Sunday, 13 May 2018
THE EUROVISION SONG CONTEST 2018
FAILURE ONCE AGAIN FOR THE UNITED KINGDOM
I have been watching the Eurovision Song Contest since ABBA won with their song Waterloo in the early 1970s.
I was delighted when Ireland won the Contest a few times with very melodic songs with words you could could hear and understand.
What has happened since then ?
Most of the recent songs have had singers who almost shout the words. The higher the pitch the more the audience would scream their applause. The more stupid The choreography was the better the audience liked it.
So, how has the UK performed after the last 10 years ?
As far as the performance of the artists are concerned, very well. The 2018 UK choice of singer, SuRie did her very best.
She came 24th out of 26 countries who reached the Final of the Contest.
Over the years, the UK had failed miserably to reach the top 10. Why is this so ?
Here is my evaluation......
Most of the songs selected by the UK jury have been poor.
The 2018 song choice was terrible. A loud, high pitched song about Storm. Noisy, non melodic, certainly not romantic. Just an assortment of Mumbo Jumbo !
Of course, the UK Press adopted a Wishful Thinking prediction. Many thought that this year we had a very good chance of winning. How wrong they were.
So, what is going wrong in the selection of the UK song for Eurovision ?
Firstly, I blame the so called experts, the UK Selection Panel Judges who do not seem to know how to select a potential winner.
The entry Rules for the UK play off seems to be clouded in mystery. I am a composer and I believe that two of my songs could actually win the Eurovision Song Contest. I contacted the BBC and they did not know how one applied for entry in the 2018 Contest. No one seems to know, how the singer is chosen to sing the winning song. The Public and Composers only seem to know what is going on when the Final 6 UK contestants sing in the Play off on television. At this stage, it becomes clear that all the songs chosen by the Judges were losers. So, I blame the Judges and the methodology of selecting winning songs. The net has to be cast wider.
I believe the time has come for the 2019 Contest in Tel Aviv to have a romantic Ballad. Invite a distinguished singer like RIA JONES to sing it. I can envisage her dressed in a long pale blue Gown, Centre stage with some backing singers dressed in pale yellow gowns. No dance routines. No stupid male dancers jumping around in the background, just Ria singing one of my ballads “ CRY OVER YOU “ or
“ EVERYTIME “ - a complete contrast to the crazy songs that have been performed in latter years for Eurovision.
I believe that the 200 Millions viewers onEurovision will like hearing a star like Ria, in her own wonderful manner of delivery and will vote for a song with melody in complete contrast to the rest of the entrants.
Certainly, the current trend on UK songs are all losers and unless the Selection Judges change direction in their choice of song for the UK entrant, I fear more failure in the future.
Is all this just a pitch for my songs ! Yes it is because I believe that they are far better than any of the UK entrants over the last 10 years.
The recipe for success at Eurovision Song Contest in my view is
- Great singer like Ria Jones. If unavailable, someone of her standard from the Musical Theatre. Female.
- Great new Ballad.
- Simple colourful delivery on stage.
- Romantic ambience in lighting and stage management.
- No shouting the words.
- Backing singers
I want this trend of failure for the UK to end.
Is anyone listening ?
EUREKYS
Tuesday, 1 May 2018
STUPID DECISIONS IN GOVERNMENT
BEWARE - THE STUPID DECISIONS IN GOVERNMENT TODAY
We all remember the Stupid decisions of Tony Blair and the Government to invade Iraq. Some people never learn from History.
A lesson that permeates History is that intervention in a Civil War in a foreign country can be a fatal mistake of Foreign Diplomacy. Britain should Stay out.
Britain should never have decided to enter the Syrian Civil War on the side of the so called rebels.
The Syrian Rebels should never have taken up arms against the Asad Government, however bad that Government had become, which, in the event, has triggered such death and destruction for Syrian citizens. How stupid ! Was it worth it ?
Why cannot Nations strengthen the role of the United Nations to help settle disputes or to draw a Blue Helmet line between the two opposing factions ? If not, Britain should be vigilant not to repeat the mistakes of the Past.
Once Russia decided to enter the Syrian conflict, the Allies should have kept out of interfering in the doomed conflict.
It is about time that Britain starts to be realistic and careful of the outcomes of involvement in a Civil War.
It is only a few years ago, that Adad was being driven down the Mall in London to Buckingham Palace for a State visit !
