British Strawberries In December
I purchased these strawberries at Marks & Spenbcers on Moorgate this morning.
Note.
- The packaging doesn’t photograph well.
- They were grown by the Summer Berry Co. in West Sussex.
- They also claim to be hand-picked.
- The tray appears to be made of good old-fashioned recyclable card-board.
- They are also labelled Not for EU, although they are Class 1!
I’ve eaten them before and they’re certainly good enough for this strawberry addict.
This Google Map shows the location of their strawberry fields.
The farm is located just to the North of Selsey and Bognor Regis.
Are Strawberries Good For Uncomplicated Pancolonic Diverticular Disease?
As a sufferer of the disease, I have to ask Google AI, the question in this sub-title.
This is the answer I received.
Yes, strawberries are good and safe for people with uncomplicated pancolonic diverticular disease. Current medical evidence and guidelines indicate that there is no need to avoid small seeds found in fruits like strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries.
This is the rationale
In the past, it was a common belief that small food particles like seeds could get trapped in the diverticula (the small pouches in the colon wall), causing inflammation (diverticulitis). However, this theory has been debunked by recent research.
As I’ve always preferred strawberries to an elaborate dessert, even in my friend’s Michelin-starred restaurant, I wonder, if I’ve had uncomplicated pancolonic diverticular disease for many years.
The source of the answer was from Johns Hopkins University.
Artificial Intelligence To The Rescue
This evening, I had a Marks & Spencer Chicken jalfrezi with Basmati Rice for supper.
Marks put a green vegetable in the rice, which I’m not keen on as it gets stuck in the back of my throat.
So tonight, I picked it out with my hand before cooking, and put it in the food waste.
It didn’t make any difference to the cooking, but as I sat down to eat, I noticed that my right hand was going red.
As I’d never picked the dreaded green vegetable out of the rice before, I asked Google AI, if handling spices can make my hand go red and received this reply.
Yes, handling certain spices, particularly chili peppers, can definitely make your hands go red. This reaction is known as “Hunan hand syndrome” or “chili burn” and is caused by the chemical compound capsaicin.
That, certainly happened to me.
It might almost may have been worse for me because.
- My mother taught me to cook in the 1950s and she didn’t use lots of spices in her cooking. So I never learned about the dangers of spices.
- I have a leaking skin, which allows water in and out of my body easily.
- I have an immune system, like a platoon of the SAS on steroids.
So was this, why I was affected?
I then asked Google AI, “What do you do, if you react badly to chilli”, and received this reply.
If you experience a bad reaction to chili (caused by the compound capsaicin), consume dairy products (like milk or yogurt), acidic foods/drinks (lemonade or orange juice), or starches (bread or rice) for relief.
For severe symptoms like difficulty breathing or chest pain, seek immediate medical attention as it could be an allergic reaction.
For Reactions in the Mouth
The primary methods work because capsaicin is oil-soluble, not water-soluble. Water will only spread the burning sensation.
Dairy Products: Milk, yogurt, and sour cream contain a protein called casein, which acts like a detergent to strip away the oily capsaicin molecules from your pain receptors. Whole or full-fat dairy products tend to be more effective than low-fat versions.
Acidic Foods/Drinks: The acidity in items like lemon or lime juice helps to neutralize the alkaline capsaicin molecule.
Sugary Foods: A spoonful of sugar or honey can absorb the capsaicin oil and provides a distraction from the pain.
Starches/Carbohydrates: Eating plain bread, rice, or potatoes can help by creating a physical barrier and absorbing the capsaicin molecules.
Oils/Nut Butters: Capsaicin dissolves in fat. Swishing with a bit of olive oil or eating a spoon of peanut butter can help dissolve and remove the capsaicin.
For Reactions on the Skin
If you experience a burning sensation on your skin after handling chilies:
Wash the area thoroughly with dish soap and water several times, as dish soap is designed to cut grease and oil.
Soak the affected skin in milk or apply yogurt/sour cream.
You can also try a paste made of baking soda and water, or soaking the area in a diluted vinegar solution.
If the pain is severe and persistent, over-the-counter pain relievers or topical corticosteroid creams may offer relief.
When to Seek Medical Attention
While a normal reaction to chili is an intense sensation rather than actual harm, a true allergy can be serious.
Seek emergency medical care immediately if you experience:
Difficulty breathing, wheezing, or shortness of breath
Swelling of the mouth, lips, or tongue
Chest pain or heart palpitations
Uncontrollable nausea or vomiting
Luckily for me, a yogurt worked.
