Did Obama do good for America

Almost 4 years ago (nov 2008) I posted an Obama quiz asking how people thought he would do in is term in office. With the money blowing circus that is the American Elections arriving in our news programmes how do you think he did.

From day one I always had suspicians his "change" was a load of old bull an he was another Tony Blair, good talker but nothing else.
But got to give the bloke a chance and now we can look at the facts.

These are the questions I asked in 2008 (with my answers from the time) -


1. What Tax levels will the Americans be paying compared to today ?
a) More
b) Less
c) About the same

2. What will Employment levels be ?
a) More Unemployed
b) Less Unemployed
c) About the Same

3. Value of the £ against the $ (currently £1 = $1.63)
a) More $ to £
b) Less $ to £
c) About the Same

4. Law & Order
a) Higher Crime Rate
b) Lower Crime Rate

5. Troops out of Iraq ?
a) In 18 months as promised
b) During is term of office
c) Still there

6. Troops out of Afganistan
a) All Out
b) Reduction in numbers
c) Increase in numbers
d) Same amount there

7. Environment
a) 80% cut in emmisions as promised
b) significant reduction in emmisions
c) Slight reduction in emmisions
d) No reductions in emmisions

8. Health Service
a) No Change
b) Free Health Service for the Poor
c) Free Health Service for all
d) Significantly Cheaper Health Service
e) Slightly Cheaper Health Service

9. Stock Markets (Dow Jones) currently approx 9,600
a) Higher
b)Lower
c) Same

10. Who'll win the next Election ?
a) Democrats
b) Republicans
c) Dunno

My answers
1. a)Higher Taxes - Hate to say it but told you so- with more tax rises promised in 2013 (his speech in washington 11th july 2011 stated this.
2. c) Similar levels unemployed - Actually 86,000 Americans now don't have a job than when he took office.
3. a) More Dollars to £ (think its actually about 15cents lower than it should be and will level out) - I called this wrong its about the same today, so no change.
4. a) Higher Crime Rate, think more poverty will cause that as population increases. - Can only find data for his first two years in office and it dropped both years so credit where credit is due.
5. b) Think they'll be out at some stage but 18 months is too ambitious. - Got there eventually, give him a job achieved badge.
6. d) Can't see the situation changing for both the US or UK could even be an increase. - No change actually think more troops, think this is Obamas Vietnam.
7. b) Significant decrease although 80% not attainable - All talk no action from the worlds biggest gas guzzlers.
8. e) Think he'll make efforts but find its a bottomless pit. - Talk is cheap, no real improvement in health care, love to hear any Americans opinions on this one.
9. a) Higher, think history suggests it will grow again - As predicted its gone up as all stock markets around the world have, as i said history is the big indicator, so the rich just got richer during the last 4 years.
10. c) Dunno - Depends whether the "Change" is good or bad for the Americans & it can go either way I'm sure. - Over to the American people on this one.

Running on empty

Thats my car not me, the fuel gauge is down on the red so I'm not taking it out of the garage unless absolutely necessary. I'd fill it up but because there is a threat (i said threat, nothing certain) that the tanker drivers may go on strike so the whole contry as gone into panic mode and the queue's at the petrol stations are a joke.
Well I'm not queueing, anyway on priniple those of us that can manage without our cars should let those who need their vehicles for work get some fuel.
The queue at my local fill up actually shut the main road into town, a lot of sad people about i think, apparently petrol sales nationally are up by 173%, and even if their is a strike 5 days notice will be given.

Sadly was planning go to the footie tomoz but unless common sense prevails(or all the panickers have finished) i wont be able to go, still will check maybe tonight or in the morning in the hope it isn't like the last two days.

England my England

England my England

Goodbye to my England, So long my old friend

Your days are numbered, being brought to an end

To be Scottish, Irish or Welsh that's fine

But don't say you're English, that's way out of line.

The French and the Germans may call themselves such

So may Norwegians, the Swedes and the Dutch

You can say you are Russian or maybe a Dane

But don't say you're English ever again.

