tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-73839119531771061552012-01-10T14:48:43.513ZAppealing of Ealinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01969154489616249357noreply@blogger.comBlogger811100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7383911953177106155.post-34271936049875356102010-09-01T20:49:00.000+01:002010-09-01T20:49:43.496+01:00

According to Blair: "I can't regret the decision to go to war... I can say that never did I guess the nightmare that unfolded, and that too is part of the responsibility." Indeed it is. But many people did predict the nightmare -- myself included. I vividly recall those who said a war in Iraq would unleash a hellish intensity of tribal violence -- like Northern Ireland, but a hundred fold, said

Appealing of Ealinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01969154489616249357noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7383911953177106155.post-16621451632440026122010-06-27T21:45:00.005+01:002010-06-27T22:26:05.578+01:00

Home Secretary Theresa May has announced that powers to detain terrorist suspects for up to twenty-eight days without charge will be extended for a further six months. This extension, we are told, is to facilitate a review into the law.Now, before I criticize that decision, (which I do), it will serve us all well to recall that this horribly illiberal piece of legislation was thrust upon you by a

Appealing of Ealinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01969154489616249357noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7383911953177106155.post-7582185781743533312010-06-13T21:23:00.004+01:002010-06-13T21:38:51.368+01:00

The way Obama has handled the Gulf oil disaster should serve as a lesson to anyone who still imagines the so-called "special relationship" with America actually counts for something positive for the UK. As far as I can tell, the only thing that's been "special" about the Anglo-American partnership of recent years has been Britain's extraordinary servility -- and it's really got to stop.Quite

Appealing of Ealinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01969154489616249357noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7383911953177106155.post-69061609053776290142010-06-10T23:13:00.006+01:002010-06-10T23:47:49.881+01:00

I was delighted to hear that Diane Abbott has managed to collect enough nominations to progress to the next stage of the Labour leadership contest. I for one will be campaigning for her, and encourage all Labourites to give her their support!It's such a mouth-watering prospect to imagine that someone even less electable than Michael Foot could soon be taking charge of the Labour helm. And you

Appealing of Ealinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01969154489616249357noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7383911953177106155.post-91369800864441894622010-05-23T20:51:00.003+01:002010-05-23T21:22:51.207+01:00

In his forlorn bid for the Labour leadership Mr. Ed Balls has been trying to reconnect with the grass roots of his party. The invasion of Iraq, he's been telling us, was a "mistake"...yep, that's right, a mistake. Now correct me if I'm wrong, but I thought a mistake is like when you forget to buy a pint of milk in the supermarket, or when you miss your train...The war in Iraq however, I'd call

Appealing of Ealinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01969154489616249357noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7383911953177106155.post-32180227368031698602010-05-07T21:53:00.004+01:002010-05-07T22:19:00.217+01:00

Four years ago, amid recriminations over the abortive west London tram project, Labour found themselves unceremoniously dumped in Ealing's local council elections. But tonight they have seized back control.Of the 69 seats in 23 wards, the result was:Labour 40Conservatives 24Lib Dems 5If this was a response to the Tories cavalier attitude to town planning, (Arcadia and Dickens Yard), then frankly,

Appealing of Ealinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01969154489616249357noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7383911953177106155.post-33878401523518805922010-05-07T11:02:00.005+01:002010-05-08T00:28:36.369+01:00

If I get a moment I'll put up a detailed table of results, but the main news from Ealing is that Ealing Central and Acton has turned blue. Notionally this new seat was very marginal, and as of last night it wasn't altogether clear which way it was going to go. But at 8:25 this morning it was declared for Angie Bray, former Tory leader of the London Assembly, with 17,944 votes on a high turnout of

Appealing of Ealinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01969154489616249357noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7383911953177106155.post-46781499856961257942010-04-30T21:40:00.007+01:002010-04-30T22:10:47.010+01:00

The last of the three TV election debates was supposed to be about the economy. For me it was ninety tedious minutes of blather and posturing from all three men. So, as a public service to my kind readers, this is all you need to know about the economy:The UK economy grew at an average of just 1.7% per annum over the last decade -- not only is that lower than during either of the two previous

Appealing of Ealinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01969154489616249357noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7383911953177106155.post-53689504664373473232010-04-29T21:21:00.003+01:002010-04-29T21:56:49.704+01:00

Labour massively increased the Education budget -- doubled it in fact! So was that money well spent?Here's my collection of thirty or so gems reflecting upon education in Britain today. Take a deep breath, and enjoy...One in five children leave primary school with a poor grasp of maths. According to a report, around 30,000 pupils started secondary school last year with the maths skills of a seven

Appealing of Ealinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01969154489616249357noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7383911953177106155.post-8217752508889166912010-04-27T09:43:00.005+01:002010-04-27T10:56:39.328+01:00

If sneering and partisanship were the mark of excellence in radio news journalism, then recent editions of "The Today Programme" would sweep the awards.Yesterday it was John Humphrys with Michael Gove, today it was the turn of Evan Davis with Chris Grayling. Not that I'm a big fan of Mr. Grayling either, but it would be so nice to go back to those good old days when the BBC really did pay more

