We didn’t watch yesterday’s stage of the Tour de France until very late last night. This was partly because it was not broadcast until 9.00 pm. I think this was because ITV4 was showing the semifinal of the women’s football cup. We recorded the highlights anyway. Our TV is very smart, much smarter than me as regards technology; if you set it to record a whole series it will manage to do so even if the transmission times vary. Clever stuff. And then Phil came home from chess club very late and so we had our Thursday evening beer right at the end of the evening.
Yesterday’s stage, properly in the Alps, finished at the top of a huge climb. It was very damp and foggy. Spectators were enveloped in waterproof ponchos, usually polka dot for the Kong of the Mountains. And Tadej Pogacar was all wrapped up against the cold as he received yet another yellow jersey. What does he do with all the soft toy lions? I wonder.
Today they should have been going up three mountains but this, the last proper mountain stage of this year’s Tour, was shortened at the last minute due to an outbreak of disease among cattle in the local area. A bulletin tells us: “The discovery of an outbreak of contagious nodular dermatitis affecting cattle in a herd located specifically in the Col des Saisies has necessitated the culling of the animals. In light of the distress experienced by the affected farmers and in order to preserve the smooth running of the race, it has been decided, in agreement with the relevant authorities, to modify the route of Stage 19 (Albertville–La Plagne) and to avoid the ascent to the Col des Saisies.” I think they have replaced the Col des Saisies with a different hill.
I am finding more reports of odd goings-on related to the outlawing of Palestine Action. Two old ladies, one 80 and the other 75 were arrested for holding up a supportive placard at a demonstration in Cardiff a couple of weeks ago. Retired teachers, they were held in custody for some 27 hours. Their homes were searched. Items were confiscated: iPad, Palestinian scarves, books, drum sticks! Drum sticks? What did they think an 80 year old was going to do with her drumsticks?
When asked whether they knew that Palestine Action supported violence and whether they were individually prepared to use violence.both ladies refused to comment. Obviously highly suspicious characters. Both ladies have been bailed until October. Their bail conditions prohibit contact with each other and spending any nights away from their homes. Maybe it’s a twisted revenge by someone often put in detention by teachers, now getting their own back on these two!
One of them said: “I just feel if I’m put in prison for this, and even if I die in prison for this, I can’t think of a better thing to die for really than for the justice of the people who’ve been persecuted now for almost my lifetime.”
It’s all getting a little out of hand.
Life goes on. Stay safe and well, everyone!
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