Spooks and being spooked
'I wish life were like ‘Spooks’, where everything is (a) knowable, and (b) soluble by six people'
J and I have just belatedly discovered the excellent BBC series Spooks, which is one reason for the lack of blogging recently, (the other reasons being tax return admin, which I loathe doing, having a sore shoulder from a pole-dancing strain that makes using the mouse painful for long periods, and working on book two.) Having watched Spooks Series 1 over Christmas, and found ourselves completely gripped after two episodes, J and I rushed out and got all the other series in the HMV January sale, and have been sitting white-knuckled clutching our mugs of cold tea on the edge of the sofa ever since. It's such a pleasure when you discover something you like, and then find out that there are 5 more series of it to enjoy at your leisure.
On the subject of terrorism and intelligence, the Observer magazine led with a big investigative feature on the UK Jihadi network. Readers of this blog will have seen a lot of similar stuff before, but it is well worth a read.
Meanwhile Home Secretary Jacqui Smith, who seemed a very nice, sensible woman when I had a meeting with her a few months ago, has revealed in an unguarded interview in the Sunday Times that she wouldn't feel safe walking the streets of Hackney after dark. Diane Abbott, my MP, has now invited Jacqui to go on a late night stroll with her around the streets of Hackney and Stoke Newington. I don't usually get spooked walking about at night where I live - though I tend to restrict myself to late-night food-and-DVD runs to the local shops where I know all the shop keepers. And which ones have baseball bats under their counters.
- then-M15 Chief Eliza Manningham Buller in November 2006
J and I have just belatedly discovered the excellent BBC series Spooks, which is one reason for the lack of blogging recently, (the other reasons being tax return admin, which I loathe doing, having a sore shoulder from a pole-dancing strain that makes using the mouse painful for long periods, and working on book two.) Having watched Spooks Series 1 over Christmas, and found ourselves completely gripped after two episodes, J and I rushed out and got all the other series in the HMV January sale, and have been sitting white-knuckled clutching our mugs of cold tea on the edge of the sofa ever since. It's such a pleasure when you discover something you like, and then find out that there are 5 more series of it to enjoy at your leisure.
On the subject of terrorism and intelligence, the Observer magazine led with a big investigative feature on the UK Jihadi network. Readers of this blog will have seen a lot of similar stuff before, but it is well worth a read.
Meanwhile Home Secretary Jacqui Smith, who seemed a very nice, sensible woman when I had a meeting with her a few months ago, has revealed in an unguarded interview in the Sunday Times that she wouldn't feel safe walking the streets of Hackney after dark. Diane Abbott, my MP, has now invited Jacqui to go on a late night stroll with her around the streets of Hackney and Stoke Newington. I don't usually get spooked walking about at night where I live - though I tend to restrict myself to late-night food-and-DVD runs to the local shops where I know all the shop keepers. And which ones have baseball bats under their counters.
posted by Rachel at 8:10 am
Glad you've found Spooks. It's over the top, at times completely unbelievable, makes MI5 seem just as dangerous to your life as the CTC in 24 but is damn good telly. It knows how to ratchet up the tension. Enjoy the rest ;)
I suppose at least she (Jacqui Smith) is honest.
As for Diane Abbot, I can't take anything she says seriously anymore - ever since she sent her son to a private school after criticising other politicians for doing likewise.
@ Stratford Girl
"I suppose at least she (Jacqui Smith) is honest."
Not really. She forgot to mention that she has a 24hr Met Protection Officer, who would have certainly (if he is to keep his job) been with her during her late night visit to a kebab shop.
Oooh, Spooks...
Wow... you are in for a roller coaster of a ride...
But a good one :)
Oh.. and sorry for no comments recently.... but getting married in 5 days....
Rather busy.... as you will know
Take care
Congratulations Graham!
You get an honourable mention int he post above.
Jacqui Smith is a bit weedy if she has a copper with her when she gets a kebab and she STILL feels scared. Diane Abbott, as my MP, I've got no complaints - she always writes back quickly and has been supportive of the Iraqi employees campaign. I think it must be tough as a a parent when you want the best for your child and find it clashes with your previous principles about private schooling.
Spooks gets more and more bonkers with every episode. I'm on series 3 now and Tom has just left. *sad face*