WHAT ATTRACTED YOUR ATTENTION TODAY?

[Big Kev]

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[Tripps]

The main example of such a "salute" must surely be our own late dear Queen being coached by her parents in 1933.

Look here
If the Germans had "won" - we would still have the same Royal family - they'd not be called Windsor though - probably revert to Saxe-Coburg-Gotha.

[Tizer]

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[Stanley]

I heard the report and I too was baffled but decided that it wasn't of any great significance for me and dismissed it....I would recommend that everyone else does the same.

[Stanley]

I saw THIS and reflected that there are sometimes advantages to being further North and cooler!.....
An amber weather warning for thunderstorms came into force for parts of eastern and south-eastern England on Friday night, as the UK had its warmest day of the year so far. Thunderstorms are also expected to lash across other parts of the country, with a yellow warning issued for most parts over the weekend. The Met Office has warned flooding of homes and power cuts are likely, as are cancellations to train and bus services and difficult road conditions. The rain and lightning rolled in after the highest temperature was recorded in village Santon Downham in West Suffolk with 29.4C, according to Met Office provisional figures.
We might get a thunderstorm today but hopefully nothing violent.
Mind you, having said that. It was at this time of year and with this type of weather that Barlick had it's flood in 1932.........

[Stanley]

See THIS BBC report of skydiving fatalities.
Two skydivers have died in a "tragic accident" at a Devon airfield. National governing body British Skydiving said it had received reports two jumpers had died at Dunkeswell Aerodrome, near Honiton, on Friday. It said it would investigate and send a report to the coroner, police, Civil Aviation Authority, British Skydiving Safety and Training Committee and any other relevant authorities. Devon and Cornwall Police said the incident was reported at 13:00 BST and the two people involved were pronounced dead at the scene.
This reinforces my long held opinion that people who indulge in white knuckle activities must be prepared to pay the price.
I have always said that I don't need such activities. I have had all the white knuckle I want to deal with in my normal life!

[Stanley]

An episode of that pixellation of sight we discussed once. I can't remember the name. It doesn't last long but is a handicap when it happens.

[Tizer]

Some call it kaleidoscope vision, others pixelated vision. My own name for what I experience is fortification pattern, like an aerial view of a castle. My use of the term is due to my interest in minerals - the most sought after type of agate is described as fortification agate. The pattern appears when an agate nodule is sawn in two and the exposed surfaces polished. However in my eyes it consists of only a single line continuous line creating the pattern, there's no colour, it's transparent and I can otherwise see as normal. The pattern enlarges radially for about 15 minutes then disappears out of my vision.

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[Big Kev]

An episode of that pixellation of sight we discussed once. I can't remember the name. It doesn't last long but is a handicap when it happens.

Ocular migraine, as you say it doesn't last long but very annoying. It can be followed by a headache but I've not experienced that yet.

Sue first mentioned it in the Today I shall be mainly thread on Feb 27, 2025 7:34 am

[PanBiker]

An amber weather warning for thunderstorms came into force for parts of eastern and south-eastern England on Friday night, as the UK had its warmest day of the year so far.

I can confirm that as we had to fly through it on our way home, seat belt lights came on and a word from the Captain as we departed the Belgian coast making for the east coast of the UK. He said we fly up the coast to Hull and then turn left for Leeds/Bradford. It was a bit bumpy coming down from 35K feet to 5K or so and a nice light show!

[Stanley]

I've never had the headache Kev. But then I never have headaches..... I am very lucky!

[Stanley]

As some of you may remember, my daughter Susan has been plagued with bad migraines for a long time. I asked her yesterday how they have been lately because they vary so much. She told me that she has been relatively free since she had an ear piercing that was said to be helpful. Whilst she admits that she has no proof of its efficacy, she says that since she had it done things have been better.
I think if I was a migraine sufferer I would be trying it! It is known as Daith Piercing and there is no scientific backing for it. But as Susan says, who cares as long as the migraines are alleviated?

