Tuesday 3 March

Overcast and bitterly cold, with a stiff breeze and temperatures below 5C. An overnight fall of snow, leaving only a light dusting on the hills, had melted by midday.

The world of cricket had a rude awakening when a coach carrying Sri Lankan players was attacked by a dozen gunmen in Lahore, Pakistan, this morning. They thought they were immune from the harsh reality of the world today: unfortunately, not. Fortunately, none of the players were seriously injured, although half a dozen policemen were killed in the line of fire. The Sri Lankan players are on their way home. An extensive security review is in progress, whilst the hunt for the gunmen goes on. It's just not cricket. Sorry for the sarcasm.

Radovan Karadzic, former leader of the Bosnian Serbs, has refused to enter a plea at his trial on indictment of war crimes in the Bosnian war in the early 1990s. He says the International Court in The Hague does not have the authority to try him, and that the former envoy Richard Holbrooke had promised him immunity from prosecution, something denied by Mr Holbrooke.

Would you go into hospital to visit a friend or relative, and drink the handgel officially there to disinfect your hands? Granted, it contains 70% alcohol, but it also contains toxic chemicals. People have died doing this.

Midnight notes

Bit late for me to still be on here, but there you go. It has turned very cold here tonight, with the mercury at freezing point and hail, sleet and snow showers coming down. The windchill is at -5C, so not very pleasant. Warning for all points south: this has your name on it.

Quite a few of you are on Facebook (as am I myself). A warning has gone out that there are rogue apps about which carry viruses, malware, you name it. Be watchful - have posted this on Facebook as well.

Off to bed with a cup of tea. More tomorrow.