Following the ghostly trail

Slightly bemused, of all of blogs reviewed in this weeks BritBlog Roundup 145 my post The Islington Lib Dem ashes was one of the three discussed on this week BBC radio5 live. The others were Jeffrey Archer's theatre review - yes our very own Lord Archer the disgraced Tory peer and Charles Dickens' XI

The Wardman Wire has a recording of JC's 5 minute spot on Radio 5 Live 26 November 2007. Glad so many other people thought it as funny as I did. Being a natural curious soul, some people might say nosey crow, just got to find out the end of this rather creepy story.

Vince Cable: Mr Bean's Parliament

Acting LibDem leader Vince Cable's witty remark to Gordon Brown at Prime Minister question time earlier today will probably go down in history as one of the most memorable quotes of the year.

The House has noticed the Prime Minister’s remarkable transformation in the past few weeks from Stalin to Mr Bean —[Laughter from the floor]—creating chaos out of order, rather than order out of chaos.

Wouldn't have believed it if I hadn't heard it myself. For one brief moment the house was united in a howl of laughter. A rare feat indeed.

Couldn't resist nicking the classic poster caricature from Conservative Home for this post.

Later: The Guardian's opening gambit, "It was ghastly - the most horrible, tooth-rattling, goose-pimpling, stomach-heaving prime minister's questions since John Prescott filled in for Tony Blair". - From Stalin to Mr Bean, in just a few weeks, the full story.

How long is this water leak going to continue

This is the kind of thing that makes me really angry. The water from the pipes under the shops opposite Tufnell Park Station on the Camden side of the road have been leaking off and on for months. Several patch repairs have attempted to remedy the problem but after a few weeks it starts again.

This latest leak has been pouring out into the road for more than a month now. Thames Water guys came and dug up one of the flag-stones in front of one of the flats main front door put the barrier around and left it.

All the talk about conserving resources, what a waste of water. What a disgrace. Some of the elderly residents have had to step into the road to avoid slipping. It has just been lucky that the weather hasn't been cold enough to freeze the place over.

One of the shop owners suggested that the Camden New Journal be contacted so they can investigate. Everybody presumes it will only get sorted when the media get hold of the story.

Update: Early Friday morning a Thames Water van parked alongside - the official was seen with his hands in the water hole but he didn't do anything and the water is still pouring out.

Sajjad Karim, LibDem MEP defects to the Tories

I'm extremely saddened by the early morning news that Sajjad Karim, MEP for North West of England, who was the only BME elected Parliamentarian in the Liberal Democrats, has defected to the Tories. He is somebody I have a great deal of respect for. Listening to him speak touched a deep chord.

His parting words "I'm afraid that the Liberal Democrats have lost their way and are no longer a serious force in politics."he further said that "Tories have made huge progress under David Cameron".

Saj as he's commonly known, was an extremely popular and successful Member of the European Parliament. He recruited into the LibDems many Asian members from his region and there will be an obvious knock on effect to his defection. This is disastrous news for the Liberal Democrats.

This comes on top of the remark from Mark Littlewood on the Sunday morning Politics Show that the party has already lost 10 per cent of it's membership since the days of Charles Kennedy when it stood at 82,000. Recent Leadership ballots were sent out to only 64,727 members.

There have been some suggestions that his defection is case of sour grapes. The North-west region LibDems only last Friday re-selected their two sitting MEP's to defend their seats in the 2009 European Parliament elections. Chris Davies won 63 per cent of votes with Saj Karim coming second place. The region is currently represented by 9 MEPs - three Labour, three Conservative, two Lib Dems and one UKIP. However enlargement of the European Union means that several UK regions may lose one seat with theirs being reduced to 8.

Saj knows that under the current political climate it's highly unlikely he will be re-elected for a second term under the LibDem umbrella. The Party will go to any lengths to retain one seat by putting all their resources and campaigning effort into getting Chris Davies re-elected. As Saj is only the second place candidate, being realistic if the Tories have offered him a tempting bait it is obvious he would take it.