Appealing of Ealinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01969154489616249357noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7383911953177106155.post-78121309088835922442010-04-26T12:54:00.005+01:002010-04-26T13:05:22.889+01:00

It's a joy to watch all the lame attempts to laugh off that insulting FCO memo -- poking fun at Mr. Pope and the Catholic Church.Humour? ...Well maybe for a few simpletons in the pub. But really, the Foreign Office? Isn't that supposed to be the lynchpin of British diplomacy and international relations? Isn't it the FCO's job to improve our standing in the world? Now it just looks like the entire

Appealing of Ealinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01969154489616249357noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7383911953177106155.post-39066908608543414652010-04-07T19:29:00.003+01:002010-04-07T19:56:27.835+01:00

This week's chump on the stump award goes to Mr. Chris Grayling, shadow home secretary. Apparently, in his world, it's acceptable for B&Bs run by Christians to turn away gay couples. So why not blacks, Irish and dogs while you're at it Mr. Grayling? I won't even begin to explain what's wrong with him legitimizing somebody's dumb prejudices, because that might just suggest it's not bleedin obvious

Appealing of Ealinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01969154489616249357noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7383911953177106155.post-77253185232153556752010-04-07T19:01:00.005+01:002010-04-07T19:29:21.839+01:00

Trying to travel around north west London on public transport this weekend served as yet another reminder of Gordon Brown's lack of judgement, and financial mismanagement. It was, after all, his stubborn decision to impose the flawed public-private partnerships upon TfL, against the wishes of virtually everybody else involved. Bechtel and the like have been laughing their asses off, all the way

Appealing of Ealinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01969154489616249357noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7383911953177106155.post-44927225900030076522010-03-28T23:47:00.004+01:002010-03-29T00:12:05.554+01:00

As the election draws near, it's interesting to watch how many of the UK political blogs -- of all persuasions -- are positioning themselves. Some, I note, have abandoned credibility in favour of points-scoring, and absurdly selective coverage of events that is little more than propaganda. Others are more subtle. For example, our own local Tory blogger, Cllr Phil Taylor was recently writing about

Appealing of Ealinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01969154489616249357noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7383911953177106155.post-78650877666502236352010-03-21T23:01:00.005Z2010-03-21T23:17:28.655Z

The Iraq war, we were absolutely assured, was not about oil. Come to think of it, what was the Iraq war about? Tony Blair's hubris? His need to grandstand on an international stage, clinging to the USA's coattails? Over the years, the official explanation has morphed a few times to serve the political exigencies of the day. However this weekend we learnt that among Tony Blair's colossal £20m

Appealing of Ealinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01969154489616249357noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7383911953177106155.post-79844197015906336362010-03-17T23:10:00.003Z2010-03-18T00:13:29.264Z

Is it just me, or does anyone else spot the appalling hypocrisy? Is anyone seriously claiming that the trade union, (and airline wrecker), Unite, doesn't have the Labour Party in its pocket? Unite boasts ten cabinet ministers among its membership, and has given Labour £11m since Brown took the top job. Yet these are the same people who were criticizing the Tories a couple of weeks ago over one of

Appealing of Ealinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01969154489616249357noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7383911953177106155.post-70614305400740043472010-03-15T21:18:00.007Z2010-03-15T22:27:24.385Z

Monty's restaurants are an institution around Ealing, and until the end of last month there were four of them. Sadly Dipendra Karki's Nepalese curry house on the west side of the Broadway Centre in High Street is now gone. Blaming prohibitive rent and rates, the restaurant closed its doors for the last time and is relocating to West Hounslow. As if to add insult to injury, it will be replaced by

Appealing of Ealinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01969154489616249357noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7383911953177106155.post-69519663389350963852010-02-28T15:50:00.005Z2010-02-28T16:29:10.938Z

In case you missed it, Dave Hill, (London blogger for The Guardian), has been reporting from Ealing recently.In terms of politics, I don't think there's very much Mr. Hill and I are going to agree about, but he seems like an affable fellow, who certainly writes well, and I respect him. Sometimes I leave comments on his blog that I guess are not always entirely welcome, but occasionally he takes

Appealing of Ealinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01969154489616249357noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7383911953177106155.post-75377570133787548812010-02-24T22:43:00.002Z2010-02-25T12:51:54.269Z

More stuff will be posted here shortly. Thanks to all who continue to stop by.

