DO YOU NEED A FLAME TO WORK FOR FIRE?

The 24-year-old presenter at Fire Radio station, Bournemouth is known to colleagues as the ‘best person to wake up to on a Sunday morning’. But to Daniel Baker, radio isn’t everything.

"I LIKE TO THINK PEOPLE KNOW ME FOR WHAT I’VE DONE BUT I NEED SPACE FOR MY LIFE TOO."

It is a rainy day that I meet Daniel. Somehow my message into the door answering machine sounded like a hoarse old man, so much so that I was left outside standing for a while. Luckily, the milkman came to my rescue. The door was finally opened and I got in, feeling a bit rough. Just then, a thin figure appeared from the stairs. That radiant smile immediately stole me away from the soggy moment.

Pleasantries indeed felt pleasant as Daniel's effusive welcome made it seem as though I was a special guest on one of his shows. Perhaps honing the skill of engaging with the audience while not being able to see anyone helps with real-life interactions. Just as my curiosity arose, the presenter began telling his "little self biography".

Daniel started with a one-year course in agriculture in Dorchester. He thought he would do gardening media at the time; “Just like what you see in Autumn Watch!” – he remarked. Following two years of studying for a National Diploma in Performing Arts, Daniel’s career focus became clearer: radio presenting. Meanwhile, he built up his confidence in the voice training, which was deemed necessary for working in radio. The then student decided to progress on to the next level in performing arts at Winchester University only to drop out after just two days. “After two years of feeling secure, I stopped to wonder will that get me to radio?, and I didn’t like the course that much.”

“The idea of working in radio just occurred to me, probably from my passion for music”. Why didn’t Daniel choose to work in TV? Because it was “overly structured, you read what you’re given, just like a puppet; whereas with radio, you have much more freedom to be a person, to express yourself”. He beams with eagerness explaining how fun it could be – “You got to be creative with radio, and it’s exciting coz nobody can see you!” Sometimes he has to “choke on” his slips of tongue whilst on air. Once when doing impressions of people on a show, he got mixed up between John Major and Prince Charles. Embarrassed but having no direct reactions from the audience, he just had to move on.

Despite being someone who chooses tunes to be played, Daniel admits: “I have a cheesy choice of music, and weird sometimes!” He likes a wide range, from pop, particularly Robbie Williams, to rock, Nickelback, from contemporary young band, McFly, to legendary group such as Queen. Daniel disclosed that James Morrison was his favourite star he’d ever got to meet as part of the job. “He was laid back, normal, just like anyone of us and so genuine”

Daniel’s best achievement in his own opinion is how he progressed and worked up to where he is now. “It’s bloody hard to get into radio, but Daniel has shown great dedication, he’s tenacious, hard-working...and we’re lucky to have him”, said Claire – the programme controller and Head of Music for Fire radio station. Being famous was nowhere near his aim though. “I like to think people know me for what I’ve done but I need space for my life too”. He recalls little moments of joy when some close friends texted him to say how amazed they were to hear him on radio.

Daniel was born and bred in Boscombe, Bournemouth. He was brought up solely by his mum as their parents divorced when he was only 4. Yet the presenter stressed that he had a very happy childhood. His mum - who used to be a carer - was not only a parent, but a friend as well. “I still see my dad at weekends, it’s just not a conventional type of family but I’ve never been affected by it”. Daniel has been living with his partner in their flat for over a year, but they wish to buy their own house and settle down in the near future, ideally by the sea in Bournemouth.

“I don’t have a lot of friends but I do have a handful of close friends who I can spend good time with”. Daniel is the sort of person who doesn’t need smoking or drinking to socialise. He loves computers, technology, gadgets, especially his Playstation. In his free time, a comedy or action film will do. Daniel would take notice and be concerned if one raised the eyebrow, or winced slightly. Dave - a colleague and also a friend for 3 years commented: “Daniel is always happy, kinda rare. He never moans; no bad words about anyone. He’s an ‘intaker’, a nice guy.” That might explain the warm, if not soft side of Daniel that one could see beyond his voice on radio.

