Late spring?

A few months ago everything seemed to be early. We have seen daffodils in flower right through from late November. Some places have loads of daffodils in flower and even some snowdrops still. Yet, if anything, spring is late here. It is now way in to April but I have yet to see a swallow in this area.  My laurel hedge is hardly growing. The grass has only been cut a few times. Odd. Yes there  are buds coming out, but spring is definitely not early here.

That EU referendum again

It is now 10 weeks until people in the UK hold a referendum to decide whether or not to stay in the EU. At the moment I am voting "IN" but I have been appalled by the campaigns so far. What comes across are fear and uncertainty. No-one seems to have anything positive to say! I hope this changes.

FTSE 100 and the world economy

At the moment the UK share index, the FTSE 100, is down about 0.48% today, no doubt spooked by Chinese growth slowing. The world economy is not that healthy and we could well be heading for another downturn. If the end result is a fairer world this would not be a bad thing.

EU referendum

See http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-36024492

As a "floating voter" in the coming EU referendum I am not impressed by the £9M government publication going to each home and the negativity of the "IN" campaign.

Surely if staying in is a good thing, there are positive messages, not just more negative comments, that can be shared? My instinct is to vote "IN" but I may well change my mind.

I have a brain and intend to use it. I need to hear positive reasons to stay in the EU. All this negativity is counter-productive.

Innocent until proved guilty?

A recent case has arisen in which a man found guilty of a serious crime has professed his innocence  to a number of other charges. Mud sticks and innocent people get tarred even when they are innocent. Personally, I think no-one should be named until they are proved guilty of any crime. The law is an arse if innocent people are found guilty by the mob.

Alibris

Each and every week I get an email from Alibris with so much off for a very limited time. Do they think I really am stupid?

These offers are so often and so regular that I doubt anyone buys from them at the un-discounted prices. I hate these ploys. It is years since I have used them.

Their sad marketing tricks do not impress me one bit.

UPDATE 14.4.16 1050z: Yet another amazing "deal" has come in by email. Oh yes.

FTSE 100 - little change?

At lunch the FTSE 100 UK share index was down 0.09% at 6194.5. At the moment it is hovering around yesterday's closing figure.