Some of those probably are no more than conspiracy theories. I personally doubt the lab leak story that you've casually stated as a matter of fact, there. This notion of fear used as an instrument of control is also nonsense, really. Obviously any warning or advice is going to involve an element of fear, unavoidably. You can't help but fear the consequences of drink driving if you're over the limit, for example. But that's not to say that the law is there to control you, except in the sense that it controls your behaviour in a perfectly legitimate way.

Nor has it been established as a matter of fact that the Nord Stream pipeline was destroyed by the US and again, I doubt it. It's right down there with the WTC being destroyed by the US government, although I suppose you believe that as well.

Tried another draught Belgian blond at a hotel in Durham last night, called Blue Moon. Came with an orange slice floating in it (I was asked if I wanted to opt out of this, but I'll try anything once).

Was very nice, not as strong or sharp as Delirium but a very refreshing accompaniment to a half hour in a beer garden.

Just back from a ten day holiday today and after a 167 mile drive this morning I wasn't planning to go cycling this afternoon. Just wanted to unpack and chill out. But the forecast for this afternoon promised just about the best cycling weather I can remember - warm, sunny, 0% chance of rain and a 3mph wind. So I decided I'd get the August campaign off to a start after all. I set off at about 4pm.

Wanted to do about 35 miles and thought a Twycross Bypasser would do nicely. But the road to Norton was closed, so I continued down through Twycross. I did the detour to Orton on the Hill from there. I came back a longer way in the latter half of the ride, through Shenton and later through Swepstone.

Beautiful out there in the warm sunshine. The wind did seem a bit stronger than 3mph to be fair but it didn't bother me. I was slightly concerned that ten days of restaurant food, usually including an unhealthy dessert and invariably preceded and / or followed by a couple of Scotches, a few beers or a cocktail or two might have taken a toll, but it was a breeze. I mean it was only 37.30 miles but interestingly I did clock up a higher average speed than I normally would, without trying to. Just the joy of being out there in warm sunshine with minimal clothing.

Noticed that the front derailleur (on the Cannondale) is rattling a bit on some gears. It can be rectified easily by using the trim and it's changing gears smoothly and quickly enough. Maybe just needs the cable to be tightened. I'll have a look at the weekend.

Listened to the Stones' Some Girls. Does have a couple of good tunes but it feels a bit half-baked and limp.

Very nice run out, very happy to be back in the saddle.

https://www.strava.com/activities/9615616166

Just stepped outside into our garden for a moment. It's really warm out there! Meanwhile I've had a fan heater on inside the house, where it's considerably cooler.

Wordle 781 3/6

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90 seconds.

Well there a few variables to consider:

• Has the risk to myself changed?
• Has the risk to others changed?
• What's the cost?

Clearly the risk to myself and others has changed substantially since the last time I was immunised, but is it low enough to give the vaccine a pass? I don't know but I'll be interested to consider the government's decision in greater detail than I have at the moment.

Quote from: David L on August 08, 2023, 07:39:31 PMAn interesting development

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-66319065

Will you have to pay for yours, Slim?

Are you asking if I'm under 65?

I'm back in England! And having a beer in the Land of my Fathers, County Durham.

Wordle 780 4/6

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Strong, unexpected progress on the third there. Greetings from a services on the A9.

Four minutes.

We've come to a restaurant in the Highlands and there are two people from Hartlepool serving us. I often say that there are more monkey hangers outside the town than in it.

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About 2 mins.

Went on a boat trip from Ullapool round the Summer Isles. Lovely weather, warm and sunny. We had dolphins coming really close to the boat to show off, leaping vertically out of the water in some cases. Amazing.

2 mins this morning.

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I didn't know that either but if you Google the name there are a few references to it from credible sources. Named after his grandfather it seems.

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About 6 mins.