Appealing of Ealinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01969154489616249357noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7383911953177106155.post-87668950100083874852009-12-16T23:10:00.003Z2009-12-16T23:59:59.738Z

Local councillor and Conservative parliamentary candidate for Ealing North, Ian Gibb, has outlined some important announcements made at Tuesday's meeting of Ealing Council. In addition to pledging a council tax freeze for the second year in succession, a total of £18m worth of investment was announced, including:£1 million for regeneration Greenford Hall.£5 million for Gunnersbury Park.£12

Appealing of Ealinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01969154489616249357noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7383911953177106155.post-51055250206465296902009-12-09T13:32:00.004Z2009-12-09T13:48:07.088Z

Today Ofsted, (the Office for Standards in Education, Children’s Services and Skills), has published its annual children's services rating report for 2009. According to Ofsted:"The ratings look at performance in 152 local authorities in England for 2009 ...is a wide-ranging and robust assessment of the outcomes for children and young people in every local authority area which is strongly based on

Appealing of Ealinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01969154489616249357noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7383911953177106155.post-43802080041966143782009-12-08T14:45:00.003Z2009-12-08T15:47:51.247Z

Good news for Ealing: John Denham, Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, has rejected the Arcadia redevelopment proposal for Ealing Broadway, previously rubber stamped by Conservative-run Ealing Council and London Mayor, Boris Johnson.Denham's decision, which follows last summer's public enquiry, is a victory for common sense and will come as some considerable relief to those

Appealing of Ealinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01969154489616249357noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7383911953177106155.post-16651487514473453582009-11-02T17:03:00.003Z2009-11-02T19:01:08.671Z

Since my last cheery post reflecting on Britain's continued recession, yet more evidence has emerged to the extent of our economic emasculation.First we learnt last week that the USA is now officially out of recession. That means Britain -- "best placed to weather the global economic crisis" yada yada -- is now the only major industrialized nation whose economy is still contracting. As if that

Appealing of Ealinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01969154489616249357noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7383911953177106155.post-7068298655511659322009-11-02T16:32:00.008Z2009-11-02T16:54:59.754Z

Betting odds courtesy of William Hill (click table for bigger image)At this rate Livingstone will be looking to LBC for his pension top-up, and not to you and me. So much the better. As far as I'm concerned, he makes a far better radio presenter than he ever did mayor of London.

Appealing of Ealinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01969154489616249357noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7383911953177106155.post-43796728101918341672009-10-23T12:41:00.002+01:002009-10-23T13:00:59.069+01:00

This morning the Office for National Statistics reported a sixth consecutive contraction of UK GDP (-0.4%). That makes the current recession the longest on record. France, Germany and Japan all moved into growth three months ago, but the UK's economic woes are looking ever more like a depression.Yes, this was a "global downturn", it started in America, and of course, Britain was "best placed to

Appealing of Ealinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01969154489616249357noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7383911953177106155.post-16789921170306752162009-10-22T21:01:00.006+01:002009-10-23T11:31:48.741+01:00

It comes as no great surprise to witness Labour's outpouring of revulsion at the prospect of Nick Griffin appearing on tonight's "Question Time". The BNP is, after all, a sore point for the Labour Party -- not because of the great ideological gulf that allegedly separates the two parties, but because many BNP supporters are working-class rank and file who are "indigenous" to Labour's heartlands:

Appealing of Ealinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01969154489616249357noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7383911953177106155.post-31123044869725519292009-10-10T19:01:00.003+01:002009-10-13T03:30:37.910+01:00

There were fun and games on Ealing Today's community forum last week. One upset resident is claiming that Ealing's parking enforcement is turning a blind eye to parents who park illegally at a primary school near where he lives. The resident pointed out that the local ward councillor is also a member of the school's board of governors, and has previously expressed her indifference to the

Appealing of Ealinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01969154489616249357noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7383911953177106155.post-45122384805862185942009-10-06T01:18:00.003+01:002009-10-06T01:23:11.053+01:00

The October edition of "Around Ealing", the community magazine produced by Ealing Council, is available in pdf format here.

Appealing of Ealinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01969154489616249357noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7383911953177106155.post-60841814264039093782009-10-06T00:03:00.003+01:002009-10-06T00:31:45.643+01:00

This time last month I mentioned that planning permission had been granted for a new hotel in Bond Street, in Central Ealing. Well, like the buses, you wait for ages, and then two come along at the same time!As reported in the Ealing Gazette recently, Travelodge is planning to build a ninety-nine room hotel, complete with cafe and bar at 77 Uxbridge Road, previously the offices of Prince Evans

Appealing of Ealinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01969154489616249357noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7383911953177106155.post-1609680709300386492009-10-05T23:54:00.004+01:002009-10-06T00:42:04.534+01:00

"And if you want one decisive example of the terminal lunacy that afflicts this government, I give you the case the other day when a pair of female police officers discovered they were not allowed to babysit for each other, unless they both secured OFSTED credentials in baby-sitting.Who is sitting there in OFSTED handing out degrees in baby-sitting to female police officers?I don’t know – but I

Appealing of Ealinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01969154489616249357noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7383911953177106155.post-21382421176486658412009-09-25T12:18:00.006+01:002009-09-25T13:26:08.122+01:00

Mark Francois -- have you seen this man?Just had a quick look at the agenda for the Conservative Party conference which is due to kick off in Manchester on October 5th. You can download a pdf version here.One of the interesting aspects of the programme is to note who won't be speaking.In all, there are thirty-two members in the shadow cabinet -- all but four are scheduled to speak at conference.