At Broadcasting House the word is taboo

In Brussels it's scrapped, in Parliament too

Even schools are affected. Staff do as they're told

They must not teach children about England of old.
Writers like Shakespeare, Milton and Shaw
The pupils don't learn about them anymore
How about Agincourt, Hastings , Arnhem or Mons ?
When England lost hosts of her very brave sons.
We are not Europeans, how can we be?
Europe is miles away, over the sea
We're the English from England, let's all be proud
Stand up and be counted - Shout it out loud!
Let's tell our Government and Brussels too
We're proud of our heritage and the Red, White and Blue
Fly the flag of Saint George or the Union Jack

Let the world know -

WE WANT OUR ENGLAND BACK !!!!

Lets change Europe

Yes we are part of the EU and have responsibilities but we are not a charity and its about time the powers that be realise we need a two tier system.

We should be involved in a trading pact with northern European countries because when it comes to economic policies, manufacturing, tecnology, etc the southern countries a 3rd rate and we'll always be bailing them out.

So for me the likes of ourselves, Germany, Holland, Scandanavian countries, Poland, Belgium, Baltic states,etc should stick together and look after ourselves.

Lets face it most of the Southern countries appear to be only interested in hand outs, some are clearly corrupt.

Are we really Patriotic

I've always considered myself like many others as been patriotic, I'm a proud Englishman thats for sure. However I was thinking the other day and come to the conclusion we all let our countries down when it comes to shopping.

I think all our countries are in a financial mess, we blame governments, bankers, immigration but what do we do to help, we go out and buy bargain goods made in other countries.

Of course we usually do this because good made in poorer countries using cheap labour save us money but I'm coming to the conclusion this is false economy.

The result is we have higher unemployment which in turn means we have to pay higher taxes to support these people. High unemployment areas have higher crime rates another downside and thats without the effects on the envionment shipping goods half way around the world.

Just as a experiment check the last 5 things you bought yourself and see where they were made, heres mine :-
Trousers - Morrocco
Jeans - Italy
Shirt - Indonesia
Shirt - Indonesia
Leather Belt - Made in England (I'm a good boy sometimes)

It doesn't stop there start checking your household appliances and I'm sure you wont find many built at home, probably Japanese TV's, Chinese washing machines, Indian Microwaves, etc.

Even the weekly grocery order is full of produce, grown, packaged and tinned from around the world (even got blueberries from Chile the other day).

So maybe we should all think about it and become real patriots and buy goods from our own countries whether that be the UK, USA or Australia.

The Special Relationship "is it over"

Since the 2nd world war American and British leaders have mentioned the special relationship between our countries. Of course its understandable because our countries have stood together on many occasions, we are bonded with a common language, common beliefs, etc.

I personally have never trusted the current American President Barack Obama despite the media euphoria following his election and I really do think he as a hidden agenda and will make America a worse place to live.

However its his lear anti-British attitude that concerns me, first it was the gulf oil spill when he made his nasty little speech slagging British petroleum, stating the term British numerous terms trying to pin point blame without all the facts, creating a anti-british feeling. Actually the company is now called BP, is partly American owned, was working within American safety rules, using American workers, and the alve that failed was built exclussively by an American company.

http://www.politics.co.uk/news/foreign-policy/anger-over-obama-s-anti-british-comments-$21379599.htm

Then lets not forget Mr Obamas snub of our previous Prime Minister Gordon Brown at the G8 summit, wasn't that childish, shouldn't we all be working together if we are serious about wanting a better world.

Ok that as all since been swept under the carpet but Mr Obama as again opened his big mouth this week claiming France not Britain is Americas biggest ally, what a joke. Lets take the current war in Afganistan a mainly American war. Well lets have a guess to which country as the largest number of troops supporting the Americans (3 times + more than France) and suffered the largest number of casulties (7 times more than France). Yes you've guessed it Britain.

http://truthdive.com/2011/01/12/UK-slams-Obama-s-France-is-America-s-biggest-ally-comments.html

Of course lets not leave it there lets compare the support Britain and France gave America in Iraq, oops we can't France didn't turn up did they.

