Eastern Europe is not about to explode...

Fair enough, there were a few street protests last week in and around the Pocket Empire. Riga, Sofia and Vilnius all saw colourful scenes as malcontents revolted against various belt-tightening measures.

However, for the Guardian to suggest (as it did at the weekend) that much of Europe is headed for a 'spring of discontent' is just appalling journalism. As one Pocketeer put it yesterday "there will be more public order arrests in Britain this year than in Romania."

Strangest of all was how - after predicting social unrest all over Eastern Europe - the Guardian then went on to suggest Brits take their holidays there this year. "Jurmala, Latvia - the largest resort city in the Baltics - has a 33km beach, is perfect for children, and the proximity to the shops and cafes on pedestrianised Jomas Street means there's plenty to keep teens occupied too."

Shurley shome mishtake?