14/01/2009 by admin.

About ten years ago, I was interviewed by Evan Davies, then for BBC2’s Newsnight, about Metrolink finances taking too long to get together. Naturally, I tuned in exitedly that night and was mortified when the package went ahead without me.

The man himself range me the next day to apologise and explain that there had been nothing wrong with what I had said but that another item had squeezed his slot and I had fallen victim to that.

Coming from an industry which routinely asks people to put themselves out for nothing ever to appear, I was surprised and delighted at the call.

So it was with some pleasure that I watched Davies’ hour-long explanationj of the banking crisis tonight. I had an epiphany, similar to one I had last year when I visted the Einstein museum in Geneva.

I just hope the understanding of the banking crisis stays in my mind longer than the theory of relativity did!

Posted in Media | Print | 1 Comment »

14/01/2009 by admin.

This afternoon, I came across a dozen Canada geese on the Rochdale canal. They were all preening their feathers and rolling in the water. Very odd…or perhaps not.

Posted in Outdoors | Print | No Comments »

14/01/2009 by admin.

The Pennine Acute Trust in Greater Manchester is withdrawing parking passes for staff at three hospitals.

As one who enjoyed free parking in the middle of Manchester, I sympathise. But I parked free because I was required to use my car - at a moment’s notice - on company business.

If the hospital staff need their cars for work, they should not only get free parking but also be paid accordingly.

What is vital is that the distressing practice of charging visitors - and even patients - to park is stopped as soon as possible.

Posted in Transport | Print | No Comments »