Top Thanet Blog Now Open To All

by Isle of Thanet Gazunder Internet Correspondent Anne Onymous

Eastcliff Richard, the island's most popular and best written blog ever, has reopened its doors to the world. At a glittering function attended by some of the UK's top millionaires and celebrities its owner Mr Richard Eastcliff, 29, welcomed readers old and new back to the fold.

'It's going to be bigger and better than ever,' Mr Eastcliff told the Gazunder. 'I've got a whole new approach. I've ditched the mocking tone and converted to the Church of Responsible Blogging. Plus I'll be handing out cash prizes - for example I've got a million for my millionth visitor!'

Pressed for details of his 'Million for a Million' giveaway, Mr Eastcliff confirmed that he had already placed a million Zimbabwe Dollars in a trust fund at a Swiss bank, and expected the prize to be claimed some time in 2046.

Eastcliff Richard has won a hatful of top comedy awards and prizes, including the Isle of Thanet Gazunder's coveted Golden Barker's Nest of Dumpton Gap two years in a row.

Richard Eastcliff is 29.

Click here to go to Eastcliff Richard blog

More Chiefs, Fewer Indians

by Isle of Thanet Gazunder Local Government Correspondent Wynan Dinem

Thanet Council is set to create two new Deputy Chief Executive posts, whilst axing other essential jobs throughout the organisation.

The news comes in a consultation letter to staff from Chief Executive Richard Samuel, which has been seen by the Gazunder. Recently the council reduced the number of senior officers from three to two, following what was rumoured to be a six figure pay-off after an embarrassing and highly publicised 'chocolate fountain debacle'. Now the two remaining senior officers look set to be rewarded for such successes as the Thanet Gateway One Stop Benefits Library in Cecil Square, and the creation of new Blue Flag beaches in Ramsgate Harbour.

The council also proposes to give Heads of Services the opportunity to enhance their salaries by being promoted to a new 'Chief Executive's Group', providing they meet certain service level criteria.

One insider commented: 'These proposals look like rewarding failure if you ask me. The council was recently rated a poor 'fair', with financial services given a 'weak'. Yet fewer than 1% of the council's 750 staff were awarded a less than 'satisfactory' appraisal last year, and now senior staff look set to get pay rises. Does that really reflect local people's experience of dealing with TDC?'

Last month Thanet announced an inflation busting 4.5% hike in council tax.

Note to subs: Should put balancing comment from council here but council chief on sick leave so went down pub instead - Wynan

Amnesty Puts Chinese on the Menu

by Isle of Thanet Gazunder Human Rights Correspondent C.I.A. Waterboard

Local Amnesty International campaigners will be ordering a large helping of Chinese in Broadstairs tomorrow night - by discussing ways of campaigning against the country's appalling human rights track record.

Members will be welcoming top Amnesty organiser Nora Cranston, who will be running a workshop on campaigning in China ahead of the Beijing Olympics. Plans by local millionaire Ken Wills to build a 3m sq. ft. Chinese business park at Manston are also likely to be on the menu.

The Chinese government is well known for its human rights abuses, which include persecuting freedom of speech. News coverage in China is required to be 80% positive and 20% negative, just like here in Thanet (Shurely shome mishtake? - Ed.)

The Amnesty meeting starts at 7.30pm and is being held at the Quaker Meeting House, St Peter's Park Road, Broadstairs.

Bloggers Hail Victory For Freedom Of Speech

by Isle of Thanet Gazunder Legal Correspondent Judith Prudence

Anonymous bloggers across the island are celebrating after Thanet Life author Dr Simon Moores admitted an embarrassing defeat at the hands of internet giant Google.

Conservative councillor Moores claims that Google effectively sent him away with the proverbial flea in his ear after he demanded allegedly defamatory material be removed from Blogger, which is owned by the US firm. Writing in the online journal silicon.com he says:

I asked Google to remove the offending material. Google, which is also a UK limited company, answered:

Blogger.com and Blogspot.com are US sites regulated by US law. Blogger is a provider of content creation tools, not a mediator of that content. We allow our users to create blogs, but we don't make any claims about the content of these pages. We strongly believe in freedom of expression, even if a blog contains unappealing or distasteful content or presents unpopular viewpoints.

