Rosie on the Radio

After my five minute slot yesterday to mark the British version of World Book Day (the rest of the world marks it on 23 April but what the hell), I have been invited to contribute a ninety-second Thought For The Day to BBC Radio Cumbria, with the option of more Thoughts to come.

I've just written my script, and shortly I'll be off to the studio to record it. Wish me luck, won't you?

Tosca the Geek

Look who's adopted a nice little niche under the desk?

Things that make me cross: 1

There aren't many places left that I know of, where the tyranny of the car hasn't yet overcome greenery in the street scene. The Straths area of Walney is one of them - in fact practically unreconstructed since I was born there as, apart from the grass verges, this group of roads still retain a concrete surface.

But do the locals appreciate it? They do not. Look how the grass is treated with contempt by local car owners. They don't deserve nice things - it's bad enough having the front gardens put under concrete - what is the planning committee thinking of?

Things that make me cross: 2

One of the things that annoys me most of all is highway authority barriers that stop me walking where I want to walk.

Here, on the Croftlands Estate in Ulverston, is a perfectly good path that follows a desire line and cuts quite a bit off a corner. The only trouble is, it ends in this barrier. It's not just stopping you crossing the road, it's stopping you from walking along the near side of Mountbarrow Road. If you want to go that way, you have to backtrack and then - stupidity of stupidity - walk along the edge of the road on the far side of the barrier!

I want to be able to take my own calculated risks, thank you. I don't want to be prevented so that stupid people can be protecxted from thier own stupidity!