Appealing of Ealinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01969154489616249357noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7383911953177106155.post-23236421835484431482009-09-23T13:11:00.004+01:002009-09-23T13:29:40.829+01:00

For those of you who still haven't figured out that our country is being run by dangerous idiots, may I draw your attention to the recent pronouncements of our Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families, Mr. Ed Balls. He is of course an extremely pertinent point of reference to anyone wishing to understand what's gone wrong in British governance: for one, he has been Gordon Brown's

Appealing of Ealinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01969154489616249357noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7383911953177106155.post-21428803915338065872009-09-16T13:38:00.004+01:002009-09-16T13:58:57.379+01:00

Our beloved Ealing has found itself in the pages of the Daily Mail again this week. Recently the paper kicked off another one of its rousing populist campaigns, and this time they want the government to come up with new laws to deal with cowboy clampers. So it's no great surprise to learn they've quickly found themselves at the forecourt of Ealing Broadway station. And just in case you're the

Appealing of Ealinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01969154489616249357noreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7383911953177106155.post-43253097104062061462009-09-08T12:44:00.004+01:002009-09-08T15:43:07.039+01:00

For those of you who keep abreast of current affairs, it will hardly have escaped your notice that Ealing "Best Achieving" Council has been in the national news recently, and for all the wrong reasons. As reported in the Daily Mail here, back in May, someone at the social services and housing office, (in Southall), plugged an infected memory stick into their computer, and as a result,

Appealing of Ealinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01969154489616249357noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7383911953177106155.post-50266534982497425182009-09-01T14:01:00.002+01:002009-09-01T14:14:10.191+01:00

The next meeting of Ealing Council's planning committee is scheduled for tomorrow, Sept 2nd. I don't see anything of note on the agenda this time, but in case you missed it, at August's meeting they granted planning permission for a brand new hotel to be developed in Bond Street, right in the centre of Ealing town. The intention is to transform four storeys of the empty Swiftcall office block, (

Appealing of Ealinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01969154489616249357noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7383911953177106155.post-60444450615078261212009-08-20T14:41:00.008+01:002009-08-20T14:59:09.778+01:00

Looks like the idealogical dweebs over at the Labour Party were too busy lecturing us to notice that their dumb website, LabourList had expired. This is what greeted visitors this afternoon:Domain ID:D153628603-LRORDomain Name:LABOURLIST.ORGCreated On:19-Aug-2008 09:27:05 UTCLast Updated On:20-Aug-2009 13:27:17 UTCExpiration Date:19-Aug-2010 09:27:05 UTCYep, as I keep saying, left-wing politics

Appealing of Ealinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01969154489616249357noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7383911953177106155.post-54396302995632234272009-08-20T12:07:00.003+01:002009-08-20T12:17:29.120+01:00

In an apparent attempt to make political capital out of Labour’s hopelessly confused and inept policy on Afghanistan, the Conservatives recently announced their intention to appoint a “Minister for Afghanistan” should they win the next general election, as expected.Well I ask you, isn’t that just swell? A new minister with a new department, (complete with matching salaries and pensions), all to

Appealing of Ealinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01969154489616249357noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7383911953177106155.post-37911661778177282642009-08-13T18:03:00.005+01:002009-08-13T21:51:38.693+01:00

In a recent comment, Stephen Hester, CEO at Royal (“The People’s”) Bank of Scotland has asserted that fat bonuses for bankers are, in the end, good for taxpayers. Yes, he would say that. If Stephen didn’t get his big bonus, how would he manage to survive on a modest salary of £1.2m?According to him, we need to hand out these bonuses to prevent a “damaging exodus” of talent from our banking

Appealing of Ealinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01969154489616249357noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7383911953177106155.post-33031321244097042102009-08-10T11:01:00.003+01:002009-08-10T12:56:09.807+01:00

Has there ever been a left-wing government or regime that managed to implement its utopian ideals in any true or meaningful sense, or with success?Answer: no.The reason is, proponents of left-wing theory begin with a fully-fledged ideal, (something that doesn't yet exist beyond their benighted heads), and then flounder to bridge the chasm back to reality with nothing but dogma to inform policy.

