The Anonymous Widower

Are There People, Who Have Very Leaky Skin And Consequently Lose A lot Of Fluids And Have To Drink A Lot. Do Some Become Alcoholics?

I’m actually asking this question for my paternal grandfather, who died on the 25 Jun 1929.

  • I obviously never met him.
  • My father told me he was a chronic alcoholic.
  • My father was upset about his father’s drinking and did his utmost to ensure I didn’t follow his father’s example.
  • At no time in my life, have I been drunk day after day, like my paternal grandfather.
  • My father set me an excellent example on drinking  and I tried to follow his lead.

The question in the title of this post, is based on a composite person of myself and my paternal grandfather.

  • In My Strange Skin, I describe the unusual properties of my skin, which often causes medical staff to have a good laugh.
  • My previous excellent GP would always take my blood and, never needed a plaster and always had a big smile on his face afterwards.
  • I am coeliac and I am fairly certain my father was, but was my paternal grandfather?

I asked Google AI the question in the  title of this post and received this AI Overview.

While people generally lose some fluid through normal sweating, there are specific medical conditions that cause excessive fluid loss through the skin, primarily genetic disorders affecting the skin’s barrier function.

One prominent example is Netherton Syndrome, a rare genetic condition that results in a defective skin barrier . People with this condition experience:

  • Excessive Trans-Epidermal Water Loss (TEWL): Their skin loses moisture much faster than a healthy person’s skin.
  • Dehydration Risk: This requires them to constantly monitor hydration levels and drink plenty of fluids to compensate for the continuous loss.
  • Another condition is epidermolysis bullosa (EB), a group of genetic diseases that make the skin very fragile and blister easily. The open wounds and blisters also lead to significant fluid loss, increasing the risk of dehydration and infection.

Note that my skin doesn’t have open wounds and blisters and generally heals well and quickly if I cut myself. My late wife would compliment me on my skin and say it was very much like that of our son, who died of pancreatic cancer.

The second part of the question—whether these individuals become alcoholics as a consequence of their condition—is more complex. There is no evidence in medical literature or research to suggest a direct causal link between having a “leaky skin” condition (which necessitates high fluid intake) and the development of alcoholism.

  • Fluid management vs. alcohol consumption: Individuals with these conditions need to consume water, milk, or specific electrolyte-balancing fluids.Alcohol has a diuretic effect, meaning it would actually worsen dehydration and be counterproductive to their necessary fluid management.
  • Risk factors for alcoholism: Alcoholism is a complex condition influenced by a combination of genetic, psychological, social, and environmental factors, not by the physiological need to consume large volumes of non-alcoholic fluids.

In summary, certain conditions do cause significant fluid loss through the skin requiring high fluid intake, but this physiological need is managed with appropriate hydration (water, electrolytes), and does not lead to alcoholism.

I will now use, what intelligence I have and my observations of my own body to build on these results.

I Have Very Dry Eyes

I had my first eye test in a shed in a friend’s back garden. But the guy who did it, had been the Senior Eye Surgeon in Ipswich Hospital, so he had practiced at a high level and had a lot of experience.

  • During the tests, he remarked to me, that I had the driest eyes he’d ever encountered.
  • Afterwards, I got bought the glasses from Boots in Ipswich.
  • They were fine and served me well for a number of years.
  • A few years later, I was involved in a research project at Moorfields Eye Hospital, where members of the public gave their opinion on new eye testing machines that the NHS might use.
  • Moorfields said my eyes were indeed very dry.
  • The last professional to comment on my eyes was an opthalmist in Vision Express, who suggested that I bathe my eyes in clean, hot water every morning.
  • A couple of days later I saw my GP on another matter and he gave the same advice.

My eyes have been a lot more comfortable since.I also have not had to go to a hospital to have a wayward fly taken out of my eyes, which must have happened perhaps four or five times before.

Are Very Dry Eyes A Sign Of Netherton Syndrome?

