Please stop driving 4x4s

If anyone is watching 'Driving me Crazy' tonight, and isn't already opposed to these stupid immense tanks driving on flat, straight roads, then this programme would convince you, I'm sure. Watching a Range Rover plough, quite literally, through a car in a simulated crash, tells you everything you need to know. I just don't see any justification for these vehicles.

This is me at five years old. My childhood was not straightforward in any way, shape or form. I was often lonely and outcast by other kids because my upbringing was unconventional and marked me out. But I was free and I was mostly safe. No strangers tried to take me. I didn't get lost and I knew who to trust. I find it very hard to understand why someone would take a little three year old girl. I am hoping above hope that Madeleine McCann gets back to her family safely.

Putting your vote where your mouth is?

I voted today in our local elections. Essex has a very interesting political make up - largely blue on the voting maps with the occasional splash of yellow. Red just doesn't feature here. Our village is decorated largely with conservative flags proudly displayed in front gardens, including a huge one in a field just as you drive into the village bearing the word 'CONSERVATIVES'. I have been suppressing the urge all week to preface this at midnight with the words 'WE'RE NOT ALL ...' but I have serious village related paranoia about doing anything untoward here. Sellotape man might get me.

And indeed, on my voting slip today, only 4 candidates - two conservative, two liberal. I'm sad that I don't get to vote therefore for the brilliantly named Mebyon Kernow. I suppose I'd have to be Cornish for that.