Blogging to cyberspace

A BBC news 24 report today on the Blogging phenomenon says there are now over 14,000,000 American's now blogging. Wow! Apparently the idea took hold during the American elections to promote candidates messages and captured the imagination of the public.

Howard Dean came from nowhere but had a fascinating weblog for his campaign: Dean for America (now not active) which millions read making him an instant household name. Hence the birth of political blogging.

Seems so much info is now going out in cyberspace that there are now many people who regularly read blogs as a craze, others use them as reference for research and more amazingly many professional blog readers (at least we have our own Tim Worstall).

The comments about cyberspace made me smile as my mind conjured up blogging bits and bites floating around for infinity just after listening to a documentary on Stephen Hawkings trying to disprove the arguments that have evolved following his book 'A Brief History of Time'.

His black hole theory, quantum mechanical reasoning that is claimed can never be put to the test, because there is no way you could ever get a black hole into a laboratory. Quantum Physics is way above my maths knowledge but the arguments are interesting especially if you try and visualize them.

BBC news trivia

The BBC news reports on some strange bits of trivia. Hadn't a clue it's the start of the British apple season today. Never gave it a thought before. I love apples but they often get left in the fridge because they're arkward to eat especially with lipstick on and I can't be bothered fiddling around with a knife.

Last Saturday my friend found and bought me an apple slicer - a kitchen gadget I never even knew existed. Now it's just a matter of placing the thing on top over the stem position and press. It produces nice little sections and the core comes out in the middle. So easy.

Now I've a pineapple peeler, a cherry stone remover and an apple thingy. Often wondered who thinks up all these ideas but good on them and what's next?

Former Labour Group leaders joins Respect

After 44 years in the Labour Party Dave Hill, former Parliamentary candidate and Labour Group leader on East Sussex County Council, has joined Respect.

He's urging all socialists and trade unionists to join Respect and help build a mass working class party.

New Labour call in the heavies

I couldn't believe what I was watching on the news today. The spectacle of the steward 'heavies' manhandling 82 year old Walter Wolfgang out of the Labour conference today was just incredible. Then to add insult to injury Steve Forrest, Erith and Thamesmead constituency party chairman, who was sitting next to Mr Wolfgang, was also thrown out after complaining about his treatment.

Who wouldn't react in such a way, seeing an elderly man treated in this way. Whoever gave stewards such authority to mistreat people in this way has lost their marbles. What for? Have Labour sunk to the level of a tacky city centre nightclub when hired thugs can decide who enters or leaves a building at the 'Management's' discretion.They have become so paranoid about negative media attention that they've lost the plot. Todays disgraceful charade has certainly backfired.

Walter Wolfgang was apparently ejected from the hall after shouting "nonsense" as Foreign Secretary Jack Straw defended Iraq policy.

To make matters worse, after being ejected from the conference hall, Walter had his pass seized by police acting under the prevention of terrorism act. What has old-fashioned dissent got to do with terrorism? The mind boggles!

It's no use Tony Blair saying after the event that the way Mr Wolfgang was treated was "inappropriate". It's disgusting and serious questions should be raised about this diabolical government.

A nations disgrace

This is just pathetic and and a disgrace to the nation. I wonder what point the judges are trying to make by sending elderly people to prison because of non payment of council tax. Alfred Ridley, 71, from Towcester, Northants is still serving his sentance, after he became the first council tax "rebel" to be jailed.



Sylvia Hardy, 73, from Exeter, was jailed for seven days after missing a deadline to settle arrears of £53.71.




I wonder how many more will be jailed (I'm sure more will follow). They have guts to go to such lengths. The key issue is how are some of them going to pay the continued increases in council tax when they are living on such limited incomes. Something has to be done about it. It seems it's only the Lib Dems who appreciate their plight or even care.

Power to the people (which ever party they belong)

Seems Michael Howard's masterplan has gone out the window Change to Tory leadership rules voted down

Michael Howard's plan to change the way the Conservative leader is selected has been voted down by MPs and senior party activists.

Must say hi to an anonymous blog fan

I'm flabbergasted or more crudely put gobsmacked - just seen my blog mentioned again on this weeks review of blogs on the web by Tim Worstall - Carnival of the Britblog Roundup # 32

He's referring to my posting The man behind the mask. Seems Lib Dems Online (LDO)'s fringe meeting, Successful Lib Dem blogging being dubbed the most entertaining Lib Dem conference fringe ever attended, has caught the imagination of other bloggers. Somebody somewhere out there nominated me.

