Can you prove it's yours?

Public service announcement!

One hears much about lack of police attention in the event of a crime. Thankfully - touching wood and crossing fingers - I cannot comment. Given the figures for crime, looking at force strengths and committments and the paperwork they face, I believe that we cannot be getting the service we used to.

One thing that just might assist in attracting their attention is to inform them that property stolen from you is readily identifiable in the event of recovery. There are various hi-tech ways of doing this but maybe the easiest is to log the necessary details with a central database that can be accessed by police.

Have a look at the blog.

TODAY'S GUEST BLOG
Know what you have. Simple and effective.

Service message

Disregard what follows. I'm told it will drive the web spiders mad and spread my word in search engines.

Credit employee houston municipal union Coaxial digital cable Australian puppy shepherd training Start a business from home Infringement lawsuit patent sued Discount clawfoot tub Billy bob furniture michigan Desktop remote router using Orlando apartment guide Large baby cushions Softball tech texas Bag jelly purse Coach optic purse Free blow job gallery Ct day london new newspaper Garden shed design Battlefield dedicated server Free hotel coupon Psychic network Penis pain Hello asia phone card Outer bank north carolina motel Adult cam free watch web Shirt and tie combination Dominican republic vacation resort Diabetes diagnostic test Building management team training Form california durable power of attorney 1999 hyundai tiburon Nokia phone ring tone Wholesale nursing shoes Retail nurses knickers Texas board of nurse examiner Personal loan calculator uk New york state unemployment Crt part projector Belt cross gate reference 2004 chevrolet silverado ss

Soldiers! Don't you love them.

Bit of a military day today - don't know why. Maybe because I'm feeling in need of some of that military sense of humour. Hope those who never served understand this one.

Just what the soldiers need!!

Someone knew what would happen

Even someone with my modicum of Middle East experience knew what would happen if we went into a Arab country as invaders. Our Government had a reserve of excellent knowledge available to it from those who had served as their representatives in Islamic countries - the so-called 'Camel Corps'.

So, nice to see what that old warhorse TE Lawrence (of Arabia) had to say. Shame that Dubya and B Liar did not have the Lawrenc of Arabia video to hand.

TODAY'S GUEST BLOG

See how The Grauniad tells it.

That shooting

My Guest blog this time round got my attention by the phrase about normal Press reaction 'lets find the liar in a blue uniform and blame him'' However, his blog is more than a glib quote.

TODAY'S GUEST BLOG

Read all about it!

Telling Times

The Times has a name as the newspaper of record. If it happened - it's there. If it's there - it is what happened.
Sad then to read this account of how standards slipped in a overseas edition.

Lesson planning

I think these are five lessons from Iraq for America. However, if Toothsome Tony thinks that we should accept too many of them as lessons for us, we will get into an even worse mess.

Still, doubtless, the Pope is praying for him. I see that old satchel mouth got to go along along on a freeby.

Get digging

Down at the beach today exercising Old Pointy Nose the dog and came upon a guy with a metal detector. I saw him pick up and examine three ring objects which he put into his pocket. He saw me looking and said something about what a lovely looking dog I had.
I told him that as he seemed an intelligent person, I would ask him a question. What did he find with his machinery?
Seems that in just one 3 day period last Summer - just after a holiday weekend - he had found over £137 in just a two hundred yard stretch of beach. Only three days ago, he found seven £1 coins all together. He showed me the rings and they were nicely engraved but well corroded. He also produced a pre-decimal three penny piece that was the same sort of shape as the current 50P coin.
We discussed the life of a detector man. Seems he comes across quite a few interesting items on the beach. When I thought about it - which is rarely - I had imagined that detecting in a newly ploughed field would be more productive given the extent of warlike action over our landscape. Seems that one could spend one's while lifetime in a ploughed field and get nothing.
All that knowledge from just a snide remark. Great value.
What a wonderful world we live in!

No meat-ing of minds

I am a meat eater. Lots of it. Rare and bloody or well done and crisp. All offal accepted.

I cannot understand vegetarinism. Usual claim about 'Nothing against them but...'

Not all people are as tolerant as I am!! (not)

TODAY'S GUEST BLOG
More tofu vicar?

Customer Service

Just a small item that some of you might like - especially if your work brings you into contact with the public. If it is Joe Public in a stress situation; here is a fine basic course in how to deal with them

TODAY'S GUEST BLOG
A guy with a lot of right ideas in facing up to the public?

Dirty linen in public

Just wondering if the Guvmint has found that event that will divert attention away from all that nasty Prescott sort of stuff?

To what end?

I'm quite happy to be called a sort of latter day Luddite. It took a long time for me to make the effort to become even moderately computer literate. I took up a PDA as a nice shiny toy/gadget long before I admitted that it was an asset.

So, that may be why I just cannot see the point of the research in my Guest posting. I assume it took up the time of learned individuals. These things cost money. Their site is pleasantly low-geek. But, can anyone tell me - to what end? What or whom does it serve?

TODAY'S GUEST BLOG

See if you can see a need for this

Paint it black

In the absence of any credible independant information, I have no views on the whys, whats and wherefores of the actions of the US Marines in Iraq. The whole concept of war is mad. Dealing with a civilian insurgency brings weapons of death closer to both sides than any World War ever did. Western worlds may claim to have very high moral standards and, in general terms, are way above the almost ritual slaughter that passes for life in Iraq. Who knows what the effects of this total lack of respect for the sanctity of human life on the part of their enemy can have on those who have just witnessed the violent death of a comrade. Is someone who may have dealt out death without justification at very close range any more guilty than one who sits 50,000 feet above the ground and uses so-called 'Smart' munitions?
However, that said, I can appreciate the validity of what this guy says about the spin-offs that will result.

Getting it right

Dangerous work requires attention to detail. Soldiering is dangerous work. Military personnel practise and appreciate attention to detail. They expect it of the politicians set over them.

This lady makes her point well - might almost have been a soldier! (sarcasm or irony - you sort it out. I'm just making a point)

When will it end - if ever?

We are here seeing more Protestant refusal to progress towards what might be regarded as even a moderately civilised country. Catholics scorned again. Their inclusion in this service is perfectly justified. As a Catholic serving in RUC, they were in constant danger. On duty, at home, in their community - everywhere and always. The degree of courage to keep this up over a considerable period of time is tremendous. Quite often, they were alienated from relatives and even loved ones. They were not always made welcome by their brother officers. Those who have never served in something like a disciplined service cannot understand how vital it is that one can rely on ones comrades. Many Catholic policemen were denied this support.

