Friday, 28 November 2014
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 .
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.
Thursday, 27 November 2014
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 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.
Wednesday, 26 November 2014
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.
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.
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.
Tuesday, 25 November 2014
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.
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.
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.
Monday, 24 November 2014
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.
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.
It looks like some nation state is intent on stealing our data. Regin is a newly discovered computer spyware program recently discovered by Symantic.
My voice
My poor speaking voice really frustrates me. On the phone I say, to me it is clearly, that my wife is out and "please ring after 2". Then the caller says, "when shall I call?". Darn it, I just told you, but you clearly did not hear me!
The problem is at my end - either I speak too fast or not clearly enough to be understood. It really does cause so much confusion and frustration. Stroke! I have to learn to speak much slower and much more clearly.
The problem is at my end - either I speak too fast or not clearly enough to be understood. It really does cause so much confusion and frustration. Stroke! I have to learn to speak much slower and much more clearly.
Saving government money
Although I welcome my free bus pass and winter fuel allowance, I am sure money can be saved by targeting these at people in real need, and not just shelling these out to all over 60?
Surely they can address the winter fuel allowance another way, for example by increasing the tax free income allowance? Much lower cost and it targets those in most need. Most would pay tax on this allowance whereas those on really low incomes would not pay tax.
Likewise free bus passes. Maybe a nominal sum for all trips (20p?) or only make the bus passes free for OAPs receiving an old age pension? Males over 60 but not yet getting an OAP would have to pay a bit longer.
On both these the government should be able to save millions. The free bus pass and winter fuel allowances are "good things", but surely in this age of austerity they both need to be better targeted at those who really need them?
Surely they can address the winter fuel allowance another way, for example by increasing the tax free income allowance? Much lower cost and it targets those in most need. Most would pay tax on this allowance whereas those on really low incomes would not pay tax.
Likewise free bus passes. Maybe a nominal sum for all trips (20p?) or only make the bus passes free for OAPs receiving an old age pension? Males over 60 but not yet getting an OAP would have to pay a bit longer.
On both these the government should be able to save millions. The free bus pass and winter fuel allowances are "good things", but surely in this age of austerity they both need to be better targeted at those who really need them?
Sunday, 23 November 2014
Immigration - the OTHER side of the story.
See http://jondanzig.blogspot.co.uk/2013/05/what-nigel-farage-told-british-expats.html .
A lot of UK citizens chose to live or retire in other EU countries. When we talk of restricting immigration into the UK we must remember that many also want to live elsewhere in Europe.
I think the real issue is we remain a very small, overcrowded, island.
A lot of UK citizens chose to live or retire in other EU countries. When we talk of restricting immigration into the UK we must remember that many also want to live elsewhere in Europe.
I think the real issue is we remain a very small, overcrowded, island.
Strictly Come Dancing
When a teenager I enjoyed ballroom dancing with my girlfriend Ann. It is very many years since I have danced. I really want to keep those memories as they were. We made a good dancing couple.
These days, I watch "Strictly" on TV, but pretend not to! I hope Frankie wins as I vote for her most weeks on-line for free. Lis votes by phone. Frankie looks a bit like my dear wife Lis when we first met. Frankie is a good dancer, of course.
"Strictly" is a "feel good" programme, ideal to cheer you up. I never take it too seriously. It is the nearest I come to reality TV. I absolutely abhor "Big Brother". Every time I have (accidentally) watched small parts people are either sleeping or arguing. I just do not see what fun it is to watch.
These days, I watch "Strictly" on TV, but pretend not to! I hope Frankie wins as I vote for her most weeks on-line for free. Lis votes by phone. Frankie looks a bit like my dear wife Lis when we first met. Frankie is a good dancer, of course.
"Strictly" is a "feel good" programme, ideal to cheer you up. I never take it too seriously. It is the nearest I come to reality TV. I absolutely abhor "Big Brother". Every time I have (accidentally) watched small parts people are either sleeping or arguing. I just do not see what fun it is to watch.
