Home Builder Developer - Interior Renovation and Design

Hands up if youve hurt yourself doing something stupid during a home workout. I, for one, smacked my hand into the ceiling-mounted garage door opener while following along with a dance workout. And twice now Ive had a dumbbell fall apart mid-lift because I hadnt tightened the collars enough.

I got off easy. There are many ways to get seriously injured working out at home, and these risks take us by surprise because they arent things were used to thinking about. The gym doesnt have low ceilings in its dance studios. Their weights dont fall apart.

Were all in new territory now. If you got some new home gym equipment, you may not be used to using it. If youre improvising with the things you have around you, you may not be aware of their limitations. So here are a few tips. (And if you dont believe me that some caution is warranted, watch this compilation of home workout fails, which I do not find funny at all, but sad and terrifying.)

Your ceilings may be lower than you think. And youre probably not thinking about things that hang down lower than the ceiling itselfthat garage door motor in my case, or the light fixture in one of the clips above. Check your overhead clearance before you start.

I lift outdoors, but I have some hard-and-fast rules about when I consider it safe to do so. If its threatening to rain or if the ground is wet, I dont do certain lifts because I know my feet could slip.

If youre trying new exercises, make sure to look up the proper technique for them. You found a tire you can flip? Great, but dont forget that theres a serious risk of bicep tears if you do heavy tire flips. Take a minute to learn how to do it safely.

Same goes for any other lift thats new to you, especially anything heavy or awkward. Deadlifts? Front squats? Picking up heavy rocks? Get your technique down before you go all-out.

Resistance bands can snap unexpectedly, even in the best of times. The rubber breaks down over time, so most brands recommend you replace them every few months. Check the manufacturers website for guidelines. If you dont know how old your bands are, use them with caution, and stop using them as soon as you detect any cracking or other signs that theyre breaking down.

If your barbell or dumbbell has collars to hold the weights on, always check that theyre properly tightened. Even if you dont normally worry about the collars, home is a different place than the gym. Maybe youre on uneven ground, or maybe youre doing a lift that you might fail in a different way than you expect. Tighten them. Double up if youre not sure how secure they are.

We dont always question whether chairs can hold our weight, but if youre holding a hundred extra pounds of iron, maybe you should. The fail video above includes several examples of people using lawn chairs to set up an incline bench press (where youre leaning back). The same warning could apply to seated overhead press, or to step-ups or box jumps where youre putting your feet onto a piece of furniture. Make sure that anything you use is strong enough to hold your weight, and stable enough that you wont tip over.

While were at it, dont trust anything. Wall ball slams are great for cinder block walls, not so great for the drywall in your living room. Before you make use of anything in your living space, ask yourself: How is this different from the equivalent thing in my gym?

A properly installed over-the-door pull-up bar should be pretty trustworthy, but check the instructions to make sure youve done it right. Also take note of what exercises are safe to do with it: a bar that can withstand strict pullups may wiggle loose if you try to do the kipping kind.

The same goes for wherever you anchor your suspension trainer. Again, check the instructions that came with it.

If youre doing hanging exercises outdoors, please remember that dead tree limbs snap easily. They may look sturdy, but when they break they can do so suddenly. Dont do pullups off a branch that conveniently has no leaves on it. If you arent sure how much weight a branch can hold, dont risk it.

Once youve gathered your equipment and settled into a routine, you may be tempted to get complacent. But bolts can work loose and bad decisions can come back to haunt you. Make a habit of checking your space and your gear before every workout. Are the bolts on that pull-up bar still tight? Is the ground dry? Are those resistance bands still looking fresh?

I also like to look at my routine from a vantage point of: what if I do something stupid? For example, I can hold a light barbell while stepping over my duffel bag. But what if one day Im a little bit tired, or I dont see that the strap of the duffel is sticking up a little? I probably wont trip over it, but why not remove the risk? So I try to keep paths clear and arrange my stuff in a way that will keep me safe even if I forget to be careful.

