium, where a horse broke out of its stall!
PHIL
Didn’t he see the seatbelt sign was still on? And that’s this week’s Five in the Eye!
++++
Episode 436 of Five in the Eye
PHIL You’re listening to Colourful Radio on DAB in London and the South East or maybe you’re streaming us online or over the web. However you’re tuning in, you’re very welcome and we hope you’re going to enjoy our weekly news review show, Five in the Eye. I’m Phil Woodford and this is episode 0436. MICHAEL And this is Michael Ohajuru joining Phil via Zoom and revealing our top story is going to be the King’s Speech this week. Was there anything to get the voters’ pulses racing? PHIL For story number two, we look at how people who’ve been accused of racism have been able to find financial support through crowdfunding. What does this say about society as a whole? MICHAEL What’s story number three this week? Well, the budget store Aldi will be closed on Boxing Day to allow staff to spend extra time with their loved ones. Will we all be rushing down to Lidl instead? Or should we be grateful the employees are being treated well? PHIL For our fourth story, we ask how prepared we should be for our final journey. Eventually Michael and I will be heading for the radio studio in the sky, but what clutter we will be leaving behind? And should we start clearing it out now? MICHAEL Finally, to wrap up the Eye, Phil is very enthusiastic about a new Heinz product. It’s ketchup combined with pickle. PHIL What a fantastic initiative! And that’s this week’s Five in the Eye. ++++
Episode 0435 of Five in the Eye
MICHAEL
Hello and a very warm welcome to Colourful Radio’s news review show, Five in the Eye! Whether you’re listening on DAB in London and the South East or streaming us online, it’s great to have you on board. This is me - Michael Ohajuru - back after a week away. A big thank you to ‘Judge’ Bob McAra for standing in for me last Friday!
PHILAnd this is Phil Woodford joining Michael for episode 0435 of the Eye and revealing that our top story is going to be revelations at the Covid Inquiry this week.
MICHAEL
And for story number two, we think about how businesses have been hit by the cost-of-living crisis and world events, delving into the tale of one particular company that sold eco products.
PHILWhat’s story number three? Well it’s the wedding in Germany where one of the guests was deemed to have outshone the bride, because she turned up in a beautiful African dress. We ask Bard and ChatGPT about the ethical issues.
MICHAEL
For our fourth story, we ask whether men can have the menopause. Pop star Robbie Williams thinks they can!
PHIL
And to wrap up the show this week, it’s another pop star, Rick Astley. He’s recorded a rather different version of his hit Never Gonna Give You Up.
MICHAEL
Some of the lyrics seem a little bit odd! And that’s this week’s Five in the Eye!
++++
Episode 434 of Five in the Eye
PHIL:
Hello and a very warm welcome to episode 0434 of Five in the Eye - your weekly news review here on Colourful Radio. This is Phil Woodford in London. Michael’s away this week - too many commitments for Black History Month - but I’m delighted to welcome an old friend of the Eye who’s agreed to step in. It’s legal eagle and all-round good guy, ‘Judge’ Bob McAra. Hi there, Bob!
BOB:
Hi there Phil. Great to be back on Five in the Eye. And I can reveal our top story is about the laws surrounding war. Have Hamas committed war crimes? Have the Israelis? And just what obligations do jcountries have in times of conflict?
PHIL
Story number two is the news that a reality TV star is in discussions about becoming a Labour MP. Should we encourage people from non-traditional backgrounds to become politicians?
BOB
What’s story number three? Well, AI newsreaders are becoming all the rage. We ask Bard and ChatGPT about the pros and cons.
PHIL
At four, Cliff Richard - who’s even older than Michael - has a new calendar out. And it has a nautical flavour.
BOB
And, finally, a story from my. neck of the woods. Motorists are being encouraged to drive around with a bowl of water in the passenger seat.
PHIL
At least it doesn’t give advice on your driving! And that’s this week’s Five in the Eye!
+++
Episode 433 of Five in the Eye
MICHAEL
Hello and a very warm welcome to Five in the Eye - Colourful Radio’s weekly news review show. This is me - Michael Ohajuru - welcoming you to a prime number episode, 0433.
PHIL
And this is Phil Woodford joining Michael via Zoom and revealing our top story is going to be the ongoing crisis in the Middle East. With death and destruction in both Israel and the neighbouring Gaza Strip, is there any way of preventing a bigger regional war?
MICHAEL
For our second story this week, it’s the claim by a Black millionaire that he was denied access to a posh London bar and was racially profiled. Just how commonplace is this kind of overt racism in the 2020s?
PHIL
What’s story number three? Well, boffins are worried about ancient germs being unearthed as the world warms up. Bugs are being defrosted and could pose a threat to human health. But how much of a threat? We ask ChatGPT and Bard for their opinions!
MICHAEL
Our fourth story on the Eye is the cat with a spectacularly loud purr. It’s made the Guinness Book of World Records!
PHIL
And finally, to cap off the show, the Wombles of Wimbledon Common are returning to teach a new generation to tidy up.
MICHAEL
They must be looking for recycling bins these days, not just litter bins! And that’s this week’s Five in the Eye!
++++
Episode 432 of Five in the Eye
PHIL
It’s Friday, so that can only mean one thing - it’s Five in the Eye day here on Colourful Radio. In London, I’m Phil Woodford and you’re listening to episode 0432.
MICHAEL
And this is me - Michael Ohajuru - joining Phil via Zoom and revealing that our top story this week is going to be our review of the Labour Party conference. We talked about the Lib Dems and the Tories, so it’s only fair that we turn the spotlight on Sir Keir Starmer’s party and ask: is it now ready for government?
