The Anonymous Widower

Euston Station – 22nd March 2026

I went for breakfast to Euston and took these pictures on a quiet Sunday morning.

March 22, 2026 Posted by | Transport/Travel | , | Leave a comment

Will Northumberland Line Success Help More Open?

The title of this post, is the same as this article on the BBC.

This is the sub-heading.

On 29 March the final station, Bedlington, opens on the Northumberland Line marking the completion of the project to reopen the route from Newcastle to Ashington.

These three paragraphs add detail to the story.

With passenger numbers exceeding predictions, could its success give new impetus to other projects to reopen former railways across northern England?

Dennis Fancett, chair of the rail users group Senrug, which campaigned for the Northumberland line for 20 years, hopes so.

He believes the obvious next step is to extend it along the existing freight tracks to a new station at Woodhorn and from there to Newbiggin-by-the-Sea.

I believe that the Northumberland Line is following a pattern, that I call London Overground Syndrome.

March 21, 2026 Posted by | Transport/Travel | , , , , | 5 Comments

The Liquid Air Alternative To Fossil Fuels

The title of this post, is the same as that of this article on the BBC Future Web Site.

It is also one of the best articles, I’ve read on the economics of liquid-air energy storage.

This is the sub-heading.

An overlooked technology for nearly 50 years, the world’s largest liquid air energy storage facility is finally set to power up in 2026. It’s hoping to compete with grid-scale lithium batteries and hydro to store clean power, and reduce the need to fall back on fossil fuels.

These three introductory paragraphs add detail to the project.

As the world’s use of renewable electricity soars, surpassing coal for the first time, the need to store that energy when the Sun isn’t shining and the wind isn’t blowing is growing in step. While some turn to grid-scale lithium batteries and others to pumped hydro, a small but growing industry is convinced there’s a better solution still: batteries that rely on air.

Near the village of Carrington in north-west England, the foundations are being laid for the world’s largest commercial-scale liquid air energy storage facility, one of the first of its kind. The site will eventually become an array of industrial machinery and a number of large storage tanks, filled with air that has been compressed and cooled so much it has become a liquid, using renewable energy surplus to demand. The stored energy can be discharged later when demand exceeds supply.

If the project succeeds, more will follow. The site’s developers Highview Power are confident that liquid air energy storage will make it easier for countries to replace fossil fuels with clean renewable energy – though at present, the technology is expensive. But as the need for clean energy storage surges, they’re betting the balance will tip in favour of liquid air.

The BBC article, seems to have been written with input from Shaylin Cetegen, a chemical engineer at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), who studies energy storage systems.

Topics discussed include.

  • The intermittency problem of renewables and how this gives problems for the stability of electricity grids.
  • The switchable nature of fossil-fuel power generation.
  • A big part of the solution is to store the surplus energy so that it can be released when it’s needed. Think of it like an electricity deposit account!
  • For decades, the main form of energy storage has been pumped hydro. In 2021, the world had 160 GW of pumped hydro capacity. The UK has a total of just 3 GW in Scotland and Wales! But more is on the way!
  • Recently, large-scale battery storage systems have risen to the challenge and installed capacity has risen from 55.7 GW in 2023 to 150 GW / 348 GWh in 2025.
  • The liquid air solution is then explained.
  • A grid-scale stop-gap, that is the 30 MW/300 MWh Manchester hybrid liquid-air battery, is then described.
  • In August 2026, the battery is set to begin operating.
  • An alternative way of stabilising the grid will be provided.
  • It will come online in two stages, says Highview Power CEO Richard Butland.
  • Then in 2027 the liquid air storage is expected to begin fully operating.

Highview Power will make money by trading electricity, as pumped storage operators do.

The penultimate section of the article looks at the bottom line and comes to these conclusions.

Instead, she says governments could support the technology. In her study, subsidising the initial capital costs to set up the systems “could be a viable approach to achieve economic viability in the short term”, she says.

