7 Spey Terrace
Edinburgh
EH7 4PX
Telephone: 0131-550 0895
E-mail: JohnEDouglas@gmail.com
Blog: http://johneoindouglas.blogspot.com/
29th of December 2011
Dear Sir/Madam,
BANKING ON AN INCREASE
I was astounded to learn that Scottish local government minister Derek Mackay has frozen councillors' pay for another year.
I was impressed by the argument, when our banks were in crisis, that restricting the remuneration of senior bankers in failing banks would lead to a diaspora of banking talent as all the best bankers left for higher paid jobs with only poor quality staff still in post.
This argument surely applies to local government and it would be regrettable were Mr Mackay's freeze to lead to our councils degenerating into a morass of the unemployed and unemployable especially as strong and wise leadership will be required to steer councils through the difficult times ahead.
John Eoin Douglas
Thursday, December 29, 2011
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
13th of December 2011 - Measured Response
7 Spey Terrace
Edinburgh
EH7 4PX
Telephone: 0131-550 0895
E-mail: JohnEDouglas@gmail.com
Blog: http://johneoindouglas.blogspot.com/
13th of December 2011
Dear Sir/Madam,
MEASURED RESPONSE
Now that we are in the season where dissemination of accurate information about weather conditions can mean the difference between life and death, I can only hope that journalists will take the time to convert Metric units into Imperial ones when dealing with Met Office and other Government provided forecasts.
Like most people of my age group, when it comes to snow, I know what 6 inches looks like but the equivalent in centimeters is something which I cannot easily visualise. Likewise, with temperature, elevation and wind speed.
Whilst EU compliant officialdom may seek to kill off us old dinosaurs to hasten its goal of compulsory Metrication by effectively withholding such essential information, I would urge the media to be more considerate.
John Eoin Douglas
Edinburgh
EH7 4PX
Telephone: 0131-550 0895
E-mail: JohnEDouglas@gmail.com
Blog: http://johneoindouglas.blogspot.com/
13th of December 2011
Dear Sir/Madam,
MEASURED RESPONSE
Now that we are in the season where dissemination of accurate information about weather conditions can mean the difference between life and death, I can only hope that journalists will take the time to convert Metric units into Imperial ones when dealing with Met Office and other Government provided forecasts.
Like most people of my age group, when it comes to snow, I know what 6 inches looks like but the equivalent in centimeters is something which I cannot easily visualise. Likewise, with temperature, elevation and wind speed.
Whilst EU compliant officialdom may seek to kill off us old dinosaurs to hasten its goal of compulsory Metrication by effectively withholding such essential information, I would urge the media to be more considerate.
John Eoin Douglas
Thursday, December 1, 2011
1st of December 2011 - Banged To Rights
7 Spey Terrace
Edinburgh
EH7 4PX
Telephone: 0131-550 0895
E-mail: JohnEDouglas@gmail.com
Blog: http://johneoindouglas.blogspot.com/
1st of December 2011
Dear Sir/Madam,
BANGED TO RIGHTS
There is only one thing to be done with the people who have complained to the BBC about Jeremy Clarkson's clearly humourous remarks about strikers: they should all be taken outside and executed in front of their families.
John Eoin Douglas
Edinburgh
EH7 4PX
Telephone: 0131-550 0895
E-mail: JohnEDouglas@gmail.com
Blog: http://johneoindouglas.blogspot.com/
1st of December 2011
Dear Sir/Madam,
BANGED TO RIGHTS
There is only one thing to be done with the people who have complained to the BBC about Jeremy Clarkson's clearly humourous remarks about strikers: they should all be taken outside and executed in front of their families.
John Eoin Douglas
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
23rd of November 2011 - Off Pitch
7 Spey Terrace
Edinburgh
EH7 4PX
Telephone: 0131-550 0895
E-mail: JohnEDouglas@gmail.com
Blog: http://johneoindouglas.blogspot.com/
23rd of November 2011
Dear Sir/Madam,
OFF PITCH
The Scottish Government's attempts to legislate against "offensive behaviour" at football matches demonstrates the total lack of understanding of what is essentially a working class sport by middle class lawyers and self styled intellectuals.
Intrinsic to Soccer is a tribalism which often spills over into ritualised verbal and physical violence off the pitch. For a significant proportion of match goers, it provides a weekly safety valve for the pent up aggression which they are, quite rightly, unable to vent in daily life. The Saturday scrap between opposing supporters is part of the genuine working class football experience and is well understood by the real football fans who inhabit the terraces rather than watching on TV.
It is sad to see MSPs buying into the commercialisation of the sport which requires a squeaky clean family image in order to attract major advertisers. They should stick to the violence of Rugby with its off pitch politesse and stop trying to impose their standards on a milieu of which they are totally ignorant.
John Eoin Douglas
Edinburgh
EH7 4PX
Telephone: 0131-550 0895
E-mail: JohnEDouglas@gmail.com
Blog: http://johneoindouglas.blogspot.com/
23rd of November 2011
Dear Sir/Madam,
OFF PITCH
The Scottish Government's attempts to legislate against "offensive behaviour" at football matches demonstrates the total lack of understanding of what is essentially a working class sport by middle class lawyers and self styled intellectuals.
