Data from COVID - 19 - Update 2 - Health

Sky News: Reports " Another 180 people die after testing positive in UK - pushing total to 1,415...It comes as the boss of the NHS in England said 9,000 people were being treated in hospital after contracting the virus.  "

Lets Get Real:

The UK Government should also start to develop medical test kits to see if you have had COVID -  19, that would allow the UK to start to get back to normal, if you have had the virus and recovered or had the virus a did not know, it would allow people to get back to work.  The entire Western economy can not go into deep freeze for six months, millions in the US and the UK will be on the dole, that has a great negative effect on the population, depression, people going crazy with each other, the Police required to solve domestic problems, when no one can leave the their houses.  The the old question, what is more important, the health of the people or the economy, at what point to do remove the restrictions on domestic life. 

A chance of HOPE with COVID - 19 - Update 1 - Health

BBC News: Reports " People are heeding the advice to stay at home to keep pressure off the NHS, and there are early signs that it is working, the UK's chief scientific adviser has said.  "

Lets Get Real:

There is a glimmer of hope that the self isolation and social distancing of people is working.  That the NHS will be able to cope when COVID - 19 reaches its peak over the next two weeks in the UK.   As reported yesterday the Government restrictions could last for six months, that will take a toll on people and the UK economy.   The question that  has to be asked, what is more important, the health of people or the economy, how even if the people follow the orders from the Government the economy could be in a the bin.  Also taxes will have to go up to pay for the UK Government bailing out workers and those that are self employed.   At some point a call will have to be made, as long as the Covid - 19 infections are going down and the death total is also going down, when do you open the economy, nothing ever perfect in life, it will be a tough call for the PM and the UK Government. 

Silly People NOT FOLLOWING Government Orders, with the exception of Dog walkers - Update 3 - Health

Daily Mail: Reports " Not an officer in sight as scores of people flout the coronavirus lockdown by stripping down to sunbathe and enjoy picnic lunches - as police around the country chase dog walkers with drones and stop motorists on a whim "

Lets Get Real:

The above story was bound to happen, people who think that rules do not apply to them and do not self isolate and then the Police going after dog walkers.  Let's take the first group, those on the beaches with the exception of dog walkers should be arrested, that would show that the Government and Police are serious, while Police Officers on the beat should be wary of their new powers, having a go at dog walkers or people standing in line to a chemist is not good impression for the Police, ( This blog is firm supporter of the Police, they are understaffed and underpaid, that means when they get new powers they have to be very careful how they use them or you get articles like the above in the Daily Mail, normally a supporter of the Police. Arrest the silly people but leave the dog walkers alone!

Data from Covid - 19 - Update 2 - Health

Sky News: Reports " UK deaths rise by 185 to 769....The biggest increase came in England, where the latest patients to die after testing positive were aged between 29 and 98.  "

Lets Get Real:

One hears so much sad stories, about patients who die by themselves as they are in isolation, their families can not be with them, in case they get the virus.  About funerals that have mourners who have to stay in their cars as to prevent virus passing to those that have attended the funeral.   In future there has to be better planning for another COVID - 19 or the Spanish flu, the UK can not be caught out again, the economy can not go in to deep freeze, when it's over and it will be over, the taxes of the people will have to go up to help balance the bailouts to workers and those self employed, there TAXES will be high.  At if China has another outbreak, the West has to shut its doors faster, the delay has lead to deaths in the West. 

HRH Prince of Wales, PM Boris and Health Secretary Matt Hancock have COVID - 19- Update - Health

BBC News: Reports " Prime Minister Boris Johnson has tested positive for coronavirus and is self-isolating in Downing Street.  "

Lets Get Real:

The Covid - 19 virus is no respecter of rank or position, the best thing people can do is follow the rules set out by the Government, the main one being stay at home.  If social distancing is to work, people will have to learn new ways of getting about, the point is not to get the virus or pass on to someone else.  The question is how long will people put up with self isolation, how long will the economy last, at what point does it ALL BECOME TO MUCH, and people want to return to work, or just to take walk outside without getting fined.  There will come a point, one hopes that the UK boffins come up with a cure, otherwise you can write off most of 2020. FOLLOW GOVERNMENT ORDERS. 

