Spain hits back

 Before I start, apologies to all and sundry, I've been bereft of  internet connection, emails and everything for two days now. I have no idea why - oh no, I broke NTL! (my service provider) This has made me seriously re-evaluate how much time I spend on the computer...... but it has also prevented me from seeing or replying to your brilliant comments, so apologies all round, you can all come out of the naughty corner now.

In fact, I'm so glad to be back and so relieved to find that you guys are all still here (and haven't abandoned me, saying "for goodness sake, drama queen, she's having a hissy fit again") that I'll give you all this photo for free:

OK it's quite an old one, but quite nice, don't we all think?

Anyway, this is the post I wrote two days ago, it's old news now, but you might enjoy it anyway.

SPAIN HITS BACK!

Remember how cross the Spanish beef producers were? Oh come on, you remember: Contador said "It Wuz Contaminated Spanish Beef Wot I Ate" when clenbuterol was found in his TdF samples.

Shortly afterwards, the Spanish beef producers' association asked for a public enquiry  into the matter, as it wasn't exactly good publicity for them. (Incidentally, as far as I can find out, they never got it, and the matter seems to have been dropped.)

But now, months later, the food producers of Spain have found a way to have their revenge..  Killer Cucumbers!

Don't laugh, this is serious stuff!

There's been an outbreak of a particularly nasty type of E. coli, mostly in Germany, and cucumbers from Spain are being blamed. It not only gives the victims the usual stomach problems, but it involves damage to the kidneys, and it's already killed 16 people in Germany "and other countries" as they say.

Let's hope that Contador isn't a big fan of cucumber sandwiches...

This BBC report details how countries around the world are being affected. Early reports in the UK said that deaths had occurred in "Germany, Sweden, and Luxembourg".

Figgy, are you listening? I nearly had palpitations, I can tell you! But an hour or so later, it had changed to "Germany, Sweden, and, er, some other places." No longer including Luxembourg, it seems. Phew, so that's all right then.

During the two days that I have been without internet (and bear in mind that I don't have TV so the computer is where I get my news) things might have changed.... but I don't have time to check! Have to go! Will post longer next time! Will answer comments next time!