Do we have such short memories ?
The real culprits in all this Syrian disaster are the Rebels who took to violence.
Asad may not be perfect, but the alternative to his Government in my view would be chaos.
If he is guilty against crimes to Humanity, let him be tried at The Hague !
I am amazed that we have in Government today and Parliament such stupid decision makers. Let the United Nations decide what actions to take against Nations of violence, corruption and evil.
The World War 1 was such a disaster because of the Treaty system which was a recipe for death and destruction on an unbelievable scale. Was such military conflict worth it ? Certainly not.
Britain should participate but stay out of the Civil War conflicts in other countries.
Or, do we want to sacrifice our young soldiers in other people’s Civil War ?
To Save British lives is not a negative or immoral Policy. It is sensible. This is not Pacifism. It is Realism.
Henry Ford once said...” History is all bunk. “
No it is NOT Henry ! We should learn from the Past otherwise Nations will commit “ Suicide “ in the stupid name of Duty, Decency, GOD and Support for the “ Good guys...whoever they are.“
Try Patience, Diplomacy and Discussion next time, however long it takes. In Syria, Violence and Destruction has already taken 7 years with infrastructure destroyed and a large number of Syrians killed on both sides.
Surely any sane person would say....” It is not worth it !”
We all remember the Stupid decisions of Tony Blair and the Government to invade Iraq. Some people never learn from History.
A lesson that permeates History is that intervention in a Civil War in a foreign country can be a fatal mistake of Foreign Diplomacy. Britain should Stay out.
Britain should never have decided to enter the Syrian Civil War on the side of the so called rebels.
The Syrian Rebels should never have taken up arms against the Asad Government, however bad that Government had become, which, in the event, has triggered such death and destruction for Syrian citizens. How stupid ! Was it worth it ?
Why cannot Nations strengthen the role of the United Nations to help settle disputes or to draw a Blue Helmet line between the two opposing factions ? If not, Britain should be vigilant not to repeat the mistakes of the Past.
Once Russia decided to enter the Syrian conflict, the Allies should have kept out of interfering in the doomed conflict.
It is about time that Britain starts to be realistic and careful of the outcomes of involvement in a Civil War.
It is only a few years ago, that Adad was being driven down the Mall in London to Buckingham Palace for a State visit !
Do we have such short memories ?
The real culprits in all this Syrian disaster are the Rebels who took to violence.
Asad may not be perfect, but the alternative to his Government in my view would be chaos.
If he is guilty against crimes to Humanity, let him be tried at The Hague !
I am amazed that we have in Government today and Parliament such stupid decision makers. Let the United Nations decide what actions to take against Nations of violence, corruption and evil.
The World War 1 was such a disaster because of the Treaty system which was a recipe for death and destruction on an unbelievable scale. Was such military conflict worth it ? Certainly not.
Britain should participate but stay out of the Civil War conflicts in other countries.
Or, do we want to sacrifice our young soldiers in other people’s Civil War ?
To Save British lives is not a negative or immoral Policy. It is sensible. This is not Pacifism. It is Realism.
Henry Ford once said...” History is all bunk. “
No it is NOT Henry ! We should learn from the Past otherwise Nations will commit “ Suicide “ in the stupid name of Duty, Decency, GOD and Support for the “ Good guys...whoever they are.“
Try Patience, Diplomacy and Discussion next time, however long it takes. In Syria, Violence and Destruction has already taken 7 years with infrastructure destroyed and a large number of Syrians killed on both sides.
Surely any sane person would say....” It is not worth it !”
THE EU AND THE IRISH BORDER BREXIT PROBLEM
THE IRISH BORDER PROBLEM
The EU have already signalled that they do not like some of the solutions which the British Government have put forward to them. It looks at the moment that this issue of a Hard Border v a Soft Border might destroy an acceptable deal with the EU. What can be done if this non solution prevails ?
Here is one suggestion to place on the” back burner.”
The Governments of the UK and Ireland will certainly not like any stalemate.
So, the British Government should ask the Irish Government if they would hold a new Referendum to
decide if Ireland should remain in the EU.
Remember, some years ago Ireland held a Referendum and the people decided they wanted to leave the EU.
Then, the EU bribed the Irish Government to hold a second Referendum. This time the people voted to remain in the EU.
The UK should offer Eire the following benefits if they leave the EU -
1 - Eire will be part of the British Isles Free Trade Zone.
