Wednesday notes

Happy Hump Day across the pond, otherwise a bright day after a very wet and windy start. At the moment, we're in double figure temperatures (10C), which are set to fall as colder air marches southeast. It is very changeable at the moment, with the Atlantic in full flow. Stormforce winds are possible overnight, but of course, we do not merit a warning.

The Indian state of West Bengal is affected by bird flu, H5N1 variety, which is prompting an increasingly extensive cull. Yesterday, a number of 2 million fowl was quoted, but as the outbreak spreads, this number could rise. Controlling the birdflu in West Bengal is very difficult, as many birds roam free, and have to be chased and caught before they can be despatched. Although the current form of the virus does not transmit to humans (other than through close contact with birds), people are dumping dead birds in wells and streams, and are reluctant to hand their live birds over to officials.

It is suggested that the UK could see the onset of broadband speeds of 100 Mbps, as towns and cities are supplied with fibre-optic cabling, needed for such speeds. BT (British Telecom) have been reluctant to make such an investment, but cable operator Virgin are making a start. BT are concerned that they may not be able to recoup their investment. At the moment, broadband speeds tend to be well below those advertised; my own broadband connections runs riot at 1Mbps, although it is advertised as "up to 8 Mbps".