Mike Cartmel (Solutions)

YouTube – Coldplay – Yellow.

Really nothing more to add!

So Ryanair are thinking about charging to use the toilets on their flights. And EU aviation security regulations state that all liquids “MUST be presented at the passenger security screening point in a transparent re-sealable bag”.

Are you thinking what I’m thinking?

Ladies, pack a funnel.

‘Bedroom snooper’ row over census

Ministers will invade peoples’ privacy by asking “intrusive” questions in the census, the Conservatives are claiming.

When the 2011 survey is conducted everyone in the UK will have to answer the questions or face fines.

Details will be sought about the number of bedrooms in peoples’ homes and information about “overnight visitors”.

The Tories said this would amount to “bedroom snooping” but ministers said all questions would be justified in the public interest.

via BBC NEWS | UK | UK Politics | ‘Bedroom snooper’ row over census.

The bit that bugs me about this is the complaint about the  “overnight visitors” information requirement.

So what?

I used to teach genealogy and any genealogist will tell you that this question used to always be in the census. Why? Because the census is all about the state of the population on one particular day. If someone is out visiting their mates on that day then they should not be included in the census of their main residence. If they are not included there then where will they be included?

I love making soups and this is by far my favourite recipe so it’s fitting that it’s my first post.

Roast Tomato and Tarragon Soup is so quick and easy to make that you will never buy tinned tomato soup again!

Serves 4

The Ingredients

1kg Ripe Tomatoes – halved
1 Small Onion -  finely chopped
4 Garlic Cloves – halved
Tarragon – 4tbsp torn if fresh, 1-2 tbsp dried
Crushed Chillies – amount optional; it’s up to you how spicy you want it!
1 tbsp Sugar
4 tbsp Olive Oil
2tbsp Tomato Purée
300ml Vegetable Stock

1. Preheat the oven to 220 C
2. Place the tomatoes in a large roasting tin, add the garlic then sprinkle over the onion, tarragon, chillies and the sugar. Season and drizzle olive oil over the lot
3. Roast for 25 – 35 minutes
4. Allow to cool before zapping the veg and the tomato purée with a blender until nice and smooth
5. Add as much of the stock to get the consistency you want and check the seasoning
6. Return the soup to a pan and reheat until hot
7. Serve and enjoy!

Tomato and Tarragon Soup