Saudi King Abdullah dies

So the 90 year old king, the longest serving king in the world, has died and he is being succeeded by a 79 year old. Many are praising the old king. Call me stupid if you like, but to me he represented a backward, if oil rich, nation that still does not like the idea of women driving cars! We were friends with this dictator because he had lots of oil and bought our fighter jets. Sorry, but I wish this place would become a fair society for all its citizens. It has some way to go. The 10 year jail term and 1000 lashes in public after Friday prayers for a moderate blogger, says a lot to me. Move forward. The world expects more humility and kindness please. The world does not want you to be another USA, but it does expect all nations to respect its citizen's right to freely express views.

The new king promises "continuity".  What does that mean?   Little change?   See http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-30950731 .

FTSE 100 - modest gains this morning?

At lunch time the FTSE 100 share index was still in positive territory - just.  At the moment it is anyone's guess how it will end the day, but barring any shocks, it is likely to end the day little changed.

Public life on show

See http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-30943010 .

It must be so hard being right in the public eye as with Prince Andrew this week. Whatever the truth, it costs money and time to defend a reputation. I am quite pleased to be just me, a nondescript blogger.

Climate change again

We were meant, according to the newspapers, to be having our coldest winter in the UK for over 100 years.  It was all down to the position of the Jet Stream. Well, although some parts have had snow on the ground, we have had just a few snow flurries and not a single day yet with snow staying on the ground. Last winter was very mild with only a couple of mild frosts and no snow. I know things could yet change, but I doubt we are in for a very bad winter.

There is plenty of evidence that the world's climate is changing and our winters, here in the UK are, on average, getting less cold. I am basically a believer that the world's climate is changing, but I remain to be convinced by some of the worst projections. Another 10-20 years of data should indicate what will happen. In the meantime, we should be seriously moving away from fossil fuels.

UK crime figures down again?

See http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-30931732 .

According to the official statistics, recorded crime is down yet again in England and Wales. I am a bit suspicious of the figures. Is crime really lower or is it just that the police don't record crimes as they used to (it would spoil their numbers) or that people no longer report all crimes? If correct, this is good news. It certainly does not feel safer, although we have, thankfully, not been a victim of recent crime.

FTSE 100 jumps

The FTSE 100 jumped 1.63% today meaning it has almost made up ground recently lost. With great uncertainty in the Eurozone, especially with elections coming up in Greece, further big falls are possible in the weeks ahead.

Free upgrade to Windows 10

Apparently Microsoft is offering users a free upgrade (for 1 year) to its soon to be released Windows 10 operating system. I am unclear whether users have to pay for the upgrade after the first year or whether it remains free for early adopters. Microsoft jumped from Windows 8.1 to Windows 10. There has been a low uptake of Windows 8 and 8.1.

See http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-30924022 .