Given these facts, and pursuant with section 230(c) of the Communications Decency Act, Blogger does not remove allegedly defamatory, libellous or slanderous material from Blogger.com or Blogspot.com.

Moores claims he had received a 'constant flow of insults and defamation' and that his family had been abused in the street 'by complete strangers'. He continues:

I am told that even a court order from a British judge is not sufficient for Google to change its mind. So we now appear to have a situation in the UK where our own laws governing defamation, decency, libel and the simple test and protection of truth are governed by the more generous interpretation provided by the US legal system.

So if I made defamatory, racist or homophobic remarks about an MP on silicon.com, I could be sued. But if I'm an anonymous blogger, it is acceptable because I'm apparently protected by US rather than UK law.

One anonymous blogger who did not wish to be named told the Gazunder: 'We have yet to be provided with any proof or corroboration by Councillor Moores of the defamation he alleges, or that he has served any papers on anyone, either through a court of law, or via Google. He has not even had the courtesy to name any anonymous blog sites he believes he has a problem with. It appears, however, that Google has taken a sensible view and stood up for good old-fashioned values of freedom of speech.'

Another anonymous Thanet blogger added: 'On a purely common sense basis, if Moores had a problem with anything that had been said he could ask for an apology, which has been the way these things have been sorted out in the past, or posted a defence on his own blog. By not even naming names he appears to have gone to extraordinary lengths to clamp down on all Thanet bloggers. Google seem to have realised that healthy criticism of a local councillor and his policies amounts to fair comment and that 'fishing expeditions' to uncover the identity of an anonymous blogger or remove material under unproven allegations of defamation should be treated with the contempt they deserve.'

Click here for full text of Dr Simon Moores article on silicon.com
Click here for Blogger policy on alleged defamation

'Blog War' Spreads To Online Encyclopedia

by Isle of Thanet Gazunder Internet Correspondent Ricky Pedia

Thanet's 'blog war' is spreading across the internet, with Wikipedia becoming the latest casualty.

Westgate councillor and former Thanet blogger Simon Moores' Wiki entry has been 'flagged up' as possibly not conforming to the online encyclopedia's 'Neutral Point of View' policy. Popular Thanet Star blogger Lord Matt has queried Moores' entry because it was extensively written by the Tory councillor himself. Lord Matt has also removed some links, saying: 'One appeared to me to be an advert.'

Wikipedia allows anyone to edit any of its entries, and the revisions are now the subject of a bitter exchange of words between the two Thanetians, with Cllr Moores claiming: 'Unfortunately, Lord Matt has a distinct and very personal and political local agenda of his own. As a consequence his opinions might be best ignored as simply mischevious. At worst, they may be considered prejudicial. It is interesting to see that he has removed a reference to a weblog which has opinions that he has been vociferous in challenging.'

The councillor's latest addition to the debate, dated 3 March 2008, says: 'And who would you like to see confirm this Matt? A past colleague from the Cabinet Office, The Shadow Home Secretary, the head of the Serious & Organised Crime Agency, our local MP? Let's be clear about your local political agenda in this matter.'

Click here for Simon Moores Wikipedia entry
Click here for Wikipedia discussion of changes to Simon Moores entry

Thanet Blogger Apologises To Politician

By Isle of Thanet Gazunder Legal Correspondent Barry Star

A top Thanet blogger has apologised to one of the UK's best known politicians. In an uncharacteristic climbdown, Corporate Presenter blog author Jeremy Jacobs has retracted a statement in which he referred to George Galloway MP as 'anti-semitic'. In his apology Mr Jacobs, who originally hails from Margate but now blogs in North London, says:

I retract that statement entirely as it is untrue and unfounded. I apologise to Mr Galloway and accept that (he has) fought all types of racism all his political life.

Commenting on the move, another top Thanet blogger told the Gazunder: 'If a very well known politician like George Galloway, who is renowned for being fiercely protective of his reputation, can be satisfied with an apology from a blog, why are comparatively minor Thanet politicians going to all the trouble of a well-publicised witch hunt which has had the effect of closing down some of the most popular blogs on the island?' The blogger, who did not want to be named, added: 'I think we should be told'.