2- Eire - if they wish - can be part of the new Global Trade Agreements with enormous Economic benefits to Eire.
3 - Full open borders with Northern Ireland protecting the present trade routes and manufacturing policies.
4 - The UK might have to offer special subsidies for Agricultural products to replace any Irish Benefits from the Common Agricultural Agreements.
For the UK Government, there are many options to compensate for EU tariffs, such as -
1- Change the Terms of Trade such as a lower £ / Euro spread.
2- Tax rebate benefits to UK companies, VAT Rates being the obvious one.
3- Impose Reciprocal tariffs on selected EU goods and services.
4- In other words, if the EU want to play tough so should the UK.
5- The EU Members own the assets of the EU. The UK should seek compensation for their share of all EU assets thereby reducing the present £39 Billions on offer from the UK.
6 - If a deal is not agreed, all UK offers should be withdrawn.
So, Eire, what is it going to be for your future prosperity .......
1- Hard border with Northern Ireland ?
2- Outbreak of violence with Groups on the Island of Ireland ?
3- Imposition of tariffs on Eire goods and services ?
4 - Tight passport control to enter the UK ?
5- Citizen unrest with demonstrations ?
OR,
Prosperity with beneficial links to the UK and the World ?
The EU have already signalled that they do not like some of the solutions which the British Government have put forward to them. It looks at the moment that this issue of a Hard Border v a Soft Border might destroy an acceptable deal with the EU. What can be done if this non solution prevails ?
Here is one suggestion to place on the” back burner.”
The Governments of the UK and Ireland will certainly not like any stalemate.
So, the British Government should ask the Irish Government if they would hold a new Referendum to
decide if Ireland should remain in the EU.
Remember, some years ago Ireland held a Referendum and the people decided they wanted to leave the EU.
Then, the EU bribed the Irish Government to hold a second Referendum. This time the people voted to remain in the EU.
The UK should offer Eire the following benefits if they leave the EU -
1 - Eire will be part of the British Isles Free Trade Zone.
2- Eire - if they wish - can be part of the new Global Trade Agreements with enormous Economic benefits to Eire.
3 - Full open borders with Northern Ireland protecting the present trade routes and manufacturing policies.
4 - The UK might have to offer special subsidies for Agricultural products to replace any Irish Benefits from the Common Agricultural Agreements.
For the UK Government, there are many options to compensate for EU tariffs, such as -
1- Change the Terms of Trade such as a lower £ / Euro spread.
2- Tax rebate benefits to UK companies, VAT Rates being the obvious one.
3- Impose Reciprocal tariffs on selected EU goods and services.
4- In other words, if the EU want to play tough so should the UK.
5- The EU Members own the assets of the EU. The UK should seek compensation for their share of all EU assets thereby reducing the present £39 Billions on offer from the UK.
6 - If a deal is not agreed, all UK offers should be withdrawn.
So, Eire, what is it going to be for your future prosperity .......
1- Hard border with Northern Ireland ?
2- Outbreak of violence with Groups on the Island of Ireland ?
3- Imposition of tariffs on Eire goods and services ?
4 - Tight passport control to enter the UK ?
5- Citizen unrest with demonstrations ?
OR,
Prosperity with beneficial links to the UK and the World ?
Saturday, 21 April 2018
LET THE PATIENT BEWARE
LET THE PATIENT BEWARE
A Personal Experience.
“ Infection - The need to act fast to avoid threats to your Life and Wellbeing.”
I am a Type 2 Diabetic and I have controlled Diabetes for 31 years. I have a Healthy Lifestyle. Recently, I developed a Blister on the side of my Right Foot.
I saw my Surgery Doctor after a two weeks wait in March 2018 for an appointment. She studied the wound and decided to refer me to a Podiatist. I have not heard from the Podiatrist at Wycombe Hospital after weeks of waiting.
In the meantime, I saw the Practice Nurse for my regular blood test.
I showed her the wound. She said in a caring manner...
“ You ought to see our Diabetic Nurse...you do not want to lose your foot do you ? “ “ No I do not !” was my reply.
I tried to make an appointment with the Diabetic Nurse. The earliest available was in 2 weeks time. I had to cancel the appointment due to my eventual stay at Wexham Park Hospital.
In the meantime, my foot started to become painful.
I managed to get an appointment with one of the Surgery Doctors.
