pal's postings

King George V at the helm of His Majesty’s Racing Yacht Britannia

2011-12-09T17:28:00.001Z

King George V at the helm of His Majesty’s Racing Yacht Britannia, a photo by The British Monarchy on Flickr.

Closer to home and full of action

Royal encampment in the gardens of the consulate in Beirut

2011-12-09T17:26:00.002Z

Royal encampment in the gardens of the consulate in Beirut, a photo by The British Monarchy on Flickr.

Fascinating peep into Royal photo archives. Nice tents, bang up to date really - they look a bit like trendy yurts !

More on the photographer Francis Bedford (1816–94) here

Google Earth spots huge, unidentified structures in Gobi desert - Telegraph

2011-11-16T11:31:00.000Z

Vast, unidentified, structures have been spotted by satellites in the barren Gobi desert, raising questions about what China might be building in a region it uses for its military, space and nuclear programmes.

China: Google Earth spots huge, unidentified structures in Gobi desert - Telegraph:

2011-11-11T14:00:00.001Z

Do you think they would find all this in British prisons?

BBC News - Prostitutes found in Mexico jail: A surprise inspection in a prison in Mexico has revealed the presence of 19 prostitutes, 100 plasma televisions, two sacks of marijuana, and 100 cockerels for cock fighting.

Academics don't retire!

2011-10-01T17:57:00.001+01:00

Its the end of an era for the Open University with the retirement of my hero John Naughton who pioneered on-line education and showed me, and thousands of other T171 students, a whole new world of cyberspace back in the heady days of the new millennium.

He's counting his blessings while finding the idea of retirement for academics absurd. Thankfully some things never change.

OU going global

2011-04-12T15:14:00.001+01:00

The UK's Open University is to receive funding from the United States to improve staying-on rates among poorer students in US colleges.

The Open University (OU) is to provide online courses to improve basic maths for students in community colleges.

The $750,000 (£458,000) pilot project will help students in 10 US colleges - and will be extended if successful.

BBC News - Open University to get US funding

The day David Bailey didn't blow up: art is b*%#@ ... and other lessons of life

2011-04-05T06:22:00.001+01:00

AGD: Is there such a thing as a great photograph that's been touched up?

DB: I think so. I mean Raphael used Photoshop, didn't he?

AGD: Did he?

DB: Of course he did. When Medici said to him: "I fancy that bit of stuff over in Portugal, can you go and take a photo of her?" he didn't show her dandruff and her scabby skin and her black teeth and the spots, did he? He used Renaissance Photoshop.

The day David Bailey didn't blow up: art is b*%#@ ... and other lessons of life

Japan crisis: Germany to speed up nuclear energy exit

2011-03-18T07:24:00.001Z

German Chancellor Angela Merkel has announced a "measured exit" from nuclear power in response to the crisis affecting four reactors in Japan.

Defending the temporary closure of Germany's seven oldest reactors, she said the Japanese disaster meant it could no longer be "business as usual".

Mrs Merkel told parliament that the goal was "to reach the age of renewable energy as soon as possible"

BBC News - Japan crisis: Germany to speed up nuclear energy exit

Well done that woman.

'Who would honestly want to go and meet the man who raped you?’

2011-03-13T08:06:00.002Z

Remarkable account of a rape and its consequences. Best of luck Claire.

“I had been in London that day, studying for a Master of Science degree in sports injury medicine. I spent the evening at an awards ceremony and caught the train from Charing Cross, heading home to Tunbridge Wells. I was later than normal but I would still get in at about 9.30pm.

“It was February 1, 2007. I later discovered that the offender boarded the train at High Brooms, on the outskirts of town, about three or four minutes’ ride from my destination.

“He had been released from prison the previous day. He signed on at Tonbridge police station at 2pm and spent the rest of the day looking for a woman to rape.

'Who would honestly want to go and meet the man who raped you?’ - Telegraph

Doubts emerge over heart risk to 'apple shape'

2011-03-11T06:45:00.001Z

Doubts have been raised over the idea that being overweight and "apple shaped" increases heart attack risk.

A study in the Lancet found the risk of heart attack was not increased by fat being concentrated around the waist.

It contradicts previous work that found overweight people with "apple shaped" bodies were three times as likely to suffer heart attacks than those with more generally distributed fat.

BBC News - Doubts emerge over heart risk to 'apple shape'

Phew thank goodness! But how can they get it so wrong?

What is the UK's national vegetable?

2011-03-10T22:05:00.002Z

British TV chefs and restaurateurs are keen for us to eat locally grown produce. But is there a single national vegetable?

Leeks are Welsh. Potatoes are associated with Ireland. And overcooked cabbage, cauliflower and sprouts are classic school dinner fare.

Asparagus is a strong contender for an English vegetable, coming into season on St George's Day, says Nora Ryan, editor of the BBC Food website. But is there one that could be described as Britain's national vegetable?"

The French have the green bean, garlic and onions, Eastern Europeans have the beetroot and cabbage, and Italians can lay claim to the tomato," she says.

BBC News - What is the UK's national vegetable?

How about the pea - as in mushy peas? Or maybe Brussels Sprouts that nobody likes but traditionally goes with the Christmas turkey? Then there are carrots, beetroots, parsnips, asparagus ...

Alfred Tennyson poem chosen as Olympic Winning Words

2011-03-05T22:51:00.001Z

To strive, to seek, to find, and not to yield"

BBC News - Alfred Tennyson poem chosen as Olympic Winning Words

Banksy bailed out Russian graffiti artists Voina

2011-03-05T08:16:00.001Z

Leonid Nikolayev and Oleg Vorotnikov, members of the radical art collective Voina, were freed from custody last week after nearly four months awaiting trail for overturning police cars in St Petersburg.

BBC News - How Banksy bailed out Russian graffiti artists Voina

Higher education – universities with arts courses bear the brunt

2010-11-05T08:09:00.001Z

Grrrrrrr so much for fairness.

Biggest cuts in terms of cash
1. Open University £109m
2. Nottingham Trent University £66m
3. Sheffield Hallam University £63m
4. Leeds Metropolitan University £61m
5. Manchester Metropolitan University £60m
6. University of Leeds £57m
7. University of Manchester £55m
8. University of the West of England £55m
9. University of Central Lancashire £52m
10. Liverpool John Moores University £48m

Universities losing all funding:
Bishop Grosseteste College
Central School of Speech and Drama
LSE
York St John University College
College of St Mark and St John
Harper Adams University College
University of Winchester
Newman College of Higher Education
Rose Bruford College
Royal Academy of Music
Royal College of Music
Royal Northern College of Music
Trinity Laban
Goldsmiths College
London School of Economics and Political Science
King’s College London
The School of Oriental and African Studies
Norwich School of Art and Design
Conservatoire for Dance and Drama
Birmingham College of Food, Tourism and Creative Studies
Courtauld Institute of Art
Heythrop College
Leeds College of Music
Guildhall School of Music and Drama
University College, Falmouth

Higher education – universities with arts courses bear the brunt - Telegraph

Don't eat the fish!

