Brexit, for once some facts.

[Zlatan]

You needn't be disappointed. Although a theoretical physicist, Robert Oppenheimer was appointed the administror of the Manhatten project and he was excellent in that role. However he was also a self publicist and promoter who gave the public impression that it was his brilliance that created nuclear weapons which certainly wasn't true. He had under him a team of mainly European brilliant scientists, chief among them Enrico Fermi who was the real nuclear science genius. Being awarded a Nobel prize in 1938 gave Fermi and his family the opportunitry to escape to the USA with US help, since as an Italian Jew he feared the rise of the Nazis.

"Situated safely in the United States, in 1939, Fermi was appointed professor of physics at New York's Columbia University. While there, Fermi discovered that if uranium neutrons were emitted into fissioning uranium, they could split other uranium atoms, setting off a chain reaction that would release enormous amounts of energy. His experiments led to the first controlled nuclear chain reaction in Chicago, on December 2, 1942, under Chicago's athletic stadium. Subsequently, during World War II, Fermi became one of the principal leaders on the Manhattan Project, which focused on the development of the atomic bomb."

In summary, Fermi got the Nobel prize for his nuclear physics discoveries even before the war. Oppenheimer never did get a Nobel prize, but for running the Chicago project he did get an Enrico Fermi award later from President Kennedy.
.

I, ve grown up thinking I, d met the bloke. You dont check when you are a kid. Dad just said "Oppenheimer was coming to see our dog".. Which he did with 2 car full of folk in uniform. Wasn't until Danidl said he died in 67 that I checked.
Apparently my Oppenheimer was an ex wing commander in Sheffield for a Lancaster fly past of Lady Bower.!!! Still makes a story I suppose.
But on serious side I did wonder when I was older, if he(Robert) thought he, d been a force for good or bad. I wonder if he thought he, d saved thousands by shortening WW2 or killed thousands on Hiroshama. I don't think it would be a nice dilemna to grow old with. Bit different to mine... I should have sailed more..and not argued with OG.Plus a few others I, m not mentioning on here.

 

[flecc]

I, ve grown up thinking I, d met the bloke. You dont check when you are a kid. Dad just said "Oppenheimer was coming to see our dog".. Which he did with 2 car full of folk in uniform. Wasn't until Danidl said he died in 67 that I checked.
Apparently my Oppenheimer was an ex wing commander in Sheffield for a Lancaster fly past of Lady Bower.!!! Still makes a story I suppose.

I made the same mistake when I was very young, just five years old. Living at a little distance was a woman named Beatrice who hated children. Later on I got her mixed up in my mind with Beatrix Potter, think that accounts of her liking children were rubbish. It was only when I was older that I discovered that "my" Beatrice was Beatrice Chase!

But on serious side I did wonder when I was older, if he(Robert) thought he, d been a force for good or bad. I wonder if he thought he, d saved thousands by shortening WW2 or killed thousands on Hiroshama.

He much later hated what he'd had a hand in. That started with Enrico Fermi who was appalled by what the two bombs had done in Japan and promptly left that field of science, spending the rest of his short life in medical science research.

Though initially proud of what he had done, Openheimer soon changed his opinion and then both men were campaigning against the use of atomic weapons and both refused to work on the development of the hydrogen bomb, despite President Trumans requests.

It was probably that which led to Russia being the first to drop a test hydrogen bomb from a plane, when the USA's H-bomb design was still the size of a large building.

Both Fermi and Oppenheimer died very early of cancer, probably a legacy of their work in the proximity of radiation.
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[wheeler]

You might find some interest in this planning application:

https://wwwapplications.barnsley.gov.uk/PlanningExplorerMVC/Home/FileDownload/01GEE4NB7XTN3TZQWYMBGIVFZQALCR2A3X?ApplicationNumber=2016/1562

It gives details such as frequencies used.

While I am willing to consider that radio signals can cause health issues, I suspect that blaming smart meters is questionable.

I am reminded of some protests against mobile phone networks. Many seemed to fail to appreciate that more lower-power cells would usually result in lower overall exposure. Much of the exposure is from the phone end and the further away from masts, the more powerful the signals from phones.