Hamilton wins F1 championship
 |
| http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/c/c3/Lewis_Hamilton_October_2014.jpg/220px-Lewis_Hamilton_October_2014.jpg |
See http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/formula1/30168481 .
UK immigration
See http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-30167160 .
The Home Secretary has said on TV that UK immigration target are unlikely to be met.
The Conservatives published some very ambitious targets, that frankly, were a joke unless the immigration pattern was drastically changed. This remains a very contentious issue central to the next General Election. Making such STUPID claims about immigration targets serves no good at all.
We are a small, overcrowded, island and HAVE to be able to manage our immigration numbers. Currently we are a magnet for people and we need to understand just why this is so. I hope we can find a way of controlling immigration and stay in the EU, but if we don't we may have no choice but to leave. If we go, others will follow us.
Incidentally, free movement within the EU means about 800000 UK people now live in Spain. It is not just people coming into the UK,although our small size makes net immigration an acute issue. Some skills we definitely need and this is likely to continue to be the case. We just need better controls, whether by looking at points, welfare or whatever.
I am no UKIP supporter, but I do understand the issues.
The Home Secretary has said on TV that UK immigration target are unlikely to be met.
The Conservatives published some very ambitious targets, that frankly, were a joke unless the immigration pattern was drastically changed. This remains a very contentious issue central to the next General Election. Making such STUPID claims about immigration targets serves no good at all.
We are a small, overcrowded, island and HAVE to be able to manage our immigration numbers. Currently we are a magnet for people and we need to understand just why this is so. I hope we can find a way of controlling immigration and stay in the EU, but if we don't we may have no choice but to leave. If we go, others will follow us.
Incidentally, free movement within the EU means about 800000 UK people now live in Spain. It is not just people coming into the UK,although our small size makes net immigration an acute issue. Some skills we definitely need and this is likely to continue to be the case. We just need better controls, whether by looking at points, welfare or whatever.
I am no UKIP supporter, but I do understand the issues.
Grandchildren have gone home
Our "Kent" grandchildren and their parents have now returned home. They come to stay again before Christmas.
Although the house is now quiet, I am still very tired, as a result of my stroke. People tell me this will get better. I do hope so as I still get profoundly exhausted with any physical effort, quite unlike how I used to be. I want to be able to do all I did with my grandchildren before, but I get so exhausted.
Although the house is now quiet, I am still very tired, as a result of my stroke. People tell me this will get better. I do hope so as I still get profoundly exhausted with any physical effort, quite unlike how I used to be. I want to be able to do all I did with my grandchildren before, but I get so exhausted.
Saturday, 22 November 2014
Profound tiredness (stroke)
These last 2 days I have felt more tired than at any time I can remember. I think this related to my stroke, but I have been PROFOUNDLY exhausted. I have no understanding just why I have felt so very tired. I hope it will pass soon. I thought my tiredness was lifting, but like so much about my stroke, it keeps surprising me.
Friday, 21 November 2014
FTSE 100 and Sepura shares
With about 15 minutes until UK markets close, it looks as if the FTSE 100 index and Sepura (SEPU) shares will end the day in positive territory. This year, both the FTSE 100 index and Sepura have lost some ground, but in recent weeks these losses are being clawed back.
UPDATE 1900z: Both the FTSE 100 and Sepura (SEPU) shares ended the day in positive territory.
UPDATE 1900z: Both the FTSE 100 and Sepura (SEPU) shares ended the day in positive territory.
UKIP recent successes
In the last few months, UKIP has gained its first 2 MPs taking votes from the Conservative, Labour and the Lib Dems. As I said before, in the General Election next spring it could all be very different At the moment UKIP is picking up protest votes and this is unlikely to be the case in a General Election when people are electing the party to govern us for the next 5 years. Both the major parties will have been rattled by the results of the by-election results from Rochester and Strood. The Lib Dems did very badly indeed with the Greens polling higher than them.