[MickBrett]

Whilst browsing for books today...



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Ian.

[Gloria]

Your daughter has my sympathy Stanley. I must admit mine are nothing like they used to be, but a while ago I was put on amlodipine for blood pressure, and that brought them back with avengeance. Once off them they stopped, or should I say eased off quite a lot. Might be worth her looking at any medication she may be on.

[Stanley]

I think she has done that Gloria. But she says at the moment they are easily managed..... As I say repeatedly, I am so lucky I don't have these problems!

[Stanley]

How does THIS work?
The editor of BBC Breakfast, Richard Frediani, is taking an extended period of leave after allegations about his behaviour were reported in the media. An HR adviser from consultancy firm PwC is also supporting the corporation as it looks into the culture of the BBC One morning programme. It comes after the Sun and Deadline reported that an internal investigation is being carried out into allegations of bullying.
Never heard of the man but if he's been found to be guilty why not just sack him? If not, better to keep quiet until the matter is resolved.

[Stanley]

Hopes of talks with Iran could be dashed by THIS news.
Updated 59 minutes ago
Iran has said it will not resume talks over its nuclear programme while under attack, hours after Israel's defence minister warned of a "prolonged" conflict with the Islamic Republic. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi met European diplomats in Geneva who urged him to revive diplomatic efforts with the US over his country's nuclear programme. His Israeli counterpart, Eyal Zamir, said in a video address that his country should be ready for a "prolonged campaign" and warned of "difficult days ahead".

[Stanley]

Trump's name written in gold in history books, says Israeli foreign minister published at 04:12
More reaction is coming out of Israel, where we're hearing from the country's Minister of Foreign Affairs Gideon Sa'ar. He says Trump has written his name in gold in the history books thanks to his "courageous decision" to carry out the strikes, according to a translation of his post on X. He adds that Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu led the "historic move".

This is a flavour of the comment that is coming in on the US air strikes in Iran.

[Stanley]

See THIS live report on the Iran situation.
A day after US' strikes against Iran, Donald Trump alludes to "regime change", saying: "If the current Iranian regime is unable to make Iran great again, why wouldn't there be regime change?". Trump also stresses the "monumental" damage to Iran's nuclear facilities, hailing what he calls "obliteration" despite UN's inability to determine the exact degree of impact. Iran's ambassador to the UN accuses the US of "waging war" under an "absurd pretext", after the US hit three Iranian nuclear sites. Oil prices are on the rise, with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio asking Beijing to put pressure on Iran not to close the Strait of Hormuz. US State Department issues alert to Americans all over the world. Israel and Iran have continued trading strikes over the past day
The thing that keeps nagging at me is the thought that Netanyahu has totally suckered Trump into supporting Israel and will be trying to involve him further. Trump imagines he is in charge but this may be an illusion.......

[Tripps]

I posted this last year in October 2024 -

I wonder if the UK could protect itself against such an attack -do we have an "Iron Dome" - or are we still prepared for yesterday's threat. A couple of fast jets from Lossiemouth is OK for a drunk on Ryanair, but wouldn't really suffice in this scenario. I have these surreal thoughts of the MOD people, sitting at home watching "A Bridge too Far" and looking at WWII medal collections on Antiques Roadshow.

I also read that London was better protected during the 2012 Olympic Games than it is now.

PS The rest of the post last October, stated
I hesitate to post this - but do you remember that a similar "attack" of missiles from Lebanon took place earlier this year around April time? I've heard mention of it on the wireless today. I recall commenting at the time that I was surprised that 300+ missiles caused only four deaths in Israel. This time 200 (+/-) missiles - and no mention of casualties. The film I saw of the Israeli response showed two missiles exploding in what appeared to be open ground. There was mention of "tunnels". When they can put a missile through a chosen window in a block of flats - you must assume that's where it was aimed.
I get the feeling once more that this is orchestrated to some extent. [/size]

I hear on ITN that President Trump has thanked the Iranians for prior notice of today's "attack" on their Quatar air base, which caused no
casualties, and little physical damage. Looks like a deal is in progress, and that it's not the first time.


