Apparatly the Tax cuts of yesterday will save the average customer £170 per year in saved sales tax. They really have lost the plot. Do they think £170 will make any difference what so ever? Will I spend more money? No. Will I likely hold on to my money longer? Yes. Infact, although my savings are not earning as much as they did do I want to have nothing in the bank for a rainy day? Unlike this Government I dont want to be up to my eyes in dept.
Apparantly the UK was still paying off the debts that the government ran up during the Second World War, so goodness knows how many decades this labour, buy now tax later, Government has implemented. What a joke. £170. It prooves how far detatched the politicians have become. If they think £170 will make a single difference to anyone instead of those that are on benefits. Surely there has to come a time when the middle classes unite and say thats enough, we will not stand your taxing us to death anymore?
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Monday, November 24, 2008
Do we really have monkeys running the country?
Seems like our government is more out of touch than I even thought they were.
Firstly the other evening there was a documentary on John Prescott, deputy Prime Minister. The interviewer was following him around for a day. She asked him at one stage does he know what a Chav is? He said "A what?".
He clearly hadnt got a clue. How can the people that run the country not even know what a Chav is when you only have to pick up a newspaper and can hear about them. Of course this would be the same politicians that wont take public transport and havnt got a clue about how awful it is for the rest of us when the trains are so full you cant even move. Of course this is supposed to incentivise us to use public transport.
Then today the much talked about pre budget report. They had been taking about the potential tax cuts that would be the saving grass of the economy and help us all bounce back from recession.
With such baited breath were we all that nearly the entire bank was sat there with headphones on waiting to listen to the Chancellors speach.
How out of touch is a government that thinks that by lowering VAT (Sales Tax) by 2.5% its really going to make any difference to peoples spending habbits. CAn you imagine seeing a poster in M&S stating "Sale 2.5% off". Would you even bother crossing the road. Oh and then to pay for some of it they will increase National Insurance payments by half a percent. Funny I thought National Insurance was supposed to pay for National Health and Pensions. Now its government spending also. So deluded are they that they think that increasing the upper tax bracket for those high earners 5% it will help the economy. Our economy is based around the Finance Industry, infact its whats kept our great nation, great. Only now they want to tax even more the people that helped build the economy.
I remember back in the 80s when Neil Kinnock was fighting to win an election and put Labour into power. The newspapers front cover said "Would the last person to leave the Country please turn out the light". Even my Dad used to say how they would tax us to death and they would consider moving abroad.
This pathetic 2.5% reduction will do nothing in real terms. Think of a shop, say GAP or M&S that has a top for £30. Will they really reduce it .45p and would that make all the difference in your purchase? Infact I bet the shops dont even go to the effort of reducing the cost on the labels. For small businesses that are the backbone of the country, will they really change their menu's and go to all that effort? Will they heck! No they will consider it a bonus and keep prices static.
Its almost the same as they pumping Billions in to the banking system! Made no difference whatsoever. Infact, what this country needs, and I hate to say it is a reduction in the price of housing period. Thats all that will get the housing markets moving again.
My Dad was right when he said Labour take money from you and conservatives put it back in your pocket. How on earth is a country that is pumping billions into a system that rewards those that put nothing back. Im not taking about the old or those that are unable to work but the millions of poeople that just take money off the state and dont want to contribute towards it. Now if only those that didnt pay tax couldnt vote, we would see a swing away from those in power that are actually making those of us that work harder and harder pay for those that dont want to contribute anything at all.
Madness? Well I know where I will be putting my cross on election day. I just wish it was it was sooner that 2010. Goodness knows how many more billions they will have squandered by then. Maybe we will be bankrupt. Time for change.
Infact if they did want to help us, they could do something usefull. Pull us out of the EU. Something we pay billions in membership fee's so that they can give it to other countries. They say there is an EU law the prohibits that they charge any EU state less than 15% in Sales Tax. How is that a system that is beneficial of the people? Its been too long they have been taking us for a giddy kipper. But sadly I see noone else up in arms and as upset about it as I am!
Firstly the other evening there was a documentary on John Prescott, deputy Prime Minister. The interviewer was following him around for a day. She asked him at one stage does he know what a Chav is? He said "A what?".
He clearly hadnt got a clue. How can the people that run the country not even know what a Chav is when you only have to pick up a newspaper and can hear about them. Of course this would be the same politicians that wont take public transport and havnt got a clue about how awful it is for the rest of us when the trains are so full you cant even move. Of course this is supposed to incentivise us to use public transport.
Then today the much talked about pre budget report. They had been taking about the potential tax cuts that would be the saving grass of the economy and help us all bounce back from recession.
