I know most readers here see me as a nature nut and always harping on about some crisis or other in the weather or the environment, but this latest report, upon which this very readable article is based is frightening. I suspect the worldwide picture is that insects are declining at an increasing rate due to the over use and abuse of pesticides primarily, and then loss of habitat. One cause human activity, especially industrial farming.

Don't think I'll be moving to Colombia anytime soon.

https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2017/oct/08/t...

Some of the comments were interesting, some the usual trollfest.

Apart from mosquito bites, which are heading towards twenty, I'm having a good time. Saturday had to be the most successful day, when we managed to get into the back of the El Hondo reserve (near Elche) and met up with some birders we saw last year. I doubt we would have seen some of the species without the extra eyes and expertise.

Such a Christian reaction, I don't think.

http://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/uknews/christian-parents-to-su...

Have survived the storm with themselves and their properties intact. It can be a very frightening experience when nature unleashes its power and we're reminded how insignificant we really are.

Article from the Guardian with photo by Annie Liebovitz.

https://www.theguardian.com/culture/2017/aug/11/chelsea-mann...

I can't believe that it was thirty one years ago today that I turned up in work in a two piece skirt outfit feeling incredibly nervous but also very committed to dealing with anything that happened that or subsequent days. the official grapevine had informed people what was going to happen and I must admit most of the comments I received were encouraging. I wasn't the first in the NHS to have transitioned, but in sleepy West Dorset, I was a bit of a novelty for a while.

Sorry folks, but I seem to befalling apart physically. The other night I awoke to a strange pain in my mouth only to find I'd chewed the side of my tongue--I don't recommend it. Then, on Thursday evening, Whizz took exception to me rubbing one of her feet and attacked me, or more precisely my right hand. I think she caught a tendon and it's swollen and sore but I don't think infected, however, typing isn't very easy. Finally, just to take my mind off my hand I seem to have sinusitis which is causing the whole side of my face to be very tender with occasional jabs of pain in my ear.

Either the site has had a sudden attack of good taste or it's still not quite right. I've tried twice to post the next thrilling installment but all I get is a notice saying the form is outdated and to refresh the page. Life is too short to piss about with puters, so I'll post it tomorrow.

It seems we haven't quite cracked it in UK schools for transgender children.

https://www.theguardian.com/education/2017/jun/27/half-of-tr...

Possibly one answer to the above.

https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2017/jun/27/trans-...