Appealing of Ealinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01969154489616249357noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7383911953177106155.post-2133824458574378652009-08-07T17:43:00.003+01:002009-08-07T17:59:54.456+01:00

Photographs taken Saturday 1st AugustCLICK ON THE PHOTOS FOR BIGGER IMAGES Mike Westbrook and The Village Band (Mike Westbrook on euphonium, Kate Westbrook singing) Mike Westbrook and The Village BandThe Township Comets featuring Miss Pinise Saul and Lucky Ranku playing some old Zila numbers. As expected, they brought the house down, and played three encores!The Township Comets My wrist band

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As we know, I really can’t stand the Labour Party: they’re a self-righteous bunch of elitist and interfering busybodies and zealots, and their mission is to lecture the rest of us about their dumb principles and lunatic ideologies. That said however, don’t imagine I’ve got any plans to go soft on the Tories either. It looks like I’ll be voting Conservative this time, but mostly for the same

Appealing of Ealinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01969154489616249357noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7383911953177106155.post-42109507093206361992009-08-05T11:12:00.006+01:002009-08-05T11:19:04.636+01:00

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Earlier this year, the fledgling “LabourList” website was getting all indignant with Iain Dale when he suggested the lefty blog had a fondness for censorship, and for not covering stories that were “unhelpful” to the red rag cause. “Come on, Iain - we don't censor here!” was the plucky title of their rebuttal. Of course, that was a lie. Anyone who’d spent more than ten minutes surveying their

Appealing of Ealinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01969154489616249357noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7383911953177106155.post-68933725471782849142009-07-31T10:46:00.005+01:002009-07-31T11:03:49.704+01:00

A thoroughly enjoyable evening! Great atmosphere, a quick tipple and plenty of tasty nosh to nibble on. Well done everyone. Hopefully I'll have time to pop round again today.Some snaps (click on photos for bigger images)...The Frank Griffith Nonet. The very talented Andy Panayi steps out, on flute.Two old soldiers of the London jazz scene: John Critchinson (piano), Dave Green (bass).Brazillian

Appealing of Ealinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01969154489616249357noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7383911953177106155.post-12899970644354408672009-07-27T16:27:00.003+01:002009-07-27T16:48:25.569+01:00

Talking of food, as I do .....a lot.Over at the Guardian, food writer and broadcaster Tim Hayward reveals all with his ABC of DIY KFC. Check out his interesting article, including video, here. Credit goes to Ron Douglas who devoted years to cracking the KFC riddle, though Hayward tries out one of his own recipes too.For those too lazy to follow the link, the secret mix is (allegedly):1 teaspoon

Appealing of Ealinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01969154489616249357noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7383911953177106155.post-79824253918537194052009-07-27T15:55:00.004+01:002009-07-27T16:26:24.876+01:00

This one's not for the squeamish.Was washing and filleting a few squids recently. They're a real treat when you fry them up with spring onions and chillis. However, this time one of the buggers felt a bit lumpy and unusual. A quick flick of the knife revealed all...as a little fish slumped out from the squid's clutches onto the chopping board. Ugh.Now I'm sure the squid felt very pleased with

Appealing of Ealinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01969154489616249357noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7383911953177106155.post-28074915719082774682009-07-21T13:34:00.005+01:002009-07-21T14:57:29.892+01:00

Ok folks -- it's official. Yesterday "Healthcare for London" published the details of their London-wide strategy for trauma services across the capital. You can wade your way through the ton weight of reports, but to save you the trouble: bottom line is, Ealing Hospital's high-performing stroke unit is going to close. The key sentence can be found in appendix 3e, page 23:"It should be noted that

Appealing of Ealinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01969154489616249357noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7383911953177106155.post-72253345481250596562009-07-20T20:40:00.005+01:002009-07-21T10:21:32.558+01:00

"Ealing Summer Festival 2009" is underway. Hooray! As before, this year's programme is a rich cornucopia filled with fun, entertainment and culture. The Literary festival wrapped up just yesterday, but still to come is comedy, blues, opera, and of course, our world famous jazz festival. Once again Ealing serves up a truly remarkable and unrivalled platter to suit all tastes. So switch off "Big

Appealing of Ealinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01969154489616249357noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7383911953177106155.post-70815551564252562942009-07-02T14:17:00.004+01:002009-07-02T14:46:24.022+01:00

As reported by Conservative candidate for Ealing North, Ian Gibb, incumbent MP Stephen Pound still hasn't got round to signing Virendra Sharma's Early Day Motion opposing the proposed closure of Ealing Hospital's stroke unit (EDM here).Ealing's stroke unit has been rated in the top 25%, however as a result of a London-wide strategy to establish four new "major trauma centres" across the capital,

Appealing of Ealinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01969154489616249357noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7383911953177106155.post-60746623960393613122009-06-30T19:23:00.009+01:002009-07-02T10:02:04.856+01:00

" Expert: 'Ealing has nothing of note' ", screamed the front page headline of last Friday's Ealing Gazette.Nothing of note?!? Blimey!Yeah, you all thought Ealing was a lovely place to live, but what do you know? -- you only live there!So who exactly was this expert, with his apocalyptic views the Gazette found so compelled to plaster all over its front page? Well, it turns out to be none other

Appealing of Ealinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01969154489616249357noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7383911953177106155.post-64331951896114254782009-06-29T15:35:00.007+01:002009-06-29T16:19:56.638+01:00

Last Thursday, at a glittering ceremony in Park Lane's Hilton Hotel, Ealing Council were named as this year's winners in the MJ Awards' top category of "Best Achieving Council".Congratulations to one and all. According to the judges, Ealing Council had ‘displayed consistent and real improvement coupled with a constant ear to its public's concerns’.OK Ealing Council, listen up with that "constant