PHIL
And for story number two, with war raging in the Middle East, we look at the role that disinformation and fake news may play in the conflict. And there have been worries about so-called ‘deepfake’ audio closer to home.
MICHAEL
What’s story number three? Well, it’s the extraordinary saga of the famous Sycamore Gap tree by Hadrian’s Wall. It was chopped down in mysterious circumstances and there’s a debate about what should happen next.
PHIL
For story number four, we cover the bizarre request from a bride-to-be that left her sister flabbergasted.
MICHAEL
And to finish the show today, at number five, it’s the great British weather. It’s turning cold and autumnal tomorrow apparently. But did you enjoy the sizzling heat earlier in the week?
PHIL
Time to put away your parasol now, Michael. And that’s this week’s Five in the Eye!
++++
Episode 431 of Five in the Eye
MICHAEL
Hello and a very warm welcome to Five in the Eye. It’s prime number episode of our news review show - number 0431 - which makes it extra special. This is me - Michael Ohajuru - looking forward to looking back over five stories that have caught our eye over the past week.
PHIL
And this is Phil Woodford joining Michael via Zoom and revealing that our top story is going to be Rishi Sunak’s speech on Wednesday to the Tory conference. He scrapped the next leg of HS2 and promised to abolish A-Levels and stop a generation of youngsters smoking. Was anyone convinced?
MICHAEL
For story number two, we turn to the United States, where the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Kevin McCarthy, was ousted by hard-liners in his own party. Is government in the country beginning to fall apart?
PHIL
And what’s story number three, you ask? Well, it’s something Michael insisted we put in. Some of the latest research on what makes us either a dog lover or, in my case, a cat lover!
MICHAEL
And what about that extraordinary VAR mix-up in the game between Liverpool and Tottenham last weekend. Should the match be replayed? That’s story number four.
PHILAnd finally - at number five - we hope your breakfast has settled, because we’ll be discussing the dance-off between Nigel Farage and former Home Secretary Priti Patel.
MICHAEL
I feel dirty even talking about that dancing, Phil! And that’s this week’s Five in the Eye!
++++
Episode 430 of Five in the Eye
PHIL
It’s Friday morning and Five in the Eye has come calling. Yes, it’s your weekly news review here on Colourful Radio and you’re listening to episode 0430. A very warm welcome from me - Phil Woodford - here in London.
MICHAEL
And a warm welcome from me - Michael Ohajuru - too! I’m joining Phil via Zoom this week and revealing that our top story is going to be the speech in the USA by Home Secretary Suella Braverman, in which she asked for the world to rip up the long-standing agreements over the rights of refugees.
PHIL
And earlier this week, the Lib Dems wrapped up their conference in Bournemouth. It seems like a good opportunity to ask: what exactly is the party for? And what role might it play in the forthcoming general election. That’s story number two on Five in the Eye.
MICHAEL
What’s story number three? Well, it’s the news that an Irish university has introduced what the media describe as an ‘influencer’ degree. Is there more to it than meets the eye?
PHIL
And as NASA brings asteroid dust back to Earth for analysis, we could learn a huge amount about the origins of the universe. It’s a massive achievement for science and it’s story number four this week.
MICHAEL
Finally, this week, how much are you prepared to pay for a sandwich. Jaws were dropping this week when it was revealed that a Pret cheese baguette now costs a princely £7.15 to eat in.
PHIL
You’d best stick to Greggs, Michael! And that’s this week’s Five in the Eye!
++++
Episode 429 of Five in the Eye
MICHAEL
Good morning! It’s me - Michael Ohajuru - here on Colourful Radio welcoming you to episode 0429 of our weekly news review show Five in the Eye. I hope you’re looking forward to looking back over five news stories that have caught our eye over the past week!
PHIL
And this is Phil Woodford, joining Michael via Zoom, and revealing that our top story this week is about the power of big tech companies. While Google is being taken to court in the US over its monopoly of online search, the eccentric billionaire Elon Musk says that he’s going to start charging people to use X, formerly known as Twitter.
MICHAEL
For story number two, it’s the on-off saga of the HS2 rail link. There are fears it may never reach further than Birmingham. So much, then, for ‘levelling up’ the north of England! But critics point to spiralling costs and ask: is it really worth it?
PHIL
What’s story number three? Well, are you tempted to trade in your current mobile handset for a new iPhone 15? Some say the new features don’t add a lot, while others feel we should be hanging on to our old phones and reducing consumption.
MICHAEL
At number four, it’s the Danish artist who was handed a lot of money by a Museum to create new works, but repaid them with… empty frames!
PHILAnd finally this week, to cap off the show, we travel to Spain where people apparently bet on where a donkey is going to poo for a chance to win a thousand euros.
MICHAEL
We’re probably making asses of ourselves by even discussing this, Phil! And that’s this week’s Five in the Eye!
++++
Episode 428 of Five in the Eye
PHIL
Good morning! It’s Friday and that can only mean one thing: it’s Five in the Eye day here on Colourful Radio. It’s episode 0428 of the show where we trawl through the week’s news and bring you our latest catch. I’m Phil Woodford in London.
MICHAEL
And joining Phil via Zoom, it’s me - Michael Ohajuru - revealing that our top story is going to be relations with China. As allegations of spying swirl around Westminster, there’s a big debate over the kind of relationship we should have with Beijing. Do we stay close for economic reasons? Or stay clear out of security concerns?
PHILAnd for story number two, it’s the impact of tourism on locals. According to The Observer, locals in Amsterdam are fed up with TikTok crazy influencers posing in restaurants and riding bikes around the red district. Shouldn’t they be going to the Rijksmuseum instead?
