Pauline Allen, she of culture and leisure over at Newcastle Council, raises an interesting point.

A damning silence was to be found at Newcastle full council last night.

I don't know what it is, is it me or everyone else, or is it the time going so fast that I really can't keep up with it. First the downturn of economy, than Poles decided to return home, then British banking system nearly collapsed, then Hamilton hit the roof of championship, then Obama reached the victory, and now Poles are getting advised how to claim British benefits back in Poland. It is a magic roundabout, which is giving me a headache.

One of the joys of the internet is that there is an ever-increasing number of free pdf industry magazines available for download, covering everything from shipping to aerospace. Here are links for four railway industry and enthusiast publications I've found both entertaining and useful:

Rail Management is a weekly industry magazine for professionals, usually published on a Monday, which does exactly what it says on the tin!

Railway Herald is another weekly, rather more aimed at enthusiasts. The publishers also produce a less frequent International issue.

Railtalk Magazine, despite its title, contains more pictures than words! Again, aimed at the enthusiast.

In future blog entries, I'll provide links to free publications in other transport sectors.

He has done it. Barack Obama has made history by being elected the next US president.
He will be the first black man to hold the most powerful job in the world - and what a moment of history to watch.
After a long night, the clock struck 4am UK time and victory was declared for Barack Obama.
This is truly an exciting and extraordinary time in history, which we can all take heart from. The world can move on from deep racial, cultural and wealth divides.

Obama is giving his victory speech. He looks and sounds the part. His rhetorical skills are incredible and sums up a truly historic moment.
And he stressed that his country is the United States from straight to gay, disabled or non-disabled and whatever race its citizens are from.
He also promised a "new dawn of American leadership" across the world based on its ideals of democracy and "unyielding" hope as well as alliances repaired. What a time.

I am so excited and I can't even take part!
But this American election has gripped the imagination like no other.
It could be one of those true moments in history - and I will be staying up to watch it.

PAUL JAMES:
One week on, and normal service resumes. Newcastle back above sunderland in the league.

Polish friend of mine who use to work BBC in Newcastle is looking for polish people living in North East and who due to changing economic climate decided to return to Poland. She would like to invite them to take part in the report for BBC Look North on this subject. Recently BBC Newcastle made a program about Poles living and working in North East, which was reported and presented by her and it was well received by the polish communities. Now the BBC wants to make a follow-up film featuring a Polish person who is living in North East and is now returning home. If you would like to take part in this program send an e-mail to newcastlenews@bbc.co.uk and introduce yourself.

The anticipation is growing. The outcome will soon be known and it will affect all of us.
Unfortunately, we can't vote in the US presidential elections but it is an incredible spectacle to watch.