But lets not leave it there since this adminstration took over and despite us British been the biggest supporters in the fight against terrorism we now need security screening (ESTA) before we travel on vacation to the US and pay for the pleasure. Ok don't get me wrong I'm all for security but to be charged is pathetic. Don't worry if you are American you can still visit us without charge.

And I nearly forgot that one of the first things he did when becoming President was to return the bust of Winston Churchill that was in the Oval Office in the White House.

Obama this is for you :-

Taking Responsibility

Question - When does Obama start taking responsibility for what happens on his watch ?

How Blue can you get ?

Well today I reckon I've got the blues

Today is the day that the governments scheme to get people buying new cars and help the car industry comes into operation. The scheme involves giving anyone with a car over 10 years old £2,000 off the price of a new one if they scrap the old banger.

Sure some people will think great but not me because it doesn't help me and thousands like me, in fact I'd goes as far as saying the majority of the population will be worse off.
Well my car is 4 years old, I usually part exchange it when it gets to about 5years old, of course this great government innitiative as today devalued all 2nd hand cars of that sort of age. Its normally the people that have old bangers that buy cars 5 or 6 years old like mine, of course today they are all buying new, nobody will want mine.
So I'm left with the choice of taking a financial hit or keeping my car and running it into the ground.

Now I think the government should do this sort of deal for household appliances, you may have guessed I'm a bit pissed off. Today I put some washing on and half way through my washing machine decided it wanted to die, didn't go quietly though a real crash and bang.
Not really looked at it much yet but it looks like the motor (not sure what caused it), reckon a repair will cost between £100 & £120 where I can get a new washer for about twice as much. I'm deciding which is the best option, I know a repair is cheaper but its an oldish machine and I'm thinking it'll only be a matter of time before something else goes wrong. Maybe new one is the best option but I'll strip it first in case its a easier repair than I expect.

Then of course there are other matters like Leeds United losing in the play offs (& scumchester won the league), my foot is hurting (gout) and before anyone asks I haven't lost weight this week.

Anyway I'm gonna finish with a suitable song "How Blue Can you get" its by BB King and a classic (maybe it'll cheer me up)



Ok life isn't totally bad, I'm going away this coming weekend with my friend Jane, we are away 4 days and I'm really looking forward to it.

G20 Summit protests

Is it just me or do a lot of the protestors at todays G20 summit piss everybody off. I'm not talking about genuine people that just want to protest peacefully about issues they strongly believe in, agree or not agree everyone has that right.

However I am talking about the anarchists who just want to destroy society, I am talking about people who have just turned up to cause trouble and live for a riot, I am talking about people who want to change our capitalist society yet never come up with alternatives.

Sure all our governments have made mistakes but would anyone reading this want those protestors running the country, certainly not me.

Just seen one get interviewed on TV, he was typical, 25 year old, unemployed, never had a job, never intends to have a job, then critisises the country that feeds him, how stupid is he.

Of course the usual protestors will be there, they attend every protest whatever its about, all I can say to these people is "get a life", normal tax paying citizens are sick of keeping you. If the western world is so bad move somewhere else.

Someone spray painted on a wall "Money is for losers", no actually its the benefits of working hard (or should be), all you can expect and resonably comlain about is lack of opportunity. Nobody should expect to live on handouts.

I've just seen some protestors attack police who are just doing a job protecting people & property, the same people then complain of brutality when the police hit back with battons, what do they really expect. So does these protests damage big buisness - NO - It effects all the small buisnesses in the area that have to close, get vandalised, lose trade, etc.

A Beer cures all the worlds problems.

Last night my mate Lofty was playing Pool in the local competition and asked me to go along to support, I had nothing on so went along.

After he had been beaten we went on to another Pub and as we was quiet we started talking Politics, in fact we discussed everything from Local, National & International politics. Funny how you do it after a few beers but we really put the world to right, we cured everything from the Credit Crunch to Global warming.

