Independent Sound&Vision
More Traveller Audio
Transport yourself in an instant and discover what's new in travel. Available as free downloads from iTunes
- Something to Declare: the sound of France
How do you stay safe and legal on the roads of France? Why are French trains so good? And should you pack a one-piece swimsuit or a bikini to be chic on the beach in St Tropez? This is the programme that gives you the answers. Something to Declare, a 25-minute broadcast-standard programme produced by The Independent in association with P&O Ferries, brings you the Best of France, and is co-presented by Simon Calder beside the beach in Calais and Ben Ross at Languedoc-Roussillon House, which has just opened in London.
- Ferry easy podcast
Join Simon Calder in the Bay of Biscay, as he travels from the Spanish city of Bilbao to the UK port of Portsmouth on board P&O Ferries' 38,000 ton ship, 'The Pride of Bilbao'. En route, Simon catches up with his fellow passengers to discover just where they've been and what they've seen on their travels round Spain.
- Innsbruck's Alpine Inspiration
In the heart of the Alps, Innsbruck is a skiers' paradise in winter and a great location for hiking and biking in summer. Simon Calder discovers the ‘Golden Roof', used by the Roman emperor Maximilian I to watch events in the town square and takes a tram into the mountains to survey the stunning surroundings.
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- Jamaica: Beyond the Expected
Jamaica has something for everyone; Independent traveller Simon Calder takes a terrifying wire-harness tour of the forest, tastes local cuisine at Faith's Pen, and visits 56 Hope Road, better known as Bob Marley's former abode.
- Walking in Jersey
From the rock formations of Bouley bay to the capital, St Helier, Simon Calder's walking tour takes in some of Jersey's most pleasant spots as well as the many remnants of the island's occupied past.
- Lapland's Winter Wonderland
Simon Calder checks out Santa's ice sculptures, secret grotto and post office. He also finds time to see the city's Arktikum Museum (‘Museum of the Arctic'), and wilderness of Kittilä, perfect for snowmobiles, huskies and reindeer-led sleigh-rides.
- More to Madeira
Madeira's striking capital, Funchal, is a whitewashed town built on dark volcanic rock, while the municipal market is an Art Deco masterpiece. Simon Calder enjoys all the beauty as well as the energetic nightlife and the fishing village Câmara de Lobos, meeting the self-proclaimed ‘Cocktail King' of the island along the way.
- Malta's Marvels
Go back in time with Simon Calder as he hops on Malta's 1960s buses in the island's capital Valletta, the first planned city in Europe.
- Marrakech Overload
Simon lets himself get lost in the winding streets of Morroco's Marrakech, exploring the traditional market places, and marvelling at the architectural wonder of the Koutoubia Mosque tower, before winding down in Yves Saint Laurent's Jardin Marjorelles.
- Nice: A Day in Provence
Beginning in the Promenade des Anglais, Simon Calder explores the Matisse Museum and admires the beautiful views of the hills of Provence. He also samples the region's cuisine, trying traditional corn pancakes and dining at the luxurious Aphrodite restaurant, before tasting some locally produced wine.
- Undiscovered Rotterdam
Simon Calder finds the occupants of this dynamic city welcoming and friendly and the architecture staggering. Travelling to Delft, he visits the 'old church' where Johannes Vermeer, is buried, before journeying to the Hague to see some of the painter's most famous works in the Dutch Royal art collection.
- Sharm El Sheikh: Egyptian Playground
Sharm El-Sheikh's reputation for luxury is borne out by Simon Calder's experience of the Four Seasons resort. After a dazzling snorkelling trip, Simon heads into the desert on a quad-bike, and takes tea at a Bedouin campsite. Crossing the Gulf of Suez, he visits Hurghada, a bustling tourist city with a more authentically Egyptian identity.
- Singapore: At the Crossroads of the World
Beginning in the Buddhist 'Temple of the Tooth', Simon Calder experiences Singapore's diverse population. He visits the multi-ethnic Chinatown, before exploring the village of Kampong Glam, getting a fresh view of the city by riverboat, and filling up on worldwide cuisine at Glutton's Bay.
- Exploring Tenerife
There are many sides of this tourist hotspot for Simon Calder to discover, from the seventeenth-century building containing Tenerife's history museum, to the Augustan monastery in the quiet town of La Laguna. After walking on the summit of central mountain Teide, Simon visits the manmade beach of Las Teresitas, and the cultural capital, Santa Cruz.