It will be interesting to see if the party will just elevate the third place candidate Helen Foster-Grime or withdraw Saj's name and recalculate all the preference votes.

Britblog roundup 145

This week’s roundup is now up on Liberal England. Least he has squeezed one of my posts in right at the bottom.

Next week it will be the turn of one of my favourite blogs again - Philobiblon. Natalie Bennett never mind she's a Green party activist she always writes interesting stuff on her blog.

Lets get some nominations coming in: the email address - britblog AT gmail DOT com.

One for Nick Clegg

Just stuck a leadership vote for Nick Clegg in the letter box. Silly moo I had no stamps - kept forgetting to buy some. The envelope on the table waiting for stamps that never came I almost forgot to post it. Didn't see the words 'freepost' on the diddy envelope that came with all the paper.

A Fresh voice for Liberal Democrat values, well it's on it's way to the Electoral Reform Service.

All the glossy bumf with photos of well known middle class white faced members supporting Chris Huhne that came in the envelope. Who has really got the time to read it all - now all vamoosed into the recycle box.

Let us face facts - the leadership contenders will say what we want to hear to secure members votes. For those who don't know the candidates on a more personal basis they can only vote on what they read or hear at the hustings

Least Nick mixes with everybody and is open thinking to the diversity of modern day Britain. Intriguing how the list of many of his supporters mentioned on his campaign website are those who are trying to change the image of the party. A Leader must have the committment, but be also prepared to drive through the difficult cultural shift needed in the Party to interest voters.

PFI feedback

It's that time in the month for the Islington Residents Forum PFI meeting. So much happens between meetings it's often difficult to know where to start.

Tenants have just received the long awaited revised PFI Handbook. It is absolutely brilliant. Loose leaf folder style, modern in design, visually pleasing, written in simple English with easy to read quick reference tabs. A lot of work by Forum members went into getting it right. The gratifiying part is that Partners staff listened to the forum members ideas even down to the final proofing before printing. Feel sure it will be now be used by other local authorities as an example when producing their own.

The Forum's legal Code of Conduct has also now finally been ratified. That gave me a tough time. The two forums 1 & 2 have now been officially merged and it seems I'm now Chair for the full two year term. Considering the number of properties involved it can be hard work. So far so good. Wouldn't want to do a longer stint though.

Had a rush of residents issues to solve this last couple of weeks - If somebody bothers to email or telephone me in my capacity as the Chair I feel duty bound to follow through the problem until there is a satisfactory solution. The added advantage as well is the more problems are solved before each meeting the less has to be written about them.

Strange to have my own block of flats mentioned in the report. Repairing the water seepage in the flat below, a job long over due and further delayed because of unexpected fitting problems, the sub contractor returned and unexpectedly turned off the water. It affect the whole building . Being someone quite resourceful when there are problems, carried buckets next door to the outside tap to get some water. Without going into the whole sorry saga of the problem with Thames Water and stop caps, received all kinds of apologies from Partners works team. The water was turned on in the evening but blow me if it wasn't turned off again today without even the curtesy of a knock on the door.

Really blew my stack, even the painters in the flat they are refurbrishing above queried what was going on. The water was turned back on just in time for me to change. Would have been furious if I had had to attend the meeting without bathing. Its very difficult to keep a straight face when one is hopping mad inside. I have no issue with the repairs, they have to be done but we all know they are supposed to inform you if the water is to go off for any length of time.

It would be so simple if the subbies just followed the laid down guidelines and procedures when dealing with residents. As chair there is that element of respect given so problems get quickly sorted but I always think of other residents who have to wait in the queue and don't have the same access to people in authority they can sound off to.

Will be very interesting over the next few months. The flats of several forum members are due for renovation soon. They are going to make some video diaries to see what actually happens.

Islington Libdems and the human ashes mystery

How gruesome, one of the caretakers who looks after Leroy House the block where the Islington LibDem's office is located came to work in the early hours to open the building and found a box of human ashes in the car park.

Gerald Burton, 46, found a wooden casket bearing the remains of a George Green. Now the search is on to find out more about Mr Green and to locate his family. Surely somebody must know who he is.