She acted promptly. She telephoned Stoke Mandeville and Wexham Park Hospitals.
Wexham said “ Tell him to come here at once. “
My wife drove me to Wexham Park Hospital near Slough in Berkshire.
My experience at Wexham Park was very thorough Patient Care and at the same time most alarming.
I used to believe that if you had an infection, it was treated by a course of Antibiotics and you would be healed in next to no time. Maybe some Germaline or some other ointment.
No Problem !
I was in for a shock.
The Ulcer on my right foot had become infected.
I was put on an Antibiotic drip 4 times a day. My feet were bathed in Iodine medicated water. My Blood Sugar, Blood Pressure and Blood Test was monitored on a daily basis.
On Day 1 FridayThe Diabetic Consultant operated on the wound.
Masses of puss were taken out. The wound was cleaned and covered.
From Friday to a week Saturday, I was regularly monitored. The care from the whole Medical Team was superb.
I was visited by a very nice Hospital Podiatrist. She examined the wound, cut away some skin and dressed the wound.
Then, came my second shock.
She said that so far I was lucky. If I had left it longer, I might have lost my foot. If the infection had spread, the only way to stop it might be to amputate.
The Patient in the bed next to me was a young, jovial man who had lost his keg due to infection. He had developed an Ulcer like me on his remaining foot and he was hoping, if not praying like me, that the Medical Staff would heal the Ulcer.
The Podiatrist advised me not to go to Spain on holiday - scheduled for 3 weeks time. Another shock !
Her advice was to rest, rest and rest. Do not even walk to the Hospital Newsagent.
The Plaster room examined my foot and put it into a Plaster Caste and gave me a special shoe. I asked the very kind and competent Nurse what was the purpose of a scan on the foot.
She told me to see if the infection had spread to the bone. Then came another shock. She said that they would also look to see if I had a Charcot Foot. What is that ? Infection can make the arch of your foot collapse. Not a good outcome.
There is still another hurdle to climb. An MRI Scan is being organised to see if the infection has spread to the bone. If it has, I am hoping that there is a cure. Fingers crossed.!
What are the lessons to be learnt from this worrying if not depressing story ?
1 - If you have a blister on your foot, seek immediate Medical help.
2 - If there is a delay in seeing your Practice Doctor, go to A and E at your local hospital, if, there is one !
3 - Get Specialist Medical advise. Your Doctor is a General Practitioner. Although most are wonderful, their daily systems with over 2,000 Patients on their list and shortage of time ( 10 - 20 minutes per Patient ) , they are not Specialists.
4 - Regularly check your shoes. Make sure they fit you properly. Make sure they are not causing redness on your foot. My shoes caused the Ulcer. Also, make sure that your socks are not too tight and they are not restricting circulation which is so important.
5 - Learn that a Podiatrist has more knowledge and experience of dealing with Footcare than a Chiropodist.
6 - It goes without saying that you must control Diabetes and sugar levels.
7 - Finally, if you are not satisfied with the Medical Diagnosis, seek a second opinion. Medical Practitioners are only human and they do make some mistakes in diagnosis. I used to be a Director of a leading Global Medical Equipment Group of Companies.
As far as Wexham Park Hospital is concerned, all the staff have been excellent. The care which I have received so far is faultless.
The Medical Staff work to a good care system.
You tend to think that no one is dealing with your problem fast enough but, believe me they need time to assess progress. It is a Stage by Stage approach based on an Action Plan after diagnosis.
One observation for Brexit followers......
Most of the staff are from Romania, Poland, Bulgaria, Philippines and other countries, with a high preponderance of Asian Doctors and Nurses.
I want to emphasis that Britain wants these fine workers and Immigrants. Brexit does not mean they have to leave the country. They are needed and most welcome.I have the highest regard for the Medical Staff at NHS Wexham Park Hospital.
So, there you have it. This is my personal experience.
Questions I ask myself are....
1 - Should my Practice Doctor have acted immediately with some Medication when I had my first appointment ?
2 - Was the Doctor waiting to see how the wound developed ?
3 - Should I have gone to A and E and bi- passed my Doctor ?
4 - Should I have realised how dangerous my wound was as a Diabetic ?
5 - Should I have reviewed my shoes over time ?
6 - Or, did my Doctor’s Practice let me down in any way ?
I hope that I have a happy ending and that my Ulcer will be healed. I am in the hands of the Medical Team at Wexham Park Hospital.