I asked Google AI, this question and received this answer.

Yes, very dry eyes can be an associated sign or complication of Netherton Syndrome (NS) and other forms of ichthyosis. The underlying skin barrier defect in NS can lead to various eye problems.

Why Netherton Syndrome Can Cause Dry Eyes
The skin condition in NS is caused by a genetic mutation that impairs the skin’s barrier function, leading to excessive water loss and inflammation. This compromised barrier extends to the skin around the eyes, contributing to ocular issues: 
  • Ectropion: In some cases, the chronic skin inflammation and tightness can cause ectropion, where the eyelids evert (turn outwards) and do not close properly. This prevents the eyelids from adequately covering and protecting the eyeballs, leading to severe exposure and dryness.
  • Ichthyosis and Meibomian Gland Dysfunction: Netherton syndrome is a type of ichthyosis, which is characterized by dry, scaly skin. Patients with ichthyosis often have meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD), where the glands that produce the oily layer of the tear film don’t function correctly. This results in the tear film evaporating too quickly, causing evaporative dry eye.
  • Corneal Complications: Chronic dry eye can lead to more severe issues like keratitis (inflammation of the cornea) or punctate epithelial erosions, which are painful and can affect eyesight.

It looks like Google AI is thinking in the right direction.

Are Very Dry Eyes A Sign Of Excessive Trans-Epidermal Water Loss?

I asked Google AI, this question and received this answer.

Yes, very dry eyes are associated with increased trans-epidermal water loss (TEWL) from the ocular surface. Studies have shown that individuals with dry eye disease (DED) have significantly higher ocular TEWL values compared to healthy individuals.

The Link Between TEWL and Dry Eyes
  • Tear Evaporation: TEWL from the ocular area is used as a measure of tear evaporation. Excessive tear evaporation is one of the two main causes of DED and leads to a condition called evaporative dry eye (EDE).
  • Compromised Barrier: The tear film has a protective lipid (oil) layer that acts as a barrier to prevent excessive evaporation of the aqueous (water) layer of the tear film. A compromised or deficient lipid layer, often caused by meibomian gland dysfunction, results in increased tear evaporation/TEWL.
  • Aqueous-Deficient Dry Eye: Even in cases of aqueous-deficient dry eye (ADDE), where the primary problem is low tear production, patients can still experience increased tear evaporation and higher TEWL, indicating a complex overlap between the two main types of DED.
  • Ocular Surface Inflammation: Excessive tear evaporation leads to tear hyperosmolarity (increased salt concentration), which is a key factor in causing inflammation and damage to the ocular surface, contributing to the symptoms of very dry eyes.

Are Very Dry Eyes A Sign Of Epidermolysis Bullosa

I didn’t ask Google AI, as it was obvious, when I looked at the pictures on the Internet, that I hadn’t got epidermolysis bullosa.

A Picture Is Worth A Thousand Words

Looking at the pictures of the various causes of dry eye, I came to the conclusion meibomian gland dysfunction could be the cause of my very dry eyes.

Can Meibomian Gland Dysfunction Cause Very Dry Eyes?

I asked Google AI, this question and received this answer.