With such baited breath were we all that nearly the entire bank was sat there with headphones on waiting to listen to the Chancellors speach.
How out of touch is a government that thinks that by lowering VAT (Sales Tax) by 2.5% its really going to make any difference to peoples spending habbits. CAn you imagine seeing a poster in M&S stating "Sale 2.5% off". Would you even bother crossing the road. Oh and then to pay for some of it they will increase National Insurance payments by half a percent. Funny I thought National Insurance was supposed to pay for National Health and Pensions. Now its government spending also. So deluded are they that they think that increasing the upper tax bracket for those high earners 5% it will help the economy. Our economy is based around the Finance Industry, infact its whats kept our great nation, great. Only now they want to tax even more the people that helped build the economy.
I remember back in the 80s when Neil Kinnock was fighting to win an election and put Labour into power. The newspapers front cover said "Would the last person to leave the Country please turn out the light". Even my Dad used to say how they would tax us to death and they would consider moving abroad.
This pathetic 2.5% reduction will do nothing in real terms. Think of a shop, say GAP or M&S that has a top for £30. Will they really reduce it .45p and would that make all the difference in your purchase? Infact I bet the shops dont even go to the effort of reducing the cost on the labels. For small businesses that are the backbone of the country, will they really change their menu's and go to all that effort? Will they heck! No they will consider it a bonus and keep prices static.
Its almost the same as they pumping Billions in to the banking system! Made no difference whatsoever. Infact, what this country needs, and I hate to say it is a reduction in the price of housing period. Thats all that will get the housing markets moving again.
My Dad was right when he said Labour take money from you and conservatives put it back in your pocket. How on earth is a country that is pumping billions into a system that rewards those that put nothing back. Im not taking about the old or those that are unable to work but the millions of poeople that just take money off the state and dont want to contribute towards it. Now if only those that didnt pay tax couldnt vote, we would see a swing away from those in power that are actually making those of us that work harder and harder pay for those that dont want to contribute anything at all.
Madness? Well I know where I will be putting my cross on election day. I just wish it was it was sooner that 2010. Goodness knows how many more billions they will have squandered by then. Maybe we will be bankrupt. Time for change.
Infact if they did want to help us, they could do something usefull. Pull us out of the EU. Something we pay billions in membership fee's so that they can give it to other countries. They say there is an EU law the prohibits that they charge any EU state less than 15% in Sales Tax. How is that a system that is beneficial of the people? Its been too long they have been taking us for a giddy kipper. But sadly I see noone else up in arms and as upset about it as I am!
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Dinner at Balan's with Gill
Having not seen each other since September, Gill and I had arranged to see each other Saturday evening. She was off to see a show and so I hit the gym first then made my way to meet her from the theatre. We had hoped to try Wahaca, a fab new Mexican place I have been to with Mikey. But it being the Theatre district everywhere was heaving with people, so we made our way to good old reliable Balans. Great service, good looking servers and great food, you cant really go wrong.
We enjoyed a Chocolate Martini each to start. Gill's first ever. I think I can safely say she is hooked. Was home by 2030. Clearly worn out if I look forward to a Saturday night in. Either that or I am offically old? :-(
We enjoyed a Chocolate Martini each to start. Gill's first ever. I think I can safely say she is hooked. Was home by 2030. Clearly worn out if I look forward to a Saturday night in. Either that or I am offically old? :-(
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Sugarbabes
Nipping out to grab some food at lunchtime today I noticed a road leading to Oxford Street closed and they were constructing a stage. Made me think that tonight was the night they were turning on the Oxford Street lights. Looking it up on the internet my suspicions were correct. Sugarbabes would be turning them on around 6PM this evening.
So leaving work just before six I made my way via John Lewis & Waitrose to buy some dinner and stopped to look at the bedding on the second floor then suddenly heard the crowd cheer and so made my way out to the street to hear them singing Push Da Button. Seemed quite appropriate as they were turning on the lights. Stayed for a while and enjoyed the crowd and the music then made my way home to escape the madness of the West End even more packed than normal with shoppers and tourists.
So leaving work just before six I made my way via John Lewis & Waitrose to buy some dinner and stopped to look at the bedding on the second floor then suddenly heard the crowd cheer and so made my way out to the street to hear them singing Push Da Button. Seemed quite appropriate as they were turning on the lights. Stayed for a while and enjoyed the crowd and the music then made my way home to escape the madness of the West End even more packed than normal with shoppers and tourists.
545AM Starts
I dont think I will ever get used to getting up this early every morning. As I wake to the news and swicth to Gaydar Radio I really do think, God Bless Neil Sexton. My dear friend from Gaydar Radio has to do it every single morning and all in the name of showbusiness.