It's a bit sad really but looking on the funny side people are always losing things but to lose a box of human remains is stretching the imagination a bit far.

A smiling Gerald holding the box to aid identification says that he's a little perturbed that somebody could disrespect a body in this way. It's been suggested it was taken in a burglary thinking it was a jewellery box, then dumped when the contents become know. It is a spooky location and very dark at night so presumably the box was put in a place presuming somebody responsible would find it.

It will be interesting to see how this story pans out.

Calamity Clegg charge

No longer the goody two shoes, the Libdems have now become a nasty party as well. This mornings Politics show was riveting. It started with the usual boring chit-chat from the two Leadership contenders then Jon Sopel completely ambushed the show with a shock revelation that Chris Huhne’s campaign team had issued to the media a Calamity Clegg briefing document.

The furious look on Nick Clegg's face said it all. Chris Huhne clearly had no knowledge of it and tried to bluster his way out of a rather nasty situation by continually accusing Nick of "flip-flopping". Nick was fuming mad - Watch the verbal spat HERE, most entertaining. How Nick managed to keep his cool is a credit to him.

A case of out to win at all costs don't think Chris Huhne has done himself any favours with his shenanigans. Very appropriate Huhne button above found on the web.

Islington, Greenspace Rangers forging ahead

Feeling so very upset and under the weather, not wanting to talk much either decided to accept an invitation to go an help plant some bulbs in one the green spaces near my flat.

To be honest hadn't taken much notice of Islington council's community planting improvement projects. It's certainly not well advertised. Didn't even know the council employ Greenspace Rangers either.

In damp weather walked up Dartmouth Part hill and found some ladies busily planting 'native' blue bells and snowdrops under the trees in the small park. I was so surprised. Found I actually enjoyed the mindless task. Was given a few bulbs for the front of this property - already planted. Picked up a bag load of pears just off the trees. Was told to go and look at the area in April next year to see the blooms.

The young Greenspace Ranger for this area - see photo, full of enthusiasm was so encouraging and friendly. Now I have a copy of the events diary. Had no idea there was so much going on and planned well into next year. Not sure if I want to nor have the time to be a dedicated Park volunteer or join one of the Friend's of groups. Can't promise I will take part in everything but some activities nearby I'll give it a go. There are also some special workshops which will be very useful for my garden.

Do we really want to encourage such weirdos

All very exciting that the Eurostar has a new home - London's revamped St Pancras station just down the road from where I live. Calculated it would be quicker to get the train to France or Belgium than put up with all the airport hassle of going by aeroplane.

Wonderful pics in the media and the local papers.

Now the Belgians have put a damper on the celebrations. Wish somebody would explain what this tacky advert is supposed to imply. I'm always up for a good laugh but can't for the life of me see how it is supposed to be funny.

Controversy Over Eurostar's Shock Advert

An advert depicting a tattooed skinhead urinating into a china teacup is being used to promote tourism to London. The image is part of a new Eurostar campaign aimed solely at the Belgian market. Posters have gone up on billboards in Antwerp, Brussels, Liege and Ghent to promote the new high-speed train connection to the English capital.

Couldn't give a stuff about the man or his mode of dress, the chair or the cup of tea. It is the weeing in the teacup I object to. I think it is rather insulting. Is that what the Belgians really think of us Brits, we're a load of yobbish louts. If as it claims the advert it is to appeal to the Belgium market only all I can say they are a load of weirdos.

Question time with Tweedle Dum and Tweedle Dee

Had several calls and emails asking my opinion about last nights special edition Question Time with the Libdem leadership candidates Chris Huhne and Nick Clegg going head-to-head. Don't quite know what to say. It was like having twins speaking, all so very dull with one copying the other. Classic Tweedle Dum and Tweedle Dee situation.


The audience didn't seem that impressed either but decide for yourself. Watch Question Time from Buxton

For once Chris came over with a little bit a humour - he's usually a dry old stick. Nick Clegg is just Nick Clegg a natural charmer. Not much between them except the age which could be the deciding factor

Ballot papers for the leadership election are due to be sent out to party members next week with a deadline to vote by 15 December - not long to go now. In this house it's a vote for Clegg.