Data from COVID - 19 - COVID - 19 Update 1 - Health

Sky News: Reports " UK deaths reach 584 after rise of 119...The number of people who have tested positive for coronavirus in the UK now stands at 11,658.  "

Lets Get Real:

Let's always remember those that have killed by COVID -  19, it is the modern version of the Spanish Flu, let's be honest how many knew what the Spanish Flu was before the latest version of it landed on our doorstep.  Time has a way to make us forget, it heals wounds and people find the subject depressing.  One should recall that in 1918 people had World War One on their minds, and there was censorship of the news about the outbreak.  To recall those that have died of COVID - 19 and will die the Government should have a yearly update plan for a virus like COVID -  19.   The Government can not plan for everything, but it should plan for a virus attack, next time it could be a biological weapon attack, the UK should always be ready. 

The Government to HELP the self employed - COVID - 19 Update 1 - Health

BBC News: Reports " Self-employed workers can apply for a grant worth 80% of their average monthly profits to help them cope with the financial impact of coronavirus, the chancellor has announced. "

Lets Get Real:

The question that has to be asked, after COVID -  19 is OVER, who is going to pay back the costs of paying 80% of the wages of those employed and 80% of the profits of those in self employment.  In essence who is going to pay the piper, one assumes the Government will borrow the money to save the UK economy, the interests rates are ZERO, what happens when interest rates goes up and the Government will have to pay for these loans that means taxes!  The question is who will pay, of course the middle class, the big companies always have great tax accountants, they will be able to write off the debt.  At some point someone has to say, HOLD ON, the UK government in essence will own the UK economy, Lady Thatcher will be turning in her grave!  The Conservative Party has to remember it's the CONSERVATIVE PARTY not the socialist Labour Party. 

What is more important the health of the US or its economy? - Health Part 4

Guardian - Live Blog: Reports in its 11.04pm post the following from President Trump's press conference on COVID - 19, " Major theme of this press conference: Trump wants to get the American economy going again as soon as possible, and is not open to the idea of restrictive public health measures going on for months.  "

Lets Get Real:

Trump has a way of saying things that most people will sooner or later be asking, what matters most, the HEALTH of American citizens or the US economy.  POTUS understands that he needs a good economy to get him a 2nd term.  A economy that is frozen and the unemployment rate goes in to double figures will not help Trump in November.   At what point do US/UK citizens, say enough is enough, we will take the risk of going out and getting moving, even if that means more deaths.  The people of the US and the UK can not stay at home for MONTHS, even 18 months, something needs to happen before then, a cure for COVID - 19, a test to show if you have had the virus would help.  Something must be DONE, our political leaders must be aware of that fact. 

Data from COVID - 19 - Health Part 3

Daily Mail: Reports " UK's coronavirus death toll jumps by 54 to 335 as infections leap 967 - the second highest daily leap since the outbreak began "

Lets Get Real:

The above is the medial FACTS, that is why the UK Government has announced tough restrictions on the UK. The question is how long can you lock down the UK and that goes for the EU as well.  At some point people will just get fed up, they will want to go out, without fearing that they will be fined. They will want to go out the pub or just to meet up with friends. Thus the question, when is enough, enough, there will be a cost either way.   The banning of people going to their favourite pub or to have tea and coffee with their friends can't last for more than a year, the economy will go off a cliff and people will go nuts just being inside.  The Police will soon get fed up telling people to go home or face a fine, so un - British.  Interesting times ahead. 

The NEW Powers by the Police - Health Update 2

Sky News: Reports " Police to hand out fines and most shops to shut as PM locks down UK..The prime minister insists the measures - the toughest seen since wartime - are vital to slow the spread of the disease.  "

Lets Get Real:

The Italians and most of Europe is under lockdown, it will be interesting to see how long British voters will put with these restrictions, they go against what it means to be British, publs closed, not allowed to go out for a walk, and if you do you faced been fined by the Police.  The UK Science community should be working 24/7 for a cure to COVID - 19.  The UK economy will go in to free fall if the lockdown lasts for weeks or months.   The pub industry already in BAD SHAPE, could decline by their thousands.   The question is will the lockdown have any effect, the Italians have been in lockdown for weeks and their death rate has shot through the roof, the same with Spain.   It has been nearly 101 years since the Spanish Flu, the West should have thought something like this would happen, history does tend to repeat itself. 

