Category: Geography

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FIFA WORLD CUP- PROBLEMS

I guess we will forget the problems once the games begin. But problems so far include:

Ticket pricing is a mess with probably at least 75000 tickets unsold, true fans are being priced out; transport costs are ridiculously high (most teams have to travel hundreds of km.- free in Qatar), as is accomodation and stadium refreshments – no cheap pie and a cup of tea here!

Visa restrictions are preventing many fans from travelling at all. This is also affecting teams which are restricted about the numbers of team members approved, a team doctor was detained for several hours; Teams like Iran who have all their games in the USA are not allowed to stay in the country – they have to travel from Mexico for each game! Likelyhood of inclement weather – not just heat but thunderstorms may have an impact on several matches:

All this before we have teams outside the top 50 playing, Haiti, Curacao, South Africa, Qatar, New Zealand, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Jordan, Uzbekistan and Ghana. It is not the fucking FA Cup with its traditions and upsets – it should be for the best teams in the world (nations that is, countries will never meet the excellence of club sides like Barcelona, Real Madrid, PSV, Bayern Munich and the variable teams that represent Italy and England. Mexico and Canada must be regretting being persuaded that a joint World Cup would be a good thing!

The I.O.C. must be getting worried about the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles. What stunt will Trump pull after the ridiculous D-Day post? He is insane and still we have 2 1/2 years to endure, without god forbid, Vance taking over when Trump finally loses the plot and is medically certified!

Back home – chilly at 6am, and then wet but rain has stopped and sun will be out soon! Long’ish term weather forecast is basically a dull cloudy June with little rain. Maybe July will see a summer? I am not bothered, my tomato plants are now a meter high and have flowers.

Oh and world news – Israel continues to kill people, the papers find old right wing military persona to condemn the government for not shutting down benefits and spending on weapons – when basically the latest situation is a war between drones and anti-drone systems.

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ANGRY

I am still angry at the violence directed towards police officers at a rent-a-riot perpetrated by Farage and Robinson. Only 2 arrests – the video footage I have seen identifies many people and police cams must show more. Why have Farage and Robinson not been arrested for inciting violence? The court had sentenced the perpetrator to life imprisonment, so it was purely violence against the police with racial overtones.

My rant continues with one against South West Water who have been fined £1.85million over a parasite outbreak in Devon. What is the point of fining them when the fine will be passed onto customers. Apologies are worthless when they continue to disregard public safety – water companies should be nationalised now.

El Niño is expected to return by September with 80% likelihood and a 90% by November. I have yet to hear of any government reacting to UN General Secretary Antonio Guterres warning that “the world must treat it like the urgent climate warning it is”. Politicians across the world have been warned – “unprecedented” and “unique” will not suffice as excuses for inaction. In fact in the UK local councillors who ignore the warnings should be dismissed and possibly prosecuted where their actions are deemed to be negligent (I am thinking of Lincolnshire CC where the flood committee has been disbanded in a false money saving measure).

Israel continues with its ethnic cleansing ing in Lebanon, and the slaughter of children and innocents. It will not end well for Israel, or unfortunately for pro-Palestian jews worldwide – the ignorant do not discriminate!

But a positive to end with – Google have applied to release 32million sterilised mosquitos in the USA. Less pesticides and chemicals would obviously be brilliant, but these things have been going on for years – I used to teach about them! and whilst 32m seems large I would guess it is a tiny proportion of the mosquitos in any region?

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EL NINO

Scientists are forecasting a ‘very strong’ El Niño in 2027 based on measurements so far in the Central Pacific Ocean. So far away and whilst it may not have a major impact on the UK it seems likely that it will influene our weather. The Committee for Climate Change has advised the government to prepare for 3 eventualities; heat, flood and water shortages. We have already had water outages in the south east this year and it is not really hot yet and the “heat wave” was just a few days! Hospitals and care homes may find that air conditioning is not an option, but essential. Schools could conduct lessons outside, but with little shade they may need to invest heavily in sun block. How about funding schools to cover playgrounds at a height with a solar panel roof that would provide shade, heat in winter and air con in summer? Tax deductable for local businesses if they also provide work experience. Flooding is likely, and whilst some extreme storm events are inevitable and unavoidable, people in at risk areas, probably at least 5 million homes! should be advised on how to protect their properties and mitigate the damage. Weather forecasting is excellent on a regional basis but small differences occur between juxtapositioned villages! So crying wolf is to be avoided. Storm damage in coastal areas is also likely – warmer temperatures will cause sea level to rise. So the three P’s possible options are Prevention (not generally possible within the present time frame; Protection (possible individually but not possible if widespread) and Prepare?Mitigation (always the last option).

And meanwhile a report suggests that net zero is worth £100bn a year and employs over 300.000 people whose earnings are 11% higher on average than the countrywide average. So fuck of Farage and doomsayers! Reports also suggest that youth unemployment will hit high levels next year – why not offer firms a tax break to employ youngsters to instal solar panels, heat pumps and insulation – the maths is beyond me, but taking the young off benefits, and training them at the same time would seem to be a no brainer?