Also, that I used to live near a television tower from which we got such a poor signal, we had to use Virgin cable! Anyone could be forgiven thinking that proximity to tower indicated a strong (therefore dangerous) signal strength. Things are not always as they seem.

Finally, many more modern houses are insulated with polyisocyanurate foam insulation which typically interposes two significant layers of aluminium foil. Which is well-known for killing radio signals such as mobile and wifi. (Some people find they need multiple wireless access points simply due to the insulation in their houses.) A smart meter in an outdoor meter box will likely project very little signal into a house - but, obviously, will depend on the details of each installation.

From what I remember the controversy regarding smart meter safety in the US related to the earliest versions which remained in almost constant communication with the network rather than an occasional pulse of data.
UK smart meters have to comply with EU radiological standards and are safe regarding EMF emissions, according to the government.

Smart meters: radio waves and health

www.gov.uk

A number of "switched on " people told us 30 years ago that mobile phones would have all kinds of effects on health due to their EMF emissions, it hasn't happened despite the proliferation of phones and numerous other wireless devices.
We had a large cellular array on the roof of the office where I worked for a while, the phone company paid a lot of rent to my employer. Unfortunately someone with little understanding decided that it was dangerous and we were all being "blasted" with radiation. A firm of consultants was engaged to take signal strength readings in the building but found virtually nothing emanating from that cell. Regrettably, political pressure prevailed and the aerial array was removed and re-erected 400 yards away so that we did now get the full benefit of the cell's 25W output straight in the office windows.
We had a number of protests locally regarding phone masts on primary schools. Few of the protesters realised the irony of using their mobile phones to organise the protest and then declaring victory when the mast was moved to a position where it ensured a 5-bar signal in every part of the school.

 

[Danidl]

From what I remember the controversy regarding smart meter safety in the US related to the earliest versions which remained in almost constant communication with the network rather than an occasional pulse of data.
UK smart meters have to comply with EU radiological standards and are safe regarding EMF emissions, according to the government.

Smart meters: radio waves and health

www.gov.uk

A number of "switched on " people told us 30 years ago that mobile phones would have all kinds of effects on health due to their EMF emissions, it hasn't happened despite the proliferation of phones and numerous other wireless devices.
We had a large cellular array on the roof of the office where I worked for a while, the phone company paid a lot of rent to my employer. Unfortunately someone with little understanding decided that it was dangerous and we were all being "blasted" with radiation. A firm of consultants was engaged to take signal strength readings in the building but found virtually nothing emanating from that cell. Regrettably, political pressure prevailed and the aerial array was removed and re-erected 400 yards away so that we did now get the full benefit of the cell's 25W output straight in the office windows.
We had a number of protests locally regarding phone masts on primary schools. Few of the protesters realised the irony of using their mobile phones to organise the protest and then declaring victory when the mast was moved to a position where it ensured a 5-bar signal in every part of the school.

This reminds me of two events in my life..
1. As a post graduate , I had a very sensitive electronics array set up under the Transmitter mast on Kippure Mountain (260 metre) , the 250 KW TV for Leinster , with the permission of their Engineering Staff. This was directly below the mast.. and never any interference .
2. The second is slightly more amusing.. As Head of the Electronics Dept. ,I was requested by a local community group to be on the podium for an anti phone mast protest.. Because it would be publicity for my courses, I said I would be willing. I let them know what I was planning to say. I was going to remove,from my pocket the relatively heavy mobile phones of the the time TAC technology it was pre GSM , and inform them it was a dangerous device. I would suggest that the many injury would be caused if I threw it and hit them. The offer was withdrawn.


t

 

[flecc]

We had a number of protests locally regarding phone masts on primary schools. Few of the protesters realised the irony of using their mobile phones to organise the protest and then declaring victory when the mast was moved to a position where it ensured a 5-bar signal in every part of the school.

We had similar here with Croydon High School. A proposal to install a mast in the school grounds where the pupils would receive virtually no EMF was furiously opposed by parents. A site was found a short distance away which now gives the whole school area the full dose.