We reckoned it would be good to go into politics and start using that thing that the people invilved don't use "common sense". Don't laugh but we discussed starting our own political party (called "The common sense party") so we can push our ideas, obviously we would start by getting involved locally by getting elected onto the council, it may take us a a few years before we are running the country, lol.

Ok most of it was the Beer talking (must have been good stuff) but I've been thinking, I've a bit of time on my hands and could maybe do with a new challenge in life, maybe a poitical career is not as stupid as it sounds. Seriously I'm giving it some thought, initially thinking of starting a political blog to promote my ideas.
Anyone else ever considered this ?


On another note I was driving my car yesterday and thought the engine was making funny noises when I accelerated. I took it to the garage and the mechanic had a listen, he suspects I've got a leaking after-cooler hose as it only makes the noise when the turbo kicks in. I've booked it in for repair on Monday so its gonna be a bill I could have done without, not sure yet how much, suppose it depends what they find.

Today is my parents diamond wedding anniversary and they have recieved there telegram from the queen, the party is tomorrow night so I'm looking forward to seeing a few relations I haven't seen for ages.

Finally I see that Small minded person known as Moby Dick (formally Spider) has been at it again, he seems to get his pleasure trying to insult me on various blogs, don't know what his problem is but its very sad leaving comments on blogs (particuraly ones he doensn't normally read). It seems to bother him I don't comment on his blog perhaps he is a touch insecure and needs everyone to be his friend. It is really amusing how pathetic he is, its so easy to insult people you don't know online hiding behind a computor, a true keyboard warrior.

Politics versus Common sense

Is it just me or do others think everyone involved in Politics whether it be Local, National or International have a complete lack of common sense. Some of the riddiculous decisions made (or not made) just defy logic.

1. Lets start with the "Credit Crunch" Ok its been allowed to happen which is wrong & it is a world problem & governments have to deal with it. Ours like a few others have decided to bail out the banks with astronomical amounts of cash which they have borrowed. Maybe this is or is not the right way but surely if we are bailing out banks with tax payers money certain regulations should be put in place. When I hear on the news that banks like RBS who have taken a "£20 billion payout" are now planning to use "£1 billion" to give their top brass a bonus,surely these bonuses should have gone to the wall as part of the bailout rules. These people should think themselves lucky they have still got jobs & homes to live in unlike many other less fortunate people.
Then totally to rub salt in the wound I understand they are still sponsoring the 6 Nations Rugby, yes with tax payers money.

2. Staying with the banks bail outs & the debt the loans are causing the country creates the question how can it be paid back. I've only heard two solutions, higher taxes or lower public spending. Ok these are probably the only options available but why does it need to be one or the other. The problem is ours today not that of future generations, it is morally unfair to laden people of the future with the debt created today. The quicker we can clear National debt the better then we can all hopfully prosper. I believe the government are not always doing whats right but are just making decisions based on getting votes.

3. To change the subject recently we have had a number of Wild cat strikes with British workers complaining about foreign tradesman been brought in. The arguments for foreign labour in certain trades is that the British labour wasn't avaiable which in some cases is true.
However for this I blame Government lack of common sense for this, not just today but over the last 20 years.
Why ? Well there has been a massive lack in apprentiships with the silly push to get everyone to university. Yes we need good Electricians, Joiners, Plumbers, Welders, Fitters, etc if the country is going to prosper, lets start encouraging it. And despite government policies you can't learn these trades in a 12 week wonder course.

4. University is great & I don't deny anyone an education but surely sending the majority of the population is pointless as there are only so many suitable jobs to go around at the end of it. In fact I'd go as far as saying its a big government ploy to keep the unemployment figures down.
I would like to see a scheme where people going to Uni are sponsored by companies who in turn guarantee jobs if exams are passed. I understand over 50% of youngsters obtaining a degree do not use it to get a job & end up having to take low paid jobs that are available.

