Snapshot of Stories

In a world first, on December 3 1992, an engineer sent the message “Merry Christmas” from a PC to a mobile device using Vodafone’s UK network.  This is regarded as the first text message. It has now become one of the most popular forms of communication, with hundreds of thousands being sent every day over both traditional mobiles, and smartphones.  BBC News asked a random selection of Londoners to explain when it was appropriate to text, and what life was like before the invention.  Despite the prevalence of texting, people were surprisingly critical about it. 

A five-storey home marooned in the middle of a new road in China has finally been demolished.  The motorway was built around the house over a year ago because duck farmer Luo Baogen was holding out for more compensation.

Songs Played

Kooks – Shine On
Elvis Presley – Rubbernecking
Adele – Skyfall
Alicia Keys – Empire State of Mind (Part II)
Van Morrison – Brown Eyed Girl
Marina and the Diamonds – Radioactive
Steps – After The Love Has Gone
Soft Toy Emergency – Critical
Rob Dougan – Clubbed To Death
Amy MacDonald – This Is The Life
“Closer to Heaven” – Something Special
Who – Magic Bus
Jamiroquai – Cosmic Girl
Morten Harket – Burn Money Burn
Olly Murs – Troublemaker
P45 – Top Floor
Coldplay – Hurts Like Heaven

80s Hour

Tears For Fears – Everybody Wants To Rule The World
ABBA – Lay All Your Love On Me
Bangles – Manic Monday
Jam – Going Underground
Pet Shop Boys – Suburbia
Phil Collins – You Can’t Hurry Love
Flashdance – She’s A Maniac
Jan Hammer – Crockett’s Theme
Rick James – Superfreak
A-Ha – Take On Me
Smiths – I Am Human