Seaplane service for Glasgow

The Times has the story.

Prairie Home Companion

I've just read "Radio Romance" by Garrison Keillor, bought for me by my wife for thirty pence in a UK charity shop. The book tells the tale of WLT Radio in Minneapolis. It is a damn good chuckle and considerably racier to those familiar with "Lake Wobegon Days."
Yesterday we were out early in the fog for a smart car meet we arranged in High Park at the Grenadier Restaurant. There were seven cars in all, mostly out-of-towners and a good time was had by all. Last night we went to the video store across the street and rented "Prairie Home Companion" - more GK, and based on his long running radio show, of the same name, which he freely confesses was inspired by the "Grand Ole Opry."
What a pleasant movie! With an ensemble cast it was Robert Altman's last picture as director. It was beautifully observed with great music. The producer fretting over the bad jokes of the singing cowboys "Dusty and Lefty" rang true. Robin and Linda Williams stole the show for me with their rendition of "Old Plank Road." For Americana buffs good value at $4.99 CDN rental.

Blair's Barmy Army

Marvel at the waste on consultants in the UK public sector. If anything, this article understates the case. The Sunday Times has the story. Anybody remember the BS of total quality management?

Greedy King alert

Now Suffolk brewer Greene King sticks it to their local pensioners. The Daily Mail has the story.

Controlled Chaos

European Cities do away with traffic signs. Der Spiegel has the story.

£10 Billion for four weeks of "sport"

Ken Livingstone ducks as the Olympic boondoggle spins out of control. Makes the Dome look like a bargain. The Guardian has the story.

Brit Macau sweep

Danny Watts cruised to victory in the Porsche Carrera race at Macau. Matthew Marsh crashed out at the start.
In a good day for the Brits Mike Conway won the F3 Grand Prix and Andy Priaulx won the World Touring car Championship.

Porsche pole for Watts

Danny Watts will start the Carrera Cup Asia race at the Macau Grand Prix from pole position on Sunday. Matthew Marsh qualified seventh in a session dogged by yellow and red flags.

Olympic financial nightmare

Taxpayers underwriting this freak show will receive a hefty bill for years to come. The Times counts the cost.

Greedy Greene King - the new Watney's

Photo: Roger Bamber

Remember the bad old days of Watney's Red Barrel and Kegbuster, the CAMRA-campaign that defeated Grotney's. Nobody thought the mighty brewer could be laid low but the name Watney's no longer exists while CAMRA sails on.
Well watch Greedy King self-destruct as it screws drinkers at the Lewes Arms in Lewes, East Sussex. The customers prefer Harvey's Best, the local brew from the brewery down the road, the overwhelming choice of drinkers at the pub.
Greene King are removing Harvey's from the pub this weekend and only offering their own beers - poor tackle by comparison. A company that treats its customers with contempt will pay a bitter price in the long run. Sheltering behind phony PR that emphasises choice and the sanctity of the local fools nobody. Drinkers at the pub are mad as hell and won't forget this slight in a hurry.
Greedy Greene King are set to make a classic mistake. Bad luck to them.

Check out the Friends of the Lewes Arms blog here.