The sun has got his hat on

Well, is it too much to think that we are about to have a spell of settled good weather? Pretty much the whole East coast is basking in the sun up here in Scotland. We are due for a week over on the West coast next week and good weather is the cream on top of the coffee over there.
I suppose it is a plot to suppress further discussion about Prezza whilst they wait for some Tory cock-up so as to redress the balance. I never cease to wonder at the way sunshine improves everything (except the dust under my desk!). Given the time I used to spend happily wandering the hills in quite atrocious weather, one might think it immaterial.

Freeze or fry

I have little trouble with the concept of global warming, ozone depletion and the ned of the world as we know it. My time remaining here is limited. I have sufficient trust on the native cunning of the human race that when push comes to shove they will come up with something that will keep away the water or whatever.

One thing that does worry me is the degree to which an unknown future impacts upon our now. We have quite a few wind farms here in Scotland. They are, mostly, sufficiently remote as to cause little damage to the scenery or are in areas where they are out of sight because of the landscape. We got past one farm adjacent to the A68 that is all hillocks and dips such that the turbines look like effects in a War of the Worlds film set. Some great cars are being outlawed.

Now, I see that it may all have been a mistake anyway. Or, at least a miscalculation. Damn!!

Spare a copper guv?

There is much discussion about what police should and should not do and how they should do it when they have decided that. This, of course, is before the prosecutors have their decision and implementation debate. And then comes the judiciary. My guest blogger helps lift the veil on how things are done.

TODAY'S GUEST BLOG

Games police people play

Strong women

No - sorry. No lewd accounts from me here.
I had often sought out the work of this woman. I liked her style of writing and the way she went about her work. Like her or not like her, the actual writing was strongly put and created it's own dynamics regardless of cubject matter.
I came across this item because I still scope her name. What makes it for me now is her description of her meeting with the then head of Iran. What she did took a very high level of courage and must have required a strong sense of purpose. Her description of the man totally reflects what I have noticed in many Arabs. They have this Godly effect. Grips one. Read it.

Garden becomes an allotment

Seems someone has finally recognised that Kent is no longer any sort of garden, still less the prime Garden of England.
Well - don't blame me. I moved away almost five years ago and it was buggered then. The quoted article gives a number of reasons. It was just the over-crowding that drove me out. Not only the number of humans. It was the sort of human being. Apart from immigration overload being pushed down the line, we had the horsey set.
At one time I could walk anywhere I wished all around my house. I knew the farmers and they knew me. The hop fields and orchards were safe from me. Changes in farming and the pressure of subsidies changed the nature of what was grown. Horse owners moved in. They bought up swathes of country and fenced it off in a pale imitation of Kentucky. Footpaths were reclaimed and rights of way denied to protect horseflesh. Chubby little girls rode out of their Ponderosa enclaves and onto narrow and twisty country lanes where they had to risk space with motor cars. Don't forget - chavs first bred in Kent and they also had a part in my disenchantment.

Titles

My female side (huh!) sometimes causes me to stray over to where they congregate. I think I miss the cut and thrust of those early days of the female movement and go there to see if there are any embers I can fan into life. They were very good at debate and argument.

What I am on about now, is the title I found there. I don't know what it is that leads us to choose the titles we do. Designed to intrigue people and attract them? To describe our emotions when we start blogging? Whatever.

This is one I would love to have chosen.

Learn something new everyday and you know you're not dead!

Fragrant Harbour

I am told by those with sufficient interest to care, that Hong Kong translates as Fragrant Harbour.

Well, sorry. From my knowledge of things in mid '70s, I am at one with Sir Peter Ustinov. I have always liked a comment attributed to him, upon visiting Hong Kong.

When confronted by the unmistakeable stink that heralds high summer, he remarked to his companion, “What on earth is that stench?” which elicited the reply, “I’m afraid its sh*t, sir.” Ustinov quickly quipped, “I know that, but what the hell have they done to it?”

On the streets of Palestine - this modern city

"One of the gunmen said 'where is her brother?' and when he stepped forward they said to him 'you know what you need to do,"' he said. "The brother took out a gun and shot her in the head with one bullet."

I cannot see this as anything worth fighting for. You might?

Fever

The campaign for the World Cup football championship has not yet started. The whole place - even here in Scotland - seems full of cars dashing about with the English Cross of St George flag flying from the rear windows. I managed to convince my wife this was a road safety measure and that those drivers deemed totally mad by police had to fly these flags as a warning. We start with our - possibly - most talented player on the sidelines through injury so the excuses for failure are already in place.

A man had great tickets for the World Cup Final.


As he sits down, another man comes down and asks if anyone is
sitting in the empty seat next to him.

"No," he says. "The seat is empty."


"This is incredible!" says the other man. "Who in their right
mind would have a seat like this for the World Cup Final, the biggest
sporting event, and not use it?"


"Well, actually, the seat belongs to me. My wife was supposed to
come with me, but she passed away. This is the first World Cup Final
we haven't been to together since we got married.


" "Oh ... I'm sorry to hear that. That's terrible. But couldn't
you find someone else, a friend or relative, or even a neighbour to
take the seat?"

The man shakes his head. "No. They're all at the funeral..."

Smoking

I like a good rant from a good ranter.

The Briff has a nice little article up at The Times today. Apparently, you can go to a site and pick from 42 disgusting images of what smoking will do to you, and the "best" 14 will soon be appearing a cigarette pack near you.

Some cynics might scoff that it’s a bit rich coming from a Government that is considering implementing “shooting galleries” where heroin addicts can shoot up at the taxpayers expense.

Yes, it is rather.

But that’s new Labour for you.

Ain't it just...

Clearly, the idea that we are all adults capable of making decisions for ourselves is one quite alien to the powers-that-be.

Well, yes, of course it is; we are merely the untermensch, the fucking proles who must be guided through life with every faltering step. Still, it might help if not quite so many members of the great British public behaved like total fucking morons 90% of the time.

Lilly now knows - just what exactly?

This struck me as a well written insight into many things.The guys own idea, the way in which someone in even desperate straits can find help and what I think is a basic American trait - compassion.

However, some five minutes after getting to the heart-uplifting end I found the right hand side of my brain stir. Just what - exactly - had Lilly gained from her tuition? Oh dear! Seems the writer had another supporter for his ideas. There must be room here for a valid re-write of that bit about giving a hungry man a fish or teaching him how to fish but my intellect is not up to doing it the justice it deserves. Shame on me!