Tim says

Get the word out, what every political party has to do. (BTW, can we get Chikky Yoggy onto a similar panel at the Labour conference?).

All I can say to my anonymous blog fan, thanks again.

Naughty Lords

Wonders never cease - Labour peer Lord Chris Haskins has been expelled from the party for giving money to a Liberal Democrat candidate Danny Alexander during the last election.

Lord Mike Watson pleaded guilty to the charge of wilful fireraising.
He was sentenced to 16 months in prison by Sheriff Kathrine Mackie
The fireraising took place at the Prestonfield House Hotel last November.

Yes, they've been expelled from the Labour party but the ironical thing is that a peerage is for life so there's nothing to stop them taking their seats again in the Lords and remaining independent.

The man behind the mask

Back from conference - Wow! what a week, don't quite know where to start. Several people were seen busy updating their blogs but I didn't have time even for myself. I was however, absolutely delighted to be approached by several delegates asking if I was the writer of Suz blog. Didn't realize so many Lib Dems found my ramblings so interesting nor that I was so distinguishable from my blog mugshot.

Met 'Inamicus', the writer of Labour Watch. He was not as I imagined him to be - the man behind the mask turned out to be a good looking charming young man - the complete opposite from the elderly nerd type I expected. Just shows how one creates a visual image of an anonymous person.

What a great event - LDO's fringe meeting Successful Lib Dem blogging was a phenomenal success. One of the attendees said it was the most entertaining fringe he had ever attended! - a sentiment unanimously echoed by all. The room was crammed packed and laughter from the room encouraged more people to pop in - the atmosphere was just electric.

John Hemming MP started the ball rolling, talking about using his blog as a pre-empted approach to attacks from his political enemies and the media. He had everybody in stitches with the stories surrounding his collection of photos - his cat stories and the day a pigeon attacked his head. He's such a maverick in his approach to everything (he demo-ed the tech side which added to the fun).

Lynne Feathestone MP taking the more gentle appoach explained the reasons behind her style of writing which during the election period generated an average of 5000 hits per month (a gasp from everyone). She inevitably referred to her campaign manager Mark Pack (slave-driver as she fondly calls him) who she always acknowledges guided her thoughout. What a laugh with Mark sitting there grinning from cheek to cheek. She freely admitted that the techie stuff she didn't know much about which was encouraging to people who were new to blogging

Lord Tim Garden talked about his long history of writing on the web and how he recently received a request for use of one of his prose to be used as a training handout for some military cadets. Had to agree with him that it's an amusing thought thinking of them sitting there reading something written so long ago but it does highlight the way people do research info from the web.

Other bloggers Cllr. Louise Alexander and Stephen Tall made useful contributions from the floor. My small pennys worth was to explain how I started by taking my style from Lynne and under Mark's beady eyes during Lynne's campaign and how the hit counter started to jumped after each posting from the time my blog posting What's Wahala? was mentioned in Tim Worstall's britblog round up # 24.

The panel were asked about legal issues, where they get time for writing their blogs and what motivates them. It was generally defined as a personal thing but a good tool for spreading the message to the great and the good. Lynne commented that it was the love of writing and being able to express her private thoughts. That for her it was theraputic. Think that articulately sums up my feelings as well and why I do it.

Three very different style of bloggers complemented each other to make it so entertaining. So pleased that all the panelist's accepted the invitation to take part.

Met Tim and his wife Sue later (they live in my neck of the woods) and he commented that in all his years of writing he had never been told what he had to say was entertaining - he thoroughly enjoyed it.

Noticed whilst I was away my hit counter passed the 5000 mark - I'm absolutely chuffed to bits (I'll never be in the league of the heavyweights but it's a real motivation booster) - my sincere thanks to all the regular readers. I'll do my best to keep it going with interesting stories.

Sarah Teather takes on Diane Abbott

Thursday night is my favourite night - BBC 1, Question Time followed by This Week (the past seven days in politics). As expected both programmes debated issues related to our just concluded conference.

