Can't recall calling anyone fat anythings. I'm doing weightwatchers myself since the new year - so its not my favourite term of abuse.

Bit of sophistry there though eh? Not our money, because its been paid as tax. Our ex- money then..... the money formerly known as ours. I'm sure Harriet Shaw Weaver felt a mild kinship with the loot that James Joyce was pissing up the wall, even though she had transferred its ownership. Its an unmistakeable feeling in the canon of human experience - seeing money pissed way that someone (perhaps not even ourselves) has sweated blood for. Perhaps you have been spared it so far in life - but you'll be lucky if you escape the feeling this side of the grave.

For nearly fifty years now - you have had to have your money paid into a bank account. I can remember when my Dad was not paid (as a policeman) in cash for the first time. All his mates in the force were pissed off. Banks have insinated themselves into the fabric of England and become part of our way of life. they overcharge ruthlessly and systematically and routinely for any bit of a service they perform. I've lost count of he number of times Ombudsmen and consumer groups have spotted their villainies - but no one ever cleans that particular Augean stables.

No they aren't our business. But they're bloody bad business at every opportunity. try and tell how bloody wonderful they are to all the small businessmen of England they have foreclosed on, when a few weeks credit might have helped them weather the storms - usually fomented by idiotic government policies. Often its just the government who need a damn good kick up the arse to protect a section of society. I remember being in Looe one week and every single fishing boat in the harbour had been foreclosed on. One or two - could have been mismanagement - but the whole lot!

Blame Bill Clinton if it helps you. but I think the enemy is within.