Minimalist poet, minimalist lifestyle

You'd probably think that this posting is an April Fools' joke; but it isn't - it's a genuine news report that appeared a few days ago.

Flybe has given the term low-fare airline an entirely new meaning: it is paying 172 people to fly back and forth across England and the Irish Sea to help it meet a target for passenger numbers at Norwich airport.
Flybe was narrowly falling short of a target to deliver at least 15,000 passengers on the Dublin-Norwich route in the 12 months ending on Monday, which meant it would have to forego a 280,000 pound ($550,000) rebate from the airport.
After the airport rejected a request for a partial rebate for almost hitting the target, Flybe hired 172 temps for 30-40 pounds each, plus a free bar and in-flight entertainment.

This morning at nine o'clock there were several dozen teenagers queuing outside the HMV shop. I'm assuming today a new computer/video game is released, or possibly a minor celebrity is visiting. Come to think of it though...I can't imagine even a minor celebrity being up for an early start.

For a few seconds I thought another bank had gone bankrupt.

Last week I wrote about complaining because I was overcharged at Farm Foods and commented that I ought to be a professional complainer. Well, I do complain a lot, and am usually successful.

Here's a list of the results of successful outcomes I can remember.

A large box of Mars confectionery

Vouchers for free rail travel (several occasions)

£20 credit on my Nectar Card at Sainsbury's

A £2 voucher from Mars

A £25 voucher and a large [family sized] chocolate orange gateau from Iceland

Two free cinema tickets

A free daily travel pass from Arriva Buses

Full refunds [not replacement goods] several times.

Additionally, on one occasion I was so impressed with a new product that I wrote to the manufacturer and received a very pleasant thank you letter…and a £5 voucher.