Its particuarly difficult at this time of year when its dark and wet in the mornings. Brrrr. Thankfully next week I can cut back an hour and go in a wee bit later once my deadline is out of the way! :-)
Its particuarly difficult at this time of year when its dark and wet in the mornings. Brrrr. Thankfully next week I can cut back an hour and go in a wee bit later once my deadline is out of the way! :-)
Monday, November 10, 2008
Guy Fawkes & Steph's Birthday
Friday night was Richard & Mark's (Aka the Leather Queens) traditional annual firework party at their home.
Dusan and I were both working and by the time we got home, changed and made our way there it was almost 9 PM and they had set off the fireworks without us. What a liberty.
Was nice to see everyone again. Not seen the boys or Stuart & Yannis in forever.
Came home and managed to catch up on some sleep by laying in until almost 1245PM Saturday morning. You know what its like when you wake at the normal time, around 6 PM and think oh how marvelous, I can go back to sleep. That I did for several hours more.
Saturday evening was Steph's Birthday Party in Kent. I had heard that they were closing Blackheath due to the firework display so had to make my way there early and caught up with Steph & Georgie and Steph's 2 kids, Hannah and Alex. Not often you meet such nice Children. Both very pleasant and perfect hosts at their Mum's party.
I got home just before 0100 and watched some television before crashing out and sleeping in until almost 1300 once again. Blissfull.
Got dressed and made my way to Sainsbury's for my weekly shop. It was my turn to cook the home made soup for our Monday soup club at work this week and I needed fresh veggies in order to do that. Stocked up on a week's worth of food and made my way to the checkouts. What the heck? Every checkout was heaving and I stood in line for at least 15 minutes. Why is it they never have all the checkouts open? There was a family in front of me with 2 trolleys. It looked like it was Mum & Dad with the first trolley and their daughter of around 20 with the second.
With nothing to do but wait in line I watched as they slowly unpacked their trolley onto the conveyor at the cashier. I almost felt embarrased as they loaded junk food and the cheapest brand instant meals onto the counter. Watching eagerly to see how much each item cost. Economy brand cheese, Economy Brand value meals, economy brand everything. Now dont get me wrong, I buy cheaper things like kitchen towells and Kidney beans. They only go in a dish and they taste no different. But economy cheese? Economy brand toilet tissue? There are some things I just wont scrimp on. But I was amazed at how much junk they were buying. Chocolate rolls, crisps, chips, cakes, sweets, and all these microwave meals.
I looked down at my own selection, a kilo of Mince meat, a kilo of steak chunks, a whole chicken. Then I watched in amazement as their trolley of junk came to £220, their daughters £82 and mine only £60, filled with fresh meats, veggies and 2 bottles of wine. Jamie Oliver was right. People dont know how to cook or what to cook and live on a staple diet of junk food, probably telling themselves they cant afford to eat better.
My whole chicken and a bag of potatoes made dinner for both of us 2 nights running, plus the chicken made the stock for my soup and the Mince alone will make 4 meals for both of us. To think I couldnt even cook myself a year ago but for the odd basic meal.
Despite a not too late a night was exhausted this morning. Must have been all that shopping?
Dusan and I were both working and by the time we got home, changed and made our way there it was almost 9 PM and they had set off the fireworks without us. What a liberty.
Was nice to see everyone again. Not seen the boys or Stuart & Yannis in forever.
Came home and managed to catch up on some sleep by laying in until almost 1245PM Saturday morning. You know what its like when you wake at the normal time, around 6 PM and think oh how marvelous, I can go back to sleep. That I did for several hours more.
Saturday evening was Steph's Birthday Party in Kent. I had heard that they were closing Blackheath due to the firework display so had to make my way there early and caught up with Steph & Georgie and Steph's 2 kids, Hannah and Alex. Not often you meet such nice Children. Both very pleasant and perfect hosts at their Mum's party.
I got home just before 0100 and watched some television before crashing out and sleeping in until almost 1300 once again. Blissfull.
Got dressed and made my way to Sainsbury's for my weekly shop. It was my turn to cook the home made soup for our Monday soup club at work this week and I needed fresh veggies in order to do that. Stocked up on a week's worth of food and made my way to the checkouts. What the heck? Every checkout was heaving and I stood in line for at least 15 minutes. Why is it they never have all the checkouts open? There was a family in front of me with 2 trolleys. It looked like it was Mum & Dad with the first trolley and their daughter of around 20 with the second.
