Snow at last. Christmas Eve in Oslo, Norway
Well it’s that time of year again, Christmas is looming and the festive get togethers have started with gusto. Had friends round last night, great fun, but too much libation made it virtually impossible to get out of bed this morning. Should realise at my stage in life that there is always a payment to be made for enjoying yourself too much. But as Judith reminds me, it is Christmas and l am allowed to get a little over excited, and have a few too many drinks.
Fortunately l don’t get hangovers, never have. My metabolism seems to cope with the excesses very well. Although these days l rarely have the urge to consume in vast amounts of alcohol.
Realistically l would be happy to consume non alcoholic drinks, yet the majority available are a poor imitation of the real thing. Or that was the case until l tasted Zero zero Guinness. Absolutely gorgeous. A definite substitute for the real thing, especially as the full alcoholic Guinness is in short supply at the moment. Due to a nationwide shortage which was exacerbated by the theft of 400 kegs of the black stuff from a depot just before Christmas.
But if you do suffer from hangovers, the best defence is eating a combination of protein and fat before drinking (research suggests about 700 calories can do the trick) and downing water and electrolytes before bed.
If that doesn't do the trick, research suggests Korean pear juice, red ginseng, Panax and ginseng could help speed your recovery. If you want to kill your headache, have some caffeine and take some Vitamin B and C and zinc — all of which are depleted when you drink and could contribute to the pounding head.
Soon will need to catch the train down to Southampton to pick up a cruise. We are away over Christmas, visiting Christmas markets in Amsterdam, Oslo, Copenhagen and Bruges, getting back just in time to be caught up in the rail strike. Still unsure how we are going to get back to Glasgow on the 29th. As long as we are back in time for New Year’s Eve, it won’t be a problem.
As per usual the weather has turned foul, just as we need to get over to the mainland.
Glasgow afternoon Tuesday 17 December
Rail to Southampton 18 December
Board Arcadia 19 December
We have been on tender hooks this last few days. The winds have been blowing a hoolie. 50mph winds and increasing
For safety, we have just ferried across this evening on the big ferry. We couldn’t wait till tomorrow morning, just in case they cancelled the sailings.
So now on the bus to Glasgow and booked into the travel lodge. Then we can sleep well in the knowledge that we won’t have a problem catching the train down to Southampton.
But the wind and rain is horrible.
Just no letup.
The ferry crossing was bloody bumpy, rocking side to side and waves spraying all the vehicles. So pleased we hadn’t brought ours, the salt soon decays and spoils everything.
But now tucked up in a Travel Lodge in Glasgow
First thing tomorrow morning we catch the train down to Southampton.
Stay overnight then board the Arcadia for our Christmas cruise.
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So far very impressed with the ship, all the staff are superbly friendly and helpful, and the food in the restaurant is truly magnificent. Well done P&O.
The
The whole atmosphere is magical, from the moment you step on board, the festive ambiance is all encompassing.
Love the angels on first entering the ship, then you have roaming elf’s and strolling carol singer’s.
Can’t compliment the ships team more. They really have gone to town in planning a magnificent programme of events and activities to keep you in the festive mood.
Lunch and dinner in the restaurant is superb. Great choices on the menu and everything up to now has been delicious, served by efficient friendly waiters. What more can you ask for.
Let it continue.
You can tell that it’s Christmas when you eat a melange of unusual edibles. Chocolate coated strawberries, banana and minced pies washed down with copious amounts of coffee and the odd glass of bubbly.
Arrive in the late afternoon and it’s bitterly cold outside and unfortunately raining.
We let the initial rush get off the ship before heading by shuttle into the centre of Copenhagen. The journey in was an amazing light show. Trees bedecked in teardrop lights, shop fronts aglow and dressed to impress and entice you through the door.
Hopped off the bus and headed to the Christmas market in the centre square. The smell of Glog along with other aromatic aroma’s wafting through the night air.
The circular skating rink was overflowing with all ages and abilities.