For some odd reason Youtube is currently directing me to the Boer, Zulu, and Crimean war battles in which the Brits usually get second prize. I wonder why.

I've deleted 'Eve of Destruction' - not needed now, it won't happen for a while. . .

[Stanley]

"A couple of fast jets from Lossiemouth"
Have we got any 'fast jets' at Lossiemouth now? I share your scepticism David particularly on casualty figures. The contrast between 50,000 Palestinian dead and the low numbers for Israelis and Iranians seems to be indicating something.....

I see THIS in the news this morning.....
US President Donald Trump says a "complete and total ceasefire" between Iran and Israel will take effect in the coming hours. Iran's foreign minister says if Israel stops its attacks, Iran will also bring an end to its strikes - Israel has yet to comment officially. Tehran was targeted with heavy strikes until 4am - the deadline given by Iran for Israel to stop its attacks. Earlier, Iran launched missiles at a US airbase in Qatar in response to strikes on its nuclear sites on Saturday. Trump said there were no US or Qatari casualties, called the Iranian response "very weak" and thanked Iran for "early notice" of it. Qatar said all the missiles aimed at the US-run Al Udeid base were intercepted and labelled the attack a "flagrant violation". Iran's response comes two days after the US launched massive strikes against three nuclear facilities inside Iran
I lived under bombardment and I can't remember the Germans ever sending us a prior warning.... This sounds suspiciously like a charade. In the 1950s it was called 'brinkmanship' and Kissinger was one of tha major proponents of it.....

[Stanley]

Starmer vowing to press on with welfare cuts whilst at the same time committing us to buying an expensive US weapons system.
You're right, I am not happy!

[Stanley]

THIS seems to show that I am not the only person who is unhappy with the Labour position on benefit cuts.
8 hours ago
Angela Rayner has declared that the government will go ahead with its controversial legislation, aimed at reforming the welfare system, next week. But a well-placed source told us it could still be pulled: "It's a live discussion." Conversations are continuing at the heart of government on the least worst course of action in the face of a significant backbench rebellion. More than 120 Labour backbenchers have signed an amendment calling for the proposals to be scrapped, making an embarrassing defeat for the government possible. Ministers are exploring whether some potential rebels can be won over with concessions or whether it's better to avoid next week's vote entirely, and postpone until the autumn. Sources suggest the Chancellor Rachel Reeves is "digging in". They fear concessions, if any, would only be offered from the dispatch box on Tuesday if defeat looms.

[Stanley]

How fast things can change when real power is being applied. See Politics Corner....

[Stanley]

See THIS warning for next week....
Heat health alerts have come into force across most of England as the country braces for a second summer heatwave. An amber alert covers the East Midlands, south-east, south-west, east and London - meaning various health services and the whole population could be affected by the heat, according to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA). In Yorkshire and the Humber, as well as the West Midlands, less serious yellow alerts apply, meaning that the elderly and vulnerable could be affected. Temperatures are forecast to rise into the 30s over the weekend, coniciding with Glastonbury Festival, before reaching a new high for the year on Monday, when the Wimbledon tennis championship begins. Monday could be the hottest day of the year so far with a temperature of 34C, possibly 35C in London towards the Cambridgeshire area, according to BBC Weather. The Met Office says London could reach 34-35C. That would make Monday the hottest ever start to Wimbledon, exceeding the previous opening-day record of 29.3C in 2001 - although players and spectators can expect more comfortable temperatures in the 20s by the middle of next week. The hottest day during Wimbledon as a whole was on 1 July 2015 when 35.7C was recorded.
There is much to be said for living in the foothills of the Pennines. At the moment the forecast for Monday is a supportable 26C.