The BBC have now put up the comments made so far by the public about last night's Question Time. Some are very interesting. Even the LibDems bloggers don't seem to have much to say either.

Brian Paddick's the man

Haven't made much comment about the LibDem selection process for London mayor because the outcome was so predictable and cleverly contrived to achieve the desired result.

As expected Brian Paddick 49 was earlier elected as the Mayoral candidate with 73% of the voting members in London giving him their first preference vote. It was obvious from the outset that the majority of members would take the sensible option and vote for him as somebody considered more evenly matched in the profile stakes who would at least verbally be able to take on Ken Livingstone and Boris Johnson in a strong positive manner.

Before he retired as Deputy Assistant commissioner in April, he had been the Met's highest ranking openly gay policeman. Whilst not a career politician, his status and understanding of the issues of London's local communities makes him adequately placed to at least take on the challenge.

Watching him on Question Time last week and interviews since his selection, he at least comes across as cool as a cucumber not to be thrown by any of the questions. He oozes self confidence and a determination to win.

Feel the selection committee were very naughty in playing the race card with their choice of the other two candidates who stood against Brian. They were in reality no better than the original rejected applicants. It's been suggested they were set up as sitting ducks to appease those in the party who claim BME candidates don't have a chance. Chamali Fernando at only 28 is a relatively unknown, Fiyaz Mughal on the other hand is known within the party as a single issue candidate, very inappropriate in today's multicultural London. Members voted him into third position. Neither of them have any London wide profile, lack experience and the opposition Mayoral candidates would have eaten them alive.

Just love the photo above taken at today's official launch. Recognise all the faces. Even Islington council's leader James Kempton got in on the act. Everybody in London is energised by Brian's selection and as keen as mustard to get the show on the road.

Realistically Brian Paddick hasn't really got a any chance of beating Ken in next years Mayoral election but the fight will at least be feisty. The media are taking a keen interest in what he has to say. The whole race could lift the LibDem public image off the floor a little.

Britblog roundup #143 all change

Standing in at the last minute, Britblog roundup 143 is now over at Philobiblon

What a trooper, Natalie Bennett a passionate Green party activist who coincidentally lives in my neck of the woods so we do come in contact from time to time, always pens an interesting post. What is it about women who usually write expressing a bit of emotion that readers can empathise with. Almost apologetic she calls her roundup minimalistic. I call it bloody good.

Ask and you will receive - a literary plug request. Over at Liberal England, Jonathan Calder is reminding readers about his competition to win a copy of Taking Liberties DVD. If you are interested, have a go. You never know you might win

Next weeks round up 144 will be over at Clairwil another renowned female blogger with her own unique chirpy style of writing.

Fire in East London what's so special

A sign of the times I suppose but slightly bemused to be watching CNN news this morning when a breaking news flashed up around the world about a fire in East London on the site of the 2012 Olympic park.

They were reporting that a large plume of dense black smoke could be seen rising from somewhere in East London. Presume all the fuss was because a typically first reaction was to suspect terrorism. This was quickly ruled out when it was identified as coming from a disused old bus depot in an area due to be demolished - No one was hurt.

It was claimed smoke could be seen 20 miles across London - didn't reach this side. Some clever Aerial footage. A city on terrorist alert, people were naturally concerned wanting to know what was going on. Emergency services were inundated with calls from members of the public - can't really blame them.

The BBC later reported Olympic Park fire under control

More than 75 firefighters tackled the blaze as 50ft (15m) flames engulfed the building in Waterden Road, Hackney Wick at about 1200 GMT on Monday.
Black smoke could be seen across the skyline and the Fire Brigade received more than 150 calls from the public.
Rail services were suspended between Dalston Kingsland and Stratford but roads in the area remained open.
The warehouse is on the western edge of the proposed site of the Olympic Village and was due to be demolished on Monday.

Whilst the news is interesting for those of us in London. Under normal circumstances it wouldn't have made the headlines it has today if it wasn't for the fear of terrorists. It is the thought in the back of peoples minds that terrorists are plotting carnage that makes anything to do with fires become more than just passing news.