I have 100% confidence in them.
Finally, I must stress that I am not a Healthcare Specialist.
I have the greatest respect for Medical Practitioners. They are the “ The Salt of the Earth.”
These are the words of an ordinary Patient.
I may be right and I may be wrong. I hope that to Patients and Medical Practitioners my experience might be helpful.
Finally, in June 2018, I have been invited to be a Guest Speaker at Bucks New University Conference on Nutrition and Healthy Lifestyles. I am adding the following slide to my 42 slides Presentation. I hope it will warn the General Public to be extra vigilant and careful about Infection, particularly if you are a Diabetic.
Preventative Healthcare is far better, and less costly than Remedial Healthcare.
Bucks New University Conference 2018 - Nutrition Lifestyle Wellbeing
I have added this slide to my 43 slide Presentation at this Conference in June 2018 in High Wycom
BEWARE INFECTION - More dangerous than you think.
Past attitude....Infection ? Visit Pharmacy. Antiseptic cream. Germalene or equivalent. Visit Doctor. Course of Antibiotics.
After 2 weeks, no problem. Easy !
“ BUT Infection can spread like a wild fire.”
It can cause serious illness and amputations.
Do not delay.
DAILY PERSONAL HYGENE IS VITAL
A Personal Experience.
“ Infection - The need to act fast to avoid threats to your Life and Wellbeing.”
I am a Type 2 Diabetic and I have controlled Diabetes for 31 years. I have a Healthy Lifestyle. Recently, I developed a Blister on the side of my Right Foot.
I saw my Surgery Doctor after a two weeks wait in March 2018 for an appointment. She studied the wound and decided to refer me to a Podiatist. I have not heard from the Podiatrist at Wycombe Hospital after weeks of waiting.
In the meantime, I saw the Practice Nurse for my regular blood test.
I showed her the wound. She said in a caring manner...
“ You ought to see our Diabetic Nurse...you do not want to lose your foot do you ? “ “ No I do not !” was my reply.
I tried to make an appointment with the Diabetic Nurse. The earliest available was in 2 weeks time. I had to cancel the appointment due to my eventual stay at Wexham Park Hospital.
In the meantime, my foot started to become painful.
I managed to get an appointment with one of the Surgery Doctors.
She acted promptly. She telephoned Stoke Mandeville and Wexham Park Hospitals.
Wexham said “ Tell him to come here at once. “
My wife drove me to Wexham Park Hospital near Slough in Berkshire.
My experience at Wexham Park was very thorough Patient Care and at the same time most alarming.
I used to believe that if you had an infection, it was treated by a course of Antibiotics and you would be healed in next to no time. Maybe some Germaline or some other ointment.
No Problem !
I was in for a shock.
The Ulcer on my right foot had become infected.
I was put on an Antibiotic drip 4 times a day. My feet were bathed in Iodine medicated water. My Blood Sugar, Blood Pressure and Blood Test was monitored on a daily basis.
On Day 1 FridayThe Diabetic Consultant operated on the wound.
Masses of puss were taken out. The wound was cleaned and covered.
From Friday to a week Saturday, I was regularly monitored. The care from the whole Medical Team was superb.
I was visited by a very nice Hospital Podiatrist. She examined the wound, cut away some skin and dressed the wound.
Then, came my second shock.
She said that so far I was lucky. If I had left it longer, I might have lost my foot. If the infection had spread, the only way to stop it might be to amputate.
The Patient in the bed next to me was a young, jovial man who had lost his keg due to infection. He had developed an Ulcer like me on his remaining foot and he was hoping, if not praying like me, that the Medical Staff would heal the Ulcer.
The Podiatrist advised me not to go to Spain on holiday - scheduled for 3 weeks time. Another shock !
Her advice was to rest, rest and rest. Do not even walk to the Hospital Newsagent.
The Plaster room examined my foot and put it into a Plaster Caste and gave me a special shoe. I asked the very kind and competent Nurse what was the purpose of a scan on the foot.
She told me to see if the infection had spread to the bone. Then came another shock. She said that they would also look to see if I had a Charcot Foot. What is that ? Infection can make the arch of your foot collapse. Not a good outcome.
There is still another hurdle to climb. An MRI Scan is being organised to see if the infection has spread to the bone. If it has, I am hoping that there is a cure. Fingers crossed.!
