Our colleagues in London have had the Monday from hell it seems, that is if hell really did freeze over.

While here in California we're basking in sunny days and wondering if the drought is going to get worse London's seen the heaviest snows in over 20 years, and the capital has pretty much shut down.

London doesn't really know what to do with snow. Having lived there for nearly 20 years myself I can attest to the fact that a couple of inches of snow paralyses the city in a way that turns terrorists green with envy.

The underground train system pretty much shuts down, since most of the tracks outside the city centre are actually above ground, as are the train storage depots. Buses are comical in the snow - Britain's venerable fleet of red double-deckers have antiquated brakes that freeze when it gets too cold.

However, as befits a technology site like vnunet.com, we are better prepared. Although no-one actually made it into work everyone filed stories, thanks to the marvel of the internet. Some managers in corporates may not like home working but cases like today show its value clearly. As one journalist said: "I get the work done, but no-one knows I'm doing it in a cosy bed with a big mug of tea!"

I hope things clear up for the UK crew tomorrow. After all, one can work from home occasionally but we all need to get out and meet people to get the fresh news. Normal services should be back on track tomorrow, even if London Underground isn't.

02 Feb 2009