Appealing of Ealinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01969154489616249357noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7383911953177106155.post-59488776855682263702009-06-26T15:24:00.003+01:002009-06-26T15:31:38.966+01:00

As far as I’m aware, there aren’t that many famous dudes living in Ealing these days. In and around Haven Green, where the tube station is, I’ve seen a few recognizable faces, especially from the world of media. However one of our more celebrated residents is prominent journalist, raconteur, and “Strictly Come Dancing” star, John Sergeant.In fact Mr. Sergeant is one of my neighbours, and a

Appealing of Ealinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01969154489616249357noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7383911953177106155.post-60855071843376717192009-06-25T12:40:00.005+01:002009-06-25T13:17:31.139+01:00

Ealing Councillor Phil Taylor has been trying to reason with one of the anti-Boris Johnson smear blogs here. Of course, as I said to him (here), it's a thankless task.Laughably, this morning, the same blogger, quoting one of his cheerleaders, has even been trying to cast doubt over Johnson's credentials as a cyclist:"Where exactly does Boris cycle to? Is it just to and from photo shoots? The taxi

Appealing of Ealinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01969154489616249357noreply@blogger.com22tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7383911953177106155.post-85126781161054022372009-06-24T14:27:00.004+01:002009-06-24T16:12:32.692+01:00

"Arcadia Centre" -- the story so far...Some time ago, Ealing Council thought it would be a clever idea to build an ugly high rise housing estate in Haven Green, right in the centre of our town. In 2007, a planning application was submitted by Glenkerrin, a group of Irish developers. After a consultation process, the application was revised to include seven buildings: an 85.7m tower, 567 new flats

Appealing of Ealinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01969154489616249357noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7383911953177106155.post-37476055520143035982009-06-22T18:29:00.005+01:002009-06-22T21:57:16.260+01:00

Many thanks to Stephen Pound (MP, Ealing North), for blowing the gaff on the government's latest efforts to rig today's vote in the Commons for a new Speaker of the House. Speaking on this morning's "Today Programme", Pound said there was a "lot of skulduggery going on". Yes, there usually is. Apparently the whips have been out in force trying to strong-arm MPs into voting for Margaret Beckett --

Appealing of Ealinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01969154489616249357noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7383911953177106155.post-9803946390439537352009-06-22T15:18:00.003+01:002009-06-22T15:29:13.892+01:00

Not much time today, so here are some funny links to keep you entertained.Firstly "Fifteen Sexist Vintage Ads" from yesteryear. We've come a long way!Brand Obama: "Fifteen Unique Types of Barak-Sploitation".And finally, if you're not aware of the "FAIL Blog", then this is one to bookmark. Some real gems from time to time.Have fun.

Appealing of Ealinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01969154489616249357noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7383911953177106155.post-50810375923589207522009-06-20T14:45:00.004+01:002009-06-20T15:18:16.007+01:00

So last week we went to see Samuel Beckett’s “Waiting for Godot” at the Theatre Royal Haymarket.Things got off to a very promising start with a quick visit to Kettner’s in Romilly Street. It was here, once upon a time, that Oscar Wilde wooed young Bosie. Instead, I was very happily entreated by a couple of tasty venison sausages in a red wine sauce, washed down with fine red Bordeaux. Life was

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In a press release this morning, Conservative run Ealing Council has announced plans to give a one-off £50 handout to all Council Tax paying households in the borough. Council Leader, Jason Stacey, said: " We know how hard the recession has hit local people which is why I am proposing the country's biggest ever council cash back scheme to help them during the credit crunch."In addition, there are

Appealing of Ealinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01969154489616249357noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7383911953177106155.post-70402777690659812962009-06-17T16:15:00.005+01:002009-06-17T21:40:26.698+01:00

With a population of 305,300 (and growing), Ealing has the third largest population of the thirty-two London boroughs, (behind Croydon and Barnet). Recently the numbers have been bolstered by an influx from Eastern Europe, but in particular from Poland. Since Poland’s accession to the EU in 2004, some 21,000 Polish nationals, newly resident in Ealing, were issued with national insurance numbers.

Appealing of Ealinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01969154489616249357noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7383911953177106155.post-83735273490193164072009-06-12T13:13:00.005+01:002009-06-14T19:41:46.779+01:00

Today the people of Iran have been going to the polls to elect their next president. Forget about CNN, or NBC -- here’s the analysis from Ealing.First, the “approved” list of candidates:While some say this one's too close to call, Ealing's "Man in Tehran", expert on Middle Eastern democracy (sic), predicts the winner will be:That's right, "Supreme Leader" Ali Khamenei. Eh? Shome mishtake shurely.