The UK in Lockdown as of TONIGHT - Health Update 1

BBC News: Reports that PM Boris Johnson has announced that the UK will go in to lockdown, everything will close and people should stay at home with the following exceptions, " From this evening people must stay at home except for shopping for basic necessities, daily exercise, any medical need and travelling to and from essential work.  "

Lets Get Real:

The PM did warn the people, that they either had to stay put or the UK would have to bring in tougher action, and thus tonight PM locked down the UK.   The Police will have a stressful job, they will stop public gatherings, they will be asking drivers of non essential goods what they are doing out, they will be checking on shops to see if they have closed.   The UK has to come together, just because the SUN is out that is no reason to go out, the better the people follow orders then the faster we can beat the virus.  The problem will be the UK economy, can it bounce back after COVID - 19, how many shops or big business will go bust, one can only hope that the UK boffins find a cure to COVID - 19 or we are all in trouble sooner or later. 

How LONG for Social distancing - Health Part 4

Guardian: Reports " Social distancing could be needed in UK until autumn, report reveals..Government documents show thinking behind approach to dealing with coronavirus "

Lets Get Real:

It will be interesting from a social experiment to see how long the people will put up with social distancing and self isolation, at what point will people say they would prefer the risk of going out that just staying stuck at home.   This blog has severe OCD, thus in general is anti social at the best of times, but when it comes to COVID -  19 this blog is calm, one can assume that if you have mental problem like OCD you fear the worse all the time, and thus when something happens, your less troubled by the fact.   This blog's ideal world, would be to see everyone in masks and keeping a distance, finally something good one can write about OCD.  It is a very ironic time in many respects. 

Data for COVID - 19 - Health Part 3

Daily Mail: Reports " UK's coronavirus death toll rises by 40 to 177 in biggest daily spike yet as 714 more Britons test positive for the life-threatening illness – taking infection toll to almost 4,000 "

Lets Get Real:

The PM is right to close the pubs Restaurants, people must be saved from themselves, it seems that the good people of London have not gotten the message, the young seem to think that they can  not get the flu, that is a WRONG judgement.  COVID - 19 has shown that it is a MAJOR THREAT to the West.   If you had told anyone at the General Election in December that a Conservative Government would take over the economy they would have laughed at you.  It shows that events can blow up Government plans.  The question is how long will people put up with self isolation, the PM has suggested that the UK could break the virus in 12 weeks, let's hope that happens.  After the few months the Government will need to look at allowing people out and opening the pubs and restaurants, a society needs to breath, people are social animals, that is how a society is formed.   One can only hope that someone finds a vaccine to COVID - 19, if they do they will be the Nobel Prize!  Thus boffins out there get to work, and save the West and the UK. 

COVID - 19 and the Workforce - Health Part 2

Sky News - Live Blog: Reports in its 5.25pm post the following, " The Chancellor said the government will pick up "most of" the wages of workers....."Government grants will cover 80% of the salary of retained workers up to a total of £2,500 a month - that's just above the median income."  

Lets Get Real:

In essence the Government has taken over the economy of the UK, it's beyond the wildest dreams of Jeremy Corbyn, IS IT THE RIGHT ANSWER?  In essence YES, employers have been bailed out by 330 billion in loans and direct cash, another 20 Billion. Thus 350 Billion.  The people that work in the pubs, Restaurants and other areas affected by COVID - 19 will be taken care off.   The problem will come when COVID-  19 is OVER, how much of the business sector will be around and will people get their jobs back, that is very dicey.   The US is spending 1 trillion dollars on sending money to people, actual checks, let's hope CHINA buys the US bonds, this is going to COST.  The UK is really on a WAR FOOTING! 

Pubs TOLD TO CLOSE - Tonight - Health

BBC News: Reports " Cafes, pubs and restaurants must close from Friday night - except for take-away food - to tackle coronavirus, UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson has said. "

Lets Get Real:

Thus a CLEAR message to drinkers, THE PUBS will close while the COVID - 19 virus is still about.   The Government is clear it will look at the issue every month.   The problem is that people will start to drink at home, that might cause problems in itself.  When you are out you tend to know how much you have drank, and when it's time to go home, when home you might need think what level you are drinking, and is that the same as you would drink on a Friday or Saturday night.   The Country does not need an increase membership of the AA ( Alcoholic Anonymous a group that helps people to STOP DRINKING ).   It is interesting to see how long the Government can hold on the line on this, at some point they will have to allow people out, if nothing else just to fume about the Government. 