Yes, Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD) is a primary cause of dry eye, especially “evaporative dry eye,” because the blocked glands fail to produce enough oily meibum to stop tears from evaporating too quickly, leading to dryness, grittiness, irritation, and sometimes excessive watering or blurry vision. This condition disrupts the tear film’s lipid layer, creating instability and making the eyes feel dry and uncomfortable. 
How MGD Causes Dry EyesOil Deficiency: Meibomian glands produce oil (meibum) that forms the outermost layer of your tear film, preventing the watery layer from drying out.
  1. Tear Film Breakdown: When glands are blocked (MGD), they produce poor quality or insufficient oil, causing the tear film to break down rapidly.
  2. Evaporation: Without enough oil, tears evaporate too fast, leaving the eye’s surface exposed, dry, and irritated. 
Common Symptoms of MGD & Dry Eye
  • Gritty, itchy, or burning sensation
  • Redness and inflammation
  • Watery eyes (paradoxically, due to instability)
  • Sticky eyelids or discharge, especially in the morning
  • Blurred vision, particularly at the end of the day 
In summary, MGD is a very common and significant reason for persistent dry eyes, making it crucial to see an eye care professional for proper diagnosis and treatment to restore tear film stability.
Conclusion
Of the five common symptoms shown under Common Symptoms of MGD & Dry Eye, I’ve certainly had a good proportion of those over the years.
Was The Eye Operation I Had Probably Twenty Years Ago To Sort Out My Meibomian Gland Dysfunction?
I paid for the operation privately in Bury St. Edmunds and it certainly improved my eyesight.
I shall be checking my medical records tomorrow.

 

 

January 8, 2026 Posted by | Artificial Intelligence, Health | , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

10 Exciting New Train Journeys Coming To The UK In 2026

The title of this post, is the same as that of this article in The Telegraph.

The journeys are.

South Wales Metro (The ‘Welsh Tube’)

Effectively, what the Welsh have done is turn the railways radiating from Cardiff into the sort of metro that Birmingham, Glasgow, Liverpool and Tyne-Tees have created over the last few decades.

  • They are replacing a large proportion of the rolling stock, with new electric or hybrid-electric trains and tram-trains.
  • Some of the lines are notably scenic.
  • Some new stations have been added.
  • There are attractions to visit.
  • A Day Ranger ticket is available.

A few times in the past few years, when I feel I need some fresh air, I’ve taken a train to Cardiff, bought a Day Ranger and climbed a few hills in a train, as in my seventies, I’m too old to walk up.

I wouldn’t be surprised that the forthcoming Leeds Metro borrows heavily from ideas developed on the South Wales Metro.

London To Stirling

Stirling is one of those towns and cities, like Barrow-in-Furness, Blackpool, Shrewsbury and a few others, that Virgin and Avanti West Coast seem reluctant to serve.

I feel by choosing Stirling for a service, Lumo have just done the obvious.

  • The route is fully-electrified.
  • Stops will be Milton Keynes, Nuneaton, Crewe, Preston, Carlisle, Lockerbie, Motherwell, Whifflet, Greenfaulds, and Larbert.
  • There will be four trains per day.
  • The initial trains will be Class 222 trains.
  • The electric Class 803 trains are on order.
  • Hitachi are developing battery-electric trains for Lumo on the East Coast to be able to use the diversion via Lincoln, which would probably reach Perth.
  • Car-hire companies will do well in Stirling.
  • Stirling has onward train connections to Aberdeen, Dundee, Inverness, Montrose, Perth and Stonehaven.
  • I wouldn’t be surprised to see FirstGroup, who are Lumo’s parent or another coach company, creating a hydrogen-powered coach network for the North of Scotland.
  • The service will start in May 2026.

That really shows how railways can be used to boost growth. But will the SNP get the message?

I will use this service to have a few days in Stirling and explore the Southern part of the Scottish Highlands by train.

Caledonian Sleeper from Birmingham

This looks to be obvious addition to the Caledonian Sleeper.

The Telegraph says this.

The joys of the Caledonian Sleeper to Scotland, well known to travellers from London, are to be extended for the first time to those wanting to alight at Birmingham International. This change – the biggest in the Caledonian Sleeper schedule for 30 years – will mean that greeting the dawn approaching places as far flung as Fort William, Aberdeen and Inverness will be a far more realistic prospect for fans of this form of travel who live in the Midlands.

Note.

  1. The Birmingham stop will be at International not New Street.
  2. The service starts on January 16.
  3. Only the Highlander will stop at Birmingham International.

It seems to be a well-thought out simple addition to the service.