Conclusion
I shall use a suitable tool, like pliers or tweezers, when handling those dreaded green vegetables.
SeaTwirl AB Signs Agreement To Explore Ehe Feasibility Of Electrification Of Aquaculture In Chile
The title of this post, is the same, as that of this press release from SeaTwirl.
This is the sub-heading.
SeaTwirl AB has entered into an agreement to carry out a feasibility study for electrification of fish farms together with a global industrial supplier. The intention of the collaboration is to assess the use of SeaTwirl’s floating vertical-axis wind turbines to provide renewable electricity to offshore-based equipment at aquaculture assets in Chile.
These three paragraphs add more details.
The feasibility study will cover a comprehensive scope, including energy demand and power system requirements, environmental site conditions, cost assessments, supply chain opportunities, and logistics in Chilean waters with the intention to reduce dependence on diesel. The study is expected to be completed during 2026, and the results will help determine next steps.
Chile is home to one of the largest aquaculture industries in the world, and the sector is pursuing ambitious sustainability goals including lower emissions, increased use of renewable power and reduced risk of spills. While the contractual value of the agreement is limited, at approximately SEK 0,8 million, the engagement will generate revenue and represent an important step in SeaTwirl’s commercialization effort.
“This collaboration marks an exciting step towards our purpose to enable floating wind power wherever it is needed, and to expand the use of floating wind technology beyond traditional grid-connected applications. The aquaculture industry has a clear need for offshore renewable energy, and we believe our technology can deliver a robust and cost-effective solution. It is also a major milestone to become involved in the southern hemisphere where many of the challenges we try to address, such as limited availability of cranes, vessels, and yard infrastructure, may be more challenging than in the north. We see significant potential in the aquaculture segment and look forward to beginning this journey in South America”, says Johan Sandberg, CEO of SeaTwirl.
I do find it strange, that the two vertical wind turbines, that both seem to be more than prototypes are both Scandinavian.
The Ventum Dynamics turbine, that I talked about in Are These Turbines An Alternative To Solar Panels? is Norwegian and this one is installed on Skegness Pier.
IKEA could sell these for DIY-enthusiasts to assemble and erect. On my stud, I used to have a barn, that could certainly have taken two of these 1.5 KW VX175 turbines.
This link is video of a dancing and swimming SeaTwirl.
If you follow, the SeaTwirl video to its conclusion, you’ll see one being erected in the sea. I can assure you that in the 1970s, my 25-year-old self, did the calculations for a reusable oil production platform called a Balaena, which erected on the same principle. So, I’m fairly certain, that SeaTwirls can be an alternative to traditional wind turbines.
DeepForm
On Wednesday I went to the TDAP Wave 8 Demo Day, which was organised by the Advanced Propulsion Centre.
One of the cohort of companies there was DeepForm, who were described like this.
DeepForm is transforming sheet metal pressing with its patented cold-shear press design, which reduces blank sizes by up to 45 % and trimming waste by up to 85%. This drop-in technology lowers material costs and embodied CO2 in existing press lines without compromising performance, quality or speed. Spun out of the University of Cambridge in 2022, DeepForm enables OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers to adopt the breakthrough through IP licensing, simulation and design support.
The company have an impressive web site, which deserves a very full read.
In their presentation, they showed two products, that could benefit from their innovation; a large steel component for Jaguar Land Rover and a humble aluminium drink can.
As I walked home ntoday, I saw this advert displayed on a bus stop.
The cans for BuzzBallz are also shown on the company’s web site.
But these products are are only the start.
For instance, I can see lots of small plastic items and components, that can’t be recycled, could be made from aluminium, which is easy to be recycle.
I also think companies like IKEA will love the design freedom, the technology will give.
Does Ginger Make You Feel Good?
I ask this question, as yesterday, I ran out of the Marks & Spencer’s gluten-free stem ginger snap biscuits.
So after buying some this morning, I have just had three biscuits dunked in tea for my lunch.
I sometimes eat as many as four packets a week, so out of curiosity I asked Google AI, the question in the title of this post and received this reply.
Yes, ginger can make you feel good due to its many benefits, including easing nausea and indigestion, reducing inflammation, and improving circulation. It may also help relieve pain, boost energy levels, and promote relaxation, although it’s always best to consult a healthcare professional before taking supplements.
Google seems to be using this web page from Johns Hopkins Medicine, which is entitled Ginger Benefits, as a source.
