Local Tilford History!

Surrey: Tilford Local History – Village Hall & Medieval Bridge! (25.5.2026)

The temperature rose to 32 degrees today – and I believe this is the highest recorded temperature for May on record for the UK. It is said that when the Romans occupied Britain – 1st century BCE-5th century CE – it was much hotter in Southern England than it is today. Indeed, so hot was it that the Romans regularly cultivated grapes. Since those heady days – the temperatures have cooled in the UK – and 32 would be more usually experienced for a few days in mid-August – not late May. We waited to late afternoon to take the dogs to a nearby woods near Tilford village – so as to not overheat their paws on the overly hot ground. We stayed in the shade – but I did get photographs and footage of a village hall built in the 19th century – and an old bridge – which looks medieval to me! Cricket was being play on the Green – and I like a good game of cricket. It is complicated and very Confucian in nature!

ICE Targets Foreign Iguanas!

US: Florida ICE Targets “Foreign” Iguanas! (8.2.2026)

Green iguanas were imported from Central and South America as pets beginning in the 1960s and 1970s. Some were intentionally released when their owners could not handle their large size, while others escaped captivity. Florida’s warm, subtropical climate allows iguanas to reproduce quickly, with females laying multiple clutches of eggs per year. Today, their population is estimated at hundreds of thousands to over a million, primarily in South and Central Florida.

Market Overton - 17th Century Window!

Market Overton: 17th Century Window! (6.11.2025)

What is now the dining area – where I set-up my study space – was probably once part of the garden. Therefore, the window itself was once considered the height of building technology. In those days, draughts from blowing winds were a major issue. The frame of this window is firmly embedded in the wall-structure so that no wind can penetrate. The cement and plaster hold it robustly in place – whilst its relatively small surface area allows for strength and stability. As glass was not as strong then as it is now – the panes of glass used were far-smaller – with each held in-place by its own frame. Furthermore, and a feature I like, is the central pane that possesses a stout hinging and opening and shutting mechanism. Even today – this design still retains much of its original strength – whilst being now inside the house means it is now better preserved.

World's first solar magnetic-field telescope operating in the mid-infrared wavelength range!

China: World’s First Solar Magnetic-Field Telescope Operating in the Mid-Infrared Wavelength Range! (23.10.2025)

The world’s first solar magnetic-field telescope operating in the mid-infrared wavelength range has officially become operational after gaining government approval, marking a major breakthrough in solar magnetic field research.

The telescope, known as the Accurate Infrared Magnetic Field Measurements of the Sun, or AIMS, is located in Lenghu township, Qinghai province, at an average altitude of about 4,000 meters. AIMS’ development addresses a long-standing bottleneck in the century-old history of solar magnetic field measurements by achieving a leap from indirect to direct measurement, scientists said.

“The sun, being the only star we can observe with high precision, has a magnetic field that acts as the energy switch driving intense solar activities such as flares and coronal mass ejections. Yet, more than half the sun’s overall magnetic field manifestations are relatively weak, with strengths of only a few dozen gauss,” said Deng Yuanyong, a researcher at the National Astronomical Observatories of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, who led the telescope’s construction.

US Behind Helicopter Crash!

Iran: Illegal US Sanctions Behind Deadly Helicopter Crash! (25.5.2024)

The United Nations General Assembly on Thursday held a minute of silence during a plenary session in honour of Raisi.

Dennis Francis, president of the 78th session of the UNGA, led the tribute. The UNGA president also extended his condolences to the Iranian government and its people.

The UN Security Council observed a minute of silence for the president and his delegation, and the UN flag was lowered to half-mast as a sign of respect on Tuesday.

Li Hongzhong, vice-chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress, mourned the passing of Raisi at the Iranian embassy in China on Friday.

Li, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, expressed deep condolences over the tragic death of Raisi to the Iranian government and people.

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