There is lots of research going on into nuclear fusion. Unlike nuclear fission which is used today and results in long-term
nuclear waste, nuclear fusion could use the almost endless supplies of
non-polluting deuterium in seawater. It is probably decades away from being commercially possible as the technical challenges are immense. Research is starting to yield results though. Nuclear fusion holds the potential for almost endless, low cost, energy. It could hold the keys to the future, but it is not yet possible, although the research must continue. This is one area where worldwide collaboration would benefit us all.
As for electric cars, although a "good idea" I think range is a
real killer. Most journeys are short, I know, but ranges of several
hundred miles on a single charge are really needed and I just can't see this
even with the best battery technology likely in the next few decades.
Replacement batteries for electric cards are very expensive. No, this is
an area where a lot more research is needed both in transport
for the masses in an age beyond carbon and in battery technology. We
need some "thinking outside the box" in these areas. Cars that do not
need diesel or petrol are essential. We have to crack this one and come
up with good solutions.
Thursday, 12 May 2016
Wednesday, 11 May 2016
BBC under threat?
Who doesn’t love CBeebies? Kids love it, and so do
parents. BBC children’s programmes, like CBeebies, allow us those
precious few minutes in a day to make a cup of tea. And we can trust that our
kids are watching quality TV.
But children's TV as we know it is under threat. It's being reported that the government plans to take money away from the BBC’s children’s programmes. They want to give money-making channels a chance to compete for children’s shows.
The government is expected to announce the cut to the BBC children's budget this Thursday. So a big petition, standing up for advert-free BBC children's television, will show that there's huge public opposition to the government's plans.
Please can you sign the petition to save BBC children's television? See http://38d.gs/21NJSjN
Personally I have a problem with children being bombarded with adverts for things they do not need. The BBC is good as it is. There is a danger our government will ruin it. Save it!
But children's TV as we know it is under threat. It's being reported that the government plans to take money away from the BBC’s children’s programmes. They want to give money-making channels a chance to compete for children’s shows.
The government is expected to announce the cut to the BBC children's budget this Thursday. So a big petition, standing up for advert-free BBC children's television, will show that there's huge public opposition to the government's plans.
Please can you sign the petition to save BBC children's television? See http://38d.gs/21NJSjN
Personally I have a problem with children being bombarded with adverts for things they do not need. The BBC is good as it is. There is a danger our government will ruin it. Save it!
Tuesday, 10 May 2016
Corsican wind?
Years ago we spent a couple of great holidays on Corsica. My wife is trying to do a quiz in the paper and is stuck on a wind in north east Corsica with the second letter "i" and the last letter "t". I tried Googling to no avail. I thought I knew this, but obviously I don't.
American hotels and breakfast
One of my first surprises on trips to the USA was that few (no?) hotels offer breakfast. They expect you to get this down the road. Most have places to eat very nearby, but if you are not used to this it comes as a surprise. I have an old work colleague who is in Indiana for a conference and he was caught out.
Once, in eastern Canada, we stopped for breakfast at a roadside cafe. There were 6 fried eggs and lots more on the plate. It was huge. We did not go hungry!
Once, in eastern Canada, we stopped for breakfast at a roadside cafe. There were 6 fried eggs and lots more on the plate. It was huge. We did not go hungry!
Weather - settled spell ended
Yesterday we
probably had the last warm and sunny day of the current spell, so we
spent a lot of the afternoon in the garden with our son Tim. On the
right is our ornamental cherry tree (full of blossom) and on the left
our garden shed with the new bird-box just to the left of the shed
window. It is probably too late this year but maybe it will be used next
spring? Today it is dull and raining!
Next door's sumac tree is only just in leaf. See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sumac .
9th May 2016
Next door's sumac tree is only just in leaf. See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sumac .
Monday, 9 May 2016
Sunshine
Well, today we probably saw the last of our warm, sunny weather. Tomorrow rain is forecast. We have had very few settled period this year with mostly low pressure systems and maybe a few sunny days. In the last few days we have had warmth and sunshine and the garden has really come on.
UPDATE 2220z: It has been raining here now for several hours. Ho hum - was that it? Spring and summer over?
UPDATE 2220z: It has been raining here now for several hours. Ho hum - was that it? Spring and summer over?
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