- Life on the Lonely Planet
Simon Calder speaks to the founders of the Lonely Planet, Tony and Maureen Wheeler. In a wide-ranging interview they discuss the history of their now ubiquitous travel guides, the controversial Lonely Planet guidebook to Burma, and their thoughts on the future of the travel industry in the face of concerns about its impact on the environment.
- Sleep on the Cheap
In this interesting one-off podcast, Simon Calder finds out how the Youth Hostel Association is adapting to a changing travel industry, whilst continuing to offer cheap and cheerful accommodation to its 250,000 members and other budget travellers around the world.
- Athens: Not As You Knew It
From the ‘Hotel Periscope’ and the Acropolis, to sandal-buying and wine-shopping, Simon Calder explores the ancient and the modern sides of the spectacular Greek capital. Join our intrepid explorer as he learns to snoop out the hidden delights of the Athens retail experience, marvels at the late-night eating, samples traditional cuisine, and tries to keep up with the nocturnal partying habits of young Athenians.
- Peru... Land of a thousand marvels
"Prepare to recalibrate your sense of wonder" that's Simon Calder's advice for when first you experience the New World Wonder that is Machu Picchu. But on a journey of discovery through Peru, from the steamy, soupy Amazon to the austere beauty of the High Andes, Simon shows there is far more to Peru. Meet the locals along the world’s mightiest river; marvel at the mysteries of the Nazca Lines; and take the pulse of Lima, one of the most exciting capitals in the Americas.
download here - Something to Declare (part 2)
Something to Declare is the UK's only travel magazine radio programme, presented by Ben Ross and Frances Tuke. The aim is to translate to radio The Independent's long-held values of inspiring, informing and entertaining travellers - with production standards to match the best of the BBC. The programme mixes expert advice from studio guests with reports from travellers and the travel trade across the world.
- Something to Declare (part 1)
Ben Ross of The Independent's travel desk presents our new travel magazine programme.
- Night and Day in Barcelona
Simon Calder experiences the stunning modern design and Roman roots of the Catalan capital, Barcelona, taking in the art, architecture, food and fashion of a truly 21st century city.
Travel Videos
Take an armchair trip to some of the world's most interesting places
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48 Hours in Rio de Janeiro
Simon Calder travels to Rio de Janeiro, one of Latin America's most exciting cities, where he finds sand, sea and samba, discovers the identity of the Girl from Ipanema, and goes in search of one of the new 7 Wonders of the World....…
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Twin Tracks: a tale of two travellers through the cities of Flanders
The latest twin Track adventure of our intrepid travelling team, Simon Calder and Ben Ross, takes them across the Channel to the Belgian coast and deep into the heart of Flanders. After exploring the fascinating Flemish shore and its hub, Ostend, they split up to delve deeper into the cities: Ben takes a turn around Bruges by bike, and makes a meal of Mechelen; Simon gets to grips with Ghent and meets some of the young and trendy people of Leuven. Then they meet up at Antwerp, the glorious conclusion of their journey. WIN a weekend in Flanders
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The Sound of Flanders
The Sound of Flanders: The Independent Traveller presents another ground-breaking podcast, in which three travel writers discuss three topics for three minutes. Download or listen now to the first-ever 3x3x3, nine minutes of sparkling conversation about Flanders. Ben Ross, Simon Calder and the award-winning journalist Cathy Packe discuss the best way to get around this part of Belgium; where to find the most stylish shops and whether you should feast on seafood or chocolate?
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48 Hours in San Diego
Simon Calder travels to San Diego in the deep south of California, exploring the local cuisine, culture and creatures, taking in the old Gaslight quarter, Point Loma where San Diego began in 1542, and the infamous San Diego zoo along the way…
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48 hours in and around León
This gem in Spain's north-west is off the map for many UK visitors - but it's at the heart of one of Spain's most fascinating provinces. Simon Calder works his way through the layers of the city's ancient heritage, then heads to Astorga - a town with 2,000 years of history of its own (as well as a tasty chocolate museum)
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Twin Track: a trail of Two Train Travellers
Northern Spain boasts some of Europe's most beautiful railway lines - and one of the greatest luxury trains. The toss of a coin decides whether Ben Ross or Simon Calder will indulge aboard El Cantabrico, while the other takes the budget option. But whatever the outcome, both will get to enjoy the rich heritage, countryside and shorelines of "Green Spain".