Intrinsic to Soccer is a tribalism which often spills over into ritualised verbal and physical violence off the pitch. For a significant proportion of match goers, it provides a weekly safety valve for the pent up aggression which they are, quite rightly, unable to vent in daily life. The Saturday scrap between opposing supporters is part of the genuine working class football experience and is well understood by the real football fans who inhabit the terraces rather than watching on TV.
It is sad to see MSPs buying into the commercialisation of the sport which requires a squeaky clean family image in order to attract major advertisers. They should stick to the violence of Rugby with its off pitch politesse and stop trying to impose their standards on a milieu of which they are totally ignorant.
John Eoin Douglas
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
22nd of November 2011 - Keeping Warm
7 Spey Terrace
Edinburgh
EH7 4PX
Telephone: 0131-550 0895
E-mail: JohnEDouglas@gmail.com
Blog: http://johneoindouglas.blogspot.com/
22nd of November 2011
Dear Sir/Madam,
KEEPING WARM
Today's story in the Scottish Sun about cops seizing a Celtic fan's Pope scarf has given me an idea for a new business.
Surely Rangers and Hearts fans would be interested in scarves depicting the Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland. The Kirk might appreciate the publicity and, unlike the Papal version, fans would have to buy a new one every year.
John Eoin Douglas
Edinburgh
EH7 4PX
Telephone: 0131-550 0895
E-mail: JohnEDouglas@gmail.com
Blog: http://johneoindouglas.blogspot.com/
22nd of November 2011
Dear Sir/Madam,
KEEPING WARM
Today's story in the Scottish Sun about cops seizing a Celtic fan's Pope scarf has given me an idea for a new business.
Surely Rangers and Hearts fans would be interested in scarves depicting the Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland. The Kirk might appreciate the publicity and, unlike the Papal version, fans would have to buy a new one every year.
John Eoin Douglas
Monday, November 7, 2011
7th of November 2011 - Bleeding Obvious
7 Spey Terrace
Edinburgh
EH7 4PX
Telephone: 0131-550 0895
E-mail: JohnEDouglas@gmail.com
Blog: http://johneoindouglas.blogspot.com/
7th of November 2011
Dear Sir/Madam,
BLEEDING OBVIOUS
I am alarmed to learn that men who have sex with men are to be allowed to contribute to the UK's national blood supply.
As the testing regime of the Blood Transfusion Service is more than adequate, I have never been one of those bigotted individuals who fear transmission of diseases such as HIV or Hepatitis though this route. What concerns me is the way in which homosexuality is once again being normalised in our society without regard for the consequencies.
What if transfusion of "gay blood" spreads homosexuality? This could account for the increasing prevalence of same-sex attraction in an age where blood transfusions are a common occurence. I would hate to see people understandably refusing a life-saving transfusion for fear of contracting sexual perversion. Perhaps more research is called for?
John Eoin Douglas
Edinburgh
EH7 4PX
Telephone: 0131-550 0895
E-mail: JohnEDouglas@gmail.com
Blog: http://johneoindouglas.blogspot.com/
7th of November 2011
Dear Sir/Madam,
BLEEDING OBVIOUS
I am alarmed to learn that men who have sex with men are to be allowed to contribute to the UK's national blood supply.
As the testing regime of the Blood Transfusion Service is more than adequate, I have never been one of those bigotted individuals who fear transmission of diseases such as HIV or Hepatitis though this route. What concerns me is the way in which homosexuality is once again being normalised in our society without regard for the consequencies.
What if transfusion of "gay blood" spreads homosexuality? This could account for the increasing prevalence of same-sex attraction in an age where blood transfusions are a common occurence. I would hate to see people understandably refusing a life-saving transfusion for fear of contracting sexual perversion. Perhaps more research is called for?
John Eoin Douglas
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
1st of November 2011 - Camping Intents
7 Spey Terrace
Edinburgh
EH7 4PX
Telephone: 0131-550 0895
E-mail: JohnEDouglas@gmail.com
Blog: http://johneoindouglas.blogspot.com/
1st of November 2011
Dear Sir/Madam,
CAMPING INTENTS
The exposed solum in Princes Street is a welcome sign that Edinburgh's tram project has resumed with a vengeance.
But should the Council really be permitting its navvies to set up an encampment in St Andrew Square? The whole area now looks rather tawdry and, as we have seen from the recent problems at Dale Farm, once established, these sort of unauthorised developments can be somewhat difficult and expensive to remove. But perhaps these costs have already been fully budgeted for now that the project is finally being properly managed and we are promised no more financial overuns?
John Eoin Douglas
Edinburgh
EH7 4PX
Telephone: 0131-550 0895
E-mail: JohnEDouglas@gmail.com
Blog: http://johneoindouglas.blogspot.com/
1st of November 2011
Dear Sir/Madam,
CAMPING INTENTS
The exposed solum in Princes Street is a welcome sign that Edinburgh's tram project has resumed with a vengeance.
But should the Council really be permitting its navvies to set up an encampment in St Andrew Square? The whole area now looks rather tawdry and, as we have seen from the recent problems at Dale Farm, once established, these sort of unauthorised developments can be somewhat difficult and expensive to remove. But perhaps these costs have already been fully budgeted for now that the project is finally being properly managed and we are promised no more financial overuns?
