Following the relevations that MP's have been egging their expense claims, it has been announced that there will be a Police investigation and that "prosecutions may result".
While I applaud the announcement, and the sentiment behind it, I've developed a healthy scepticism for these things so whatever you do don't hold your breatrh or expect any real activity in this area - the Old Boys Network will swing into action (if it hasn't already) and virtually nothing will be done in the end. A few minor (community charge or jail) sentences, a bit of public wrist slapping, a good deal of back patting and sealed brown envelopes being exchanged. Just enough will be done so that the authorities and political party leaders can claim the "situation was investigated" and "appropriate action was taken".
Thursday, 25 June 2009
European Parliament Elections
It appears that it is not just the world of Islam that has problems with election results. In the recent UK elections a BNP MEP was elected. Ever since opponents to the BNP have protested every time they have tried to organise a press conference. However, again one has to ask just who is benefitting from the resultant publicity?
Islamic Elections
The recent elections in Iran, controlled by the Islamic clerics, has been validated despite 50 cities each recording 3million more votes than there are voters. This could lead one to conclude that those that preach the Islamic code are basically corrupt.
Or, that as they can’t do basic maths , that they are just plain ignorant. Make up your own mind.
Or, that as they can’t do basic maths , that they are just plain ignorant. Make up your own mind.
Saturday, 20 June 2009
Mark's 1st car
Parked up in front of the house, waiting for Andy to return from his holiday in Cyprus to do the service work and get it sorted for the 1st July when it goes back on the road, here's the first photo of Mark's first car:-
For those that don't do cars it is a Fiat Punto 1.2 from 2000 with 70,000 miles under it's wheels it runs sweet as a nut but needs some attention to the brakes and a good T-cut and polishing.
For those that don't do cars it is a Fiat Punto 1.2 from 2000 with 70,000 miles under it's wheels it runs sweet as a nut but needs some attention to the brakes and a good T-cut and polishing.
Mark's gets exam results
Yesterday Mark got the exam marks for the end of his 2nd year Maths degree course. Overall he achieved 76% which means that he is still on course for a First Class Degree.
For both Mark and the family this is great news. It is confirmation that he is putting in the effort, getting to grips with the subject at every level as it is introduced and a positive reflection of his dedication. He puts in long (and sometimes late night) hours and this is just the confidence boost he needs to take him into his final year.
For both Mark and the family this is great news. It is confirmation that he is putting in the effort, getting to grips with the subject at every level as it is introduced and a positive reflection of his dedication. He puts in long (and sometimes late night) hours and this is just the confidence boost he needs to take him into his final year.
MP's Expenses - Taking the Piss!
Today the BBC news is reporting that....
"More than 50 MPs have claimed expenses for council tax they have not paid the Daily Telegraph says.
They are said to have claimed more than the rates of tax published by councils.
The new expense allegations came after police launched a criminal inquiry into an alleged misuse of expenses by a small number of MPs and peers.
Police say it’s economic and specialist crime command will investigate, following a public outcry about the way some MPs used their allowances."
Now the recent revelations have been eye opening enough on their own, but to find that these so called "Honourable Gentlemen" have actually claimed on their expenses for more than they have been charged by their local council, AND that some of them actually haven't paid their rates even though they have claimed/over claimed those same rates on their expenses to my mind is CRIMINAL!
We have seen a redaction (where did that word come from) of expenses for claims supposedly made in error. I just hope we get to see these MP's doing a jail term for fraud or criminal theft. They have been stealing from ordinary folks like you and me, tax payers, voters and mostly people earning far less than MP's get as a salaary.
Is my blood boiling? No, not yet, but it's getting there! If you want to read the whole report then visit the BBC web site.
"More than 50 MPs have claimed expenses for council tax they have not paid the Daily Telegraph says.
They are said to have claimed more than the rates of tax published by councils.
The new expense allegations came after police launched a criminal inquiry into an alleged misuse of expenses by a small number of MPs and peers.
Police say it’s economic and specialist crime command will investigate, following a public outcry about the way some MPs used their allowances."
