The world loses an icon.. and Edinburgh gains a furry friend...

Everyone is talking about the budget today. As in, the UK’s budget for the next year. Budgets of any kind are, in most people’s opinion, Boring with a capital B. So I will try and keep this snappy:

Petrol prices are down by 1p a litre. Taxes have been reduced for low earners. Interest free loans are now available for first time house buyers. Corporation tax has been slashed to help out businesses. Income tax and national insurance could soon be merged to make things simpler. The price of cigarettes and beer have gone up (as always). And £100m has been assigned to repair potholes around the country.

Our Justice Secretary, Kenneth Clarke, was accused of falling asleep during the delivery of the budget at the House of Commons today. To be honest, I don’t blame him.

A bomb has exploded at a bus stop in Jerusalem, killing one and injuring several others. It’s the first time they have seen one of these types of bombings since 2004, and it comes amid the rising tensions between Israel and Palestinian militants of late. No one has yet claimed responsibility.

A spokesman for the Libyan rebels has make a heartfelt thanks to the Western coalition for our attacks on Gaddafi’s forces: “I want to express our appreciation for these actions, “ he said, “We will never, ever forget.”

Gaddafi made his first public appearance in a week last night in Tripoli, urging “all Islamic armies” to join him and insisting: “We will be victorious.”

Several studies have been released today which indicate that we are all getting less godly. One, which was carried out to coincide with the 2011 Census, revealed that two thirds of Britons do not regard themselves as religious. Dawkins will be very pleased.

An adventurous ferret from London has apparently jumped on a train and ended up in Edinburgh. He was caught getting off the train and wandering round the platform at Edinburgh station, and is now being looked after by an animal charity that have named him Mickey. Columbus would have been more fitting for a ferret who likes to explore if you ask me. But I do tend to give these things a bit too much thought.

Finally, legendary actress Elizabeth Taylor (she of the eight husbands) has died at the age of 79. I shall leave you today with one of her greatest quotes: “I’m much more beautiful than Marilyn Monroe ever was and I’m certainly a better actress.”

Rest in Peace.