The Economist's Business Travel writer, Gulliver, seems to think that is not acceptable for taxi's to charge for soiling of their cabs. In What price vomit? October 2nd (1).

This comes from a Chicago Tribune story on September 25th about the city Mayor rejected a 22% fare increase request & other fares (2). But I feel that the Economist is missing the point entirely with its statement "You don't want to encourage people to think that money can buy them immunity from the requirement to treat other people..with respect."

A taxi that has been soiled is inoperable for a period of time, by getting sick in the back of somebody's cab you are denying them the ability to work. Can you expect a fine if you bar the doors of any other business?

In the Ireland, there has existed for years a "soiling charge" in taxi's, the last I was aware it was €50 but I have checked the Irish taxi regulator and it is now more like €140 (3). But I do not believe this is unreasonable, that taxi can't work for the rest of the night after somebody has gotten sick in it. So why does the Economist Gulliver think this is a laughing matter in hard times?

This week Rachel & I celebrated being together for two years.
Two years ago, Rachel came to visit me in London as a friend, and left as very much more. 16 months ago, Rach took the very brave decision to quit her job in Dungarvan and move to London, and we've being living together since. Rachel also celebrated one year in her job (school exams officer) on Tuesday as well. A very good week indeed.
I love Rachel and every day she makes me happy.

On Tuesday night we went to the o2 for Michael McIntyre stand up, he was very funny. Rachel said on facebook, that she almost puked she was laughing so hard (not sure how that is possible to be honest). Some new material that we've not seen on tv which was very good concerned hoovering technique and stupid things everyone does. Also there was one about Bank of Scotland (Ireland) that despite the terrible Irish accent was very funny.

Last night, our actual anniversary I took Rachel out.
First we went to the Langley restaurant near Covent Garden, it was a pleasant meal with good service in a hip location. They also had Happy Hour cocktails, so we had Mojito's.
After the meal, we walked back through Covent Garden to the Aldwych Theatre.
Because I was taking Rachel the musical of one of her favourite movies, Dirty Dancing. Rachel was thrilled that we were going to Dirty Dancing, and she was not let down by the production. The production was brilliant, with clever stage design & fabulously impressive dancing. The crowd waited with baited breath for the famous line before the big final dance sequence.