Appealing of Ealinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01969154489616249357noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7383911953177106155.post-4966258530641208342009-06-11T18:57:00.004+01:002009-06-11T20:44:09.322+01:00

We learn today, the number of children suffering serious stab wounds has almost doubled in five years. Calling all voters ...remember, next time: be tough on spin, and tough on the causes of spin.Liam Byrne confirms Labour's intentions to raise taxes if his mob should be so lucky as to win the next general election. Sounds like another version of "Working For Liam Byrne". Liam, when you run a

Appealing of Ealinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01969154489616249357noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7383911953177106155.post-67415090608754586552009-06-11T12:10:00.005+01:002009-06-11T18:10:05.067+01:00

For me, “Woman’s Hour” is a bit like “trick or treat”. This morning we had an interview with recently resigned minister Caroline Flint -- treat! Jenni Murray isn’t a bit slow about getting on to the case, and it was interesting to see how she was going to play this one. Was this going to be Caroline, the poor put upon woman, cast aside by the misogynist inner circle of Downing Street – or

Appealing of Ealinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01969154489616249357noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7383911953177106155.post-30794132976020844312009-06-10T20:39:00.005+01:002009-06-10T20:57:15.676+01:00

Ok folks, listen up! As part of my free service on this blog, I like to make an occasional recommendation, and today’s is an especially good one!Feeling peckish? Then rev up your little vespa and whizz down to New Kings Road. Number 90 to be precise …it’s where you’ll find: “The Kebab Kid”.That’s right, kebabs. These guys have been making them for years, and they are experts. You’ll find no

Appealing of Ealinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01969154489616249357noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7383911953177106155.post-19342513501909803302009-06-09T21:02:00.007+01:002009-06-09T21:24:02.010+01:00

They’ve even been beaten in Wales. They’ve been kicked into third, fourth or fifth place up and down the country. The party is hopelessly split between those who really want Brown to go but haven’t the bottle to get rid of him, and those who would take their chances – heads buried deep in the sand.Last night, at an emotionally charged meeting of the PLP, Brown pleaded for loyalty and support. It

Appealing of Ealinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01969154489616249357noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7383911953177106155.post-25235915138226780032009-06-08T13:21:00.006+01:002009-06-08T17:15:31.859+01:00

This table shows the breakdown of the Euro election 2009 vote in the borough of Ealing: Compared to 2004 the Labour vote has dropped by just over 6%. Without wishing to over-simplify matters, this is roughly the same as the vote share received by the pro-Tamil candidate Jan Jananayagam. Perhaps if she hadn't appeared on the ballot paper, Labour might have fared better.My conclusion is that the

Appealing of Ealinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01969154489616249357noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7383911953177106155.post-52971615693959677272009-06-08T02:30:00.002+01:002009-06-08T02:40:37.562+01:00

It’s a bit sad to learn we now have a couple of racist BNP ninnies representing Britain in Europe. That’s democracy folks. However, if the London Assembly Member, Mr. Barnbrook’s performance is any indication, their contribution will be an instantly forgettable mix of embarrassment and unintended humour. They will contribute nothing of substance.No need to get hysterical about the BNP’s

Appealing of Ealinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01969154489616249357noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7383911953177106155.post-2181529607699100302009-06-05T18:26:00.003+01:002009-06-05T18:52:55.890+01:00

Don't blink, but just maybe the full Cabinet reshuffle is now finalized. Looking down the list we see no less than seven unelected members of the Lords sitting around the Cabinet table: Mandelson, Adonis, Royall, Malloch-Brown, Drayson, and (soon to be), Kinnock.Is this democracy...Labour style? These people are in the Cabinet because Brown is scraping the barrel, and he's too frit to go to the

Appealing of Ealinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01969154489616249357noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7383911953177106155.post-65032414078620679742009-06-05T16:15:00.006+01:002009-06-05T16:28:41.104+01:00

Virendra Sharma, Labour MP for Ealing Southall, has tabled an Early Day Motion in opposition to a proposed closure of Ealing Hospital's stroke unit. So why exactly has Stephen Pound, his party colleague and fellow MP for Ealing North, declined to sign it?Stephen Pound (and friends)

Appealing of Ealinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01969154489616249357noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7383911953177106155.post-52321256177587095362009-06-04T14:39:00.008+01:002009-06-04T15:24:58.215+01:00

What civilized people we are here in Ealing. A month long "festival of learning" is taking place at various locations throughout our borough.Launched on Monday, the festival boasts an impressive eighty events. Among the five scheduled for today, we have an open day at the London Motorcycle Museum in Greenford, and open rehearsals of the Ealing Schools Orchestra at Christ Church school on the New

Appealing of Ealinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01969154489616249357noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7383911953177106155.post-13994728752889377482009-06-04T12:53:00.003+01:002009-06-04T13:19:27.423+01:00

Further to recent reports that Prince Charles has declared war on Britain's grey squirrel population, the squirrels are fighting back.General Tufty of the Grey Army's horse-chestnut infantry brigade, declared:"We expect to take the gardens of Buckingham Palace by dawn. It is imperative to cull all royal families throughout the squirrel world, and to establish new grey republics."Developing.