John Eoin Douglas
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
19th of October 2011 - Unwanted Support
7 Spey Terrace
Edinburgh
EH7 4PX
Telephone: 0131-550 0895
E-mail: JohnEDouglas@gmail.com
Blog: http://johneoindouglas.blogspot.com/
19th of October 2011
Dear Sir/Madam,
UNWANTED SUPPORT
I fear that support from the Roman Catholic Church is in danger of polluting perfectly reasonable opposition to same-sex marriage.
A Church rocked by often substantiated charges of child sexual abuse of both genders by its Priests can expect little public credibility for its teachings on other sexual matters. And the fact that the Catholic hierarchy sat back and allowed one of its most influential priests, the late Father Anthony Ross OP, to be not only a notorious homosexualist but also one of the founders of the erstwhile Scottish Homosexual Rights Group can only lead to further accusations of "Do as I say not as I do".
Whilst the person in the pew may not see the irony of a Church riddled with practitioners of aberrant sexual activities opposing same-sex marriage, the person in the street certainly will.
John Eoin Douglas
Edinburgh
EH7 4PX
Telephone: 0131-550 0895
E-mail: JohnEDouglas@gmail.com
Blog: http://johneoindouglas.blogspot.com/
19th of October 2011
Dear Sir/Madam,
UNWANTED SUPPORT
I fear that support from the Roman Catholic Church is in danger of polluting perfectly reasonable opposition to same-sex marriage.
A Church rocked by often substantiated charges of child sexual abuse of both genders by its Priests can expect little public credibility for its teachings on other sexual matters. And the fact that the Catholic hierarchy sat back and allowed one of its most influential priests, the late Father Anthony Ross OP, to be not only a notorious homosexualist but also one of the founders of the erstwhile Scottish Homosexual Rights Group can only lead to further accusations of "Do as I say not as I do".
Whilst the person in the pew may not see the irony of a Church riddled with practitioners of aberrant sexual activities opposing same-sex marriage, the person in the street certainly will.
John Eoin Douglas
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
28th of September 2011 - End Of The Road For Women Drivers
7 Spey Terrace
Edinburgh
EH7 4PX
Telephone: 0131-550 0895
E-mail: JohnEDouglas@gmail.com
Blog: http://johneoindouglas.blogspot.com/
28th of September 2011
Dear Sir/Madam,
END OF THE ROAD FOR WOMEN DRIVERS
Whilst the Saudi authorities are clearly going too far in administering corporal punishment to women drivers, the underlying prohibition seems sound.
Were the UK to ban women drivers, the societal benefits would be manifold. Roads budgets could be slashed due to less wear and tear on the resulting empty roads, unemployment would be cut at a stroke as the more afluent rushed to employ male drivers, and the school run would become a thing of the past leading to increased juvenile fitness.
That it would also make a major contribution to road safety goes without saying!
John Eoin Douglas
Edinburgh
EH7 4PX
Telephone: 0131-550 0895
E-mail: JohnEDouglas@gmail.com
Blog: http://johneoindouglas.blogspot.com/
28th of September 2011
Dear Sir/Madam,
END OF THE ROAD FOR WOMEN DRIVERS
Whilst the Saudi authorities are clearly going too far in administering corporal punishment to women drivers, the underlying prohibition seems sound.
Were the UK to ban women drivers, the societal benefits would be manifold. Roads budgets could be slashed due to less wear and tear on the resulting empty roads, unemployment would be cut at a stroke as the more afluent rushed to employ male drivers, and the school run would become a thing of the past leading to increased juvenile fitness.
That it would also make a major contribution to road safety goes without saying!
John Eoin Douglas
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
21st of September 2011 - Single Ivory Tower
7 Spey Terrace
Edinburgh
EH7 4PX
Telephone: 0131-550 0895
E-mail: JohnEDouglas@gmail.com
Blog: http://johneoindouglas.blogspot.com/
21st of September 2011
Dear Sir/Madam,
SINGLE IVORY TOWER
It is high time that the Scottish Government took on the vested interests of the educational establishment by creating a University of Scotland in order to rationalise the current distressing mishmash of Universities and former Polytechnics masquerading as such.
The ongoing saving in the emoluments of Principals alone would more than pay for any re-organisation costs and the resulting ability to keep fees down could encourage more students from England to seek the advantages of a traditional four year Scottish education thereby increasing the cultural diversity of our fair land.
Such a move would certainly be as logical as the proposed national Police and Fire Services and would be likely to have even more public support.
John Eoin Douglas
Edinburgh
EH7 4PX
Telephone: 0131-550 0895
E-mail: JohnEDouglas@gmail.com
Blog: http://johneoindouglas.blogspot.com/
21st of September 2011
Dear Sir/Madam,
SINGLE IVORY TOWER
It is high time that the Scottish Government took on the vested interests of the educational establishment by creating a University of Scotland in order to rationalise the current distressing mishmash of Universities and former Polytechnics masquerading as such.
The ongoing saving in the emoluments of Principals alone would more than pay for any re-organisation costs and the resulting ability to keep fees down could encourage more students from England to seek the advantages of a traditional four year Scottish education thereby increasing the cultural diversity of our fair land.