Read more:
How To Prevent Injuries When You're Working Out At Home - Lifehacker Australia

Jessie James Decker visits Build to discuss the weight loss program The South Beach Diet at Build Studio on Jan. 14, 2020 in New York City. Michael Loccisano/Getty Images

Country star Jessie James Decker has fired back at critics who took aim at her for posting an underwear shot featuring her young son online by insisting shes trying to teach him to appreciate the body is beautiful.

The I Look So Good singer was trying to show fans what her workouts under lockdown were like in the playful shot, but some followers felt the photo was inappropriate, especially as her kid appeared in the background.

One critic asked, You walk around like that with your kids around, prompting the singer to reply: No different than a swimsuit. I teach my children the body is beautiful. Nothing to be ashamed of.

Responding to another follower, who suggested the star is desperate for attention, the Flip My Hair singer joked: Yeah, I dont get enough love. Can I get a hug?

But not everyone had a problem with the photo, which was posted online on Tuesday one fan wrote: If I looked like that Id walk round everywhere like that.

View original post here:
Jessie James Decker claps back after posting underwear photo with son in the background - Goderich Signal Star

BY LINDA GOODSPEED/CORRESPONDENT

MondayApr27,2020at7:00AM

Condo association documents state that unit owners may not modify common elements without the approval of the associations board of directors. And the board can deny such requests for many different reasons. As a result, a unit owner does not have any legal right to install an electric vehicle charger on the wall of the associations garage or tap into the associations electrical panel and system without the approval of the board of directors.

QUESTION: I own a condo in a 45-unit complex. I recently bought an electrical vehicle and want to charge it in our parking garage where I have a deeded parking space. I went to our board of directors and asked for permission to install an electrical charger on the wall next to my parking space and tap into the associations electrical system. I offered to pay for the installation and all the electricity I would use. The board denied my request.

Do I have a legal right to install an e-vehicle charger next to the parking space that I own and tap into the electrical system if I provide and pay for my costs?

ANSWER: Your question highlights one of the main differences between living in a condo association and owning a single-family home.

In a single-family home, you can install an electrical charger on the wall of the garage without anyone elses permission. In a condo association, whether you own your parking space or not, the walls adjacent to your parking space are a common entity along with the electrical panel and associated wiring that services the garage.

Condo association documents state that unit owners may not modify common elements without the approval of the associations board of directors. And the board can deny such requests for many different reasons.

As a result, a unit owner does not have any legal right to install an electric vehicle charger on the wall of the associations garage or tap into the associations electrical panel and system without the approval of the board of directors.

Your question is a good heads-up to any condo owner thinking about purchasing an electrical vehicle. Make sure you approach your associations board of directors before buying the vehicle so you dont end up in the unhappy position of buying a car you cannot charge in your parking space.

Linda Goodspeed is a longtime real estate writer and author of In and out of Darkness. Email her at: lrgoodspeed@comcast.net.

Read more here:
Goodspeed: Condo associations have the final say - News - Enterprise News

Global Wires and Cables Market was valued US$ 202.55 Bn in 2018 and is estimated to reach US$ XX Bn by 2026 at a CAGR of XX %.

The report study has analyzed revenue impact of covid-19 pandemic on the sales revenue of market leaders, market followers and disrupters in the report and same is reflected in our analysis.

REQUEST FOR FREE SAMPLE REPORT:https://www.maximizemarketresearch.com/request-sample/12308/

Global Wires and Cables Market

Global wires and cables are segmented into by voltage, by installation, by an end user, and by region. Based on the voltage wires and cables market is divided into low, high and extra high. Installation is split into the overhead, underground. End users are classified as aerospace & defense, automotive, building & construction, oil & gas, energy & power, IT & telecommunication. Region wise the market is divided into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East & Africa, and Latin America.

Growing reserves in smart grid technology, increasing renewable energy production, and government initiatives for upgrading the transmission and distribution systems are expected to drive this market. Adoption of smart grid technology has fulfilled the increasing need for grid interconnections, significantly resulting in growing investments in the new submarine and underground cables.