Now the recent revelations have been eye opening enough on their own, but to find that these so called "Honourable Gentlemen" have actually claimed on their expenses for more than they have been charged by their local council, AND that some of them actually haven't paid their rates even though they have claimed/over claimed those same rates on their expenses to my mind is CRIMINAL!
We have seen a redaction (where did that word come from) of expenses for claims supposedly made in error. I just hope we get to see these MP's doing a jail term for fraud or criminal theft. They have been stealing from ordinary folks like you and me, tax payers, voters and mostly people earning far less than MP's get as a salaary.
Is my blood boiling? No, not yet, but it's getting there! If you want to read the whole report then visit the BBC web site.
Thursday, 18 June 2009
MP's Expenses - New rules
With all the fuss being made over the recent disclosures I thought I'd make a few suggestions for Mr Gordon "Bleeding Liar" Brown to mull over....
Primary Residence - MUST be within the defined boundaries of the sitting MP's constituency. If you don't live in the area you can't stand for the seat -- that should cut down some un-necessary travel.
Secondary Residence - NOT PERMITTED if the PRIMARY residence is within a 1 hour commute or 50 mile radius of the House of Commons.
Secondary Residence - MUST be within a commuting distance of the House of Commons NOT EXCEEDING 30% of the distance to the PRIMARY residence.
Commuting expenses NOT ALLOWED:-
1. Between Primary, secondary or any other residences owned by, rented to, leased to (or in any other way used by) the MP (i.e. not the ex-husband/wife's home, the girl/boy friend's home the mistress/lover's home). Same applies for any commercial property or business by whatever association (it earns a 2nd income so it can fund the travel).
2. Any travel claims between any of the properties identified in 1 above and the House of Commons on the grounds that normal working people have to pay their commuting costs so why should MP's be any different.
That'll do for starters....
Primary Residence - MUST be within the defined boundaries of the sitting MP's constituency. If you don't live in the area you can't stand for the seat -- that should cut down some un-necessary travel.
Secondary Residence - NOT PERMITTED if the PRIMARY residence is within a 1 hour commute or 50 mile radius of the House of Commons.
Secondary Residence - MUST be within a commuting distance of the House of Commons NOT EXCEEDING 30% of the distance to the PRIMARY residence.
Commuting expenses NOT ALLOWED:-
1. Between Primary, secondary or any other residences owned by, rented to, leased to (or in any other way used by) the MP (i.e. not the ex-husband/wife's home, the girl/boy friend's home the mistress/lover's home). Same applies for any commercial property or business by whatever association (it earns a 2nd income so it can fund the travel).
2. Any travel claims between any of the properties identified in 1 above and the House of Commons on the grounds that normal working people have to pay their commuting costs so why should MP's be any different.
That'll do for starters....
Monday, 15 June 2009
Sunny weekend, wet Monday
Yes, the weekend was nice a sunny and (mostly) warm. We did the usual mundane things necessary for "normal" daily life, like the weekly shop at ASDA, washing and ironing. But we also managed some more relaxing things, like Friday night meal in the local pub, time gardening and with parents.
Saturday evening Fred cooked Suzie and I a meal because his wife Addie is away and it's Fred's opportunity to do what he wants to do, with his friends (us!). We responded with a BBQ for Sunday lunch and had Fred round to ours to join in. Good weather, good food & good company.... what more can one ask for?
Today has been a complete change. Back to work, it's thundered and lightening'd and been generally damp. Nut when it's on a working day that's not so bad!
Saturday evening Fred cooked Suzie and I a meal because his wife Addie is away and it's Fred's opportunity to do what he wants to do, with his friends (us!). We responded with a BBQ for Sunday lunch and had Fred round to ours to join in. Good weather, good food & good company.... what more can one ask for?
Today has been a complete change. Back to work, it's thundered and lightening'd and been generally damp. Nut when it's on a working day that's not so bad!
Sunday, 14 June 2009
Dad's back home
Dad's back home, delivered by private ambulance. Both he and mother were refreshed by the break this 2 weeks of respite have given them both.
What did mother do with the spare time the respite gave her? She took the dog to various parks for extended walks and she cleared a load of junk out of the garage (it's still got loads left in there though).
And Dad approves of the new television, which is crystal clear for him even though he watches it from diagonally across the lounge.
