Interesting Facts

According to analysis of the expenses claims of MPs in the UK, 25% of them have given jobs to relatives. (Figures from the IPSA (Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority) show that 155 MPs – nearly one in four – have wives, children and even parents on the public payroll. Their relatives (aka “connected parties”) enjoy salaries as high as £50,000 for office duties. This is the perfect opportunity for me to introduce a new bit of vocabulary:- nepotism noun the practice among those with power or influence of favouring relatives or friends, especially by giving them jobs. ) !Note There is an online map where people can look at how much their MP is costing them, which is nice, but most people don't even know about it. http://www.parliamentary-standards.org.uk/InteractiveMap.aspx

Chinese police chief Laobu Laluo has arrested no fewer than 48 members of his own family, for crimes ranging from assault and theft to blackmail. (Dispensing justice without fear or favour. That's what it's all about. And let's face it, we all have at least one embarassing relative - he's just got more than his fair share.)