Ice cold in Alex it maybe, but not on an FGW train

So once again I am sat on an overcrowded train, sweltering in the heat, with all the windows closed so that the air con can work to full efficiency.

As far as I can tell it is working with the same efficiency as Her Majesties Revenue do in ensuring that the UKs highest earners all pay their full income tax. (For non UK nationals the Chancellor of the Exchequer was shocked to find that the vast majority of the rich in the UK actually avoid paying the full rate of income tax, despite this being common knowledge to the man on the street, this info is purely for your knowledge rather than this becoming a political blog, to ensure you get the context of my analogy about the air con.)

And when you try and rebel and open the window the sodding ticket inspector shuts it "to allow the air con to work properly." Well it hasn't worked for 30 minutes, why will it suddenly work now? I asked this what I considered perfectly reasonable question, and quite politely too. I was met with a jobs worth shake of the head and a "tut" as they moved off without answering. All I will say is G, a hero amongst ticket collectors who I have referred to previously, would have had the balls to answer. In fact I think he'd just have summed up the situation and opened more windows!

The only relief is the frequent stops when the doors open and a faint draught flutters through the carriage. I've often wondered why some people insist on standing by the doors rather than sitting in perfectly good seats, now I think I know the answer.

Still the ticket inspector will probably get off soon, then I'll rebel again and open the window....if the heat hasn't sapped all my strength by then.