None of Thanet's comparatively minor politicians were unavailable for comment at the time of going to press.

Jeremy Jacobs' blog currently ranks 53,143rd in the world according to Technorati, the popular blog ranking site.

Click here for full text of Jeremy Jacobs apology

Clubbing Scene

with Roger Oldtwat

Thanet's top new venue, Club ECR, has been oversubscribed less than 24 hours after it opened.

Looking fit and relaxed, the exclusive club's reclusive owner Richard Eastcliff, 29, told the Gazunder: 'I'm amazed! Blogger only allows a maximum of 100 invited readers, and we reached that target within hours. Everyone's enjoying the laid back atmosphere and the freedom to indulge in witty banter to their heart's content!'

Mr Eastcliff is now considering opening a chain of Club ECRs right across the south east to cope with demand. 'We have strict membership rules and the bouncers deal with any unwelcome intruders,' he added. 'We've had no trouble with our private members. It's a winning formula!'

Top Thanet Blog Now 'Members Only'

by Isle of Thanet Gazunder Showbiz Editor Gloria Stitts

Richard Eastcliff, the isle's most popular millionaire showbiz celebrity, has transformed his website into a swish private members club. Entry is now strictly by invitation only.

'I wanted to keep out the riff-raff,' he told the Gazunder. 'I was being swamped with customers, many of whom would just buy a packet of crisps and then hang around all day. This way I can be more selective about who I let in.'

The former TV Times Personality of the Year has given the blog a £1m makeover, with luxurious new facilities such as a faux-fur-lined chat room and chill-out areas with expensive leather seating. He added: 'There's definitely a place in Thanet for an upmarket club where people can relax and admire my jottings without feeling intimidated or nervous about the kind of company they're keeping.'

Richard Eastcliff is 29.

Sandy's Election Diary

Top politician Sandy Beach gives the Isle of Thanet Gazunder his exclusive insight into last week's election tussle.

Some tossers said we couldn't get elected for another four years. Yeah right. F*cking tossers. Tossers the lot of them. In yer face. In yer face. Do you wantsum? Do you wantsum? Geddit?!!?! F*cking tossers.

That's enough insight - Ed.

Thanet 'May Support Life' Say Boffins

By Isle of Thanet Gazunder Science Editor Tess Tube

Scientists have made an amazing discovery - a Thanet millions of miles from our own which may even support intelligent life!

Top university boffin Dr Terry Scope, 42, told the Gazunder: 'It's an ocean world consisting of land surrounded by seas not dissimilar to here. We're very excited.' But he added it would take many years to get to the new Thanet, even by bus.

And he warned that we may well find the people there very different: 'We may not recognise them at first. For example, they may stand upright with their knuckles well off the ground and look quite smart.'

Communicating with the new Thanetians may also pose a problem. 'They might pronounce their consonants and be unaware of traditional greetings we use here such as 'Ello yer old c*nt and Got any spliff?'

Dr Scope is 42.

Testing Testing...

One, two three.

'My Blogging Hell' by Eastcliff Richard

Isle of Thanet Gazunder Exclusive

One of Britain's best-loved blogs has been sabotaged, according to its owner.

Celebrity entertainer, writer and millionaire Mr Richard Eastcliff awoke at his Ramsgate mansion this morning to find his Eastcliff Richard blog had been 'whitewashed'. Whitewashing is a technique sometimes used by hackers to erase text in a blog.

Speaking exclusively to the Gazunder, Mr Eastcliff said: "There are dark forces at work on the Ile de Thanet. This is not the first time a blogger has been attacked like this."

He added that, in his experience, the forces were darkest round the back of Augusta Road, where many of the street lamps had not been repaired for months.

Gazunder Goes Under

by (former) Staff Reporter

The chiselling git who owns this site has decided to close it.

Oh, and he wants me to say that future Gazunder stories will appear on Eastcliff Richard. Hah! Fat chance!