TODAY'S GUEST BLOG

Anyway - read it for yourself. Might just be me in a miseral old man mood eh?

Punchy old fighter - down for the count?

Country squire Lord John Prescott seems to have added to his problems by allowing himself to be photographed playing croquet. Interviewed, he said the game involved careful placement of one's balls. Well - for him, nothing new there then! These big stags do tend to lash out when rutting.

It's a load of old hoop-la. Whilst the media have the agenda to get him out, I suspect the rest of us are singularly uncaring. Whatever it is he does in return (or should that be alleged return?) for his ducal salary is not known to many 'men in the street'. Alongside the wide spread of incompetance, suspected corruption and general not-fit-for-purpose of his cabinet colleagues, his little transgressions in public are as insignificant as his illegal tart described his private parts.

The other protection he has will come from others whose future waits for that bloke Damocles and his sword. They have their own concerns. True to form, their own personal interests come first and foremost. If the great unwashed should see someone deposed by the pressure of the mob,it would not be long before the masses gathered at Downing Street. The only question would be whether they went first to number 10 or number 11. B Liar and Brown as much wish to see Prezza go as a swimmer off Bondi beach welcomes blood in the water.

Sadly, I think we will be denied the sight of a feeding frenzy.

Service to your country never ends

As British, we appear to some others on this spinning globe as a bit cold fish and unemotional. We are reluctant to band together to do good works. Some do but that involvement is sparse.

So, I was pleased to read this from an American blog.

But hospital visits are just a small part of what the veterans groups stand for. Nationwide, on a daily basis, they continue their battles on the front lines helping their communities; collecting food, clothing, bottle caps and anything else that they might bring hope to those in need. Whether caring for elderly veterans or cradling sick infants, they are on hand helping out at the hospitals and retirement homes. They are at the blood banks, working with the mentally ill, placing flags at the graves of our fallen heros, supporting the Holocaust exhibits, lobbying our lawmakers to not forget those who sacrificed for our freedoms, telling their stories at schools, always available to do whatever needs to be done for those who may not be able to do for themselves, showing that you never need stop being of service, even when you're out of the service.

This is something we could easily do here. Sure, we do not have anything that equates to a veterans agency and there must be few ex-service organisations that are active other than as social clubs. Whilst we are, possibly, cold and remote we do not lack the ability to criticise our political 'leaders'. Some of that energy could be devoted to good works.

Incidentally, the guy who writes this uses a little mot juste. "Not so lean, not so mean, but still a marine". Maybe those few words that reflect his attitude and his pride summarise the difference between our two countries?

Friends - not the TV show

Day or so back I invented the phrase Electronic Friend. This was to maintain confidentiality of someone by avoiding use of their gender. During a totally sleepless night, I thought more about the idea of such a friend.

I don't 'do' friends. My address book, even when formatted to include all possible contact methods, wife's birthday, name of third child, golf handicap and all the other corporate bilge, is no more than two A4 pages. The Christmas card list is less than 30. Most of them are the duty ones "Will write later" sort. I have never found the lack of friends to be a problem. My own company suffices. I am capable of entering into conversation with total strangers when need drives. I have a core of about six people who are more than friends. They go back to my Army service that started over 50 years ago. Most I have not seen in the last 30 years. There is a bond of loyalty with them and we are in touch on a weekly basis.

That is as it is in the real world. Flesh and blood. Touchable.

In, say, four years wandering about in the world of the Internet, I have formed Electronic Friendships with over a dozen people. We agree to call each other friend. I cannot think that I will ever meet any of these friends face to face. Hard to say but if one of them did pitch up at my door in need of something, I would do what I could to help. I offer them advice - quite often unsolicited and of a personal nature. They correct my more outrageous behaviour and I do not resent this. In short, they act exactly as I understand a real world, flesh and blood, touchable friend would. I cannot think of much that would improve our inter-action.

I cannot think what it is that makes the status of friend vary as I have described. The pleasure of internet friendship has not encouraged me to find friends in my everyday life.

Strange old world isn't it?

Smoking and sex hand in hand!

This is a worrying report. Seems that Oz brothel keepers are fing a fall in business coincides with new smoking restrictions.

I have to say that I was always most careful to ensure that sex and smoking did not go hand in hand. Any cigarette burns in that part of the anatomy are likely to be very painful and take mucho explainio.

TODAY'S GUEST BLOG
You read about it here first!!

Looking back

As an oldie, I am aware how easy it is to write about things that have a very limited appeal. Things that were most significant in our times, are inconsequential now. That is why this blog pleases me. One can be old in years but youthful in approach to what life still exists.

Old comrades

Say what you like - they wrote good music. Something they might replay when the hooligan football hordes invade.

My favourite oldie though is this - they used this when they tried to teach me German.

Itchy feet

Back in the days when I had a proper civilian job, I quite often had to recruit casual staff. Could be anything from clerical through switchboard to muscle men to shift things. The agency we used had a standing instruction that I preferred people from Australia working their way round the world on their talents (or muscles!). I don't recall a single duff placement. Even when I had a mixed origin workforce and needed to appoint someone as a senior to receive instructions and pass them on, I gave the job to an Oz.

I frequently heard what they had done on their way to me and what they were going to do next. As someone who had seen a fair share of the world myself, their optimism that all would be beut mate struck me as strong.

TODAY'S GUEST BLOG
That is why it is good to read blogs such as this

Infamy - they've all got it infamy

The Home Office is being revealed as the sort of Home that most of us would run away from. Just three little snippets from recent Press reports show that there are conflicting matters on their agenda. None of the ducks are on the same pond still less lined up. The Attorney General says the conviction rate is crap. This under a regime that was to be tough on crime and it’s causes. Then there is commitment to increase convictions. But – hey! What do you know? No room at the nick. You cannot put prisoners in the barn like Messiahs. More into open prisons I suppose. Hardly short sharp shocks guys.

Inner glow

Feeling quite satisfied with myself today. Even 'smug' might not be denied.

A electronic friend had been having doubts about a relationship and their unsettled state was showing although the problem was not expressed in so many words. I risked poking my nose in and putting my foot in my mouth - it needed that sort of contortion to save giving offence in something so personal.