Newquay And Falmouth

The Telegraph says this.

Exciting news for fans of Cornwall where a new direct service linking the north and south coasts this year will make travelling by train between the key towns of Newquay and Falmouth considerably easier. The improvement to the current journey, frequently involving multiple changes and lasting two and half hours, will start with an increase in services between Newquay and Par in the spring and, by the end of the year, the commencement of the direct link all the way through to Falmouth.

Note.

The project is named the Mid Cornwall Metro.

The project has cost £57 million.

The route will be Newquay and Falmouth Docks via Quintrell Down, St. Columb Road, Roche, Bugle, Luxulyan, Par, St. Austell, Truro, Perranwell, Penryn, Penmere and Falmouth Town.

For more information, see midcornwallmetro.com

The journey time between Newquay and Falmouth will be cut by forty-five minutes.

I am sure that there are other rail systems in the UK, Ireland and in the wider world, that could benefit from a

High Speed Sonnet (Weardale To Stratford-upon-Avon)

The Telegraph says this.

And now for something completely different: a one-off charter train from the dales of County Durham to Stratford-upon-Avon, the heart of Shakespeare country. This journey, dubbed the “High Speed Sonnet”, comes as part of the 50th anniversary celebrations of the introduction of the legendary InterCity 125 high speed trains, one of which will be deployed on the run from Stanhope to the birthplace of the bard.

This train journey, although it is probably very nice is not really my scene.

  • I don’t have a partner.
  • I don’t live near to Weardale or Stratford-on-Avon.
  • As I’m coeliac and low alcohol, I’m not really keen on gourmet dining events.

But the train is an Intercity 125, so some might like to take a ride.

For more details see excursionsbyrail.co.uk

West Highland Line, Scotland

The Telegraph says this.

A journey along the West Highland line, the most scenic stretch of track in Britain, and a visit to the Royal waiting room used by Queen Victoria during visits to Balmoral are two of the highlights of a new tour for 2026, offered by small group Scotland and UK specialists McKinlay Kidd.

Similar comments to the previous journey apply, except that it is West Scotland.

But the train is steam-hauled over the Glenfinnan Viaduct of Harry Potter fame, so some might like to take a ride.

For more details see mckinlaykidd.com

Mid Wales Explorer

The Telegraph says this.

Another new tour for 2026, this one run by The Railway Touring Company, has as its focus the central part of Wales. Highlights include a journey along the Welsh Highland line on the “Harbourmaster”, shorter trips on the celebrated little railways of Llangollen, Bala Lake, Talyllyn, Vale of Rheidol and Welshpool, and a narrowboat ride across world heritage Pontcysyllte Aqueduct located 38 metres above the River Dee. Tidy.

I might go on this one if the date of June 10th fits.

For more details see railwaytouring.net

Newcastle And Brighton

The Telegraph says this.

How about this for a tantalising prospect – a direct service between Newcastle and Brighton calling at York, Sheffield, Birmingham New Street, Oxford, Reading, and Gatwick Airport – with no need to change trains in London? This is the new route proposed by open-access operator Grand Central (part of Arriva UK Trains) and currently awaiting approval from the Office of Rail and Road.

All going well, services – five trains each way daily – should start by the end of the year. A potential game changer and, following the commencement of the direct link between Seaham and London in December 2025, a further example of Grand Central’s drive to connect underserved communities.

For more details see grandcentralrail.com

London And Cleethorpes

The Telegraph says this.

Another Grand Central proposal that whets the appetite is the application to run direct services (for the first time since 1992) between London and the Lincolnshire seaside town of Cleethorpes. While not without its critics, Cleethorpes is an old-school British resort with pier, promenade and the Cleethorpes Coast Light (miniature) Railway service. If approved, four services a day would be up and running by the end of 2026; additional stops would include Doncaster, Scunthorpe, Grimsby, Thorne South, Crowle and Althorpe.

For more details see grandcentralrail.com

Note.

