Forum search & shortcuts

Chris Packham
 

[Closed] Chris Packham

Posts: 0
Free Member
 

@markbrewer - the "perhaps" was being rhetorical/slightly sarcastic

After re reading it this morning I can see that now. Was probably a bit too hasty to reply last night and didn't read it properly 😳


 
Posted : 18/10/2017 9:18 am
Posts: 40432
Free Member
 

Watched with interest as the father of a nine-year-old with ASD.

CP's confessional stuff was very brave and fascinating, however personally I felt the visit to the US clinic and school felt a bit jarring, like it was crow-barred in to create narrative interest.

The time might have been more usefully spent illustrating the diversity of ASD, as I fear many viewers will come away thinking all autistic people are just like CP.


 
Posted : 18/10/2017 9:19 am
Posts: 0
Free Member
 

CP talked about what went through his mind as he spoke and it was rarely the subject in hand.

Ah, I was way off mark, then.

I have the repeat set to record so I'll give it a watch.


 
Posted : 18/10/2017 9:20 am
Posts: 0
Free Member
 

@markbrewer - no worries, hard to discern tone from plain text.


 
Posted : 18/10/2017 9:33 am
Posts: 7097
Free Member
 

ta for heads up - recording this.

What struck me was for someone who self admits having issues with social interaction, his conversation was so eloquent and unfaltering. There was never a pause to think of the right phrase or an 'err, ummm' which I found admirable.

not being naturally able to read facial expressions or other physical signs of emotion and/or empathise and so on, doesn't hinder your own ability to use language


 
Posted : 18/10/2017 9:40 am
Posts: 4097
Free Member
 

However the comments about Bill Oddie (who I believe suffers from depression), Kate Humble and the amazing David Attenborough are tosh. Go and have a word with yourself.

Erm, it was me that mentioned Oddie and the point I was trying to make (and obviously not well enough) was absolutely not having a dig, quite the opposite. My point was that his traits, which are not seen as appealing / attractive are not as accommodated as others that are seen as direct / engagingly knowledgeable (in the case of Packham).

I don't think this is a subjective judgement, it was based on him having been ditched from Spring/summer/autumn/winter/apocalypse-watch programs with the reports that came out not seeming to deny that it was due to him coming across as a bit of a knob, rather than any deficiency in his knowledge, or ability to communicate.


 
Posted : 18/10/2017 9:49 am
Posts: 40432
Free Member
 

I dunno about Bill Oddie specifically, but it's worth pointing out that people with mental illnesses or ASD can also be bell ends generally.

All part of life's rich tapestry.


 
Posted : 18/10/2017 9:59 am
Posts: 0
Free Member
 

I read Chris Packham's autobiography " fingers in the sparklejar " which is both very odd and quite moving-worth a read I feel


 
Posted : 18/10/2017 10:42 am
Posts: 648
Full Member
 

If I'm going to watch televised nature I'd much rather watch the honesty of Packham

You should try reading his submission to the Derby City Council planners and the press over the proposal for a closed track cycling circuit at Pride Park. At best you can say that he was fed a line that he didn't check but describing the landfill site for the untreatable elements of the contaminated soil scraped off Pride Park as pristine green field land wasn't his finest hour.


 
Posted : 18/10/2017 11:34 am
Posts: 5672
Full Member
 

mrmonkfinger - Member

not being naturally able to read facial expressions or other physical signs of emotion and/or empathise and so on, doesn't hinder your own ability to use language

For my son it most definitely does. He has ASD and complex cognitive speech and language difficulties. He can talk quite eloquently about a subject that he's interested in, down to intricate detail that others, even with a good knowledge of the subject, can't. It's that most of the time it's socially inappropriate for him to do that or that he is unable to control the conversation to keep other people engaged.

Often he will use vocabulary that on the surface looks like knowledge but is often repeated without the understanding of that vocabulary. Parrot fashion. He "knows" the subject but doesn't understand it.


 
Posted : 18/10/2017 4:39 pm
Posts: 7097
Free Member
 

BBS, I probably should have qualified that with "doesn't necessarily hinder", language development in people with Aspergers is normal AFAIK, as you say, further along the spectrum language is not advanced or otherwise abnormal.


 
Posted : 18/10/2017 5:22 pm
Posts: 0
Free Member
 

Late to the forum, but yes; I watched a bit of it by accident and thought it was a fantastic programme. Going to watch the whole thing later on Iplayer.

An aside - I mentioned the Chris Packham programme to my in-laws, and they recoiled as if his name was a bad smell. What's that about? (I suspect it might have something to do with their unquestioning consumption of The Daily Mail?)


 
Posted : 18/10/2017 6:02 pm
Posts: 28593
Free Member
 

I mentioned the Chris Packham programme to my in-laws, and they recoiled as if his name was a bad smell. What's that about? (I suspect it might have something to do with their unquestioning consumption of The Daily Mail?)

Do they own cats? He is rather vocal in opposition to the God-given right of cat owners to boot them out at night to relieve themselves in next door's garden and (in some cases) massacre the local wildlife.