Headed down Frederikshomed canal area full of bars, restaurants and pop ups. Heaving mass of humanity out on the raz. Although it was very sedate in a typical danish way. Elegant people out for a stroll, stopping off into the covered areas for a drink, warmed by the overhead heaters and floor standing braziers. That’s the thing over here, the cold doesn’t stop anyone from sitting in the open.
Then we are off roaming through the streets, being pulled along with the flow.
Shop displays entice you in, beautifully arranged. The majority being small independent shops that are smart, expensive and sophisticated, with price tags to match.
But after a few hours out in the cold and rain, we return for a warming nightcap in our Christmassy home from home on board the Arcadia.
The following morning we head out early. It’s cold but fortunately dry. The architecture is stunning, wide Open Spaces sculptures at every turn and copper roofs topped with gold embellishments shining in the morning sun.
It’s Sunday morning and all the distant church bells are tolling together, a cacophony of noise.
First port of call the little mermaid. Even at this time the crowds were overwhelming. The pop on and off bus must have just arrived and disgorged all the Chinese tourists enmass.
Good job l am tall enough to see over their heads, but it’s a regular occurrence these days.
We come across a moat and ramparts hiding a military enclosure. A stunning fort with its own church and a beautiful windmill perched on top. Presumably to regulate the water flows in and out of the moat.
The roads are busy, and you have to be mindful as you wait for the lights to change. You can be swiftly killed by the mad rush of bikes, hundreds of sit up and beg type. Transporting the smartly dressed Danish people as they hammer down on the pedals, bearing on unsuspecting pedestrians. Lowery style tall stick like people intent on getting to their destination.
Once again meaner through the streets, passing beautiful buildings until we stumble on the Palace. In fact it’s a group of palaces set around a massive parade ground. Highly decorative soldiers stand guard. As per usual you have the proverbial YouTube and Facebook blogger trying to get up close for that must have photo.
The whole area is a picture book setting of smart historical buildings, punctuated by the odd green roofed cathedral.
Smart florists have their beautiful wares on display. Shops with window displays that are an art form in themselves entice you in to browse.
Our next goal is a visit to the Tivoli Gardens.
But first we pop into the Viking Museum which is just truly fascinating. Don’t have time to justify a long stay, so instead, occupy ourselves in the vast and diverse shop. I could be enticed so easily to buy so many things from this shop. It’s has so many fascinating and interesting articles for sale. Fortunately, come to my senses and settle for a few small items. Memories that can fit into the case easily with adding to the weight.
Tivoli gardens had changed out of recognition. Then again is was 40 years ago when I last visited. Seems to have moved into theme park status, filled with thrill seekers. Overcrowded and very expensive. So after skirting around the periphery, we headed back through the centre of the town popping in and out of shops and taking in all the beautiful architecture.
Oslo
Thought that Denmark was expensive, but Norway seems twice as expensive just can’t believe it. Obviously the UK has become the poor neighbour of Europe. Perhaps down to the shifting work ethic of the new generation after Covid.
Walked up to the top of the Opera house, slipping and sliding as we go, before heading to the old, historic centre.
Meandered through an up market area of apartments and high end shops and restaurants, called the Barcode, due to its block geometric design. 12 skyscrapers of different shapes and sizes compose a unique skyline. Or so the tourist blurb says.
Then onwards to the old centre. For all the modern buildings in the centre near the port, as soon as you get further out, it’s totally depressing. Most of the buildings are very utilitarian, not handsome or attractive. Drab Lutheran style churches and architecture.
The old historic neighbourhood was rather down trodden, many just relics, yet interesting.
Then another 30 minutes walk through what seemed like an immigrant area, various ethnic communities. Full of barber shops. Wonder if it’s similar to the UK, a money laundering area. All seemed devoid of customers. Just ethnic groups busy chatting amongst themselves whilst drinking coffee.
Amidst blocks and blocks of modern flats, you suddenly come across a real dump of a place and then a salvation army drop in Centre with all the down and outs, standing, huddled together waiting for a hot mug of tea or a warm bed for the night.