Additionaly, the market growth is attributed to the rising offshore wind farms and high voltage direct current links. Another drivers of the market are, Need for good aesthetics, safety and, functional flexibility. Request From data centers and IT facilities. Rapid growth into construction sector. Opportunities of the market is growing demand from renewable power generation sector.

Based on the voltage, low voltage segment dominating the market. Low voltage cables have high tensile strength and superior conductivity. So, used in industrial and domestic home appliances wiring, internal wiring for lighting circuits, power supply, automotive applications, telecommunication lines, and power generation cables.

On the basis of end user, Energy and power segment hold the largest share of the overall market. With increasing awareness, the manufacturers are actively seeking chances to invest in renewable energy generation, such as solar and wind power.

In terms of region, Asia Pacific most dominated the wires and cable market in 2017. The dominance of the region in the market is attributed to its large population base, rising industrialization and urbanization, development in transmission and distribution networks, growing renewable energy production, large automobile production, and supportive governmental initiatives for expansion or upgrade of existing infrastructure.

DO INQUIRY BEFORE PURCHASING REPORT HERE:https://www.maximizemarketresearch.com/inquiry-before-buying/12308/

Key players operating on the market are, Prysmian Group, Hengtong Optic-Electric Co Ltd., Furukawa Electric Co., Ltd., Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd., General Cable Corporation, Jiagnan Group, TPC Wires & Cable Corp, LS Cable & System Ltd, Polycab Wires Private Limited, Southwires Company, LLC, Hitachi Metals Ltd, Nexans S.A., Leoni AG, and Far East Cable Co., Ltd.Scope of the Global Wires and Cables Market

Global Wires and Cables Market, by Voltage

Low High Extra highGlobal Wires and Cables Market, by Installation

Overhead UndergroundGlobal Wires and Cables Market, by End User

Aerospace & Defence Automotive Building & Construction Oil & Gas Energy & Power IT & TelecommunicationGlobal Wires and Cables Market, by Region

North America Europe Asia Pacific Middle East & Africa Latin America.Key players operating on the Global Wires and Cables Market

Prysmian Group Hengtong Optic-Electric Co Ltd. Furukawa Electric Co., Ltd. Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd. General Cable Corporation Jiagnan Group TPC Wires & Cable Corp LS Cable & System Ltd Polycab Wires Private Limited Southwires Company LLC Hitachi Metals Ltd Nexans S.A. Leoni AG Far East Cable Co., Ltd

MAJOR TOC OF THE REPORT

Chapter One: Wires and cables Market Overview

Chapter Two: Manufacturers Profiles

Chapter Three: Global Wires and cables Market Competition, by Players

Chapter Four: Global Wires and cables Market Size by Regions

Chapter Five: North America Wires and cables Revenue by Countries

Chapter Six: Europe Wires and cables Revenue by Countries

Chapter Seven: Asia-Pacific Wires and cables Revenue by Countries

Chapter Eight: South America Wires and cables Revenue by Countries

Chapter Nine: Middle East and Africa Revenue Wires and cables by Countries

Chapter Ten: Global Wires and cables Market Segment by Type

Chapter Eleven: Global Wires and cables Market Segment by Application

Chapter Twelve: Global Wires and cables Market Size Forecast (2019-2026)

Browse Full Report with Facts and Figures of Wires and cables Market Report at:https://www.maximizemarketresearch.com/market-report/wire-and-cable-market/12308/

About Us:

Maximize Market Research provides B2B and B2C market research on 20,000 high growth emerging technologies & opportunities in Chemical, Healthcare, Pharmaceuticals, Electronics & Communications, Internet of Things, Food and Beverages, Aerospace and Defense and other manufacturing sectors.

Contact info:

Name: Vikas Godage

Organization: MAXIMIZE MARKET RESEARCH PVT. LTD.

