An AI-Based Bit Of Fun For The Bank Holiday
Most of us know the old Monty Python joke about X is not a messiah, he’s a very naughty boy.
So what do you get if you put in some real or imaginary people into Google?
Robert Maxwell
I used the past tense.
Robert Maxwell wasn’t the messiah, he was a very naughty boy.
This is the AI Overview, that I received from Google AI.
He wasn’t the messiah, but “Captain Bob” was certainly a very naughty boy.
The British media tycoon looted hundreds of millions from his own employees’ pension funds to prop up a multi-billion-pound debt mountain.
His empire spectacularly collapsed when he mysteriously fell from his yacht in 1991.
Ghislaine Maxwell
What do you get from his evil daughter.
Ghislaine Maxwell wasn’t the messiah, she is a very naughty girl.
This is the AI Overview, that I received from Google AI.
It is a brilliant Monty Python reference, but legally speaking, she was convicted of child sex trafficking.
Currently serving a 20-year sentence in federal prison, her projected release date is July 17, 2037.
She recently appeared before the House Oversight Committee where she invoked her Fifth Amendment right to remain silent, and Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche has officially stated he will not recommend a presidential pardon for her.
How To Play The Game
Split everybody into two groups, who each choose a subject for Google AI to analyse.
The funniest analysis wins.
Digger Engines Drive JCB’s Attempt On Hydrogen-Powered Land Speed Record
The title of this post, is the same as that of this article in The Times.
This is the sub-heading.
The Hydromax is expected to exceed 350mph on Bonneville Salt Flats in August in a vehicle driven by the fastest man on earth — Wing Commander Andy Green
These three paragraphs introduce the story.
The British construction firm JCB will attempt to break the world hydrogen-powered land speed record this summer, using engines from the company’s latest diggers.
The record attempt will take place at the famous Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah, where Sir Malcolm Campbell broke the 300mph barrier in 1935 with Blue Bird.
The vehicle, driven by the fastest man on earth — Wing Commander Andy Green OBE — is a bespoke streamliner dubbed the JCB Hydromax.
My first job on leaving Liverpool University with a degree in Control Engineering, was in ICI’s hydrogen plant at Runcorn.
In those days, ICI had little use for the gas and except for use as a feedstock for some niche and unusual products, and research all over the country, most of the gas produced was mixed with coal gas and sent down the power station to raise steam.
But talk around the Research Department on Runcorn Heath and some older employees had memories from World War II of hydrogen being used in transport experiments.
I asked Google AI,”Was Research In World War II In The UK Done Into Hydrogen Powered Vehicles?” and received this answer.
Yes, research and development into hydrogen-powered systems were conducted in the UK during World War II, primarily focused on fuel cells for submarines rather than hydrogen-powered road vehicles, which were more commonly powered by “coal gas” or “producer gas”.
So I suspect Runcorn provided the hydrogen for the research.
In Sutton Station To Gatwick Airport By Hydrogen-Powered Bus, I describe how I made the trip to the airport in a hydrogen-powered bus. And all for free because I have a Freedom Pass and in a mouse-quiet vehicle!
These buses from Wrightbus in Northern Ireland are superb influences for the use of hydrogen as a zero-carbon fuel.
Hopefully, the JCB Hydromax will persuade more people to think positively of hydrogen.
I wish Lord Bamford and his team, the best of luck.
Will The Green Mayor In Hackney Affect The Value Of My House?
I asked Google AI the question in the title of this post and received this reply.
Based on the 2026 Hackney Green Party manifesto and local policy updates, a Green-led council in Hackney is likely to implement policies aimed at environmental sustainability, improved social housing, and stricter regulation of private property, which could have mixed effects on property values.
Here is how the Green Party’s approach in Hackney might impact your home value:
Potential Upward Pressures on Property ValueGreen Infrastructure Improvements:
The council is prioritizing increased green canopy cover (target of 30%) and the installation of electric vehicle charging points.
Increased green space and improved environmental quality can enhance the desirability of residential areas, often positively impacting house prices.
Energy Efficiency Upgrades: Continued investments in insulating homes and supporting heat pump installations could make older properties more attractive to buyers concerned about energy efficiency and lower utility bills.