Eventually traced the path of a river, that eventually took us to Googles suggested, “most interesting street in Oslo”. Which ultimately turned out to be full of shops selling pre loved cloths. In fact a street that could be found in any uk town. Run down, broken paving slabs, discarded rubbish full of charity shops and vacant buildings.
Then we head back to the ship for a hot drink, a bite to eat before returning after dark to see if we can find any Christmas lights.
Head for the Railway station, a good starting point, full of shops, restaurants, even a gastro pub lively. And then through the main shopping streets which has turned into a packed metropolis. Filled with a mixture of styles, old and new. Families wrapped up from the cold heading enmass towards the Christmas market. At least they had tried with the Christmas lighting, yet not a patch on those of Copenhagen.
We climbed the hill away from the thronging crowds to see the royal palace, perched on top of the hill. Built in the first half of the 19th century for the French-born Charles XIV John, who reigned as king of Norway and Sweden. Now the official residence of the current Norwegian monarch, although he doesn’t reside here.
Then we manoeuvre our way through the centre of the Christmas market. A bustling hive of partygoers. Plenty of alcohol and all manner of food stalls. So crowded. Good for the stallholders, not necessarily for the tourist interloper. So we escaped the mass of crushed bodies and headed for the tranquil setting of our home from home. The Arcadia
Popped into a specialist butchers, gorgeous displays of aged meat of all descriptions. The common theme being the high price per kilo. We found a cabinet full of what seemed like bones, yet priced at €50 per kilo. Materialised that they were lamb that had been dried and cured.
The stick meat called Pinnekjottet is coarser salted and hung until they are totally dried. You reconstitute them by soaking, when they double in size. That’s the meat, it has no effect ont he bone.
What a difference a day makes. Snow is falling and the whole place is covered in a cleansing mat of white. The boring bland city has been transformed into a magical Christmas wonderland.
We walk on virgin snow into the medieval fortress of Akershus Festning. Not another person or foot print to be seen. Around red brick buildings, passed fortifications, old cannons and various sculptures. The fortress was built in 1300, and was one of the only buildings to survive the great fire of 1624 that wiped out most of the city.
We get a great view of our ship framed by the fortress. The colour of the union flag stands out vividly.
The complex of buildings is non ending, various stages throughout the ages. It’s mesmerising and beautiful. The fortifications stretch out on various levels, and we get glimpses of the sea, harbour and city below.
As per usual, my overconfidence of walking through the snow gets the better of me, as l end up on my butt, legs flying through the air. Should realise that there may be ice hidden under the sparkling snow.
More gingerly we make our way through the layers of history laid out before us. Eventually emerge into what materialises to be the horse stables belonging to the local police. A couple of elegant horses appear, led by two lady officers who mount and ride off into the snow covered streets. Wishing us Christmas greetings as they pass.
A tour group has just arrived and the peace has been replaced by the constant hum of excited tourists rushing to see the fort before being herded back on board the coach and rushed onto their next destination.
We escape down the slippery steps into a new area of the city called, Aker Brygge. It’s more apartments, shops and restaurants, and the location of the ferries that shuttle locals to the islands.
We walk through the area, which initially seems like a ghost town, but it eventually wakes up as lunchtime approaches.
Once again, the obsession of diving into the cold icy water, followed by cooking in the wood fired saunas seems to be catered for in abundance. Everywhere you go, there are floating cabins, housing saunas for the brave locals to strip off and dive into the sea. Definitely not my idea of fun.
Next port of call, Amsterdam
Amsterdam, not too cold today, but there is low lying cloud which makes it misty. A damp drizzle clings to your clothes as you stroll through the streets and alongside the numerous canals.
The architecture is stunning, yet many of the old buildings are listing precariously. Don’t know how they manage to keep them from falling over.
You have to be careful where you tread, litter and debris is everywhere, presumably from the hectic nights out at the weekend over Christmas. As we walk down by the canal, the air is thick with the smell of marijuana, a sickly heady smell.
As with most of these flat and level cities, you have to have your wits about you as you try and cross the road. Not only are there thousands of bikes to contend with. All intent on running you down. You’ve also got cars, taxis, buses and then of course the trams. At least they ring out bells in warning of their imminent arrival.
