Wednesday notes

Happy Hump Day across the pond, otherwise a bright day after a very wet and windy start. At the moment, we're in double figure temperatures (10C), which are set to fall as colder air marches southeast. It is very changeable at the moment, with the Atlantic in full flow. Stormforce winds are possible overnight, but of course, we do not merit a warning.

The Indian state of West Bengal is affected by bird flu, H5N1 variety, which is prompting an increasingly extensive cull. Yesterday, a number of 2 million fowl was quoted, but as the outbreak spreads, this number could rise. Controlling the birdflu in West Bengal is very difficult, as many birds roam free, and have to be chased and caught before they can be despatched. Although the current form of the virus does not transmit to humans (other than through close contact with birds), people are dumping dead birds in wells and streams, and are reluctant to hand their live birds over to officials.

It is suggested that the UK could see the onset of broadband speeds of 100 Mbps, as towns and cities are supplied with fibre-optic cabling, needed for such speeds. BT (British Telecom) have been reluctant to make such an investment, but cable operator Virgin are making a start. BT are concerned that they may not be able to recoup their investment. At the moment, broadband speeds tend to be well below those advertised; my own broadband connections runs riot at 1Mbps, although it is advertised as "up to 8 Mbps".

Written by pharmolo Blog about this entry

This entry has 3 comments: (Add your own)

#3 Comment from lsfp1960
23/01/08 17:23 | Permalink

I can't believe people are contaminating their water source by dumping dead birds into wells. Isn't there anyone to warn them of the dangers of this practice? Cold (22*) and sunny here again today. The "S" word was mentioned in the forecast for this coming weekend. Linda freezing in WA http://journals.aol.com/lsfp1960/LindasWorld/
#2 Comment from ceilisundancer
23/01/08 15:39 | Permalink

As if dumping dead birds in wells and streams would help? Do these people not realize that it could lead to the SPREAD of the virus, potentially (or, if not that one, other diseases)?

Anyway, I had a friend whose father contracted one of those bird flus, not this one. They can be severe.

I hope this situation works out much better than the chaos it sounds to be currently.
#1 Comment from kirkbyj05
23/01/08 14:07 | Permalink

I empathise with you re-broadband speeds. I wonder what I am paying for sometimes.

What is Happy Hump Day all about?

Jeanie

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Wednesday notes