Free movement of people within the EU?

Basically I am in favour of the EC as a free trade group, but I struggle to understand why we can't, as a nation, decide who is allowed to live and work on our tiny, already overcrowded, little island. On this I am fully with David Cameron.  Also I am a believer in the ultimate power of our parliament and not a bunch of bureaucrats in Europe.

It seems to me that in many ways we would be better out than in, unless the EU ideal is more forward looking. We need the EU to understand it is a top-heavy bureaucracy some way from how it was when we first joined. Yes, if we leave there will be downsides, but I expect we will not be the last to leave, if indeed we do vote to leave.

See http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-29680059 .

Autumn here (almost)

The leaves are starting to fall now in our garden and another few weeks will see autumn set in strongly.

Our garden - leaves now falling fast.

This morning we went to Anglesey Abbey (National Trust) where the weather was good with temperatures due to reach the low 20 deg C mark this afternoon.

Anglesey Abbey - leaves starting to fall. Colours changing.

Are we being spoiled? Is this the calm before the storm of a very harsh winter?

Secret USA space mission?

See http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-29669205 .

It looks like the USA has been testing a secret unmanned re-useable space vehicle. It sound like it being used by the US military to test new systems. Spying sounds the most probable use?

Hong Kong

Hong Kong is a fascinating "east meets west" place, with Harry Ramsden's fish and chips, double decker buses and bamboo scaffolding and very eastern markets down side streets. For work (years ago) and for pleasure I have been there several times. I have landed at the old airport (hairy) and passed through the modern new airport on my way back from Taiwan. I still was amazed to see a W.H. Smith shop in the new airport, years after the hand back to China.

I hope Hong Kong manages to retain its unique feel in the years ahead. You get the feeling though that the Chinese government is not at ease with its liberal ways with a western leading. Things could change.

See http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-china-29672083 .

Tuck postcard archive online

Someone found this today. A very useful and free online resource for postcard enthusiasts and collectors. See http://tuckdb.org/ and search for your favourite place. I expect the content will vary day to day. I searched "Salcombe", "Kingsbridge" and "Burwell" and found plenty of old photo PCs.

My brain

Whenever I post on my blogs or Facebook it seems to take a second visit before I spot a posting error. Usually it is an omitted letter or similar. I wonder if this is an effect of my brain bleed? Usually I can correct the error(s) before anyone is aware, but sometimes it can be the next day before I notice. All my limbs work and (mostly) my cognitive powers are fine, if a bit slower than before. I do so hate being not right still. Although local driving seems fine I still feel giddy on my feet and still tire very easily with any physical activity. Even washing the breakfast dishes tires me still.

New Apple Products

See http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-29643671 .

Although we possess iPod Touch products and an iPad, I still get frustrated by the fact you have to take the products apart to simply change the battery, there is no SD or micro-SD slot and no flash support.

On Android products this is NOT the case. On my Samsung Galaxy S4 mini (Android phone) it is easy and cheap to replace the battery and an extra 32GB of micro-SD storage was easy to fit, so space for apps and photos is not an issue.