Antibodies

Not quite like trying to get blood from a stone LOL...

For months I've been taking part in one of many Covid tracking programs, so have now done quite a few tests for the virus, as well as supplying daily updates on my health. This week I have been invited to take part in a finger prick antibody test, to help determine the level protection statistically there is in society. This test should distinguish between antibodies as a result of the virus and those created in relation to a vaccine. Interesting. While the blood flowed quite freely, getting it into the teeny tiny test tube was a whole different matter! Anyway sample is in the post now, results should be emailed in a few days.

New Arrival

I've been keeping the postman busy! Popped through my letterbox yesterday morning was the latest studio album from another favourite singer/song writer, the very talented Beverley Craven. Can't wait to put it in the CD player. Yes Downloads are more convenient and better for the planet but there are times when actually having a physical product in your hands is more preferable.

Peppa Effect

Just love this article from a New York publication! Apparently during the Pandemic kids in the US have been binging on Peppa Pig, resulting in some now speaking with a decidedly British twist. This story has also now been picked up by the BBC, where adult American interviewees are said to be perplexed when their children talk about "petrol stations", "telly", "mince pies for Father Christmas" and "holiday" to name but a few.

Read more here.

It does make a change from British children using Americanisms so I imagine in the scheme of things, it's all good and we're even LOL.

Righty-o I'm off for a cuppa!

Things Have Warmed Up

Summer seems to have decided to put in an appearance at last. We've gone from wet and unseasonably cool to dry and hot (for the UK) in the blink of an eye. Sunday is scheduled to be similar to the last two days and then the clever weather forecasters are predicting a move from Monday down towards more normal temperatures of the mid-twenties.

Added to this Monday brings the lifting of all formal Covid related restrictions on our day to day life in England. Many shops, pubs and cinemas have already said they will continue with their own measures for the safety of both workers and members of the public. How this will work in practice without legal backing is a matter for debate. Overseas travel will still be restricted to try to curb the export or import of new varieties of the virus. 

Mad Stad No More

The home of Reading Football Club, the Madejski Stadium, has from today a new name thanks to a sponsorship deal. With immediate effect the homeground of The Royals will be known as The Select Car Leasing Stadium. Doesn't exactly trip off the tongue does it LOL? I'm sure for many, just like another local landmark that has undergone a recent rebrand, it will forever be the Mad Stad.

ISS

Managed to obtain a pretty clear view of the International Space Station this evening. It's hard to think something the size of a football (soccer) stadium is a mere 200 miles above us and travelling at ridiculous speeds. Sadly this video taken with my phone doesn't do it justice. I'm in awe that such a man-made object, a real feat of science and engineering is orbiting our planet, and is a home to a number of tiny, insignificant human beings.

Fave

Nice to see one of my long standing favourite recording artists, Julia Fordham, has a new album out this month. Guess who's got their mitts on a copy LOL!

Hastings

Not sure if Line of Duty will return for another series but here's three minutes of Ted Hastings at his absolute best. Enjoy.

Crikey!

Used to be the phone book from BT was massive, at least an inch (approx 2.5 cm) thick. Now look at how insubstantial it looks! I suspect there are a number of factors at play here including the number of people who now refuse to have their home phone number publicly listed.