The World of Trees

John May, an old Lewes hand, has a new blog.

Long time coming

Don't hold your breath but the Lewes-Uckfield railway may be back by 2012. Check out the Wealden Line campaign here.

Boyo in court date

Old Labour politician, now sinecurist, Neil Kinnock has been standing on the gas. The Telegraph grasses him up.

Deputy PM in trouser trouble

Now we know why John Prescott needed two Jags. More in The Times.

Diesel 'dozer in drag

JCB diesel streamliner shoots for 300 mph and a world record. Bonneville here we come.

Knock me down with a feather

The TVR factory in Blackpool is to close.

Toronto trash talk

For news of the spring cleanup go here.

Ronnie Sox

Drag racing legend Ronnie Sox has died. I remember seeing him at Bristol, Tennessee back in the summer of '71.

It's a wrap

Bicycle despairman in The Times.

Knacker fishes, minnow caught

Expedition searches for big fish. Pissed headmaster caught in reporter's net, answers to the bill. The Times has the story.

Hybrid Vespa

I had a 125cc Vespa scooter back in the day - about 1967 if I remember it right. Now they are playing with a hybrid version with two motors. Seems that this is turning into a most disruptive technology.

Rip-off Blair

Blair 'liable for tax bill over use of Royal Flight' - The Times has the story.

Prius hits 113 mpg

Autoexpress has the story. BTW that's for an Imperial gallon - 94 mpg to a US gallon. Seems the Japanese car producers are about to move the goalposts again.

Blair used royal jet for family holidays

Snout in trough, the Prime Minister makes the most of it while it lasts. Piglets too. Oink, Oink!
See also Private Taxis, "the system is being abused" and "A total of £3.06m was spent on government flights between 2002 and 2004."

Honda to sportscars

News of Honda going head-to-head with Porsche in the American Le Mans series in 2007. Is this part of a long-term plan to win the Le Mans 24 Hour race? Seems like a good way to go about it.

Guerrilla Gardening

New UK craze - go here.

Istanbul sportscars

You can follow the Le Mans series race here.

Meanwhile in Hong Kong

Passed on news of Matthew Marsh in Istanbul to Matt Baile in Hong Kong - he has just got off a plane from the US. What is going on?

Le Mans or bust

I've just been Instant Messaging with Matthew Marsh on arrival in Istanbul, where the first round of the five-race Le Mans series takes place this week-end. He is negotiating for a drive in the Le Mans 24 Hour race. Seems the hardest part of competing at Le Mans is getting an entry.

Signs of spring

Go here.

Full steam ahead

This UK heritage railway, the Bodmin & Wenford, has ambitious expansion plans.

Pitney appreciation

The UK papers are carrying obits of Gene Pitney. The Guardian here. The Independent here.
He recorded with George Jones, which I didn't know, and left us "Hello Mary Lou" - an enduring pop classic.

Gene Pitney found dead

Gene Pitney has been found dead in his Cardiff hotel room.

Olympic budget out of control

"Fears will grow that the UK taxpayer, National Lottery players or even London council tax payers will foot the bill."
PunchBuggy Passim: Go here, here and here.

Blighty blows billions in Banana Republic binge

Where your taxes are wasted in public sector procurement. Just order a computer system and call in the consultants - a hurdy-gurdy and the ju-ju men - and listen for a sucking sound as untold wealth goes down the plughole.
There are winners of course, spot them in the House of Lords or in tax exile, away from the whole ghastly mess.

Canuck truck goes green

I was sitting in a Tim Horton's on Bloor Street when a Purolator courier truck pulled up with a sign on the side announcing its hybrid credentials. I made a mental note to find out the story.