With nothing to do but wait in line I watched as they slowly unpacked their trolley onto the conveyor at the cashier. I almost felt embarrased as they loaded junk food and the cheapest brand instant meals onto the counter. Watching eagerly to see how much each item cost. Economy brand cheese, Economy Brand value meals, economy brand everything. Now dont get me wrong, I buy cheaper things like kitchen towells and Kidney beans. They only go in a dish and they taste no different. But economy cheese? Economy brand toilet tissue? There are some things I just wont scrimp on. But I was amazed at how much junk they were buying. Chocolate rolls, crisps, chips, cakes, sweets, and all these microwave meals.
I looked down at my own selection, a kilo of Mince meat, a kilo of steak chunks, a whole chicken. Then I watched in amazement as their trolley of junk came to £220, their daughters £82 and mine only £60, filled with fresh meats, veggies and 2 bottles of wine. Jamie Oliver was right. People dont know how to cook or what to cook and live on a staple diet of junk food, probably telling themselves they cant afford to eat better.
My whole chicken and a bag of potatoes made dinner for both of us 2 nights running, plus the chicken made the stock for my soup and the Mince alone will make 4 meals for both of us. To think I couldnt even cook myself a year ago but for the odd basic meal.
Despite a not too late a night was exhausted this morning. Must have been all that shopping?
Wednesday, November 05, 2008
Joy and then sadness
As the world woke with new hope and new dreams it really did feel like the world was in a better place as we woke to the new of Barrack Obama winning the US elections. Taking the Bus, train and Tube to work everyone was reading the special editions of news papers all about the elections.
Then at work today I got an email from my dear friend Ed, telling me that Proposistion 8 made it through. A Judge in the state of California has ruled that Gay weddings are illegal and that as such they could be revoking all the weddings that have taken place in the past few months. Including my dear friend Ed and his husband Jason.
We woke thinking that if the American people could vote for a black president maybe the world was getting better for us all to realise that the most liberal state in the US is still so homophobic. Makes me realise how lucky we are for the rights we have here at home. I hope, especially for Ed & Jason, that the ruling is overturned sometime soon.
Then at work today I got an email from my dear friend Ed, telling me that Proposistion 8 made it through. A Judge in the state of California has ruled that Gay weddings are illegal and that as such they could be revoking all the weddings that have taken place in the past few months. Including my dear friend Ed and his husband Jason.
We woke thinking that if the American people could vote for a black president maybe the world was getting better for us all to realise that the most liberal state in the US is still so homophobic. Makes me realise how lucky we are for the rights we have here at home. I hope, especially for Ed & Jason, that the ruling is overturned sometime soon.
A New Day Dawns
As I went to bed last night the first of the votes were not in, but as much I tried not to, my heart hoped and prayed that Barrack Abama would win. This morning there is a new hope in the world. Looking at how much the Labour party changed our country, bring equality and the opportunity for people like me to have a civil partnership.
Change is always good. I always think, especially in politics, this is particuarly true. After so much change they go stale and the world demands change. So much so that that the near impossible, America would be ready for a black president. Hopefully he can lead the American people and the most powerfull country in the World and lead the world to a better place. God Bless America.
Change is always good. I always think, especially in politics, this is particuarly true. After so much change they go stale and the world demands change. So much so that that the near impossible, America would be ready for a black president. Hopefully he can lead the American people and the most powerfull country in the World and lead the world to a better place. God Bless America.
Tuesday, November 04, 2008
Vote America and change the World
The World waits with baited breath. For today the leader of the most powerfull country in the World will be chosen. Go my American friends, place you vote. Do you bit and vote for Abama. For a vote for Abama would be more than just a vote for your country, its a vote for the World.
I pray that the world is ready for change and somehow it feels that if Abama wins, the world will be a better place. If McCain wins it will go backwards. It feels that if Abama wins a new world will be be created. A world of hope, it will create a positive light. The positivity that it would create. The ultimate American dream that really anyone can become president of the United States of America. It could be just what the world needs right now. A new breath of life. It could be the change needed ti lift some of the gloom of the recessionn.
But its not for me to vote. So my frineds, go, vote. Do you bit and make the world a better place. America we are waitiing, watching and we are all ready for change.
I pray that the world is ready for change and somehow it feels that if Abama wins, the world will be a better place. If McCain wins it will go backwards. It feels that if Abama wins a new world will be be created. A world of hope, it will create a positive light. The positivity that it would create. The ultimate American dream that really anyone can become president of the United States of America. It could be just what the world needs right now. A new breath of life. It could be the change needed ti lift some of the gloom of the recessionn.
But its not for me to vote. So my frineds, go, vote. Do you bit and make the world a better place. America we are waitiing, watching and we are all ready for change.
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