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EL NINO

Meteorologists are predicting this to be ‘an El Niño” year. El Niño is a natural climate phenomenon characterized by warmer-than-average sea surface temperatures in the central and eastern tropical Pacific Ocean, occurring every 2-7 years. It triggers global climate shifts, including increased global temperatures, drought in Southeast Asia and Australia, heavy rain in South America, and warmer, drier conditions in parts of North America, typically peaking around December. 

El Nino – What is it

So I am predicting a hot summer in the UK followed by a cold winter. So my tomatoes and chillies should flourish. And the solar panels being installed on houses should start paying back almost immediately. Why are right wing politicians so anti green technology? At present carbon burning provides 50% of electricity generation and 75% of total energy. So we are already providing ourselves with energy free from geopolitics. We can and will do better – and petrol is likely to remain at high levels £1.60 ltr yesterday. Iran has nothing to gain by a quick settlement and has shown that it can still control the Strait of Hormuz. Despite the wealth of the USA and the trillions poured into its military, it seems unable to create a safe passage for the 850 vessels trapped – it escorted 2 ships through the Strait yesterday. Airlines in the UK are being allowed to keepnlanding slots if they cancel flights -expect much whinging in the press about cancelled flights. Charter flights should be ok as they are usually full, but scheduled flights where there are multiple flights a day seem vulnerable. Will private jets be subject to rationing? Will cheap flight offers become rarer?

But enough negative news – we are in May and everything is blooming here – hawthorn (may blossom) is dying back, my wisteria is blooming and the honeysuckle is adding to the fragrancy. Rosemary is in bloom and attracting insects. Lemon balm is gorgeous and looking and smelling beautiful. And my youngest daughters glamping business in Cornwall is blooming, as it should it is quality! Tylda Tents. visit and enjoy.

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GEOGRAPHY

I wonder what qualifications civil servants have? At the DfE they obviously did not study Geography! I suppose they studied esoteric subjects like Latin and Politics, or even History (although there is little evidence that they have learnt anything from the mistakes of history; or are they all in “Yes Minister” mode of arse licking? Back to the DfE which is supposed to overlook education provision – having removed and reduced the role of local authorities. What am I on about? OK – so the DfE has just realised that the number of children has been falling since 2018 – most GCSE students would have been aware of this along with nearly all A level ones, oh and infant school teachers, the health service and all local authorities! Indeed it has even been reported in the sensible press for a couple of years with reports of inner city schools closing. I just hope the Department for Pensions/etc. is aware of demographic change? I am sure the NHS is!

Yet again politicians fail to see te need to upgrade our education system into the 21st century. Pandering to public outcry and banning phones from school, whilst doing nothing to change the outdated syllabi of the 19th Century. Enquiry based learning was shunted to the waste basket with Thatcherism and the politics of the rich and powerful. I am old enough to be disappointed at the number of people on “Pointless who do not know their arse from their elbow” but also realise that we have most facts at our fingertips without having to trek to a public library (where they still exist), or immense private investment in encyclopedia’s – I still learn more with a printed copy than online!

Meanwhile – Cornwall County Council – run by LibDems and independants have approved the use of glyphosates on pavements and verges – yet another example of a lack of proper education or just plain ignorance? Drew Creek had a motion for a pause approved – he sholud resign – do not play politics with the environment and my grandchildrens future.

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WHAT TO SAY?

I live in an area where watching BBC News is subversive and generally I am the sole reader of the Guardian (which i may cancel my subscription to – it is too right wing!). But I have the problem of flag shaggers and knuckle draggers speaking about killing Putin and humiliating Meghan Markel, etc. So without telling them that I think they are ignorant twats – what should I say?

I am developing a list and would appreciate further suggestions! 1. How did you become such an expert on this matter? 2. You have fought in the Middle East? 3. I will bow to your knowledge on this matter – I just thought Trump was an egoistic, misogynistic, racist, stupid c*nt! 4. Hopefully education has improved since you went to school! 5. Wow- I did not realise the Mail/Sun/Express/Telegraph provided such an in depth analysis of geo-political situations.

As you can see I am not a diplomat!

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HOUSES OF PARLIAMENT

Time to move out! The building is a fire and safety hazard and needs ma major renovation. We know it will take at least a couple of years to move out, so planning ahead is imperative. Wentworth Woodhouse near Rotherham has the potential as the UK’s largest stately home but its geographical location is not ideal. A complete rethink of how Parliament works is essential. Electronic voting would seem an obvious way to increase efficiency, and perhaps reduce groping in the lobbies! Much of what Parliament does is in committees that would need copious space. Then there is the lobbying that goes on; and the meetings with civil servants. All of which will need blue sky thinking and like Rome will not be built in a day. So bozos – get planing!

