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...