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Tuesday 28 February 2017

Spitsbergen

Every 2nd Tuesday, I go to the Scott Polar Research Institute in Cambridge for a U3AC talk on the Arctic and Antarctic. Today, the talk was about Spitsbergen high up in the Arctic. Very interesting too.

We are very lucky in Cambridge having such good speakers/lecturers and a wide choice of subjects. Last term I studied the Anglo-Saxons!  This was very far removed from electronics. It was enjoyable nonetheless.

It is so good to learn with no exams, no notes (unless you want to) - in fact learning about things that interests you for pure pleasure.

See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spitsbergen

Friday 24 February 2017

Landwade walk

Each February we do a walk at Landwade, UK. It is rare to see anyone. There were plenty of snowdrops and aconites out, but very few daffodils yet. As you can see, there is an old church there, which is usually locked sadly. This is a lovely short walk.

Tuesday 21 February 2017

Exchange rates

It is my view that the Euro will lose value this year so the UK Pound will buy more Euros. Of course, I could be entirely wrong! The reasons for thinking this are:
  • Greek debt is still a big issue and there will be fewer nations able to bail them out.
  • Several nations are disillusioned with the Euro project and are worried by totally free movement within the EU.
  • Several nations are in favour of tariff-free borders to trade but are nervous of ever closer integration.
  • I think the UK will show the world it can succeed outside of the EU.
No, several things point to an improved exchange rate. As for the US Dollar and the Japanese Yen I am less clear.

Wednesday 15 February 2017

False News?

This clip was first seen many years ago. I have grave doubts about its authenticity. Funny, but probably mocked up. Caveat emptor.

Tuesday 14 February 2017

Rugby on TV

I am not a great rugby fan, but my son is. His son plays for his school and he likes to watch.

The picture shows him this weekend watching rugby on the bedroom TV, complete with beer and crisps. When his family comes to stay, he certainly makes himself at home.

Sunday 12 February 2017

Spaghetti Tree Spoof

See http://news.bbc.co.uk/onthisday/hi/dates/stories/april/1/newsid_2819000/2819261.stm .

Way back in 1957 the BBC ran a spoof Panorama programme about the spaghetti harvest. The programme was narrated by Richard Dimbleby. It was the first time, I think, that TV had been used to pull an April 1st stunt.

Saturday 11 February 2017

Charity Bags?

RANT - I hate charity bags emblazoned with this or that registered charity name and numbers, but buried in the small print you see that the collection is by a private company who will donate so much a year to that charity. Basically this is a CON. No doubt they make huge profits and are able to claim back their "gift" against tax. How can this CON be allowed? - RANT ended.

Monday 6 February 2017

Burwell Museum

See http://www.burwellmuseum.org.uk/ .

As some of you may already know, the excellent local museum and windmill is having a new entrance and shop. Today it is being erected.
If you have not been along, please visit after Easter on a Thursday, Sunday or Bank Holiday. You are likely to be surprised by how extensive it is and by the wide variety of it contents. It truly exceeds expectations and must be one of the best local museums in the whole UK.

Thursday 2 February 2017

Cambridge

Cambridge is famous for its Backs and Colleges. This is a view along Trinity Street. Lots of bikes!  Kings is about 400m further along on the right.
At this time of the year there are fewer visitors around. In the summer it can be heaving.