2010-10-30T06:48:00.001+01:00

THE fishing bans in Sydney Harbour will have to stay in place for decades due to high levels of dioxins, despite an expensive clean-up of Homebush Bay, the original source of the contamination.

Although the clean-up of the former Union Carbide site is due to finish early next year, new figures obtained by the Herald under freedom of information laws show dioxins from the former pesticide factory have washed more than 10 kilometres up and downstream.

They cover an area too large to be remediated and authorities say the only answer is to wait until sediments cover the contaminated layer, so the poison cannot be absorbed by fish and small invertebrates.

Even though the water quality in the harbour is much improved, the high levels of dioxins in areas where fish feed means the warning not to eat fish caught west of the Harbour Bridge, and to eat only 150 grams a month of fish caught east of the bridge, will likely remain for decades.

The data, collected by the NSW Department of Environment, Climate Change and Water in 2008, shows that large tracts of sediments in the harbour are more contaminated with dioxins than Tokyo Bay or New York Harbour, and are among the most contaminated in the world.

The poison that got away

Weston-Super-Mare's Pier

2010-10-24T05:44:00.001+01:00

Grand Pier in Weston-Super-Mare was destroyed by a blaze in July 2008, but on Saturday the attraction is to reopen to the public for the first time since the fire.

The pier underwent a £39 million transformation and was due to be opened in July but was hit by several setbacks.
It can hold 6,700 people at a time but long queues were expected as people try to be among the first to visit.

Owners Kerry and Michelle Michael said they were devastated by the fire but vowed to bring the landmark back to life with a modern glass fronted design by Bristol-based architects Angus Meek.

Fire hit pier reopens after £39 million facelift - Telegraph

Campaigners celebrate victory for Purton Hulks

2010-09-25T11:48:00.002+01:00

MARITIME heritage enthusiasts are celebrating a "momentous" victory after a significant historical site was given protection for the future.

The Purton Hulks, a collection of shipwrecked boats that sit on the shore of the River Severn, have been formally adopted by British Waterways after 12 years of negotiations between the company and the Friends of Purton. ...

... The Friends of Purton now feel that because ownership of the site has been recorded with English Heritage, Natural England and the county archaeologist there is little to stand in the way of the site being registered for more designation and protection.

To find out more about the hulks and the Friends of Purton visit www.friendsofpurton.org.uk

Campaigners celebrate victory for Purton Hulks (From Gazette Series)

join Twitter now!

2010-09-22T15:45:00.001+01:00

JOINING Twitter could stop you becoming a victim of crime, say Gloucestershire Police.

The force is now on Twitter and by following them could stop you being burgled, conned, mugged or even let you help in the hunt for a missing person.

Anyone signed up to the social networking service will get instant updates from the county force.

Gloucestershire Police decided to join Twitter to get its messages out to a wider and more diverse audience. Users can receive bulletins on gadgets like mobile phones, laptops and even games consoles.

Gloucestershire Police launch Twitter page (From Gazette Series)

more photography stuff

2010-09-07T12:11:00.000+01:00

Photography podcasts

A Photo Editor - Take A Break

2010-09-07T12:02:00.004+01:00

Great Photography reading list - (links are to US Amazon) : ..

Looking at Photographs: 100 Pictures from the Collection of The Museum of Modern Art by John Szarkowski

Ansel Adams at 100 by John Szarkowski

The Photographer’s Eye by Szarkowski

Camera Lucida by Roland Barthes

Perception and Imaging, 3rd edition by Dr. Richard Zakia

Photographers on Photography; Lyons, Nathan (ed.)

Photography until Now; Szarkowski, John

History of Photography, From 1839 to the Present; Newhall, Beaumont

The Decisive Moment; Cartier-Bresson, Henri (read the introduction essay)

On Photography; Sontag, Susan

Ways of Seeing; Berger, John

Bystander: A History of Street Photography; Meyerowitz, Joel and Westerbeck, Colin (specialty but a very good book)

What do Pictures Want?; Mitchell, W.J.T.

Richard Avedon: Evidence 1994; Avedon, Richard (read the essays)

Helmut Newton’s autobiography

“The Camera”, “The Negative”, and “The Print” by Ansel Adams

Robert Adam’s “Why People Photograph”

“Beauty in Photography” Robert Adam’s

‘On Being A Photographer’ by David Hurn and Bill Jay

“Creating a Sense of Place” by Joel Meyerowitz

W. Eugene Smith: Shadow and Substance the Life and Work of an American Photographer – by Jim Hughes

Stephen Shore’s recent re-release of “the Nature of Photographs”

The daybooks of Edward Weston

Scenes of Wonder and Curiosity by Ted Orland

California and the West by Charis Wilson and Edward Weston

Updated:

“The Photograph as Contemporary Art” by Charlotte Cotton

L’Amour Fou: Surrealism and Photography; Rosalind Krauss, Jane Livingston and Dawn Ades.

Reflex: A Vik Muniz Primer; Vik Muniz and Lesley Martin

At The Edge of the Light: Thoughts on Photography and Photographers, on Talent and Genius; David Travis

Rebecca Solnit book about Edweard Muybridge’s strange life; it’s called River of Shadows

A Photo Editor - Take A Break

'Two thirds of Christchurch homes damaged’ in New Zealand earthquake

2010-09-07T06:44:00.001+01:00

Up to 100,000 homes in Christchurch, almost two-thirds, have been damaged by the 7.0-magnitude earthquake which hit the New Zealand city on Saturday, according to the country’s prime minister.

'Two thirds of Christchurch homes damaged’ in New Zealand earthquake - Telegraph

html5

2010-08-22T23:55:00.001+01:00

Hakim El Hattab does it because its fun - and yes it is :-)

A musical experiment using html5 - keylight

more from his interactive playground

Google

2010-08-12T23:31:00.001+01:00

According to Google it is the 71st Anniversary of the Wizard of Oz - so it must be true :-)

Google

Pakistan floods: disaster is the worst in the UN's history

2010-08-10T05:00:00.001+01:00

The United Nations has rated the floods in Pakistan as the greatest humanitarian crisis in recent history with more people affected than the South-East Asian tsunami and the recent earthquakes in Kashmir and Haiti combined.

Pakistan floods: disaster is the worst in the UN's history - Telegraph

The Archers scores record ratings of over 5m listeners

2010-08-05T04:49:00.001+01:00

Radio 4 and The Archers are top favourites in our household :.

The everyday story of country folk, which had its first national broadcast on January 1, 1951, gained 376,000 listeners in the second quarter of 2010, giving it a weekly total of 5,050,000.

The rise may reflect the allure of some potboiling storylines including the 17-year-old Pip Archer’s dalliance with older man Jude.

These are the highest ratings for the show - which will celebrate its 60th birthday in six months time - since the current method of measuring radio audiences was adopted in 1999.