Walked to the Rijksmuseum intent on visiting the shop and gardens. Unfortunately the shop wasn’t open to visitors until 5pm, that is unless you bought the day ticket. The garden was also closed, although the concierge surreptitiously let us into the gardens, and asked us to just pull the gate too once we exited. Understand why they were closed, areas were flooded and many of the beds were in winter disarray.
Ticked off another Christmas market and the proverbial iceskating rink which is packed out with what seemed proficient skaters trying to avoid the first timers. These using what seemed like chairs to support their first step on the ice. All the café and stalls were mobbed that are wrapped around it.
Can’t believe that only two days ago we were walking around in snow and today it’s quite humid. I have to keep stripping clothes off which is not a very pleasant sight.
We had a very pleasant walk through the Vondalpark, especially as they had a wonderful toilet in the centre of the park. A necessity after too many coffees over breakfast and walking for over four hours.
Also experienced the best hot chocolate ever from a street vendor made from grated fresh chocolate and hot milk absolutely gorgeous.
Then back through the centre, popping into the amazing cheese shops. Some fantastic different styles of various ages. Tasted too many to differentiate, yet the one that stood out was the blended sheep cheese with truffle, 600 g is €17. So not too bad.
Second day in Amsterdam and we leave at 11 o’clock after a leisurely breakfast and a lie in. It’s foggy outside yet by the time we do get out the sun is trying to come through. We walk along the river front towards the train station. The river is continually busy with all types of barges carrying goods in, through and around the city.
As we step out at a brisk rate along the river front, we head to the back of the central railway station to the free ferries that we’re going to take to the north of Amsterdam and the Museum of Street art.
Arrive at NDSM a former shipyard located on the banks of the River IJ in Amsterdam Noord.
You can see signs of the graffiti along with a quay full of tall ships and what looks like the Beatles yellow submarine.
The area is an enormous cultural hotspot hosting the artist community and a massive number of bars and restaurants. They have even converted an old ships crane into a hotel. Definitely wouldn’t want to be prone to sleepwalking or suffer from vertigo.
It’s an enormous place with grounds exceeding the size of ten football pitches, and is often used for festivals and exhibitions.
Head off towards another ferry to take us back over the river. Meander through the streets, many overflowing with vintage clothing. Seems that Holland is keen on recycling. The shops are exceedingly popular. Great to see items being reused instead of ending up in landfill.
Come across a fantastic cheese shops, the smell is amazing. Pity we can’t afford the weight. The downside of travelling on public transport between Southampton and Scotland.
A hotel made from a disused crane
We all live in a yellow submarine, yellow submarine - Beatles
Ultimately end up in an old bar that is famous for its old Genever gins. For some reason they call them Gin & Beer cafes.
Initially learnt about the beauty of neat old gins when visiting the Dutch shop in St Marten’s of all places, out in the Caribbean. We were offered a 20 year bols in the traditional clay bottle. We were hooked.
They serve them in glasses similar to sherry schooners, topped to the top, near to overflowing. Then you have to bend down and sip the fragrant alcohol. Savouring every drop. Accompanied by a glass of chilled beer. Amazing. Despite its high alcohol content it is pleasant, gentle yet with a complex layer of flavours.
Definitely come back on our next visit. Wobbled back to the ship with an internal glow keeping us warm.
Final port Zeebrugge and Bruges
Once again, the fog was thick, un penetrable .You couldn’t see your hand in front of your face, as we moored in Zeebrugge. I had popped out on deck 3 to check out the conditions. Soon dived back into the warm cosy shelter of the ship to get away from the minus 3 outside.
Not a problem, been here many times when we used to visit on the Townsend ferry out of Dover. Mum and dad loved the trip when they came down to visit.
That all changed after the terrible disaster, when the Herald of Free enterprise capsized, killing 193 passengers and crew back in 1987. I don’t believe there is a service from Dover anymore.
