alexist

I find it annoying when I read ads blaming globalization for allowing European produce to be sold cheaply in the Third World.

They'd be better off campaigning against agricultural subsidy programs that allow European produce to be dumped cheaply. The CAP is as dangerous to Third World farmers as the WTO. And it hurts European taxpayers, who pay for it twice: once in gigantic subsidies (most of which go to farmers who don't need it) and again in higher prices. Why should Europeans pay more for subsidized beet sugar when tropical countries can grow cane more cheaply? (And worse, why should the subsidized sugar then be dumped on the Caribbean?) The linkage between production and payment has only been broken in Britain--other EU countries aren't set to do it for years.

Globalization can help poor countries, but not if it's an excuse to create a dumping ground for Europe's unwanted crops.

Neil's home ill today, but not feeling too awful, so I suggested we go to the bank. I rang the North Finchley branch. No, they can't do same-day appointments, we should try just popping in. I say that I tried that and they told me I needed an appointment. Oh. Can they give me one Saturday? *pause* Sorry, the North Finchley branch doesn't have Saturday hours. How about Ballards Lane? *cue confusion about location and existence of Ballards Lane NatWest* No, no Saturday opening there either. Or Whetstone.

I am fuming. I plan on going down this afternoon and making demands of NatWest staff. Failure to capitulate to said demands will result in us taking our business to one of the many other banks on the high street. I am sure the Nationwide would welcome us; they have our mortgage.

Though not entirely satisfying--I went in there prepared to do battle and didn't have to. :-) We went in, told them what we wanted, had all our ID taken, and were told that the accounts person was busy just then but could see us at 2:30. Fine and dandy.

I now suspect that the number NatWest gives you for the "branch" is merely part of their callcentre. The woman's knowledge of London geography was suspiciously low. I'm still not particularly endeared with NatWest, but Neil was very much against the idea of moving his account, so having the joint and mine there is easiest.

I just got off the phone with Virgin Atlantic Cargo about shipping Zoe the Wonder Feline.

Outcome: it was a Bad Thing that I booked my flights, because i booked the 23:10 on Sunday. Virgin only ship pets on VS004, the 19:30, Monday to Friday. They have to confirm that the Monday flight is available.

Costs: $11/kg (carrier and cat), plus handling of $125 (includes having cage sealed by vet--no longer required by DEFRA but required by Virgin), with a minimum charge of $225. At Heathrow, I will then be charged £215 by the British government.

Zoe and I must be at the Virgin cargo building by 15:00 the day of the flight. Paperwork will take at least 1 hour.

They're e-mailing me all the paperwork.

Zoe, you are one expensive moggy.

Most of it seemed to be more applicable when I actually shipped the cat.

As far as I could figure, right now I just need to fax in a form with my details and they'll ring me. I've asked Neil to use his office fax machine ;o)