Althorpe is not to be confused with the burial place of Princess Di.

In Lunch On The Pier In Cleethorpes, I wrote about excellent gluten-free fish and chips on the pier.

Champagne Moments On The Northern Belle

The Telegraph says this.

The late Queen Mother famously enjoyed G&Ts while seated in carriages which now form part of the the Northern Belle. This in mind, she would likely have approved of the latest innovation on one of Britain’s plushest trains: the addition of a “Krug class”, which includes one bottle of Krug Grande Cuvée Champagne per couple, to enjoy over a multi-course meal and seating in Duart (formerly a carriage on The Royal Train) or Glamis, named after the Queen Mother’s childhood home.

The train operates a number of day trips on scenic routes to landmark cities such as York, Edinburgh and Bath, and to colourful events such as the RHS Chelsea Flower Show.

For more details see 95pp; northernbelle.co.uk

 

 

 

January 8, 2026 Posted by | Transport/Travel | , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Ørsted to File for Another Preliminary Injunction Against Stop-Work Order In US

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

This is the sub-heading.

Ørsted will submit a motion for a preliminary injunction against the recently imposed construction halt for its Sunrise Wind project in the US, the company said on 7 January, several days after announcing the same legal action in relation to Revolution Wind, which the developer is building through a joint venture with Skyborn Renewables.

These two paragraphs add more details.

For Sunrise Wind, Ørsted is set to file a complaint in the US District Court for the District of Columbia challenging the lease suspension order issued by the US Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) on 22 December 2025, which will be followed by a motion for a preliminary injunction.

The company says that Sunrise Wind, being built off New York, is now nearly 45 per cent complete, with 44 of 84 monopile foundations, the offshore converter station, and nearshore export cables installed. The construction of the onshore electric infrastructure is also substantially complete, according to the developer.

It appears now that Ørsted is now involved in two injunctions, as another one that I outlined in Ørsted-Skyborn JV Takes Legal Action Against US Gov’t Over Stop-Work Order; Seven Turbines Left To Install On Revolution Wind.

It would appear that Trump is throwing good money down the drain in pursuit of his stupid vendetta against wind farms.

January 7, 2026 Posted by | Uncategorized | , , , | Leave a comment

Ørsted-Skyborn JV Takes Legal Action Against US Gov’t Over Stop-Work Order; Seven Turbines Left To Install On Revolution Wind

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

This is the sub-heading.

On New Year’s Day, Revolution Wind LLC, the 50/50 joint venture between Ørsted and Skyborn Renewables, filed a supplemental complaint in the US District Court for the District of Columbia and plans to move for a preliminary injunction to block the lease suspension order recently imposed by the US government that stopped construction on its 704 MW project, which is now approximately 87 per cent complete and was expected to start generating power in January 2026.

These five paragraphs give more details of the story.

The lease suspension order, issued by the US Department of the Interior’s Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) on 22 December 2025, directed all major offshore wind projects under construction to pause pending a review of alleged national security risks.

The developer asserts the suspension is unlawful and would cause substantial harm to the project, similar to the August 2025 stop-work order.

The project partners say Revolution Wind secured all required federal and state permits in 2023 after extensive reviews and engaged in multi-year consultations with defence authorities, resulting in formal mitigation agreements.

The project is approximately 87 per cent complete, with all foundations, offshore substations and export cables – and 58 of the total 65 wind turbines – installed, and was expected to begin generating power this month.

The developer also noted that the project will supply affordable power to over 350,000 homes under long-term power purchase agreements and support grid reliability in the Northeast.

A Verdict From Google AI

Pending any final result from my learned friends, I asked Google AI, if Revolution Wind will win their case and received this answer.

The question of whether Revolution Wind will ultimately win its case against the federal government’s Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) has no final answer yet, as the litigation is ongoing. However, a federal judge has so far ruled in favor of Revolution Wind in a key preliminary step.