Oh! And Sheba has got to go to Weight Watchers, starting Monday (tomorrow) because she had her annual check over and she has put on far too much weight in the last year.
What did mother do with the spare time the respite gave her? She took the dog to various parks for extended walks and she cleared a load of junk out of the garage (it's still got loads left in there though).
And Dad approves of the new television, which is crystal clear for him even though he watches it from diagonally across the lounge.
Oh! And Sheba has got to go to Weight Watchers, starting Monday (tomorrow) because she had her annual check over and she has put on far too much weight in the last year.
Tickets to Jamaica
This week Suzie got our flight tickets and accomodation vouchers for our holiday in Jamaica.
On Friday she got some Janaican Dollars, £54 worth....
That's $7,500JA
Not sure what that will buy but I have done some checking and for 2008 the minimum wage in Jamaica is $3,200JA per week. That's not much at all and I'll bet there are people living there earning that.... Makes one think about certain values, doesn't it?
On Friday she got some Janaican Dollars, £54 worth....
That's $7,500JA
Not sure what that will buy but I have done some checking and for 2008 the minimum wage in Jamaica is $3,200JA per week. That's not much at all and I'll bet there are people living there earning that.... Makes one think about certain values, doesn't it?
Speeding motorcycle rider convicted
Two friends set out on two motorcycles to race on public roads. One is filming the whole event, including the head on colision that results in the death of his "friend". The film footage which shows his motorcycle travelling at 156mph is used by the police to convict him.
As a motorcyclist / biker / ride of powered 2 wheelers I am appauled at the contempt these 2 riders had for both the law and the image of motorbike users that results from their actions and the media coverage it has attracted.
But I ask you, would you want to count the survivor as a friend? Somebody who puts their life, your life and the lives of countless others at risk doesn't deserve a friend in the world.
As a motorcyclist / biker / ride of powered 2 wheelers I am appauled at the contempt these 2 riders had for both the law and the image of motorbike users that results from their actions and the media coverage it has attracted.
But I ask you, would you want to count the survivor as a friend? Somebody who puts their life, your life and the lives of countless others at risk doesn't deserve a friend in the world.
Suicide Bombers
Some would call them the bravest of the brave, martyrs to their cause (whatever it is) but to me they are the most cowardly form of ignorance. These are people who see the act of strapping a bomb to their body or driving a bomb loaded vehicle and then placing and detonating the device where it will cause most grief and loss of life and publicity as a courageous act.
There’s nothing heroci about that AT ALL!
Their actions are born out of ignorance, fuelled by arogance and perpetuated by lost causes and out dated philosophies. Think of the irony – pilots of suicide aircraft wore/wear helmets! Why?
There’s nothing heroci about that AT ALL!
Their actions are born out of ignorance, fuelled by arogance and perpetuated by lost causes and out dated philosophies. Think of the irony – pilots of suicide aircraft wore/wear helmets! Why?
Saturday, 13 June 2009
Islam & Islamic Extreemists
If Islam is such a “good” and “worthy” religion then how come the only views, news and images that we get are those covering the violent actions of Islamic Extreemists?
It has emerged in the news this week that the downing of the Air France aeroplane in the Atlantic off the north coast of South America was another bombing by Islamic Extreemists. The image I and much of the world has of the World of Islam is one where voilence rules, where rational thought and democratic negotiation are rejected out of hand and where there is no individual or collective conscience. As a result I have to conclude that death is all that should be bestowed on ALL those that follow the Islamic faith to rid this planet of an uncontrolled and uncontrollable scourge that cannot adapt to encompass or embrase modern society and values different to their own.
It has emerged in the news this week that the downing of the Air France aeroplane in the Atlantic off the north coast of South America was another bombing by Islamic Extreemists. The image I and much of the world has of the World of Islam is one where voilence rules, where rational thought and democratic negotiation are rejected out of hand and where there is no individual or collective conscience. As a result I have to conclude that death is all that should be bestowed on ALL those that follow the Islamic faith to rid this planet of an uncontrolled and uncontrollable scourge that cannot adapt to encompass or embrase modern society and values different to their own.