I based my advice on experience well-researched by me personally. As the lady said, 'Life is too short to spend time stuffing mushrooms'. Spending time on a relationship that has stopped dead in the water achieves nothing and engenders bitterness. I advised a clean break. Today, I learn that that is just what my friend has done. It takes a lot of courage to step out into the black void of uncertaintity. Even if my advice played just the teeniest part in this - I'm glad and proud to have helped someone.

If you get round to reading this after unpacking, electronic friend, all the very best for the future. All parties have got their just desserts.

Better than the one I have?

Your Papal Name is Pope Anastasius V

You think Pope Benedict IX was a Saint who should have indulged himself a bit more. You're already halfway though "How to Excommunicate for Fun and Profit" and, if you were made Pope, you would have the treasures of the Vatican on eBay.co.uk before the end of week one.

Get your own name at What's My Papal Name?

Another bore

So, hunting animals is cruel sport? Seems that the idea of sticking pigs as was a major entertainment in the Raj's India, may make a come back.

This is something I'd like to see. From a safe distance. I went out with a boar hunt in the Ardennes and they are very nasty looking animals when roused. There was little chasing there; the dogs - warily - put them up and the hunters shot them down. The idea of chasing one for a couple of miles on horseback could get very character building. Lots of opportunity to get bloodied!

The Green Lavatory

I enjoyed my time in Northern Ireland. The Army spirit was at it's finest, I was operating professionally at my best and the daily events - whilst many were tragic - could generally be relied upon to include something amusing.

My opinion of the people was something different. Prejudice and bigotry wre endemic. Many exhibited so clearly signs of actual madness that required no medical expertise to diagnose. My Guest Blog this time around showcases one viewpoint


TODAY'S GUEST BLOG

Here you are - read this balanced and reasoned piece of literature

Scoff the lot

Whilst I freely admit that Norma and I could represent our country at eating, I do not think we would hack it in the world of competition as hinted at in today's Guest Blog.

TODAY'S GUEST BLOG

Serious eating - the truth revealed!!

Enterprise culture

I think I have identified a potential business venture!

Provided one can get the business done within the 3 mile limit, there would be no large expenditure on food or crew costs. No requirement for lecturers. Seats at the Captain's table could be sold - 'Get yours now before there are no more'.

My little secret

Great money-making idea. I'm going to add a Pay-Pal button. Those who donate get directions to THIS car wash where naked hunks will give you a damned fine wash-down. Maybe even a shampoo and set?

Don't upset Blair

The Parliament Square protestor felt B Liar's hand on his collar the other day. I suppose that Toytown Tony will quote this as tough on crime blah blah blah. No shortage of police facilities when the little shit wants to get his way.

This one guy seems to be a better protestor than dear old Dave - still, I don't suppose they teach that sort of proletarian conduct at Eton. The only thing New Arbeit understands is getting down and dirty. If Dave cannot do it, we need to find someone who will.

Legal Aid payments

This looks like nice work if you can get it. Old Sachel Mouth is not mentioned but she won't be far behind these stars, I bet.

Life targets

Most likely need to read this more than once.

From Change of Heart by Chagdud Tulku Rinpoche - Tibetan meditation master

"Ideally we would use our short time in the human realm to bring joy and happiness to each other's lives. This is love - the aspiration that others find happiness. The mere assertion that we should love each other has little value; we need to exemplify loving kindness. Recognizing that others need and want happiness just as we do, we concentrate increasingly on their wishes rather than our own. Expressing our love for those we hold close, as well as for those less familiar to us, can make a difference in our family and community and set an example for the next generation. We can practice selflessness very directly by bringing an altruistic motivation to all our relationships. Entering into a relationship in the hope that the other person will make us happy will produce a very different result than approaching it with the sincere desire to work for the other's well being. Depending on someone else for contentment makes it hard for a relationship to endure. Instead of expecting others to meet our needs, we should ask ourselves how we can best fulfill theirs.

If we are genuinely altruistic toward one another and constantly strive to meet each other's needs, the bonds between us cannot be broken. When we work for the happiness of others, they will come to value and respect us. Their appreciation will naturally translate into kindness and helpfulness toward others, as well as toward us."

Predictions - DIY

Your Famous Last Words Will Be:

"I can pass this guy."

What Will Your Famous Last Words Be?

B Liar - what's he good for? 4 and 3. F something A something

Sometimes, the seemingly moderate political commentary can be the most damaging.

TODAY'S GUEST BLOG

Put me down for a crossbow. Size large please

Say no more Squire! Nudge Nudge

Oh my Gawd

I trust that this report is not too strongly based on fact. The threatened action

It is claimed that jihad crazy Hamas is seeking the ability to attack Israel using small airplanes laden with explosives to be flown 9/11-style into important targets, possibly Tel Aviv skyscrapers, according to Abu Abdullah, a leader of Hamas' so-called military wing.

The IDF would have a field day. Once the aircraft were picked up on radar, any other aircraft anywhere near Israel would be blasted out of the sky. Homes of the air crew would be demolished. Trolley dollies driving home would be targetted and blown off the road. Duty free packages blown up by bomb disposal crews.

In short, what I am saying is, DO NOT DO THIS HAMAS!

Hutton Shmutton

There is a new initiative regarding the Hutton Inquiry - death of Dr Kelly - remember? Whilst the rabid element of B Liar opposition will never believe anything other than a full public admission that the report was a smudge, many otherwise reasonable people are expressing concern. Many of these are worried by the way it was set up and others cannot see how the findings were corroborated. The item I have linked sets out some of these concerns. Just this much is interesting (to me anyway) so the final write-up of the review is something to which I look forward.

Meme

I usually avoid these like the plague. Something about this one drew me in. Feel free........

TODAY'S GUEST BLOG

It comes from this guy and goes like this:

I am about as old as I want to be
I want to give it all up and live in Arizona
I wish I were still a soldier
I hate easily
I love solitude
I miss those of my friends and family who have died
I fear my dog wants my steak
I hear a lot of rubbish from the gummint
I wonder where and when it'll happen
I regret not being more positive a long long time ago
I am not and never have been
I dance secretly
I sing along with Willie Nelson
I cry at strange things
I am not always this introspective
I make with my hands rude noises
I write badly but confidently
I confuse most people I meet
I need love and adoration - like I get from my dog
I should get a move on
I start before other people
I finish when absolutely unavoidable
I tag anyone else who wants to play...

Come home Robin Hood

See that Nottingham has come out as top of something. Shame is it is crime. Wonder if it is chickens coming home to roost due to a bloke like this in charge of laura norder?