This Week couldn't resist relaying Nassar Butt's conference question to Charles Kennedy about defending the leadership on the doorstep. I wish he hadn't bothered but instead of leaving the issue with the answers given by Charles, what's annoying is that Nasser has gone on and on about it in the press. I can't quite understand his motive. Nasser has always been a loose cannon - suspect he's got his own agenda but it's not the best way to keep friends or even seek favours within the party. The party members in general are fully behind CK and that was clearly displayed in the reception he received from all delegates.

Pleased to see Sarah Teather as one of the guests calmly take on Diane Abbot's attempts to get her to define Liberal Democrat politics in terms of left and right. Why does the party have to be left or right. Sarah correctly argued that liberalism can't be defined in such terms. It all depends on the issue.

Smiled at Michael Portillo's comments that he supported most of the LibDems ideals on human rights.

Appreciating the freebies

I'm all set for conference - early morning train. Honestly don't know how I managed to finish everything including printing off a seemingly never-ending pile of documents for meetings all of which arrived during the past 24 hours. Sometimes wish people would think of others and email them in time. Received another one a few minutes ago but if any more arrive later that's tough luck.

Was even able to get my hair done - feeling quite glam at the moment. A woman's vanity I know but I'm praying it won't rain tomorrow.

Packed everything this time in a massive wheelie suitcase. Easier to manage but gosh it's heavy. Tied a projector screen to the top. Looks like I'm off on a mammoth expedition. Quite sure I'm going to get some strange looks from other Lib Dems when I get there. Hopefully I'll get some charming men to help me lift it on and off the train.

The journey will give me time to plan some of the events it's a must I attend. Delighted by the number of formal dinner invites I've received this time around - not quite sure why so many. Seems there's one for each night and two for Wednesday. Not having a great deal of money for extras, the freebie dinners are sincerely appreciated - lady luck must be shining on me at the moment.

Not been to Blackpool since I was a child so quite looking forward to it. I remember it as the place selling fish and chips everywhere - yuck.

Until I get back to London, this blog is going on hols - see you next weekend.......

Not quite in panic mode yet

Seem to have my 'knickers in a twist' at the moment preparing all the things I need to get ready for conference - not quite in panic mode yet. That's the downside of being on so many committees and other party commitments - all seem to jam at the same time. At the moment rushing to complete artwork - one of my better skills - I seem to have been burning the midnight oil over the last few days in haste to get them all ready in time. Pete Dollimore has been busy on the Riso printing them - 500 of this, 1000 of that (his local party has an amazing set up in a member's garage). Still got my A3 artwork to do - my A3 printer (purchased on e-bay) has been a 'God send' for Conference displays - they look good all poshly laminated.

Got this long tick list of things to do but gradually getting through it - I thrive in my organized chaos.

Every couple of months I prepare the newsletter for Lib Dems Online (LDO) public news. It's an e-list, open to anybody though about 80% of the subscribers are party members. I give a lot of thought to the way I write them - always trying to include some funny anecdotes within the content to liven it up - IT is often perceived to be boring at the best of times - sort of has a geek image. Seems to be successful because very few people sign off the list - several people actually respond with requests for help, ideas and other positive comments - others join LDO.

Many Lib Dem bloggers are already subscribers but if there are any other party bloggers or readers interested, sign up as a taster - doesn't cost anything. It's a good way of learning about LDO and other party e-tactics.
To join the email list send a blank email to: ld-LDOpublicnews-l-subscribe-request@lists.libdems.org.uk

The latest message sent out yesterday, of course had to be about the conference. Surprised at the number of email responses to this particular mailing this morning (delighted somebody actually takes time to read them). One moan (you can't please everybody) but the others are all Conference enquiries. One message starts "Your description of the failed Conference volumes postal delivery made me roar with laughter" - thanks Matthew, it's really made my day - makes it all worthwhile.

Calling all Lib Dem bloggers going to Conference

The Conference Directory has so many interesting fringe events this time around - it'll be difficult for members to decide which ones to attend. I hope blogging delegates will think of LDO in their plans and attend their fringe.

LDO Fringe: Successful Lib Dem blogging

Tuesday 20th September 2005
20:00 - 21:15 Aperitif Bar
Imperial Hotel
Speakers: Lynne Featherstone MP & Lord Tim Garden

Topic: The Blogging phenomenon is spreading fast: it's easy, cheap and a more personal way to get the Lib Dem message across. Lynne & Tim will speak on what works and what doesn't.

Something else that may also interest Lib Dem bloggers.