What are the lessons to be learnt from this worrying if not depressing story ?
1 - If you have a blister on your foot, seek immediate Medical help.
2 - If there is a delay in seeing your Practice Doctor, go to A and E at your local hospital, if, there is one !
3 - Get Specialist Medical advise. Your Doctor is a General Practitioner. Although most are wonderful, their daily systems with over 2,000 Patients on their list and shortage of time ( 10 - 20 minutes per Patient ) , they are not Specialists.
4 - Regularly check your shoes. Make sure they fit you properly. Make sure they are not causing redness on your foot. My shoes caused the Ulcer. Also, make sure that your socks are not too tight and they are not restricting circulation which is so important.
5 - Learn that a Podiatrist has more knowledge and experience of dealing with Footcare than a Chiropodist.
6 - It goes without saying that you must control Diabetes and sugar levels.
7 - Finally, if you are not satisfied with the Medical Diagnosis, seek a second opinion. Medical Practitioners are only human and they do make some mistakes in diagnosis. I used to be a Director of a leading Global Medical Equipment Group of Companies.
As far as Wexham Park Hospital is concerned, all the staff have been excellent. The care which I have received so far is faultless.
The Medical Staff work to a good care system.
You tend to think that no one is dealing with your problem fast enough but, believe me they need time to assess progress. It is a Stage by Stage approach based on an Action Plan after diagnosis.
One observation for Brexit followers......
Most of the staff are from Romania, Poland, Bulgaria, Philippines and other countries, with a high preponderance of Asian Doctors and Nurses.
I want to emphasis that Britain wants these fine workers and Immigrants. Brexit does not mean they have to leave the country. They are needed and most welcome.I have the highest regard for the Medical Staff at NHS Wexham Park Hospital.
So, there you have it. This is my personal experience.
Questions I ask myself are....
1 - Should my Practice Doctor have acted immediately with some Medication when I had my first appointment ?
2 - Was the Doctor waiting to see how the wound developed ?
3 - Should I have gone to A and E and bi- passed my Doctor ?
4 - Should I have realised how dangerous my wound was as a Diabetic ?
5 - Should I have reviewed my shoes over time ?
6 - Or, did my Doctor’s Practice let me down in any way ?
I hope that I have a happy ending and that my Ulcer will be healed. I am in the hands of the Medical Team at Wexham Park Hospital.
I have 100% confidence in them.
Finally, I must stress that I am not a Healthcare Specialist.
I have the greatest respect for Medical Practitioners. They are the “ The Salt of the Earth.”
These are the words of an ordinary Patient.
I may be right and I may be wrong. I hope that to Patients and Medical Practitioners my experience might be helpful.
Finally, in June 2018, I have been invited to be a Guest Speaker at Bucks New University Conference on Nutrition and Healthy Lifestyles. I am adding the following slide to my 42 slides Presentation. I hope it will warn the General Public to be extra vigilant and careful about Infection, particularly if you are a Diabetic.
Preventative Healthcare is far better, and less costly than Remedial Healthcare.
Bucks New University Conference 2018 - Nutrition Lifestyle Wellbeing
I have added this slide to my 43 slide Presentation at this Conference in June 2018 in High Wycom
BEWARE INFECTION - More dangerous than you think.
Past attitude....Infection ? Visit Pharmacy. Antiseptic cream. Germalene or equivalent. Visit Doctor. Course of Antibiotics.
After 2 weeks, no problem. Easy !
“ BUT Infection can spread like a wild fire.”
It can cause serious illness and amputations.
Do not delay.
DAILY PERSONAL HYGENE IS VITAL
Tuesday, 3 April 2018
LET THE BUYER BEWARE
CAVIAT EMPTOR is the legal phrase for " Let the Buyer Beware. "
We go to Spain often on holidays. Normally we rent a car via Holiday Autos online.
They are Agents for a range of Car Rental companies such as - Gold Car, Firefly, Record and others.
These companies are always changing their Conditions of Rental - lots of small print in pages and pages of Conditions. They try every way to add costs to your Car Rental. We have been subjected to a lot of Hard Sell tactics by Rental Staff. We tell them that we have our own Insurance. They try to put fear into you suggesting that your Insurance Company will not pay up if there is an accident.
OK they then say, we must take a charge on your Credit Card for EUR 1200.
Currently, the Rental Staff at Malaga Airport for example try to inteminate you if you do not buy their extra Insurance.