Now hosting a breakfast show every Sunday, Daniel isn’t stressed out but admits being lonely at times, especially during late night shifts or early mornings. At one time he used to have butterflies before a show, which he soon dealt with by some special methods “A cup of coffee, a bar of Mars would give you a high sugar and energy level”. He also found a way to take the worry off his mind, “I’d phone mum for some comfort”.

Daniel showed great enthusiasm for seeing the world, for exploring different ways of life, even the weather. “I’d love to emigrate to Australia or America; I still love Britain of course but not being trapped in a place.” Whatever the future lays out for him, it’s certain that he has clear priorities. “Mum and my partner always come first, then friends, then work”.

FILM REVIEW: THE CLASSIC (2003)

As the film title suggests, almost everything in this film is classic. It is classic in a way that many could utter: “Just another mawkish Korean film!” But also, it is the way Kwak Jae-yong, the director, put such elements together to create a splendid tale.

Ladies are likely to be dragged to the screen. The romantic scenes and the graphic elements are laid out like a perfect dream picture of love that one could possibly imagine. That is not to say, though, that one cannot learn from the humanity side, since the film touches upon war, separation, faith, sacrifice and reunion.

The Classic starts off by the present story of two students who both falls for a young talented man in their college. The way Ji-hae, the main character, looks at her love interest, Sang-min, dreamily while he directs his drama club takes us back to our old days. High school sweethearts and that sort of things. Ji-hae even helps at her best friend’s request by writing love letters to Sang-min. How could anyone be so kind? Classic, of a pure heart. No doubt we would expect something for her in return.

The film would be too mediocre if it wasn’t for the intriguing intertwining of the past and present. Ji-hae discovers love letters of her mum, Joo-hee, also played by the same actress. Viewers are captivated by the coincidental love life of the two generations.

Joo-hee fell in love with Joon-ha, who actually was helping his noble friend by writing love letters to her. Although there are some comic moments of silliness, the drama is heart-wrenching. Another classic is depicted through an incomplete love impeded by social classes. Devastated Joon-ha returned from war with blind eyes. The utmost act of sacrifice is classically moving. Joon-ha pretended to have been married so that his faithful Joo-hee would be able to marry someone else, in this case, his noble friend or Ji-hae’s dad. Only when Joon-ha passed away, leaving a son, did Joo-hee find out the hurtful truth. Not unrequited, only unblessed.


The Classic couldn’t end without a classic happy ending, only that this one is for the present. Perhaps the surprise factor is even more prominent. The circle of life is miraculously completed; Ji-Hae finds out that she is in love with the late Joon-ha’s son. The two best friends’ offsprings are reunited, within them a déjà-vu feeling of yesterday.

The cast couldn’t be any more excellent in delivering such emotional twists. Classics make a classic.

No news is good news, or is it?

Imagine a day without journalists...Apart from the apparent fact that less oxygen would be consumed on Earth, the world would probably see less of a magical force.

Journalism is more or less a form of witchcraft in the modern days. It discreetly runs in the vein of our daily lives, pumping a different kind of drug every other day. One day it is the exuberant celebration of human race that lifts up the mood of every single person. No wonder kids get their ice-cream bought without having to pester and listen to a dental health lesson from parents. The next day it is the credit crunch that drags down the outlook on life of even women who have just trimmed down their bodies following a crunchy diet of Special-K.


Forget about the argument of active audience, no matter how independent we are, no matter how we endeavour to resist, we are still subject to some kind of influence. Not necessarily being persuaded, just a tempting interest. It is like being exposed to a sensuous woman. You might be just about to manage to say no but that doesn’t mean you can’t look, or talk about her.
Say, a colleague asks you what is going on around the world. Even if you don’t really follow the news, a little bird inside tells you that it is all doom and gloom, and sooner than you realise, you start arguing as if truly convinced by the idea. I guess the only way to avoid is to turn a blind eye to current affairs and accept the label of being “behind of time” or something like that.


“If you don’t read the newspaper, you are uninformed. If you do read the newspaper, you are misinformed.” This exaggerated quote somehow summarises the point above. If you cannot fight against the drug, then don’t attempt to try it. But in this digital age, to be immunised from journalism is much as politicians sticking to their promises.