See http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-30140747 .
I still do not know who to vote for in the next General Election, but it will not be UKIP. To me, this party is maybe OK as a protest, but it would be a disaster if they helped form the next government. They seem to stand for just one thing: get the UK out of the EC. Personally, I believe our relationship with our European friends will change somewhat, but I hope we remain close partners with our friends in mainland Europe.
See http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-30140747 .
I still do not know who to vote for in the next General Election, but it will not be UKIP. To me, this party is maybe OK as a protest, but it would be a disaster if they helped form the next government. They seem to stand for just one thing: get the UK out of the EC. Personally, I believe our relationship with our European friends will change somewhat, but I hope we remain close partners with our friends in mainland Europe.
Stroke update
I had my cerebellum brain bleed (stroke) in Sept 2013 and in all honesty
I was expecting to be fully fit again by now. I think my wife and I had
no idea how serious this was and just how long recovery was going to take. Nearly 15 months on it is a mixed picture.
All my limbs, my eyes and ears and my cognitive functions seem to work OK. But I still have poor liquid swallow, poor speech, giddiness when walking and I tire on the least physical exertion such as washing dishes or gardening. My stamina is better than it was, but it is still far from right. I am still clumsy.
I am told a full recovery is probable, but this will take time. This last year as been very hard. I sincerely hope 2015 will be a better year for us. In summary, I have felt old suddenly. Until last year I felt as if I would last forever. Now I feel far more vulnerable.
God willing, I'll see quite a few more seasons yet. My greatest wish is to see my grandchildren grow. At the moment they are all very little.
All my limbs, my eyes and ears and my cognitive functions seem to work OK. But I still have poor liquid swallow, poor speech, giddiness when walking and I tire on the least physical exertion such as washing dishes or gardening. My stamina is better than it was, but it is still far from right. I am still clumsy.
I am told a full recovery is probable, but this will take time. This last year as been very hard. I sincerely hope 2015 will be a better year for us. In summary, I have felt old suddenly. Until last year I felt as if I would last forever. Now I feel far more vulnerable.
God willing, I'll see quite a few more seasons yet. My greatest wish is to see my grandchildren grow. At the moment they are all very little.
Thursday, 20 November 2014
Pathfinders
In WW2 my dad was a flight engineer in 582 squadron, flying Lancasters. In his lifetime he rarely wanted to talk about those days.
Last night I went to a talk on the Pathfinders. My dad was incredibly brave and one of my greatest regrets was not telling him so. He was lucky to survive the war. I can only imagine the sheer terror of getting into those cold, cramped planes in the dead of night knowing that he risked being killed over enemy territory on every raid.
Last night I went to a talk on the Pathfinders. My dad was incredibly brave and one of my greatest regrets was not telling him so. He was lucky to survive the war. I can only imagine the sheer terror of getting into those cold, cramped planes in the dead of night knowing that he risked being killed over enemy territory on every raid.
Wednesday, 19 November 2014
By Election this Thursday.
Tomorrow is the Rochester and Strood by-election. Although UKIP is expected to win, I think this would be a protest vote which could be reversed at the next General Election. UKIP is a strange party: I can see why, between General Elections, it picks up protest votes. Voting in the party that will actually govern the nation is an altogether more serious matter.
See http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-30094244 .
See http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-30094244 .
Sepura and FTSE 100 shares
Sepura (SEPU) shares rose again today ending up at 138p today. The FTSE 100 fell very slightly, but it would not surprise me if it returns to positive gains tomorrow.
Tuesday, 18 November 2014
Dawlish Railway Station
See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dawlish_railway_station .
I cannot help but think this delightful line along the coast is going to have to go. It has been there for over 150 years and was once on Brunel's 7 foot gauge. At one time there was an inland route from Newton Abbot to Exeter but this was lifted about 50 years ago and now part of the A38 uses the route. The only other alternative would be to re-lay the Tavistock to Plymouth line. This would be expensive and would leave the Dawlish area with questionable rail services. I don't have the answers, but think the time is drawing close when some serious decisions have to be made. One positive, it would create jobs whilst the line was being created.
