Women drivers in Saudi - NOT amateur radio

At last Saudi women will be allowed driving licences.

This is a nation we trade with. One could be forgiven for believing this is a backward, primitive nation. At last a step towards the 21st century. Saudi Arabia is, allegedly, the only place on the planet where women are not allowed to drive.

How can the UK see the Saudi nation as a beacon in the Middle East? Some of their laws and customs are barbaric. OK, we should not judge other nations when we are far from perfect ourselves, but surely we expect certain minimum standards. All that matters, it seems, is money. Sad.

I have my worries about places like China, where there is a suspicion of very low wages and poor working conditions for some. Some prices for amateur radio gear from China beggar belief.

See http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-41408195 .

Overnight on 630m WSPR RX

Not a bad night. Best DX was IW4DXW (1190km) in Italy.

630m WSPR RX

Much earlier than previous evenings, I have switched from 6m FT8 RX to 630m WSPR RX. I am still on 10m WSPR TX (500mW).

UPDATE 1904z: So far this evening, 4 unique spots on MF with the earliest being DC0DX (467km) at 1800z.

A blip? - NOT amateur radio

In the last few weeks to UK pound has appreciated by around 6 Eurocents against the Euro. This may, of course, just be a blip. In the long-term, especially once the uncertainty over Brexit is over, I think the UK Pound will strengthen against the Euro considerably. This is my view, and I am no expert.

Fundamentally, I believe the Euro is flawed and there is really no resolution in sight for it main structural issues. Once the UK leaves the EU they will have fewer rich nations to fund the EU coffers. No, the EU is a bit like the curate's egg i.e. "good in parts". If only the members of the EU had given the UK more ground on controlling free movement we'd probably still be inside. Hoisted by their own petard?

I think a lot of the EU's stance is "sour grapes". The UK will be fine outside of the EU and they know it.

Call centres

Over a month ago I ordered something that did not arrive, probably due to a mix-up with the courier as it was due to be delivered Sept 1st. I had to use chat and spoke (in writing) with a person who was probably in India. He dealt with me politely and helpfully.  I must say I have great respect for these people. Dealing with irate customers must be a hard job!

Southgate News is back

After a break of a week, I see that Southgate News is back today. This is a good news service, updated most days. I look regularly.

Coronation St star dies - NOT amateur radio

Many years ago, I used to watch a TV soap, called "Coronation St" on ITV.  This would have been the early 1960s, just after we got ITV in Devon. It was Westward TV back then.

I read today that one of its stars who played Vera Duckworth has died.

See http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-41397413

Salcombe and the white slave trade - NOT amateur radio

When a child, I lived in Salcombe, Devon. Until reading a Giles Milton book a few months ago, I had no knowledge of the white slave trade that saw many coastal communities in grave peril not that long ago. Barbary pirates captured people and took them as slaves to North Africa.

As fishermen in the 1600s, my ancestors were in grave peril.

North Korea - NOT amateur radio

Sadly we have people in charge in the USA and North Korea who seem a bit irrational, allegedly. I certainly hope they can resolve their differences peacefully. War in Korea would result in countless deaths (millions?), even assuming it could be contained.

See http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-41395970 .

10m WSPR TX (500mW)

Since before breakfast, I have had my 10m WSPR beacon running. As yet, no spots received. It will be on all day.

UPDATE 1135z: Still no spots today.

UPDATE 1516z: Yet again, I was surprised. DK6UG (633km) spotted me on 10m WSPR earlier.

UPDATE 1758z: Quite surprised to be spotted many times this teatime by EA8BFK (2880km). I assume this is F2, although Es is possible. Reports were up to +2dB which is strong.

UPDATE 1910z: I'm still being spotted in the Canary Is by EA8BFK. How long will this go on for? The last spot was at 1916z.