If you see me outside Woolworths selling the Big Issue, please buy one.

Broadstairs Goes the 'Pong' Way

by Jenny Tals

Residents and traders around Broadstairs Harbour are complaining that the foul smell of excess has drifted over from Margate Harbour to their own neck of the woods.

The stench has materialised since the teeny-tiny harbour was dredged recently, and much of the sand was removed. "It's like they've dumped a truckload of marathon runners' trainers here," said one resident who didn't want to be named. The lack of sand is also causing the sea to lap right up against buildings, especially in the recent high tides.

A spokesman for the council said that the measures were necessary to keep the four or five boats that are moored in the harbour afloat. "The benefits of the few outway those of the many," he explained.

Dreams of Frequent Fast Service Get the Bullet

by our Transport Correspondent

Preliminary plans for the much heralded new high-speed train services to the Isle reveal that minor stations like Dumpton Gap could be left out in the cold when the new bullet trains finally arrive from Japan in 2009.

Southeastern Railway's website trumpets the new service as a 'flagship feature' of its franchise, but closer inspection of the proposed route network for the fast trains shows Dumpton Gap marked for 'limited service in both directions'. Westgate-on-Sea, Minster, Sturry and Sandwich will receive a much more frequent service - 'one train per hour in each direction'.

Even Margate, Broadstairs and Ramsgate will only be getting one bullet train an hour in the off-peak.

The Fat Controller was unavailable for comment at the time of going to press.

Life's a Beach! with Dane Valley Ted

This week: Margate Main Sands

Best known for it's numerous bonfire nights, this is a huge sandy beach with lovely sunsets and a good view of the wide open expanse of the former Dreamland site.

The gap in the seafront buildings will soon be a road, the road will be called Swan Vista as a tribute to it's origins. Looking towards the Harbour we can see another empty space, this is where the Turner conjob was supposed to be built and slightly inshore of that is Costalot House or as the locals now call it 'Councillors Cafe'.

Many films have been shot in this location, most famously an episode of Only Fools and Horses, and, of course, the latest and incorrectly named, Exodus (it means to leave not come). You sure you haven't been on the paint stripper again Ted? - Ed

New Regeneration Plan 'C'est tres bon!'

by our Europe Correspondent Phillipe Fillope

In a brave move Thanet District Council have decided to avoid criticism from the public by pretending to be French.

The new plan means all public correspondence will be re-routed to a small rubbish burning plant in Pas de Calais, while any verbal enquiries are to be dealt with by repeated use of the word 'Quoi' followed by a Gallic question mark (L'marque questionaire).

Under the new scheme future council meetings will be held at checkout four of the duty-free warehouse 'Eastenders', and Sandy Ezekiel is to change his name to Plage Aznavour.

A council spokesman told the Gazunder: "The move is seen as the latest step in achieving 'L'excellence d'council' and is designed to boost morale throughout all parts of TDC." He added: "Most staff are bored with the dull blue flame of burning pounds, and much prefer the green tinge from igniting piles of euros."

Who Breaks a Cabbage White Butterfly on a Bulldozer Wheel?

Leader Comment

There's been a lot of talk recently about the development of 40,000 new homes out at Westwood. Where once cabbages and cauliflowers grew, there will soon be regimented rows of houses, bringing more traffic chaos and more overcrowding to our isle.

Meanwhile thousands of homes around Thanet stand decaying and derelict. Presumably the lower cost of bunging up new housing stock makes a greenfield development more financially attractive than piecemeal restoration and regeneration.

If we are going to make any case a symbol of the conflict between the sound traditional values of Thanet and the new avarice, then we must be sure that the sound traditional values include those of not letting them concrete over our caulies.

Newspaper Mogul Takes Well-Earned Break

by our Society Editor R Slicker

Thanet media mogul and celebrity superstar Richard Eastcliff was spotted sunning himself in the south of France this week, taking a well-deserved break from his hectic, showbiz life.