The party's communication unit are looking into ways of improving their e-news service. They are seeking feedback from subscribers.They are inviting everybody to use a few minutes to take part in an online questionnaire. Lib Dem Communications Unit Feedback Questionnaire Summer 2005.

Islington - Councillor Dave Barnes on the move again

Disappointing news from Islington this week.

A report from Islington Tribune Change and change again Dave changes again

COUNCILLOR Dave Barnes changes his party more times than the average man changes his under pants, according to the joke buzzing around the Town Hall this week.

He threw his lot in with the Lib Dems for five years until 2002 when he had a row with the party over talking to the press without hierarchy's permission. As an Independent for two years he was able to lambast both parties from the sidelines until last year when he became a vociferous member of the local anti-parking Freedom party....

Islington Gazette on the same issue Councillor back with Labour

He was elected to the council in 2002 as a Liberal Democrat
before becoming an Independent. He had been a Labour councillor for 10 years before that....

There might be jokes flying around - excuse my scepticism but my personal opinion is he's just an opportunist. The council elections are in May 2006 and Dave would definitely not be selected as a Lib Dem candidate so he's now gone back to Labour to ensure he's selected to stand again. Presumably he feels that as an Independent he has no chance of being re-elected and going back to Labour would give him a better chance. Not a hope! The Lib Dems in Islington are stronger than ever.

Monitoring Respect

As a member of the London Region executive - monitoring the constituencies in London towards the council elections in May 2006 is part of the mandate.

I'm keeping my beady eye on George Galloway. Parts of East London are leaving the Labour party and turning to his Respect party. I'm not sure if it's the policies attracting people or the showmanship of George Galloway himself. As I mentioned in my previous post
'Blair has Murdered Labour Party' Says Galloway love him or hate him, he a politician with his own enigmatic style - George is a powerful orator who's certainly making waves.

The whole country have probably heard of the man but I'm not convinced many people know his party is called Respect - the Unity Coalition. When he speaks, the media and the general public hang on to his every word wondering what he going to do or say next. In some quarters he's considered a loose cannon but he's a natural showman and people seem to like his no nonsense in your face approach to the issues. He's a bit overpowering at times. When I hear his name mentioned it triggers the natural response - God! What's he done now?

He continues touring, promoting the - The mother of all one man shows - An audience with George Galloway (sounds like a man promoting himself not a political party). According to the website, the next session will be in London at the end of the month. He'll probably be in the news again and it will continue as his party are seriously targeting some Council seats in London

Last week the media reported 'Another Respect councillor in Tower Hamlets'

Tower Hamlets Councillor Muhammad Ghulam Mortuza, who has been sitting as an independent since resigning from the Labour Party and endorsing George Galloway before the June elections, has now joined Respect.

The day before 'Newham Labour councillor joins Respect'

Sarah Ruiz, Council Member since 1993 has quit the Labour Party and joined Respect. read more

Noticed on the website Respects CONFERENCE 2005 is being held at Camden Town Hall. Incredible - we have many meetings there and it doesn't have large rooms so I wonder how many members the party actually has. By contrast the Lib Dems can't find venues big enough for their party conferences.

George Galloway and his Respect party may be a flash in the pan and fizzle out - we'll see the outcome next May. Until then I reserve judgement.

Charles just plain speaking

This early morning Guardian story caught my eye.
Kennedy breaks ranks on terror to accuse Blair

In his first newspaper interview since the July attacks, the Liberal Democrat leader told the Guardian that the government's response was being driven by "public spin".

That's just plain speaking - can't argue with that.

Islington - Plague bodies dig at school

Checking the on-line version of our local free newspapers, found the most fascinating stories. Well worth a read.

From the Islington Tribune Plague bodies dig at school

Hundreds of bodies may have to be removed so a new school can be built on the Bunhill City disused burial ground

An Islington Council public notice, published yesterday (Thursday), states: “It is necessary to remove certain human remains and/or render certain graves.” The council said removal methods approved by English Heritage mean there will be no public health risk from any excavation.

How macabre - I'm definitely going to be cremated. I can't imagine anything worse than being buried and hundreds of years later my remains being dug up.

In another story Drinking mate turns out to be a long lost brother

Ian Reed, 40, learned only three years ago that he was adopted, and discovered at the same time that he had a brother he had never met.