I imagine he's on the Daily Heil 'lefty' list, too, which is reason enough to be repulsed by the very mention of his name.


 
Posted : 18/10/2017 6:10 pm
 jimw
Posts: 3307
Free Member
 

Bodgy, are they Countryside Alliance supporters? That organisation doesn't like him at all, and frequently rants about his status at the BBC.

If he annoys them, then he must be doing something right ( IMHO of course)


 
Posted : 18/10/2017 6:21 pm
Posts: 11386
Free Member
 

39 and diagnosed with ASD/Aspergers this year. Just this minute finished watching it after seeing this thread. I can relate to him so much. It was difficult to watch


 
Posted : 18/10/2017 6:55 pm
Posts: 0
Free Member
 

Aaaahhh; of course, [b]Jimw[/b], that'll be it. I have to ignore their hunty tendencies, for [i]the greater good[/i] of not totally falling out with my beloved in-laws. (Stuff not to [s]argue about[/s] mention to my in-laws: Brexit, Jeremy Corbyn, Theresa May, fox hunting, The Daily Mail/Guardian, the BBC, immigrants . . . the list goes on.)

And probably a dose of 'Outlawed Lefty' too, [b]Martin[/b], but no cats.


 
Posted : 18/10/2017 7:03 pm
Posts: 12668
Free Member
 

I can relate to him so much.

Me too, so many similarities to my life and how I feel. The need to force yourself to fit in with what others expect (especially at work). People still can't understand why I have never been to a single office party in 20 years.


 
Posted : 18/10/2017 7:34 pm
Posts: 7097
Free Member
 

Watched this now.

The American way is both bizarre and unpalatable. It's almost as if the attitude there is somewhat akin to that regarding homosexuality during the 40s and 50s.

Chris is lucky to be able to live in a situation that works so well for him. I is envious in many ways.


 
Posted : 19/10/2017 9:48 am
Posts: 40432
Free Member
 

Chris is lucky to be able to live in a situation that works so well for him. I is envious in many ways.

Yeah, the show was about him I suppose - but I would have liked to see more on the lives of normal people with ASD in the UK.


 
Posted : 19/10/2017 11:03 am
Posts: 5182
Free Member
 

Shall watch tonight.

I score borderline on this [url= https://psychcentral.com/quizzes/autism.htm ]autism and asperger's test.[/url]

Bit of a shocker. But maybe not so much. Hmmm 💡

What do others here score? Would be interesting.


 
Posted : 19/10/2017 11:08 am
Posts: 16221
Free Member
 

The American way is both bizarre and unpalatable.

Yet, at the other extreme, American companies are going out of their way to recruit people with autism. I think Packham said that in the UK, just 14% of adults with autism are in full time employment.


 
Posted : 19/10/2017 11:10 am
Posts: 0
Free Member
 

There were definitely aspects of what he described that I see myself doing: having things in order or aligned for example. His comments about the lack of symmetry in various rooms and buildings he visited struck a chord as well.

The US companies hiring those with autism/Asperger's were primarily high tech businesses not things like the service/retail industry though there could be some of those doing so as well they weren't part of the programme.


 
Posted : 19/10/2017 11:18 am
Posts: 7097
Free Member
 

But only a small part of American companies. And zero surprise that it is the tech industry where we all fit in anyway.

I score borderline on this autism and asperger's test.

41. Not sure I trust the online thingummies that much, I've previously figured I'm 'on the edge' but every test I've done indicates some asd traits. Like others I guess, I've learnt ways to "fit in" but it's always tiring.


 
Posted : 19/10/2017 11:28 am
Posts: 16221
Free Member
 

But only a small part of American companies. And zero surprise that it is the tech industry where we all fit in anyway.

Sure, but they explained how they adapted their recruitment process and office environment, which is something open to most industries, and echoes Packham's point about societal changes.


 
Posted : 19/10/2017 11:31 am
Posts: 7097
Free Member
 

True.


 
Posted : 19/10/2017 11:34 am
Posts: 18042
Full Member
 

CP's confessional stuff was very brave and fascinating, however personally I felt the visit to the US clinic and school felt a bit jarring, like it was crow-barred in to create narrative interest.

No I thought it worked well to compare the idea of "curing" autism with the Silicon Valley way of embracing those who have it - understanding how they have particular gifts which help in the work they do.

I thought it was interesting how he instantly took a dislike to the environment in the school and explained how it would upset children with autism and aspergers.

An excellent programme


 
Posted : 19/10/2017 12:00 pm
Posts: 12668
Free Member
 

I thought it was interesting how he instantly took a dislike to the environment in the school and explained how it would upset children with autism and aspergers.

As he said himself all ASD people are different so odd that he would generalize about a room. The things he pointed out would not bother me at all, yet a person eating some crisps next to me would have me leaving the room


 
Posted : 19/10/2017 12:32 pm
Posts: 7097
Free Member
 

it could upset children with autism and aspergers

better?


