Explosive News

No,

Gordon B has not resigned! But scientists say that Mount Redoubt in Alaska is about to do what most volcanoes do best.

Puts all our petty little sniping into perspective.

Back to Thanet

Well, I suppose you will all groan when I tell you I returned safely from Birmingham.

Firstly I discovered the delights of the newly upgraded West Coast Mainline. 1hr 22mins from Euston to Birmingham. (compared to 1hr 54mins for 60miles from Thanet to London Victoria).

Secondly, Virgin trains are clean and the toilets work (compared to South East trains that was a pleasent surprise)

Thirdly, got a seat from Birmingham to Euston shame South East trains had run out of those on the return journey.

The point of my post is, no matter what we do in Thanet, we need to get a quality (cheap) rail link to London. That means NO surcharges.

Armed Forces Day.

It was with pleasure that I read that we will be having an 'Armed Forces Day' each year from now on.

It was with sadness that I read that it will not be a Bank Holiday. Apart from the fact we all need more holidays from banks, it seems to make the day a little less important than May Day.

Also, this situation could have been expected from a government that denies our protectors the correct equipment, delays the delivery of new aircraft carriers, delays the delivery of the aircraft to go with them, and denies the people who fight for our country the right to become citizens.

Washing Machines

As is usual, just after Christmas a major expense is required.

Today the washing machine died. As it was 8 years old I determined a new one was needed.

Visiting a local retailer (named after a good Indian Meal) I purchased one. However the great member of staff that served me said that they had just had their pay cut, half of the workforce had walked out, and management had responded by saying that they would recruit school leavers on the minimum wage, so what was the problem?

Me, thats the last time I do business with that particular firm!

help Your Local Banker

Gordon Brown tells the banks to 'come clean' on the amount of 'Toxic Loans' they have.

Rich coming from a government that took us to war on the 'Threat' of weapons of mass destruction!!!

Life On Mars?

According to NASA Mars may have life of some form or another. (they know this because methane has been discovered in the planet's atmosphere).

Perhaps they should now turn their research to the left hand (as you look at the TV screen) bench at Parliament (Commons department)? I suspect a dire shortage of the important gas.

Local Drugs Company cuts Jobs

Pfizer are to cut jobs again, Any truth in the rumour that the entire site was built with a view to sell off in small factory units.
Does this damage their reputation as a good employer? Or is this situation the blame of the mishandled economy?

Media Matters

The new Breakfast Show on Radio Kent is now 'Co-Presented' by Julia George and John Warnett, Is it better or is it worse?
( I suppose our licence fee has to pay for the extra presenter, is that value for money?)

Bail Hostels

I refer you to the article in Wednesdays Times about Bail Hostels. (Page 8).

It appears that a firm called ClearSprings can use domestic properties as 'Bail Hostels' without planning consent, but only having to notify the local authority 5 days before commencing use. Failure of the local authority to repond within 5 days will result in the assumption of consent.

Is this right, who do they consult with? and do we want bail hostels next door??

Hello Again to Driving Madness

How much does it cost to use the lights of a car?

Well apparantly more than lives are worth. A quick drive up to my local fuel station at lunch time gave me a chance to count 73 cars travelling toward me with no lights on, 17 with. Visability 40metres.

yesterday it was ice, today fog, the one constant factor............ Idiot Drivers

Icy Roads

Once again, today local radio was wittering on about why we have so many accidents when there is a cm or two of snow or a spot of ice.

a common theme was 'Why don't they have these problems in Scandinavia?'

I would speculate there are at least three reaons for this.

1. Scandinavia is more geared up for dealing with Ice and Snow (they have more of it)

2. Drivers there are more skilled at dealing with this hazard.

3. To have the Scandinavian infra-structure to deal with these hazards would not be cost effective in view that it would only be in use for a couple of weeks a year, maybe?

Fly Tipping

I had to drive to Littlebourne this morning. How depressing! The amount of household rubbish 'dumped' at the roadside was staggering!

I suppose the people who dumped it are the same ones who moan when their council tax bills arrive, or those who gripe about how councils fail to serve their residents.

Train fares

South Eastern trains tell us that fares have to rise by more than inflation to allow them to pay for the fast trains to London! Straight question............ does that mean that fares will not be at a premium on the fast trains.......??? as they will have already been paid for??