Ian Reed with his long-lost brother Mark St George




This kind of story always brings out the gushy side of my personality. I've been looking for my brother who I've not seen since he was a child. Found reference to him on the internet as a well known comic-book and film script writer in USA but that's as far as I've got.

From the Camden New Journal Mystery surrounds reclusive woman

A reclusive spinster who loved animals has left London Zoo £2.5m windfall.
Delene Welch, 75, from Belsize Lane, Belsize Park, died in December from lung cancer.



Neighbour Lily Ritter-Grayson with the toy leopard zoo bosses gave to Ms Welch and Hamilton the cat




Poor Delene, must have been very lonely if she had more comfort from the animals in a zoo than people. I know animal-lovers will think otherwise but really what a terrible waste of money. I care more about sick children than animals.

It's that time of the year again

It's conference time again - Blackpool here we come. Every year, the famous conference packs seem thicker. Every conference the postmen have to make their rounds delivering the packs to delegates. It always a hassle to get hold of mine. The pack doesn't fit the letterbox and I'm inevitably out when it's delivered. I get that dreaded little card advising me to collect my package from the local delivery centre - don't know why they call it local, it's miles away and difficult to get to.

Mail in this area is a bit hit and miss at the best of times. The postmen keep changing and the residents keep having to explain over and over again who to deliver to if they are out. I'm forever signing for packages for my neighbours but when it comes to mine the best laid plans always seem to go wrong. Saying that, I have to admit the postman we've had for the past few weeks is pretty good - young, dark haired, cheerful athletic type who likes walking - seems to care about making sure deliveries go to the correct address. He even has a little notebook where he jots down residents delivery arrangements.

Away for a few days, this time I wasn't unduly worried. Felt confident when I got home my pack would be waiting. On my return, going through the inevitable piles of mail ( most of it junk) I noticed the little card - package undelivered. I was furious. The only package I was expecting was the conference pack - it just had to be that. With so many emails to answer relating to conference issues - felt like punching the wall out of pure frustration. Where was the time to traipse down there to collect it.

Nice to get surprises at times - my friend Robert kindly went and collected it for me early on Saturday morning. Had a quick flick through the Agenda and motions. Kept the heavy reading stuff aside for what I always say are for cup of tea moments. The Conference Directory has so many interesting fringe events this time around - it'll be difficult for members to decide which one to attend.

Going back to the issue of post - this past week I've started to notice red elastic bands on the ground by the front door and on the pavements. I know they're the ones used by the Royal Mail. Such a waste - wonder why they don't just reuse them. It's one of those issues I think about but never get round to doing anything about - who would listen anyway.

Yesterday as I was going out I met our postman - asked him about my package. A flash thought - wonder what excuse he's got and he shouldn't dare ask me to collect anybody else's mail.
He was so apologetic - he's been away on his hols and just resumed - claimed he did leave handing over notes. I suppose it's not his fault if the temp postie ignored them - felt so guilty having such nasty thoughts.

As he was talking to me I noticed a little bag tied to his trolley where he was putting the red elastic bands after separating the mail. "don't like to throw them on the ground" he said. Wow! we have an environmentally conscious postman. That's a turn up for the books. Least I'll know when I start seeing red elastic bands on the ground again it's not our regular postie

Want a clock for your blog

Chris Black's posting about ASDA caught my eye. His blog has a clock with a difference. For a bit of fun I couldn't resist posting one on my blog just to see how they work.

For those who like gizmos on their website or blogs check out Clock Link .

Here's two other examples.




Some of the designs give three alternative sizes but if you understand the gist of HTML the sizing can be adjusted manually to make the clocks smaller. I tested them and they still work. The irritating thing is the codes have no closing /embed tag. Blogger won't accept the code without so you have to add it manually at the end of the script otherwise the image won't appear.

British troop deployment

Watching the images and hearing the reports of the aftermath of hurricane Katrina has been heart-rending. It's been announced tonight that the British army is sending in some of it's troops. My nephew Matthew told me at the weekend he is going but I had to keep my mouth shut until it was official. It takes a strong mind to face such a situation, even for a soldier.

What I find hard to appreciate is the time it's taken to mobilise. Why has it taken over seven days to get the people out, to manoeuvre massive drops of food and water.

It is claimed the area is as large as UK. That's a massive area. Nevertheless, how can people in America die from dehydration through lack of water. The death toll is alarming. They are referring to the people of New Orleans as the underclass - what a derogatory term. They are still people and American citizens for God's sake not from the third world. It symbolizes the great divide there is in America today.