And it's for a similar reason that I have no mobile signal whatsoever. When the local primary was to receive a mast, a local builder living not far away decided the radiation would be dangerous to children and started a poster campaign to get it stopped. That whipped up so much trouble that the company proposing the installation walked away, with the result that large numbers of us ever since have little or no mobile signal and our smart meters cannot function at all.
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[Woosh]

does anyone follow the German elections?
that looks like Germany moves from centre right to centre left: SPD + Greens + ?
The third partner could be the left party (DIE LiNKE). 25% + 15% + 5%.

 

[oyster]

As I posted not more than hours or a day or so ago, medicines now appear to be a developing disaster zone. Possibly. Who knows?

UK pharmacies in dark about ministers’ plan to maintain drug supplies
Chemists wait for details of measures to ensure driver shortages do not adversely affect deliveries of prescription drugs
https://www.theguardian.com/business/2021/sep/26/uk-pharmacies-in-the-dark-about-ministers-plan-to-maintain-drug-supplies

 

[oldgroaner]

Thought for the day

 

[oldgroaner]

Today's Darwin Award goes to this enterprising woman in America

https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1442180869599399937

 

[flecc]

As I posted not more than hours or a day or so ago, medicines now appear to be a developing disaster zone. Possibly. Who knows?

UK pharmacies in dark about ministers’ plan to maintain drug supplies
Chemists wait for details of measures to ensure driver shortages do not adversely affect deliveries of prescription drugs
https://www.theguardian.com/business/2021/sep/26/uk-pharmacies-in-the-dark-about-ministers-plan-to-maintain-drug-supplies

All the pharmaceutical delivery companies I see use one or two tonne vans which don't require HGV drivers. A couple of them actually have distribution centres in my borough.

I can only see a problem for major truck loads of drugs leaving manufacturing centres, but they don't deliver to chemist shops. They can switch to 3 tonne vans anyway that any car driver can use, or even 7.5 tonne trucks that many car drivers are licenced for.

I can't help feeling that there's hysteria about this issue which is probably a non-issue.
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[oyster]

All the pharmaceutical delivery companies I see use one or two tonne vans which don't require HGV drivers. A couple of them actually have distribution centres in my borough.

I can only see a problem for major truck loads of drugs leaving manufacturing centres, but they don't deliver to chemist shops. They can switch to 3 tonne vans anyway that any car driver can use, or even 7.5 tonne trucks that many car drivers are licenced for.

I can't help feeling that there's hysteria about this issue which is probably a non-issue.
.

I hope. Yes - final mile delivery is typically in Transit-class vehicles. But seems there is a shortage of drivers of them!

But the companies also need to get medicines from elsewhere. For example, three of the five medicines I take are manufactured in the UK, the other two in Germany and (from memory) Croatia. And, as you refer, there is a complex factory-to-distributor network where one manufacturer needs to delivery in bulk to around ten other companies. No idea how those companies work but some certainly have regional warehouses. Then into vans.

And the manufacturers need to get their ingredients which are very largely imported and require HGV transport. The active ingredient for my medicine could easily be transported by air as it is present in such incredibly small quantities. But the exceptions are another matter altogether. (And not all medicines are produced in such tiny dosages.)

Switching to vans seems unlikely to be satisfactory. How many vans for one HGV? How many extra vans and drivers, albeit car-licensed rather than HGV.

It isn't always the start and end points that are a major problem, but every step of the way between them might be.

 

[flecc]

Switching to vans seems unlikely to be satisfactory. How many vans for one HGV? How many extra vans and drivers, albeit car-licensed rather than HGV.

Agreed that 7.5 or 3 tonne vans won't be ideal, but needs must and the drug companies have quite generous profit margins so could stand a short hit.

Of course one reason for a shortage of van drivers too is the supermarkets greatly expanding their van fleets for the big increase in home deliveries due to Covid.
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[oldgroaner]

All the pharmaceutical delivery companies I see use one or two tonne vans which don't require HGV drivers. A couple of them actually have distribution centres in my borough.

I can only see a problem for major truck loads of drugs leaving manufacturing centres, but they don't deliver to chemist shops. They can switch to 3 tonne vans anyway that any car driver can use, or even 7.5 tonne trucks that many car drivers are licenced for.

I can't help feeling that there's hysteria about this issue which is probably a non-issue.
.

As was the petrol panic, it looks like some faction is "putting the boot in"
Especially as the normally on party line media seem the main instigators.