“Alive and Flourishing” Strategy: Efforts to reactivate underused spaces could improve local amenities, making neighbourhoods more vibrant and potentially increasing demand.
Potential Downward or Stabilizing Pressures on ValueFocus on Social and Affordable Housing: A core priority is building 1,000 new council homes for social rent, along with a focus on “genuinely affordable” housing.
A shift away from high-end private luxury development towards affordable housing can reduce the rate of capital growth in the private market.
Rent Controls and Regulation: Green Party policy includes lobbying for local rent controls.
While this directly impacts buy-to-let investors, it can change the investment landscape and overall demand for investment properties in the borough.
Regulation of Empty Homes: The council plans to double Council Tax for properties left vacant for 12 months or more, and may use Compulsory Purchase Orders (CPOs) for long-term empty buildings.
Expansion of Selective Licensing: Proposals to expand landlord licensing schemes to cover more of the borough could increase costs for landlords, potentially causing some to exit the market.
Potential Tax and Regulatory Factors
Council Tax Increases: The budget for 2026/27 includes a standard 4.99% council tax increase.
Stricter Developer Obligations: Increased requirements for developers to contribute to community infrastructure could increase development costs, although the focus is often on increasing social value rather than solely high-end investment.
Conclusion
Hopefully Nothing Too Bad! But who knows?
Is The 141 The Worst Bus Route In London?
Judging by the constant conversation on the 141 bus, that I take regularly, I thought with local elections coming up this week, this was a very timely question to ask Google AI.
Google AI gave me this answer.
The 141 bus route is often considered poor by passengers, though it is not officially ranked as London’s worst.
Criticisms center on overcrowding, issues with BYD electric buses, and reliability issues while traveling between Palmers Green and London Bridge.
Why the 141 Route is Criticized:
Overcrowding: The route is heavily used to connect outer areas like Turnpike Lane to Bank and Moorgate, leading to high passenger volume.
Vehicle Issues: Complaints have been made regarding the BYD double-deck buses used on this route, which have been described as having narrow seats, high steps, and poor handling of cold weather.
Reliability: The route has been affected by roadworks, such as on the North Circular.
Comfort: The back of the bus downstairs has been described as “pokey”.
While the 141 has negative feedback, other routes have officially received more complaints or had lower average speeds (e.g., the 14 bus).
According to, the 141 is popular for the Hopper Fare, but the issues with the buses make it a less-than-ideal journey.
I wonder who’s standing for election on a ticket, that includes improving the buses.
Google AI wasn’t any help.
Across London At The Back Of A 38 Bus
To get to see Banksy’s new statue, that I wrote about in Banksy’s New Statue In Waterloo Place, I took to 38 bus from behind my house to Piccadilly Circus.
I sat in the two seats at the back of the bus and took these pictures on the route.
Note.
- The fourth picture shows the statue of Hugh Myddleton at Islington Green.
- Pictures 41-45 show the distinctive Centre Point and the major interchange of Tottenham Court Road station.
- Foyles is in Picture 50.
- A zedwell capsule hotel in the Picture 58. It has over a 1,000 capsules.
- The last two pictures show Piccadilly Circus with Eros.
From Piccadilly Circus, I just walked down Regent Street to Waterloo Place.
Banksy’s New Statue In Waterloo Place
This was unveiled yesterday, so I had to go and see it today.
I walked down to Waterloo Place from Piccadilly Circus, so it was a rather easy downhill walk.
I then took these pictures.
Note.
- The tall column in Waterloo Place and one of these pictures, is the Duke of York Column, which features a bronze statue of Prince Frederick, Duke of York and Albany.
- The guy on the horse is King Edward VII.
- The gilded statue is of Athena on the front of the Athenaeum Club.
- The guys from Conways seem to be on hand with plastic security fencing, so that if anybody falls over they will fall on something a bit soft and the Council won’t get sued.
But two questions must be answered.
- Who does the statue depict?
- Will the City of Westminster, let Banksy’s feral art occupy a place, where a lesser politician or member of the Royal Family could be placed?
I have heard a very creditable rumour, that answers the first!
How Not To Resurface An Intersection
I took these pictures in the City of London at the North end of Moorgate this morning, where the road is crossed by Eldon Street and Ropemaker Street.
