Nomination for this year’s Grinch.

U.S. President Donald Trump has made good on another campaign promise and recognised Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and looks like moving the U.S. embassy there. While it’s good to make good on campaign promises I kind of wonder about making this one in the first place. Keeping some people that supported him happy I suppose.

The Middle East is a tinder box ready and able to burn. It’s done so before, is doing it now and it could get worse. In diplomatic wisdom I would liken this promise kept as like drop kicking a wasp’s nest. World leaders have kept well away from the Jerusalem issue for years and with good reason.

Maybe Trump needed another distraction away from the Russia investigation and this issue should deliver in spades. I just hope that innocent people don’t get hurt.

There has been media speculation of late that Trump was ill after slurring his words in a speech, denied by the White House. I would not be surprised if being the President of The United States took its toll on the health of anyone. Trump is 71, his stress levels must be immense.

Wildfires are devastating California and it makes me fear for our wildfire season, which is fast approaching. It worries me that there are around 500,000 Mountain Pine Beetle affected trees not too far from us that should be culled. Yes, we have committees and such, but I’ve never seen a committee put a fire out yet. Hot air fans fires. Please do something.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has returned from China without the deal he hoped for it seems. I’m not surprised. To be honest I’m not sure if anyone gets what they want out of Chinese trade talks. I also think that one-day businesses that have invested billions of dollars in China may come unstuck in a big way. Never mind, it’s only the next quarter that counts, right?

We have a Brexit breakthrough. Yay, it’s only going to cost the UK around $66 billion, which is better than $85 billion I guess. It’s all about the money it seems. Follow the money, the journalist’s mantra.

Oil prices have surged north of US$55 a barrel. Wars, rumours of wars and OPEC cuts seem to be doing the trick. How long before there has to a real event rather than a rumour? There is no end to my cynicism it seems.

My former home in the Western Isles has caught my attention as storm Caroline barreled in causing, ferry cancelations, food shortages in the stores, power outages and up to 90 miles per hour winds. I don’t miss that. Hats off to local stores and organisations that stepped in to fund Stornoway’s Christmas lights when Western Isles Council pulled the funding after cutting it back for years. Shame on them. They get my Grinch nomination this year.