Matt Wardman, clever man

Over at The Wardman blog Matt has separated the 5 minute, BBC Radio 5 live Britblog roundup interviews into easy click and listen weekly tags.

Great stuff, for all those curious souls my 5 mins of radio fame as a single link. He has spelt my name wrong but what the heck. Click and Enjoy.

Happy birthday Blog

Today is this blogs 3rd Birthday. Can't let it pass without marking it in some way. Happy birthday (oh so cute)

Looking back at my first ever posts E-mail revolution is it worth it & What's all fuss about the Peers list?

How simple it all was back then. Never envisaged when I started it that so many people would be interested in what I have to say. A lot of water has passed under the bridge since then. Lets hope on to better things. Happy birthday

More fool me

My first time try at the Britblog roundup has caused a stir in some quarters. Reading some of the reviews on other blogs, had to laugh at my mistakes, I'm a real plonker at times. My little editor is so good at correcting some of my worst boo boos but have to admit some of my spelling and grammar errors I'm completely oblivious to. Even when they are staring me in the face I just can't see them. If it wasn't for the computer spell check I wouldn't have the bottle to publish anything. So admire those who can sit down and zap out an error free post off the top of their head .

Blog loveandgarbage is having a good laugh at my expense - a rather clever post. Can't say I blame him either. Meant to write 'bordering on the paranoid'. Tried to change it quick hoping nobody would notice but too late he got me. Just luv the comment below his post as well 'kin ah git yoor awtograf cuz yoor faymis noo?' - don't know who is having a chuckle at who but took me ages to understand what he'd written. Just has to be a Scot with that romantic dialect.

Tim Ireland is cross with me, I suppose that was to be expected. No harm intended but I am entitled to my opinion. He should take a chill pill. There are one or two other small errors so I'm told. Oh well it all adds a bit of spice to blogging life.

Monday to fulfil my commitment to the Britblog roundup went along to the BBC studio at White City for my Radio 5 live interview for the Pods & Blogs program. Better atmosphere than trying to do it via phone. The interviewer Chris Vallance was just like I visualised him, a real cutie. Wasn't sure what to expect but he quickly put me at ease. All very impromptu but after listening to the podcast it hasn't come out so bad. Hadn't realised the tone of my voice has gone quieter - must be all those years of smoking.

Seems some people are keen to listen to my effort. The whole programme is quite long so it's best to download the podcast from HERE then open it in one of the media programmes. As my bit is in the middle, move the forwarding bar to time 20.31.

Chris took the photo of me in the studio for my blog but I decided my photo of the dalek was better. All the years of Doctor Who how many people can say they have seen a dalek. The Doctor Who display in the front waiting area of the building has two of them standing proud. Parked there they still look like the scary evil villains of my childhood.

Felt kind of sad leaving the place. There are reports that the building is to be sold off. Part of the BBC's history, it won't be the same.

Britblog roundup #142

Welcome to this weeks Britblog roundup. Quite a variety of nominations so as Fraser Macpherson says it with Shirley Bassey - lets get the party started.....

Starting with some Fun stuff

Always good for a laugh Diamond Geezer is belly-aching about his eight years of being single. Some might say that we single people are missing out on the joys of coupledom, and maybe we are, but I'm convinced that there are equally many positive points to being single:

misty69 A 30 something, non-fluffy blonde, trying to remain optimistic against many odds is asking for weird and wacky comments to give her an idea for a blog post. Definitely a new slant on being a dumb blonde but what the heck lets all send her some.

Environmental stuff for those who care

A new blogger to me, blogmonkey weighs up the pro & cons of using low energy light bulbs. It's claimed CFL's use up to 80% less energy and last up to 10 times longer. Yes we have all been told that but as they are such ugly looking things wonder how many people out there are actually using them. Have them in my flat in all rooms except the sitting room where I need a 100watts bulb to read or type. Not found an energy saving one that has the same brightness.