MICHAEL
And what’s story number three? Well, it’s the pub chain that wants to charge you more for a pint at peak time? Would you pay?
PHIL
And while you’re at the boozer, you could settle down to Liz Truss’ new book, where she dispenses words of wisdom about her lengthy period in office. That’s story number four this week.
MICHAEL
And finally - to wrap up the Eye - it’s the town in Portugal that got flooded by red wine!
PHIL
Apparently it didn’t smell too badly because it was good quality plonk! And that’s this week’s Five in the Eye!
++++
Episode 427 of Five in the Eye
MICHAEL
It’s Friday, so you know what that means! Yes, it’s Five in the Eye day here on Colourful Radio. This is me - Michael Ohajuru - welcoming you to episode 0427 of our weekly news review show.
PHIL
And this is Phil Woodford joining Michael via Zoom this week and revealing that our top story is going to be the seeming collapse of British infrastructure and public services. As Birmingham City Council effectively declares itself bankrupt, the huge row erupts over the dodgy concrete that seems to have been used in so many schools and public buildings.
MICHAEL
And what’s story number two? Well, as the giant banking group HSBC prepares to leave its flagship office in Canary Wharf, we ask about the future of these kind of buildings. In the post-Covid world, where patterns have work have changed, is the office dead?
PHILFor our third story this week, Michael is worried as old-school landlines are going to disappear in 2025. Unless you’re connected via broadband, you won’t be able to pick up the dog and bone.
MICHAEL
Our fourth story is truly barking mad. It’s about the Danish dogs who were brought in to take part in a Mozart concert.
PHIL
And finally, to wrap up the show, Dunkin’ Donuts reckon they’ve uncovered what your coffee-drinking habits say about your personality.
MICHAEL
I can’t wait to ‘espresso’ my opinions on that one! And that’s this week’s Five in the Eye!
++++
Episode 426 of Five in the Eye
PHIL
Hello and a very warm welcome to episode 0426 of Colourful Radio’s weekly news review show. We call it Five in the Eye, because we look back at five stories in the news that have caught our eye and give you our honest opinions, without pulling - we hope - too many punches. In London, I’m Phil Woodford.
MICHAEL
And joining Phil today via Zoom, it’s me - Michael Ohajuru - revealing that our top story is going to be the launch of the ULEZ in London and the campaign of civil disobedience against it. What justification to protesters have to obstruct Sadiq Khan’s plans?
PHIL
And for number two this week, it’s Tory MP Nadine Dorries. She has finally resigned and issued a blistering letter attacking Prime Minister Rishi Sunak.
MICHAEL
What’s story number three? Well, it’s the US TV presenter who proposed on air to the anchor of a news show. Is it ok to put people on the spot in public?
PHIL
For our fourth story, remember the old adage: ‘When in Rome, do as the Romans do?’ Well, former Tottenham striker Harry Kane has taken it to heart when arriving to play at Bayern Munich. He’s been pictured wearing lederhosen and eating sausage!
MICHAEL
And finally this week - to wrap up the Eye - it’s those pesky measuring devices for your luggage at airports. One man recently became so frustrated at the fact his case didn’t fit, that he started ripping off its wheels and handle!
PHIL
That’s travelling light! And that’s this week’s Five in the Eye!
+++
Episode 425 of Five in the Eye
MICHAEL
A very good morning to you all! It’s me - Michael Ohajuru - welcoming you to the very latest edition of Five in the Eye - Colourful Radio’s weekly news review show. Episode 0425 is about to get under way.
PHIL
And this is Phil Woodford, joining Michael via Zoom, and revealing that our top story is going to be the disturbing case of Lucy Letby - the nurse convicted of killing young infants in her care. It seems as if hospital bosses were obstructive in the face of doctors’ concerns and there are calls for the forthcoming inquiry to be given real teeth.
MICHAEL
What’s story number two this week? Well, it’s India’s remarkable achievement in achieving a ‘soft’ landing at the South Pole of the Moon. While America, Russia and China spend billions on their space programme, the government in New Delhi has spent a fraction of the sum. In fact, they achieved the mission for less than it cost to shoot the Hollywood movie Gravity!
PHIL
Our additional stories are all concerned with aspects of transport closer to home! We start at number three with the controversy over the closure of ticket offices. People are campaigning to keep them, but a recent news story suggested that one station office hadn’t sold a single ticket in a month!
MICHAEL
For story number four, it’s the experiment among Londoners - surely not! - to encourage them to say hello to bus drivers. Apparently it makes the transport staff feel better.
PHIL
And finally, to wrap up the show, how far would you go to get free train travel? In Austria, you can ride the railway for nothing if you’re prepared to get a tattoo!
MICHAEL
No one is going to persuade me to get a tatt! Even the Austrian railway people! And that’s this week’s Five in the Eye!
++++
Episode 424 of Five in the Eye
PHIL
Hello. It’s Friday, so that can only mean one thing: it’s Five in the Eye day here on Colourful Radio. In London, I’m Phil Woodford and you’re listening to episode 0424 of our weekly news review.
MICHAEL
And this is me - Michael Ohajuru - joining Phil via Zoom and revealing that our top story is going to be the potential closure of the course in African history at University of Chichester. We’re going to be talking to two of the students affected.
PHILAnd for story number two, it’s Donald Trump. He’s now facing charges in Georgia over attempts to manipulate the 2020 election result. Add that to Stormy Daniels, documents in the bathroom at Mar-a-Lago and the January 6th insurrection and things are looking lively for the former president.