Thursday, 11 June 2009
Darby & Joan
Yesterday Andy and his girlfriend left for 2 weeks holiday in Cyprus.
Mark departed at the same time to spend a few days with his girlfriend in Manchester.
So Suzie & I are home alone, Darby & Joan... Oh the house was so quiet last night.
Bliss!
In a little over 2 weeks Suzie & I will be off to Jamaica... Can't wait!
Mark departed at the same time to spend a few days with his girlfriend in Manchester.
So Suzie & I are home alone, Darby & Joan... Oh the house was so quiet last night.
Bliss!
In a little over 2 weeks Suzie & I will be off to Jamaica... Can't wait!
Mark's first car
Well it has been bought, newly MoT tested (and passed after replacing a duff bulb). It's done 70,500 miles and last year had a replacement engine out of a 30,000 mile car after the original engine broke a valve. That engine had a new cam belt fitted, so what's to be done? Here's the list we are working to...
1. A full service, with
2. New brake pads (front) and
3. New brake shoes (rear)
4. A new clutch (the current one is near the end of it's life and very heavy)
5. Interior valet
6. Removal of a small dent in the nearside door
7. Exterior valet, buff & polish
8. 2 new hydraulic strutts on the rear hatch
9. Replace a duff exhaust mounting bracket.
Including buying the car, all that should come in at under £800 -- a bargain for a first motor!
1. A full service, with
2. New brake pads (front) and
3. New brake shoes (rear)
4. A new clutch (the current one is near the end of it's life and very heavy)
5. Interior valet
6. Removal of a small dent in the nearside door
7. Exterior valet, buff & polish
8. 2 new hydraulic strutts on the rear hatch
9. Replace a duff exhaust mounting bracket.
Including buying the car, all that should come in at under £800 -- a bargain for a first motor!
New 50mph speed limits
Derbyshire has been following Worcestershire's lead in introducing county wide 50mph speed limits. Main roads with national speed limits -- thats 60mph -- are being restricted to 50mph. The labour controlled county claimed that this was being done to reduce accident statistics. To back up the speed limit reductions more mobile speed traps are being set up and Specs 3 avarage speed cameras are being deployed across the county.
So the question is... will the roads of Derbyshire be safer? The short answer is NO! Those that drive or ride with excess speed will continue to do so, but larger numbers of us road users will be at risk of exceeding the un-necessarily low new 50mph speed limit.
Police and the Road Safety Partnership have admitted that they are targetting riders of motorcycles in their selective choice of locations for speed traps. Why? These same riders bring millions of pounds in tourist revenue to the county and if they stay away then that's lost revenue and fewer targets for the "Safety cameras".
And when the manufacturers of cars and trucks build their cars to be most economical, fuel efficient and environmentally friendly at between 56mph and 62mph, then imposing a 50mph limit will hit us all in the pocket as we have to use more fuel to travel slower.
Includied in the upgrade to Spec 3 is an upgrade to make the sensors built into the road more sensitive in order to register motorcycle traffic, which also means that they will have no trouble registering HGV traffic and prosecuting them for exceeding the 40mph limit that applies to them but which they can get away with exceeding at the moment because the road sensors don't distinguish between them, cars or bikes.
Road pricing via the back door? The government says no! But then they have lied to us about everything else -- so if they can't be honset with their expenses claims why should we believe them on ANY other subject?
Will the fact that Labour has lost control of the county to the Tories after 28 years make a difference? You'd better hope it does?
So the question is... will the roads of Derbyshire be safer? The short answer is NO! Those that drive or ride with excess speed will continue to do so, but larger numbers of us road users will be at risk of exceeding the un-necessarily low new 50mph speed limit.
Police and the Road Safety Partnership have admitted that they are targetting riders of motorcycles in their selective choice of locations for speed traps. Why? These same riders bring millions of pounds in tourist revenue to the county and if they stay away then that's lost revenue and fewer targets for the "Safety cameras".
And when the manufacturers of cars and trucks build their cars to be most economical, fuel efficient and environmentally friendly at between 56mph and 62mph, then imposing a 50mph limit will hit us all in the pocket as we have to use more fuel to travel slower.