Key Developments in the Case

Initial Ruling: In September 2025, a U.S. District Court judge in D.C., Royce Lamberth, granted a preliminary injunction that allowed construction on the nearly-complete project to resume. The judge stated that Revolution Wind was likely to succeed on the merits of its claims and that the project would face “substantial harm” otherwise. The judge called the government’s initial “stop-work order” the “height of arbitrary and capricious action” because it failed to provide a factual basis for the cited national security concerns.

Outcome Uncertainty: The preliminary injunction allows work to continue while the full case proceeds, which could take years. The final outcome of the case depends on the court’s ultimate decision on the merits of the lawsuit

There is going to be some interesting reporting of this case, when the judges give their verdict.

The most interesting case, will probably be the one surrounding Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind as that is a 2.6 GW wind farm, which will generate a lot of fees for lawyers.

 

 

January 7, 2026 Posted by | Artificial Intelligence, Energy | , , , , , | 1 Comment

I Have Just Been Microsofted

Since New Year  2026, I have been experiencing problems running Google Chrome on Windows 10.

Google Chrome and Windows 10, seem to get their boundaries on the screen in a twist.

I asked Google AI, this question.

Is there a problem running Google chrome on Windows that has arisen since new year 2026

I received this answer,

There is no widespread, new functional problem running Google Chrome on Windows that has specifically arisen since the new year of 2026.

However, some users may be experiencing issues due to a new attempt by Microsoft to encourage the use of its Edge browser, or existing, ongoing security update requirements and occasional compatibility issues.

Potential Issues and Solutions
  • Microsoft Promotions: Microsoft has started 2026 with a new tactic to prevent Chrome downloads or steer users toward Edge through recent Windows updates. This does not impact the functionality of an already installed Chrome browser, but may present hindrances to new installations.
  • Security Updates: Google frequently releases security patches to address vulnerabilities (including “zero-day” exploits that are actively being used by hackers). If you have not restarted your browser recently, you may be running an outdated, potentially unsafe version, which could lead to performance issues or security warnings.

It looks to me, that Microsoft are following Trumpist tactics of being the bully.

I will just keep rebooting my computer, as that seems to work.

January 6, 2026 Posted by | Artificial Intelligence, Computing | , , , , , | 1 Comment

An Airbus A 380 On Finals At Heathrow

I realised this morning, that I needed an image of an Airbus A 380 and as I’d never flown in one, I didn’t have one.

 

So I went to Heathrow and took a few pictures as one does.

The aircraft was approaching on Runway 27 L.

 

 

 

 

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January 6, 2026 Posted by | Transport/Travel, Uncategorized | | Leave a comment

Britain’s Biggest Clean Power Projects Among 2.4GW Of Transmission Connections National Grid Delivers In 2025

The title of this post, is the same as that of this press release from National Grid.

This is the sub-heading.

Record-breaking renewable power projects are among the 2.4GW of new generation connections we plugged into our transmission network during 2025, in another key step in the UK’s clean energy transition.

This first paragraph adds some detail to the headlines.

This year’s works build on the 3GW of connections we delivered in 2024 – which included a new interconnector between Wales and Ireland – and is part of 12.6GW of generation capacity we’ve connected in England and Wales over the past five years.

The rate of connections appear to have been fairly steady over the last five years, at about 2.5 GW/year.

Three projects are highlighted.

  • In April the 373MW Cleve Hill Solar Park, Britain’s largest solar array, began exporting power across the network following work to connect it at our Cleve Hill substation in Kent.

 

  • Over summer Statera Energy’s Thurrock Storage project, the country’s biggest battery energy storage system (BESS), connected at our Tilbury substation in Essex to add 300MW of flexible capacity across London and the south east.

 

  • And in September we completed upgrades and commissioning activity at our Lackenby substation in North Yorkshire in readiness for RWE’s Sofia offshore wind farm – one of the world’s biggest – to complete construction.