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Simon Calder's Enjoy England
From Edwardian seaside destination and health resort to cool bohemia, Brighton has always been more than a city by the sea. As Simon Calder discovered when he went to look for some of its hidden gems sent in by users of the Enjoy England website.
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Simon Calder's 48 Hours in Singapore
The Independent Traveller spends two eventful days in dazzling Singapore, an extremely diverse and welcoming city with a fascinating history.
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48 Hours in Fez with Simon Calder
Fez is a stunning medieval city, a mere three hours from London by plane. Simon Calder haggles for some beautiful Fez pottery, gets a crash course in Moroccan cuisine and sheds all for a trip to a hammam.
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The Future of Flying
Simon Calder looks at the aviation industry's grand designs for dramatically improving the flying experience for passengers.
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Simon Calder's Guide to the Lake District
On a scenic journey through the stunning Lake District, Simon Calder enjoys the area's sights, history and culture, from Roman times to the 21st century.
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Simon Calder's Guide to Bilbao
A trip around one of Simon Calder's favourite cities. From the Guggenheim to traditonal cod shops, Bilbao is a place with strong sense of the past and the future.
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Spain's hidden secret
That sums up Zaragoza, the surprising capital of the beautiful region of Aragon. But this year the secret is out, because this northern Spanish gem is host to Expo 2008. Join Simon Calder as he compresses 48 Hours in Zaragoza into just 15 minutes - distilling the best from a rich past, a spectacular present and an exciting future.
Documentaries
A new broadband site offering outstanding documentaries, Independent.joiningthedots.tv films are offered on a pay per view or a monthly subscription basis.
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IOUSA
I.O.U.S.A. boldly examines the rapidly growing national debt and its consequences for the United States and its citizens. Burdened with an ever-expanding government and military, increased international competition, overextended entitlement programs, and debts to foreign countries that are becoming impossible to honor, America must mend its spendthrift ways or face an economic disaster of epic proportions. WIN TICKETS TO NATIONWIDE SCREENINGS!
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In Prison My Whole Life
William Francome was born on December 9th 1981? On the same day 3,000 miles away Mumia Abu-Jamal, Black Panther and radical journalist, was arrested and charged with the murder of a police officer. In Prison My Whole Life follows William as he explores the circumstances surrounding the world’s most famous and controversial death row inmate, from Mumia’s arrest to how he has become known as the “Voice of the Voiceless”.
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Waco: The Rules of Engagement
Nominated for Best Documentary at the 1997 Academy Award, Waco is a controversial documentary about the stand-off between an unorthodox Christian group (the Branch Davidians, under the leadership of the young, charismatic David Koresh) and the FBI and ATF (Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms) in Waco, Texas from February to April 1993. It presents a different spin on the events from that of the United States government, which stated that the Branch Davidians set the fire that destroyed their compound, and killed the vast majority of them, on April 19, 1993.
CLICK HERE TO BUY THE FULL VERSION -
The Hunt
The elaborate traditions of the fox hunt have furnished the pictorial clichés of English country life for over two hundred years. In this handsomely produced film the stirring sight of the horses and hounds is matched by a bracing sense of physical sensation: the cry of the horn, the yelp of the dogs, the cold rush of autumn air, and the warm slug from the hip flask. Given unprecedented film-crew access to their beleagered and increasingly paranoid world, Dutch filmmaker Niek Koppen shows us into a highly structured rural culture at the point where it seems to be caving in. We follow a season with the Ludlow Hunt who hunt two or three times weekly in the counties of Shropshire, Herefordshire and Worcestershire.
CLICK HERE TO BUY THE FULL VERSION -
The Weather Undeground
Thirty years ago, with those words, a group of young American radicals announced their intention to overthrow the U.S. government. In THE WEATHER UNDERGROUND, former Underground members, including Bernardine Dohrn, Bill Ayers, Mark Rudd, David Gilbert and Brian Flanagan, speak publicly about the idealistic passion that drove them to "bring the war home" and the trajectory that placed them on the FBI's most wanted list.