Includied in the upgrade to Spec 3 is an upgrade to make the sensors built into the road more sensitive in order to register motorcycle traffic, which also means that they will have no trouble registering HGV traffic and prosecuting them for exceeding the 40mph limit that applies to them but which they can get away with exceeding at the moment because the road sensors don't distinguish between them, cars or bikes.
Road pricing via the back door? The government says no! But then they have lied to us about everything else -- so if they can't be honset with their expenses claims why should we believe them on ANY other subject?
Will the fact that Labour has lost control of the county to the Tories after 28 years make a difference? You'd better hope it does?
MP's expenses - Truth is out
There's been a lot of hoo-ha and media coverage about British Members of Parliament fiddling, falsifying or exagerating their expenses claims.
So what? Big deal!
We all thought that MPs were only seeking election to line their own pockets. All the recent revelations have proven is that we now KNOW that they are only seeking election to line their own pockets.
Will any good come of the revelations. Normally I'd say no, but, under the current economic circumstances I'm hopeful that change will happen.
So what? Big deal!
We all thought that MPs were only seeking election to line their own pockets. All the recent revelations have proven is that we now KNOW that they are only seeking election to line their own pockets.
Will any good come of the revelations. Normally I'd say no, but, under the current economic circumstances I'm hopeful that change will happen.
Sunday, 7 June 2009
A Special Sunday
Today was a bit special. Sue and the boys are involved in the counting of votes for the European vote that took place on Thursday leaving me free to do my own thing, so, I’d arranged to take mother down to the Helen Lay Centre to visit Dad in the morning, then go to lunch and return after Dad had had his Sunday lunch for a second visit before heading back home. We left mother’s place at 10:10, got to Helen Lay at 11:15 after driving through some attrocious weather. Mum admitted that if she’d been driving she’d have gone back home. We saw numerous accidents on the way, the biggest being a 5 car pile-up. Standing water on the motorways was the problem, that and the fact that drivers weren’t slowing down, so when they hit puddles in the outside lane it just spun them into the barrier. Must have seen a dozen wrecks in all.
Dad was really well, looking very good. He’d had a hair cut and was well rested. He’d been in a jacqusi pool in the week and really enjoyed it. Tonight he was going into the church service. And he’s been mixing with others in there for respite. He looked well and mother is benefitting from not having to care for him 24/7. Yes, today was a special day.
Dad was really well, looking very good. He’d had a hair cut and was well rested. He’d been in a jacqusi pool in the week and really enjoyed it. Tonight he was going into the church service. And he’s been mixing with others in there for respite. He looked well and mother is benefitting from not having to care for him 24/7. Yes, today was a special day.
Friday, 5 June 2009
His first car
Over the last few weeks we have been seriously looking for a little first car for Mark. After looking at scores of overpriced bangers advertised on eBay and AutoTrader, in local newspapers and on staff bulletin boards, the success was eventually found in our own close. Jacqui and John not only got given a CRT tele (from my Mum) but also a Ford Mondeo from some family friends, leaving him to find a home form his faithful 1200cc Fiat Punto hatchback. Which will very soon be sitting on our drive awaiting Mark's careful ownership. It needs some loving care and attention but at the price he's got it for he can afford to spend a few bob on getting it sorted.
TVs for OAPs
This week has seen both sets of parents (that's mine and Sue's) or grandparents (Andy and Mark's) deciding to upgrade their old, large, CRT televisions for new slimline, flatscreen, modern replacements. Andy takes my Mum to our local Curreys Electrical and they come away with a 37" Toshiba, while Mark accompanies Sue's Mum & Dad to the same outlet and they come away with a 37" LG. Both get installed by the respective grandson and grandparents appear happy with the resultant installations.
Both large CRT televisions have been donated & gratefully received by new homes, both to families that need but can't afford a new tele. That's charitable giving in action.
Both large CRT televisions have been donated & gratefully received by new homes, both to families that need but can't afford a new tele. That's charitable giving in action.
Playing catch-up .... News in brief
Thursday 4th June is voting day across Britain for local and European elections. For us there's no local elections so it's European's only. Sue is responsible for making sure ALL the Polling Stations in Derby City are set up, provisions made for storing the boxes until the count on Sunday, facilities in place for the press, etc.. etc... etc... She's off to work at 08:00 and gets home at 02:30 in the morning (today). She just has to do the votes count on Sunday now...
