Today. London's congestion charge begins. In order to curb maddening traffic (some of the worse in the world, reportedly) London's mayor "Red" Ken Livingstone proposed a 5 quid charge for any vehicle entering the city center M-F, 9-5. The result is a strange system. Cameras capture license plate numbers then check them against a database of people who've paid the charge either in person or by mobile phone, then send out £80 fines to anyone who hasn't paid. Current reports are that the streets are calm. If it works, the congestion zone will be enlarged. If it doesn't, "Red" Ken won't be mayor. Can't wait for the crush on buses -- it's already impossible to get a bus from 7-9 in the morning, even though I live not 15 minutes ride from work.

Yesterday, Alex Ferguson, manager of the Manchester United football team, stormed into the locker room at the end of a disastrous game, kicked a shoe across the room in frustration, sending it flying to bash David Beckham in the head, cutting him above the eye. How's that for unintentional blame management. Beckham, team captain and husband to "Posh" spice is reportedly furious. (Because he's insulted or because he's England's vainest coverboy we don't know.) Come on David, a little scar may help tone down the pink nails, bleached hair, and sarong skirts.