Radio 4 as a whole also scored record figures during the general election campaign, adding 400,000 listeners a week to take it to 10.4million.

The Today programme, the Six O’Clock News and PM all scored record figures, with Today putting on 540,000 listeners for a total of 6,980,000 a week.

The Archers scores record ratings of over 5m listeners - Telegraph

Channel swimmer sets slowest record

2010-07-28T04:02:00.001+01:00

A 56-year-old woman has unintentionally beaten the record for the slowest solo swim because tides held her up as she crossed the English Channel.

Jackie Cobell thought she would swim 21 miles (34km) but swam 65 miles (105km) in 28 hours and 44 minutes.

She has beaten the previous record for the longest solo swim - 26 hours and 50 minutes set by Henry Sullivan in 1923.

BBC News - Channel swimmer sets slowest record

Hooray for Mama Mia !

2010-07-21T17:17:00.001+01:00

A COMMUNITY pool that was threatened with closure has been given the backing of the award-winning writer of smash hit musical Mamma Mia!

Screen writer Catherine Johnson presented Wotton Pool with a cheque for £5,000 after she heard the community facility was fundraising to save it from closure.

The pool will soon be left to fend for itself after Stroud District Council decided to relinquish control of the facility to save the authority money.

Community pool in Wotton under threat is backed by Mamma Mia! writer (From Gazette Series)

wintry weather on St Swithin's Day

2010-07-16T05:25:00.001+01:00

Unseasonably strong winds battered beaches while some areas experience more than an inch of rain, potentially spelling doom for the rest of the summer.

Legend suggests if it rains on St Swithin's Day it will lead to downpours for the next 40 days, potentially ruining the rest of July and August.

According to the ninth century tale, after the remains of St Swithin, a Saxon bishop, were removed his preferred burial place outside Winchester Cathedral, it led to 40 days of continuous rain and storms.

Since then the story has become one of Britain’s most enduring folklores and causes many to keep a watchful eye on the weather every year on July 15.

Forecasters said that between 25mm to 33mm of rain fell on Thursday.

Britain hit by wintry weather on St Swithin's Day - Telegraph

British second homes owners in Paris facing fines for holiday lets

2010-07-10T01:17:00.001+01:00

This is something that can stay on the other side of The Channel. The French Authorities obviously don't value their tourist industry...

Hundreds who have bought flats in the French capital as investments to rent out as holiday lets are currently under investigation for the little known crime, and face fines of up to £21,000.

It follows a move by the city's Socialist council to clamp down on absentee landlords who make thousands out of their properties while denying ordinary Parisians a place to live.

"It's a very serious problem and one we are determined to clamp down on," said a council spokesman.

"Housing stock is very scarce in central Paris, yet there are numerous foreign landlords who solely see flats as a short-term money making opportunity." She said the city council was "vigorously" enforcing a 2005 law which states that all rentals in France must be offered with a minimum one-year lease.

This has seen officers from the Bureau de la Protection des Locaux d'Habitation, (BPLH, or Office for the protection of residential property) acting on tip-offs from neighbours who resent constantly changing tenants.

The only way to get around the law is to reclassify flats as commercial properties, however, it is a complicated and massively bureaucratic legal process which usually ends in failure, especially for foreigners.

The law applies to properties across France but other councils are less concerned as there is not the shortage of housing that there is in Paris

British second homes owners in Paris facing fines for holiday lets - Telegraph

Cheryl Cole being treated for malaria in hospital

2010-07-07T04:27:00.001+01:00

The BBC report that:

Singer Cheryl Cole is in hospital being treated for malaria, her spokesman has confirmed...

... Cole recently returned from a break in Tanzania, on the east coast of Africa

Key facts from World Health Organization:

* Malaria is a life-threatening disease caused by parasites that are transmitted to people through the bites of infected mosquitoes.
* In 2008, malaria caused nearly one million deaths, mostly among African children.
* Malaria is preventable and curable.
* Malaria can decrease gross domestic product by as much as 1.3% in countries with high disease rates.
* Non-immune travelers from malaria-free areas are very vulnerable to the disease when they get infected.

Finland makes broadband a 'legal right'

2010-07-01T07:26:00.001+01:00

Finland has become the first country in the world to make broadband a legal right for every citizen.

From 1 July every Finn will have the right to access to a 1Mbps (megabit per second) broadband connection.

Finland has vowed to connect everyone to a 100Mbps connection by 2015.

In the UK the government has promised a minimum connection of at least 2Mbps to all homes by 2012 but has stopped short of enshrining this as a right in law.

BBC News - Finland makes broadband a 'legal right'

British real tennis champion banned in sex row with American club

2010-06-29T08:01:00.002+01:00

I wonder how they will get round this without causing an international incident ..

Claire Vigrass, 18, a real tennis champion, won a place in the British team competing for the Van Alen trophy against the Americans. She is, however, horrified to discover that she cannot play in the match at the Racquet & Tennis Club in New York next month because women are banned from the venue.

"First lady to be chosen, but still not allowed to play the match," she laments. "One step at a time, I guess."

British real tennis champion banned in sex row with American club - Telegraph

Purton Hulks protected

2010-06-17T19:40:00.001+01:00

Fantastic news. A meander through Purton hulks is one of our favourite walks, we discovered them with the boys some years ago ....

A PIECE of Gloucestershire’s maritime heritage has been protected and will take its place in history alongside the Mary Rose and HMS Victory.

The Friends of Purton are this week celebrating after receiving the long-awaited news that the first vessel in the collection of ‘Purton Hulks’ on the banks of the River Severn has been listed as a Scheduled Ancient Monument.

Maritime historian Paul Barnett, who set up The Friends of Purton in 2008, said it was a massive step forward in getting the collection of 80 vessels protected.

The Purton Hulks, also know as the ship graveyard, are a group of 80 sunken barges that were deliberately beached 100 years ago to help shore up the Gloucester to Sharpness Canal, which runs alongside the River Severn.

Joy for Purton Hulks campaigners as vessel is protected (From Gazette Series)

Deputy Prime Minister visits Spain

2010-06-16T15:08:00.001+01:00

Nice chatty blog by our Ambassador to Spain, Giles Paxman giving a quick run down on Nick Cleggs recent visit ....

It helped that the DPM was able to say all of this in fluent Spanish – although he admitted to me that with a Spanish wife and children he sometimes found it easier to talk in Spanish about bottles and nappies than budgets and yield curves. But the fact that he arrived in Spain on Easyjet, much to the fascination of his Spanish audience, made sure that the cost cutting message got through loud and clear.

Giles Paxman

TripAdvisor Goes Social With Facebook

2010-06-16T09:08:00.001+01:00

TripAdvisor has introduced "TripAdvisor Trip Friends" feature, which allows users to get advice from their Facebook friends about planning their next vacation.

When researching a destination, hotel, attraction or restaurant on TripAdvisor, users who have logged in using Facebook will now see a list of friends who have been to that location, via TripAdvisor Cities I've Visited (CIV) application on Facebook.

