BBC Puts 3D On Hold
The BBC is finding that the public is losing their attitude for 3D programming,according to this article. Here’s the first two paragraphs.
The BBC is to suspend 3D programming for an indefinite period due to a “lack of public appetite” for the technology.
Kim Shillinglaw, the BBC’s head of 3D, said it has “not taken off” with audiences who find it “quite hassly”.
I’ve only ever watched one thing in 3D, which was a presentation at CERN. I tend to think of 3D as an unnecessary gimmick.
Walking Round Broadstairs
I don’t remember Broadstairs much from my childhood, although I did recognise a house that was in a similar style to the one where my uncle lived. But his house seemed to have been replaced with a modern one.
We did walk along the beach and I had a pretty good lunch and some beers, which was the object of going to the town.
They’re Filling The Big Hole At Kings Cross
I took these pictures from South Eastern’s platform 13 at St. Pancras of the new Kings Cross development. The last time, I looked at it, it was just a big hole.
Judging by the developer’s web site, it will be some place.
Margaret Thatcher Day
The BBC is reporting that some Tory MPs want the August Bank Holiday to be renamed Margaret Thatcher Day in honour of the late former Prime Minister.
I think that not everything about Mrs. Thatcher was either good or bad but even if I was a massive supporter, I would not want to see the renaming.
Renaming the day would set a very dangerous precedent and every interest group would want a day named after their hero, so the arguments would go on ad infinitum, when there are more pressing problems facing the country.
But then most politicians don’t know a bad idea, when they see it!
Off To Broadstairs Today
In a moment, I leave for St. Pancras to get the fast train to Broadstairs, ostensibly to have lunch and a few sherbets with an old mate.
I have memories of the town, where we used to go to visit my father’s brother. I always thought that he never fathered any children, until I met one of his grandsons, who traced back to a wartime bigamous marriage. Every family has skeletons and mine has more than most.
The strangest thing now, is that when I go on a trip like this, I now make sure the house is tidy before I leave.
A Word Calls Up A Storm In Germany
My old German teacher; Frank Stabler, said that the German’s loved words and often joined them together to make long new ones.
But a new word imported into German from American English is causing a bit of a controversy.
The word is shitstorm and it was voted Anglicism of the Year in 2012 by German language experts, as is reported here.
It’s even been used by Angela Merkel, but I don’t think I’ve ever used it!
Just Sent A Text From My Landline
A guy rang me and a text was the best way to send him some info. So I used my BT6500 to send him a text.
German Pipe Fittings
On my trip back from Stockholm, between Osnabruck and Cologne, I sat next to a German electrical engineer.
He astounded me at one point, by saying that German pipe fittings on industrial plants were in Imperial units.
I have been unable to check on the Internet, but I assume it is true and is probably down to American influence.
The Dalston House Reaches China
I’ve just picked up an article on the Dalston House on a Chinese web site.
So I suppose we’ll now see Dalston Houses all over China.
The Archbishop Preaches
According to the Sunday Times, the Archbishop of Canterbury, wants to drive payday lenders and loan sharks out of business. He has delivered a speech to the House of Lords on the subject and it’s reported here.
I don’t share his optimism, as there are some bad practices that are impossible to stamp out, save of executing everybody who does them! But even would that discourage smokers? I doubt it!
He says we should encourage the growth of credit unions. It’s a laudable aim, but we have just so many financial illiterates for it to make any difference.
The Anonymous Widower 