The world has ended!

Today the world ended. You didn't realise because you didn't watch the switch on of the CERN LHC. However, sure as eggs is eggs you are now either in Heaven or in Hell. Can't see the difference? Well, that's because you make your own Heaven or Hell. At work tomorrow does the coffee machine work? That's Heaven. Hell is an email from the MD with a new "inspirational message".

Student loans

First, how many people realise that the interest rate on student loans is not the low headline rate that the government advertise and the media report, but the much higher "real" rate that is currently close to the after tax savings rates you get from high street lenders? With inflation letting rip it could soon be cheaper to lend YOUR money to your student daughter than have her take out a student loan.

Next, try phoning the student loan company. It takes an hour to get through, then they point out that they only act as agents for the local authorities who actually process your daughter's application so all they can do is offer platitudes.

I hope your darling isn't going to a "recruiting university" aka a low ranking poly or FE institute because if she is, you, and she, are wasting your time and money. See Mondays' Independent.

PS Just took daughter 2 to Warwick. My list of worthwhile universities just expanded - Bristol, Lancaster, Exeter and now Warwick (AKA Coventry Uni - don't be put off!).