Users will be able to directly message their friends, or post a message to group of friends, to get travel information. TripAdvisor says CIV has been one of the most popular applications on Facebook for almost three years, and it has more than five million monthly users.

TripAdvisor Goes Social With Facebook | WebProNews

German throws puppy at Hells Angels bikers then flees on bulldozer

2010-06-15T21:25:00.002+01:00

This was the headline, apparently he pulled his trousers down too. There are some truly bonkers people about - it made me laugh though!

German throws puppy at Hells Angels bikers then flees on bulldozer - Telegraph

Mole population soars

2010-06-14T08:06:00.002+01:00

A strange article in The Telegraph, on the back of the current interest in foxes perhaps ...

The mole population has soared across Britain due to the ban on the poison used to kill them.

Pest controlers have said they could number up to 40 million although the most recent estimate is currently 33 million.

The rise is due to a ban on the use of strychnine, commonly used as a means of killng moles .............

..... Europe banned the use of strychnine hydrochloride in 2006 on the grounds that it is unsafe for wildlife and causes the moles unnecessary suffering.

However, increased mole populations are problematic for farms and can damage crops and machinary. [sic]

We have a mole problem in our garden but I trust The Telegraph are not about to spearhead a campaign to bring back strychnine ....

Here we go, here we go, here we go .......

2010-06-12T12:23:00.003+01:00

There's only eight to a pack, I wonder which two got sent off

Anyone Can Create An Online Store

2010-06-11T15:58:00.001+01:00

UK-based startup Shoply wants to allow anyone to sell anything online. The company offers free SaaS that allows people to sell their goods in an online marketplace, with their own storefront and website.

The idea behind the site is fairly simple. Shoply aims to compete with eBay and other marketplaces by not charging setup or listing fees. Shoply makes money by charging a small transaction fee, which is 6 percent of a total transaction, on all purchases made through its platform as well as through monthly subscription plans for premium packages. Payments are made via PayPal.

Shoply Lets Anyone Create An Online Store

Coniston's Wedding of the century!

2010-06-07T07:27:00.005+01:00

We went to a family wedding this weekend at Coniston in the Lake District. It was gloriously sunny, the bride was fashionably late, the groom laid back as always and the vicar delicate in his reference to events in West Cumbria.

The reception was held in the most stunning location at The Coniston Coppermines, half way up the Old Man and overlooking Coniston Water and the surrounding Lake District.

I sat next to England's charming and successful wicketkeeping coach, Bruce French, who wins my nomination for cool trendsetting footwear!

ipad magic

2010-06-03T07:22:00.001+01:00

BP fiasco

2010-06-02T05:28:00.001+01:00

The SMH sum up the BP Oil disaster - so far

# BP share price down 13.1 per cent
# $20.6 billion wiped off BP's market value
# Biggest one-day fall in 18 years
# Civil and criminal investigations launched
# James Cameron called in to help

To get some idea of the huge and growing disaster there is a neat moveable slick to be found here - plop it over your home town and be afraid!

electropollution

2010-05-29T09:16:00.001+01:00

The growing use of mobile telephones is behind the disappearance of honey bees and the collapse of their hives, scientists have claimed.

Britain has seen a 15 per cent decline in its bee population in the last two years Their disappearance has caused alarm throughout Europe and North America where campaigners have blamed agricultural pesticides, climate change and the advent of genetically modified crops for what is now known as 'colony collapse disorder.'

Britain has seen a 15 per cent decline in its bee population in the last two years and shrinking numbers has led to a rise in thefts of hives.

Now researchers from Chandigarh's Punjab University claim they have found the cause which could be the first step in reversing the decline: They have established that radiation from mobile telephones is a key factor in the phenomenon and say that it probably interfering with the bee's navigation senses.

Mobile phones responsible for disappearance of honey bee - Telegraph

Pac-Man 30th Anniversary

2010-05-22T13:51:00.002+01:00

Brilliant, Google have excelled themselves :-)

To mark the game’s 30th anniversary, Google have converted their homepage into a playable version of Pac-Man.

The maze spells out the search engine logo, and the ‘I’m feeling lucky’ button has been replaced by the historic ‘Insert Coin’ message. It’s fully playable with pick-ups, ghosts and retro sound effects to boot. There’s even a two-player mode that sees Ms Pac-Man join the game if you click ‘Insert Coin’ twice. She can be controlled by another player by using the WASD keys.

Pac-Man 30th Anniversary « Platform Online

You Tube

2010-05-17T15:43:00.001+01:00

An astronomical amount of hits for a 5 year old ....

YouTube hits two billion views a day

YouTube has exceeded two billions views a day as it celebrates the fifth anniversary since first launching in beta in 2005.

YouTube hits two billion views a day - Telegraph

The laser turns 50

2010-05-14T22:48:00.001+01:00

Fifty years ago Sunday, a Hughes Labs researcher named Theodore Maiman changed the world.

That day, Maiman became the first person on Earth to build a working laser, something that colleagues at a number of other companies and institutions had been feverishly trying to do for months or even years.

The laser turns 50 | Geek Gestalt - CNET News

The Pill reaches 50

2010-05-08T07:43:00.001+01:00

It is 50 years since the pill was first approved as a contraceptive, finally divorcing sex from pregnancy. But half a century on, our relationship with the tablet credited with revolutionising women's lives is not always an easy one.

On 9 May, 1960, the American authorities announced they would allow a hormonal pill previously used for gynaecological complaints to be prescribed as contraception. Over the next decade, a string of other Western countries from Australia to the UK would follow suit.

Science, changing social attitudes and even fears about overpopulation in communist states all conspired to make the pill possible.

BBC News - 50 years of a sometimes bitter pill

The list: world's 100 best restaurants

2010-04-27T08:40:00.001+01:00

Interestingly four of the top ten world's best restaurants are in Spain:

The S.Pellegrino World’s 50 Best Restaurants 20101

1 Noma Denmark (▲2) +45 3296 3297 noma.dk
2 El Bulli Spain (▼1) + 34 972 150 457 elbulli.com
3 The Fat Duck UK (▼1) +44 (0) 1628 580 333 thefatduck.co.uk
4 El Celler de Can Roca Spain (▲1)+34 972 22 21 57 cellercanroca.com
5 Mugaritz Spain (▼1) +34 943 522 455 mugaritz.comx
6 Osteria Francescana Italy (▲7) +39 (0)59 210 118 osteriafrancescana.it
7 Alinea USA (▲3) +1 312-867-0110 alinea-restaurant.com
8 Daniel USA (▲33) +1 212 288 0033 danielnyc.com
9 Arzak Spain (▼1) +34 943 78456 arzak.es
10 Per Se United States (▼4) +1212 823 9335 perseny.com

The list: world's 100 best restaurants

World Malaria Day

2010-04-26T09:38:00.001+01:00

Malaria is one of the greatest threats to the health of nearly half the world’s population. It is the fifth leading cause of death from infectious diseases worldwide and the second leading cause of death in Africa, after HIV/AIDS. The most vulnerable among us — children, pregnant women, and people living with HIV/AIDS — are the hardest hit by malaria

On this World Malaria Day, I reaffirm our commitment to the goal of ridding the world of this disease once and for all.
Hillary Rodham Clinton

World Malaria Day

First British woman to walk to the North Pole unsupported

2010-04-26T07:37:00.001+01:00

A British doctor has become the youngest ever woman to walk 500 miles to the North Pole.

