20/01/18

[Maik]

US government in shutdown after Senate fails to pass new budget

The US government has started to shut down after Congress failed to overcome a bitter standoff over spending and immigration, marking a choatic end to Donald Trump's first year as president.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2018/01/19/democratic-leader-meets-donald-trump-crisis-talks-us-federal/

[Maik]

Patient who 'froze to death' in 16 hour wait for ambulance among 40 deaths and failings under review

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2018/01/19/patient-froze-death-16-hour-wait-ambulance-among-40-deaths-failings/

[Maik]

Montego Bay: Tourists in Jamaica warned to 'stay in hotels' as state of public emergency declared

Jamaica in January is full of appeal, with the tourist hub of Montego Bay (26C, sun) more enticing than Morecambe Bay (5C, rain).

The murder rate in St James parish, the district which includes Montego Bay, is twice as high as in any other parish; last year there were six killings a week on average.

http://www.independent.co.uk/travel/news-and-advice/jamaica-foreign-office-warning-uk-tourists-state-of-emergency-montego-bay-st-james-parish-murders-a8168051.html

Bye 'eck, move over Midsomer and Morse, make way for Montego Bay, the new Death in Paradise

[Maik]

Subversive Greeks stub out cigarette habit in record numbers
As tobacco use plummets, figures reveal dramatic attitude shift from EU’s worst offender

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/jan/20/subversive-greeks-stub-out-cigarette-habit

[Maik]

Teenage bell-ringer rescued from Abingdon belfry

A teenager has been rescued by fire crews after he became tangled in a church's bell-ringing ropes.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-oxfordshire-42758670

 

[Maik]

New Zealand debates access to dead sea life footage

In the waters around New Zealand - as many countries - animals including sea birds, dolphins, penguins and sea lions are routinely ending up in commercial fishing nets along with the intended catch.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-42729173

[Maik]

Is this Britain's oldest bike? 199-year-old bicycle found in disused barn

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2018/01/20/britains-oldest-bike-199-year-old-bicycle-found-disused-barn/

[Colleywobble]

Wouldn't like to go too far on that. Reckon I would need a cushion down my pants!!Grandson just called and I showed it to him ,he thought it was ace!!He is a road racer, number 5 in UK in his age group out with the professionals most days .That old bike would be good for the Eroica Bike race which is held every year and returns to Bakewell in the Peak District again this Summer. It's a great Festival of Cycling where all the bikes have to be Vintage and their riders dress in the old gear. It's a good day out especially if you get into Chatsworth Park with a picnic and watch them all go through.

[Jolly Roger]

Wouldn't like to go too far on that. Reckon I would need a cushion down my pants!!Grandson just called and I showed it to him ,he thought it was ace!!He is a road racer, number 5 in UK in his age group out with the professionals most days .That old bike would be good for the Eroica Bike race which is held every year and returns to Bakewell in the Peak District again this Summer. It's a great Festival of Cycling where all the bikes have to be Vintage and their riders dress in the old gear. It's a good day out especially if you get into Chatsworth Park with a picnic and watch them all go through.

According to their website, a vintage bike is anything older than 1987, so my 1980 Colnago with its' 1950 chainwheel changer should be acceptable. I also have a 1980 jersey that I still wear occasionally. Shame I will not be in England then.

[Colleywobble]

Shame you can't make it Roger its a very good weekend out with much going off in Bakewell itself besides the bike races. My Son and Grandson took part a couple of years ago but last year it was in a different venue and Joe was racing away so couldn't make it. We are looking forward to the Tour De Yorkshire again especially as it goes by our caravan on its way to Scarborough. Getting into quite an International event now. World Champs as well in 2019.Cycling certainly has taken off in Yorkshire and Derbyshire. In this area are a lot of the cyclists from the big teams which draws the crowds. Grandson just been awarded the Tommy Simpson memorial award £1000 for this year which was brilliant. Just ordered Tommy Simpson Bird on the Wire for Sons Birthday. Had a job as it has been sold out most places. Sounds a nice book for those interested in the story of local lad Tommy Simpson and cycling, but not cheap. More of a coffee table book I think. Never mind he is 50 so its special!!