5. Local Government are no better when it comes to common sense take the recent bad weather, a few days of snow and many local councils run out of salt to clear the roads (f**k me it is winter), what a shambles, now remind me what do I pay council tax for ?
And of course the side roads & pavements have not been touched many of them just sheet ice causing many accidents.
Surely it would be worthwhile giving people out of work & claiming Job seekers allowance a minimum wage for a couple of weeks to keep our streets clear. In fact it should be compulsary for them, they are getting paid to be looking for work. I'm sure the cost would be covered by the lower work load our hospitals get with less broken limbs from people falling on the ice.

6. And of course International Politicians show no more signs of common sense, lets just look at the new American President, I've just read where he as had to apologise because a number of his team are convicted Tax dodgers, no doesn't that fill you with confidence.

7. And while on the subject of Obama, I laugh everytime he suggests closing Guatanamo Bay, yes he wants other countries to take the inmates. Hell yes just what we need a few international fanatical terrorists, think we should take a few, lol. Actually thinking about our government we probably will.

I could go on but I'll end my rant for today.

What a great ideas ?

It concerned me somewhat last week when I read about the governments plan to release around 1,500 people from our prisons early to relieve overcrowding. Apparently many of these criminals have been convicted of violent offences (ok not murderers as such) and I am against it, to me done the crime means doing the time.
Now for sometime the law courts have been under instruction to give lesser sentances cos our jails are full to breaking point, this is wrong we should either build more jails or find alternatives. Now with the housing market frozen & many builders laid off unemployment high wouldn't this be a great time to build some new prisons, not only would it create work it would solve a crime problem because many released early do offend again.
While on the subject I also think prisons are getting too soft to me they should discourage people not to want to go back yet all I hear is talk about rehabilitation, sorry I think its poppycock.

However I have another great idea, last week I watched a documentry on the history channel about people that have won the Victoria Cross, which is Britains highest medal for acts of bravery in the face of the enemy.
It got onto the battle of Rorkes Drift (1879) in the Zulu wars where 150 british troops defeated a Zulu army numbering over 4,000 (bit like the Americans Alamo except we won). Many acts of bravery happend and in all 11 VC's were awarded which is the most in one battle.
The story of one soldier who recieved the award interested me because he was only there because he had broken the law, apparently in them days people covicted of minor crimes were offered the choice of jail or serve in the army, he chose the army, bet he wished he hadn't when the Zulus came over the hill.
Anyway going back to my origional point wouldn't it be a great idea to offer people that commit some offences the chance to redeem themselves in the army and fight in such places as Afganistan, Iraq & other such wars.

4 Years of Obama - Quiz

Although I'm still uncertain how Barack Obama will perform I think its only fair to give him a fair crack of the whip. No point criticising and the truth about this great "Change" can only be judged by his 4 years in office.

What do you think he'll achieve in 4 years :-

1. What Tax levels will the Americans be paying compared to today ?
a) More
b) Less
c) About the same

2. What will Employment levels be ?
a) More Unemployed
b) Less Unemployed
c) About the Same

3. Value of the £ against the $ (currently £1 = $1.63)
a) More $ to £
b) Less $ to £
c) About the Same

4. Law & Order
a) Higher Crime Rate
b) Lower Crime Rate

5. Troops out of Iraq ?
a) In 18 months as promised
b) During is term of office
c) Still there

6. Troops out of Afganistan
a) All Out
b) Reduction in numbers
c) Increase in numbers
d) Same amount there

7. Environment
a) 80% cut in emmisions as promised
b) significant reduction in emmisions
c) Slight reduction in emmisions
d) No reductions in emmisions

8. Health Service
a) No Change
b) Free Health Service for the Poor
c) Free Health Service for all
d) Significantly Cheaper Health Service
e) Slightly Cheaper Health Service

9. Stock Markets (Dow Jones) currently approx 9,600
a) Higher
b)Lower
c) Same

10. Who'll win the next Election ?
a) Democrats
b) Republicans
c) Dunno

My answers
1. a)Higher Taxes
2. c) Similar levels unemployed
3. a) More Dollars to £ (think its actually about 15cents lower than it should be and will level out)
4. a) Higher Crime Rate, think more poverty will cause that as population increases.
5. b) Think they'll be out at some stage but 18 months is too ambitious.
6. d) Can't see the situation changing for both the US or UK could even be an increase.
7. b) Significant decrease although 80% not attainable
8. e) Think he'll make efforts but find its a bottomless pit.
9. a) Higher, think history suggests it will grow again
10. c) Dunno - Depends whether the "Change" is good or bad for the Americans & it can go either way I'm sure.