Benefits

Nice to see that a bit of flirting with BNP has had a small pay-back for the good burghers of Dagenham and Barking. Toytown Tony's people have thrown in the NHS towel and done just what Maggy T. would have applauded.

Hello officer

There is no doubt that general public perception of the police is not what it used to be. There is little or no respect from either side and this comes at a time when considerable effort is being made to teach officers good human relationship skills. Against that background, here is a nice little essay from a special constable.

Oops!

One would think that the sort of twisted brain that sends hate nail would be complex enough to know how things can be traced in this electronic age. The results of tracking-down the guy are impressive; he was in some significant positions.

Go Go Galloway!!

Perhaps he is not such a bad sort anyway?

Also see he has been to Cuba and glad-handed Castro. Doubtless soliciting (isn't that a nice word to use in his case?) donations of cigars to an appeal for some sick kid.

Pensions

As a pensioner who has three in all - and an old person to boot - the pension discussions are all a bit of a non-event. I'll be dead or in the state home for the confused long before the new arrangements start to come in. I did think that someone with Toytown Tony's pension was a poor choice t advise us that the new scheme had drawbacks and was the best they could cobble up. B Liar does not have the worry of jam tomorrow - he and BMB (Big Mouthed Bitch) are jam-making as fast as they can right now. Yes - go on clever bastard - ask me how being on the gravy train lets them make jam!

TODAY'S GUEST BLOG
Here is a reasoned comment

Rather like the photograph of him in front of a whiteboard selling the benefit of £2 a week. Works for him right!

Here is a nice analysis

By "saving" in that headline they actually mean "tax" - another 7% (I think) tax on employment - or out of your wages - in return for a Government "promise" that they will look after you in your very old age.
So you will pay more tax, work for longer and some of it will come back to you as a state pension.

I'm not a licenced financial adviser and so can not give advice but if I were it would be don't trust the bastards, invest as much money as you can in your own pension provision which you control and has nothing to do with the government, or do you believe they are so wise and careful with your money that they can look after it better than you can do?
I can prod my pension fund with a stick and check it is still there every morning, and that is the way I like it.
Of course these strictures and advice doesn't apply to certain groups in society who will be feasting at the public pension trough at an age they can still enjoy it...

High on a mountain top

The Kiwi climber who attracted great attention for being the first double amputee to climb Everest has seen the flip side of adulation. It now turns out that they did not do very much to assist a climber who was in physical collapse on his way down from the summit. I see some confusion here. His group did stop to assist and had a conference with their base camp but were advised to go on to the top. The guy left in a cave died. There has been the usual red herring about his being ill-prepared and reckless in climbing alone. In all, it is estimated that over 40 people went past him; most without even stopping.

I know that climbers are a strange breed who see things in very simple black and white terms. There was the climber who cut the rope that was supporting his colleague and left him to what might have been certain death. I would like to think that the dead climber knew what he was risking in the event of any difficulty - abandonment.

I ask you - is it fair?

The English (sorry Taff and Jock), have always had a reputation for being fair. In their dealings that is and not their complexion. Seems there are grounds we are losing it?

Is that a rat I see?

Whilst the law may have decided that her conduct was not indecent exposure, the thought of a 55 year old of either sex wandering about starkers is an exposure that is indecent.

I might change my mind if I were to win the lottery and move in alongside Sophia Loren.

9/11 Theories

I have just started reading one of the many books claiming that the events of 9/11 were in some way a US government conspiracy. The author sets his stall out in the first chapter by broadly outlining his lines of research. That was where I was when I put the light out but I remember thinking it was strange (to me) that bin Laden had apparently done nothing to muddy the waters. Then, this morning, I read New Osama bin Laden tape claim - World - Times Online
Almost a conspiracy theory in itself!
I found it impossible to keep up with the flood (or is avalanche better?) of publications immediately after 9/11. I read the Commission Report. This was drawn-up almost as a novel and seemed clear and authorative. As time passes, people find cracks in the casing and I would think that there is now as much against the 'official' verdict as there was in support.
Some of the internet summaries and reports I have heard regarding the theorists works lack only James Bond, tricked-out cars and beautiful nymphomaniacs.

Could do better

Does not need much from me.

TODAY'S GUEST BLOG

Tad long but worthy of study. I might ask questions!

Respect!

My reader will know by now that Ihave a low opinion of politicians. The current lot at 10 Downing Street provide shame and comedy in roughly equal amounts. I have - mostly - regarded barristers as reasonable creatures in being but the barrister bitch at 10 DS breaks that regard and respect.

TODAY'S GUEST BLOG

She and her 'friends' are just so crass

fame@last.co.uk

Go and check this out.

I am that soldier. I am just so proud.

ARRSE is a forum that belongs to the British Army. It is very rude all of the time; rude in a sexual connotation and in a manners sense. The wit and humour is earthy and the insults ripe. There is a tremendous reserve of knowledge; military and general. The compassion is at times tear-jerking. It is what the Army is.

I know the author. She and I clashed when I put forward my concept of reverse apartheid which I employ to stop my old-man's attitude being too racist and prejudicial. I managed to explain things. I would like to think of her as a friend.

Taxi

Don't know how many of you remember the tv show Taxi. Guest blog this time is from a guy who claims to be linked to the real Taxi story.

TODAY'S GUEST BLOG
Even if he is telling porkies, his writing has a faint Damon Runyon or O'Henry twist so worth reading anyway.

Thouight for longer than today

Let every American, every lover of liberty, every well wisher to his posterity, swear by the blood of the Revolution, never to violate in the least particular,
the laws of the country; and never to tolerate their violation by others

Abraham Lincoln

Address to the Young Men’s Lyceum January 27, 1838

The position of America in the world today is such that even we who are not American must have trust in how the country is run. Their doings impact upon us all.

This is what our friends teach

This is a Saudi textbook. (After the intolerance was removed.)
I am not one to say that our way of doing things in England is the only way that should be tolerated. Likewise, whilst much of what is taught in, say, America is acceptable that does not mean it is for all to follow or accept.
However, I do feel that there is something wrong with a system that indoctrinates young kids into hatred. Much is spoken about the ties between the Coalition and Saudi. My attitude is that such a friendship with this sort of lesson in the background is akin to embracing someone who beats their wife, abuses their children and kicks dogs. Let us be honest - we and the Saudis are in bed with each other just for what each can get out of the other. That is another definition for prostitution. Those who engage in prostitution are whores.