 

[oyster]

As was the petrol panic, it looks like some faction is "putting the boot in"
Especially as the normally on party line media seem the main instigators.

Maybe - but it is across the media. (The LBC link headed by a certain Rachel Johnson.)


Pharmacies warn of drugs delay: Lack of van drivers sees 'reduced' deliveries with prescriptions 'not arriving' - amid fears situation will get worse at winter

Pharmacists reportedly facing disruption to deliveries up to 'three times a week'
They warn the issue could get worse due to an increase in demand in the winter
The delivery issue is said to be caused by a shortage of van drivers across the UK
Changes to the IR35, a shortage of labour and self-isolation due to Covid blamed
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-10029725/Pharmacies-warn-drugs-delay-Lack-van-drivers-sees-reduced-deliveries.html

Patients face delays on prescriptions as van driver shortage hits pharmacies

Supply chain crisis begins to bite chemists across Britain as pharmacists warn medicines are either arriving late or not all
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2021/09/25/patients-face-delays-prescriptions-lorry-driver-shortage-hits/

Driver shortage: Now pharmacies complain medicine deliveries are being delayed

https://www.lbc.co.uk/news/driver-shortage-now-pharmacies-complain-medicine-deliveries-are-being-delayed/

 

[flecc]

Maybe - but it is across the media. (The LBC link headed by a certain Rachel Johnson.)


Pharmacies warn of drugs delay: Lack of van drivers sees 'reduced' deliveries with prescriptions 'not arriving' - amid fears situation will get worse at winter

Pharmacists reportedly facing disruption to deliveries up to 'three times a week'
They warn the issue could get worse due to an increase in demand in the winter
The delivery issue is said to be caused by a shortage of van drivers across the UK
Changes to the IR35, a shortage of labour and self-isolation due to Covid blamed
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-10029725/Pharmacies-warn-drugs-delay-Lack-van-drivers-sees-reduced-deliveries.html

Patients face delays on prescriptions as van driver shortage hits pharmacies

Supply chain crisis begins to bite chemists across Britain as pharmacists warn medicines are either arriving late or not all
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2021/09/25/patients-face-delays-prescriptions-lorry-driver-shortage-hits/

Driver shortage: Now pharmacies complain medicine deliveries are being delayed

https://www.lbc.co.uk/news/driver-shortage-now-pharmacies-complain-medicine-deliveries-are-being-delayed/

Call the army in, they have thousands of truck drivers. The Navy and RAF have some too
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[flecc]

Call the army in, they have thousands of truck drivers. The Navy and RAF have some too

The Royal Logistics Corps have 14,000 personnel, a high proportion of them truck drivers.

A small number are currently helping with ambulance driving in Scotland.
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[Zlatan]

The Royal Logistics Corps have 14,000 personnel, a high proportion of them truck drivers.

A small number are currently helping with ambulance driving in Scotland.
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It's all sorted Flecc. Government have scrapped competition rules until crisis is over.. Drivers can now drive 36 hours a day, 9 days a week.
Can one of you clever types tell me what difference scrapping mentioned rules will do??

 

[flecc]

It's all sorted Flecc. Government have scrapped competition rules until crisis is over.. Drivers can now drive 36 hours a day, 9 days a week.
Can one of you clever types tell me what difference scrapping mentioned rules will do??

None at all. These relaxation for emergencies rules have been available since 8th July in both GB and the EU. They state safety still comes first and staff must not drive when tired:

Drivers' hours: rules and guidance

Rules for lorry, bus and coach drivers on how many hours you can drive, exemptions from the rules, and when the rules can be relaxed temporarily.

www.gov.uk

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[oyster]

Call the army in, they have thousands of truck drivers. The Navy and RAF have some too
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Sounds like they are doing just that - BBC and Guardian both say that is (probably) happening.

 

[jonathan.agnew]

It's all sorted Flecc. Government have scrapped competition rules until crisis is over.. Drivers can now drive 36 hours a day, 9 days a week.
Can one of you clever types tell me what difference scrapping mentioned rules will do??

Indeed, telegraph say it was all due to strategic leak by bp to ease visa restrictions. And that there isnt any problem at all. I completely get that. And at no point did I think, to paraphrase jim Morrison, that the average telegraph reader's brain squirms like a toad.