Email: sales@maximizemarketresearch.com

Contact: +919607065656/ +919607195908

Website: http://www.maximizemarketresearch.com

Original post:
GLOBAL WIRES AND CABLES MARKET : INDUSTRY ANALYSIS AND FORECAST (2019-2026) - MR Invasion

Replacing the stock head unit inside your car isnt a very challenging process because aftermarket systems typically come with all the instructions you need, so the whole job more or less comes down to getting the wiring right.

In other words, its an iPad that you can fold and unfold between the two sun visors, so when you dont use it, it takes just a second to hide it.

More interesting is that the installation itself isnt at all complicated, and as the Jeep owner explains, it involves parts that arent necessarily aimed at customizing the interior of your car or being used with an iPad behind the wheel.

This is an IPad Pro 6 (This is the 9.7 screen, 11 screen will not fold between the two sun visors) mounted to a flip down mount used for a flat screen for under kitchen cabinets. The flip down mount is mounted to an overhead after market console. When in use it swivels from side to side for driver or passenger use. Blue toothed to the factory head unit, watching videos or YouTube / Netflix is perfect. The coil charge cord is only connected when I need to charge the device, but I sometimes just leave it on, the Wrangler owner explains.

While this is an interesting customization idea, using it for typical navigation might be quite troublesome, especially because the driver always has to look up for a glimpse at the screen. This is the reason the dash-mounted units make sense in the first place, as they are located in a more convenient overall for the driver.

However, the Jeep driver says they use the iPad mostly for off-road maps, so the distraction is significantly reduced in such a scenario.

See original here:
This Jeep Wrangler Gets Rid of the Cluttered Dashboard with a Folding iPad - autoevolution

CarPlay and Android Auto are both new-generation tech that everybody would love having when driving, no matter if they are buying a new car or already owning an older model.

The specialists at Auto Perfect Son have recently performed this upgrade on the 2011 TSX using a Pioneer head unit, and judging from the photos they posted on Instagram (and embedded below), everything seems to fit the car like a glove.

The photos show CarPlay running on the cars screen, and while no other specifics are provided, you should also expect the steering wheel controls to work correctly with music playback and phone calls.

The Pioneer unit that was used for this upgrade is the DMH-1500NEX, which is one affordable radio if you want to install it yourselves. Available for some $300 depending on the retailer, this unit comes with a 7-inch display , built-in Bluetooth and is SiriusXM-ready.

Needless to say, its compatible with both Android Auto and CarPlay (wired, as wireless connectivity would obviously make the whole thing more expensive). It also comes with USB and AUX inputs, and one really helpful feature is the built-in support for a parking camera.

In other words, if you want to also install a back-up camera to assist you with parking, then this Pioneer head unit can automatically display the real-time images on the screen when you put the car in reverse. This is without a doubt welcome integration, especially as the 7-inch display makes spotting objects behind the car pretty easy.

If you can install the head unit yourselves, the only cost of the upgrade comes down to the Pioneer radio. For professional installation, which is recommended if you dont think you can get the wiring right, youll obviously have to spend a few extra bucks.

Read the rest here:
Android Auto and CarPlay Upgrade Just Makes Sense on the 2011 Acura TSX - autoevolution

The second lockdown project, to install a Mastervolt Battery Mate 1602, has also had a successful outcome. This might sound like it should be a given but far from it! When you remove numerous cables and old componentry from the system and replace it with the latest do everything and do it very efficiently technology, theres a moment of apprehension when it comes time to firing everything into life especially for your average DIY boat sparky with his freshly minted Google.com degree.

As mentioned in a previous article, all the heavy cabling was custom-made by chance just prior to lockdown, and fortunately the cable lengths were correct get that wrong and the project becomes an unwelcome reinstallation back to the old system whilst waiting for our new world to unfold.

With this project, a deeper level of understanding was needed to know exactly what powers what and why. Typical of a 30-year-old Kiwi yacht, there was no wiring diagram; hence the need to identify and document the main cable lines and then interpret what it all meant which called for professional advice.