Furthermore, faster uptake of renewables would increase energy price volatility, making energy storage more economically viable.

Cetegen makes a final point in favour of liquid air energy storage: it’s cheap. Energy storage technologies are often assessed using a metric called the “levelised cost of storage”, which estimates how much each unit of stored energy costs over the lifespan of the project. For liquid air, this can be as low as $45 (£34) per megawatt-hour – compared to $120 (£89) for pumped hydro and $175 (£130) for lithium-ion batteries.

“While none of these storage methods are likely economically viable right now without policy support, liquid air energy storage stands out as a particularly cost-effective option for large-scale storage,” Cotegen says.

Ultimately, Butland expects electricity grids to rely on a mix of storage technologies. Pumped hydro is extremely effective and works for decades, but it’s location-dependent because it needs a water supply. Meanwhile, batteries are highly efficient and can be placed anywhere, but need to be replaced after about 10 years. Liquid air has the advantage that it can store energy for longer than batteries, with minimal losses.

As any country enters the green transition, its electricity grid needs to be remodelled to cope. “We’re rebuilding all grids globally, based on new generation,” says Butland. And that could well mean a lot of liquid air energy storage.

 

March 21, 2026 Posted by | Energy Storage, Energy | , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Does Anybody Type Using Five Fingers Of One Hand, Scanning Them Where Necesary For Shift, Control And Alt.

 

Note.

  1. My left awas broken by the school bully and doesn’t work well.
  2. My stroke didn’t help.
  3. I have a yellow keyboard and I’m probably typing as fast as I ever had.
  4. My father owned and worked in a letterpress printers.
  5. He taught me to set type from an early age.

Letterpress typesetting is done by holding the composing stick in your left hand and placing the letters in order in the stick, with your right hand.

I now type this way and it may be the cause of the problems in my right hand, which is red and tingling at times.

I asked Google AI, the title of this post and received this answer.

Yes, many people type using all five fingers of one hand, particularly individuals with limb differences, injuries, or those who prefer a single-handed method. This technique often involves “scanning” or spanning across the keyboard and can achieve impressive speeds.

Techniques and Methods

FGHJ Home Row Method: The most common approach involves resting the index finger on F (or J for right handers), middle on G/H, ring on H/G, and pinky on J/F. This allows the hand to cover all keys on a standard QWERTY keyboard.

“Scanning” / Stretching: The hand moves dynamically around the keyboard, rather than staying in a fixed home-row position, relying on strong muscle memory to reach all keys.

Modifier Key Handling (Shift/Alt/Ctrl): The thumb is frequently used to reach modifiers, or the pinky is stretched to reach the shift keys. For simultaneous keys (e.g., Ctrl+C), people often use “Sticky Keys” in Windows/MacOS to lock the modifier key, or press them sequentially.

Five Finger Typist: There is specialized, structured software designed specifically to teach this five-finger, one-handed technique.

Speed and Proficiency
One-handed typists using all five fingers can reach high speeds, often ranging between 40 to 80 words per minute (wpm), with some experienced users achieving over 100 wpm, depending on the individual.

Assistive Tools

Compact Keyboards: Smaller keyboards (like laptop keyboards) are often used because they reduce the distance the hand has to span, decreasing fatigue.
Half-QWERTY / Mirrored Layouts: Specialized software or hardware that allows one hand to “mirror” the other side of the keyboard (e.g., tapping ‘F’ with the ‘J’ finger while holding a modifier).

Conclusion

I could believe that answer and will use it as long as I can!

March 21, 2026 Posted by | Artificial Intelligence, Computing, Health | , , | Leave a comment

Black Country Towns’ Trains Return After 60 Years

The title of this post, is the same as that of this article on the BBC.

This is the sub-heading.

Two Black Country towns have welcomed trains for the first time in 60 years following the opening of new stations.

These two paragraphs give details of the route.

The Willenhall and Darlaston stations are part of a £185m project to reinstate rail links across the West Midlands not used in decades.