Our moles spied Mr Eastcliff, 36, one of the most talented and successful businessmen the world has ever seen, indulging in a spot of R&R on the Croisette in Cannes. Looking fit and relaxed, the philanthropic superstar was enjoying a gin and tonic while chatting to Sir Bob Geldoff, no doubt as a prelude to establishing a substantial charitable trust to benefit the poor of Thanet and beyond, including his own deserving children by four wives.

Mr Eastcliff is 29.

Your Stars

with Cystic Peg

Aries (March 21 - April 20)
All aries women should, especially if a Virgo man asks. You may make a trip, watch out for high kerbs.

Taurus (April 21 - May 21)
Ladies, you have to learn to separate the men from the boys, use a crowbar!!!!

Gemini (May 22 - June 21)
Uranus is still rising. Stop it or it will slip out. Beware of men in suits - EDF again.

Cancer (June 22 - July 22)
An old bike could cause problems this week. Do not give her your phone number.

Leo (July 23 - August 23)
Friday looks good for you. But remember, he left Robinson Crusoe, so he is a bit fickle. BEWARE!

Virgo (August 24 - September 22)
A full moon may influence your actions. Be careful, those silver bullets can sting a bit!!!!

Libra (September 23 - October 23)
You will find that the scales tip your way this week. Take a tip, DIET!!!!!!!!!

Scorpio (October 24 - November 22)
Girls, keep quiet about a financial gain or the taxman might come before you do!!

Sagittarius (November 23 - December 21)
Mars may cause problems this week, especially if you eat too many. Your lucky number is seven, you lucky ladies.

Capricorn (December 22 - January 20)
All good looking men should stay at home on Saturday, it will give the ugly blokes a fighting chance.

Aquarius (January 21 - February 18)
A good week for all Aquarians, but wait till next week you smug gits!!!

Pisces (February 19 - March 20)
Be kind to your neighbour, stop sleeping with his wife. And you fellers could do the same as well.

Cystic Peg, who died in 1957, communicates her horoscopes through Dane Valley Ted by means of a hamster and a small piece of broccoli.

 

Ten Things You Didn't Know About the Isle of Thanet

by Ricky Pedia

1. The word 'Thanet' comes from the Ancient Greek word for 'pork pie'.
2. If all the people on the island jumped up and down simultaneously, the Isle of Wight would sink.
3. The first Thanetians wore balaclavas.
4. Somewhere in the centre of the island there is rumoured to be buried a treasure chest full of taps.
5. The main crop grown on the island is tagliatelle.
6. If a sheep is seen on the island, it is considered bad luck.
7. Ship wrecks are treated as common property and are sold off to buy deck chairs.
8. There is only one ocelot on the island.
9. The further east you go on the island, the more snow you will encounter.
10. Thanet men are often referred to as 'cheese men' for their propensity not to change their socks for long periods.

Councillor Told to 'Blog Off'

by our Political Editor

A Thanet District Councillor has been told to stop blogging because he may have upset someone, the Gazunder can exclusively reveal.

The councillor, who cannot be named for legal reasons, has been told to go and stand outside the headmaster's study until play time, at which point he may be asked to stay after school and clean the corridor. Later he may even be given extra gardening duty.

When asked what the councillor had written to warrant such harsh punishment, a source close to the Gazunder said: "He was caught expressing an opinion, which is a very serious crime, usually punishable by old fashioned methods. If he gets away with extra gardening duty he should consider himself a very lucky boy."

No one was available to comment from the council as we went to press.

Film Makers Flock To Thanet

by Staff Reporter

Film makers are flocking to Thanet, according to a Gazunder source in the movie industry.

Already 14 horror films and a new series of the BBC's 'Life of Grime' are slated to start principal photography on the island in the next six months.

"Creative people are drawn by the shabby buildings, mountains of garbage, and the prospect of one of those knackered old jets crashing into Ramsgate town centre," said the source. "And Thanet Council has proved very helpful in creating the right atmosphere."

The source added that the constant whine of aircraft engines and manufacturing of concrete wind farm slabs in the harbour would be particularly attractive to directors exploring the new genre of 'silent' movies.

World News

by Staff Reporter

UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan unveiled his new peace plan for the Middle East today, following a fact-finding mission to Lebanon.

