The Germans are Rattled (and so am I)

Dear Angela Merkel has done a complete U turn in less than a week about a bank transaction tax. (See TimesOnline Here)

This looks like another desperate ploy to try and shore up domestic German support for the the Greek financial bale-out.

If that falls apart then all hell will break loose.

Meanwhile the Stock market is in a tail spin. The Euro has nose dived against the dollar (as has the already heavily devalued Pound) and in the USA jobless figures are going the wrong way.

In South-East Asia, North Korea is threatening war against anyone who criticises it for murdering 46 South Korean sailors.

Just to round it off the BA strike is back on.

Blimey! Anything else about to turn sour?

Economists: Cut Deficit NOW!Brown: Mumble. Mmmmm

According to 20 leading world economists, the Labour party lacks a credible plan to deal with the huge deficit. (See Here)

Well, knock me down with a feather duster.

I thought this was such a strong economy that:

[quote]
We are in a better position than most of our competitors.
[unquote]

Who was it that said that again? Some weepy Scottish bloke if I remember. Previously referred to here as “The Abyss” mainly due to his financial skills (of which he has none).

So, what are the prospects of someone (anyone) in this government sitting up and saying:

“Crikey!”
“These blokes think we have got it wrong.”
“They are 20 of the most influential economists in the world. We need to look at this again urgently!”.

Yes.
Quite.
Dream On.

The actual response from the Treasury was that it had already outlined a detailed strategy for cutting the deficit.

When?
I do not know.
I must have missed it.

The chances of Gordon Brown and cohorts doing anything to prevent further financial haemorrhage before the next election is nil. The chances of them doing anything with any sense of urgency even after winning an election is pretty low. Basically all the options left to recover the economy are going to affect their sacred cows and their power base.

We are already barrelling down the same road as the PIIGs (Portugal, Ireland, Italy & Greece). If Labour got re-elected then this would simply continue. But unlike the PIIGs, we would not have the Germans to dig us out of the shite.

Recession Ends - Official.

So, The magnificent, divine, economic genius who rules over us so magnificently and wisely has made our non country of England surge its way out of recession, while other countries can only watch in awe and envy.

Er, No.

Unfortunately a small reality check is needed. The cresting amounted to 0.1%. To get to that the Dear Leader has printed £200 billion, discounted VAT and avoided anything that might resemble the tough painful measures that are required to fix our broken economy.

VAT has now gone back up. While I suspect that Gordon “The Abyss” Brown would be more than willing to print another £200 billion, I think that even his dodgy colleagues might baulk at the prospect.

It looks like the economy is on a roller-coaster. The train is at the top of of a brow barely moving. I suspect it is about to move back on down. Lets hope that somebody (anybody) takes charge soon. Otherwise we are going to hit the buffers. At speed.

Thingy cuts the Liberal Fat

Its no good. I have forgotten his name again. You know the bloke. Thrusting go-ahead leader of the Liberal party. Or is it the Liberal Democrats? Anyway, Thingy. You know who I mean. Evidently he has been gallantly grappling with his parties financial policies. See Here

That is just in case the Martians land or the sun blinks out and Liberals get elected in a couple of months.

I suppose it is a good thing though. It is positive that even those who will have no real input into the harsh economic decisions that need to be made are facing up to reality. Even the Liberals are getting a grip on the stunningly awful financial difficulties we are in.

Regrettibly our great and benificient leader, still ensconced in No 10 continues to let the country haemorrage wealth while offering a few little bribes along the way. Steve Green has kindly given us a sneak preview of the latest, a free laptop Here

Meanwhile back to Thingy. I am sure his name should have been Brian. Is it is something to do with Nicole? Nicola? Ah-Ha! Its Nick.

And his surname?

Must be Kidman.

Oh no. That was that rather elegant actress in “La Moulin Rouge”. Its something to do with Cloggs. NO! Ereka! Its Clegg.

His Name is Nick Clegg.

Uh, what was the name of his party again?

The End for Borders Books

What a shame. Today we went to Borders Bookstore in Bournemouth as they close down. I believe they went into administration a couple of weeks ago and now there is the usual fire-sale with massive reductions on whats left. While we came away with some really great bargains it makes me sad to see the passing of such a nice bookshop.

There was something particularly friendly and cosy about Borders. I have spent many hours in there, just browsing through the book and CD's as well as regularly buying some gem  of a book or recording that has been just sitting there, waiting for me to turn up. The staff were always helpful, friendly and also really very knowlegable about some quite esoteric areas of my personal music and literary tastes.

I dare say it is hardly going to be a great christmas for the now redundant staff. If any of them read this, I wish you well and hope you get yourself a new job soon. Thanks for all the help and friendly advice you have provided over the years.

I wonder what will replace what was, a big feature shop in Bournemouth. I'll miss browsing the books and having a coffee in the friendly atmosphere.

Goodbye Borders and farewell to all your staff..