I have a few extra thoughts about ginger.
Several Of The Posts On This Blog Have Mentioned Ginger
This link displays them all.
Is It OK To Eat Chocolate Rice Cakes With Uncomplicated Pancolonic Dulverticular Disease?
Since I have been diagnosed with uncomplicated pancolonic dulverticular disease, I have eating at least half a packet of Kallo chocolate rice cake thins most days.
Perhaps, the small amount of dark chocolate soothes my gut?
What does Google AI think about the title of this post?
Yes, it is generally considered OK to eat chocolate rice cakes with uncomplicated pancolonic diverticular disease (diverticulosis), especially if you are not experiencing a flare-up.
Diverticular disease guidelines for symptom-free individuals recommend a healthy, balanced, high-fiber diet, and there is no evidence that specific foods like nuts, seeds, or plain rice cakes cause harm or trigger flare-ups.
Whilst they don’t seem to cause harm or flare up, I shall continue to eat them.
I did ask Google AI “Do small amounts of dark chocolate soothe uncomplicated pancolonic dulverticular disease?” and I received this answer.
Small amounts of dark chocolate are not a treatment to “soothe” Uncomplicated Pancolonic Diverticular Disease; however, it can generally be included in the diet as part of a high-fiber approach for managing the condition. There is no evidence that it, or any specific food, causes or soothes the condition.
It doesn’t appear it will do any harm though!
A Quick High-Fibre Meal
I have been told that because of my uncomplicated pancolonic diverticular disease, I should try to stick to a high-fibre diet.
So how about beans on toast followed by strawberries?
Note.
- I use Heinz Snap Pots as it cuts the washing up.
- The beans had 7.4 g. of fibre.
- The bread had 5.25 g. of fibre.
- The yoghurt had <0.5g. of fibre.
- The strawberries had 9.5 g. fibre.
- That is a total of 22.2 g. of fibre.
I used a teaspoon to stir the beans, but then I use a lot of teaspoons, when I’m cooking.
Can A Glass Of Orange Juice Act As A Laxative?
I’ve just had a dramatic demonstration that it does work, so I asked Google AI, the question in the title of this post and I received the following answer.
Yes, a glass of orange juice can act as a mild laxative due to its fiber content (especially with pulp) and the flavonoid naringenin, which may have a laxative effect. It also provides hydration, which is crucial for soft, regular bowel movements.
As, in this weather with low pressure, I seem to be suffering from constipation more than usual, I’ll make sure I always have orange juice in the fridge.
Orange juice is also a good alternative, as in Can You Take A Dulcolax With Uncomplicated Pancolonic Diverticular Disease?, I found I couldn’t take my usual laxative, as I have been diagnosed with uncomplicated pancolonic diverticular disease.
Can You Take A Dulcolax With Uncomplicated Pancolonic Diverticular Disease?
I was suffering from constipation this morning, as the low barometric pressure was drawing the water out of my body.
So I wondered if I could safely take one of my usual Dulcolax tablets.
I asked Google AI, the question in the title of this post and received this reply.
You should not take Dulcolax with uncomplicated pancolonic diverticular disease, especially during a flare-up, without first consulting a healthcare provider. Stimulant laxatives like Dulcolax can be risky and may cause issues, such as gastrointestinal problems or increased risk of perforation. Instead, a healthcare provider will likely recommend consulting them for advice on which constipation treatments, if any, are appropriate, such as bulk-forming laxatives if your diet is insufficient.
I didn’t take any Dulcolax tablets.
But I’ve just hydrated myself with a bottle of Adnams Ghost Ship 0.5% Beer and it did the trick!
The New Entrance To Battersea Power Station Station – 7th October 2025
The new entrance to Battersea Power Station station opened recently, so I went to have a look.
Note.
- The first picture shows the terrible train indicators in Moorgate station.
- Comparing the next three pictures with the first, show how much better the lighting is in Battersea Power Station station is compared to Moorgate station.
- Someone had the thought to put up a sign to indicate the new entrance.
- The entrances are at opposite ends of a spacious ticket hall.
- There are lifts to the surface.
- Exit is direct into a parade of smart shops.
- The Leon is more upmarket, than their Hanover Square outlet.
- There is a Boots, an M & S Food and a Zara close to the new entrance to the station.
- There was a lot more greenery, than when I last visited.
I finished my visit by walking down to the river to catch the Thames Clipper back to London Bridge station.
The Anonymous Widower 