Brighton Rocks (Especially if You're a Guardian Reader)

I like The Guardian a lot, although sometimes it baffles me.

Current bafflement centres around the paper's new-found obsession with all things Brighton.  It's like a martian who's just landed on the pier, had a fantabulosa time, and wants to tell all their mates across the galaxies.  Repeatedly.

So last Saturday, Guardian readers enjoyed a special inset containing lovely photos of Brighton by Martin Parr.  On Sunday, The Observer (AKA The Guardian's louche uncle) gifted us with an aerial map of 1970's Brighton.  As Roy Greenslade says, what was the point of that?  I mean, it was nice for those of us who could pick out our houses, but what was the point for readers beyond the M25?

And next Saturday, The Guardian is offering - well, whoda thunk? - a 100 year old Ordnance Survey map of Brighton.  (All the dads in Brighton simultaneously punch the air and say Yesssss!  Could start a tidal wave)

I love Brighton, it's a great place to live.  It's nice that the Guardian Media Group loves it too.  But three giveaways about the same place?  What's going on?

Methinks something shifty's afoot.  The Guardianistas are planning an invasion.  Mind you, enough of the buggers live here already, it's not like it'll make that much difference. 

So watch out for Sunday's London to Brighton Mini Rally.  And if you see one being driven by a familiar-looking bloke in glasses, you'll know the invasion will have started.