After years of electrical repairs, add-ons and patches, marine electrician Volker Stobbe from Enertec Marine Ltd was quick to point out that at least 30% of the existing wiring was redundant or inefficient. He recommended installing a Battery Mate 1602 which would cure a multitude of sins and efficiently manage the charging and isolating of the independent battery systems, in this case the crank and house.

When you research the capability of this background component relative to cost (NZD $285), its an easy upgrade to consider.

The Battery Mate 1602 has several intelligent features including isolators that divide the charge current with minimal energy loss; theyre compatible with any alternator or charging source and are a reliable battery isolator for different battery banks that function independently when powering the 12v or 24v consumers. Mastervolt has a comprehensive range of battery isolators or combiners for any vessel system size.

The combination of a Mastervolt BattMan Pro battery monitor and the Battery Mate 1602 will provide any boat owner with the ultimate protection for their electrical assets (batteries). Although theres no data-driven proof of the performance gain from the old to the new set-up, experience and intuition indicates the batteries are now charging to capacity faster, saving engine hours, fuel and time.

These before and after photos illustrate the complexity that can build up over the years with different technicians working on an electrical system with no wiring diagram and maybe the odd shell be right shortcut.

The image above also shows the backing mount (top right) shovel-ready, to coin a phrase, for the next project to install a shore-powered battery charger and, you guessed it, a Mastervolt ChargeMaster 12/25-3.

When it comes to electrical boat projects, installing shore power goes to a whole new level after all, youre blending both AC and DC power systems on a boat and in a marine environment; for this yachtie, its a job best left to the professionals. A shore-power installation requires the right advice, careful planning, following the regulatory framework, and a dedicated budget to get the job done and done correctly anything less will be problematic. It may pay to also build in capacity to add solar or wind at a later date if required.

Ideally, at this point the objective is to balance the entire electrical system so that it remains trouble-free, provide a return on investment (expense) and serve your boating needs for at least another ten years.

Far from professional however, if no wiring diagram exists, its a valuable exercise to chart how the electrical system on your boat ticks before planning any level of upgrade.

Original post:
The welcoming sight of a green light signalling all systems are as they should be working properly! - Live Sail Die

by Riviera Australia 27 Apr 14:36 PDT

Australia's largest luxury motor yacht builder, Riviera, has recently reached two major production milestones that fully bring into focus the stylish and grand shape of the highly anticipated Riviera 64 Sports Motor Yacht.

The recent connection of the deck and hull has been followed by the exacting fitment of the flybridge at Riviera's Gold Coast production facility.

The integration of these major components has now brought together the first of this outstanding addition to Riviera's growing collection of Sports Motor Yachts.

Dan Henderson, Riviera's Design and Engineering Director, said these milestones marked another highly productive period for the New Yacht Development team as the 64 SMY edges closer to her world premiere in June.

Riviera 64 SMY Flybridge fitting milestone from Riviera Australia on Vimeo.

"Each production milestone provides our team with satisfaction as each of these components are skilfully brought together as designed to reveal the 64 SMY in all her glory," said Mr Henderson.

"The stringent design, formidable engineering and the fine luxury finishes are now really coming together at this impressive stage of production."

Following the recent completion of over 130 moulds, that will ultimately create the 64 SMY, the first deck, headliner and bathroom modules were made by Riviera's specialist lamination technicians.

The deck alone is over 19 metres long and incorporates multiple laminates and sophisticated core materials to optimise strength and durability whilst minimising weight in this superior construction method.

The headliner and bathroom mouldings that provide an outstanding finish inside the yacht have now been bonded to the deck, creating immense strength. This entire assembly was released from the mould, using custom tooling that transforms into a mobile base.

Meanwhile, in Riviera's meticulous Engineering centre, master craftsmen have fitted the components and systems required to propel the yacht and provide the many services that make a Riviera so comfortable, luxurious and safe.