Audience by Distance - COVID - 19 Update 4 - Health

Guardian - Live Blog: Reports in its 7.50pm post the following, " The Queen carried out her weekly audience with the prime minister on the phone. Boris Johnson was due to have a face-to-face meeting with the monarch at Buckingham Palace on Wednesday. The Palace confirmed the audience took place by telephone. "

Lets Get Real:

This was a WISE move by the Queen, our Sovereign is in her 90s, she needs to be protected from COVID - 19.  The PM can always use Facebook or other Apps to talk to the Monarch.  On the whole the PM has done well, how he handles the virus will define his time in Office.  As a historian the PM will know that in a crisis your image is made, for good or bad, Chamberlain had the disaster that was appeasement, while Churchill was the War leader the UK wanted. A few years ago in a BBC poll he was named the greatest Britain, his political career had its ups and downs, but he was the man for the moment.  Thus will PM Boris be the new Churchill? Every decision will be looked over by historians, so PM Boris get it right!!

Data from COVID - 19 - COVID - 19 Update 3 - Health

Daily Mail: Reports " Britain's coronavirus death toll rises to 104: UK daily fatality rate doubles to jump by 33 as enormous makeshift tent morgue is hastily set up in Westminster and infections soar to 2,626  "

Lets Get Real:

These are the HARD FIGURES of COVID - 19, a 104 deaths and 2,626 have been infected, you should have this mind if you are thinking of going out, the question you have to ask, do I NEED to go out, or Do I want to go OUT. If you need for shopping one can understand, but NOT FOR A DRINK, it sounds harsh and not very fair, but we are at WAR with a killer virus, no one for sure knows how it will go, today the Government closed down schools, and stopped those who pay rent from being evicted over the next three months.   This virus is like the Spanish Flu of 1918, WE have learned a lot since then, we must listen to the science experts and the Government.  DO NO GO OUT. 

To Drink or NOT to Drink ? - COVID - 19 Update 2 - Health

Sky News: Reports " The Wetherspoon pub chain has announced that all 870 of its pubs are to remain open, but customers will pay by card, avoid standing at the bar and sit at alternate tables.  "

Lets Get Real:

This puts this blog in a odd position, I like my local Wetherspoon, good food and drinks, thus by the weekend will I be stir crazy from not going out?   This blog will follow the advice of the Government, but the Government has to be aware that people like to be social, so sometime during the next few weeks they will have to relax the rules to see what happens, does COVID - 19 cases go up, do they stay the same or do they go down.   Let's recall Oliver Cromwell banned Christmas and dancing, his image has never recovered.  When World War 2 was announced they closed down all the Theatres, they had to relax those rules, and you could always get a drink.  If people are peeved you have to give them air to complain, otherwise they go on Twitter to complain, there are enough trolls out there.  Thus more than business is at stake, it's the sanity of the UK. 

When Advice is an ORDER - Closing DOWN the UK - COVID - 19 Update - Health

BBC News - Live Blog: Reports in its 6.01pm post the following, " PM and Vallance hint at stronger measures..UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson has hinted at more stringent measures to enforce the government's advice to people about the coronavirus.  "

Lets Get Real:

It seems that London has not gotten the message, pubs, clubs, etc, need to close down, this was strong advice from the Government, the PM might have to bring enforcement laws to make it illegal for people to be out without good reason, and fines for  those that go to pubs.  This is a WAR CONTEXT, Covid - 19 is a threat to ALL PEOPLE.   The NHS is needed to save protect people with the virus, thus all measures should be taken.   The Met should be on the streets and the Army if needed.  At some point the Government will have to relax the rules, the line will not hold for 6 months to 18 months, people will go stir crazy, or worse start to drink at home!  Thus far the Government is doing a good job, the people should help them not cause problems. 

UK Servicewoman killed in Iraq Named - Iraq Theatre of War

Guardian: Reports " MoD names UK servicewoman killed in Iraq base missile attack..L/Cpl Brodie Gillon, who died during attack on camp Taji, described as popular character  "

Lets Get Real:

This blog was shocked to discover that the UK was still in IRAQ, we left in 2009. The Government should send in the SAS or drones to go after the terrorists who attacked the military base.   The killing of a UK servicewoman needs to be answered with a precise military reaction, if IRAN is behind this we should ask the US to take some kind of military action.   The Soldier was only 26, far too young die.  Our thoughts and prayers are with her parents and friends.