An estimed group of scientists have spoken out about climate change, suggesting that a tipping point is closer than previously thought. For those who studied A Level Geography I am a believer in Boserup rather than Malthus. Boserup stated that ‘necessity was the Mother of Invention’; whilst Malthus predicted that population growth would lead to war, disease and poverty. So is necessity the “Mother of Invention”? Only if we as a human race can see the necessity. Those accepting funding from the fossil fuel lobby, and Russia and the Arab nations like Reform and Trump will possibly lead us to a devastating future. I was shit at statistics in my A level maths – I failed; but would you cross a road if you had a 99% chance of survival from major injury or death? I would not even with 99.9999% odds. So why are people so pathetically selfish/delusioned? I am not religious at all, but sometimes wish that there was an after life so these arrogant bastards can get their comeuppance for eternity! Moi, vindictive? Non!

And having said I was crap at maths – I have just done a quick calculation. Nearly 70 million residents in the UK; approx 30 million households; at least 10 million could have solar panels; cost @ £5000 per house – £50billion. That is a lot but in terms of government spending not a lot! Hitching in the late 1960’s I got a lift from a guy who worked at a nuclear power station and he was convinced that electricity would become free! But with batteries we could all become free of huge energy bills – those with the solar panels could subsidise those in flats and where it is impractical. I dream on!

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INFANTILE

He gets crazier every day. Today he threatens to block the opening of a new bridge between Detroit and Winsor, then claims that China will close down ice hockey in Canada!

Meanwhile in the UK the government has awarded contracts for 157 new solar farms, 28 onshore, and 8 off shore, wind farms. The cost is less than new gas or nuclear stations. Personally I would like to see more solar panels on houses not farms, and insulation of houses. 2 more weeks to Gorton by-election, both main parties must be backing themselves, Labour will probably lose the seat and the Tories their deposit. It appears to be a 3-way fight between Labour, Reform and the Greens.

It continues to rain, the 40 days of rain has been surpassed in many areas. And farmers complain – as usual. This is the 21st century and still food production is rooted in the last century. Reliance on pesticides has destroyed the soils ability to be sustainable. We cannot control the climate, but surely we can manage the vagaries of the climate. Replacing the trees may help, as would mini-reservoirs – Farmers and councillors need to have plans that are wholistic in there understanding of natural systems. Geography needs to be a key subject so that people know their adiabatic lapse rates from their infiltration rates!

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EPSTEIN FILES

So the DoJ is witholding a further 2.5 million pages of documents, having released over 3 million today, 6 weeks after a deadline laid out by a court. What is there to hide? Documents released are mainly aimed at names already known like Andrew his are particularly damning, as are the unsubstansiated accusations against Bill Gates. Trump is mentioned numerous times but nothing particularly damning – what is in the 2.5 million? and why is it being withheld? I suppose evidence that your President and the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces is a paedophile could be construed as a national security risk! Although any level headed person knows that Trump is a risk to humanity! What the files do reveal is that the power exerted by many men (usually white and at least middle aged), is exerted in the form of dominence over young and often vulnerable young girls. Should I have include d young women in their sordid abuse of power – probably, having never used (word used is deliberate) a prostitute I am unaware of the circumstances but ……. ? This is a clear case of white rich men exerting power over younger girls and women and reveals the lack of morality that is associated with extreme wealth in many cases.

Quite why the Daily Express leads with “Time to get Brexit done properly” , rather than the above is beyond me, other than the Express being formerly owned by a pornographer. Brexit was a huge mistake and one which the majority of the public would like to see reversed – but maybe not the geriatric readership of the Express.

Climate change – it is estimated that 6.3 million properties are in danger of flooding, rising to 8million by 2050. So at least 10% of the UK population. Extreme rainfall is becoming less unusual so flood prevention schemes are only viable in vulnerable places like the Somerset Levels; other places are less easy to protect from an intense downfall, especially in urban concrete jungles. Increasing the paving of gardens for parking has made a significant difference to the ability of water to infiltrate. The pipes used by the Env.Agency to drain the levels last week were fuck off huge! A localised storm in the spring after a wet month could bring huge damage – especially with houses being built on floodplains. Your house insurance will rise – even if you are not affected. But all is ok – Farages Reform Party says climate change is a con.

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DEMOCRACY

I am aware that the USA is a strange democracy – usually the Presidential race is won by whoever raises the most billion $dollars. however I am shocked at how the President seems able to conduct illegal (under international law) foreign incusions with impunity and little criticism from Congress. Does this mean that the American electorate is broadly supportive? Evidence from the big cities like New York would suggest not. So where is this much acclaimed (by Americans) democracy? They have a President that is sweating as more Epstein stuff is revealed, who is fixated on money. He wants peace in Gaza – so he can build an exclusive condo resort; peace in Ukraine so he can access oil and other reserves; invades Venezuela and illegally kidnaps its President – again to access oil and resources; threatens Columbia with the same; threatens Greenland – which would destroy NATO – for resources again. I suppose we should be thankful that we have exploited our resources in the UK already (although there are some rare earths rumoured to be in Cornwall. Beware!

So the November elections are the first opportunity to undermine him – give the suppine Republican Party and the largely irrelevant Democrats. Could he take over Greenland? Well he has no regard for laws anywhere. Their one saving grace maybe the lack of blonde bimbos in a population largely intuit! BUT really how can the American nation just watch an egoistic buffoon ruin their countries reputation.