MICHAEL
What’s story number three? Well, it’s two penpals who started to writing to each other 70 years ago. They kept it going and have now met up for the very first time.
PHILFor our fourth story, it’s the Lionesses’ victory against the Matildas and the prospect that England’s women footballers could bring home the World Cup.
MICHAEL
And to wrap up the show - at number five - it’s our annual survey of the best gags from the Edinburgh fringe.
PHIL
None of those one-liners compare to yours, Michael. They actually make people laugh! And that’s this week’s Five in the Eye!
Episode 423 Five in the Eye
MICHAEL
Hello and a very warm welcome to Five in the Eye. And at least it has got just a little warmer over the past couple of days! This is me - Michael Ohajuru - and you’re listening to episode 0423 of Colourful Radio’s weekly news review show.
PHIL
And joining Michael via Zoom, this is Phil Woodford, revealing that our top story is going to be the offensive comments of the deputy chairman of the Tory Party, Lee Anderson, about asylum seekers. It comes as the first migrants have been accommodated on a floating barge - the now-notorious Bibby Stockholm.
MICHAEL
And for our second story, Time magazine reports on the ways in which teachers are trying to incorporate the use of ChatGPT and other similar AI platforms into the classroom. A realistic response to new technology? Or a slippery slope?
PHIL
Story number three this week is research that suggests Facebook is actually good for your mental health. Can it really be true?
MICHAEL
And what’s our fourth story? Well, the posh sailing set in Cowes on the Isle of Wight has become just a tiny bit more diverse, thanks to some young lads from London.
PHIL
And to wrap up the show at number five, we return to a subject close to our heart. Remember the bears in the Chinese zoo last week, who were alleged to be people in costumes? Now, we learn of a bear on the loose inside a plane.
MICHAEL
I can bear-ly believe it! And that’s this week’s Five in the Eye!
+++++
Episode 0422 of Five in the Eye
PHIL
Hello and a very warm welcome to episode 0422 Five in the Eye - Colourful Radio’s news review show, broadcast every Friday morning on DAB in London and the South East, as well via apps and online streaming. This is Phil Woodford in the hotseat after a couple of weeks away. Thanks so much to Olu Alake and ‘Judge’ Bob McAra for standing in for me.
MICHAEL
And joining Phil via Zoom this week, it’s me - Michael Ohajuru - revealing that our top story is going to be Labour’s green backsliding. Following the Tory win in the Uxbridge by-election, critics have accused the party of going lukewarm about their policies to stop the world from heating up.
PHIL
And for story number two, it’s the worrying prospect of the billionaire Elon Musk controlling half the satellites in space.
MICHAEL
For story number three, we ask just how spicy do you like your food? Entrepreneur Pat Hinds is riding the wave of interest in hot sauce and he joins us on the show to tell us about his passion: Guyanese food.
PHIL
What’s story number four? Well, it’s the man who has become a professional at attending stag parties. He’s spent fifty grand travelling the world with prospective grooms that he doesn’t even know!
MICHAEL
And finally this week, to wrap up the five, we head for the zoo in China where it seems as if the bears in the enclosure might actually be human beings dressed up in costumes!
PHIL
Have you been moonlighting again, Michael? And that’s this week’s Five in the Eye!
++++
Episode 0421 of Five in the Eye with Bob
MICHAEL
Hello and a very warm welcome to episode 0421 of Five in the Eye - your favourite news review show, right here on Colourful Radio. This is me - Michael Ohajuru - looking forward to looking back over some of the stories that have caught our eye this past week - Phil’s away this week so we’ve our legal expert Bob ‘Judge’ Macara - welcome Bob!
BOB
Great to be here Michael looking forward to debating the news with you. Our number one story this week are reports that Rishi Sunak says net zero strategy must be ‘proportional and pragmatic,’ Is the Government back tracking on climate change commitments …and does it matter ?
MICHAEL
For story number two, it’s the cannibalism spoof documentary The British Miracle Meat on Channel 4 which seems to have backfired or have folk over just reacted to what was meant as a joke - human flesh being sold as an alternative to animal meat
BOB
While for story number three we ask why all the fuss over Farage's bank account did it really deserve the resignation, was it really that important ?
MICHAEL
Meanwhile for story number four, Unesco calls for a global ban on all smartphones in schools is this practical , realistic ? What is there to but done with mobile phones in the classroom ?
BOB
And what’s at number five? It's about punishment not in school but in a Rugby Club when players who fail at training exercise they had to drive a three wheel car - a Robin Reliant - for a week. Is this the way to punish professional sportsman ?
MICHAELThat’s this week's Five in the Eye!
+++++
Episode 420 Five in the Eye with Olu
Welcome to episode 420 of Five in the Eye Colourful Radio’s weekly news review show.
Phil’s away this week so we’re joined by an old friend of the show Olu Alake ..and he’s a now job - CEO of the Africa Center which amongst many things is the home of Colourflul welcome so before we start the show proper we have to find out Olu’s new role as CEO of the Africa Centre
MICHAEL
Thanks for that so let’s start the show…
OLU
MICHAEL
OLU
Story number Four Are you Barbie or Oppenheimer ? This weekend two Hollywood block busters are released on the same day. Which would we be going to and why ?
MICHAEL
OLU
So we can stop behavior we disapprove of with a stare - really ! That’s this week’s Five in the Eye.
+++++
Episode 419 of Five in the Eye
PHIL
Hello and a very warm welcome. It’s Friday, so that can only mean one thing: it’s Five in the Eye day. It’s Phil Woodford here with you on Colourful Radio and you’re listening to episode 0419. A prime number show!