COVID - 19 , UK Update - Update 3 - Health

Daily Mail: Reports " Boris Johnson brands coronavirus the 'worst public health crisis in a generation' and estimates up to 10,000 Britons are ALREADY infected and 'many more' will die - but STILL stops short of shutting schools and banning public "

Lets Get Real:

The right wing Daily Mail is getting rattled, it sees the tough measures in Italy, and how this has been followed by Ireland is closing down their Schools and Universities.  One of PM's science advisers stated that between five thousand and ten thousand people in the UK had COVID - 19, and the peak could well take 14 weeks.  One does wonder how Italy will cope will being in lockdown for months ahead.  Also the parents in the Republic of Ireland will have to take time off to care for their children, this could affect the public sector, from the Irish health service, Police to teachers in the education system.  The PM has been very honest, the next few weeks and months are going to be tough, people will die, looks like a grim time ahead. 

COVID - 19 - Update 2 - Health

Sky News: Reports " FTSE 100 sheds 10% in worst day since 1987 crash..A ban on flights to the US from most of Europe tips investor sentiment into renewed panic mode across the world.  "

Lets Get Real:

It can be argued if you have the money to burn, e.g you can afford to lose it, this is the time to buy shares, ( if you invest, can you afford to lose it, ) some great companies are going cheap.  On the other hand, the markets might need to lose more before it looks like a great time to buy.  Also COVID - 19 is will go away at some time, thus do not panic, keep calm, a stiff up lip and invest wisely.  IF you are not sure ask your financial advisor, this blog does not take responsibility for your losses.  Markets go up and down, it's knowing when to buy and when to cut your losses. 

COVID - 19 Update - Health

BBC News: Reports " UK deaths related to virus rise to 10 "

Lets Get Real:

The article reports that there are 596 new cases of COVID- 19 and four more deaths since yesterday.   The economic markets have LOST the plot, the speech by Trump yesterday that will stop ALL FLIGHTS from Europe with the exception of the UK and the Republic of Ireland from Friday has gone down like a LEAD BALLOON.  In China the cases have gone down, but then China has enforced its rules, under penalty of death.  The Italians so far it seems are following the total lockdown with few exceptions.  The Republic of Ireland has stated it will close down all Schools and Universities, it can be argued that the Irish wants to be seen to be doing something, it can be argued that Ireland has jumped the gun on COVAD - 19.  The UK reaction has been more measured, don't panic, keep calm and carry on with normal life. 

It is a Pandemic - WHO - Health

Guardian - Live Blog: Reports in its 4.28pm post the following, " The daily World Health Organization briefing has just begun....Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the WHO director-general, says....He says it has reached the stage where it can be described as a pandemic.  "

Lets Get Real:

This was the case before the World Heath Organization stated it was a pandemic, they have been very slow off the mark, could be because China is a major power and the WHO did not want to annoy it.  In fact WHO has said some nice things about how China has dealt with the virus, it seem to have forgotten it is dictatorship, thus can control its people.   The kinds of methods used in China would cause a riot in the West, people graped of the street if they have the virus, people dragged from their homes, not exactly a liberal democracy.  The UK might have to CLOSED DOWN Schools, Universities, ban gatherings of over a thousand, but could the UK really lock down the entire Country, the economy would fall apart. 

COVID - 19 UK Update - Health

Daily Mail: Reports " Number of UK coronavirus cases soars to 456 after EIGHTY-THREE patients test positive for the killer virus in the biggest daily increase yet "

Lets Get Real:

The Chancellor has just given a Coronavirus Budget, 30 billion to help the NHS and business, and also extra cash on top of that for the NHS.  The Government it seems expect things to get worse before they get better.  The BBC had a graph lost night on the virus, it showed if the Government did nothing, it would go sharply up but then come down and burn out, while the delay process pushes it months in advance.  The QUESTION has to be asked, is the Government being to cautious or over cautious.   Italy is in lookdown, let's see how the long the Italians put up with that, also China has shown a lower level of infection.    This is not to argue for doing NOTHING, just wondering if the Government needs further tough action, closing down Schools, Universities, banning large gatherings, you get the idea, would it work in the UK, could you close down the pubs without there being a riot!!  Over action might be a problem, no action might be a problem, that is the problem with COVID - 19. 

