GEOGRAPHY

Large sections of the Jurassic Coast have collapsed, the largest being 4000 tonnes. It is thought to due to the ground drying out after a wet period.

A new white paint has been found to be able to reduce the ambient temperatures of buildings as it greatly increases the albedo effect. Using the paint on buildings would not only reduce the greenhouse effect, but also reduce use of air conditioning.

French wine production this year may be affected badly by the recent cold weather with frosts affecting the vines.

All cars sold in the USA by 2035 could be electric. Biden has promised 500000 more charging points in the next decade. With less maintenance and cheaper travel costs the savings for consumers could reach £2 trillion by 2050.

Vaccination

Interesting times? First of all Chile – 3rd in world league table of % vaccinated but has a spike in infections. This is put down to easing of restrictions too fast. Vaccination is not the answer, just part of the solution. Social distancing and mask wearing indoors, are probably here to stay for some years. Opening the doors for foreign travel would seem to be over optimistic (or culpable?) until the worldwide pandemic has abated. I think the theme time for the detective series in the 60’s was called ‘Softly, softly, catches monkey”. – Probably classed as racist now – but an approach favouring caution is needed.

Secondly the Astra Zeneca – definitely the most world friendly one, but would it have been approved under normal circumstances? Almost certainly not without caveats. But has it been a success? Apart from the 7 deaths and 23 other cases it has – without it, the number of deaths would have been thousands – but no solace for the deceased’s relatives. Given a choice I would want my children to have a Pfizer or Moderna one; but definitely have the jab.

There are still many things that are unknown – how long do the jabs work? Are they successful against variants, are they ok for children? What level of protection is necessary for ‘herd immunity”. – if this exists at all.

Brilliant – yesterday Maz, Rich and Erin and Adam came up -first time we have all been together since 2020 I think. No hugging, just sensible distancing, so hopefully all ok – patio door open all the time too. Cornwall and here have very low rates of the virus at present so I hope all is fine.

COVID – WORLD PERSPECTIVE

Interesting radio programme on this topic. Asia countries have done much better than Europe. They acted faster than we did and seem more efficient – thus have not had to lockdown late and hard! South America has in general been abysmal!. Brazil’s President is a danger to his country and the world!

COVID – RELAXATION

Again the government is slow to react – lorry drivers coming into the UK will have to be tested, unless they stay for less than 48 hours – please explain the logic of this, and why has it taken so long to come up with this. New variants have been around for months.

Relaxation of rules today which to be honest should not make a difference to numbers of infections as they refer to outside activities. It is good that schools do not seem to have caused a spike. The main concern I have now is the situation in Chile – why have they got a 3rd surge when their vaccination % is higher than ours. Is winter approaching there? But temp today is 25C and at night 11C so hardly cold? Is there a new variant?

Outside activities are fine, but then changing rooms, club houses? Shared cars?

Modena vaccine comes in at £24 per dose compared to Oxford/az at £3 per dose. Yes Mr. Johnson capitalism and greed do work ‘for the rich’.

IN THE NEWS TODAY 26 MARCH

Rubbish weather day wet and windy and chilly.

The Ever Given remains wedged in the Suez Canal blocking it totally and preventing the carriage of £6.6 billion of trade per day, (12% of world trade – 50 ships per day). The 200000 tonne 400m long vessel went aground on Tuesday and may take days to clear. Ships are now embarking on the journey around the Cape of Good Hope which adds a week on the journey. High winds of 30mph and a dust storm were given as a cause of the incident.

IN THE NEWS TODAY

Paraquat still being manufactured in the UK (Huddersfield) for export 14 years after it was banned here. Thousands of mainly poor farmers have died. Lets talk capitalism and greed Mr. Johnson!

Super large containership goes aground in the Suez Canal and blocks it. It may have an impact on petrol prices and other products if not shifted soon.

Covid ‘passports’ likely to be necessary in many pubs and restaurants. I have not put all the statistics into perspective yet. North Somerset has lower levels of infection than in September. The oldest half of the population has been vaccinated and school children tested. I suppose we do not know the long term effectiveness of the vaccines yet. Being old and vaccinated I would want everyone possible vaccinated, but does it really matter if 30 year olds are not? If the vaccine protects successfully against infection what is to be lost? It would seem sensible for mask wearing in winter everywhere inside to protect against flu? Personally I would not go to a football ground now, or a concert, and will continue to plan my shopping trips to quiet times.

COVID

Talking with my learned friend Andy he suggested that the infection rate was no longer relevant as hospital cases and deaths had fallen dramatically. So I need to think a minute!