Me - homophobic? As if!

Two male gay foster parents have been convicted of child abuse.

Doubtless some bleeding heart liberal will point out that there are just as many straight carers who are convicted of child abuse. I can accept that. I know what happens if you let the cat get into the canary's cage. That is why I keep cats away from canaries.

Consoling myself

It does not matter how confused I get in later life. Any Altzheimer sympton I display. What nonsense I might rage at the fading of the light. I will never be as mad as these guys

TODAY'S GUEST BLOG

They are just barking mad

Aims of life

"Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well-preserved body, but rather, to skid in sideways, Champagne in one hand - chocolate covered strawberries in the other, body thoroughly used up, totally worn out and screaming 'Woohoo - What a Ride!"

Hunter S. Thompson

Keep this somewhere handy where you can refer to it in moments of stress.

Waiting for Godot's duck

I am a little confused by something I came onto by accident. I cannot satisfy myself whether this is a mickey-take or the work of an extremely pious (US version) woman. Help me!

Return to sender

What this guy says makes a lot of sense.

And, no, I am not saying that just to keep him away from my door in case he sees me as an English immigrant!

Priorities

This report will doubtless become the focus for more Party political rumpus. It is critical but the matters it condemns (sale of peerages, cronyism and a few others) are hardly the most serious failings of the wretched crew gathering round 10 Downing Street like maritime rats looking for the Exit sign. So - someone gets a peerage in reward for a bung. So what? Just how much honour is there left in politics that the integrity of a rump really matters. Does a half-million baronet save a kid from being stabbed in the street? How many Dukes to tackle a drug dealer?

It is not freedom from sleaze that we need. It is positive action to deal with problems. Really deal with them - not just massage their existence away with Action Plans never implemented after funds are allocated.

Like a clock running down for want of winding

It seems my country is slowly running down. Idiocy and inefficiency lead to situations where even our wooden headed bosses perceive a problem. Then, instead of identifying the root cause why something has stopped working after years of existence, they come up with some - their word - "innovative" way of rejigging things. With the use of much new-speak language - all is wonderful darling. Sort of 'this guy is infectious. Take him away and look after him till he dies. Ah - infection rates have been lowered'. Saves all the bother of what infection and how gained and how cured.

TODAY'S GUEST BLOG

This could be the shape of things to come in the NHS. One is tempted to say What Nation, What Health and What Service?. I especially like the concept that things can be done at home so why have hospitals for anything other than critical cases? For years I have been making the point that in 3rd World countries mothers give birth in ditches and go straight on with their back-breaking work - so why do we need maternity units? I trust I am away up the Golden Stairs (or down the shitty slide maybe?) before I am left in my unserviced home waiting for a nurse who does not come.

End of an era?

The bit below is from the Daily Mail.

It is a well observed piece of reporting - short and sweet one might say. I had the pleasure of working in a very very small way with General Jackson when he was a much less senior person. His personality and style comes across well. His nickname amongst troops is The Prince of Darkness.

I have no experience of modern day soldiering. Hearts and minds was a new concept when I served. It was most often used as in "grab them by the testicles; hearts and minds will follow". I make no apology for any involvement I may have had in that style of assisting the civil powers any more than a gladiator would about killing a lion in the arena. Generally, my opponent was out to kill me and I cannot really appreciate the modern attitude where it seems I must appreciate this as understandable given their situation.

It will be a sad day when we lose the last of General Jackson's cohorts.

One of the British contingent explains that civilians and soldiers react differently to casualties. Civilians want something to be done, some redress, endless discussion. The army has ritual and the often silent, closed sympathy among a band of brothers. Then it 'cracks on'. Lieutenant Colonel Richard Eaton explains that there is a huge cultural divide. In England we say that the war is going badly so the troops must come out. In Basra, the army says that this is a dangerous and decisive period, so it must finish the job. Casualties are borne: 'There is no numerical limit to what we are prepared to take,' he says. 'The 100th fatality was not a watershed for us. We are staying here until we are finished. It is not that you ever leave the losses behind you; the person who was sleeping beside you isn't there any more and these blokes are in it together. It is regimental. It is family. But you deal with it.'

These are the conditions in which General Sir Mike Jackson, or CGS — Chief of the General Staff — as his staff call him, arrives for his final visit to Iraq. He is 62, and when he retires at the end of the summer, this place will be his legacy. It is not surprising then that he has the look of Aslan about him — a head apparently carved from a mountain, lake-grey eyes and the voice of Michael Gambon. He may be one of the last fighting soldiers to lead the British Army.

The public have lost the stomach for war after the fraud of Iraq, and the risk-free, rights-based litigious Labour culture has little sympathy for the armed forces.

CGS may be the last of his kind,' says Brigadier Simon Mayall, who takes over in September as deputy commander in Baghdad.
'Behind him will come people like me, who are much more aware of the politics. There will be managers and moneymen. He comes from a different era — uncompromised. 'He drinks too much and smokes too much. He skis off piste. Soldiering is an affair of the heart and he understands this.' Soldiers pride themselves on being part of an army that is apolitical but not amoral.

Mongrels

No - nothing to do with immigrants so those of a tender nature need not look away.
Yes - he/she does look very attractive. I am sure it will make a wonderful pet and companion.
It is a hybrid dog. These are planned matings between two clearly different dogs to produce custom-made types. This is a cross between a pug and a beagle. The desired off-shoot is "a small hybrid breed of dog created by mating a pug and beagle; thereby producing an energetic hound having: a thickset body; a short-haired, smooth coat of fawn, tan, and black coloring; a deeply wrinkled forehead; short legs; a curled tail; and drooping ears"
I had heard about this designer-dog idea. It seems to be concentrated in America. I was for a while haunted by a lady who had a thing about some sort of Labrador and Poodle cross but I bore with her on the lines of 'one born every minute'.
Knowing the power of ladies who want things in America, I Googled 'hybrid breed dogs' and was horrified to find they are all over the place. Darned near every breed there ever was has been deliberately cross bred with another. Some of these are really sad looking things - go take a look. Animals with a long tradition are being distorted because they might/maybe/perhaps look cute without any consideration of the risks.
We already have a number of genetic problems amongst 'pure' bred dogs. Little squashed faces cause breathing problems. Big strong chests lead to birthing difficulties such that Ceaserian birth is needed. Hips get displaced on big long-bodied dogs. Some breeds have endemic faults - poor eyesight, eyelash problems - the troubles are very many. A lot of pups end up in the discard bucket at birth when they are obviously 'wrong'. Crossing a breed with genetic faults with another that has other genetic errors multiplies the chances of pups that satisfy neither designer criteria.
Just another of the things on my (growing) volume of things that annoy and disgust me.