The latest extra cost is for renters who are over the age of 70 years. The extra cost quoted to us recently was for over EUR 300 for a 17 day rental. I think that his is Age Discrimination.
Another item to watch out for is Misleading Terms and Conditions of Rental.
Example - For a Recent rental with Firefly, we filled in their Rental Form correctly - my wife was 71.
They then quoted a Price for rental which we accepted and paid for by Credit card.
However, when we printed off the Agreement, it said - People over the age of 70 must pay an extra EUR 330 at Pick Up.
This is a crazy excess payment. Our track record for driving is excellent. No claims for well over 10 years. Why should we pay such a high excess ?
We decided that if they try to charge this extra money at Pick Up, we will say - No rental. We will take the Bus !
Another charge that I dislike is the extra charge to have an extra driver. This can add more than EUROS 80 or more on your rental. You can only have one driver at a time !
Watch out if you return your car early morning or late at night. They tell you - " if someone damages your car after you have parked the car in one of our bays, you will be charged ! "
Also if you leave the fuel a tiny bit not full, we will charge you EUR 25 to fill it up.
There is a Fuel Station BP as you enter the Airport at Malaga. OK if you go there during the day. If you go there late evening, it is closed and you have to use the automatic pumps which is not so easy to understand.
Finally, when you collect the car from the car park, check all the minute damage. The lighting is poor in the car park bays and you may not notice a small scratch or two. You will be charged. I suggest you take photos of any damage.
Watch out if you return your car early morning or late at night. They tell you - " if someone damages your car after you have parked the car in one of our bays, you will be charged ! "
Also if you leave the fuel a tiny bit not full, we will charge you EUR 25 to fill it up.
There is a Fuel Station BP as you enter the Airport at Malaga. OK if you go there during the day. If you go there late evening, it is closed and you have to use the automatic pumps which is not so easy to understand.
Finally, when you collect the car from the car park, check all the minute damage. The lighting is poor in the car park bays and you may not notice a small scratch or two. You will be charged. I suggest you take photos of any damage.
However, Caviat Emptor.
Saturday, 3 March 2018
THE MAIN BREXIT QUESTION
Theresa May should ask the EU early in March the following Question.
Do you intend to place Tariffs on UK Goods and Services when the UK leaves the EU ?
If yes, what level of Tarrifs will you impose ?
Theresa May should then say -
We need to know this so that we can impose the same amount of Tariffs on Goods and Services from the EU.
This might bring to a head the key issue of trade. Theresa May should then say -
If this is the outcome of Trade talks - EVERYONE in the UK and the EU will lose. Is this what you want ?
This will save months of haggling between the UK and EU negotiators.
The Trade balance is in favour of the UK.
Thursday, 1 March 2018
BREXIT - THE FUTURE
BREXIT - THE FUTURE RELATIONSHIP WITH THE EU
Some years ago, the people of Southern Ireland,EIRE voted to leave the EU.
Almost immediately, the EU launched a bribe campaign for EIRE to have a second Referendum.
The Irish Parliament followed like sheep and launched a second Referendum. This time the people voted to stay in the EU.
Now at present, there is a big problem with the Irish border, North and South when the UK leaves the EU and the Customs Union.
I cannot see an agreement being reached. So, what next ?
Simple answer.... EIRE should have another Referendum and hopefully will vote to Leave the EU.
Problem of the border...Solved.
Or, is it ?
If the Southern Irish remain loyal to the EU cause, what next ? Well, I do not think there will be a deal with the EU.
I think that the UK will not sign a legal document to guarantee that the UK will pay a Divorce Bill
of £39 Billions. The UK will join the World Trade Treaty BUT due to the low £ Against the Euro, there will not be a large trade deficit with the EU. Sooner than later, the EU will be the loser and will seek a new Trade Treaty with the UK. This is reality.
I wish our Politicians would recognise that leaving the EU without a deal is not a Hard Brexit.
It is a BIG OPPORTUNITY BREXIT.
Save the £39 Billions, Trade with the rest of the World, make our own decisions, Make the UK Parliament supreme again, live by our own Legal System, Revitalise our Fishing Industry, Support our Farmers financially, live in peace with Europe and the rest of the World.
Let all citizens share in the increased Wealth, Cooperate with the EU on Defence, Anti crime and Terrorism.
Can all this be achieve ? YES OF COURSE IT CAN.
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