Book read: Secrets of the Conqueror by Stuar Prebble

An interesting read of the operations of the SSN HMS Conqueror pre and post Falklands war. Also describing the inept political covering up that followed over who took the decision to sink Belgrano outside of the 200 mile TEZ.

Pre/Post Falklands is revealed as an operation to capture Russian towed array sonar to gain information on their capability. It is conjectured that this is the true operation that was wanted to be kept quiet during the subsequent loss of ships logs.

The subsequent political fall out from this meant that a crew member Narendra Sethia was accused of stealing the logs and supplying a Labour politician with the information needed to question the government (he had in fact just kept a diary that he provided to a trusted person with a view to publishing).

A sub-story is his winning of a libel case against the main papers - something that cannot easily be undertaken if you do not have the financial backing.

Sethia went on to meet survivors of Belgrano in 2000:

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2000/oct/18/argentina.falklands

Artic Convoy Medals

The long campaign has paid off, there will be a medal associated with the WWII arctic convoys:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-20783362

I could never understand how it had taken so long, I have heard only a few descriptions of what conditions were like - these were volunteers whose efforts were conveniently forgotten post war.

Film: The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey directed by Peter Jackson

I went to see this latest Tolkein middle earth adventure - a little apprehensive about it being another three parter for what was a single book.

It was an enjoyable film, that holds the attention well - and the revolutionary 48 frames per second is impressive.

Martin Freeman plays the central character of Baggins really well - and the film centres around him. The effects and battle scenes are impressive, the storyline is long but much simpler than Lord of the Rings.

Patrick Moore RIP

Really sad news about Patrick Moore today, I watched this months Sky at Night a programme I have watched since around 2004 when I got my first PVR.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-10525469

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/obituaries/science-obituaries/9732840/Sir-Patrick-Moore.html

A truly inspirational and dedicated man. I can remember him judging a model contest when I was growing up, and he loved my brothers Airfix model of Apollo 11!

For people who watch the show, they've gradually seen him become more frail over the last few years - still a shock to hear the news though.

Peer to Peer lending set to be regulated

Interesting article on peer to peer lending which is due to have some regulation in the UK.

http://www.lovemoney.com/blogs/the-economy-politics-and-your-job/politics-and-finance/18741/peertopeer-lending-set-to-be-regulated?source=1000564

Probably most importantly from a compensation perspective should a firm fail - that would be an important backup for any investor. Of course it is something everyone thinks about since the near fall of Halifax/RBS and the run on Northern Rock.

These sort of businesses are exactly the type of competition the mainstream banks need - cut out the middle man, who has for too long made too much money and offered poor loan deals.

Keeping the lights on

Christopher Booker always writes very good articles on the folly of UK energy policy, and this is a good example:

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/earth/energy/9715919/Well-slash-your-bills-but-it-will-cost-you-more-says-Ed-Davey.html

Reading it gave me an idea, let's fast track the House of Commons onto the energy mix they are talking about - mainly wind power. The lights would go out at regular intervals, and maybe this would galvanize them into a more reliable policy!

HP v Autonomy

HP's sad demise continues, claiming dirty tricks in the Autonomy buy out. I only know a little about Autonomy - but it always felt like a company over selling a dubious capability. Oracle famously turned up their noses, with Ellison seeing the business was not worth what was claimed.

That left HP to wade in and lose their money. In some ways this is what UK companies of old (think Ferranti) fell foul of, buying an American concern that simply was not worth the money!

Cringely has a good article:

http://www.cringely.com/2012/11/28/hear-that-sound-its-hp-founders-bill-and-dave-spinning-in-their-graves/