Eventually we do get off and catch the shuttle over to Blankenburge. The railway offers a quick service to the beautiful city of Brugge. Unfortunately by the time we reached the town it was too late to realistically get over to Brugge and back by 3pm. So strolled through the town, up the high street and down to the yacht basin.
By which time the sun had appeared, although rather milky, like a Turner oil painting. It was still a pleasant surprise. Nevertheless it was bitterly cold. Good job l had my hand warmers in attempt to bring some life into my freezing extremities.
Walked to the end of the pier to see the fisherman catching Dabs and whiting, then a leisurely walk along the beach before heading back through the town to return to the ship.
Found oysters for sale in the supermarket on the way back, but l hadn’t packed my knife, and the shop didn’t sell any. Thwarted, but not deterred, we criss crossed the town seeking out a cafe that sold them, but to no avail.
Returned to the ship, and made do with some truffle flavoured crisps and a nice glass of wine.
If you fancy look at more photos of our Christmas trip, just click on the link below.
Follow my trip ‘Christmas 2024 away on the Arcadia’
https://www.polarsteps.com/PhilipParker1/15328842-christmas-2024-away-on-the-arcadia?s=1E2CCA74-58AC-44FD-A83D-C06877C915EE
Train journey was truly amazing in the wrong way
Southampton to Birmingham had been overbooked, so it was totally crowded, people stealing reserved seat. Fortunately we found our seats, but then we heard that the connection from Birmingham to Glasgow had been cancelled. So we had to change route and go via Manchester.
Enroute that train was cancelled, so we were given first class seats on the same train to Manchester. From here we would transfer to a Manchester to Glasgow cross country.
All because thieves had stolen the electrical cables from the West Coast line over Christmas.
Just as we managed to get through Birmingham, we came to a grinding halt. A points fault, and we were told that we may have to return back to Birmingham.
Ultimately we were halted on the track for what seemed like days. Missing our Manchester connection.
In the end we were delayed by two hours.
The attendants and guards were amazing, keeping everyone upto date with what was going on. Or in this instant, not.
Initially the guard who was chatting to us thought that there wouldn’t be any direct trains going to Glasgow. Instead, we would have to go via Edinburgh
Or perhaps they would put on a bus.
In the end we were lucky enough to catch a heaving Cross Pennines train that stopped at every station North to Glasgow. A real scrum to get on, stack the cases and eventually manage to get a seat with a table. It’s amazing how some people start to hum when they warm up in close confined spaces. A blue haze of unpleasant odour wafts into the air and envelopes all that are in the vicinity.
It used to be the reserve of 6 month old infants, enjoying the fruits of their mother. These days it comes from the lack of respect for your fellow travelling companions. Fortunately the packed train disgorged many of these travellers over the next couple of stops.
The remainder of the journey was relatively peaceful. Yet we did get a couple on who were overly loud and rather intoxicated. They boarded in oxenholme, near Kendl, pint in hand, and proceeded to fall about the carriage, whilst proclaiming their love for each other. But once again it was short lived, as the fell off in Carlisle. Home of the Border Reivers.
But that’s another story
Meanwhile at the back of our minds was the times of the last ferries across the water.
Luck prevailed and we arrived in time for the last train to connect with the Gourock Ferry.
But fate still had more cards up its sleeve. As we watched the arrivals board, the dreaded message, delayed popped up. From all accounts something had fallen or been blown onto the track.
Eventually boarded the train fifteen minutes late, along with another hundred or so revellers heading home from nights out in the City.
Kept our fingers crossed that the ferry would perhaps wait for the delayed train. But watched on my marine app the ferry heading out at its usual departure time.
So the last hope was getting a taxi from Gourock to McInroys Point to catch the last car ferry back to Dunoon at midnight.
It was 10.30, so one and a half hours to wait in the cold, so we headed over to the pub, on the corner to see if it was open, shelter and a drink to while away the time.