Political world

Wouldn't be a proper roundup without politics. Some of the verbal spats are a scream. Political postering gets heavy at times almost to the point of being absurd and a real turn off. Liberal England takes a pop at unpatriotic Conservatives . Jonathon Calders level headed style of writing always attracts sensible readers. Some of the comments following the post are just as thought provoking

Of all the daft things for an MP to worry about. Adrian Sanders LibDem MP for Torbay writes My office and I have been raking our brains to work out who is behind the Westphalia-on-sea blog that tells the story of an elected Mayor and his vision for the area. Then fresh off the digital press ... thisiscotedewestphalia A mystery resident has shocked the whole of the Cote De Westphalia by producing a satirical blog that seems to be a thinly veiled criticism of Mayor Pangloss and his sidekicks in the Tory party. Just a thought, maybe Adrian is worried that somebody might suggest his office is behind the stunt.

Seems the knives are out for Tory MP Nadine Dorries. Swear some of the guys are classic misogynists personally can't see that some of the snide remarks are really justified. So she is a Tory and has a blog so what? Least she is saying something and revealing a little of her human side. Not like many of our elected MP's who stay stum and hide behind their staff only putting out ' official statements' like butter wouldn't melt in their mouths.

Couldn't pass up this opportunity to introduce some of the various political blogs in my area.To promote political opponents is somewhat frowned upon - sod to all that. They make me laugh.

In Camden there is Theo Blackwell a Labour councillor. He is a serious writer but his satirical comments about the Libdems and Tories can have one in stitches. He doesn't miss a trick to slag them off. This week he writes - Good news, as noted by Luke Akehurst, Harringey Lib Dems are one short after this defection. Then there is his way of giving people labels which in some cases are very apt.

Over in Haringay there's Tory blogger Justine Hinchcliffe the writer of Hunter and Shooter. He is against everything LibDem - another one clever with the sarcasm. So much so he's become a real irritant to Mark Pack from LDV who has banned poor Justine from even posting any comments on the blog. This week he is still banging on about Lynne Featherstone's support of Chris Huhne as a possible LibDem leader against all odds. Have to agree with him this time, she's backing the wrong horse and will end up with egg on her face.

Islington has LibDem Cllr Meral Ece who's now a bigwig in the party. As chair of Ethnic Minority Liberal Democrats she is greatly concerned about getting BME candidates into office. An uphill task. She quite rightly feels The UK needs around 1000 more black and ethnic minority women councillors. She says, There are 2.4 million BME women in the UK, making up 4.6 per cent of the population, so less than 1% are BME women councillors: 0.9%

Just about life

Love and Garbage has a real beef bordering on the paranoid with the day time Jeremy Kyle show

"The whole show is designed to produce a gladiatorial-style exchange. Guests walk out of opposite entrances in the same way that Roman fighters would enter the ring in the Colosseum. For particularly controversial or confrontational subjects, producers would ramp up the music, selecting heavy metal tracks to set the tone."

Couldn't agree more but the reality of the situation is that it is a very very popular show. People like blood and gore. Participants feel it is their moment of fame. Nobody is forcing them to take part. Must admit some of them have real guts exposing their sordid person lives on national TV. I couldn't do it and I'm one of life's exhibitionists

'Nan down' A sign of the times, rather scary for those of us getting older - almost brought me to tears.

One of the first sounds learned by a child Neenaw, neenaw, the sound of an ambulance rushing by with a flashing blue light on the way to one emergency or another. Rather a gripping post taken from an actual log - so you can see exactly what was going on behind the scenes while the writer was helping a new grandfather deliver his daughter’s baby.

This week Norfolk Blogger is ranting about his second love Norwich City football club. Haven't got a clue about football myself but calling all Norwich City fans to add your pennyworth - comments are open.

Again a very outspoken Craig Murray has spotted the Guardian write-up on the government's stonewalling of Labour MP, Jeremy Corbyn concerns over Usmanov shares in Arsenal football club. He's actually my constituency MP and when he gets the bit between his teeth he doesn't let up.

