More evidence of why we need to be deeply involved with Europe and not sitting on the sidelines. If a Franco-German alliance is strong on our doorstep, our global influence diminishes as a nation, even if our relationship with Washington DC is strong, as one of the reasons the US administration maintains a close tie with Downing Street is that it provides a foot in the door at the European Union. There has long been talk of a two-speed Europe – I can see the UK being relegated to the hard shoulder at this rate, particularly if the current warming of relations between Paris and Washington continues.
Month: January 2003
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It sure is quiet around
It sure is quiet around here.
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Much fuss in certain quarters
Much fuss in certain quarters online (i.e. blogs) about the proposed introduction of ID cards in the UK. Stand makes a stand about it here, the BBC profiles the issue here and the government has its say and has a public consultation here.
I’ve rambled on in a couple of places about my opinion on the subject. For those that have missed it, here it is again:I really think the ID card thing is a big fuss about nothing by both camps, pro and anti.
The anti camp think they will have their liberties infringed. Crap. Tesco know more about you already than HMG ever will.
The pro camp think it will solve all problems related to crime and immigration. Pants. If I can buy a forged passport, drivers licence or credit card, then you can bet that it will only be a matter of days after ID cards are issued that I can get a whole fake ID.
On the plus side, a single reference number will save me having to have a note of different numbers for national insurance, driving licence, passport, NHS, library, rail pass and god knows what else.
On the negative side, it will keep yet another bunch of Blair’s cronies in jobs at my expense. And the expense will be huge, paid out of our taxes, and not spent on something useful like schools, hospitals or vasectomies for parents of loud children at photo exhibitions.Rant! Rave!
More opinions on subjects that I’m not really qualified to talk about later, as you have come to expect.
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Blogger is being a bit
Blogger is being a bit slow tonight. Really must finish installing MT, but I’m sooooo lazy sometimes.
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Ages and ages and ages
Ages and ages and ages ago, Rodney sent me his passport photo for the passport photo gallery. The other day, whilst looking for something entirely different, I stumbled across it on my computer hard drive, and I’ve now added it to the gallery. I’m sure he’ll be pleased about that.
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Strange old week really. Not
Strange old week really. Not one I particularly want to repeat at any time in the future.
But the future is where the focus needs to lie, and I have a busy week ahead. Nikki’s birthday bash on Tuesday will be a highlight, but more importantly is the need to get my head and a good supply of clean boxer shorts in order ready for my trip to the US on Saturday. I need to prepare a bunch of papers, the usual travelling kit and also sort out what my objectives are for my week in Santa Barbara, as this is a work trip after all (although the fact that my hosts tell me that they are picking oranges from the tree in their garden does nothing to make me look forward to the trip at all. Oh no, not a bit).
Future focus. That’s the key.
Hopefully, by the time I get back, I should be able to reveal a bit more about what I’ve been hinting at here for the last few months. I’ve told a few people about it, but, subject to successful talks with Mr Bank this week, it should all become some sort of reality very soon indeed. Fingers crossed, eh? -
Today I shall be guest
Today I shall be guest chef at Lord Percy and Lady Bren’s abode.
A sunny day again. Don’t really have a sunny disposition at the moment. Hopefully that will come later. -
It’s a tragedy. Maurice Gibb,
It’s a tragedy. Maurice Gibb, RIP.
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Beer with Lady Bren, Lord
Beer with Lady Bren, Lord Percy, Kearn, Paul C and Tim W, as well as sightings of Nicky, Kristian and loud Amanda. A good night.