Surprise Coalition Radical

After 100 days of the U.K. Coalition government, Eric Pickles has proved himself to be the most radical member of the Cabinet - even more than Michael Gove, who is trying to revolutionize the State school system.

His abolition of the Audit Commission was the headline grabber, but it's the other stuff he's done/is planning that help make the Comm'n redundant. Not only has he gotten rid of loads of red tape and counterproductive targets, but making all local Councils and Quangos publish the details of any spending over £500 has made the mass of internet users the new auditors of this spending. And Councils can be perfectly well audited officially by private Audit firms.

Beaurocracy and millions of Pounds Sterling cut in one foul swoop - not a bad 100 days' work.

Football (aka Soccer) begins again

The non-Premiership leagues started their seasons today. The first Premiership matches take place next weekend. Even before that there are the Community Shield match and an England friendly against Hungary.

Has enough time really passed to get over the England World Cup debacle? No! Will this season be any less angst ridden for a West Ham Utd. fan like me? Again No! Will my hand cramp up switching the remote among football matches, baseball games, American football games, etc etc? Yes!

With all this in mind, my verdict is the same as every year at this time . . . . I can't wait!