Such a move would certainly be as logical as the proposed national Police and Fire Services and would be likely to have even more public support.
John Eoin Douglas
Monday, September 19, 2011
19th of September 2011 - Drawing A Line
7 Spey Terrace
Edinburgh
EH7 4PX
Telephone: 0131-550 0895
E-mail: JohnEDouglas@gmail.com
Blog: http://johneoindouglas.blogspot.com/
19th of September 2011
Dear Sir/Madam,
DRAWING A LINE
With estimated costs of the Edinburgh to Galashiels railway steaming rapidly towards £300M, surely now is the time to pull the plug on this White Elephant?
The savings would more than cover the shortfall in Edinburgh's Tram Budget thus allowing trams to reach the Waterfront at Newhaven. This would benefit many more people than a few Liberal Democrat voters in the Borders - most of whom will, whether or not the Border Union line re-opens, continue to drive into Edinburgh to partake of vital facilities largely absent from their rural idyll like decent supermarkets, shopping malls and gainful employment!
John Eoin Douglas
Edinburgh
EH7 4PX
Telephone: 0131-550 0895
E-mail: JohnEDouglas@gmail.com
Blog: http://johneoindouglas.blogspot.com/
19th of September 2011
Dear Sir/Madam,
DRAWING A LINE
With estimated costs of the Edinburgh to Galashiels railway steaming rapidly towards £300M, surely now is the time to pull the plug on this White Elephant?
The savings would more than cover the shortfall in Edinburgh's Tram Budget thus allowing trams to reach the Waterfront at Newhaven. This would benefit many more people than a few Liberal Democrat voters in the Borders - most of whom will, whether or not the Border Union line re-opens, continue to drive into Edinburgh to partake of vital facilities largely absent from their rural idyll like decent supermarkets, shopping malls and gainful employment!
John Eoin Douglas
Friday, September 2, 2011
2nd of September 2011 - Tram Vision
7 Spey Terrace
Edinburgh
EH7 4PX
Telephone: 0131-550 0895
E-mail: JohnEDouglas@gmail.com
Blog: http://johneoindouglas.blogspot.com/
2nd of September 2011
Dear Sir/Madam,
TRAM VISION
Edinburgh Council's grudging decision to build the trams to St Andrew Square does not go far enough. Having suffered so much disruption, the people of Leith are entitled to see the whole scheme built.
Serious consideration should now be given to building the rest of the line using voluntary labour. After all, many miles of so called "preserved" railways (not to mention the Crich Tramway Museum) have had their lines laid or re-laid by volunteers and Leith Walk could soon resound to hordes of tram enthusiasts happily clinking away in their leisure hours with picks and shovels.
The Community Councils in Leith have amongst their members many persons of skill including retired civil engineers who I feel sure would be happy to contribute by supervising the project. It could also be an opportunity for persons subject to Community Service Orders to assist their community.
Judging from the previous progress made by the professionals, if a start was to be made before Christmas, the St Andrew Square - Leith section could be in service long before the portion running to the Airport.
John Eoin Douglas
Edinburgh
EH7 4PX
Telephone: 0131-550 0895
E-mail: JohnEDouglas@gmail.com
Blog: http://johneoindouglas.blogspot.com/
2nd of September 2011
Dear Sir/Madam,
TRAM VISION
Edinburgh Council's grudging decision to build the trams to St Andrew Square does not go far enough. Having suffered so much disruption, the people of Leith are entitled to see the whole scheme built.
Serious consideration should now be given to building the rest of the line using voluntary labour. After all, many miles of so called "preserved" railways (not to mention the Crich Tramway Museum) have had their lines laid or re-laid by volunteers and Leith Walk could soon resound to hordes of tram enthusiasts happily clinking away in their leisure hours with picks and shovels.
The Community Councils in Leith have amongst their members many persons of skill including retired civil engineers who I feel sure would be happy to contribute by supervising the project. It could also be an opportunity for persons subject to Community Service Orders to assist their community.
Judging from the previous progress made by the professionals, if a start was to be made before Christmas, the St Andrew Square - Leith section could be in service long before the portion running to the Airport.
John Eoin Douglas
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
10th of August 2011 - A Costly Ass
7 Spey Terrace
Edinburgh
EH7 4PX
Telephone: 0131-550 0895
E-mail: JohnEDouglas@gmail.com
Blog: http://johneoindouglas.blogspot.com/
10th of August 2011
Dear Sir,
A COSTLY ASS
It is not just glaziers who will benefit from the current spate of riot and insurrection. The greatest rewards will accrue to lawyers who will not only be more than adequately remunerated for defending and prosecuting those allegedly involved, but will also rake it in at public expense through civil actions.
According to the Association of British Insurers, uninsured people who have suffered loss in the riots can claim compensation from the police under the Riot (Damages) Act 1886. No doubt insurance companies will seek to recover payouts to their own customers via the same route.
The resulting costly legal battles to decide liability should ensure that legal practitioners on both sides will ride any recession whilst the public will no doubt be double-dipped in having to pay both higher taxes and raised insurance premiums whatever the outcome of lengthy litigation.
