Not much this week - I confess that I have been getting up early to watch the cricket! Later in the day, it gives more meaning to my Nanna Nap.
Week 48 - Already!
The Support Black Pete action from last week was organized via WhatsApp. The cars that blocked the freeway may well be subject to traffic infringement fines. A fund has been set up to pay the fines - already €40,000 in the fund as of Tuesday. If the money is not used then any leftovers will go to charity.
The Sinterklaas boat - by our kids.
BBC - coffee rust
I listen to many, many hours of podcasts during the week. My favorites (and probably most-balanced) are the BBC and The Economist. Now, if only I could remember half the stuff I listen to...
Anyway, one BBC headline caught my eye about Coffee Rust Disease - I thought immediately that I must surely have it, given the amount of coffee that I drink!
But no, it turns out that the Arabica Bean is being attacked by coffee rust (a fungus), thus threatening the industry and prices. Of the two principal varieties, it is the most popular. There is a lesser known third (rust resistant) variety that they are trying to crossbreed. I can only hope.
As for drinking too much coffee... Barry sent me a link to a Guardian article which offers some solace to the coffee-addicted.
People who drink three to four cups of coffee a day are more likely to see health benefits than problems, experiencing lower risks of premature death and heart disease than those who abstain, scientists have said.
The research, which collated evidence from more than 200 previous studies, also found coffee consumption was linked to lower risks of diabetes, liver disease, dementia and some cancers.
Three or four cups a day confer the greatest benefit, the scientists said, except for women who are pregnant or who have a higher risk of suffering fractures.
Coffee is one of the most commonly consumed drinks worldwide. To better understand its effects on health, Robin Poole, a public health specialist at Britain’s University of Southampton, led a research team in an “umbrella review” of 201 studies based on observational research and 17 studies based on clinical trials across all countries and all settings.
“Umbrella reviews” synthesise previous pooled analyses to give a clearer summary of diverse research on a particular topic.
“Coffee drinking appears safe within usual patterns of consumption,” Pool’s team concluded in their research, published in the BMJ British medical journal on Wednesday.
Brexit
There was a documentary on TV that suggested that we will shortly see a lot more activity.
My own view is that they "threw out the baby with the bathwater" - somehow thinking that all the real or perceived grievances would be remedied by the referendum. Not unlike that other election. The reality now seems to be somewhat different.The European Medicine Agency is moving from London to Amsterdam. Other options were Milan, Copenhagen,(that pesky Oxford Comma, again) and Bratislava (and others). Amsterdam won the draw on (a "toss of the coin").
Amsterdam became a finalist in the EMA decision based on a proposal which included "a commitment to implement a relocation plan" for the almost 900 employees - in and around Amsterdam. Attractive and expensive!
It is also proposed to erect a purpose-built office block in the Zuidas district of Amsterdam Zuid (Southern Axle?)
Another institution, the EBA, the European Bank Authority also has to leave London. They have far fewer employees but is another example of things beginning to happen.
The TV documentary referred to consequences in the other direction - some European countries, including Germany, have fishing rights in the UK, for example - these will cease.
Around the Farm...
walking again...
Usually, the leaves end up at my place... there's still time.
We went to look at a boathouse for sale in Burgum. It has an asbestos roof! So the extra cost has to be calculated - only 8 years before it all has to be removed - everywhere, including our place! Still don't know where the money is going to come from...
Lastly, the Rain in Spain The Netherlands (A YouTube Video in English) - and it's all true!
Love the clip on the weather/rain. It wasn't that bad when we there, but we did have our moments. We would happy to have some of your rain, another very dry year, plus a record hot november.
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