Journalists are definitely crafty, which could be understood in either meaning. Someone once said if we see the world going into crisis, then don’t panic yet, it might just be that journalists are working extra hard. It is unfair to discredit good and responsible journalism though. That is not to say we only acknowledge the work of broadsheets’ reporters and sneer at red-tops’ journalists. They know their place and know to combine different seasonings to make a perfect dish for the audience.


Would it be a bit too banal having to read or watch serious news every day? The human instinct wouldn’t allow it. It is against our nature to not engage in some sort of gossip, for women or discussion, for men. Indeed journalism is “organised gossip”.

I find the triangular relationship of journalists, PR people and writers rather amusing. PR consists of failed journalists, because they cannot be as concise and to-the-point. Journalists are failed writers, because they cannot be as flowery and literary. Writers are failed PR, because they cannot publicise and appeal to the public.

Journalists are neither God sent people, nor devils from hell. They are there because we want them to be. Until the day we stop the thirst for information including trivial pursuits, we are yet to see the last of journalism.

A Life in the Day: Linh Dao

The 17-year-old Vietnamese student has been living in North Wales and is among thousands of others waiting for her A-Level exam results. It is her second summer in the UK. She lives in quite an “international home” with a British landlady and two Indian housemates.

YES I FEEL HOMESICK AND LONELY SOMETIMES, BUT I SHOULD REMIND MYSELF THAT I’M STILL LUCKY ENOUGH TO EXIST AND HAVE A SHELTER.

Now that college is over, I usually get up at 9am, sometimes 10 if there is a good film the night before. Still sitting on my bed, I try to recall my dreams, always series of weird adventures making no sense at all; but interesting enough to give me new energy for the day.

Then I look out of my big window to enjoy the glorious view of the coast, if it’s clear of course. I tend to have my camera nearby in case I feel the need to capture the scene. There is an odd attraction of such natural beauty that I can’t help taking photos, resulting in similar pictures in my collection afterwards. At least that is a plus point of living uphill. I don’t mind walking down the muddy path on rainy days in exchange for a tranquil environment.

Breakfast is simple: cornflakes or muesli, 2 slices of toast and tea. I don’t like my tea bitter so I put milk for half of the cup and 2 teaspoons of sugar. Back home I would have different food for breakfast, most of which are made from sticky rice, but the basic elements are the same. After all, we need carbohydrate.

It will be a waste if on a fine day you don’t go walking as that’s what the place is for. Thus, with my camera and MP3 player, I set off for fresh air. Whether I head for the shore or the mountain is directed by the spontaneity of my feet. Tourists flock around the popular attractions, which gives me a strange sense of pride, as if this was my second hometown. I enjoy just sitting on a bench staring into the unknown. The colour blue is everywhere: sea and sky; I like blue, though blue is “blue”-sad. Yes I feel homesick and lonely sometimes, but I should remind myself that I’m still lucky enough to exist and have a shelter.


Once I was caught in the rain whilst venturing up the Little Orme. There were just me and the goats; I couldn’t see the way in such poor visibility. So I huddled under the umbrella, imagining a helicopter would come to a rescue. Fortunately I “survived” after several attempts to find the path down the foot. It was a memorable trip that I proudly told my friends about.

I return home for lunch, which comprises of sandwiches and a mug of hot chocolate. I might skip it if I stay in all day. I don’t think I need that much energy for being lazy. Being abroad means the only way I can communicate with my family is via the Internet. I spend about 2 hours talking to my mum and sister. Mum makes sure that I don’t overspend or underspend, while my dad writes me words of wisdom in his emails. I can’t wait to fly home, it’s been nearly 10 months and I sure have missed out on a lot of fun. My friends also chat with me using instant messenger; “Cheer up”, “We’re always besides you” are frequently said whenever I feel down.
I cook dinner at 6pm. I’m not really keen on stuff that can be eaten instantly using the microwave or oven. I like it fresh, since it’s more nutritious and delicious. Not that I’m a good cook, but my stir-fries are okay.

TV is the main source of entertainment in the evening, whether it’s news or competitions, I feel connected with the outside world. I think Newsnight is just as exciting as X-Factor. Then I sit back and write my diary. It’s not something “sensational to read” like Oscar Wilde said about his, but at least it’s my own world I can reflect on.

I turn in at 1 or 2am. Recounting events of the day, I gently enter my dreams.

A typical day of the summer before entering university - 2008