8th July:

Well, that was Live Earth.

Sitting here today reflecting on the televised concerts last night, it is difficult to say that the BBC's coverage struck the right tone. The usually-dependable Johnathan Ross was a decent anchorman but did far too much of the 'mugging-to-the-camera' schtick. In fact, come to think of it, there was far too much frivolity and piss-taking all round. And which bright spark thought that having Graham Norton and Alan Carr co-hosting would be a good idea? I mean really...asking Alan Carr for his opinion on a serious political and social issue is a bit like taking your Granny to Spearmint Rhino for a night out. Wrong on every level.

It is possible that someone at the BBC felt that the tone of the programme should not be too negative or preachy but this really does miss the point. The fact is that global warming is a critically serious issue and people's failure to react suggests that they really DO need to have it rammed down their throats. However po-faced that may seem. Unfortunately, asking the Pussycat Dolls for a view on energy saving lightbulbs just isn't going to cut the mustard.

The words 'cringing' and 'embarrassment' spring immediately to mind.

Still not nearly as bad as Gervais at the Diana memorial gig, though.