ecuk268

What surprises me is that he resigned from the Met "on medical grounds" before he could face a disciplinary hearing, re-joined the Surrey police (his medical condition had obviously cleared up) and then transferred back to the Met with a clean slate.

What other way is there? If you don't buy, you're always at the mercy of some landlord. Without much tougher rental laws, buying is the only option but always allow for the fact that mortgage rates can go up. We got married and bought a house in the late 70s when mortgage interest was 15% (although you did get tax relief). There wasn't such gap then between average wages and house prices. That's what's causing the problem today.

Judging by last nights performance at Trent Bridge in the CB40, I don't fancy our chances in the T20 quarter-final. Get fit soon Michael Carberry.

Renting is very common on the continent because their rental laws are much tougher than ours. Tenants have more security and, in Germany, rents are controlled. Most people want security. In this country the only way to get it is to buy.

Too many politicians (of all parties) leave University, get a job as some MP's researcher, stand for an unwinnable seat, then get a winnable one and get elected. They should all have to have a "proper" job for 10 years then they could come into parliament in their mid-thirties with a bit of experience of the real world.

Judging by the reports on some of their new recruits, they's do a better job.

My granddad was Head Gardener on a large country estate. During the school holidays and for a few months after leaving school, I worked there. Picking fruit, cutting acres of lawns, marking out and mowing his lordships polo pitch - I absolutely loved it. Unfortunately the money was rubbish but I've never enjoyed any job as much.

if you're going from Southampton to London and aren't in a particular hurry, it's worth checking the Southern trains to Victoria. Mrs ecuk268 got a return for £10.00 booking about 2 weeks in advance (it is 2.5 hours each way though).

According to "Life". Keith Richards' entertaining biography, Mick's not too well off in the downstairs department.

Likewise. Any faults have been quickly sorted and often had a follow-up call to "make sure everything's OK".

Enjoyed Dark Skies, could do with a 2nd series. Also liked The Event shown last year, again a 2nd series should be done. Watched Alcatraz recently, not outstanding but it was OK. Unfortunately it got the chop before the end of the series so you were left hanging.

You would think that they'd give other Ministers notice that it was going to happen so that they didn't appear in the papers saying the opposite. Gives the impression of policy making on the fly.

On the same day that the Transport Secretary says that fuel duty will definitely rise in August to reduce the deficit , Osborne performs U-turn number 473 (actually about 33) and scraps it. Left hand not knowing what right hand is doing?

If you can get near the cat, give it a bloody good soaking with a hosepipe or a bucket of water. Cats hate water and they'll soon get the message.

A peregrine looks as if it's wearing trousers as it's plumage extends almost to it's feet. I've got a stuffed one in a glass case (inherited from an elderly relative).

30Mb download 3Mb upload. That nice Mr Branson is doubling it to 60Mb next month at no extra cost. In use I actually get about 25Mb.

Are you taking the p*ss?

Surrey batsman (son of Matthew) died after being hit by a tube train. Only 23 - tragic.

What a bunch of nancy boys! What's wrong with wire wool and sheep fat?

Is it a true story??

Imagine the half-time queues at St Marys.....

Chrome - faster than IE although I occasionally come across sites that will only properly work with IE.

Obviously admirers of the McCanns.

Brilliant place. We were there for 5 days - not nearly long enough. Loads to see and do, the natives are quite direct but very friendly. Went on a Virgin package and stayed on West 34th St near Macys and the Empire State. Not a place to go if you're on a diet as the portions are huge.

We've often used Geeves in Shirley. Always reliable and very reasonable. 02380783270