The Empire Strikes Back

National Day of Strike action

Old Mother Hubbard

George Osborne's Autumn Statement

Choked

Britain's oldest Green charity, Enviromental  Protection UK, set up in 1898, is to close down

There's a Starman Waiting In The Sky

Cashing in on Bowie- Heroes Musical given go-ahead by Alladin Sane

The Whole Shabang: Book Launch in Slaithwaite

Crumpets & tea from a Henry V111 Teapot, saxaphone serenade featuring Mekons bass guitar, bunting made of toast and the company of some amazing families at Shabang Theatre's book launch this afternoon in Slaithwaite. Thankyou Kim & Russ. Superb!

Tiger Feet

"That's N.E.E.T, that's neet, that's neet, that's neet, really love your Tiger Feet". Apologies to Mud. 18-24 year olds Not in Education, Employment or training hit half a million. Tiger Feet Clegg has announced some funds, probably coming from freezing tax credits.

Prison Break In

Thieves broke into HMP Kirkham in Lancashire, escaping with £8000's worth of tobacco

Manamana: Return of the Muppets

Manamana, Doo-doo-dooo-dooo-doo. Mildewy, Motheaten and a bit Mouldy, they're back on TV. Soon.

TUC's YMCA Moment

The TUC has finally found its vocation....as a record producer. They hope The Workers' cover version of Canned Heat's "Let's Work Together" will make it to number 1 by strike day on November 30th. Their YMCA-style lineup includes a fireman, an engineer, a midwife, a physiotherapist and a probation officer.

Cockahoop!

Poultry Club Annual Show. Mr & Mrs Proctor's prize-winning bantam.



Goodbye Dolly

Farewell to Basil Oliveira, unassuming South African "coloured" determined to play cricket despite Apartheid . In 1960 he came to England to play for Middleton Cricket Club, playing  in the Lancashire League. My Mum lived near the ground and saw him play. Selected   for England v South Africa, he caused a political storm. The tour was cancelled and England didn't play South Africa again until 1994, in the post Apartheid era.

Pet Insurance Fraudsters

Fraudulent claims for poorly or diseased pets on the up

World's Fastest Toilet

Congratulations to Edd China on his record breaking 68 kmh toilet run. Technically, it's a motorised toilet with sidecar bath and sink handlebars, but as Robin is watching some washed up 80s singer's saddo gig (Thomas Dolby), and I've got Naths to collect from cadets, needs must..

American Gothic Pizza

With apologies to Grant Wood (1891-1942). American Congress bows to pressure

and reclassifies pizza as a vegetable.

Harrier Jump Jets

US Marines grab 74 bargain basement Harrier Jump Jets from the RAF

Olympic Missiles

Athletes, they've got you covered

Mama Mia, it's Super Mario!

Silvio out, Mario Monti in.

Lord Melchett's Moustache

Stephen Fry is to recreate a Monstrous Movember Melchett Moustache, as featured in Blackadder. Bravo!

Greek Dancehall with Papademos & Pliers

Lucas Papademos is sworn in as Greek PM by orthodox priest

11.11.11

On the 11th minute, of the 11th hour, of the 11th day....hang on a minute, I did this a day early so that's probably cheating. And it was probably about five-and -twenty- past five...

Berlusconi's Breaker Ball Jacuzzi

Berlusconi announces he'll quit as Italy's troubles mount. See "The Italian Job" blog for 23.1.11.

Poppy Attack

FIFA allow England football players to wear their poppies for the friendly with Spain.

(Drawn on the back of my pension envelope, hence poor quality and small size)

Joe Frazier

Boxing bids farewell to "Smokin'" Joe, who fought Muhammed Ali in the "Thrilla in Manilla" .

Fought 37; won 32, drew 1, lost 4.

Olympic Torch- Limpics, Innit?

Limpic Torch Guvnor?

Sir Alex Ferguson's Hot Stretford End

Alex gets a stand with his name on it, as a token of esteme for 25 years at old Trafford

Gunpowder, Treacle and Plot

This year our Guy was supposed to be Rupert Murdoch. As someone pointed out, whatever happened to just having Guy Fawkes?

Guy Fawkes Loses The Plot

With apologies to the venerable George Cruikshank

Sabre-Toothed Speedy Gonzales

This picture is for Kate'n' Matthew in celebration of their Speedy Derbyshire real estate purchase. Another attempt at the sabre-toothed mouse fossil find in South America

Mickey Mouse Teeth

94 million year old sabre-toothed mouse found in South America, wait a minute, going to have to redo this now as Speedy Gonzales....

Did The Earth Move For You In Blackpool?

 Fracking ( high pressure injections of water & chemicals, deep underground, into rock) may have caused earth quakes near Blackpool. See blog for 22nd September  2011.

The Whole Shabang!

It is a real privilege to have contributed illustrations to this book, produced by the brilliant SHABANG Theatre, alias Kim Reuter and Russ Elias.  Our whole family took  part in Workshops run by Shabang for children with additional needs, including Downs Syndrome and Autism. It is no exaggeration to say that they were life-changing . But don't take my word for it, Check out Shabang's website. Launch event planned for 26th November at the Watershed in Slaithwaite, watch this space! http://www.shabang.org.uk/NEW/resources

Greek Theme Park White Knuckle Ride

Derren Brown's Psychic Bullet

Derren Brown's Russian Roulette Stunt exposed as a trick. Well, blow me down with a feather!