Answers might be posted later? Maybe not!
A Friday night quiz – next page
A GEOGRAPHY OF COVID
The graphs below are fascinating. They show the prevalence of covid geographically. To read full article click here
Source: ONS data for England and Wales.
Notes: Age-standardised mortality rates with 95% confidence intervals. Area types: 1: Major conurbation; 2: Minor conurbation; 3: Urban city/town; 4: Rural town/city; 5: Rural town/fringe; 6: Sparse rural town/fringe; 7: Village; 8: Sparse village; 9: Hamlets; 10: Sparse hamlets
There are 4 main reasons for these discrepancies.1. Population density. 2. Transport Networks. 3. Crowded housing. 4. Industry and occupational structure.
As the figures show deaths it is surprising to see just how high major conurbation are as they have a generally younger population. The older population in hamlets might explain area 9, although it could also be due to commuting for shopping, work, etc.?
BREXIT BETRAYAL
WEATHER PHENOMENA
I find the weather fascinating – some interesting phenomena include the following -look for pictures on YouTube.
St.Elmo’s Fire – Elmo’s fire is sometimes observed at night from the tops of ships’ masts when electrified clouds are overhead. The mast appears to be on fire but does not burn. St. Elmo’s‘ fire tends to occur toward the end of a thunderstorm.
Haboob – Giant walls of dust that form in desert areas in front of a thunderstorm cell. They are created by downward thrusts of cold air inside the storm cell, which blows sand and dust outward. These events can be seen in places such as the Sahara Desert and southwestern United States.
Broken Spectre – A Brocken spectre, also called Brocken bow or mountain spectre, is the magnified shadow of an observer cast upon clouds opposite the Sun’s direction.
WHISTLING!
I cannot remember the last time I heard someone whistling! I can’t.
EARTHQUAKES
A while ago I read that earthquakes are more common in the Northern Hemisphere, and in winter due to the transfer of water from oceans to land in the form of snow. In the context of global warming I wonder if there will be any changes?
Will there be less snow with a warming climate, or a different pattern causing isostatic changes (I think this is the correct term). If there is less snow and thus less weight of snow/ice will there be fewer earthquakes? And in the long term will this mean larger stronger earthquakes as smaller readjustments are not made regularly?
It was also interesting reading that Doggerland was flooded due to tsunami caused by collapsing cliffs in Norway.
COVID RESTRICTIONS
I would have some sympathy for people demonstrating against the governments shambolic Tiers and restrictions (which do not seem to be being followed very seriously) if not one of the hundreds shown in photo’s was wearing a mask. Are they Covid deniers? Or just stupid – rates in Manchester (the protest shown which was attended by hundreds) of Covid infection remain high – people are dying (yes some are from other things that are not being treated because of bed occupancy by Covid patients.
the rate here has fallen to 126 just below national average – very positive. I guess other factors will determine whether we move down a tier. Bristol has also fallen markedly. So the restrictions appear to be working – where is the analysis?
SAGE AND ONION TWISTS
RACISM IS ALIVE AND WELL IN BRITAIN
Shameful booing at Millwall yesterday as players ‘took the knee’. Radio 5 phone in confirmed that it was a preplanned event. One that wanted to get publicity for right wing views on migration. As such it was an attack on our democracy. With threats to carry out more demonstrations at other grounds.
CHRISTMAS
I have asked my family not to try killing me this xmas by staying away. But then I thought of a virtual Xmas dinner. Who would I invite? What would I cook? Etc.
Well – Place number one is taken.
Place 2 – I think Chris Packham would be interesting. I know I would not agree with everything he said so that would be good.
Place 3 – A comedian like Katherine Ryan – intelligent and provocative verbally.
Place 4 – Eleanor of Aquitaine – to have been queen of both France and England must have been cool.
Place 5 – Gary Lineker or Marcus Rashford – guys with opinions.
Place 6 – Lisa Casey as I like the Irish accent, and attitude, maybe I will stick with Siri.
Place 7 – I was thinking Stephen Fry – but maybe too clever? Alan Davies seems self-depreciating and funny.
I hope Eleanor of Aquitaine is not feeling isolated, maybe I need some more historical figures. Or maybe Kate Moss as she must have lots of stories to tell! Darwin is another suggestion, or Captain Cook?