For the British

Recieved this by email from a friend :-

GREAT BRITAIN
I think this really sums it all up..After hearing that many cities did not want to offend other cultures by putting up Christmas lights, so DIDN'T!

After hearing that the Birmingham council changed its opinion and let a Muslim woman have her picture on her driver's licence with her face covered.

After hearing of a Primary School in Birmingham where a boy was told that for PE they could wear Football League shirts (Aston Villa, Birmingham, West Brom etc) but NOT an England shirt as it could offend others !

This prompted the editorial below written by a UK citizen.

Published in a British tabloid newspaper.
IMMIGRANTS. NOT BRITONS, MUST ADAPT.

Take It Or Leave It.. I am tired of this nation worrying about whether we are offending some individual or their culture. Since the terrorist attacks on London , we have experienced a surge in patriotism by the majority of Brits.
However, the dust from the attacks has barely settled and the 'politically correct' crowd begin complaining about the possibility that our patriotism is offending others.I am not against immigration, nor do I hold a grudge against anyone who is seeking a better life by coming to Britain .
However, there are a few things that those who have recently come to our country, and apparently some born here, need to understand.This idea of Great Britain being a multicultural centre for community has served only to dilute our sovereignty and our national identity.
As Britons, we have our own culture, our own society, our own language and our own lifestyle. This culture has been developed over centuries of wars, struggles, trials and victories fought by the untold masses of men and women who laid down their lives and of the millions of men and women who have sought freedom.
We speak ENGLISH, not Spanish, Lebanese, Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, Russian, or any other language. Therefore, if you wish to become part of our society, learn the language!
If God offends you, then I suggest you consider another part of the world as your new home, because God is part of our culture.
If the Union Flag offends you, then you should seriously consider a move to another part of this planet.We are happy with our culture and have no desire to change, and we really don't care how you did things where you came from. This is OUR COUNTRY, OUR LAND, and OUR LIFESTYLE, and we will allow you every opportunity to enjoy all this.
But once you are done complaining, whining, and griping about Our Flag, Our Pledge, Our National Motto, or Our Way of Life, I encourage you take advantage of one other great British freedom, 'THE RIGHT TO LEAVE'.
We didn't force you to come here. If you don't like it GO HOME!!You asked to be here. So accept the country that accepted YOU. Pretty easy really, when you think about it.

If we all keep passing this to our friends (and enemies) it will also, sooner or later get back to the complainers, lets all try, please.No matter how many times you receive it... please forward it to all you know

Opinions (Hell I'm getting political)

So what is your Opinion on things ?

1. McCain or Obama - Well we are hearing so much about the American election (hell it drags on). Personally I don't thiink my friends over the water have a good choice with either.

2. Credit Crunch - Should the governments bail out the banks ? Easy to say the tax payer shouldn't pay for all the mistakes but to be honest I don't think there is an alternative. If the banks arn't helped it would mean the destroy our countries and cost us all far much more, no jobs, massive inflation, poverty all on the scale of many third worls countries.

3. World Trade - Should our countries trade with others (such as China, Vietnam, etc) because they can produce things cheaper. My opinion is NO because our industry isn't playing on a level playing field. Until they come on board with such things as Human rights, safety, pollution (including carbon emissions), etc the whole western world should refuse to trade.

4. Iraq War - Should we all pull out troops out now. I think this war is nearly over and it would be stupid just to pull out in one go. Whether we should have gone in the first place is a different question but I think controlled withdrawels as the Iraqis gradually take control with our help is the way forward.