John Eoin Douglas
Edinburgh
EH7 4PX
Telephone: 0131-550 0895
E-mail: JohnEDouglas@gmail.com
Blog: http://johneoindouglas.blogspot.com/
10th of August 2011
Dear Sir,
A COSTLY ASS
It is not just glaziers who will benefit from the current spate of riot and insurrection. The greatest rewards will accrue to lawyers who will not only be more than adequately remunerated for defending and prosecuting those allegedly involved, but will also rake it in at public expense through civil actions.
According to the Association of British Insurers, uninsured people who have suffered loss in the riots can claim compensation from the police under the Riot (Damages) Act 1886. No doubt insurance companies will seek to recover payouts to their own customers via the same route.
The resulting costly legal battles to decide liability should ensure that legal practitioners on both sides will ride any recession whilst the public will no doubt be double-dipped in having to pay both higher taxes and raised insurance premiums whatever the outcome of lengthy litigation.
John Eoin Douglas
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
9th of August 2011 - Riots Must Not Impede Criminal Enquiries
7 Spey Terrace
Edinburgh
EH7 4PX
Telephone: 0131-550 0895
E-mail: JohnEDouglas@gmail.com
Blog: http://johneoindouglas.blogspot.com/
9th of August 2011
Dear Sir/Madam,
RIOTS MUST NOT IMPEDE CRIMINAL ENQUIRIES
Acting Scotland Yard Commissioner Tim Godwin may currently feel that he has more urgent matters on his mind, but I trust that he will soon assure the public that important criminal enquiries like those into alleged telephone interception by newspapers will not suffer in any way as a result of other policing priorities. Not to do so will only give rise to conspiracy theories concerning links between certain individuals in the media and the criminal classes behind the riots.
John Eoin Douglas
Edinburgh
EH7 4PX
Telephone: 0131-550 0895
E-mail: JohnEDouglas@gmail.com
Blog: http://johneoindouglas.blogspot.com/
9th of August 2011
Dear Sir/Madam,
RIOTS MUST NOT IMPEDE CRIMINAL ENQUIRIES
Acting Scotland Yard Commissioner Tim Godwin may currently feel that he has more urgent matters on his mind, but I trust that he will soon assure the public that important criminal enquiries like those into alleged telephone interception by newspapers will not suffer in any way as a result of other policing priorities. Not to do so will only give rise to conspiracy theories concerning links between certain individuals in the media and the criminal classes behind the riots.
John Eoin Douglas
Monday, August 8, 2011
8th of August 2011 - Outlook of Poverty
7 Spey Terrace
Edinburgh
EH7 4PX
Telephone: 0131-550 0895
E-mail: JohnEDouglas@gmail.com
Blog: http://johneoindouglas.blogspot.com/
8th of August 2011
Dear Sir/Madam,
OUTLOOK OF POVERTY
No doubt the liberal chattering classes will trip over themselves to blame poverty for the recent outbreak of looting and pillaging in London.
However, noting that some of the mob's main targets have been the purveyors of mass market footwear, hamburgers and oversweet donuts, one can only blame a poverty of imagination and unquestioning acceptance of an aspirational lifestyle largely promoted by advertising. Real revolutionaries would have headed straight for the banks and in so doing might well have found support from a surprising proportion of the British public.
John Eoin Douglas
Edinburgh
EH7 4PX
Telephone: 0131-550 0895
E-mail: JohnEDouglas@gmail.com
Blog: http://johneoindouglas.blogspot.com/
8th of August 2011
Dear Sir/Madam,
OUTLOOK OF POVERTY
No doubt the liberal chattering classes will trip over themselves to blame poverty for the recent outbreak of looting and pillaging in London.
However, noting that some of the mob's main targets have been the purveyors of mass market footwear, hamburgers and oversweet donuts, one can only blame a poverty of imagination and unquestioning acceptance of an aspirational lifestyle largely promoted by advertising. Real revolutionaries would have headed straight for the banks and in so doing might well have found support from a surprising proportion of the British public.
John Eoin Douglas
Friday, July 22, 2011
22nd of July 2011 - To "ER" Is Human...
7 Spey Terrace
Edinburgh
EH7 4PX
Telephone: 0131-550 0895
E-mail: JohnEDouglas@gmail.com
Blog: http://johneoindouglas.
22nd of July 2011
Dear Sir/Madam,
TO "ER" IS HUMAN...
I was somewhat surprised to see the Royal Mail currently operating a fleet of vans in Scotland which are sign written in Welsh.
Following incidents in the 1950's that saw postboxes with the EIIR cypher being attacked by militant Scottish nationalists who objected to the term Queen Elizabeth the Second on the basis that Scotland had never had a Queen Elizabeth the First, the then GPO undertook to use only ER in Scotland. Yet these vans clearly display EIIR.
Perhaps times have changed and our nationalists no longer care about such things?
John Eoin Douglas
Saturday, June 11, 2011
11th of June 2011 - Sir Brian To The Rescue
7 Spey Terrace
Edinburgh
EH7 4PX
Telephone: 0131-550 0895
E-mail: JohnEDouglas@gmail.com
Blog: http://johneoindouglas.blogspot.com/
11th of June 2011
Dear Sir/Madam,
SIR BRIAN TO THE RESCUE
Whereas I have had no experience of the services to the Voluntary Sector for which Brian Souter has been awarded his Knighthood and would hardly call what he has done to our bus and rail networks to be services to Transport, we must not forget his services to Heterosexuality.
