Elsewhere, bread and butter stuff in the Irish Times John McManus writes "The price of food is again on the rise, but the Government seems determined to keep what is potentially its most useful tool for understanding why we have some of the most expensive food in Europe firmly in the box."

In World news, a show of strength by China and its new best mates, yielding images that do not soothe the soul.

In better news, more than a quarter of a million children will become eligible for free public transport from today with the launch of a new Child Leap Card, covering ages five to eight. 

Your Zen today is a track by guitarist Marc Ribot. I only knew him previously from his work with Tom Waits, so a pleasant surprise this summer to unearth his work with The Lounge Lizards, Ceramic Dog and Los Cubanos Postizos (The Prosthetic Cubans) and a huge slate of solo work. This tune is called Sometimes Jailhouse Blues.

Have a great day.

NS