CLICK HERE TO BUY THE FULL VERSION -
How Ohio Pulled It Off
The 2008 US presidential election is fast approaching. The primaries have created a political buzz not seen in many years and America is alight with the idea of "change". But, the real story of the next election goes beyond the parties and their platforms to the very foundations of democracy. How Ohio Pulled It Off offers shocking evidence of election fraud in the United States, and highlights the potential for future abuses. The "world's greatest democracy" may not be all that it seems.
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Zero - an investigation into 9/11
Using scientific experts’ testimonies and dramatic new witness accounts, this investigation into 9/11 presents a version of events that challenges previous statements concerning what occurred on that fateful day. Featuring presentations from Gore Vidal and Nobel-Prize winner Dario Fo, the film offers one central thesis: that the official version of events surrounding the attacks on 9/11 cannot be true. In the words of the Italian daily newspaper Il Corriere de la Sera: “What results is a sequence of contradictions, gaps and omissions of stunning gravity”. The importance of this film cannot be overstated. If its argument is correct, the justification for declaring the War on Terror is built on a series of outrageous lies.
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Why Men Pay For It
What inspires men to pay women for sex? Availability: World excl Australia. CLICK HERE TO BUY THE FULL VERSION
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Three days to change the world
e-ducation without borders. CLICK HERE TO BUY THE FULL VERSION
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The Virgin Trade
Sex, Lies and Trafficking. CLICK HERE TO BUY THE FULL VERSION
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This is Rock Bitch
Lesbians, rock and sex-magic. CLICK HERE TO BUY THE FULL VERSION
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In Debt We Trust
In Debt We Trust exposes the rising crisis of debt in North America, its victims, ordinary people and its beneficiaries, the banking system. The film focuses on how credit card companies, lobbyists, corporate media and the US government have all colluded to encourage a debt ridden society many of whom are now 21st Century serfs. CLICK HERE TO BUY THE FULL VERSION
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Unwinking Gaze
Filmed over 4 years, THE UNWINKING GAZE is a unique portrait of the Dalai Lama, as he attempts to strike a balance between his religion and the realpolitik needed to engage China in order to resolve the future of Tibet.
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Black and White
Photojournalist David Gillanders travels back to Odessa to continue documenting the lives of street children. CLICK HERE TO BUY THE FULL VERSION
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The Angry Skies
The Angry Skies is a compelling documentary which follows Blake Kerr – a New York-based doctor, author and human rights activist – as he travels to Cambodia to uncover the truths behind the rise of the Khmer Rouge in the 1970s and its legacy that remains today. CLICK HERE TO BUY THE FULL VERSION
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Kursk
In August 2000 the Kursk, a supposedly unsinkable, state of the art Russian nuclear submarine, sank with its 118 crewmen. The official explanation, that an accidental explosion of an old fashioned torpedo, was readily accepted by the international press; the real causes of the tragedy have never been confirmed. Until now. CLICK HERE TO BUY THE FULL VERSION
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Vietnam Nurses
The forgotten women risking their lives in a controversial war. CLICK HERE TO BUY THE FULL VERSION
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WMD: Weapons of Mass Deception
Iraq: Was the press selling or telling? Availability: Worldwide. CLICK HERE TO BUY THE FULL VERSION
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Wearing the One Button Suit
Scottish nudists - why do they do it? Availability: Worldwide CLICK HERE TO BUY THE FULL VERSION
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Wireburners
Recycling to live. Availability: Worldwide CLICK HERE TO BUY THE FULL VERSION
Features
Exclusive short films exploring the confluence of art, science and technology in work and play.
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Blind Courage
As part of the Saab Question Everything Series we follow the extraordinary journey of Dave Heeley. Dave is blind. But he didn't let that spoil his dream of achieving one of the greatest ever feats of marathon-running. A true testament to triumph over adversity.
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Work. Rest. Play.
Superstar dj and music producer Mark Ronson and globe trotting Independent Traveller Simon Calder discuss the positive effects technology and the internet have had on their work.
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Poise: The Surgeon and the Chef
Surgeon Tim Lloyd and sushi chef Kazutoshi Endo discuss their work, from the art and science of facial deformity surgery to crafting the perfect sushi meal.