In funding the Referendum against the repeal of Section 28, he attempted to save our children from being persuaded of the superficial attraction of perverted sexual activities. It is only a shame that his efforts did not succeed and that unashamed practitioners of what was once called "the love that dare not speak its name" are now publicly accommodated by our Prime Minister at the highest level of his government.
As a family man and Christian, could Sir Brian now be persuaded to direct some of the public respect engendered by his new title into a campaign to shore up the bastion of marriage which is currently under threat from those who would extend it to same-sex couples?
John Eoin Douglas
Edinburgh
EH7 4PX
Telephone: 0131-550 0895
E-mail: JohnEDouglas@gmail.com
Blog: http://johneoindouglas.blogspot.com/
11th of June 2011
Dear Sir/Madam,
SIR BRIAN TO THE RESCUE
Whereas I have had no experience of the services to the Voluntary Sector for which Brian Souter has been awarded his Knighthood and would hardly call what he has done to our bus and rail networks to be services to Transport, we must not forget his services to Heterosexuality.
In funding the Referendum against the repeal of Section 28, he attempted to save our children from being persuaded of the superficial attraction of perverted sexual activities. It is only a shame that his efforts did not succeed and that unashamed practitioners of what was once called "the love that dare not speak its name" are now publicly accommodated by our Prime Minister at the highest level of his government.
As a family man and Christian, could Sir Brian now be persuaded to direct some of the public respect engendered by his new title into a campaign to shore up the bastion of marriage which is currently under threat from those who would extend it to same-sex couples?
John Eoin Douglas
Monday, June 6, 2011
6th of June 2011 - Text Not Sex
7 Spey Terrace
Edinburgh
EH7 4PX
Telephone: 0131-550 0895
E-mail: JohnEDouglas@gmail.com
Blog: http://johneoindouglas.blogspot.com/
6th of June 2011
Dear Sir/Madam,
TEXT NOT SEX
I fear that some of the advice given in the recent Mothers Union report on the sexualisation of children may prompt parents into fighting a losing battle to prevent unsuitable Internet material being viewed by their offspring.
Instead of installing largely ineffective and easily circumventable Net Nanny progams on their children's computers, they would do better to allow them access solely to web browsers which can display only text. As any anti-pornography campaigner will tell you, it is the pictures which cause the most damage whilst confining young people to text online might also have the desirable effect of improving literacy.
Perhaps, in the interests of education, this restriction could even be put on a statutory basis.
John Eoin Douglas
Edinburgh
EH7 4PX
Telephone: 0131-550 0895
E-mail: JohnEDouglas@gmail.com
Blog: http://johneoindouglas.blogspot.com/
6th of June 2011
Dear Sir/Madam,
TEXT NOT SEX
I fear that some of the advice given in the recent Mothers Union report on the sexualisation of children may prompt parents into fighting a losing battle to prevent unsuitable Internet material being viewed by their offspring.
Instead of installing largely ineffective and easily circumventable Net Nanny progams on their children's computers, they would do better to allow them access solely to web browsers which can display only text. As any anti-pornography campaigner will tell you, it is the pictures which cause the most damage whilst confining young people to text online might also have the desirable effect of improving literacy.
Perhaps, in the interests of education, this restriction could even be put on a statutory basis.
John Eoin Douglas
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
31st of May 2011 - On Track Again
7 Spey Terrace
Edinburgh
EH7 4PX
Telephone: 0131-550 0895
E-mail: JohnEDouglas@gmail.com
Blog: http://johneoindouglas.blogspot.com/
31st of May 2011
Dear Sir/Madam,
ON TRACK AGAIN
With the massive savings in wages now that most of the Tram bosses have handed in their notice, it should now be possible to complete the Edinburgh Tram scheme by employing the office cleaners in their stead. Their wages would be much cheaper and I'm sure that they could do a better job.
Perhaps the Scottish Government and local councils should also be considering similar ways of saving money when making cuts. It has always been my experience that the most lowly paid in any organisation are the most essential to its functioning and generally know where the bodies are buried.
John Eoin Douglas
Edinburgh
EH7 4PX
Telephone: 0131-550 0895
E-mail: JohnEDouglas@gmail.com
Blog: http://johneoindouglas.blogspot.com/
31st of May 2011
Dear Sir/Madam,
ON TRACK AGAIN
With the massive savings in wages now that most of the Tram bosses have handed in their notice, it should now be possible to complete the Edinburgh Tram scheme by employing the office cleaners in their stead. Their wages would be much cheaper and I'm sure that they could do a better job.
Perhaps the Scottish Government and local councils should also be considering similar ways of saving money when making cuts. It has always been my experience that the most lowly paid in any organisation are the most essential to its functioning and generally know where the bodies are buried.