The two stations have been added to the Shrewsbury to Birmingham New Street service via Wolverhampton.

Note.

  1. The services are run by four-car Class 196 dieselmultiple units.
  2. The frequency is two trains per hour.
  3. One hourly service calls at Smethwick Galton Bridge, Wolverhampton, Shifnal, Telford Central and Wellington.
  4. The other hourly service calls at Tame Bridge Parkway, Darlaston, Willenhall, Wolverhampton, Bilbrook, Codsall, Albrighton, Cosford, Shifnal, Telford Central, Oakengates and Wellington.

This map shows shows the route of the Birmingham New Street and Shrewsbury service via Wolverhampton.

Note.

  1. Willenhall station is in the North-Western corner of the map.
  2. Darlaston station is marked with a blue arrow on the yellow track to the East of Willenhall.
  3. Birmingham New Street station is in the South-East corner of the map.

I have one further thought.

Electrification

Only the almost thirty miles between Wolverhampton and Shrewsbury is without electrification, but electrification is all the way between Wolverhampton and Birmingham New Street station is already wired.

I could see the Wolverhampton and Shrewsbury route being electrified using battery-electric trains.

Obviously, if the route is eventually electrified will depend on the traction needed for other services.

 

March 21, 2026 Posted by | Transport/Travel | , , , , | Leave a comment

Will AI Send A Lot Of Patients To A & E?

I ask this question as I’ve just asked Google AI, this question about myself.

My left food and my right hand are red and my left hand doesn’t work very well!

I received this answer.

This combination of symptoms—asymmetric redness (left foot/right hand) and weakness in one hand—requires immediate medical evaluation.

These can be indicators of serious underlying conditions affecting the nerves, blood vessels, or central nervous system.

You should seek urgent medical care if this happened suddenly.

Perhaps the last sentence is being too cautious and will increase the traffic to A & E.

March 20, 2026 Posted by | Artificial Intelligence, Health | | Leave a comment

Offshore Vessel Charging Tech Developer Plans Commercial Rollout In UK

The title of this post, is the same as that of this article on offshoreWIND.biz.

This is the sub-heading.

Stillstrom, part of A.P. Moller – Maersk and based in Denmark, has established a dedicated entity in Aberdeen, Scotland, with plans to roll out its offshore vessel charging solution commercially in the UK.

These three paragraphs add more details.

The solution is transitioning from development to commercial deployment, and, according to a press release issued by Stillstrom on 16 March, the company is targeting one of the world’s most active offshore wind markets for the commercial rollout.

Stillstrom has been developing offshore charging solutions for service operations vessels (SOVs) since 2019, with testing and collaboration carried out with shipowners and developers in Aberdeen. SOVs are amongst the most energy-intensive ships operating at offshore wind farms, according to Stillstrom.

The company says that this has now translated into tangible momentum, with significant discussions underway with major wind farms, as well as partnership and compatibility agreements signed with leading SOV owners and operators.

March 19, 2026 Posted by | Energy, Transport/Travel | , , , , | Leave a comment

With Only A Few Months To Go My Health Has Gone Round In A Circle

How many people can honestly say that after seventy-six years that their health has gone round in a circle?

But I have!

At three years old, I was a sickly child with a constantly running nose.

I know this because at that age I can see cauldrons of boiling torn up old sheets, sitting on the gas stove.

I needed so many handkerchiefs,that my mother, used to use the sheets as it was cheaper.

Now my nose is constantly running and sneezing.

In Does Lack Of B12 Make You Sneeze?, I investigate the relationship between B12 and sneezing.

 

March 19, 2026 Posted by | Artificial Intelligence, Health | , , | Leave a comment

Can You Lose Track Of The Day Because Of Lack Of B12?

I asked Google AI, the title of this post and received this answer.

Yes, you can absolutely lose track of the day, forget appointments, or feel generally disoriented due to a lack of vitamin B12.
Vitamin B12 is crucial for nerve function and cognitive health, and a deficiency often manifests as “brain fog,” memory loss, confusion, and difficulty concentrating.