The bouncer on the door opened up for us. Surprised that they were still open. It wasn’t busy, two or three groups were chatting, laughing and enjoying themselves. Must say, not the most salubrious pub l have frequented, yet the young bar staff were friendly and they had a good draught IPA and a large Chardonnay for Judith. But as we sat at the bar, surrounded by our cases and bags a steady stream of people kept entering the bar. By the time we left to wait for the taxi to arrive it was heaving. Must be the place to go for a lock-in.
The agreed time for the taxi came and went, so in desperation we dragged our cases at full tilt towards the ferry, just over 1 1/2 miles away along the promenade. But halfway along, lungs bursting, arms aching realisation hit. We would not make it in time.
Just as mind had accepted that we would need to try and get a taxi to take us to a hotel, a taxi pulled out of a side street.
Leapt out into the road waving like a mad man. Once again our luck prevailed. He raced down the road and we just snook onto the ferry as they were about to raise the ramp.
Fortunately the taxi l booked whilst aboard the ferry was waiting for us. 20 minutes later we were home. Elated to have managed to get home, our exhausted bodies didn’t require any rocking to sleep.
We had exited the ship at 8am and climbed into bead at 1.30am the next day.
Good night
Home and some superb views from our home. Frosty mornings, menacing skies and glimpses of the Northern Lights, Aurora Borealis.
Still can’t get over how it’s virtually impossible to see the Northern Lights with the naked eye. Yet point your camera at the sky and the colour just bursts out in front of your eyes.
The Atlantic’s list of the 25 most striking news pictures of the year is topped by the iconic shot of a Donald Trump, posing in an iconic stance after an assassination attempt at a rally in July 2024.
See the rest here.
If you want to be absorbed in front of the box, try the Traitors.It returns with another posse of paranoid participants
Claudia Winkleman dons the tweed once again for a third round of trust and treachery in the Highlands.
Volunteers work to clear debris from a flood-affected street in Valencia on November 2, 2024
Volunteers with Better Beaches OBX place recycled Christmas trees on dunes to re-nourish the beach in Kitty Hawk, Outer Banks, North Carolina, on January 23, 2024
Pensioners Ella and John from Parkdale Care Center enjoy a ride out with the Auchterarder Trishaw Project and their volunteers Gordon McLeay and Gail Robertson on October 2, 2024
Back home and it’s the time for bringing down decorations, taking the empties to the bottle bank and returning unwanted gifts. Fortunately didn’t have any of those. Judith did me proud, as per usual. Especially the bow and arrow set. After spending time practicing archery on the cruise in the tennis nets, albeit without the points, decided it would be good fun to have our own set. All we need now is a bail of straw to attach the target to. And of course warmer and dryer weather.
I often think of Michael Mosley when I’m turning the control to cold at the end of my boiling hot shower.
The icy cold blast for 30 seconds hopefully boosts my immune system. It’s not necessary to have expensive outdoor ice tubs or escape on a Swiss retreat. Yet our guest will soon be able to make their own choice when they stay with us. The new outside bath, situated on the deck will enable them to have a steaming hot bath, or experiment with an icy dip.Fortunately the water flowing in our cold water pipes is cold enough without any additional ice.
Recently, we have both been trying out his standing on one leg while brushing our teeth. Not at all easy. Starts off well, then suddenly arms fly out in every direction in attempt to stop me from falling. Normally it’s the wash bag contents that ends up on the floor, not me. Continue with the overnight fasts, along with regularly heading out for a walk to up my vitamin D and keep my muscles in a reasonable state of repair. It’s amazing how muscles wastage develops quite easily. Sagging lumps of flesh instead of the toned muscle of youth.
Tai Chi continues to help our balance and joint movement. We have to thank our World Cruise friend and buddy Elizabeth for introducing us to that.
In fact cruising helps us in many ways, other than saving Judith from the monotonous drudgery of making three meals a day, changing beds and doing the washing and ironing. It keeps us fit. Walking 10/20k steps daily, along with the ability to eat healthier. Plus the added sun on my body, producing the added vitamin D, noticeably bereft at home up in Scotland. The highland normally gets around 400 hours of sun during the summer months compared to just over 700 in the south of England.