MICHAEL
A prime number indeed - always special! This is me - Michael Ohajuru - joining Phil via Zoom and revealing that our top story is going to be immigration. As the government continue to push their controversial legislation through parliament, murals have been removed in asylum centres for kids. And on the continent, the issue of migration has caused the Dutch government to collapse.
PHIL
What’s story number two? Well, we take a look at the funding of political parties. The General Secretary of the trade union Unite has put Labour Leader Sir Keir Starmer ‘on notice’ that he must deliver for her members. Meanwhile, media reports tell us that the Tories received £5m from a former minister in Hosni Mubarak’s Egyptian government. Is it time for some new rules?
MICHAEL
For our third story, we ask whether it’s ok for grandparents to charge to look after their grandchildren?
PHIL
And for story number four, it’s the robbery that went wrong in America, when no one did what the criminal wanted.
MICHAEL
Finally, to wrap up the Eye this week, it’s the warning issued to visitors at a zoo in Toronto, Canada. Don’t show videos to the gorillas!
PHIL
No viewings of Planet of the Apes! And that’s this week’s Five in the Eye!
++++
Five in the Eye 418
PHIL
Hello and a very warm welcome to episode 0418 of Five in the Eye - Colourful Radio’s weekly news review show. In London, this is Phil Woodford.
MICHAEL
And joining Phil via Zoom this week, it’s me - Michael Ohajuru - revealing that our top story is going to be one that you may not have heard of. It’s the strife between Hindus and Christians in the north-eastern Indian state of Manipur, which has already led to at least 100 deaths. We ask: what does it take for something to become news?
PHIL
And for story number two, we return to the Tory Party, which seems to be in even further disarray over the past week. A right-wing faction calling themselves The New Conservatives seems to be creating a headache for Prime Minister Rishi Sunak.
MICHAEL
And what’s story number three this week? Well, a shop in swanky Knightsbridge is selling ice creams in a variety of unusual flavours. Soy sauce or Branston Pickle, anyone?
PHIL
For our fourth story, the Orkney Islands are considering abandoning the UK to become part of Norway!
MICHAEL
And finally, to wrap up the show at number 5, it’s the girl in America who was so obsessed with vampires, she turned up to her school prom in a coffin!
PHIL
Now, that’s just bats! And that’s this week’s Five in the Eye!
++++’
Five in the Eye 0417
MICHAEL
Hello and a very warm welcome to Five in the Eye on Colourful Radio. It’s me - Michael Ohajuru - back after a week away. Thanks so much to Abi Law for standing in for me last week and explaining the price of onions! Today, you’re listening to episode 0417.
PHIL
And this is Phil Woodford joining Michael via Zoom and revealing that our top story is the astonishing news that kids in the UK are becoming shorter. And experts put it down to the effects of austerity over nearly a decade and a half.
MICHAEL
What’s story number two? Well, the astonishing cost of sending migrants to Rwanda has been revealed. Is it another nail in the coffin of Suella Braverman’s plan to deter boat crossings?
PHIL
For story number three, we travel to Rome, where a tourist has been condemned for scratching graffiti onto the ancient Colosseum.
MICHAEL
And our fourth story is the bizarre cage fight that has been proposed between tech billionaires Elon Musk of Twitter and Mark Zuckerberg of Meta.
PHIL
And to wrap up the show, at number five, it’s the student in China who has tried 27 times to pass the exams to get into university. But at the age of 56, should he perhaps call it a day?
MICHAEL
Well, he is a millionaire, so perhaps he doesn’t need all the book learning! And that’s this week’s Five in the Eye!
++++
Five in the Eye 416 with Abs
PHIL
You’re listening to Colourful Radio and this is Phil Woodford welcoming you to Five in the Eye - our weekly news review show. Michael’s busy schedule means he’s tied up this week, but never fear. We have a very special guest lined up for show 0416 - an old friend of the Eye. It’s Abs Law! Hi there, Abs.
ABS
Hi Phil, it’s great to be back on Five in the Eye. And I can reveal our top story is going to be the cost of living crisis. Food inflation dipped a little this week, but is still frighteningly high. So what can we expect over the coming months?
PHIL
Our second story is about the Tories. Boris Johnson would have been booted out of Parliament for 90 days this week, if he hadn’t already decided to quit as an MP. But Prime Minister Rishi Sunak couldn’t even make it to Parliament to endorse the recommendations of the Privileges Committee.
ABS
For our third story, we look at the report that short daytime naps might help to keep our brains healthier.
PHIL
We’ll then wake up for number four, as there is a man in Scotland who has been bringing his pet snakes to the park to sunbathe with him.
ABS
And finally, to wrap up the show, we ask: how often do you change your underwear? Apparently there’s a growing movement to wash clothes less and to stick with the same wardrobe for a week or so!
PHIL
I’ve told Michael about this, but will he listen? And that’s this week’s Five in the Eye!
++++
Five in the Eye 0415
MICHAEL
Hello and a very warm welcome to Colourful Radio’s weekly news review show, Five in the Eye. This is me - Michael Ohajuru - and you’re listening to episode 0415.
PHIL
And joining Michael via Zoom this week, it’s Phil Woodford, revealing that our top story is going to be the report in The Guardian that an extraordinary number of people in the UK believe in conspiracy theories. Just why have such weird ideas taken a hold on the population?
MICHAELAnd for story number two, we look at two politicians who seem to be two sides of the same dodgy coin: Boris Johnson and Donald J Trump. They both blame everyone else for their woes!