The UK Budget - The Coronavirus Virus Budget

Sky News: Reports " Key points explained...Everything you need to know from new chancellor Rishi Sunak's budget speech to MPs in the House of Commons.  "

Lets Get Real:

The Labour Party might have won the argument on Austerity but they FAILED to win 4 General Elections.   The Conservative Government can be trusted to open the flood gates when it comes to spending because it has followed through with a tough austerity plan and thus has the money ready for such a crisis as COVAD - 19.   The Chancellor has stated that the NHS can have all the money it wants when it comes to COVAD - 19.   There are welfare reforms for those hit by COVAD - 19.   The Government has promised a 175 billion for roads and buildings.  There is good news for drinkers. there will be no increase in the cost of beer or wine, also car drivers will be happy, no extra charge for petrol.   This was a big budget by the Chancellor, 30 billion to cover COVAD - 19 and its effect on the economy, the Labour Party will wonder what happened to their policies, they were stolen in large part by PM Boris. 

Who will Biden chose as his VP? - US 2020 Presidential Election

BBC News: Reports " Joe Biden extends lead over rival Sanders in Democratic presidential race "

Lets Get Real:

Thus as stated in my post on Monday, Biden took Michigan and is on the way to become the Democratic Nominee, the next step for Biden, is who will be his VP.  It can be taken for granted that Biden has the African - American vote, and more so when Obama comes out to support him.  Thus a President Biden is looking for a younger VP, one that brings something to the table,  thus Beto can bring Texas into play, while Kamala Harris would bring in ethnic vote, also she is a tough former Prosecutor, that always looks good in a general election.  Thus this blog's favourite candidate for the post, Mayor Pete, he  is gay and married, that would bring in the gay vote and uber liberal voters.  It can be argued that Biden will beat Trump, it would be good to have a steady hand in the Oval Office, no more crazy actions.  A No Drama Biden would be good for the US. 

The Dow Jones Slump - Markets/Health

Guardian - Live Blog: Reports in its 2.40pm post the following, " Just last month, the Dow hit a record high of 29,551 points. At just 24,420 right now, it’s 19% down from that peak -- a very bruising slump that has hit US savers badly.  "

Lets Get Real:

Stock Markets go up and down, the spreading of COVID - 19 and the oil barrel war between Russia and Saudi Arabia have spooked the markets.   It would be a good idea for the US and UK Governments to shut down the markets, they are spooking people.   The foundations of the UK and US economy are good, low inflation, low unemployment, and low bonds, ( allowing Governments to borrow money ).   COVID - 19 is not forever, it will burn itself out, as did the SPANISH flu.   The markets need to time to stay calm, the 24/7 news channels are not helping.  It might be the time to censor some of the news, it just scares people, sooner or later it might have to happen. 

Coronavirus Update - Health

Sky News: Reports " UK cases rise by 46 - taking total to 319 "

Lets Get Real:

In simple words, DO NOT PANIC, KEEP CALM and recall we are British.  The idea by some to hoard food, shows worry and lack of clear thought, what is the point of buying all the toilet rolls at your SUPER STORE, there is enough supply, and if you get Coronavirus a majority won't know or you get a mild flu symptoms.   Of course if you are older and have health problems you should follow the advice from the Government or from the NHS.  The economic markets have gone bonkers, thank goodness these traders were not around during World War 1 and the Spanish flu or during the bleak times of WW2.  The economic foundations of the UK are strong, the MARKETS need to CALM DOWN.

Joe Biden will be the Democratic Nominee, Michigan will be a walk over - US 2020 Election

BBC News: Reports " Democratic presidential hopeful Joe Biden has picked up another prize endorsement from a former rival, Cory Booker.  "

Lets Get Real:

The Democratic race is over, after Super Tuesday and winning a majority of the States the former VP is on course for a big win in the State of Michigan.  The failure of the Sanders campaign to get the YOUTH VOTE has undermined his campaign theme,also the Democratic Establishment is NOW fully on board.  It can be argued that Joe Biden is the biggest comeback kid of American politics, most commentators and this blog thought Biden was TOAST, but South Carolina was his firewall and the black vote came out to support the former VP to Obama.   Thus we know enter the general election, Trump vs Biden.  It is going to be a SHOW, like no other. 