Note.
- I had only gone to the area to get a 141 bus to travel home and found that no buses were running on Moorgate.
- There was no information or signs displayed to help travellers.
- The Marks and Spencer’s store appeared to be completely cut off.
- I believe that this road is the responsibility of the London Borough of Islington, not the City of London.
- Luckily, Leon was unexpectedly open, so I popped inside to have a delicious Full English, gluten-free breakfast and a cup of tea, before my walk.
- Also, one of their staff was tall enough to see over the road works and ascertain, that the buses were running in Finsbury Square.
With difficulty, I was able to walk to the next bus stop on Finsbury Square and get safely home.
I have a few thoughts.
This Was Mushroom Management At Its Worst!
All it needed was a few signs on the bus stop by Moorgate station and dotted around the site to explain the situation, but no-one took the responsibility to provide the information.
Surely, This Is The Type Of Site, Where Hydrogen Powered Construction Equipment Should Be Used!
- It would provide better atmosphere for workers and passers-by.
- Some equipment would be quieter.
Do Less Numbers Of Knives In A Kitchen Cut Knife Crime?
I’ve thought this might be possible, so I asked Google AI and I received this answer.
Yes, reducing the number of kitchen knives, particularly by replacing pointed-tip knives with safer, rounded-tip alternatives, is considered an effective, evidence-based method to cut knife crime. Research indicates that kitchen knives are used in at least half of all stabbings, making them a primary weapon in both domestic and public violence.
Here is a breakdown of how reducing the number or type of kitchen knives impacts knife crime:
The Impact on Knife Crime
Reduced Lethality: Studies in Crime Science and by De Montfort University found that round-tipped knives do not pierce clothing in the same way as pointed knives, significantly reducing the potential for fatal injuries in stabbing incidents.
Lowered Availability: Because many violent attacks are impulsive, reducing the availability of lethal kitchen knives—by limiting ownership, changing the design, or having fewer in the home—can stop them from being used as weapons of convenience.
Preventing Domestic Homicides: Pointed kitchen knives are involved in over 50% of stabbing homicides in the UK. Removing them is seen as a key way to reduce fatalities in domestic altercations.
Proposed Strategies to Reduce Knife Numbers
Phasing Out Pointed Tips: Researchers are calling for the phasing out of traditional pointed kitchen knives, replacing them with rounded-tip knives, as they still function fully for cooking but are far less effective as weapons.
“Pointless” Campaigns: Police units, such as those in Kent and Nottinghamshire, have launched “Safer Knife Replacement Schemes” that offer families rounded knives in exchange for their pointed ones.
Restricting Sales: Proposals include banning the sale of long-pointed kitchen knives, which are identified as a primary weapon and are not considered essential by many chefs for daily food preparation.
Limitations
Complex Issue: While reducing access to dangerous knives is a major step,experts believe it cannot be the only solution; it must be accompanied by education, youth support, and other crime-prevention initiatives.
Replacement Effects: There is debate over whether offenders will simply switch to other weapons if long, pointed knives are restricted, though studies on similar interventions (like reducing access to paracetamol) suggest that reducing the easiest means of violence still saves lives.
In summary, reducing the number of pointed, easily accessible knives in the kitchen is not just about having fewer knives, but changing the type of knives available, which is deemed a highly practical step in reducing violent injuries.
I wondered if the answer for a household would be the same.
Repeating the question with household, I received the following answer.
Yes, research suggests that reducing the number of easily accessible, pointed kitchen knives in households—or replacing them with safer, rounded-tip alternatives—can cut knife crime and reduce the severity of injuries.
Kitchen knives are the most common weapon used in stabbings and homicides, particularly in domestic violence situations, because they are readily available and often taken from the home.
Here is an analysis of how reducing household knife availability impacts crime:
The “Weapon of Choice” Problem
High Prevalence: Statistics from England and Wales show that pointed kitchen knives are involved in over 50% of homicides where the weapon type is known.
Impulsive Crime: Many knife offenses are spontaneous acts, often influenced by alcohol or drugs. When a weapon is not immediately available, the chance of the altercation escalating to a killing drops significantly.