A self-confessed connoisseur of classical music theovergrownpath is having a snip at BBC Radio 3's Sarah Walker and the bad presentation of 10am Classic collection morning show. It's a case of live and let live but in all honesty if I had to sit through four movements of Mendelssohn's Symphony No 3 in A played by the Scottish Symphony orchestra at 10.20am in the morning it would probably send me to sleep.

Philip Wilkinson, the author of The English Buildings Book, England's Abbeys, Restoration, in his blog brings us some beautiful pics of an Anglo-Saxon church in St Laurence, Bradford-on-Avon. Now that's something I do appreciate. Can wander for hours around old buildings. A holiday is not a holiday for me without some historical sites to visit.

Halloween talk

Definitely an apt Halloween nomination - Making the devil appear and disappear. Bit weird and wacky but ok if you are into that kind of thing.

Anybody fascinated by bats, another interesting Halloween post - Bats are not spooky. I really do think that Count Dracula has a lot to answer to when it comes to the misconceptions about bats and their spooky image.

Green blogs nominations have packed the list this week.

Can this be really be a growing trend How can the left get stronger on the blogosphere?

Andy D'Agorne,Green Party councillor, Fishergate ward, City of York - So what happens at a council meeting?

Molly from Gaian Economics exploring the Supermarket ruling, Competing definitions of a free market. We all heard the news, The Competition Commission has found that supermarkets serve customers well. According to the limited economistic, marketistic mindset from which they see the world this is actually the correct conclusion. It is that mindset, and its political support, that we need to unpick in order to understand how they could have arrived at this frankly shocking conclusion.

Can't help but agree with her even though for convenience sake I tend to shop at Supermarkets

The type of campaigning I like to read about, A report from the pay front line. The Sheffield branch of the Fawcett Society got down to some damn fine campaigning on Wednesday to raise awareness of the pay gap between men and women. Armed with home made placards, piles of leaflets and fistfulls of badges, we sauntered through the town centre, spreading the good word.

For those intellectual bods who like a heavy read, get your teeth into this' it's Quite extraordinary

The Magistrates blog is always worth a read. This week he's getting all het up by what he describes as Vanity Management

Being a bit cheeky of me I know but included one of my own posts which was somehow left out of last weeks roundup. Bit to below the belt for some male bloggers, makes them squirm. I just think it's a scream - makes me chuckle everytime I read it.

Finally had several nominations for this post Friday, November 02, 2007 is 25 years to the day since Channel 4 kicked off with the very first edition of the cult Countdown. I dare you to click on the word Countdown and hear that irritating ting tin ting.

That's all from this weeks roundup. A bit long I know - serves me right for moaning about the lack of nominations. Sorry if I left anybody out. Please continue to send in you nominations as usual to BritblogAtgmail.com. Next weeks roundup host will be Ken's Dustbin of History

Remember, remember the 5th of November

The firework displays kicks off today. Though some traditionalists stick to 5th November most people with small children sensibly choose the nearest weekend to celebrate when there is no early morning wake up call to go to school.

Have always enjoyed fireworks displays. When I was younger there were huge bonfires burning effigies of Guy Fawkes cooking jacket potatoes until their skins burnt to a crisp, treacle toffee and parkin. We used to sing the nursery rhyme. Remember remember the fifth of November. Gunpowder, treason and plot. I see no reason why gunpowder, treason Should ever be forgot. Kids used to push their Guy around asking for a penny for the Guy before it was put on the fire.

The picture above is of the 'Gunpowder Plot' conspirators Starting with Thomas Bates, Robert Wintour, Christopher Wright, John Wright, Thomas Percy, Guy Fawkes, Robert Catesby and Thomas Wintour

Don't see much of that these days at least not in London. Was watching my neighbours lovely display from my open kitchen window until something zapped me on the head. Suddenly found wasps in my kitchen. The fireworks must have disturbed a nest somewhere. Have to go and look outside in the morning.

Thinking about it, 400 years is a long time to keep the memory alive. There wouldn't be a Parliament today if Fawkes and his conspirators had in 1605 succeeded in blowing up the King James 1st and Parliament with the aim of returning England to the Roman Catholics.