The engineering work included fitting the twin 1550hp V12 MAN engines, shafts and remote gearboxes to millimetre accuracy, ensuring the smooth, quiet ride and peak performance for which Riviera Sports Motor Yachts are highly regarded. A ride so efficient and so superior, that it has to be experienced to be believed.

The 64 Sports Motor Yacht utilises Riviera's state-of-the-art engineering design to provide effortless performance to over 30 knots whilst delivering ultimate control and owner enjoyment.

With all the care and precision to fit propulsion drivelines and systems to the hull, the newly moulded deck, after exceeding stringent quality checks, was ready for the hull-deck fitting milestone.

Prior to this process, Riviera's specialist electricians installed the extensive wiring harness looms that provide power to all onboard systems. The total length of cable installed at this stage is in excess of 7km.

Following this, the delicate operation at Riviera's Gold Coast production facility saw the 3D CAD designed hull and deck locked into position with millimetre tolerances. CAD design allows for the optimisation of all onboard spaces.

The hull and deck were then bonded, laminated, and mechanically fastened together with 316 marine grade stainless steel bolts located around the entire gunwale perimeter to ensure continuity of structure and ultimate strength.

The flybridge, which is built as a complete unit and weather tested prior to fitting, was locked into place and bonded securely to the main structure.

This latest production milestone now paves the way for the internal fit-out of the 64 SMY and the skilled installation of the highly polished fine joinery.

Sophistication meets innovation in this graceful addition to the Sports Motor Yacht Collection. The 64 SMY will give boating enthusiasts the liveability and luxury they desire in a true blue-water package whether they are wanting to overnight in enclosed water or cross oceans and cruise long-term.

Riviera's design team has excelled in optimising the onboard space, ensuring the vessel lacks for nothing in terms of beauty, luxury and functionality. There is the option of three or four staterooms, alfresco mezzanine dining and gourmet aft galley, internal stairwell to the flybridge, a ship-style pantograph door leading to generous walk-around side decks, and a foredeck that cradles a 3.6-metre tender before transforming into a comfortable and spacious entertainment hub.

"The Riviera 64 Sports Motor Yacht is a highly anticipated and outstanding addition to our luxury Sports Motor Yacht Collection," said Riviera owner Rodney Longhurst.

"Her world premiere is especially important to the Riviera Family in 2020 as we mark 40 years of evolution. She truly showcases Riviera today and the world-class design build quality that our dedicated team does so well."

The Riviera 64 SMY will have her world premiere in June when private inspections will be available. These can be arranged directly with your nearest Riviera representative.

More:
Riviera 64 Sports Motor Yacht fully reveals her grand lines following major production milestones - Power Boat - World

For those in the know, the Ringbrothers workshop has become synonymous with incredible custom builds and unique modifications.

This 1972 Chevrolet K5 Blazer, currently available for auction on the Bring a Trailer website, is a rare chance to buy one of their creations.

Thoroughly upgraded and modified throughout, this could potentially be the ultimate example of the collectable K5 Blazer.

Based in rural Wisconsin, brothers Jim and Mike Ring co-founded Ringbrothers as a collision repair and bodyshop.

Today the company still operates as a bodyshop for the local community, but also produces incredible bespoke custom builds.

The level of attention paid by the Ring brothers has seen them win multiple awards, including several prizes at the 2019 SEMA Show. Ringbrothers also collected a trophy at the Las Vegas event for winning the battle of the builders prize for their bespoke 1969 Chevrolet Camaro.

The K5 Blazer offered for sale on Bring a Trailer has a striking resemblance to their Seaker truck, unveiled at the 2018 SEMA Show.

A detailed build process was undertaken for this truck, seeing the original panels removed from the frame. Acid dipped and repainted in Glasurit Waterborne Black, a Ring Brothers carbon fiber hood was also added to the body.

Ringbrothers even worked to ensure better alignment of the tailgate, whilst all the brightwork was rechromed. The hard top was also removed, with a brand-new custom soft-top roof and roll bar installed.