Here is how a B12 deficiency can affect your sense of time and mental clarity:

Brain Fog and Confusion: A common symptom of low B12 is a feeling of mental sluggishness, confusion, or lack of focus, often described as “brain fog”.

Memory Issues: It can cause significant forgetfulness or memory lapses, making it difficult to remember what day it is, what you are doing, or what tasks you have completed.

Cognitive Decline: Long-term, untreated deficiency can lead to severe cognitive impairment that may mimic dementia or Alzheimer’s in older adults.

Gradual Onset: Because the body stores B12 in the liver (often enough for 2–5 years), the deficiency develops slowly. As a result, you might not notice the gradual loss of mental sharpness or confusion until it starts significantly impacting your daily life.

The source of the report was the NHS web site.

March 19, 2026 Posted by | Artificial Intelligence | , , | Leave a comment

The Prototype Affordable Zero-Carbon Small Car Has Just Been Designed

The Wrightbus Ultroliner EU6, is their latest diesel bus.

The product page has this sub-heading.

A Choice Of The
UK’s Most Efficient
Diesel Buses

Two paragraphs give full details of the bus.

The StreetDeck Ultroliner EU6 is available with two ultra low emission efficient diesel engine choices: the new Cummins 6.7 litre 6 cylinder and the current Mercedes 5.1 litre 4 cylinder engine. Our StreetDeck EU6 Ultroliner and its engine choices remains the UK’s favourite. All these buses can be repowered at mid-life to zero-emission BEV technology with NewPower.

The new Cummins ISB6.7 litre six-cylinder diesel engine, married with the latest Voith DIWA.8 NXT 7-speed transmission. Two power options are available: 250Hp / 187Kw, 1000Nm and 300Hp / 224Kw, 1200Nm. With a large 245L fuel tank, this StreetDeck is ready to go the distance, wherever the journey takes it. Its MH3 technology helps lower fuel consumption during frequent stops on busy roads and improves the overall footprint and ride quality. Where ultra clean diesel buses are seen as the only option at this time, there is no better bus than the low emission StreetDeck Ultroliner range.

So you get a modern bus, that can be converted to zero-carbon at an appropriate time.

But nothing is said about conversion to hydrogen, which I believe is the ideal fuel for a large vehicle.

So I asked Google AI, if a Wrightbus Ultroliner can be converted to hydrogen-power, and received this answer.

Yes, the Wrightbus StreetDeck Ultroliner EU6 can be converted to hydrogen power. Wrightbus has engineered the diesel StreetDeck Ultroliner platform to be forward-looking, allowing operators to retrofit these vehicles mid-life with Cummins hydrogen internal combustion engines.

Here are the key details regarding this conversion and technology:

Adaptable Design: The StreetDeck Ultroliner was specifically designed to bridge the gap between traditional diesel and zero-emission options, making it possible to switch to hydrogen or battery-electric powertrains later in the vehicle’s life.

Hydrogen Internal Combustion: Instead of a fuel cell, this retrofit converts the diesel engine to run on hydrogen gas, providing a cost-effective route to zero emissions for existing operators.

Shared Platform: The diesel Ultroliner shares a similar “feel and features” with the purpose-built zero-emission Hydroliner (Hydrogen Fuel Cell) and Electroliner (Battery) buses, making the structural integration of alternative systems more straightforward.

Alternative Conversion Options: Third-party companies, such as Equipmake, specialize in “repowering” Wrightbus StreetDeck models to zero-emission, offering to convert diesel vehicles to electric in a short time frame, although the primary official pathway mentioned by Wrightbus for the Ultroliner is hydrogen-combustion.

The Wrightbus StreetDeck Hydroliner FCEV (Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle) was the world’s first production hydrogen double-decker bus, providing proven technology in cities like Aberdeen, Belfast, and London.

Note.