Amelia Russell, 27, and her boyfriend Dan Darley, 34, walked 500 miles in 58 days from Resolute Bay in Canada in aid of the charity Help for Heroes.

Miss Russell completed the trip despite dislocating her shoulder twice during the expedition and resetting it herself.

The couple, who met at Trinity College, Cambridge, dragged two sleds carrying food fuel and equipment weighing around 300kg and without the aid of dogs or kites in temperatures of around -40 degrees.

Speaking after arriving at the North Pole on Sunday she said they had to endure temperatures as low as -50C.

Read all about it on their blog www.northpolechallenge.co.uk

Doctor is first British woman to walk to the North Pole unsupported - Telegraph

Leonard Cohen

2010-04-14T11:00:00.001+01:00

Still sounding good at 75...

When The Saints Go Marching In

2010-03-30T09:08:00.004+01:00

We were there! We went to Wembley to watch Southampton - The Saints - win the Johnstone's Paint Trophy final. They beat Carlisle 4-1. It was my first visit to Wembley but the new stadium enabled a trip down memory lane for the old chap, who was at the previous FA Cup Final way back in 1976!

At just under 75,000 it was the biggest ever crowd for the JP Trophy final. It was all very good humoured with wonderful fancy dress and amazing singing/footie chants. Hope we don't have to wait quite so long for the Saints next bit of silverware!

Match report on the BBC site:

BBC Sport - Football - Carlisle United 1-4 Southampton

London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games ticket information

2010-03-23T10:38:00.001Z

Just follow the link to register for ticket info ....

Register your interest now for the London 2012 Olympic Games

The world’s greatest sporting events are coming to London! Tickets for the London 2012 Olympic Games and Paralympic Games will go on sale in 2011. You can make a start by registering your interest with us. Tickets are not yet on sale.

London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games ticket information

The Future of Publishing

2010-03-18T07:28:00.001Z

David Beckham's ankle immortalised by poet laureate

2010-03-16T16:15:00.001Z

ACHILLES BY CAROL ANN DUFFY

Myth's river- where his mother
dipped him, fished him, a
slippery golden boy flowed on, his name on its lips.

Without him, it was prophesised,
they would not take Troy.

Women hid him, concealed him
in girls' sarongs; days of
sweetmeats, spices, silver
songs...

But when Odysseus came, with
an athlete's build, a sword and a
shield, he followed him to the
battlefield, the crowd's roar,

And it was sport, not war, his
charmed foot on the ball...

But then his heel, his heel, his heel...

BBC News - David Beckham's ankle immortalised by poet laureate

Forensic scientists could identify suspects from bacteria

2010-03-16T11:53:00.001Z

Researchers [from The university of Colorado] say they can identify unique telltale types of hand bacteria left behind on objects like keyboards and computer mice.

Using powerful gene-sequencing techniques, the team swabbed bacterial DNA from individual keys on three personal computers and matched them up to bacteria on the fingertips of keyboard owners.

Forensic scientists could identify suspects from bacteria - Telegraph

But what if one of the millions of antibacterial hand gel washes everyone rushed out to buy in the swine flu scare have been used?

Siesta is a cultural icon

2010-03-15T00:30:00.001Z

Quite right too...

An application has been presented to Madrid authorities calling for the 'siesta' to be given a special cultural status to ensure its preservation.

It comes following the announcement earlier this month by Esperanza Aguirre, the President of the conservative regional government in Madrid, that the bullfight was to be included on the list of items of "special cultural value" that were protected by law.

The controversial decision to put bullfighting on the same cultural level as Madrid's most important historical monuments caused outrage amongst animal rights activists.

Daniel Dorado, a lawyer who campaigns for the protection of animals, filed an application last week arguing that the siesta fulfills the same criteria for protected cultural patrimony as bullfighting.

Madrid could add siesta to list of protected Spanish cultural icons - Telegraph

Photoshop Cooking

2010-03-10T00:03:00.004Z

How to make the sweetest biscuits

Adobe Photoshop Cook
from Lait Noir
on Vimeo.

World Malaria Day

2010-03-08T23:59:00.005Z

This year World Malaria Day is on 25th April and they want the web to be covered with these awareness raising buttons by then.

A child dies every 30 seconds from malaria so let's all work together to end malaria deaths.

Glencoe ski site 'is world's snowiest'

2010-02-26T14:10:00.001Z

The ski centre at Glencoe Mountain has had the heaviest snowfalls of any winter sports resort in the world, its operators have claimed.

BBC News - Glencoe ski site 'is world's snowiest'

Its going to be seriously wet when it finally does melt ...

bullet proof breasts!

2010-02-25T23:30:00.002Z

A woman' life was saved by her size-D breast implants when she was shot at point blank range with a semi-automatic assault rifle, her doctor said.

Lydia Carranza was working in the office of a dentist in Beverly Hills, California when a gunman ran in and opened fire.

He aimed the weapon directly at her heart but one of her silicone implants took the force of the blow, stopping bullet fragments from reaching her vital organs.

Woman's size-D breast implants save her from gunshot - Telegraph

I wonder what odds you would get from the bookmakers for that happening! Lucky Lydia!

Making Pancakes!

2010-02-16T10:58:00.003Z

Remember that sweet YouTube vid Pancakes of three or four years ago well this is the sequal - Pancakes ll:

Baby boomers with middle-aged spread 'to be targeted by obesity campaign'

2010-02-16T10:50:00.001Z

Baby boomers weighed down by their middle-aged spread are to be targeted as part of a multi-million campaign to tackle obesity.

Baby boomers with middle-aged spread 'to be targeted by obesity campaign' - Telegraph

I would far rather they spent the multi-millions in paying off government debts!

I'm absolutely fed up with this nanny state, social engineering, call it what you will. Having been targeted to give up smoking, which I did successfully - but put on weight, 'they' are still going to hound me! Well, enough is enough.

I'm tucking into pancakes today and will not be giving up anything for Lent!

Hands Across the Water Cycle Marathon

2010-02-13T05:39:00.002Z

Our friend Lyle successfully completed the 800kms in 8 days and raised a whole lot of money for a new community centre in Thailand. What a fantastic achievement, we are so proud of him ....

Jean-Paul Coffy Arrives in Haiti, and Family’s Journey Begins

2010-02-11T07:15:00.002Z

Heart warming story in the NYTimes about a son's search for his parents in Haiti and his consequent tussles with officialdom while he attempts to take them back to his home in Chicago.

