iblog

Stephanie: Public transport has its drawbacks. I used to lament the often ridiculous prices (how are we expected to ‘go green’ when the bus fares are extortionate, the services unreliable and the ride uncomfortable?) However, these complaints have been downgraded to a bearable inconvenience in comparison to my latest pet-hate. I am of course referring to the recent epidemic of mobile-phone-stereos, which play incessantly on each and every commute. The tinny sound of music played too loud through inadequate speakers is coupled with the dire quality of the music, which for some unknown reason always features a high pitched chipmunk-esque voice squeaking to a reptitive and irritating beat. There’s no cure for this rapidly spreading disease of inconsiderate passengers I’m sure, but perhaps I might release some pent up bus-rage, and breathe easier when it happens again tomorrow.

Stephanie: I read an article today in which a mother described her 10 year old son (the youngest in the country to be given an Asbo) as ‘like any other kid.’ Asbo aside, I had to disagree when it turned out this ‘kid’ had been given the debatable ‘badge of honour’ for a catalogue of incidents including threatening children with knives, assaulting his family, smoking cannabis, drinking stolen beer, smashing cars and burgling homes. Now, I’m not one for dictionary definitions, but last I checked this was hardly considered ‘normal’ behaviour for a ten year old boy. Moreover his Gran (interviewed outside court) explained how her grandson had turned his life around, and now “just enjoys the odd cigarette”. Ten years old?! The mind boggles.

Stephanie: Jeremy Clarkson claimed yesterday that the hugely popular Top Gear (quite possibly the greatest programme on the planet in my humble opinion) would not return for a new series. But the BBC insist that the show would be back. Who are we to believe? I’d like to put my faith in the BBC, if only because I daren’t contemplate a life without Top Gear - where you’re as likely to see Clarkson, Hammond and James attempt to convert a mini into a motorboat as you are to see reviews of the latest motors. I’ve always maintained that these three presenters have the best job on television - how could they want to throw that away?