I think it's down to the media. I used to think Nigeria was totally corrupt, which it is of course, but there it's out in the open, everybody does whatever they have to do to keep their noses above water (or, in the case of the Government, to stay rich). Here, nepotism has always been rife, backhanders, entries into good schools and universities etc, etc.

It's hard to say. In days gone by, we weren't privy to what governments got up to, because 'knew our place' and hadn't asserted our right to know what our elected members were doing, and what they were spending our money on.

Now, thanks to a few applications under the Freedom of Information Act (bet the buggers wouldn't have enacted that if they'd realised it applied to them too) we have a better idea.

Have you seen this on tonight Col? Looks good

I saw taht but with Mrs Joe returned I'm trying to work out If Saturday night's Wallander was a new series. I can never keep track.  If it is we'll be watching that. Nothing like an episode of Wallander to cheer one up.

Yes I saw that supes, will be watching it. I miss the place even after all these years.

Did you read The Other Hand by Chris Cleave Cologne?

No I haven't, but I just had a look and will definitely get it, thanks supes.

It's an excellent book imo Cologne

I am not sure if this is the most corrupt government... but it is  certainly corrupt enough to make a total mockery of us trying to tell other countries how to govern!

Same as it ever was.

And you may tell yourself
This is not my beautiful house!
And you may tell yourself
This is not my beautiful wife!
Letting the days go by/let the water hold me down
Letting the days go by/water flowing underground
Into the blue again/after the money's gone
Once in a lifetime/water flowing underground.

Same as it ever was...


(With apologies, it's not every day I take codeine)

Joe, I did type it in a Talking Heads voice!

Yes I did know that!   (typed in the style of Inspector Clouseau)

You minkey!

I bladdy love "Talking Heads".

I'm on that today as well.

I've got that bliddy song in my head now

Oh! I'm certain the MPs who were elected to constituencies that became known as 'rotten' boroughs in the 18th century could teach our current ones a trick or two!

Amazes me that so few MPs are being prosecuted for fraud.  Especially as Labour are cracking down on benefits thieves.

There a loads who claim one home was 2nd home for expenses purposes, but when it came to selling claimed the other was the 2nd home for tax purposes.  Surely both statements cannot be true.