Accessibility: Unlike illegal weapons like zombie knives or machetes, traditional kitchen knives are available in every home, making them a common choice for both teenagers and domestic abusers.
Evidence-Based Solutions
Replacing Pointed Knives: Research from De Montfort University found that round-tipped kitchen knives do not penetrate clothing in stab tests, whereas pointed ones do. Swapping pointed tips for rounded tips could significantly reduce the lethality of attacks.
Safer Knife Initiatives: Pilot projects, such as the “Pointless” scheme by the Kent and Medway Violence Reduction Unit, have successfully replaced pointed kitchen knives with round-ended knives in homes with residents at risk of violence.
Targeted Reduction: Experts recommend that a reduction in household knife crime can be achieved without restricting legitimate cooking activities by simply phasing out the long, pointed-tip knife in favor of safer designs.
Impact on Crime Rates
Lowering Lethality: While reducing the sheer number of knives is a factor, the primary focus is on reducing the lethality of the knives available, which is argued to reduce the overall homicide rate rather than just causing offenders to “switch” to other tools.
Preventing Domestic Tragedy: Because a large number of, specifically female, homicides occur in domestic settings, restricting access to sharp kitchen knives is viewed as a key preventative measure for this type of violent crime.
In summary, reducing the number of pointed knives in a household, or changing the standard design of kitchen knives to safer alternatives, is considered a practical, evidence-based intervention to cut knife-related deaths.
We Can Also Apply Delia’s Little Chopper
My picture has no knives visible, only this device.
It is difficult to deliberately cut yourself with this device. Especially as it needs to be plugged in.
Perhaps we need a lot more clever, safe machines and robots in the kitchen?
Has Donald Trump Made Any Reasoned Comments About Lord Sugar?
This was an obvious question to ask Google AI and I received this answer.
Donald Trump has not made any significantly “reasoned” or analytical comments regarding Lord Alan Sugar. Instead, his public comments have been focused on a 2012 Twitter spat and personal attacks aimed at undermining Sugar’s business reputation.
Twitter Spats (2012): The feud escalated when Trump used Twitter to criticize Sugar’s support for wind turbines in Scotland. Trump attacked Sugar’s business acumen, stating, “If you think ugly windmills are good for Scotland you are an even worse businessman than I thought and, in my opinion, should not be doing The Apprentice”.
“Small Timer” Accusations: Trump has accused Sugar of being “not successful enough” to host The Apprentice and claimed that the show’s success in the UK was solely due to his own American format.
Personal Claims: Trump asserted that he “approved” Sugar for the British version of the show and instructed him to “drop to your knees and thank me”.
Earlier Admiration (2010): Before the feud, Trump reportedly made a positive comment to the BBC in 2010, expressing admiration for his counterpart and stating Sugar had “done great” on the show.
Lord Sugar has responded by calling Trump “useless,” “not in his class,” and a “blatant liar”.
Has Lord Sugar Made Any Reasoned Comments About Donald Trump?
This was an obvious question to ask Google AI and I received this answer.
Yes, Lord Alan Sugar has made several reasoned and critical comments regarding Donald Trump over the years, primarily focusing on Trump’s business acumen, his performance on The Apprentice, and his political actions.
Based on his public comments, primarily around 2016–2020 and later, Sugar’s views can be summarized as follows:
Apprentice Performance: Sugar has frequently argued that he is superior to Trump in the context of hosting The Apprentice, calling Trump “useless” in comparison and asserting that Trump was “not in his class”.
Business Acumen: Sugar has challenged the notion of Trump’s extreme wealth, at one point suggesting he would challenge Trump to show whose check for £100 million would clear, referring to Trump’s claims of wealth as “nonsense”.
Political Style and Media Handling: Sugar has criticized Trump’s handling of the media, describing him as “childish” for blaming media outlets and labelling him a “blatant liar”. In 2020, he referred to Trump as a “comedian” who talked “rubbish” regarding his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, noting that his advice was erratic and contradictory.
Trade and Policy: Sugar has criticized Trump’s economic policies, such as tariffs, describing them as “a disaster” that do not take into account the “ramifications of his actions”.
Despite these criticisms, Sugar acknowledged in 2020 that Trump possessed a “fighting spirit” that resonated with his followers.
The Anonymous Widower 