A Lethal Mix of Trump, Jong-un, Massing Russian Troops, China sanctions.

Mannequins in Desenzano - Waiting for Armageddon?

Apparently President Trump's tweets on North Korea have been seen as an insulting  declaration of war by the NK regime. Their propaganda has included showing mocked up videos of US ships and targets being destroyed by bombs and missiles. Writing in the Independent, an influential think tank 'Rusi' apparently thinks that a real war is now a real possibility. One misunderstood action by one party could lead to the other firing the first shot - and it could be the US.

The Daily Mail and Express are reporting that the Russians have been massing troops on the border with North Korea. The Russian forces had also started air-bombing drills according to Newsweek a couple of days ago and earlier in the week, they had also tested a large missile in the region.

China has been increasing sanctions against NK banks and also joint Chinese-NK companies will be shut down over the next 120 days.

The situation is quite frightening.

The Brexit negotiations therefore finished for this week on a lighter tone. Both Michel Barnier and David Davis reported at a press conference that some constructive movement had occurred. Barnier did follow with the statement, that whilst there had been movement,t talks could go on for weeks or months before the stage is reached to decide to move on to discussion of trade. So, positive noises but slow progress on all sticking points.

Read through two sample chapters of a potential future manuscript and replied positively to author. Chatted to Ulli about cameras and accessories and wrote lots of emails. I also had a look at the plans for a possible redevelopment of the sewage farm area on the other side of the A14. Either 7000 new homes with the sewage plant being relocated into the green belt, or retaining sewage plant and adding more commercial buildings haven been suggested. The site is right by a busy dual carriageway and the flood plain of the river. Moving the sewage plant and then having to shovel the additional excrement from 7000 houses to it sounds a bit daft.