Always Say No To A Bank
According to this article in the Telegraph, the banks are being told to cut down on commission-based selling to their customers.
I never buy anything from a bank. If I could find a pure money transfer company to manage my current account, I might move.
Banks should be made to publish anonymously the salary details of all employees, including all of their benefits and commissions in a form that could be downloaded as an Excel spreadsheet.
That would sort the problem out, as millions would analyse the results in great detail! It might even force some banks to withdraw from the market and we could have more coffee shops, bars and restaurants in good quality buildings.
Camden Tightens Council Tax Rules
It would appear that Camden Council are tightening the rules on Concil Tax for second and empty homes according to this BBC report.
Although, I probably wouldn’t agree with the Council on many matters, I applaud this action.
Those that are greedy and in my opinion stupid to want to live in two homes, should have to pay for the privilege.
I also think that all houses registered to companies, should pay a special surcharge on their Council Tax.
Did My Protest Work?
It is being reported that Starbucks are now going to pay more Corporation Tax.
Since the storm broke, I’ve not used a large chain of coffee shops, although I have popped into Carluccio’s for the odd cappuccino.
I wonder how many other people have adopted a similar boycott?
It’ll be interesting to see the accounts of the chains as they emerge!
On a related point, I was talking to an American a few days ago, and they didn’t like the way Starbucks behaved on the other side of the pond.
Battersea Power Station From The South London Line
I took these pictures of Central London’s worst eyesore from the train going to Victoria from London Bridge.
It may be Europe’s largest brick building, but would anybody mourn if it were to be demolished. It’ll probably self-demolish in a short time.
A Truly European Tournament
I can’t believe that UEFA are being so sensible and proposing that Euro 2020, is going to be organised in a dozen or so European countries.
David Bond, the BBC Sports Editor discusses the various issues here.
In my view the advantages are large, as in a time of austerity, Europe won’t have to build a lot of new stadia. It also gives the smaller countries the chance to stage a few matches.
When did the so-called great and good come up with something sensible like this before?
St. George Wharf Tower
St. George Wharf Tower is a residential tower near Vauxhall. Here are a few pictures.
It dominates the landscape as The Shard does. But in my view, it not quite the same blot on the landscape as that tower.
I took the pictures from a London Bridge to Victoria train. These will stop on Saturday with the extension of the Overground.
Something Concrete About Cycle Safety
I was waiting for a bus, when I heard a voice repeating.
This lorry is turning left.
It turned out it was a recorded message on this cement lorry.
Something Concrete About Cycle Safety
I think it could be a good idea. Except for deaf cyclists.
Were Economic Forecasters Invented To Make Weather Forecasters Look Good At Their Job?
This question was posed on Drive on BBC Radio 5 Live.
I like it!
Scotland And The EU
This article in the Telegraph about the relationship between an independent Scotland and the EU is really worth reading.
Not for the article itself, but for the comments that have been added by readers.
Many would be worthy of a good comedian. And plenty bad ones too!
A Flying Boat From Norway
This was also pictured in today’s Times. It’s an escape life boat for an oil platform being tested by dropping from sixty metres.
There’s a video here, that is really worth watching.
The Times says that the boat can carry seventy passengers and is made of plastic.
The Anonymous Widower 