I cannot help but think this delightful line along the coast is going to have to go. It has been there for over 150 years and was once on Brunel's 7 foot gauge. At one time there was an inland route from Newton Abbot to Exeter but this was lifted about 50 years ago and now part of the A38 uses the route. The only other alternative would be to re-lay the Tavistock to Plymouth line. This would be expensive and would leave the Dawlish area with questionable rail services. I don't have the answers, but think the time is drawing close when some serious decisions have to be made. One positive, it would create jobs whilst the line was being created.
FTSE 100 and Sepura
Markets puzzle me: on a day when inflation has risen slightly, the Middle East is likely to erupt in yet more violence, the world outlook is "challenging", the FTSE 100 index looks like ending 30-40 points higher!
Likewise, Sepura has today gained a few percent on recent days.
All odd.
UPDATE 1720z: Brent Crude Oil (spot and futures) is now around $78 a barrel - very low. The FTSE 100 ended the day 37 points higher.
Likewise, Sepura has today gained a few percent on recent days.
All odd.
UPDATE 1720z: Brent Crude Oil (spot and futures) is now around $78 a barrel - very low. The FTSE 100 ended the day 37 points higher.
Middle East
I fail to understand Hamas.
The latest attack on a Jewish synagogue is an open invitation for yet more revenge attacks in Gaza in which yet more innocents will be killed.
To my mind, such attacks serve no purpose and help to RUIN the cause of the Palestinians. Why do it?
The latest attack on a Jewish synagogue is an open invitation for yet more revenge attacks in Gaza in which yet more innocents will be killed.
To my mind, such attacks serve no purpose and help to RUIN the cause of the Palestinians. Why do it?
Monday, 17 November 2014
Oscar Pistorius - appeal
The prosecutor in this case is appealing that the prison sentence is too lenient. Not being at the trial, it is hard to know if this is so. He is likely to be out under house arrest after about just 10months and that does sound not much for shooting dead someone. My inclination is to let South African justice take its course.
Weight loss
Since my brain bleed in Sept 2013 I have not been allowed to drink alcohol at all. My weight has dropped from 12st 4lb to just over 11st, my ideal weight for my age and height. I am now allowed to drink alcohol again, but have yet to do so. When I do drink again, it will probably be just a very small glass of wine only.
Sunday, 16 November 2014
TTIP
See http://ec.europa.eu/trade/policy/in-focus/ttip/about-ttip/ .
The latest G20 meeting seems to have "oiled wheels" on this trade deal between the USA and Europe. David Cameron is in a difficult place as the USA wants to deal with Europe and not with Europe less the UK and the UK.
It will be interesting to see what, if anything, comes out of the G20 on climate change policies. Australia is the worst emitter of greenhouse gases and did not really want to talk about it.
The latest G20 meeting seems to have "oiled wheels" on this trade deal between the USA and Europe. David Cameron is in a difficult place as the USA wants to deal with Europe and not with Europe less the UK and the UK.
It will be interesting to see what, if anything, comes out of the G20 on climate change policies. Australia is the worst emitter of greenhouse gases and did not really want to talk about it.
Ebola latest
See http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-30072477 .
The press seems to have generally taken less interest in Ebola in the last week. This may just be because they have focussed on other more news worthy stories, or perhaps the number of new cases really is dropping off? The latter seems hopeful, but with treatments starting to appear we can hope. If Ebola spreads across the planet it could be hard to control.
The press seems to have generally taken less interest in Ebola in the last week. This may just be because they have focussed on other more news worthy stories, or perhaps the number of new cases really is dropping off? The latter seems hopeful, but with treatments starting to appear we can hope. If Ebola spreads across the planet it could be hard to control.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)