5. Afganistan - Same question bu different answer. This is the true war on both world terrorism & drugs, think we should be here for the long term. Better fighting on their doorstep than ours. Think a good move would be to close the border with Pakistan and make an exclusion zone between (20 miles of so). This would stop people hoping over the border to hide which is obviously want happens.

6. Gordon Brown - Is he the right man to be British Prime Minister. Ask me a few weeks ago I would have said no but in view of the World Credit Crunch his monetary background make him the ideal man.

7. Gurkhas - Should they be allowed to live in Britain ? Yes, if they are prepared to fight & die for the country I don't think there is an argument against. Plenty more less deserving cases are allowed in.

8. EU - Is been a member of the EU a good thing ? I have never been a fan but think thats to do with my patriotism, but I could see the point of working with the richer nations such as Germany & France. But now we have opened the door to Eastern Europe I believe we've created nothing but problems that will haunt us for years to come.

Is the World split in two ?

1. Zimbabwe - When it comes to world politics is the World split in two ? Last week we had the UN security sanctions vote against the Zimbabwe government getting vetoed which to me was quite disgusting. Mugabe's regime that has just sabotaged an election needs the world to stand shoulder to shoulder against them.
However the usual five candidates blocked the vote for sanctions led by the likes of Russia, China, Libya, South Africa & Vietnam(no surprise with any of these). To me its about time the Western world stopped trading with these such countries and just stuck together as one, I know who would be better off.

2. Knife Crime - I'm reading a lot in the newspapers lately about the increase in violent crime in our Cities and especially the use of knives among teens. Now I was totally amused with the governments solution to this they are suggesting people caught carrying knives will be made to visit victims in hospital.
Personally I've another suggestion "Put them in f****g Jail" and make the jails a little tougher and not like holiday camps. In high crime areas give police scanners with stop & search powers its not brain surgery.

3. Irritable People - Do you have anyone that your paths cross each week that really irritates you ? I've one such person in mind and he is really getting on my nerves he's such a sarcastic prat. So far I've bit my tongue but I think its a choice between trying to ignore him completely or tell him straight what I think about him.

4. Music Choice - "Its too Late" by Derek & the Dominoes

The people are fooled/robbed again

1. Road Tax - The Government have fooled/robbed the people they are supposed to represent by putting up the road tax by astronomical amounts. Ok this depends on the size of your vehicle and its emmisions. The excuse is that it is a Green Tax in the fight against Global Warming. I could nearly support it in some ways if I believed it was going to be ploughed back in to the environment.
However I would say it is a Mean Tax because everyone was mislead about what was going to happen due to lies by the Prime Minister Gordon Brown. Ok I can understand the idea of this tax but for people buying new vehicles from now. People caught out and stuck with the wrong type of vehicle have been hit with a double wammy because they either pay the tax or sell their vehicle and of course the 2nd hand value as plummeted overnight, they can't win.
Lets remember we are also getting screwed by the highest fuel duties in the world, the country is truly been destroyed by these numpty's trying to run it.

2. America Again - Yep I've another holiday sorted, I travel to Chicago on 25th August for 3 nights then onto Houston for 5 more nights. Its then on to New Orleans where I'll spend 7 more nights before returning to England on the evening og september 9th.
Houston & New Orleans are places I haven't been before and while I'm in the other there is the "Texas Music Festival" on for 3 of the days.

3. Music Choice - Well for todays choice I've gone for a song I really like its "Will You" by Hazel O'Conner -

Don't be Fooled

1. MP's Pay Rise - I see today that our government representitives have voted to only take a lees than inflation 2.5% pay rise as an example to the rest of the population as the country's financial woes continue. I would like to say great MP's actually doing something for others but sorry I can't cos they have also decided that they can screw us all with their expenses. How on ever can you claim a Plasma Screen TV, get you TV licence, car insurance, tax, groceries, clothes, etc paid for on expenses. Not on a bad thing are they.

2. Tennis - I'll just mention the Tennis cos Wimbledon is on, the Womens final is decided and it will be predictably between the Williams sisters not that I've anything against them but I find them playing each other boring. The mens event is at the semi stage but its hard to imagine anything other than a Federer v Nadal Final and I'm looking forward to that they are a class better than anything else about.