They also completed works for more than 400MW of additional BESS connections during the year, including a 150MW scheme connecting at Ferrybridge substation in West Yorkshire, a 100MW facility plugging in at Thornton substation in North Yorkshire, and further projects at our substations in Enderby (Leicestershire), Rainhill (Merseyside) and Bredbury (Greater Manchester).

I think that adds up to ten projects in total.

It looks like National Grid had a good year.

 

January 5, 2026 Posted by | Energy, Energy Storage | , , , , , | 2 Comments

Direct London Trains ‘Could Start In 2026’

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

This is the sub-heading.

A new train company is hoping its proposals for new daily services from Shropshire to London Euston could begin towards the end of 2026.

Wrexham, Shropshire and Midlands Railway (WSMR), which is led by international rail firm Alstom, submitted a new bid at the end of last year to provide four daily trains.

These two paragraphs add detail to the story.

The county has not had a direct train link to the capital since Avanti West Coast stopped its single daily service in 2024 because of low passenger numbers.

The move has been welcomed by regular commuter Charlotte Foster, who lives on the Welsh border. She said a direct service would save her the stress of missing a connection or catching a train elsewhere.

These are my thoughts on this proposal.

I wonder If Alstom Will Be Using This route To Trial Hydrogen-Powered Trains?

Consider.

  • The route was a failure for Virgin Trains.
  • Perhaps the curiosity value of hydrogen-trains will generate sufficient traffic.
  • Hydrogen-electric trains will be very quiet. Those in Germany are hydrogen-electro-mechanical and very noisy.
  • The trains will be based on the proven Aventra platform.
  • I reported on Alstom’s hydrogen trains for the UK in Alstom Plans To Operate Its Own Passenger Train Service In The UK For The First Time.
  • Perhaps Alstom feel that an extended test will convince passengers that the trains are a good idea.
  • An extended test would give proper  costings for Great British Railways and prospective open access operators.

The map downloaded from the BBC article  shows the route.

Note.

  1. There are eight intermediate stops.
  2. Euston and Wolverhampton is 124.9 miles and fully electrified.
  3. Wolverhampton and Wrexham General is 59.9 miles and is not electrified.
  4. The section of the route without electrification at 120 miles return might need some new electrification for battery-electric trains, but from their experience in Germany, I suspect that Alstom, will know how to cover the route using hydrogen-hybrid trains, which would use the existing electrification between Euston and Wolverhampton.

This picture shows a visualisation of a possible Alston hydrogen train, which would probably be built in Derby on an Aventra platform.

Note.

  1. It could be up to five-cars long.
  2. I suspect Alstom could give the train a 125 mph cruising speed, so it could mix it with all the express trains between Euston and Wolverhampton.
  3. The trains would have a very long range on hydrogen.
  4. Hydrogen trains could certainly handle a round trip between Wolverhampton and Holyhead on a single fuelling.
  5. Hydrogen fuelling is likely to be setup at Cemex at Wrexham and the Port of Holyhead.

I think it could be an ideal trial route for hydrogen trains.

But also it could bring growth to the towns and cities between Wolverhampton and Holyhead.

Would Alstom’s Hydrogen-Hybrid Trains Be Suitable For Other Routes?

Most Certainly!

In the first place, the route could be extended to Holyhead, which would surely bring growth to the towns and cities between Wolverhampton and Holyhead.

This would create a zero-carbon route between London and the Island of Ireland.

But around the UK, there would be other routes.

I can envisage these routes being run by hydrogen-hybrid trains.

  • London Waterloo and Exeter –  Third-rail operation
  • London Bridge and Uckfield – Third-rail operation
  • London Bridge and Hoo – Third-rail operation
  • East Coastway and Marshlink Lines – Third-rail operation
  • Scotland – Replacement of Inter7City trains and filling in the gaps in electrification.

Note.