John Eoin Douglas
Monday, May 16, 2011
16th of May 2011 - Tram Solution
7 Spey Terrace
Edinburgh
EH7 4PX
Telephone: 0131-550 0895
E-mail: JohnEDouglas@gmail.com
Blog: http://johneoindouglas.blogspot.com/
16th of May 2011
Dear Sir/Madam,
TRAM SOLUTION
I am concerned that Edinburgh will become a laughing stock if the Trams are cancelled by the Council. Instead of opening the line from Turnhouse to Haymarket, why don't they consider running from Haymarket to St Andrew Square? After all, the lines are already there for nearly a third of the route and a cheaply constructed single line would then suffice to connect the system to the depot at Gogar.
This high profile route along Princes Street could be run as a major tourist attraction showing an attractive modern face to our many visitors (including transport enthusiasts) as well as maintaining the city's traditional reputation for investing in fur coat whilst neglecting to purchase undergarments.
John Eoin Douglas
Edinburgh
EH7 4PX
Telephone: 0131-550 0895
E-mail: JohnEDouglas@gmail.com
Blog: http://johneoindouglas.blogspot.com/
16th of May 2011
Dear Sir/Madam,
TRAM SOLUTION
I am concerned that Edinburgh will become a laughing stock if the Trams are cancelled by the Council. Instead of opening the line from Turnhouse to Haymarket, why don't they consider running from Haymarket to St Andrew Square? After all, the lines are already there for nearly a third of the route and a cheaply constructed single line would then suffice to connect the system to the depot at Gogar.
This high profile route along Princes Street could be run as a major tourist attraction showing an attractive modern face to our many visitors (including transport enthusiasts) as well as maintaining the city's traditional reputation for investing in fur coat whilst neglecting to purchase undergarments.
John Eoin Douglas
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
16th of March 2011 - Equal Time
7 Spey Terrace
Edinburgh
EH7 4PX
Telephone: 0131-550 0895
E-mail: JohnEDouglas@gmail.com
Blog: http://johneoindouglas.blogspot.com/
16th of March 2011
Dear Sir/Madam,
EQUAL TIME
As a long time supporter of women's liberation, I have always considered that female criminals deserve equal treatment in the criminal courts to their male colleagues.
Recent reports that more women are being gaoled under the Scottish criminal justice system may indicate that this aspiration is being achieved.
John Eoin Douglas
Edinburgh
EH7 4PX
Telephone: 0131-550 0895
E-mail: JohnEDouglas@gmail.com
Blog: http://johneoindouglas.blogspot.com/
16th of March 2011
Dear Sir/Madam,
EQUAL TIME
As a long time supporter of women's liberation, I have always considered that female criminals deserve equal treatment in the criminal courts to their male colleagues.
Recent reports that more women are being gaoled under the Scottish criminal justice system may indicate that this aspiration is being achieved.
John Eoin Douglas
Monday, February 21, 2011
21st of February 2011 - Out Of Step
7 Spey Terrace
Edinburgh
EH7 4PX
Telephone: 0131-550 0895
E-mail: JohnEDouglas@gmail.com
21st of February 2011
Dear Sir/Madam,
OUT OF STEP
I was surprised to see that the builders are in at the Waverley Steps installing a very expensive escalator.
As it is only uninformed tourists (generally overweight North Americans who could do with the exercise) and and sportive types like joggers who actually climb the steps - all sensible locals knowing to exit the station via Waverley Bridge - surely this not inconsiderable portion of Scotland's transport budget could have better gone towards the Tram scheme which, we are told, will benefit us all?
John Eoin Douglas
Sunday, February 13, 2011
13th of February 2011 - Criminals In Control
7 Spey Terrace
Edinburgh
EH7 4PX
Telephone: 0131-550 0895
E-mail: JohnEDouglas@gmail.com
Blog: http://johneoindouglas.blogspot.com/
13th of February 2011
Dear Sir/Madam,
CRIMINALS IN CONTROL
How can the 234 MPs who voted to continue to deny prisoners the vote in breach of a European Court ruling have the effrontery to condemn convicts in our gaols when their vote shows that they too are prepared to flout the laws of the land?
When demonstrators next riot outside Westminster, these legislators will have to keep silent least they rightly be accused of hypocricy. I can only fear for our increasingly lawless society when our very law makers consider that they are above the law.
John Eoin Douglas
Edinburgh
EH7 4PX
Telephone: 0131-550 0895
E-mail: JohnEDouglas@gmail.com
Blog: http://johneoindouglas.blogspot.com/
13th of February 2011
Dear Sir/Madam,
CRIMINALS IN CONTROL
How can the 234 MPs who voted to continue to deny prisoners the vote in breach of a European Court ruling have the effrontery to condemn convicts in our gaols when their vote shows that they too are prepared to flout the laws of the land?
When demonstrators next riot outside Westminster, these legislators will have to keep silent least they rightly be accused of hypocricy. I can only fear for our increasingly lawless society when our very law makers consider that they are above the law.
John Eoin Douglas
Monday, January 31, 2011
31st of January 2011 - Egyptian Unrest
7 Spey Terrace
Edinburgh
EH7 4PX
Telephone: 0131-550 0895
E-mail: JohnEDouglas@gmail.com
Blog: http://johneoindouglas.blogspot.com/
31st of January 2011
Dear Sir/Madam,
EGYPTIAN UNREST
I really do not understand the inconsistency shown by the UK government with regard to the illegal demonstrations and arson which are regretably currently a feature of life in Egypt.