Thanks

Nice to have your template designer hold your hand when it is all so scary!!

Personal freedoms

I read this post yesterday. Maybe, because I know the writer, it had a resonance.

I recognise the emotion she describes. I think I have been as upset and depressed as she is here. Dealing with Army discipline is hard. Striking out - in any way at all - at one's known oppressors is out of the question. One cultivates a hard shell but that takes time to grow. My time in civilian employment after I retired from the Forces was not all peaches and cream. Here, desire to see food on the table meant that much workplace aggrevation had to be swallowed. Both of these situations required relief and finding that big, dark and lonely mountain was an essential if one were not to collapse, dribbling, in the lower foothills.

I made some sort of trite comment but it was not for some while that I realised the freedom I now have. I am bounden to no one. Things that would once have made me annoyed, frustrated or feeling useless can touch me no more. What's the worst they can do - kill me? So what; that is on my old man's horizon anyway. If I do not like something, I have the freedom to say so. Whilst still beholden to the 'niceness' of everyday social conventions, they are not paramount. If I wish to express myself fully and frankly to someone who has not got my point the first time - fine. I can do it. I can be a nasty grumpy old man. All aspects of my life are free. I have not worn a suit in over two years. My polished shoes lie slightly dusty in the wardrobe. I rise and retire to suit myself - the dog means that I am reasonable here though. My days of looking for a private mountain are gone.

So, I can reassure my - I hope I'm allowed to call her - colleague that what she is going through is not unique and in no way self-inflicted. It can be borne. And, like all good Hollywood movies, it all comes right at the end. I suppose the trick is to make 'the end' a long-drawn out process.

Todays Guest blog

No link. The whole thing in full right here. Comes from a woman I met through this blogging thing. Red hot designer but we have exchanged a few other ideas.

Did you ever just feel like finding a mountain, the biggest, darkest, loneliest mountain, climbing to the very top and screaming until your lungs hurt and your voice won't scream any more?

Scream at your own frustrations, your lack of real control, your own impotence, your inability to find the answers, at your weaknesses, lack of insight, and at life and your own stupidity.

Scream at those that seem to take delight in making life harder than it need be, scream at the inconsiderate and selfish, the hurtful and insensitive, those who take without giving and who live life blinkered by their own need.

Did you ever just feel like finding a mountain, the biggest, darkest, loneliest mountain, climbing to the very top and screaming until your lungs hurt and your voice won't scream any more, screaming into the silence, screaming at everyone and no one, screaming at life to get the f**k out of your face and just let you be, even if only for a few hours...........

Game bird

Here's a lady after my own heart. No - given what she has done I do not mean that literally.

Big job

Our operation in Afghanistan has a hard row to hoe. They aim to act against the drug crops; that will make them as popular as a pork chop in a synagogue. Also, they are operating under NATO control in a theatre outside Europe which is a first for that organisation. NATO has shown a reluctance to get involved in the big matters.

Now, it seems, a supposed ally is giving aid and comfort to the Taliban. Why Pakistan cannot just stick to selling atomic secrets and running 24 hour convenience stores, I don't know.

Akin to UFOs

We in this country do not seem to have been caught up in the debate about what may or may not have happened on 9/11. In America - as one would imagine - there is a massive conspiracy theory. I suppose one has to look at the Who Shot JFK saga and the reports of Elvis driving a bus at Disneyland to realise just how much they love this sort of thing.

To me, the fact that 9/11 seems to have played such a major part in getting us to the sad state we are in today, leads me to look at what these people are saying. I can detect the false reasoning in much of it. Details are taken out of context and set against things not - to my satisfaction - proven. Go read - see how much you can stand.

TODAY'S GUEST BLOG

The biggest Who Done It of our times

Magic Man

This guy is magic. Don't know why you all don't just put him on you own bloglines and keep up with him direct.

People don't bounce

The image in UK of the 'doorman' (aka bouncer) is low. Steroid inflated thickos mainly. No idea of customer relations. Bent and prone to backhanders where drugs are involved.

Things are beginning to improve with registration by police.

These comments from a New York doorman show where we have to improve and open a world I suppose few of us know exists.

TODAY'S GUEST BLOG

A doorman who takes few prisoners

Settle back softly

Way way back - when working for an American company - I had the idea that it might be nice to get a retirement place sorted out over there. The finances would have worked. It's didn't come about as retirement was a long way down the mental highway. They do have some nice houses out there. I saw one Goldie Oldie place in Arizona where visits by kids were rationed and all village travel had to be in a golf-cart sort of thing. There was a shop that sold customising kits and go-faster mods for these carts.

TODAY'S GUEST BLOG

This is a nice comment about the difference in USA between the - er - bodily wastes of the great unwashed and those of the afflient. There is an offer to visit a real estate site and look at some of the cabins. Take up this offer!

Hutton Report

Someone sent me this url as a follow-up to my snide comment on Government reports.

Guilty until proven so

Yorkshire Lass does some blunt speaking.

TODAY'S GUEST BLOG

Is there such a thing as innocent until proven guilty?
Now this is a senstive area and I will not be suprised if the argument in this post causes offence to someone. The more serious the crime someone is arrested for, the more they are assumed guilty until proven innocent. Not only that, but if they are then found innocent in court, then the charge of guilt is still assumed. While it may be a natural reaction for whatever reasons, it is still wrong.

Take for instance this case in the news today about comedian, Chris Langham who has been charged with 15 counts of making indecent images of a child. The BBC report reads like an obiturary of his career, already assuming guilt. The case is adjourned for the police to compile a forensic report, although that raises the question of why this forensic evidence was not used in his arrest.

Not the Pirelli Calendar!!

Looks as if some of the chaps are having a great time on the beach. 

Truth will (leak) out

The US report as to what was really going on in Iraq at the time of the last invasion is a lengthy read. Given the sort of thing that sometimes happens to government reports and inquiries, it might be well to have a small pinch of salt handy. Even as fiction though, it makes interesting reading. I'll leave it to others to assess how this 'factoid' relates to what our masters chose to vomit out at the time.