PHIL
And what’s story number three this week? Well, as a church service in Germany is led by artificial intelligence, should we be saying our prayers?
MICHAEL
For our fourth story, the woman who discovered King Richard III under a car park thinks she may have pinpointed another royal. And - believe it or not - he’s buried under a car park too!
PHIL
And finally this week, to wrap up the show, Michael’s favourite store, Greggs, is looking to expand in the home of the pasty - Cornwall!
MICHAEL
It’s going to be a treat for Truro! And that’s this week’s Five in the Eye!
++++
Five in the Eye 0414
PHIL
Good morning, I’m Phil Woodford and you’re listening to Colourful Radio. It’s time to wish you a very warm welcome to episode 0414 of the Five in the Eye news review, broadcast on DAB in London and the South East of England and streamed online and via apps.
MICHAEL
And this is me - Michael Ohajuru - joining Phil via Zoom and revealing that our top story is going to be the relationship of African countries to Russia. Should they be condemning Putin’s invasion of Ukraine? Or play a more even-handed game?
PHILAnd for story number two, it’s the Labour Party. Sir Keir Starmer retains a strong lead over the Tories in the polls, but some people say he lacks vision. Does Labour need to stand for something more if it’s going to win power at next year’s election?
MICHAEL
What’s story number three this week? Well, it’s the fact that last weekend’s Britain’s Got Talent was won by someone who wasn’t British. And perhaps a little challenged on the ‘talent’ front too! Should we care?
PHIL
For our fourth story, how far would you go to retrieve your phone if you lost it? One Indian official ordered a whole reservoir to be drained! He’s now received a fine.
MICHAEL
And finally this week, to wrap up the Eye, there’s a report which may put you off wearing your socks in bed.
PHIL
But how are we supposed to keep our little tootsies warm? And that’s this week’s Five in the Eye!
++++
Five in the Eye 413 Africa Special with Dr Mark Simpson Fellow of the Institute of Commonwealth Studies
PHIL
Welcome! It’s Friday on Colourful Radio and that means it’s Five in the Eye day. But perhaps Five in the Eye as you’ve never heard it before. Because for one week only we’re abandoning our familiar five-story structure and focusing on just three topics. Big stories from Africa that are perhaps not getting the attention in the UK media they deserve. I’m Phil Woodford in London, very much looking forward to episode 0413.
MICHAEL
And this is me – Michael Ohajuru – joining Phil via Zoom this week and revealing that we thought this very special show required a very special guest. He’s an expert on Africa and economic development at the University of London. It’s Dr Mark Simpson. Hello there, Mark, and thanks so much for joining us here on Five in the Eye.
MARK
Thanks, Michael. Hello, Phil. It’s a pleasure to be here on Colourful Radio.
We’re going to be looking at three big stories today and I’ll do my best to shed some light on them.
We’ll move south across the African continent, starting with Sudan, where a conflict is currently raging, and then stopping off at Uganda, which is under international scrutiny for its draconian new law on homosexuality. Finally, it’s just a short step to Rwanda – the country British Home Secretary Suella Braverman claims is one of the safest in the world to send desperate refugees.
PHIL
So let’s embark on our very special journey and kick off this week’s Five in the Eye!
+++++
Five in the Eye 0412
MICHAEL
Good morning and welcome to episode 0412 of Five in the Eye! Hold on to your hats, as we’re about blast our way through the week’s news and give you our perspectives on some of the stories that grabbed our attention. This is me - Michael Ohajuru - and you’re listening to Colourful Radio.
PHIL
And joining Michael via Google Meet this week, it’s Phil Woodford, revealing that our top story is going to be the continuing rise of Sinn Fein in Northern Ireland and what it means for the future of unionism and the UK.
MICHAEL
For story number two, we’re going to discuss how difficult it is for young people in their 20s to leave home. More young adults than ever seem to be living with their parents - something Phil understands very well!
PHIL
For our third story, The Guardian revealed this week that rail companies are being encouraged to take away our wifi on the train. How will Michael tweet?
MICHAEL
And what’s story number four? Well, it’s the young man in Whitby who dresses as an eagle to scare away seagulls.
PHIL
And finally this week, to wrap up the show, there’s a tourist spot in Austria which erected a fence to stop people taking selfies.
MICHAEL
A fence? Some people have taken offence. And that’s this week’s Five in the Eye!
++++
Five in the Eye 0411
PHIL
When it’s Friday, you know it can only mean one thing: it’s Five in the Eye day! This is Phil Woodford in London wishing you a warm Colourful Radio welcome to our weekly news review show. And you’re listening to episode 0411.
MICHAEL
And joining Phil via Zoom this week, it’s me - Michael Ohjauru - revealing that our top story is going to be the extraordinary conference of Conservative Party right-wingers that kept catching the headlines over the past week. Some of the views expressed seemed to be right off the scale!
PHIL
And for story number two, we’re heading to Turkey, where long-established leader Recep Tayyip Erdoğan looks well positioned to triumph in the second round of the presidential poll. How exactly do these strongmen manage to cling on to power?
MICHAEL
What’s story number three this week? Well, my home city of Liverpool did a spectacular job last weekend at hosting the Eurovision Song Contest. Arguably, it was the most successful staging of the event ever, with record viewing figures. But it only came to the UK because of tragic circumstances thousands of miles away.
PHIL
Our fourth story is M&S’ rather nice letter to a man who was playing around with their Percy Pig trademark and some ice cream.
MICHAEL
And finally, to wrap up the show this week, it’s the man who claims to have found the perfect substitute for toilet paper!