  1. Some areas already have or have plans for hydrogen supply networks.
  2. With the exception of supplying hydrogen, very little infrastructure would be needed.
  3. Hydrogen trains should be fairly quiet.
  4. Hydrogen trains don’t create much disruption, when they are installed.

Aventras have been fairly well received and can be between three and nine cars.

 

January 4, 2026 Posted by | Hydrogen, Transport/Travel | , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

Consultation On Offshore Wind Reform: Hydrogen Sector Calls For Hybrid Connection Concepts And Warns Of Compensation Risks

The title of this post, is the same as that of this article on the AquaVentus web site.

There is this statement on the home page.

Berlin, January 02 2026. In the context of the consultation launched by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWE) on the reform of the Wind Energy at Sea Act (WindSeeG), the hydrogen initiative AquaVentus is calling for clear legislative action to enable a cost-efficient and system-friendly development of offshore wind energy. At the heart of its position is the timely legal establishment of hybrid connection concepts, allowing offshore wind farms to be connected via both electricity cables and hydrogen pipelines.

Note.

  1. I’ve always felt that copying proven technologies from the offshore oil and gas industry is good practice.
  2. It may be easier to recycle infrastructure like pipelines, platforms and storage by creating the hydrogen offshore.
  3. In the UK, Centrica and SSE are already re-purposing natural gas storage for hydrogen.

It may feel safer to some for the hydrogen to be produced a distance offshore.

January 4, 2026 Posted by | Energy, Hydrogen | , , , | 1 Comment

If President Maduro Is Found Guilty Of The United States Charges Will He Face The Death Penalty?

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

Nicolás Maduro has been indicted on several charges in a U.S. federal court, primarily in the Southern District of New York. The potential penalties for these charges are:

 

  • Narco-terrorism conspiracy: This charge has a mandatory minimum prison sentence of 20 years and a maximum of life in prison.
  • Cocaine importation conspiracy: This charge carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years and a maximum of life in prison.
  • Weapons charges (using and possessing machine guns and destructive devices in furtherance of the conspiracies): These charges carry a mandatory minimum sentence of 30 years and a maximum of life in prison.

The maximum penalty for all charges combined is life imprisonment in a U.S. federal prison, a sentence that has been described as a “de facto life sentence” in the media. The U.S. Attorney General has stated that the goal is for him to face justice in a U.S. court and, if convicted, he could spend the rest of his life behind bars.

Will this be enough for Trump?

Who knows?

But The Lady On The Train may have a say.

Could Artificial Intelligent Judge Cases Without A Jury?

I just had to ask Google AI this question and received this answer.

Artificial intelligence is not currently used to judge cases or issue final verdicts without human oversight in any major legal system, and legal experts believe a full replacement is unlikely in the foreseeable future. The complex nature of law requires human qualities like empathy, moral judgment, and the ability to assess nuance and credibility, which AI currently lacks.

The current role of AI in the judiciary is primarily used as a tool to assist human judges and lawyers, not replace them.

Could Artificial Intelligent Perform Sentencing In Cases?

I just had to ask Google AI this second question and received this answer.

While artificial intelligence (AI) is already used in various legal processes, it cannot perform actual sentencing in legal cases in a legally binding capacity. Legal systems currently maintain that judicial discretion and the final decision-making authority must rest with a human judge to ensure accountability, due process, and fairness.

Does Artificial Intelligence Support A Reduced Role For Juries In Legal Cases?

I just had to ask Google AI this third question and received this answer.

Artificial intelligence  is currently being used to support, not replace, human decision-makers in the legal system, with experts highlighting the need for human judgment, empathy, and accountability in jury trials. The debate over AI’s potential to reduce the role of juries is ongoing, with arguments both for and against.

Conclusion

In all these questions, artificial intelligent didn’t appear to act above its station.

 

 

January 3, 2026 Posted by | Artificial Intelligence, Computing, World | , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment