Threat to serving police officers

See http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-30390392 .]]

Apparently the West Midland Police have received credible evidence of a threat to capture a serving officer. I assume this came from IS or Al Qaeda, but I don't know this is so. Clearly worrying times for all police officers anywhere.

South African Court dismisses Dewani murder case

See http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-bristol-30375335 .

I was not there so it is unfair to make any real comment. If he was innocent the man should rightly be freed. If the case was thrown out simply because they could not prove "beyond reasonable doubt" his guilt then what? It was a strange case. Why travel to a rough township at night anyway?  Odd.

Poor voice

One of my frustrations with my stroke is my very poor voice. I want to say more but am told my voice is weak and indistinct.  I get very breathless talking. I get SO frustrated.

Alex Salmond MP at Westminster?

The BBC website reports that the ex SNP leader Alex Salmond is to stand for a seat at Westminster in the next General Election in May 2015. He wants ti ensure promises made at the Scottish Referendum are kept.

Stroke update

Now  15 months since my brain-bleed, I still feel "poorly". People who casually see me think I am better than I am inside. When walking I still feel drunk and giddy, I still get tired easily and my liquid swallow and voice are still poor. By now,  I was expecting to be back to as I was before my brain-bleed, but think this is still months away sadly. I am still clumsy and far from my old self.  It is very frustrating for me and my wife, kids and grandchildren.

I still feel progress is being made but the steps are small ones. In earlier months I could clearly see improvements, but now they are small. For example, I think I feel generally less tired, although I still feel totally exhausted at times. My giddiness must be getting better as I can look through a much wider angle when turning my head.

Guess I have to be patient and never give up.

Climate change

There is now little doubt that we live in a warming world and the evidence suggests Man's influence has played a large part. Even if globally we managed a big switch to renewables we'd probably still have warming but I feel we should try to minimise the impact.

A USA website says the average sea level rise over the last 100 years is 7 inches (178mm). Personally, I think the problem will be solved by a combination of global agreements and good engineering. We simply cannot ignore this issue: it will not just go away.

See http://climate.nasa.gov/. 
 
There is a chance that we are entering a Maunder Minimum. This may help us a bit.

USA and UK growth and debt

The BBC News reports that the US economy is growing at a greater rate than expected and that the number of jobs created has averaged 241,000 a month this year. They say the USA economy powers the world. It all depends on whether or not an economy really can live on debt.

It seems to me that both the USA and the UK economies depend on debt to exist. This is not sustainable. Every nation has to live within its means or ultimately wither. When nations like China will no longer buy government IOUs (gilts) the game is up. The debt game cannot go on for ever. In reality, we all know this.

We no longer rule the world. We no longer have an Empire to exploit. We live in a new world order and the sooner we wake up to this the better for us all.  Up to now, the UK has always paid those it owes money to on-time. There may come a time when it cannot or the pound will be devalued and people will no longer want to buy our debt.

See http://www.dmo.gov.uk/index.aspx?page=gilts/about_gilts .

Homeland?

Sometimes it is hard to separate fact and fiction. The recent US TV series "Homeland" was about the dynamics between the USA and Al Qaeda. Today we hear news that the latter's leader has been killed. in Pakistan. This is very much like the latest series.

See http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-30358538 .

Orion's successful test flight

This may (eventually) be used on a manned Mars mission possibly in 2033. Today, NASA carried out an unmanned test flight of this crew module. It splashed down in the Pacific.

See http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-30352472 .

FTSE 100 and Sepura shares

Both the FTSE 100 and Sepura (SEPU) shares have made gains today. The FTSE 100 index closed well up on  the day and Sepura also continued its recent good run ending the day at 149p, close to its all time best. In recent weeks Sepura has done well.

Books for prisoners

See http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-30344867.

What total nonsense!  Of course prisoners should be allowed to receive books.   How else are they meant to reform?

Rail Fare Rise

Yet again, rail fares are risng, but this time by just 2.2%. This is still greater than the rate of inflation, squeezing yet more the incomes of commuters. I am very glad I don't have to use trains into London every day, often without a seat.

See http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-30341586 .

Elgin Marbles

These should be returned to Greece, no arguments. They are not ours to keep or to loan to the Hermitage Museum in Russia. All such artifacts should be returned to their rightful homes. We accuse the Nazi's of stealing but conveniently have excuses when we are guilty. By all means let us replace them with excellent copies.

See http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-30340704 .

Huge spending cuts ahead?

Whichever party forms the next government, an independent think tank (IFS) has warned we face colossal spending cuts ahead if we are to "balance the books". Labour want to do this slightly more slowly than the Conservatives, but either way we are in for more austerity.  Of course, in the lead up to a General Election no party wants to tell the cold truth.


See http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-30327717 .

Raspberry Pi rival?

Chip maker Imagination is to sell a rival to the famous Raspberry Pi PC. At the moment, we don't know if this rival will out-do to Raspberry Pi.

http://news.bbcimg.co.uk/media/images/79504000/jpg/_79504873_mips-creator-c120_rgb_press.jpg

Feeling more vulnerable

Later this month I celebrate my 66th birthday. Since my close call with death following my brain-bleed in September 2013, I have felt far more vulnerable.

With luck and a full recovery, I could live for 20-25 years or more, but on the other hand I could face death at any time. My father died at 68 and his dad at 64, both of heart related conditions. Thankfully heart and health care are better nowadays.

At one time I felt as if I would last for ever. Now I feel older and know that I have a limited life remaining. Whatever the future brings, I hope I don't waste my precious years to come. I have lots more living that I want to do.

Bristol tragedy

See http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-bristol-30334855 .

The bodies of a young mum and her little baby have been found. It looks like suicide. What a tragic loss of life for all involved. So, so sad.

The Imitation Game film

Today, for the first time since before my stroke, we went to the cinema in Cambridge. We saw " The Imitation Game" about the work of Alan Turing (played by Benedict Cumberbatch) who was very involved in de-crypting the German Enigma code.

It reckons de-crypting this powerful code saved 14M lives and shortened WW2 by 2 years. He was a brilliant man and it was so sad that he committed suicide some years after WW2 because of his gay leanings. These days sexuality matters not one bit.

Anyway, it was an excellent film and at £10 for two with free tea or coffee if we wanted it I can recommend the Cambridge Picturehouse cinema on Thursdays.

Tax return

Today, I started my online tax return. I usually do it about this time of the year, although last year it was later (in early January) because I was in hospital. I think I have all the data I need: usually finding these is the hardest bit. I hope to complete this next week.

John Kerry says....

The US Secretary of State, John Kerry, has said IS has been "significantly weakened" by coalition air strikes.  Does this mean the opposite is true?

UPDATE 1945z:   John Kerry approves of Iran airstrikes against IS. See http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-30306106 .

Should we ever believe our politicians?

Today, our Chancellor of the Exchequer revealed his Autumn Statement on the economy. Yet again the government has missed its declared targets on deficit reduction. We are still living well beyond our means.  The opposition was as bad. It seems you can promise what you want, then miss the targets. Moral - DON'T ever believe what our politicians say.

Supposedly we are "getting out of the red". Who is kidding? Sadly I see little chance of better economic news under a largely Labour government. It makes voting in the General Election next year even more important. I may end up voting for the team I detest least, rather than the party I most like.

Flood defences

The government today revealed how it intends to distribute £2.3bn in flood defence measures. My younger son very narrowly missed being flooded last winter in Kent. I hope they will be OK this coming winter and spring. This is, I believe, money that was originally earmarked but was never spent earlier in the life of the government. My son was given sandbags but thankfully his house escaped, but it was a close thing.

See http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-30282701.
See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Environment_Agency .

Is Prof. Stephen Hawking right about AI?

See http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-30290540 .

The world famous Cambridge scientist Professor Stephen Hawking has warned that AI may result in the end of the human race. He has been suffering from Motor Neuron Disease (MND) for very many years now, but his brain is as sharp as ever.

I have only seen him once in Cambridge, in his wheelchair.  When he eventually dies, the world will have lost one of its very best minds. It is amazing he has beaten his condition for so long.

FTSE 100

Today, it looks like the FTSE 100 stock index will end the day about 70 points up on yesterday when it lost a bit of ground. On the other hand, Sepura shares have fallen back a bit.

UPDATE 1845z:   At end end of the day the FTSE 100 index closed 85.73 up at 6742.10.

University of the Third Age in Cambridge

After a few years break I am attending some interesting lectures this year. I drive to the local Park and Ride and take a free bus into the city. After all my health issues it is good to be with "normal" people just interested in their subjects. This term I am studying "Human Evolution" and the founding of Australia and New Zealand.

My poor voice (stroke)

For reasons I don't understand, my brain is unable (at present) to communicate properly to my (fully working) voice box. My voice box was checked with a camera (down my nose) a few months ago.

Although my speech sounds OK to me (clarity and loudness) apparently it is a whisper and hard to understand. All the time I feel breathless.I am told this is all a result of my brain bleed and it will, in the end, recover. I have to be patient! Hopefully thing will improve in 2015.

Paedophile doctor sentenced to 22 years in prison

See http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-cambridgeshire-30273548 .

22 years,which may mean he will be released in 11 years. What a tragedy for all involved - his victims, Addenbrooke's hospital, his family and  for a ruined career that was worth £100k a year.

Hong Kong

See http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-30267026 .

The recent political unrest in Hong Kong could just fizzle out or result in one of 2 outcomes: firstly the Chinese could clamp down hard on Hong Kong along the lines of Tienanmen Square or secondly it could result in yet more liberalism. China is still dangerous and I fear the former:  don't rattle their cage too much.

Next week, my brother and his wife visit HK to see their daughter, husband and their child. I hope they steer clear of the troubles.

After all.since 1997 HK has been a special region of China with its repressive regime and one party rule.   Interestingly, the one party system seems to have done China plenty of good economically.

Black Friday - pure commercialism

Individually, practically every US citizen I have known has been kind, warm hearted and generous. I like them - they are genuinely a kind people.

But, why do we have to copy them all the time? We now seem to have adopted "Black Friday" which was unheard of until this year. Soon we'll be celebrating Thanksgiving holiday, just to copy them. Let us enjoy our uniqueness and not forever try to copy those in the USA.

Black Friday is pure commercialism and belongs in the gutter. It is "in your face" big time in the UK. Whilst having a good moan, why does Christmas start in October?

NHS - more money?

See http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-30265833 .

Apparently the chancellor has found another £2bn for the National Health Service. To me, this seems like cynical electioneering.  Although I fully support the NHS - health care should NOT depend on the money one has - there is no doubt in my mind that billions could be saved each year if they learnt more from the private sector.

In particular, communication within the NHS and to its customers could be vastly improved. From just my own experiences and those close to me, I can see ways to save literally thousands. The more people I talk with, the more waste I hear about.

Career politicians

There seem to be far fewer UK politicians who are there for genuine altruistic reasons. Maybe it was never so and ALL politicians are/were there for their own gain?

I think not. In the past there seemed to be far more politicians in positions of power because they genuinely thought they could help build a fairer and better world. These days the House of Commons seems filled with toffs who went to public schools, work in share dealing or the big banks, make a career (on the side) of politics because they may be able to modify policies to their personal gain. Sadly, I think this applies to politicians of all parties. It is dangerous to generalise I know. I hope that those to whom we grant power to create and modify our laws do so with care,humility and for good reasons. It would be a very sad day if we totally lost faith in our Parliament.

Concert

http://ccso-online.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/CCSO-flyer-150214-large.jpg

Last night we went out with close friends to a concert at the West Road Music School in Cambridge given by the CCSO (City of Cambridge Symphony Orchestra) and it was excellent.

See http://ccso-online.org.uk/ .

Their next concert is Feb 14th 2015.

Ickworth

Yesterday, as the weather was mild and sunny, we decided to visit the grounds of Ickworth House, a National Trust property near Bury-St-Edmunds. It was very autumnal there with most trees now without leaves. Come the spring it will look quite different.

Middle East politics

The politics of the Middle East is hard to fathom. Over the years there have been plenty of injustices and many continue even now. I do NOT have the answers but wish that the people of the region could live in peace and mutual respect - many are different e.g. Arabs and Jews, yet surely more is gained by acceptance of each's right to exist than forever trying to annihilate the other?

It saddens me to see a region so troubled.

I wonder what will happen when the world learns to live without oil? Our heavy dependency on a peaceful Middle East will end. I suspect the West will just leave them to their own devices.

See http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-30258537 . In Egypt I have no idea about the rights or wrongs of recent events, but I am pleased the judge dismissed charges of murder against Egypt's past president.  All should learn that forgiveness is the most powerful force in the world. It has always been so since the dawn of humanity.

Plebgate multi-millionaire?

According to The Times newspaper, the MP at the centre of the so called Plebgate scandal will be selling some of his property empire to fund his legal bill. Often reporting such matters is wrong but I don't wish to be ruled by people living in a parallel universe.

Falling oil prices

Oil prices continue to fall worldwide for many reasons.  See http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-30247276. I think North Sea Oil is a minor part of our trade figures these days. Had Scotland become independent, the falling oil revenues might have been very serious.

"Welcome to the new world of oil," said Michael Wittner, Societe Generale's senior oil analyst. "Saudi Arabia and Opec will no longer be the mechanism to balance the market, they have relinquished that role. Instead, the market itself - prices, in other words - will be the mechanism to rebalance the market. We cannot overstate what a dramatic and fundamental change this is for the oil market."

I think this is good news. The Middle East is no longer holding the world to ransom. Also, we are (too) slowly weaning ourselves off oil.

Paedophile Doctor

See http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-cambridgeshire-30243290 .

How sad that a doctor was so driven by his unhealthy sexual interest in young boys that he has ruined his career and is likely to face many years in gaol. His sentencing hearing has been adjourned until Monday when his fate is likely to be known.

I think questions need to be asked why he was able to commit his offences for so long. He betrayed trust and must face his punishment. It is sad he was not helped to overcome his addiction long ago.

Stroke update

In the last few weeks, I seem to have made little progress. I still find many liquids hard to drink, I still get giddy when walking and most physical activities exhaust me, although on many days my level of stamina may be a little better. I do so want to be back to my old self again.

Immigration and the Conservative party

With not long to the next General Election here in the UK, the Conservatives are now trying, against the odds, to win hearts and minds in the debate on immigration. The latest idea is to grossly restrict benefits for 4 years for people who immigrate to the UK. Unfortunately for a small island like ours (?) we find ourselves real magnet for people wanting to move within the EU. Those that move and work here help our economy with growth in the UK stronger than in the rest of Europe. Whether or not this latest idea will reduce nett inward migration I do not know.  UKIP is making its voice heard and the Conservative party is rattled.

I still have no idea which party to support in the General Election next year. The outcome is likely to be close with minor parties holding the balance of power or being asked to form a coalition with either Labour or the Conservatives.  I actually quite like David Cameron, but slightly prefer Labour values. Sadly I think the Labour leader is not too charismatic or good as a leader. Last time I voted for the Liberal Democrats.  In the EU elections (not first past the post) I voted Greens.

See http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-30224493 .

Sepura (SEPU) shares and FTSE 100

Sepura (my old company) shares gained even more today to end up at 147p, 2% up on the day and the strongest level for some time now. After a day largely in negative territory, even the FTSE 100 index made very slight gains by the end of the day.

Sepura (SEPU) shares

Shares in my old company have increased in value by around 10% lately. Good, but they have been even higher.

La Hogue cafe

We went to place our Christmas order in the local farm shop, La Hogue,  and then stayed for lunch. For the first time (since my stroke) I managed a full coffee.  I also had a ham and cheese Panini with all the trimmings and managed most of it.

BBC and FTSE 100 data

See http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business/market_data/stockmarket/3/default.stm .

The BBC seems to have fixed its glitch with market data. Their main news page is again showing this information. For a few days it was either missing or wrong.

The Royal Mail

Once upon a time, a letter posted locally in the morning would be delivered locally the very same afternoon. Not any more - just one delivery a day and most of that is JUNK delivered to help profits and promptly just binned. Such a WASTE. Collections are as bad. Things go backwards. Progress?

As far as I am concerned the post is like energy - an essential service that should not be run for profit. It seems odd to me that we have to have a postal service that is not cheap, is run to make profits and very dependent on JUNK mail. Stupidity.

BBC News and the FTSE 100 index

The main BBC News page seems to have given up on reporting the FTSE 100 stock index: for several days the BBC  reports have contained errors blamed on a  technical error. The BBC Business page seemsto be valiantly plodding on.

Now only 3 of the 4 stroke symptoms?

In the last couple of days I seem less tired.  This does vary though: 3 steps forward and 2 back etc.

Although my swallow of some (thin) liquids is not good and I still feel giddy when walking - although I do not fall - my level of fatigue seems (generally) lower. This is a good sign.

My speech is still hard to understand and I get very frustrated by this. To me, it sounds fine, but clearly others do not understand me. My wife says I need to sound first and last syllables more clearly and that I am very quiet.

My recovery is taking far longer than I expected.

My brain

I am still puzzled by my brain. Most mental functions seem fine, but when I do an email or blog post I seem slow to spot errors like spelling mistakes or missing full stops. Usually I try to correct errors before sending, but looking back I still spot mistakes that I've missed.

If you see errors please let me know. I want to correct the errors and know when my brain is not doing its job right.

Driving again

After a ban on car driving of around 14 months because of my brain bleed,  I am now allowed to drive again.

In the car I do not get giddy and feel safe, although I drive slower than before, at least for now. In the last year,things seem to have got faster, although I am sure this is me!  My wife thinks I should be wearing a hat!

Up to now, I have driven fairly locally and my wife is usually in the car with me. The exception for the last few weeks has been a solo drive to the Newmarket Road, Cambridge,  Park and Ride site, where I catch the bus into the city for my U3AC course on Human Evolution, a course I am really enjoying. For several years I was too busy for U3AC, but this year is different.

Although I am usually suffering from at least 2 of the following, it is good to be doing "normal" things again and mixing with healthy people.  My remaining issues are (1) giddiness when walking. (2) poor liquid swallow, (3) tiredness following physical work of ANY kind.  Today, I don't feel tired whereas for several days previously I had been totally exhausted.

Al Jazeera - news from the Middle East

Occasionally, it is good to get news from totally different sources. One example is to see how Middle Eastern broadcaster Al Jazeera has covered Ebola in recent weeks.

See http://www.aljazeera.com/news/africa/2014/11/deadline-curb-ebola-will-not-be-fully-met-2014112418512630314.html .

Sometimes Al Jazeera has news that we never hear about on the BBC.  For example I had no idea that Tripoli airport in Libya was recently attacked by unidentified jets. If the BBC covered this then I must have missed it.

Nations spying

See http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-30171614 .

It looks like some nation state is intent on stealing our data.   Regin is a newly discovered computer spyware program recently discovered by Symantic.