Take Aways From The Heatwave

This week the UK saw its hottest temperatures since records began. An average July used to see temperatures topping at 23 degrees Celsius but this week we peaked just above 40 degrees, which would have been unthinkable when I was growing up. Working in such hot conditions without air conditioning was really difficult. If this is going to be the new norm, we have to change the way we do things.

With meteorologists now predicting a further ‘heat dome’ over Europe in August and the extension of hot weather into September (which has been apparent for the past few years), the time has come to think carefully about how we ready ourselves for such hot weather.

My thoughts…

Yes, in Southern Europe they are used to having very hot days, but they are also closed during peak sunshine hours for a siesta. As well as this, their homes are painted white colours to reflect the sun and have shutters on the outside of their windows to block out the damaging rays. Air conditioning is part of their strategy too. In Britain our homes are designed to trap hot air. We have double glazed windows and extra insulation which make things worse.

Governments need to start thinking about working conditions during such hot periods. Perhaps they will consider:

– funding air conditioning for key workers and hospitals as well as subsidising this for low income households

– making affordable shutters an option to darken houses during hot days and reduce internal temperatures

– adapting school days to suit the weather (perhaps starting earlier and closing at midday or having a siesta)

However…

I notice that President Biden has set aside 2 billion dollars for air conditioning and sun protection. This is great but I hope he and other governments are putting even more money into finding ways to counter the effects of global warming.

The following things need addressing right away:

– ensuring all power stations use renewable energy supplies such as wind, hydro or solar

– funding a better network of trains and buses to reduce the amount of traffic on the roads

-taxing and discouraging frequent flying and overuse of aeroplanes

– widespread tree planting schemes and re-wilding

Hopefully some lessons have been learned from this week’s heatwave. It would be sad to see no changes taking place, given this massive wake up call. We all know that climate change will become more of a problem over the next few decades. We really need to act now to protect our homes, our health and our crops. Thank you for reading my article. If you enjoyed it, please consider following my blog for similar future content.

Why Shouldn’t Muppets Rule The World?

Imagine if the muppets won elections. Let’s just consider that idea for a moment. What if the actual muppets legitimately took control of actual countries? A government of muppets sounds too far flung an idea to be realistic. Or does it?

The Muppet Show isn’t that far fetched when considering politics.

Kermit could easily grab some votes with his fun anecdotes and rhetoric. I could imagine him taking on a senior position such as Chancellor or Home Secretary. He would share the wealth, at least. Let’s face it, he would be single minded and considerate. Not like the money grabbers we often have looking after our finances – increasing our taxes while avoiding paying them themselves.

Fozzy bear would make a great Foreign Secretary. His charm and appeal would allow him to schmooze foreign leaders and his humour would enable him to earn their favour and drive some great deals.

As for Miss Piggy, she would be amazing as Prime Minister or President. I can already envisage her instagram, posing in government buildings and shoving the Downing Street cat to one side, not enabling anyone to upstage her. And as for parties… she would have loads of fun while letting our policies go down the drain. Not much different from what is actually happening right now.

Animal would rock his way into parliament and provide crazy nights of live music at the White House. He could be a good Health Secretary with his wild abandon and laid back attitude. I can see him promoting ‘health care for everyone’ and blowing his budget quickly. At least his intentions would be worthy. Wouldn’t they?

As you can tell, there would not be much difference if our governments were replaced by the Muppets. Politics would be more entertaining while the same old mistakes were being made. At least the Muppets would be genuine leaders, not self-obsessed and detached from the real struggle of paying extortionate energy bills.

I originally wrote this on Ko-if but enjoyed it so much and now have decided to include it within my blog. I hope you enjoyed it and can suggest some other muppets who could replace world leaders and possibly do those jobs better. For some relatable ways to make money during these tough times, check out my article Boost Your Income – 5 Side Hustle Suggestions.

Banned Books & The Freedom To Read

This is some interesting research and a very powerful article. I am shocked to think that such censorship takes place these days. I would like to think that representation of diversity of culture is readily available to all who want to read.

When you hear about certain books being restricted or banned from schools, libraries and bookstores; it conjures up an image of writing that’s dark, …
Banned Books & The Freedom To Read