It was six days after the earthquake in Port-au-Prince, Haiti’s capital, and Mr. Coffy, a musician and teacher from Chicago, had not heard from his parents, siblings, uncles, cousins or friends. So Mr. Coffy’s wife, the daughter of Haitian immigrants, had persuaded him to go.

“I came in with a candle in my hand,” Mr. Coffy said. “And I am screaming their names, and they are answering!”

and the bit that made me reach for my hanky ....

Mr. Coffy had promised [his son] Akin that he would return by Feb. 3, but now says it might be another month.

When Akin asked his mother last week when his father would be back, she told him: “When the job is done, baby, when the job is done. He didn’t go this far to turn back.”

Jean-Paul Coffy Arrives in Haiti, and Family’s Journey Begins - NYTimes.com

Bo!

2010-02-10T21:58:00.002Z

Could not resist this photo of Bo the Obamas dog by the Official White House Photographer, Pete Souza. He has a great flicker photostream It looks pretty cold there ...

Kat and Alfie to make EastEnders comeback

2010-02-09T11:28:00.001Z

They'll make a great combination with the newbies from E20 ........

Actress Jessie Wallace and Shane Richie are to reprise the roles of Kat and Alfie in EastEnders this autumn, it has been announced.

Alfie and Kat Moon were last seen on Christmas Day in 2005, when they left Walford for a new life in the US.

Wallace said she was "excited" to "slip back into Kat's stilettos".

Richie added: "I'm very much looking forward to returning to EastEnders to find out what Alfie has been up to and what the future has in store for him."

BBC News - Kat and Alfie to make EastEnders comeback

Alan Titchmarsh: Climate scientists should stick to the facts and not use guesswork

2010-01-31T15:24:00.001Z

Sensible, down to earth, comment on the climate change debacle:..

Now, I'm no scientist and no expert on climate change; I'm just the man on the street – perhaps one with a slightly informed opinion from working with the environment for the past 45 years. But whenever scientists are badgered for pronouncements – about future changes in climate or even weather patterns – they employ a degree of clairvoyance.

I think that's dangerous as they're backed into a corner and forced to make pronouncements about which they cannot be 100 per cent certain. I've already heard predictions that this coming summer is going to be a wet one – presumably exactly as wet as last summer was a barbecue summer.

Alan Titchmarsh: Climate scientists should stick to the facts and not use guesswork - Telegraph

Sky launches 3D channel in pubs

2010-01-28T07:50:00.001Z

Oh crumbs am I going to have to become a footie fan to indulge in my latest passion - 3D? I think not! I'm going to have to wait till later in year for Sky to roll out more general 3D entertainment. Exciting developments.

Sky is kicking off the UK's first 3D channel with a live Premier League football match to be broadcast from nine pubs around the UK this weekend.

The match between Arsenal and Manchester United will be viewable in 3D in pubs in London, Manchester, Cardiff, Edinburgh and Dublin.

BBC News - Sky launches 3D channel in pubs

Billy Connolly claims British comedy is 'too censored'

2010-01-27T17:06:00.001Z

Billy Connolly has spoken out against censorship, complaining that comedians who swear on stage are unfairly branded "vulgarian and foul mouthed".

"I think it was (US comedian) George Carlin who said, 'the job of a comedian is to know where the line is and to step over it'.

"We will dictate where that line is and where it should be.

"If you swear in a book, you're some kind of clever guy, if you swear in a poem, oh how dangerous he is, you swear in a song - oh my God, what a groundbreaker!

"You swear as a comedian, and you're a vulgarian and foul mouthed.

"When did this happen? Who's doing the judging?"

BBC News - Billy Connolly claims British comedy is 'too censored'

Mmmm think he may need to get back to grass roots - perhaps he could try a stint at Edinburgh Festival.

Avatar overtakes Titanic as top-grossing film ever

2010-01-27T07:59:00.001Z

Sci-fi spectacular Avatar has surpassed Titanic to become the highest grossing movie of all time, figures from distributor 20th Century Fox show.Avatar's worldwide takings in just six weeks stand at $1.859bn (£1.15bn), versus Titanic's $1.843bn (£1.14bn).The figures are not adjusted for inflation or the higher cost of Avatar's 3D film tickets.

BBC News - Avatar overtakes Titanic as top-grossing film ever

We saw the 3D version at the plush new Cabot Circus complex in Bristol. It was fantastic, utterly spellbinding. The 3D was so sophisticated - not just stuff coming out of the screen at you but it had huge depth that took you the viewer right into the screen.

I think I'm in danger of becoming a 3D addict! I can't wait to see Johnny Depp in Alice in Wonderland due out later this year.

By way of a contrast we saw the delightful Julie & Julia in Brockenhurst's Village Hall which becomes part of the Moviola South and West's Rural Multiplex just for a night. Meryl Streep was amazing - in this film she is a raucous six footer.

Joanna Lumley wins Oldie award for Gurkha campaign

2010-01-26T17:18:00.001Z

Actress Joanna Lumley has been honoured with the 2010 Oldie Of The Year award for her Gurkha campaign.

BBC News - Joanna Lumley wins Oldie award for Gurkha campaign.

Joanna Lumley is 64 - that's not old is it?

Unlocking innovation | data.gov.uk

2010-01-21T07:08:00.001Z

You could spend years on this site - loads of government data on a huge range of subject from Abandoned Vehicles to Young People and Sport. Hooray for TB-L.

Advised by Sir Tim Berners-Lee and Professor Nigel Shadbolt and others, government are opening up data for reuse. This site seeks to give a way into the wealth of government data and is under constant development. We want to work with you to make it better.

We’re very aware that there are more people like you outside of government who have the skills and abilities to make wonderful things out of public data. These are our first steps in building a collaborative relationship with you.

Unlocking innovation | data.gov.uk

E20

2010-01-17T09:07:00.002Z

The latest episode of E20 the Eastenders spinoff. I like it, next one tonight!

Nude It

2010-01-06T09:43:00.001Z

An app for the iPhone and a hand held for British airport security personnel perhaps!

Police tips if you have to drive in the snow

2010-01-05T20:46:00.001Z

* Ensure anti-freeze has been added to the radiator and that screen wash is of sufficient concentration.

* Make sure that you clear all the ice and misting from your windscreen and other windows before starting to drive. Without having a clear view you increase the likelihood of missing vital information and also you commit an offence.

* Tell a friend or relative where you are going.

* Take a spade, flask of hot drink, torch, mobile phone (fully charged or with charger), blanket and appropriate outdoor clothing

* Slow down on icy or snowy roads and leave a greater distance between you and the car in front.

* Check your route with such organisations as RAC Travel and AA Roadwatch.

* If you get stuck in an isolated area, stay with your vehicle and remember that the engine should not be left running in deep snow, as there is a risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.