In the UK, we have seen how the Metropolitan Police have cracked down on the criminal elements of student unrest in London. Should not the Egyptian authorities be encouraged to follow their example?
Instead, our Foreign Secretary William Hague's calls for government restraint are tantamount to encouraging Egyptian revolution - something which could ruin the hard earned holidays of many British people!
John Eoin Douglas
Edinburgh
EH7 4PX
Telephone: 0131-550 0895
E-mail: JohnEDouglas@gmail.com
Blog: http://johneoindouglas.blogspot.com/
31st of January 2011
Dear Sir/Madam,
EGYPTIAN UNREST
I really do not understand the inconsistency shown by the UK government with regard to the illegal demonstrations and arson which are regretably currently a feature of life in Egypt.
In the UK, we have seen how the Metropolitan Police have cracked down on the criminal elements of student unrest in London. Should not the Egyptian authorities be encouraged to follow their example?
Instead, our Foreign Secretary William Hague's calls for government restraint are tantamount to encouraging Egyptian revolution - something which could ruin the hard earned holidays of many British people!
John Eoin Douglas
Thursday, January 27, 2011
27th of January 2011 - School For Scandal
7 Spey Terrace
Edinburgh
EH7 4PX
Telephone: 0131-550 0895
E-mail: JohnEDouglas@gmail.com
Blog: http://johneoindouglas.blogspot.com/
27th of January 2011
Dear Sir/Madam,
SCHOOL FOR SCANDAL
It has been heart rending observing the quiet dignity recently displayed by Gail Sheridan and to note the obvious love and affection she still has for her philandering husband, Tommy.
I have the greatest sympathy for this wronged woman and can only point out that things might have been worse: could she have still stood by her man if he had also been exposed as a frequenter of the twilight world of the homosexual?
John Eoin Douglas
Edinburgh
EH7 4PX
Telephone: 0131-550 0895
E-mail: JohnEDouglas@gmail.com
Blog: http://johneoindouglas.blogspot.com/
27th of January 2011
Dear Sir/Madam,
SCHOOL FOR SCANDAL
It has been heart rending observing the quiet dignity recently displayed by Gail Sheridan and to note the obvious love and affection she still has for her philandering husband, Tommy.
I have the greatest sympathy for this wronged woman and can only point out that things might have been worse: could she have still stood by her man if he had also been exposed as a frequenter of the twilight world of the homosexual?
John Eoin Douglas
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
18th of January 2011 - True Grit
7 Spey Terrace
Edinburgh
EH7 4PX
Telephone: 0131-550 0895
E-mail: JohnEDouglas@gmail.com
Blog: http://johneoindouglas.blogspot.com/
18th of January 2011
Dear Sir/Madam,
TRUE GRIT
Now that the snow has melted of its own accord and warmer days are with us, isn't it time for councils to tidy up the mess left following their belated attempts to clear the streets?
Whilst piles of grit on street corners may have been useful when there was snow, these are now cluttering up our pavements as well as providing a target for children to amuse themselves by spreading the stuff further and, in some cases, even throwing it at passing vehicles.
John Eoin Douglas
Edinburgh
EH7 4PX
Telephone: 0131-550 0895
E-mail: JohnEDouglas@gmail.com
Blog: http://johneoindouglas.blogspot.com/
18th of January 2011
Dear Sir/Madam,
TRUE GRIT
Now that the snow has melted of its own accord and warmer days are with us, isn't it time for councils to tidy up the mess left following their belated attempts to clear the streets?
Whilst piles of grit on street corners may have been useful when there was snow, these are now cluttering up our pavements as well as providing a target for children to amuse themselves by spreading the stuff further and, in some cases, even throwing it at passing vehicles.
John Eoin Douglas
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
12th of January 2011- Royal Stamp
7 Spey Terrace
Edinburgh
EH7 4PX
Telephone: 0131-550 0895
E-mail: JohnEDouglas@gmail.com
Blog: http://johneoindouglas.blogspot.com/
12th of January 2011
Dear Sir/Madam,
ROYAL STAMP
It is nice to see that the presence of the Queen's head on British postage stamps has been assured ahead of postal privatisation.
However, with the proliferation of franking machines and other means of prepaying postage, Sir Rowland Hill's "bit of paper just large enough to bear the stamp, and covered at the back with a glutinous wash" may soon be in terminal decline.
Parliament should mandate the imprinting of the royal effigy on these alternative forms of payment in order to ensure that every knock of the postman continues to remind us of our ruler!
John Eoin Douglas
Edinburgh
EH7 4PX
Telephone: 0131-550 0895
E-mail: JohnEDouglas@gmail.com
Blog: http://johneoindouglas.blogspot.com/
12th of January 2011
Dear Sir/Madam,
ROYAL STAMP
It is nice to see that the presence of the Queen's head on British postage stamps has been assured ahead of postal privatisation.
However, with the proliferation of franking machines and other means of prepaying postage, Sir Rowland Hill's "bit of paper just large enough to bear the stamp, and covered at the back with a glutinous wash" may soon be in terminal decline.
Parliament should mandate the imprinting of the royal effigy on these alternative forms of payment in order to ensure that every knock of the postman continues to remind us of our ruler!
John Eoin Douglas
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)