ArchivesBy Author: Phil
Rave: They’re Waking Up!
Interesting news article on the Beeb website today – apparently the UK is now able to produce over 2GW of electricity from wind power – only one of eight countries in the world to be able to do so.
This is of course good news and a small, but significant milestone in the move away from our over-dependence on oil/fossil fuels. What I would like to see however is a similar level of investment by the energy companies in the development of other “green” energy technology.
I’m specifically thinking of both solar and wave power. Wind turbines provide a reasonable return on investment and can be erected fairly quickly, allowing both energy companies and the government to show that they are moving towards their targets in good time. But if history has any lesson to teach about energy generation and usage, it’s that it is never a good idea to put all your eggs in one basket.
+17Extreme Sports
Over the years, we have partaken in a a number of sports which some folks might consider a little extreme.
+20Rave: Jack Savoretti’s “Dreamers”
It doesn’t happen often, but every now and then I hear a track which stops me in my tracks.
This happened earlier this week, when I heard Jack Savoretti’s “Dreamers” on Radio 2.
This track has a relatively simple but touching melody, with thought-provoking lyrics and a beautiful overall arrangement that is reminiscent of artistic legends such as Nick Drake.
Savoretti’s raw, yet yearning vocals give the track a “straight from the soul” sound and the ghostly background harmonies add to the bittersweet melancholy.
“Dreamers” is due for release, by De Angelis Records as a single on the 12th February, 2007. Check it out!
+11Rant: Database Deceivers
Over the last couple of years there has been a significant increase in the number of people who have their DNA stored in the national DNA database (NDNAD).
Most recent figures suggest that out of the 3-million or more entries, nearly a third of the entries are from people who have never been convicted, charged or even cautioned for any crime.
+19Hong Kong Revisited
It’s mid-morning as I sit in a coffee shop on Nathan Rd in the heart of the golden mile during the last day of a 3-day stopover from NZ.
A young woman wearing the latest western designer clothes strolls purposefully down the road. As she passes the coffee shop, she side-steps a tiny old woman, who is bent almost double, pushing a cartload of goods slowly down the street. The young woman barely sees her; she is talking on her mobile phone. Seconds later she glances at her brand-name watch before disappearing down into the Shah Tsim Shiu station of the MTR.
+16RIP Jack
Was sorry to read in the news today about the death of Jack Palance.
Few actors of his caliber ever graced the silver screen – especially in the western genre and his portrayal of a long string of tough guys was difficult to match (perhaps only Lee Marvin and Clint Eastwood come close and neither was as good as Jack at playing the villain).
So long Jack – here’s hoping your last ride into the sunset will lead you to somewhere happy…
+15