* Use your mobile phone if you need to access the emergency services for help.

Snowfall causing chaos across Gloucestershire and South Gloucestershire (From Gazette Series)

Britain's weather in 2009: wetter, warmer and sunnier

2010-01-03T11:46:00.001Z

I wonder if the data is a bit London centric; after all Scotland is experiencing the coldest winter for well over 20 years...

Provisional figures indicate average UK temperatures over the year were 1.1F (0.6C) higher than the long-term average for 1971-2000.

There was nine per cent more sunshine than the long-term average, but also four per cent more rain.

Overall, 2009 was the 14th warmest year since 1914 – but also the second-coolest since 2002.

The Met Office said its year-end data shed little light on global warming but fitted the pattern of UK temperatures "pitching in above average" in recent years.

Britain's weather in 2009: wetter, warmer and sunnier - Telegraph

Singer Van Morrison denies 'unfounded' baby story

2010-01-01T03:11:00.001Z

Hooray! He's not lost it, he isn't brave. His web site has been hacked. He can carry on singing and writing with a clear conscience; no sleepless nights and no dealing with nappies ....

Veteran singer Van Morrison has denied reports that he had become a father again, adding they were "completely and utterly without foundation".

The Belfast-born 64-year-old said he had been the victim of an internet hacking attack that had placed "falsehoods" on his official website.

BBC News was one of several outlets to report the hoax as fact.

"The comments which appeared on my website did not come from me," he said, in a statement issued to the media.

BBC News - Singer Van Morrison denies 'unfounded' baby story

NFU attacks government over Bovine TB

2010-01-01T02:56:00.001Z

Farmers have accused ministers of doing nothing to stop tens of thousands of cattle being slaughtered every year because of Bovine Tuberculosis.

The National Farmers' Union said government policy for dealing with the disease was "unacceptable"

Peter Kendall, NFU president said "We live with the silent spread of an infection which wreaks havoc in cattle and wildlife alike and causes untold stress to the farming families whose herds are affected"

BBC News - NFU attacks government over Bovine TB

Unfortunately this is not new news. Ministers have been doing nothing for years.

BBC Sport - Cricket - Live text - South Africa v England second Test day five

2009-12-30T09:16:00.002Z

Barmy Army sum up the England victory in South Africa well...

Jingle bells, jingle bells,

"jingle all the way, oh what fun it is to see England win away"...

BBC Sport - Cricket - Live text - South Africa v England second Test day five

England won by an innings and 98 runs

Singer Van Morrison becomes father again at 64

2009-12-29T18:53:00.001Z

Van the Man is brave - all those sleepless nights and nappies ...

Acclaimed Belfast-born singer Van Morrison has become a father again at the age of 64.

A statement posted on the singer's website announced the birth of George Ivan Morrison III to the musician and Gigi Lee, who manages him.

It described the newest Morrison, born on Monday, a

BBC News - Singer Van Morrison becomes father again at 64

New tree species discovered in Cheddar Gorge

2009-12-29T08:31:00.001Z

I find this new discovery amazing, it is Somerset after all and not the depths of the Amazon.

Three new tree species have been discovered in Cheddar Gorge, Somerset, despite centuries of scientific research in the area.

The fresh finds are all whitebeams – so-called because of the fine white hairs which adorn the underside of the trees’ leaves.

Scientists took samples from the trees and used DNA techniques to identify them as new species. GPS technology was also used to record the precise locations of these rarities, helping to relocate them in the future.

The three new species of whitebeam are:

Cheddar whitebeam (Sorbus cheddarensis) – with oval shaped leaves this tree can grow to at least seven metres high. At least nineteen of these trees were found.

Twin cliffs whitebeam (Sorbus eminentoides) – with roundish leaves these trees can grow to around nine metres with greyish brown bark. Fifteen of these trees were recorded.

Gough's Rock whitebeam (Sorbus rupicoloides) – with long narrow leaves these trees grow up to seven metres. Thirteen of these trees were found here.

New tree species discovered in Cheddar Gorge - Telegraph

Key to keeping New Year resolutions revealed by psychologist

2009-12-28T12:15:00.002Z

I'll try to remember this when faced with temptation in the New Year .....

The key to keeping a New Year resolution may be to break your goal into small steps and not to dwell on the consequences of not achieving your goal, a pscyhologist has claimed.

Key to keeping New Year resolutions revealed by psychologist - Telegraph

Teacher plans to boycott Thornbury store after Scottish money is refused

2009-12-28T11:29:00.001Z

According to the Bank of England, Scottish notes are not legal tender in England and Wales and it is down to the discretion of the trader whether they are accepted.

The bank said: "The term legal tender does not in itself govern the acceptability of banknotes in transactions. Whether or not notes have legal tender status, their acceptability as a means of payment is essentially a matter for agreement between the parties involved.

"Earlier this year Conservative MP David Mundell, shadow secretary for Scotland, tried to pass a private members bill in Westminster that would have made it legally binding for shops and businesses in England to accept Scottish banknotes.

Teacher plans to boycott Thornbury store after Scottish money is refused (From Gazette Series)

Well that is a turn up for the book, I had always thought Scottish notes were legal tender in England. What a silly state of affairs. I'm with the teacher on this one, the manager of the shop seems to be implying that it is only Scottish bank notes that are forged - or are they going to refuse English notes too?

Snow gives Scots a white Christmas

2009-12-25T23:40:00.001Z

Flakes of snow have fallen on Glasgow on Christmas morning, giving the city its first white Christmas since 2004.

An official white Christmas requires a single flake to be observed falling in the 24 hours of 25 December.

The Met Office said that snow has been confirmed in Glasgow and was forecast for Edinburgh and the north east.

BBC News - Snow gives Scots a white Christmas

My first white Christmas ever I think! Pretty and fun now we don't have to go anywhere!

Happy Crimbo everyone!

Amazon: top 10 best-selling albums of decade

2009-12-16T16:30:00.001Z

Amazon.co.uk: Top 10 best-selling albums of the decade:

1. Only by the Night – Kings of Leon
2. Back To Black – Amy Winehouse
3. X&Y – Coldplay
4. The Circus – Take That
5. Hopes and Fears – Keane
6. Rockferry – Duffy
7. Come Away with Me – Norah Jones
8. Eyes Open – Snow Patrol
9. Scissor Sisters – Scissor Sisters
10. Day & Age – The Killers

Top 10 best-selling artists of the decade:

1. The Beatles
2. Take That
3. The Killers
4. Coldplay
5. Michael Jackson
6. Snow Patrol
7. Robbie Williams
8. Bob Dylan
9. U2
10. Kings Of Leon

Amazon: top 10 best-selling albums of decade - Telegraph

End of the cheque book

2009-12-16T16:15:00.001Z

End of the cheque book. Cheques will be phased out by October 31 2018, Britain's Payments Council has said.