He revealed the UN would play a pivotal role in stabilising the region, and that future peace efforts would be:

- UN-inspired
- UN-planned, and
- UN-coordinated

Mr Annan has now returned to New York, where he's due to give a speech.

Your Stars

with Cystic Peg

Aries (March 21 - April 20)
All Aries men should take care this week. A lot of sex is on its way to you, so be broad-minded and bite on a strap.

Taurus (April 21 - May 21)
With Mars approaching Pluto you may find yourself falling in love. Remember most ugly people are so grateful they will not complain for your lack of inches.

Gemini (May 22 - June 21)
Uranus is rising, but it will probably be only wind. Lots of fun on the way, but only with Aries men.

Cancer (June 22 - July 22)
Luck will be with you this week. Women will meet the man of their dreams, Men will just have wet ones.

Leo (July 23 - August 23)
Beware of a man with matches. If a child is born to you, congratulations, it will be gifted and black. Not so good if you are both white though!!

Virgo (August 24 - September 22)
A new career awaits and three mates will have very good luck. They will move out of Thanet to somewhere much better - Afghanistan.

Libra (September 23 - October 23)
You will be hopping mad this week - a bus will run over your toes. Take a good look at your future wife because in 20 years she will look like her mother.

Scorpio (October 24 - November 22)
Jupiter in your birthsign will double your love. Be careful your partner is kept in the dark, sometimes that is the only way do to it and keep your dinner down.

Sagittarius (November 23 - December 21)
Mars/Pluto stirs sexy temptation at work, not so good if you are a nun or a monk though.

Capricorn (December 22 - January 20)
Be cautious this week and stay away from a dodgy cliff. Your planet in the Big Dipper means watch out for men carrying red plastic cans.

Aquarius (January 21 - February 18)
You may soon find that the operation you have been waiting for is cancelled due to a shortage of donkey dongs.

Pisces (February 19 - March 20)
Be careful of low-flying doctors and high-flying newspaper editors. You could lose your head to either.

Cystic Peg, who died in 1957, communicates her horoscopes through Dane Valley Ted by means of a wet sponge and a packet of Kleenex.

Row Over Council's Chip and Bin Plan

by Staff Reporter

A row has broken out over Thanet Council's plan to regulate the amount of chips eaten by every household on the island.

New wheelie bins, which can be driven away and inspected by specially appointed council dieticians, are being introduced across Thanet. The dieticians will be looking for signs of fatty food consumption, such as old chip wrappers, empty sauce sachets, and the smell of vinegar.

A spokesman for the council said: "Once it has been established how many chips each household is consuming, we'll be introducing new laws aimed at cutting the number of fry-ups Thanetians consume in half. We estimate the new limit will be around 30 a week."

It is hoped the scheme will also be self-funding through a reduction in the number of people who have to have to be lifted out of their homes by crane to go shopping. The council currently carries out over 12,000 such operations each week.

Life's a Beach! with Dane Valley Ted

This Week: Viking Bay, Broadstairs

Named after that well known trans-sexual Violet/Vince King, the bay is famous for many reasons.

Who can forget the five-legged donkeys and the crabs we used to catch on a Saturday night in the car park behind the Dolphin?

The sight and sounds of the Morris men promenading with their sticks in their hands is forever an endearing sight, but a bit worrying if your shoelace comes undone.

The moon rising at night as another local girl gets her wish for a council flat. The fireworks on a Wednesday night as the local lads take on all comers on the beach. And, of course, the well maintained tradition of tipping over the beach hut.

The sun, the sea and the sand in your salad. Ah, happy days!

If you'd like to contribute a column or story to the Gazunder, email us at thegazunder@yahoo.co.uk

Ferry Seen Leaving Port

by Staff Reporter

A ferry was seen leaving the Port of Ramsgate today. The ferry was believed to be heading for the Belgian port of Ostend.

A spokesman for shipping line Transeuropa said: "It's true. We run six ships, crossing up to 20 times a day between Ramsgate and Ostend. On up to eight of those sailings we carry passengers."

Thanet District Council, which owns the port, was unavailable to comment.

