What?

Slower or faster?



The Guardian is confusing me.

New Fifty Pence

Finally the new 50p! Just the 10p and £1 coins to go now.

Congratulations to Steve for getting into the Guardian work suppliment this weekend, online version available here http://www.guardian.co.uk/money/2008/nov/08/working-life-used-car-salesman

Saturday delights

Saturdays have many things going for it, at least half a day off work each week, fried egg sandwiches, some motor sport and the weekend edition of the Guardian.


The Guardian on Saturday is great for many reasons, Ben Goldacres Bad Science, Tim Dowlings hilarious column, the Writers rooms photo, but mostly the Coopers of Stortford advert in the magazine.




Coopers of Stortford (http://www.coopersofstortford.co.uk/) are a rather old fashioned mail order company who think they are selling cutting edge items, but in fact most of the things they sell are faitly ridiculous. This week was a real treat for Guardian readers everywhere, not only the usual advert but also a whole glossy brochure of items. This was truly a red letter day for Coopers fans everywhere.


You can go to their website yourself, but let me point a a few highlights...


"With identity theft on the increase every year, it's crucial you don't let personal documents fall into the wrong hands. These innovative ergonomically designed Security Scissors act like 5 pairs of scissors and effortlessly destroy sensitive statements, bills and receipts."


Which is essentially 5 pairs of scissors stuck together, all for the same price as an electronic shredder would cost in Argos.




"'Fly the flag' from your garden or premises with these patriotic flags and traditional flagpole. Now comes with both the British Union and English St.George's flags, making it ideal for supporting your country, St. George's day celebrations, The Queen's Birthday or whenever you are feeling patriotic! "


I know with me it's a feeling that comes and goes, and I always like to have a flag ready for the occasion.


and finally the deluxe Bible case, which provides "Transportation of all your worshipping needs".



I salute you Coopers of Stortford for making my weekend that little bit happier.

Things that are free

Even though I am a Guardian reading borderline lefty (you can't be a centrey really, can you?) my heart is always warmed buy things that are free at the point of use in our society. It should not come as a shock, that is what socialism is about, but it still does.

This week I had cause to revisit the library, long forgotten since the weather turned semi reliable a few months ago and I started reading less (in fact the pile of books is accumulating, just as I thought I was going to be at a “point zero” in unread books). The reason was a trip to Rome booked for September, and the need to get some guide books, but not being able to buy them as all my money will be used paying to go to Rome. A catch 22 that the library provides a route out of.

Anyway, the point is that it feels odd to walk in somewhere, pick up books and walk out with no money changing hands. It was a bit like the time that Britannia Breakdown rescued my poor old Panda car from a busy road and got it going, I felt the need to give the repair man something (I didn't, as essentially I am tight).

I now feel a bit guilty that in my job I help people pay less tax on their savings, in fact I should be trying to encourage them to pay more, so I can read more books for free and and I remain the correct side of centre.