 
Posted : 19/10/2017 1:19 pm
Posts: 2874
Free Member
 

the honesty of Packham

Oh come on this is television. Springwatch set stuff up as much as any other TV program. One example is when they 'found' some grass snakes in a compost heap. What actually happened is they searched lots of heaps until they found some grass snakes, take the snakes out, put them in the fridge to slow them down a bit, get all the cameras, lighting, sound people in place, then put the dopey snakes back in place so that Chris and co. can 'find' them.


 
Posted : 19/10/2017 3:48 pm
Posts: 5182
Free Member
 

[i]natrix[/i] -

grass snakes...

😯

ISsssssssWYDT 😉

But really ...
... 😯


 
Posted : 19/10/2017 3:55 pm
Posts: 13356
Free Member
 

Wow, just watched the programme & didn't realise what he's gone through. I liked him before but like him more now. Hats off to him.

Oh come on this is television. Springwatch set stuff up as much as any other TV program. One example is when they 'found' some grass snakes in a compost heap. What actually happened is they searched lots of heaps until they found some grass snakes, take the snakes out, put them in the fridge to slow them down a bit, get all the cameras, lighting, sound people in place, then put the dopey snakes back in place so that Chris and co. can 'find' them.

Your point being.....?


 
Posted : 19/10/2017 9:42 pm
Posts: 0
Free Member
 

We recorded it and I just watched it this evening. Really interesting, honest and touching, I agree.


 
Posted : 19/10/2017 10:01 pm
Posts: 14547
Free Member
 

We watched it last night on iPlayer.
Excellent program.


 
Posted : 23/10/2017 2:34 pm
Posts: 0
Free Member
 

Always liked the edge he brought to his nature broadcasting. Particularly enjoyed the black c*ck incident from a few years back. Absolute legend.


 
Posted : 23/10/2017 5:01 pm
Posts: 33986
Full Member
 

Oh come on this is television. Springwatch set stuff up as much as any other TV program. One example is when they 'found' some grass snakes in a compost heap. What actually happened is they searched lots of heaps until they found some grass snakes, take the snakes out, put them in the fridge to slow them down a bit, get all the cameras, lighting, sound people in place, then put the dopey snakes back in place so that Chris and co. can 'find' them.

I’m trying to figure out just what this has to do with CP; it’s what the production crew does to illustrate a particular situation that would be almost impossible to film any other way, and quite different to the live filming they do while CP and Co are in the studio set.
It has bugger-all to do with him as a person or a presenter.
But if it makes you feel better to point it out, go right ahead.


 
Posted : 23/10/2017 10:06 pm
Posts: 2678
Full Member
 

Oh come on this is television. Springwatch set stuff up as much as any other TV program. One example is when they 'found' some grass snakes in a compost heap. What actually happened is they searched lots of heaps until they found some grass snakes, take the snakes out, put them in the fridge to slow them down a bit, get all the cameras, lighting, sound people in place, then put the dopey snakes back in place so that Chris and co. can 'find' them.

Did that actually happen or is it what you think happened??


 
Posted : 23/10/2017 10:17 pm
Posts: 31134
Full Member
 

Good programme.


 
Posted : 23/10/2017 11:54 pm
Posts: 2874
Free Member
 

Did that actually happen or is it what you think happened??

I wasn't actually there so I can't swear that it happened but it was widelely reported and discussed amongst the UK herptology community at the time. To be fair to Springwatch it is a widely used technique amongst photographers who will set up an 'environment' in a studio where they can control lighting etc and then place the dopey reptile in the poses that they want. Not really 'wildlife' photography as you'd imagine it, but it's what happens.........

But did you see Chris P 'Anal rubbing' Michaela at the end of last nights Autumn Watch 😯 😯


 
Posted : 24/10/2017 9:31 am
 ctk
Posts: 1811
Free Member
 

Black Cock LOL!


 
Posted : 24/10/2017 9:39 am
Posts: 324
Free Member
 

Packham up
Packham in
let me begin

- Chris Packham having sex


 
Posted : 24/10/2017 10:01 am
Posts: 24869
Free Member
 

^

Likes.


 
Posted : 24/10/2017 10:47 am
Posts: 1381
Free Member
 

I didn't tune in for the black cock line, but I remember his immortal statement in a previous series:

"And now to a man who's spent 30 years studying chuffs."


 
Posted : 24/10/2017 12:43 pm
Posts: 2874
Free Member
 

Your point being.....?

Earlier in the thread Nick said:

I'd much rather watch the honesty of Packham than the fakery and anthropomorphism of Attenborough

I was making that point that CP and Springwatch indulge in as much fakery..........


 
Posted : 24/10/2017 5:42 pm
Posts: 1357
Free Member
 

I am still fuming with Chris Packham when he said I could win a hand held Game Boy (his exact words). Early 90s, so I was VERY excited. Whitbread Hop farm in Kent, I took part in a kids nature game he fronted, I went and bloody won.... rock up to collect my Game Boy, it was a hand held puzzle with 'Whitbread Hop farm' printed on it. . Never forgiven him.


 
Posted : 24/10/2017 6:52 pm
Posts: 9233
Full Member
Topic starter
 

Mrwhyte - I feel your pain...


 
Posted : 25/10/2017 6:25 pm
Page 2 / 3