End of the cheque book - Telegraph

Oh that is a bit sad, well perhaps inconvenient would be a better thing to say. How am I going to send money by post now? I'm going to have to get more organised that is for sure, I'll have to start by ensuring I have the cash in to pay my lovely window cleaner....

Best Man Rigs Newlyweds’ Bed To Tweet During Sex.

2009-12-13T07:00:00.002Z

Techcrunch have the details of this jolly jape. Do I believe it? I'm not sure but if it is true I bet the bride wont let the Best Man in the house ever again ...

Best Man Rigs Newlyweds’ Bed To Tweet During Sex. Not Kidding.

They are back from honeymoon and its Friday night ....

newlywedsontjob

They’re off the job! #2 – Action concluded at 16.12GMT. Duration: 22 m.05 s. Frenzy Index: 4 (easy listening). Judge’s Comment: "Good work!"

facebook and privacy

2009-12-10T16:50:00.000Z

Sensible advice from Sophos:

YouTube - At My Wedding Twitterring and Facebooking at the Altar

2009-12-03T08:37:00.001Z

Hmmmmmm - don't think it will catch on!

YouTube - At My Wedding Twitterring and Facebooking at the Altar

RBS board could quit if government limits staff bonuses

2009-12-03T08:15:00.001Z

Good riddance! ....

The directors of Royal Bank of Scotland are threatening to resign if the government stops them paying bonuses of £1.5bn to staff in its investment arm.

BBC News - RBS board could quit if government limits staff bonuses

BBC News - Coronation Street actress Maggie Jones dies

2009-12-02T22:42:00.001Z

Coronation Street actress Maggie Jones, who played Blanche Hunt in the soap, has died in hospital at the age of 75 ......

.... She first appeared as Blanche, who is best known for her harsh put-downs and sharp tongue, 35 years ago.

and some of her best :

... at an Alcoholics Anonymous meeting

I've never heard such self-indulgent whinging in all my life. Is there some correlation between how boring you are and how much you drink?

... speaking to daughter Deirdre Barlow

Good looks are a curse, Deirdre. You and Kenneth should count yourselves lucky.

... on Eileen's father Colin Grimshaw

I'd cut off his whatnots wi' a pair of garden shears, me. The rustier the better.

... on former Rovers Return landlady Liz McDonald

Skirt no bigger than a belt, too much eyeliner, and roots as dark as her soul.

... on cafe owner Roy Cropper

He looks like he should be crayoning summat.

BBC News - Coronation Street actress Maggie Jones dies

Michaele and Tareq meet Mr President

2009-11-28T07:51:00.001Z

P112409SA-0823 on Flickr - Photo Sharing!

E20

2009-11-25T09:46:00.001Z

Might be interesting, I'll check it out no doubt! There is a theme tune re-mix competition to kick it off.

E20 An exciting new online drama for January 2010

See Albert Square like you've never seen it before - through the eyes of four teenagers - exclusively on the EastEnders website!

EastEnders: E20 is a new spin off show which starts in January 2010 and will introduce a group of sixth form students experiencing the highs and lows of teenage life.

You can expect to see them bump into some familiar faces from The Square as stories cross through into the main show.

Part of the EastEnders 25th anniversary celebrations, E20 will be first time EastEnders stories will be available only on the web.

BBC - EastEnders: E20 - Theme Tune Remix Competition - About the show

How to kiss under the mistletoe - while avoiding swine flu

2009-11-22T16:34:00.001Z

Thank goodness for expert guidance!

Debrett’s experts claimed polite social kissing – actually a brief touch of your cheek on the other person’s – was more hygienic than a handshake and so it was safe to continue the festive tradition.

The guide says people should avoid air kissing and any ‘mwah’ sound effects, but also not kiss on the lips, ‘leave a saliva trace’ or allow a hand to wander.

Debretts etiquette adviser, Jo Bryant, said: “Because of the spread of swine flu this year, people have started to think they might not jump under the mistletoe quite as readily this season.

“But it’s medically proven that a peck on the cheek is much more hygienic than a handshake.

“People carry billions more germs on their hands so ‘cheek-to-cheek’ kissing is a healthier greeting by far.”

Debrett's on how to kiss under the mistletoe - while avoiding swine flu - Telegraph

Climate Gate

2009-11-21T07:04:00.001Z

Storm in a teacup? Some of the hacked e-mails are reproduced here they do seem a little careless and I suppose could be said to lack scientific rigour. What is known so far ....

#The University of East Anglia's Climate Research Unit is the world's preeminent climate research center. It's data played a key role in the IPCC's Fourth Assessment Report.

#The BBC (and several other news organizations) confirmed that hackers broke into the CRU and downloaded emails and data files.#The data has been published on the web.

#Several bloggers have confirmed that emails they sent to the CRU are contained in the files and are accurate.

#Dr. Phil Jones, director of the Climate Research Unit confirmed that the emails and data are genuine.

#The emails, if true, reveal that world's foremost climate researchers, many whom are IPCC authors, have engaged in a pattern of manipulation of data, suppression of dissenting views, undermining of the peer review process and outright fraud.

Breaking News - ClimiteGate: Britain's... | Gather

Every phone call, email and internet click stored by 'state spying' databases

2009-11-10T05:22:00.001Z

Big Brother has crept up on us ...

All telecoms companies and internet service providers will be required by law to keep a record of every customer's personal communications, showing who they are contacting, when, where and which websites they are visiting.

Despite widespread opposition over Britain's growing surveillance society, 653 public bodies will be given access to the confidential information, including police, local councils, the Financial Services Authority, the Ambulance Service, fire authorities and even prison governors.

They will not require the permission of a judge or a magistrate to access the information, but simply the authorisation of a senior police officer or the equivalent of a deputy head of department at a local authority.

Every phone call, email and internet click stored by 'state spying' databases - Telegraph

The Wall

2009-11-09T05:21:00.002Z

It is 20 years since the Berlin wall came down. We were lucky enough to go to Roger Waters stunning concert in Berlin shortly after the wall came down it was the most amazing experience .....

new industry

2009-11-04T06:11:00.001Z

Universities in the UK are worth £59bn for the economy, says a report into the economic impact of higher education.

The report, based on figures for 2007-8, highlights the growing role of universities as major employers and revenue earners.

Universities created, directly or indirectly, over 668,500 jobs - or 2.6% of the workforce, says the report.

The figures follow the launch of the government's blueprint to increase the economic importance of universities.

BBC NEWS | UK | Education | Universities 'worth £59bn to UK'

Wow!

2009-10-31T06:30:00.001Z

The internet regulator has approved plans to allow non-Latin-script web addresses, in a move that is set to transform the online world.

The board of Icann voted at its annual meeting in Seoul to allow domain names in Arabic, Chinese and other scripts.

More than half of the 1.6 billion people who use the internet speak languages with non-Latin scripts.

It is being described as the biggest change to the way the internet works since it was created 40 years ago.

The first Internationalised Domain Names (IDNs) could be in use next year.

BBC NEWS | Technology | Internet addresses set for change