  1. The original Cummins diesel engine is converted to hydrogen fuel.
  2. In Cummins Fuel-Agnostic X Series Platform, I show a Cummins video, which explains their philosophy of convertible engines with trucks.
  3. Conversion to natural gas is also possible.
  4. It would appear that the Cummins ISB in the Ultroliner  has a hydrogen version, that can be created by changing the fuel system and the cylinder head.

I wouldn’t be surprised, if Cummins told me, that they could make a convertible diesel, that could power a small hatchback.

Out of curiosity, I asked Google AI, “What is the power of a diesel Mini” and received this answer.

The power of a diesel Mini depends on the model (One D, Cooper D, or Cooper SD) and the generation, with power outputs ranging from approximately 88 bhp to 170 bhp. Diesel Minis are known for high torque and excellent fuel economy rather than just top-end speed.

Here is a breakdown of the power figures:

1. MINI Cooper SD (2.0L Diesel)

Power: Typically 143 bhp (105 kW) to 170 bhp (125 kW).

Torque: 305 Nm to 360 Nm (225–265 lb-ft).

Performance: The 170 hp 2.0-litre diesel in the 2015-2018 range is often called a “diesel hot hatch,” featuring a 0-62 mph time of around 7.3 seconds.

2. MINI Cooper D (1.5L – 1.6L Diesel)

Power: Usually between 110 bhp and 116 bhp.

Torque: 270 Nm (199 lb-ft).

Performance: Offers a good balance of fuel economy and punch, with a 0-60 mph time of around 9.4–9.7 seconds.

3. MINI One D (1.4L – 1.5L Diesel)
Power: Approximately 75 bhp to 95 bhp.

Performance: Designed for maximum fuel efficiency and lower tax bands, with lower power output compared to the Cooper models.

Key Takeaways:

Most Powerful: The 2.0L Cooper SD is the most powerful, often producing up to 170 hp.

Torque: Diesel Minis often have high torque at low revs (around 1750rpm), making them quick for overtaking and city driving.

Generation Differences: Older R56 models (2007-2014) often have 1.6L diesel engines, while newer F56 models (2014-2024) use 1.5L or 2.0L engines.
Reliability: These engines are BMW-sourced (N47 or B37/B47) and generally considered reliable.

As there are large numbers of companies around the world, who claim they can convert cars and other vehicles, and engines to hydrogen power.

Out of curiosity, I asked Google AI, “Has Anybody Built A Hydrogen-Powered Mini” and received this answer.

Yes, BMW built a hydrogen-powered MINI Cooper prototype in 2001.

Unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September 2001, this car was not a fuel-cell vehicle, but rather a hydrogen-burning internal combustion engine car.

Key details about the 2001 MINI Cooper Hydrogen:

Engine: It used a modified version of the MINI’s 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine designed to run on hydrogen.

Technology: It was unique because it used cryogenic liquid hydrogen and injected it while super-cooled, which increased engine efficiency and performance,  setting it apart from other hydrogen experiments at the time.

Packaging: Engineers managed to place the contoured hydrogen tank under the rear seats, meaning it did not sacrifice cabin or cargo space compared to a standard Mini.

Legacy: While not mass-produced, it was a significant prototype in BMW’s long-standing research into hydrogen technology.

Other Hydrogen “Mini” Projects:

Mini Mirai RC Car: Toyota and Tamiya built a 1/10th scale hydrogen-fuelled remote-controlled car in 2021. It used a small fuel cell and hydrogen canisters to run for twice the duration of a conventional battery-powered RC car.

Small Engines: Israeli firm Aquarius Engines has developed a 10kg hydrogen-powered engine intended for use as a range extender, which has passed independent testing.

Conclusion

I believe that in the next few years, a serious manufacturer will release a diesel car that can be converted to hydrogen power.

Eventually, this will mean that government can withdraw fossil fuels for road vehicles.

 

March 15, 2026 Posted by | Artificial Intelligence, Hydrogen | , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

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