Business News

with Ramsgate retailer Ronnie Corbett

Thank you, thank you. Now when the Editor asked me to, you know, write something for this, for this newspaper, I remember it well, because we were having a drink at the time. And that's a very unusual thing. You know, for him to buy me, or indeed anyone, a drink. So I remember it quite vividly. "Ron," he said, "Ron," he always calls me Ron. Well, no, it's an interesting theory of his. He reckons that 'Ronnie' is too big a name for such a small person. No, he does. The fact that he's only 4 foot 2 and likes to be known by his friends as Aloysius doesn't seem to strike him as at all, you know, hypocritical. Anyway, anyway, to get back to the story. "Ron," he said, "Ron, I'm launching this newspaper, and, you know, I'd like to give the little guys a chance to contribute. You're quite little, and you've got a tiny kiosk on the East Cliff, I think you'd be the ideal person to write our business column." He's a bit of a charmer, you see, and, no, no actually, actually I was quite touched. And I had had several G and Ts at the time. So, no, no, to get back to the story, this man walks into a shop...

Sunday Service

led by the Bishop of Thanet, The Right Reverend Harry Piehole

Walking along one of our island's glorious beaches this week, it was hard not to be reminded of Our Lord Godden's work. Empty buildings covered in graffiti, boarded up shops, and deserted amusement parks, peopled only by pit bulls and feckless youths sporting ugly tattoos.

Let us pray that we soon find the courage to rectify these things, and that our once proud cities regain their status as the bustling seaside resorts of yesteryear, with the happy sound of laughing families pouring their ten pence pieces mindlessly into one-armed bandits, or attempting to mow down complete strangers on the 'dodge 'ems'.

It is true that Our Lord works in mysterious ways, and by providing us with motorised vehicular transport, he has given us the means with which we can warm our planet up, thus ensuring our climate here on the island becomes more like that of Benidorm.

Famous Actor Orders Toasted Ham And Cheese Sandwich

by Our Showbiz Editor Richard Eastcliff

Famous actor and good mate of mine Timothy Spall was spotted in Margate today. Looking fit and relaxed, the Auf Wiedersehen Pet star sipped Becks beer and ordered a toasted ham and cheese panini at the Harbour Café in the old town.

Spall, who recently starred as greengrocer and hangman Albert Pierrepoint, was taking a break from his hectic career to eat a sandwich.

Regeneration Chief Puts The Spark Back Into Margate

Exclusive by Our Chief Reporter Jenny Tals

New Margate Regeneration Chief Bobby Smalls has vowed to put the spark back into the town! Mr Smalls, 48, recently moved from upmarket Chelsea to take up his new £500,000 a year job as head of the Margate Regeneration Renewal Re-Everything Partnership Trust Thingy.

"I've already noticed there's a bit of a buzz about the place," Mr Smalls told the Gazunder. "I think it's probably coming from all the flies feeding on the rotting seaweed."

But that could be a thing of the past if Mr Smalls gets his way. His ten point plan for getting the town back on its feet includes:

- Dreamland to be replaced with new luxury apartments and community bus shelter
- Rendezvous car park to be replaced with new luxury apartments and community picture rail
- Harbour to be replaced with new luxury apartments and community fishing rod

That's enough regeneration plans - Ed.

Man Stubs Big Toe

by Staff Reporter

A Broadstairs man suffered a minor injury last week when he stubbed his big toe.

The accident happened on Ramsgate front close to the Pleasurama site, which is due to be redeveloped into luxury flats. Glen Morangie, 36, of Percy Avenue, Broadstairs, was playing football when the ball flew towards the cliff. Mr Morangie mis-timed his kick and stubbed his toe on the concrete cliff face. He was treated by paramedics at the scene.

Later the entire cliff collapsed. A spokesman for Thanet Council said: "We will be pursuing Mr Morangie for compensation. His reckless behaviour has cost the taxpayer millions."