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Poise: The Paraglider and the Surfer
Bruce Goldsmith, paraglider, and surfer Sam Bleakley explain the joys of their adventurous pursuits.
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Poise: The Industrial Designer and the Architect
Michael Rodber, industrial designer on the Eurostar, explains the train's iconic design. Matthew Bedward, architect, discusses his work on the spectacular Farnborough Airport.
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Work. Relax. Play.
Record label owner and renowned Radio 1 dj Giles Peterson discusses how technology and the internet have revolutionised his work and listening habits. While property developer, website owner and tv presenter, Sarah Beeney, enthuses on the impact of the internet on her projects.
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Virgin Galactic
Virgin Galactic's astronauts and engineers explain their pioneering project to offer suborbital and eventually orbital space travel to members of the general public
Food & Drink
Cookery tips from Mark Hix
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Onions and garlic
How to prepare two of the most common ingredients in contemporary cookery.
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Eggs
A guide to scrambling, poaching and frying.
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Smoked Salmon
The expert guide to smoking your own salmon.
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Asparagus
A simple step-by-step guide - See the recipe for duck's egg with asparagus soldiers here
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Hollandaise Sauce
How to make the perfect Hollandaise.
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Mutton Hot Pot
The perfect preparation for an underloved cut - Click here to see Mark Hix's recipe
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Deboning a Goose
A simple step-by-step guide - The recipe is here
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Quail Egg Vol-au-Vents
A simple and delicious canape - See the recipe here
Sailing
The latest dispatches from sailing correspondent Stuart Alexander Available as free downloads from iTunes
more Sailing
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Ian Walker aboard Green Dragon
Stuart Alexander speaks to Ian Walker aboard Green Dragon in the Volvo Ocean Race
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Interview with Ian Walker
Ian Walker talks exclusively to Stuart Alexander ahead of the Volvo round the world race
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Interview with Kenny Read
Stuart Alexander speaks to Kenny Read, skipper of Puma, ahead of The Volvo Ocean Race
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Interview with Knut Frostad
Stuart Alexander speaks to the race chief executive of the Volvo Ocean Race
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Interview with Mike Sanderson, Ben Ainslie and Iain Percy
Mike Sanderson, Ben Ainslie and Iain Percy join Stuart Alexander in Alicante
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Interview with Bruno Trouble
Bruno Trouble assesses with Stuart Alexander the meeting between America’s Cup protagonists Ernesto Bertarelli and Larry Ellison
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Interview with Jean-Paul Ortelli
Cannes Yacht Club vice-president Jean-Paul Ortelli talks to Stuart Alexander following the death of Wilf Tolhurst at the Regates Royales in the Bay of Cannes
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Interview with Paul Cayard
Desafio Espanol skipper Paul Cayard tells Stuart Alexander about Spain’s America’s Cup plans
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Interview with Ian Williams
Stuart Alexander talks to Ian Williams about spreading his wings
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Interview with Andrew Pindar
Stuart Alexander talks to Andrew Pindar in St. Moritz about the America's Cup and it's effect on the World Match Race
Fashion
Take a front row seat at the shows
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Paul Smith Women
Spring/Summer 2008 women's catwalk show
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Paul Smith Menswear
Autumn/Winter 2008 menswear show
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Jaeger
Autumn/Winter 2008 catwalk show
Green.tv
Environmental and ecological issues explored on film
more Green.tv
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Carbon Offsetting
Reducing global CO2 emissions with The CarbonNeutral Company. Visit 3 projects reducing emissions through energy efficiency, solar installations, and methane capture
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Rwanda cutdown
Watch VSO's spectrum of work in education in Rwanda following the genocide.
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Melting point
Espionage, news manipulation, legal threats and even violence have become the knee-jerk response of Government and big business to the increasing and vocal concerns of environmental protesters in the UK. This exclusive and powerful film exposes the extraordinary tactics being used to reframe concerned citizens engaging in their right to protest as dangerous terrorists.
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Bio-fuel dilemma
How do you balance the competing global demands for green fuel and cheap food? This film, featuring UK transport secretary Ruth Kelly and the IMF's Simon Johnson, attempts to find the answer
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Return to the Southern Ocean
What will it take to finally end whaling? As the Esperanza and her crew prepare to return to the Southern Ocean, we investigate the background of Antarctic whaling.
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