Wednesday 3rd June is a bad news day. Andy tells us that at the weekend a workmate was knocked off his motorbike and has a broken neck, no paralysis but 12 weeks off work. Then I hear that a former FNIS work colleague gave birth to a daughter prematurely, and the baby died some 6 hours later. And young Robbie at FNIS had his motorbike stolen from outside the gym that night, all caught on CCTV which isn't clear enough to show the registration of the van used to take it away.
Sunday 31st May I lead another ride out around the roads of Derbyshire and the Peak District, starting out from Arkwright's Mill at Cromford, up the Via Gelia to Hartington, through Longnor and Buxton to Fernilee Reservoir before heading up to Newhouses on the A6 and heading cross country to Glossop for a stop at the cafe for lunch. Loads of bikers there, great weather and motorbikes everywhere.
After lunch it was off down The Snake Pass (blustery strong winds)through the grounds of Chatsworth House, up over Downey Moor and down the A61 to Stratstone Motorcycles at Clay Cross for a browse and a cuppa. Then off across Wooley Edge to Matlock Bath and several hundred powered two wheelers. A day in heaven.
Saturday 30th May First thing I'm up and away to the local MoT Centre to get my motorbike MoT tested, and it flies through, no problems. Just after mid-day Dad gets picked up and taken by private ambulance to the Helen Lay Centre for 2 weeks respite for both of them. Mum's now at home resting and doing all those things she doesn't get time to do when Dad's home.
Thursday 16th May A review has been undertaken and I'm given a letter stating that my job was no longer at risk. A mighty sigh of relief was heaved I can tell you. I sent Sue a text to say that we would still be going on holiday with Carole & Giuseppe.
Thursday 9th May was the last day of my 3 month probation period with my new employer Fidelity National Information Services. I was expectant but got a shock, a letter advising me that my job was at risk. It was Mum's birthday but my mind was elsewhere that weekend when Angie and John were up to see Mum & Dad. I didn't want to, and managed not to, say anything about it to any of them.
Wednesday 3rd June is a bad news day. Andy tells us that at the weekend a workmate was knocked off his motorbike and has a broken neck, no paralysis but 12 weeks off work. Then I hear that a former FNIS work colleague gave birth to a daughter prematurely, and the baby died some 6 hours later. And young Robbie at FNIS had his motorbike stolen from outside the gym that night, all caught on CCTV which isn't clear enough to show the registration of the van used to take it away.
Sunday 31st May I lead another ride out around the roads of Derbyshire and the Peak District, starting out from Arkwright's Mill at Cromford, up the Via Gelia to Hartington, through Longnor and Buxton to Fernilee Reservoir before heading up to Newhouses on the A6 and heading cross country to Glossop for a stop at the cafe for lunch. Loads of bikers there, great weather and motorbikes everywhere.
After lunch it was off down The Snake Pass (blustery strong winds)through the grounds of Chatsworth House, up over Downey Moor and down the A61 to Stratstone Motorcycles at Clay Cross for a browse and a cuppa. Then off across Wooley Edge to Matlock Bath and several hundred powered two wheelers. A day in heaven.
Saturday 30th May First thing I'm up and away to the local MoT Centre to get my motorbike MoT tested, and it flies through, no problems. Just after mid-day Dad gets picked up and taken by private ambulance to the Helen Lay Centre for 2 weeks respite for both of them. Mum's now at home resting and doing all those things she doesn't get time to do when Dad's home.
Thursday 16th May A review has been undertaken and I'm given a letter stating that my job was no longer at risk. A mighty sigh of relief was heaved I can tell you. I sent Sue a text to say that we would still be going on holiday with Carole & Giuseppe.
Thursday 9th May was the last day of my 3 month probation period with my new employer Fidelity National Information Services. I was expectant but got a shock, a letter advising me that my job was at risk. It was Mum's birthday but my mind was elsewhere that weekend when Angie and John were up to see Mum & Dad. I didn't want to, and managed not to, say anything about it to any of them.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)