Chassis modifications included the addition of box strengthening in several areas, with all-new upgraded Bilstein suspension added both front and rear. New brakes were installed, hiding behind 17-inch Custom Circle Racing wheels.

Beneath the carbon fibre hood is a rare GM Performance Parts ZZ430 crate motor. The 350-cubic inch V-8 produces 430 horsepower in stock form, but has benefitted from a Holley Dominator fuel-injection system, and a custom stainless steel exhaust.

A Bowler Performance four-speed automatic transmission can send power to either the rear or all four wheels. A new Bowler Performance two-speed transfer case was also installed by Ringbrothers.

The customization did not stop inside, with an Upholstery Unlimited kit replacing the seats. These are covered in blue vinyl with houndstooth inserts, whilst Ringbrothers have also installed their own bespoke machined-aluminum door handles.

An Alpine touchscreen display now sits within the dashboard, with custom trim helping the installation look like a factory fitted item. A full Alpine sound system is also present.

Dakota Digital gauges have been fitted, along with a Vintage Air cooling system. A new wiring harness is also present, whilst retrofitted LED lighting brings the Blazer into the 21st century.

Chevrolet K5 Blazers have enjoyed considerable interest in the collector market, with fans flocking to classic SUVs. The opportunity to buy an example modified by an award-winning shop is a rare chance.

Having been driven just 450 miles since the custom work was undertaken last year, this K5 Blazer is arguably in better than new condition.

The auction closes on Friday, April 24th, with the Blazer having already rung up several large bids.

Original post:
This amazing Ringbrothers Chevrolet K5 Blazer is available to buy right now - Motoring Research

People have been flouting Government guidelines by turning up to watch the demolition of a big office block in Dudley. This may tell us something about the state of free entertainment in the borough. I am reminded of my family's remote little village in the Yorkshire Dales which was so deprived of things to do that people would traipse three miles to the butcher's in the nearest town to gaze in awe at the bacon slicer.

As an act of charity, I have spared Fleet Street's sub-editors the arduous task of dreaming up yet more bash-the-Government headlines for the coming week. The first tests on Covid-19 patients have begun, using antibodies and existing drugs. If these therapies work, the headline is: Miracle cure why did bungling Government wait so long? And if the treatments don't work: Bungling Government killed my 'guinea-pig' gran. Get the idea?

It always pays to read the story behind a headline. The classic yarn is of a man who with his bare hands killed a pitbull terrier as it attacked a toddler in a Scottish town. For its first edition the local newspaper carried the headline: Hero saves toddler from devil dog. Later it emerged that the hero was a tourist from Wolverhampton. For later editions the headline was. Englishman kills family pet.

Meanwhile, the Guardian claims there is a growing belief among hospital management in the capital that the Nightingale (hospital), built to great acclaim over just nine days, was becoming a 'white elephant'. What is any government supposed to do? If you don't build a new hospital for the worst-case scenario it's complacency. If you do build a new hospital for the worst-case scenario it's a white elephant.

Very few people were warning about a pandemic before it happened. But it seems I was, although I admit I was surprised to unearth it while trawling idly through my archives recently.

Almost exactly a year ago I wrote about the huge number of alleged global threats which, over the decades, had scared us witless. My list included: global communism, alien invasion, nuclear proliferation, mad-cow disease, Aids, biological warfare - and what I called "the Coming Pandemic."

I also suggested that climate change and plastic pollution, such fashionable fears a year ago, might prove to be "the 100 per cent genuine article, the unavoidable horrors that, after so many false alarms, will engulf our planet and wipe out Homo sapiens." I ended with: "If they are not, you can be assured that a year or so from now another even worse apocalypse will be unveiled." All done entirely without a crystal ball.

After my recent item on pop-up adverts, this one suddenly appeared: Seniors love relief sock. Moving swiftly on . . .

Read the original here:
Peter Rhodes on predicting a pandemic, watching a demolition and the stories behind the headlines - expressandstar.com