I had some plans for posting this morning, but after three days of far too little sleep because of the impact of a cold or 'flu (and I remain deeply unsure at 67 as to the difference, although I do know I am not one of those with a life-threatening condition), I was too tired to do anything ast night, and then I finally slept during the night. Well, sort of. And in the end, I overslept by nearly two hours, which I always find deeply disorientating. I also have a throbbing head, plus a determination to make a couple of videos later this morning.
In the meantime, the Fed's decision to cut interest rates (which is welcome) will have to go uncommented, barring this observation.
So too will this newsletter report from the Telegraph this morning, except to give further reason to hang my head in my hands at the stupidity of those on the political right:
Slowing the pace of net zero could save the British economy £350bn, an official report has concluded.
A new analysis published by the National Energy System Operator (Neso) said that aiming for an 80pc reduction in carbon emissions by 2050, rather than the current “net zero” target, could save £14bn a year on average.
This will lso avoid further analysis, coming from The Guardian this time:
Fears about the profitability of the AI industry are on the rise again, after results from Oracle failed to impress Wall Street.
But do let me say, wasn't that always going to happen, just as the AI crash will, although it seems unlikely this side of Christmas now?
I am sure there is much else going on as well. But right now, it can wait. Please accept my apologies. I need breakfast, coffee and some paracetamol.
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Get well soon
I have been talking to others afflicted like you and even though they are the same age as your son’s they are not well either
One of them has it as well…
Be careful – I never take paracetamol – only aspirin – after paracetamol liver damage years ago.
Get well soon
Richard, get well soon.
On a related (to health) issue. In today’s Guardian Aditya Chakrabortty asks the question “What will be the cost of Keir Starmer’s new medicines deal with Donald Trump?” and answers it, simply, British lives. https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2025/dec/11/keir-starmer-medicines-deal-donald-trump-cost-british-lives?CMP=Share_iOSApp_Other
The wider question is the competence and direction of the UK government in managing, amongst other aspects, the health and well-being of the country. The way the deal has been constructed and sold to the public is shameful. It is a prime example of neoliberal economics and the fear of this government to deal with the neoliberal market order. Very simply, they have enabled profits ahead of people.
When it is clear that America is as much an adversary as an ally, it is truly disgraceful that they have increased costs (circa £3billion) and reduced positive medical outcomes.
Hands up the Labour acolytes who wish to volunteer to be the additional 6,192 (according to Streeting) and 15,971 (according to an expert on the economics of NHS medicines) deaths due to their sell-out of the NHS and the British people.
Aditya is right. People will be sacrificed to profit.
This might help your headache, Richard – get well soon. https://www.usdebtclock.org/
It is so stupid…
I have been N99 masking in public spaces for the past five years. I thought I was just avoiding repeat Covid infections, but it turns out there are other good reasons to mask too!
The difference between cold and flu, for me: if I stand at the bottom of the stairs and think crawling up is a good idea, it’s flu. Otherwise, a cold.
🙂
I’ve got a cold, then
I have been afflicted with a cold and cough for over a week now.
It’s not flu, though, because I have still been having my daily walk.
Thankful for the NHS flu jab I had a couple of months ago.
Get well.
I seem to have tunred a corner today: sleeping in was worth it.