What will be the long-term psychological effect on some of the people after loosing their homes and especially after seeing all the bloated bodies floating around in the flood water? The horrendous sight of bodies lined up on the highway. It's not something easy to adjust to. The grim house-to-house search for bodies amid the fetid water and destroyed buildings. I keep thinking of what they will find when the water recedes or is eventually drained away.

Then there's the lawlessness and the looters taking advantage of the terrible situation. Really I've no sympathy for them if they are shot dead.

Oddest stories of the week

Some weird and wacky stories can be picked up on the web. After all the sad and depressing news I came across these. Couldn't help chuckling to myself.

Spider fire

A GERMAN woman destroyed her family home by setting fire to it as she tried to kill spiders with a can of hairspray and a cigarette lighter.

Pink Pigeons

A FLOCK of pink pigeons has been spotted in Scottish skies after their plumage became coloured by a chemical factory.

That chilling message from beyond the grave

It's so difficult to comprehend why he did it. That voice in a Yorkshire accent is so unnerving.

Mohammad Sidique Khan (video, 2m:15s): Full text of his messege

I’m going to keep this short and to the point because it’s all been said before by far more eloquent people than me. But our words have no impact upon you, therefore I’m going to talk to you in a language that you understand.

Our words are dead until we give them life with our blood.

I’m sure by now the media’s painted a suitable picture of me, this predictable propaganda machine will naturally try to put a spin on things to suit the government and to scare the masses into conforming to their power and wealth-obsessed agendas.

I and thousands like me are forsaking everything for what we believe.
Our driving motivation doesn’t come from tangible commodities that this world has to offer. Our religion is Islam - obedience to the one true God, Allah, and following the footsteps of the final prophet and messenger Muhammad.

This is how our ethical stances are dictated.

Your democratically elected governments continuously perpetuate atrocities against my people all over the world. And your support of them makes you directly responsible, just as I am directly responsible for protecting and avenging my Muslim brothers and sisters.

Until we feel security, you will be our targets. And until you stop the bombing, gassing, imprisonment and torture of my people we will not stop this fight.
We are at war and I am a soldier. Now you too will taste the reality of this situation.

I myself, I myself, I make duaa (pray) to Allah … to raise me amongst those whom I love like the prophets, the messengers, the martyrs and today’s heroes like our beloved Sheikh Osama Bin Laden, Dr Ayman al-Zawahri and Abu Musab al-Zarqawi and all the other brothers and sisters that are fighting in the … of this cause.

With this I leave you to make up your own minds and I ask you to make dua to Allah almighty to accept the work from me and my brothers and enter us into gardens of paradise.

Why oh why is all I can say.

News that's news

Away for a break to see my family. Such glorious weather. It was so peaceful but I did miss the news especially the foreign news. So strange to go to a place that doesn't even have Channel 5 reception. Seems like another world. Back home there's certainly juicy news from Scotland this week.

Lord admits hotel arson attack

LABOUR peer Mike Watson today pleaded guilty to setting fire to a pair of curtains and endangering the lives of guests at one of Edinburgh's top hotels. The 56-year-old MSP entered a plea bargain at Edinburgh Sheriff Court today after originally denying starting the fire at Prestonfield House Hotel during earlier court appearances.

Fire-shame peer to quit his MSP job

Shamed Labour peer Mike Watson's political career lay in tatters after he admitted deliberately starting a fire and endangering lives at an upmarket hotel.

Another news story Kennedy begins 'sensitive' campaign

Liberal Democrat leader Charles Kennedy has became the first party leader to campaign in Livingston ahead of a by-election triggered by the death of Robin Cook.

The saddest story over the past few days must be the Hurricane Katrina disaster in New Orleans, USA. To have to give the order to abandon a city of that size and the mass evacuation of so many people is unprecedented in the World's most developed nation. The CNN television news reports are just incredible.This news report says it all New Orleans cleared as 'thousands' dead

Last night, the city's Mayor Ray Nagin is reported to have suggested an estimated death toll that would make the storm by far the nation's deadliest hurricane in more than a century.

News update tonight - Fats Domino the legendary singer is missing.

News to make you smile Kenneth Clarke's mutterings about the Lib Dems

We must halt the Liberal Democrat advance into theTory core vote - and reverse it.