Doctor Who Review - Ascension of the Cybermen - Arts ( spoilers )

Doctor Who News: Reports  " Doctor Who, Ascension of the Cybermen, had an official rating of 4.99 million viewers, according to figures released by the Broadcasting Research Audience Board, BARB.  "

Lets Get Real:

This season of Doctor Who has been great, the last episode had it all, the Master at his most evil, to learn that the Doctor was the first Time Lord really drove him more nuts that before.  His plan to Upgrade the Cybermen in to Time Lord Cybermen was a neat idea, did he really keep the bodies of billions of dead Time Lords in the vault?   The usual argument between the Doctor and the Master was a great two hander, the Master leading the Doctor to learn that before our first Doctor, ( keep with me on this ) she has previous lives, and she was the one that allowed the Time Lords to renew when they died.  Let's not forget the Tardis family, they were stuck on an cyberman aircraft carrier, they had to dress up as cybermen to get off the ship and then fight the Cybermen, they fought well.  Then the went to the Doctor's home planet to rescue the Doctor from the Master.  The Doctor has to stay but sent his Tardis family home while she dealt with the Master.   How she gets out of that is a spoiler, and where she ends up is for next year.  The Doctor is BACK ON FORM. 

US Update 1 - US 2020 Presidential Election

Guardian - Live Blog: Reports in its 9.30pm post the following, " Klobuchar and Pete Buttigieg reportedly plan to endorse Biden at his Dallas rally tonight, presenting a message of unity to voters before tomorrow’s crucial Super Tuesday contests.  "

Lets Get Real:

Thus Biden won South Carolina with a 28% point victory over Senator Sanders, that has lead to Mayor Pete and Senator Klobuchar getting out of the race, as they could not see a way for them to win.  Thus the four main candidates are Former VP, Joe Biden, Mayor Bloomberg, who represent the moderates in the race, while the left is represented by Senator Sanders and Warren.  Today is Super Tuesday, 14 States vote for their nominee, it would be foolish to predict, with the departure of Klobucher and Mayor Pete the centre of the Democratic Party could move to support Biden, while the left will be split between Sanders and Warren.  On the moderate side will shall see what the four hundred million spent by Mayor Bloomberg get him, does get close to Biden, does he get any delegates, that should be known by this time tomorrow.  As for a foolish prediction, this blog would not be shocked to see Senator Sanders with hundreds of delegates, but also Biden, can Biden pass Sanders, that is an open question, will the Democrats have a contested convention, we shall find out. 

coronavirus Update 2 - UK plan 2 - Health

Daily Mail: Reports " 'Billion-pound' UK battle plan: Boris Johnson's dramatic coronavirus clampdown could see suspected sufferers DETAINED on entry as an 'army' of volunteer NHS workers is called up to treat 'mass epidemic'  "

Lets Get Real:

The UK economy could take a MAJOR HIT, also the US just before the Presidential Election.  The US/UK Governments so far have played it well, not going into panic mode, but being careful with their public comments.   That plaster will come off tomorrow, the UK and US must plan to close down air travel and sea travel, even CLOSE it borders, no one in or out.  That might be the most drastic action, millions could suffer the effects of the disease and some might die, the medical view is that 2% of the 100%of those that get the disease face that result, that could be hundred of thousands in the cold eye of day.  This is still no time to PANIC, the West got through the Spanish flu and medicine then was not up to the 21st Century standard. 

Coronavirus Update - UK Update 1 - Health

Sky News: Reports " Boris Johnson to reveal government plan to tackle outbreak of COVID-19.."It is highly likely coronavirus will spread more widely in the coming days and weeks," Boris Johnson says.  "

Lets Get Real:

The UK Government should be ready to close down, Schools, Universities, limit gatherings of under five thousand that has been done abroad, STOP the football season, and other public events.  The Government better be tough NOW and get the critical review out of the way, if it saves one life, so be it.   The UK Government has taken its time, when compared to the rest of Europe, of course it might be following medical advice, one hopes that the US and the UK is following the advice of the experts.   It is not a time to panic, no rushing to buy foods or toilet rolls, we are not at death's door yet!! NO PANIC. 

Taliban to attack Afghan Forces ONLY! - Afghan Peace Deal

BBC News: Reports " The Taliban said they would resume fighting Afghan forces, but would not target international troops.  "

Lets Get Real:

Thus a few days ago, POTUS was celebrating a peace deal with the Taliban that would END the longest War for the US.  It seems that POTUS has not gotten the Afghan President on side ( ironic, that is one of the themes of the new Homeland series ) The Afghan President must know that once the US and the its Allies leave Kabul and Afghanistan the Taliban will try to roll in, thus the opposition to the Taliban would be killed.   The Afghan President and Government thus need to keep the US in country and fighting the Taliban and other terror forces.   As has been said, it is easy to get in to WAR, not so easy to get out, no one wants another Saigon of 1975, that last chopper out.  Tense times ahead for Afghanistan.