Singles Scene

MEN SEEKING WOMEN

WRINKLY old dick seeks steaming
great twat for truncheon fun and
more. Text 84938 ANGINA

HIGH-FLYING blogger, own plane,
seeks same. Must have talent,
achievement, and at least one
redeeming feature. Text 84938
DOCTOR

MILLIONAIRE entertainer and
celebrity, GSOH, own car and
mansion, looking for someone
to give him a helping hand. Text
84938 EASTCLIFF

WOMEN SEEKING MEN

MATURE lady, blonde, bit of a
goer, WLTM elderly gentleman
with lots of money and no kids.
Text 84938 WIDOW

LADY ARTIST, mid 40s, nice
figure, own bed, WLTM male
artists for creative fun. Text
84938 TRACEY

MEN SEEKING MEN

ELDERLY man would like to meet
similar for friendship and cribbage.
Text 84938 OLD

COME ON Baby Light My Fire!
Property developer WLTM young
man with tattoos and own lighter
fuel to achieve his burning desire.
Text 84938 ARSON

ONE-EYED amusement park
manager WLTM anyone with
something amusing to put in his
park. Text 84938 DREAMLAND

WOMEN SEEKING WOMEN

RETIRED landlady, bored with pulling
pints, would prefer pulling bints.
Text 84938 LEMON

HEAT SEEKING MISSILE

RECLUSIVE man, Pakistan, would like
to meet Russian guy with briefcase
full of fissile nuclear material.
Text 84938 OSAMA

What's On?

by Barry Chuckle

Splash out this bank holiday weekend with a trip to B&Q! As well as a complete range of paint and paintbrushes, there's plenty of power tools and lawnmowers to keep the little 'uns happy.

For the more serious minded, there's the chance to have a blazing row in public with the missus over which tiles to put in the downstairs bog. And if you're lucky, you can combine your visit with a trip to the nearby QEQM Hospital by gashing your head on one of their overhanging metal displays.

And remember my golden DIY rule: never nail-gun your nuts to a power saw!

Best of the Blogs

with Dr Russell Square

I visit other blogs from time to time looking for a sign of some redeeming feature, talent or achievement from their authors but sadly I can find none!

Ask Sandy

Each week we put your questions to Thanet Council Leader, Sandy Beach.

Q: Sandy, how are you going to re-generate Margate?
A: Going to? Going to? We are flippin' well re-generatin' it. Cor blimey, what a bleedin' nerve. You ask me about re-generating Margate? Bloomin' priceless. On yer bike, yer cheeky sod.

Q: Sandy, a lot of people in Thanet are worried that not enough is being done about anti-social behaviour. What are your plans?
A: Plans? Plans? Flippin' nerve. We've already set up a flippin' hotline, yer cheeky sod. On yer bike.

Q: Sandy, have you ever answered a question without taking credit for doing something, whilst simultaneously blaming somebody else for the problem?
A: Blamin' somebody else? Blamin' somebody else? Cheeky git. Flippin' nerve. On yer bike.

Crime Update

with Roger Oldtwat

Many people are concerned about terror and terrorists. But as a former member of the security services, I would like to reassure you that the powers that be are doing everything they can to combat this evil menace.

I would like to reassure you, but unfortunately I can't. Truth is, in my day, we used to round up the usual suspects, then let them go after 48 hours. Shows you're doing something. These days they shoot first, and round up later.

Best advice I can give you is don't come back from your holiday with a heavy tan and go down the tube in a duffle coat.

Thrusting New Organ

Welcome to my thrusting new organ, The Isle Of Thanet Gazunder.

Since I first cast my celebrity eye on our quaint little island, I've turned over many a stone, and incinerated what crawled out from underneath it with my magnifying glass of satire. Having millionaire-sized pockets helps, not only for keeping a large magnifying glass in, but also for paying my crack team of media lawyers to see off any chancers who fancy suing me.

Unfortunately, however, it's impossible for one man alone to turn over all the stones, and do all the incinerating. That's why I've founded The Gazunder.

With me as Editor and Proprietor, and a happy band of satirists at my disposal, we'll be on the look-out for anything that crawls or smells a bit whiffy. Think of The Gazunder as Thanet's very own, sweet-smelling Magic Tree, committed to de-stenchifying the rotten, sordid, malodorous cess-pit of public and private corruption. Enjoy!