If you want a Public Holiday, how about a Day to commemorate the English Revolution?

The 17th Century isn't a period that is popular any more. I asked my kids about what they study in History at School and they reply that its all modern history and give my that glazed look that you get from a youth not really interested in the subject matter. Yet when a historical drama comes on TV like for example Rome, the Tudors or over the last couple of weeks, The Devils Whore, interest and enthusiasm is sparked and the kids are engaged in discussion about the subject matter and searching the Internet over the characters involved.

The Devils Whore is a story based around historical fact. The characters and events around the lead role inspire many a google entry by kids with a hunger to find out what the period was about. It certainly made me reconsider the importance of the period and after reading this in today's Observer share the call for making January 30th, the date Charles the First was beheaded as a national holiday. After all if the USA can have an Independence Day couldn't we have a English Revolution Day?

Labour does something right, shocker!!

Post office news here. The cynic in me says that if it wasnt for the credit crunch and the complete collapse of the unregulated banking system this wouldnt have happened.

Lets have proper investigations into work.

There have been reports about the slight fall in accidents/fatalities at work. Obviously the celebration of less accidents is normally to be clebrated but this report by Unite shows that there has been a significant drop in HSE investigations for a variety of reasons.
This is completely unacceptable.
The Government has to ensure enough resources for the HSE to investigate all workplace accidents and injuries. There has to be a halt to any cutbacks in the power of the HSE to do its job and where necessary to prosecute dangerous employers.

UKIP rejects BNP alliance offer

The British 'Nutjob' Party have been attempting to play at being special friends with the ex Tories in UKIP. Two views here and here. Wisely UKIP have avoided getting their shoes covered in smelly dog shit!!

In the meantime Conservativehome have posted this interesting poll on IQ levels!!

Will Clarkson get away with it?

I havent commented on the Ross/Brand witchunt as many other bloggers have done a far better job than I would. I view this fiasco as an organised attempt by the right wing press to knock the BBC and while I think the comments made by the two DJs to be ill considered, there are plenty of TV personalities who get away with far worse as explained by Peter Tatchell here.

I read this about arch Tory Jeremy Clarkson today and thought its about time this pratt got his cumupence. Of course the millionaire press will jump to protect their pet. I think we should start sending in the complaints now to get this idiot kicked off the telly.

Barclays Bank. Middle Eastern Capitalist Bail Out.

News yesterday of big financial interest in Barclays Bank. Like all the banks Barclays have taken a hit from the global meltdown caused in main from involvement in the US sub prime markets. Interestingly this one has gone without comment from government more concerned with keeping the financial system afloat. I expect they would have got into a huge panic if it was the Chinese or Russian financial interests offering a bail out, or capitalisation as it is fashionably known.