3. Weight Loss - I've been eating more or less to plan although exercise as been below plan due to a couple of aches & pains. However I'm fighting fit now and I've just started TT training in preparation for next season. I trained two hours last night & this morning I did another session with a different player. It was hard work and I lost a bit of sweat, I feel tired now but I've another session planned Monday. I'm also hoping to get a couple of long walks over the weekend although the weather forcast isn't too promising.

4. Music Choice - For todays choice we're going for a gritty punk cover version of the Dionne Warwick classic "Walk on By" played by The Stranglers.

Raring to Go

1. Training - Tonight I'm gonna resume Table Tennis training as I'm raring to go. My Elbow although still swollen is on the mend its not painfull so I need to get in training. Obviously I'll have to be a bit careful not to agravate it but I'm optimistic it will be ok. Of course it'll do my fitness good, I'm hoping to put a lot of work in this summer, I'm planning a good season.
I'm building up for my first tournament in late August in Halifax, its a veterans tournament and the standard is usually very high.

2. Weight Loss - I think I'm maintaining so far this summer, to be honest lack of exercise has been my big negative. I've eaten more or less to plan so if I can now up the exercise I'm sure I'll start to dump a few pounds.

3. Holidays - I was looking at maybe taking a trip somewhere in early September but at present flight prices are sky high, think its to do with the Oil price. However I'm checking and if I can find a deal I'll take a trip I'm sure.

4. Smoking - Our Government have come up with another classic, they are going to give people money to stop smoking as its a burdon on the health service. They are only experimenting and just going to trial it in Dundee (surprisingly thats where our Prime Mnister Gordon Brown is from).
What do I think of giving my money that I've paid in tax to people if they promise to stop smoking is another example of how stupid the people running the country are.

5. Music Choice - We'll have some classic Beatles today with "Long and winding road", superb song.

National Security

1. Idiots - Yes idiots are running the country I am sure, weve been hearing so much about the 42 days to contain terror suspects and how concerned our present regime are about national security. Then what hits the news "A top security official leaves important papers concerning Al Queada on a public train" Of course to make sure peoples attention weren't drawn to them they were in a bright orange folder.
Of course the numpty that left them has been rightly suspended from his job but to me other questions are left unanswered. a) Why did these papers have to leave HQ b) Why was he travelling on public transport with such important items.
Surely there is something wrong with the system but who is surprised with the muppets running the country.

2. Petrol Crisis - At least it looks like the cost of re-fuelling my car is not gonna be a problem cos the garages are gonna run out. The tanker drivers are going on strike so the garages are likely to run out. Of course the government are saying don't panic which sort of makes everyone rush out to fill up their cars making the problem worse.
I was almost sympathetic with the tanker drivers until I saw what salary they are on £32k basic and have been offered a 7.5% rise. Gee tanker drivers is the best of the driving jobs, its the hardest to get.

3. Weight Loss/Fitness - I'm starting TT training this weekend which will be a step in the right direction towards fitness. Our season doesn't start until September but I'm aiming for a good summers training in preparation.
I mentioned a few weeks ago I was feeling very unfit and was concerned my rested pulse rate was high at 78bpm. Well even though I haven't done a lot of fitness training by eating sensibly its come down to 68bpm as of today so I reckon thats good. I'm a believer pulse rate is a good guide to cardio-vascular health.
As for eating my days are quite balanced breakfast is usually Weetabix with blueberries & strawberries, lunch is usually soup with 2 slices of bread (I've changed from white to wholegrain). I sometimes have a coffee with biscuits in the afternoon as a treat. I make dinner my main meal which can be anything from a salad to meat with vegetables. I must admit I haven't got out of grabbing a quick snack late at night though, just can't do it.
Any other snacks if any throughout the day are always fruit and I'm drinking loads of water.

4. Music Choice - Here is a classic with 4 great guitarists BB King, Eric Clapton, Buddy Guy & Jimmy Vaughan with "Rock me Baby"