Appealing of Ealinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01969154489616249357noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7383911953177106155.post-34372993615474745042009-06-02T14:13:00.005+01:002009-06-03T02:09:07.498+01:00

OK folks, chuck your old freeze dried coffee in the bin -- it's muck! You know it is.Get yourself a cafetiere, if you don't already have one, and head straight for The Drury Tea & Coffee Co. Ltd. Post haste.It's at 3 New Row, just off St Martin's Lane, and is the best coffee shop I know in London.My favourite is the Costa Rica Tarrazu Coffee, but their Moka D'or blend is also delicious.My spies

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Plane lost in ocean storm: 228 people missing.I can hardly begin to imagine the horror of crash landing in a passenger jet, in the middle of a vast, dark watery nowhere.“Full fathom five thy father lies; Of his bones are coral made;Those are pearls that were his eyes; Nothing of him that doth fadeBut doth suffer a sea-changeInto something rich and strange.”

Appealing of Ealinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01969154489616249357noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7383911953177106155.post-11815789959969504702009-06-01T18:32:00.005+01:002009-06-01T19:07:01.823+01:00

For the benefit of anyone not so familiar with South Kensington, Exhibition Road is the long boulevard that connects South Kensington tube station with Kensington Gore, at Hyde Park. Along its way, the road provides access to a long and impressive list of museums, and other culturally significant institutions – not least the Royal Albert Hall. This makes it a very busy place, particularly for

Appealing of Ealinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01969154489616249357noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7383911953177106155.post-55084075871194259812009-06-01T01:39:00.000+01:002009-06-01T01:42:37.868+01:00

Been tinkering with the title. As they say, seemed like a good idea at the time.But do let me know, especially if you don't like it. Thanks.

Appealing of Ealinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01969154489616249357noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7383911953177106155.post-20120831057542137312009-05-29T14:32:00.000+01:002009-05-29T15:12:37.745+01:00

“The F Word” is a feminist website. It describes itself as a webzine for UK contemporary feminism, the purpose of which is to “help encourage a new sense of community among UK feminists”. Ok, so firstly, what was wrong with the old sense of community, and where did it go? And why exactly does “The F Word” think we need a new one?Back in the early days of the sixties when, (unlike today), feminism

Appealing of Ealinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01969154489616249357noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7383911953177106155.post-58704707138109511472009-05-26T23:30:00.000+01:002009-05-27T00:12:05.936+01:00

In my part of Ealing the current MP is a fellow called Stephen Pound, and boy, does he get around!Rent-a-quote Steve claimed £4,251 in mileage costs. Holy crap. Apparently that converts to....11,004 miles --Kerching! (em...Ealing Broadway is about 8 miles from Westminster).What's up -- is he moonlighting as a taxi driver? He certainly looks like one."Said he drove between his constituency and

Appealing of Ealinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01969154489616249357noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7383911953177106155.post-51057023519640778522009-05-26T18:13:00.000+01:002009-05-26T18:57:54.112+01:00

With all the sunshine yesterday, I’m looking a little cooked around the face today. It was open day up at Grim’s Dyke hotel, so after some quick brunch, we hopped into the car and made our way.Sitting on the north-western edge of London, only just inside the Borough of Harrow, Grim’s Dyke hotel is an exceptionally beautiful Victorian country house. Once the home of W. S. Gilbert, (the wordsmith

Appealing of Ealinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01969154489616249357noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7383911953177106155.post-28945963129521730082009-05-22T15:19:00.000+01:002009-05-22T15:45:00.261+01:00

This morning “Tory Bear” addresses the question of the gay vote.He writes:“Every so often TB gets contacted by various gay Tories who are sick to the back teeth of being told by Labour members that gay people have a moral duty to vote Labour. This sort of homophobic fear mongering by the left has to stop.”Now I must declare an interest in this story, since about two years ago I bravely came out

Appealing of Ealinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01969154489616249357noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7383911953177106155.post-12524654688910499162009-05-21T16:23:00.000+01:002009-05-21T16:27:53.096+01:00

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What’s up with Nick Robinson? Who cares if he’s the venerable political editor for the BBC – these days the only good thing I can think to say about him is that he isn’t Andrew Marr. Here is a man carrying the ultimate gold card of British journalism, and a contacts list most aspiring hacks would kill for, and yet recently, he’s been calling it all wrong – then playing catch-up.April wasn’t such

Appealing of Ealinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01969154489616249357noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7383911953177106155.post-62174487431262769552009-05-18T17:39:00.000+01:002009-05-18T18:02:33.091+01:00

WELCOME to my new blog!Ok, so there’s not a lot to be said really. I’m a bloke who lives in Ealing, West London. Among other things too tedious to mention, I enjoy reading, good food, and fine wines. Often you’ll find me grazing in the excellent, (and indeed, much acclaimed), Monty’s Nepalese restaurant in the Ealing Broadway Centre. Monty’s invented food (honestly), and their “Shaslick Super” is

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