But in Argyll you will find deserted sandy beaches, beautiful wildlife, and fantastic raw unspoilt scenery. However, sunshine may be somewhat less certain.
Undoubtedly, Michael Mosleys greatest success was in combating diabetes, specifically in the obese.
The United Kingdom has followed the United States in becoming increasingly overweight, increasingly obese, increasingly diabetic, increasingly sick. To be blatantly honest from shovelling too much food and drink into our mouths- as a result of what we consume.
We're increasingly heavy, big-boned, chubby, extra-large, whatever is your favourite euphemism for being over-weight, because fat is the new norm. But Michael proved that a little willpower, combined with the 5: 2 diet can perform miracles.
It’s great to see that hospitals are using this to reverse late onset diabetes in their patients.
The frightened shadow, AK. Our PM Kier has actually muted something sensible for once. Smokers and obese patients are going to be put at the back of the list for treatment unless they prove that they are prepared to give up the fags and doughnuts. Then again, that could just be spin to deflect from his disastrous start in power. But let’s not go down that route, otherwise we will get onto my bete noir. The changing attitude to work. Work ethic has become a dirty word.
As of April 2024, 4.2 million working-age people in Great Britain are claiming health-related benefits, which is 10.2% of the working-age population. This is an increase from 3.2 million in 2019. The number of people claiming health-related benefits is expected to increase to 5.4 million by 2028–29, which is 12.5% of the working-age population. This increase is due to a large number of new claims.
More of our earned money is also being diverted into civil servants pockets. According to the Times, £1 in every £4 raised in council tax is now being spent on staff pensions.
An analysis showed that councils contributed nearly £7billion to their employees pensions over the past year.
This compared to £1.1 billion spent on libraries, culture, heritage and tourism, £2.2billion on emergency housing, and £2Obillion on adult social care.
Perhaps we are not paying enough to attract the right people in power. Compared to the past Keir Starmer’s £167,000 salary is pretty low. Adjusted for inflation, Neville Chamberlain’s pay packet in 1937 was a whopping £815,000.
Snippets
Check out this great company that make it easy for you to donate your unwanted gear directly to those that need it most. Outdoor Gear: If you have unused outdoor gear, send it to the Continuum project by Alpkit.
Read an Interesting article the other day on how to use Ai in a manner that helped the masses instead of the few. To diagnose illnesses early in the populous, which makes far more sense. Presently it’s being used predominantly by crooks and the unsavoury elements, promoting scams by manipulating videos of celebrities in the promotion of fake news or Ponsi offers.
Saying that, technology is adapting at speed these days, so much so it’s difficult for people like myself to keep up with. Many are really useful, like the charger that snaps on the back of the phone to charge your iPhone. What’s even better is the option from Mous which has LED indicator’s showing the battery level, whilst also offering a USB-C port to charge a secondary device . All for under £40 from Amazon.
Meanwhile you can now get fridges that have cameras built in, so you can see what's in your fridge from the shop, or use Al to discover recipes to use up the items expiring first, and washing machines can detect the type of clothing in them and adjust cycles accordingly.
And when it comes to robotics, the French Legion are using robots to keep their soldiers fed and watered. Soldiers in the hard-core mercenary unit receive three square meals a day, all packed into a 3.3lb box by robots. Troops can choose from 14 different menus, including tuna rillettes and chicken tagine, liver pâté and rabbit sauté, and deer terrine and cassoulet, all designed by the 500 chefs that the armed forces cooking school trains up each year. The rations are so good that in Afghanistan in 2010, one portion could be traded for five portions of American GI chow.
Meanwhile on the subject of scams and Amazon, Protect yourself from Prime membership scams.
These are unexpected emails, calls, and texts from impersonators that often refer to an unauthorised charge for membership or notice of membership expiration. They ask you to verify your account by providing personal or payment information.
Stay safe, if in doubt don’t give any information out. And report it to amazon.co.uk/reportascam
Also worthwhile watching BBC morning live, they always keep up with the most recent scams. Their website is truly informative and the first source for valuable information with actions and contacts to assist.
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