No comment needed

Opus Tony

Something I noted on my wandering around the alternative circuit. This comes from the F-word Blog which flags itself as ‘Contempory UK feminism’. It poses a situation which I can understand might cause concern. That is, were it not regarding a politician. I’ve given an answer at the end of the extract.

Does Equality Minister believe homosexuality is a sin?
Well, she has refused to answer the question. But given that Ruth Kelly is both a Catholic and a member of the dodgy religious group Opus Dei, and given her voting record, who could blame us for drawing our own conclusions?
Kelly has insisted repeatedly that any private views on this issue are outweighed by her "collective responsibility" to implement government policy and the will of the Cabinet. But how hard will our Equality Minister push for equal rights for all, if in her heart of hearts she does not believe in it?
Worse still, Kelly has an appalling record of voting on gay rights issues. According to the Independent, she has missed "a series of votes of equal rights" since Labour came to power in 1997. She failed to turn up to vote on whether gay couples should be allowed to adopt and on whether to drop the age of consent for gay sex to 16.
Here are some choice quotes:
I don't think it's right for politicians to start making moral judgements about people ... What I think the question is, is what are my political views? Those are the ones that I'm accountable for to the public. As a politician I think everybody should be free from discrimination.
Look, people have private views which they express in the House of Commons on votes of conscience in the usual way as members of Parliament. As a member of the Government, I have collective cabinet responsibility...
The Equality Minister should be absolutely committed to the cause; should be able to push hard to get these issues on the agenda. There are only so many issues that government can tackle in any one Parliament: how can we be sure that a minister who voted against gay adoption on principle will have the desire or ability to cajole the government into making fresh advances or defending the line?
She is also going to be responsible for implementing key legislation that will put discriminating on the grounds of sexual orientation on a par with discriminating on the grounds of race or gender.
How can she attack negative attitudes to the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender citizens she is meant to be representing, if she shares them? The answer is she looks to be utterly incapable of any such thing.

How can she do it? Easy. She is a politician. What have her beliefs to do with anything? All she has to do is follow the party line regardless of principles or honesty.

Biting the hand that feeds

Small story about problems of being p.c. with a pc. The crime detection figures for the Avon & Somerset police are poor. Not too much official concern about that other than promises to do better.

However, this efficiency problem comes just after the hoo-ha regarding positive discrimination at recruitment where suitable white males were denied consideration because “the force already had too many”.

Maybe this is just a reversal of the old adage? Employ monkeys and you get peanuts.

Getting sorted

Some lift from the miseries of the last couple of days by acquisition of a cordless keyboard and mouse. First thing was amazement at its installation. Just about the first thing I've ever had that is truly Plug & Play.

I have now discovered that the keyboard has all sorts of toys and tricks. Most useful. I'm slowly learning what they are about.

TODAY'S GUEST BLOG

I don't know whether to envy this guy or mark him down for some midnight vandalism of his desk. He is a guru on how to manage the demands upon one's time and attention. At the moment, it seems, there is a reversion to paper-based aids rather than the pda systems. When I see things like this desk, I wonder if the support is based upon actual benefits or the fun of just getting everything together. Sort of paper-clip porn.

Soft writing

I'm not feeling much better as the day wears on. And now it has started to rain!

TODAY'S GUEST BLOG

I once achieved a sort of fame (notoriety?) in writing up the diary of my Labrador. Maybe it was the insight gained then that makes me like this blog allegedly written by the pet elephant of two Gentlemen Who Live Together.

Duvet day

Not a lot going to happen today. Yesterday, I was top of the world. Great walk with the dog, fine appetite and interesting day.

Today? Whatever could be wrong, dodgy or off-tune is. Reckon I'll have to have a day under the duvet.

TODAY'S GUEST BLOG

What Fred is talking about here is, obviously, The American Experience. However, a lot of what he says mirrors what we are seeing here. I think I'd like a new mirror.

Back in the days...........

My Army service, whilst extensive for it's day, was never as good as The Master recounts.

I do know what he means though!

Brain laid bare

This looks very complex. Just short bursts of seemingly unconnected thought.

Where it grabs me is that this is - to me - exactly as I see my brain operating. I can follow this stuff as if it were written 10 feet high and lit from within. It's an mp3 of my thoughts.

See what it does for you.

Extreme measures

The motive for distributing free drugs that have been cut with dangerous substances is not known. Still, it's America so just what motive is needed anyway?

TODAY'S GUEST BLOG

Seems a pretty desperate way to deal with addiction!

Mining the data

The insight into our intelligence capability as indicated by the 7/7 Reports is scary when it discloses the limited capability to follow-up all that comes to hand.

The Americans have disclosed just what steps they are prepared to take to get the raw material for analysis. Phone record data mining and line taps are causing much contraversy. How on earth does one get stuff out in time for it to be useful. Just one example - the day before 9/11 they came across two phone conversations from interesting locations. Both said - in effect - "the game starts tomorrow". In retrospect, incredibly valid information. Would they ever have solved what game and where in the 24 hours available? Better than any TV serial eh?

TODAY'S GUEST BLOG

Just imagine the work needed to x-reference all the information that phone tapping would lead to

Hostages

Little bit out of date but I doubt if the thinking and possible methodology has changed. Read it through and tell me how it is possible for the free world to deal with this attitude without itself sinking to levels we abhor.

The Albuquerque Tribune is the only place you’ll find this AP story, with an unusually forthright and accurate headline: Iran uses Israel as hostage.

Pakistan’s former army chief says Iranian officials came to him for advice on heading off an attack on their nuclear facilities. He in effect advised them to take a hostage - Israel.

Retired Gen. Mirza Aslam Beg said he suggested their government “make it clear that if anything happens to Iran, if anyone attacks it - it doesn’t matter who it is or how it is attacked - that Iran’s answer will be to hit Israel; the only target will be Israel.”

Mohammad Ebrahim Dehghani, an Iranian Revolutionary Guards commander, was quoted last week as saying that if “America does make any mischief, the first place we target will be Israel.”

The headline has now been sanitized everywhere else, reduced through liberal application of PC filters to: Iran Sought Advice in Pakistan on Attack.

What interest us

I have been playing with Google's new toy 'Trends'. One enters a couple of terms or names or whatever and it graphs the incidence of searches it has made on those parameters. I looked to see what relationship there might be in sex, pleasure and crime. The way in which two of them turned out to be so very similar is interesting. Shows why some newspapers are such crap.