PHIL
The only question is whether we want to take a ‘leaf’ out of his book! And that’s this week’s Five in the Eye!
++++
Five in the Eye 410 with Lola
MICHAEL
Hello and a very warm welcome to Five in the Eye on Colourful Radio! As regular listeners will know, this is the show when we send our trawler out to catch the week’s top stories and the sift through them in our news nets. I’m Michael Ohajuru and you’re listening to episode 0410.
PHIL
And joining Michael via Zoom this week it’s Phil Woodford, revealing that we’re welcoming a special guest to the show. She’s been a loyal supporter of our news review since the early days, but is joining us for the first time today. It’s Lola Hatmil! Hi there Lola and welcome to Five in the Eye.
LOLA
Hi Phil, hi Michael. It’s great to be here on the show. So what’s our first story going to be this week? Well, Netflix has come under fire from the Egyptian government for its portrayal of a Black Cleopatra.
MICHAEL
And what’s story number two this week? It’s the Metropolitan Police exercising powers to detain republican protesters in advance of the King’s Coronation. A step too far?
PHIL
And veteran singer Lionel Richie made an appearance at King Charles’ party, but some were underwhelmed by his performance and telling him that now is the time to take it ‘Easy’. We ask Michael whether older people should know when the moment comes to gracefully retire. That’s story number three.
LOLA
For story number four, we know Phil doesn’t have a driving licence. But thankfully he hasn’t been out on Britain’s roads for the last half century, like one man recently apprehended by traffic cops!
MICHAEL
And to wrap up the show this week, would you get bored and a little bit annoyed if someone kept you waiting for your own Coronation? That certainly seemed to be the reaction of our new King.
PHIL
One is most frustrated! And that is this week’s Five in the Eye!
Five in the Eye 0409
PHIL
Hello and a very warm welcome to this week’s edition of Five in the Eye - Colourful Radio’s weekly news review show. This is Phil Woodford, back after a week away. Thanks so much to Olu Alake for standing in for me on last week’s show.
MICHAEL
And this is me - Michael Ohajuru - revealing that this special prime number episode, 0409, is going to be focused on the astonishing growth of artificial intelligence. Yes, it’s a Five in the AI special! Our first story is about the top Google man who has quit because he’s worried about the technology he helped to create.
PHIL
For story number two, we’ll look at some of the practical applications of AI. The government wants to use it to find solutions to processing migrants. And there are some huge potential advantages in medicine. Perhaps the benefits outweigh the risks?
MICHAEL
And at three, what about the world of art and AI? Whether it’s musical artists producing ‘covers’ they never actually made or painters and photographers worried about their work being ‘scraped’ by AI, has intellectual property gone by the wayside?
PHIL
At four, we return to our more regular fare here on Five in the Eye, with a quirky story about a man who was nicked by traffic cops in the Netherlands. They discovered his ID was in the name of one… Boris Johnson.
MICHAEL
And finally this week, to wrap up the show, people have gone bananas over a man who munched on an art exhibit in South Korea.
PHIL
Some people have no taste when it comes to art! And that’s this week’s Five in the Eye!
+++++
Five in the Eye 408 with Olu
MICHAEL
Hello and a very warm welcome to episode 408 of Five in the Eye - your favourite news review show, right here on Colourful Radio. This is me - Michael Ohajuru - looking forward to looking back over some of the stories that have recently caught our eye - Phil’s away this week so we’re joined by an old, old friend of the show Olu Alake
OLU
Great to be here Michael looking forward to debating the news with you.We kick off with rising cost of living - a Bank of England economist is tell us we should accept our reduced living standards in week when the baby soother Calpol is the number one shoplifed item in one of London’s poorest boroughs what’s happening to our economy
MICHAEL
For story number two we ask When is an apology not good enough? The curious case of Diane Abbot.
OLU
While for story number three we ask is Harry right to pursue his battle for justice in the courts? He seems to be fighting on two fronts: the Royal Family and the Murdoch news empire, can he win ?
MICHAEL
Meanwhile for story number four can you believe what we see with our eyes on the planet Venus ? Seems one astronomer did and he got it very wrong
OLU
And our final story this week ? An teenager year old goes underground to get away for his parents 8 years later he has a habitable home with mod cons
MICHAEL Well we’re really digging deep for this week’s show - that’s this weeks’ five in the eye!
+++++
Five in the Eye 0407
MICHAEL
Hello and welcome to the very latest edition of Five in the Eye on Colourful Radio! This is me - Michael Ohajuru - and you’re listening to episode 0407.
PHILAnd joining Michael via Zoom this week, it’s Phil Woodford, revealing that our top story is going to be the decision of nurses to reject the latest pay offer, heralding further disruption to the NHS.
MICHAEL
And as a TikTok star comes under attack for revealing how she’s been able to buy a house at the age of just 21, we ask the broader question of whether the Chinese social media app should be banned. That’s story number two this week.
PHIL
What’s story number three? Well, a photographer has won a prestigious competition with a picture generated by AI. And a new Oasis album has been released, except that it’s by a band called AIsis! Are the bots taking over?
MICHAEL
For our fourth story, it’s the burglar who disguised himself as a solar panel to try to escape detection by the police.
PHIL
And finally, to wrap up the show, Greggs is battling to sell its signature sausage rolls all night in Leicester Square.
MICHAEL
They could deliver to me by drone out in Abbey Wood! And that’s this week’s Five in the Eye!
++++
Five in the Eye 0406
PHIL
Well, it’s Friday and you know what that means… it’s Five in the Eye day here on Colourful Radio. Broadcasting on DAB in London and the South East, online and over apps, it’s episode 0406 of your favourite news review show. I’m Phil Woodford in London.
MICHAEL
And joining Phil this week via Zoom, it’s me - Michael Ohajuru - revealing that our top story is going to be the attack ads the Labour Party is running, which have got very personal. Has Sir Keir Starmer now lost the moral high ground?
PHILAnd for our second story this week, Twitter labelled the BBC as a government-sponsored channel and only relented after pressure on its founder Elon Musk. What does that say about the new regime at the social media giant?
MICHAEL
What’s story number three? Well, the long-established company Tupperware is in big financial trouble. Some listeners may be old enough to remember the world of Tupperware parties. They brought communities together, in the same way as the pub and the church. But have those days disappeared?
PHIL
For our fourth story, there’s consternation in theatreland as some audiences have apparently become too rowdy.
MICHAEL
And finally, to wrap up the show, Facebook is clamping down on people who make their living impersonating stars. They’re worried about being accused of copyright infringements.
PHIL
If anyone is impersonating Michael, you have been warned! And that’s this week’s Five in the Eye!
++++
Five in the Eye 0405 with Burkhard
MICHAEL
Hello and welcome to Five in the Eye! It’s me - Michael Ohajuru - introducing Friday’s weekly news review show here on Colourful Radio. And you’re listening to episode 0405.
PHIL
And joining Michael by Zoom this week, it’s Phil Woodford, revealing that we have a very special guest on the show. Normally he joins us from Potsdam, but on this occasion, he’s visiting England and we couldn’t resist the opportunity to get his take on the week’s news. It’s our Bureau Chief in Germany, Burkhard Acktun! Hi there, Burkhard!
BURKHARD
Hi there Phil, hello Michael. It’s great to be here in the UK and taking part in Five in the Eye. So what’s our top story going to be this week? Well, it’s the expansion of the NATO alliance to include FInland, putting real pressure on Russian President Vladmir Putin as the war in Ukraine drags on.
MICHAEL
And for our second story, we look across the Atlantic where Donald J Trump became the first former President to be formally charged with felony crimes.
PHIL
What’s story number three? Well, NASA has announced that it is sending the first woman and first Black astronauts on their next Moon trip. Has NASA gone woke?
BURKHARD
For our fourth story this week, we discuss Elon Musk’s decision to replace the Twitter logo with a mysterious dogecoin meme.
MICHAEL
And finally, to conclude today’s show, the supermarket Iceland has launched a new delicacy: a lasagne-filled Yorkshire Pudding!
PHIL
Delicious with a generous helping of ketchup! And that’s this week’s Five in the Eye!
++++
Five in the Eye with Suki
PHIL
Hello and a very warm welcome to Five in the Eye - Colourful Radio’s Friday news review show. As always, we’re looking forward to looking back over five of the news stories that have caught our eye over the past week. I’m Phil Woodford and you’re listening to episode 0404.
MICHAEL
And joining Michael via Zoom this week, it’s me - Michael Ohajuru - and I’m delighted to be able to introduce a special guest. Eagle-eyed or maybe eagle-eared listeners will have noticed him before on the show, as he’s an old friend of the Eye. It’s Suki Randhawa. Hi there, Suki!
SUKI
Hi Michael, hello Phil. It’s good to be back on Five in the Eye. And I can reveal our top story this week is going to be the election of Humza Yousaf as Scottish first minister. He is the first Muslim to lead a western nation, but not the first high-profile leader of Asian heritage in the UK. Think of Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan and, of course, Rishi Sunak in 10 Downing Street. What does this tell us about modern Britain?
PHIL
What’s story number two this week? Well it’s the role of Supreme Courts around the world. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is trying to gain greater control of the judiciary - a move which has prompted mass protests. Meanwhile, the US court has been riding roughshod over many long-held rights. How much power should judges have?
MICHAEL
For our third story, we look at the government’s plan to ban laughing gas. An attempt to look tough in the run-up to May’s local elections?
SUKI
And for story number four, it’s a story first published in the Washington Post last year, which is so weird it’s recently resurfaced online and has been doing the rounds. It’s about the people in Japan who hire themselves out to do… errr… nothing very much!
PHIL
And to wrap up the show at number five, it’s President Macron’s flashy watch. Another example of how the French leader is out of touch with the public?
MICHAEL
The clock may be ticking for Monsieur Macron! And that’s this week’s Five in the Eye!
++++
Five in the Eye 0403
MICHAEL
It’s Friday, so you know what that means: it’s Five in the Eye day here on Colourful Radio. This is me - Michael Ohajuru - welcoming you to episode 0403 of our weekly news review show.
PHIL
And this is Phil Woodford joining Michael via Zoom and revealing that our top story this week is going to be the increasing influence of China over global diplomacy. Beijing seem to have brokered a deal between arch rivals Saudi Arabia and Iran. And President Xi has been involved in high-profile summit with Russian leader Vladimir Putin.
MICHAEL
For our second story, we talk about the West End lights that are being turned on to celebrate Ramadan. A sign of just how genuinely integrated and multicultural the UK is today?
PHIL
What’s story number three? Well, it’s the emergency alert on our mobiles that the government is planning to test out next month. A good idea?
MICHAEL
And what about cheesecake produced on a 3D printer? We’ve had quite a few reactions to that idea on our Facebook page! It’s story number four this week.
PHIL
And finally, to wrap up the show, it’s the news that media mogul Rupert Murdoch is set to marry for the fifth time at the age of 92!
MICHAEL
What exactly does his new wife see in the billionaire publisher? And that’s this week’s Five in the Eye!
++++