Nov
17
2008
So very tired, but here we go:
A chaffinch map of Scotland: “The work looks deceptively simple, while in fact it is a cleverly multilayered combination of poetry, cartography, ornithology, linguistics, and maybe just a hint of Scottish nationalism”. I love the oddities of the internet.
Strip websites back to basics.
Like ice, penguins, clouds and atmospheric disturbances? Then you’ll love this selection.
I can sympathise with the Transformers. But Pokemon? Super-soakers? C’mon.
And if you haven’t had enough after that, try love, romance and other natural disasters.
Even Times Square is getting climate conscious.
Living in the shadow of past glory is not easy for some Egyptians.
Well that didn’t take long, did it, Blizzard?
Nov
13
2008
It is one of those ideas that is so obvious it is difficult to imagine why somebody did not think of it sooner: a floating rig that collects wave, solar, thermal and wind energy.
One of these hexagonally-shaped islands could generate 250 megawatts (enough power for a small city), Michaelis said. Even more power is possible by mooring together several Energy Islands into a small archipelago that could include greenhouses for food, a small harbor for ships and a hotel for tourists.
Although the focus is on using the other technologies to help ocean thermal energy conversion, I think the idea could have plenty of merit even without this. It won’t be cheap, at about $600m per energy island, but it could pay for itself through desalinisation or aquaculture.
It would be important to ensure that such facilities do not interfere with marine life: with so many fish species already threatened, it would be stupid to run the risk of further depopulation (although I confess ignorance of fish stocks in tropical waters). There are also a great many dead zones in world waters, and I would be concerned that the pumping up of so many nutrients could create new ones; I’m sure such possibilities will be dealt with if such projects get funding.
It’s also unclear how far offshore these islands would be: too close, and public opinion will be against populating pretty sea views with technology.
Nov
11
2008
Microwave an instant chocolate cake in a mug. Tiny Planet accepts no responsibility for things going wrong or it tasting like crap, though.
People are giving up their pets because of the credit crunch.
Blogger gets 20 years for posting a picture of Burma’s military leader.
Dirt + manure = energy.
Meanwhile, the Maldives is trying to buy land in case the islands are swamped by rising sea levels.
Why would you shock yourself for the sake of good posture?
Oct
28
2008
A truncated links compendium as I’m exhausted and have one of them work-jobby things to do.
Two years tweeting (Inside View/Bernie Goldbach)
The 10 most outrageous opening lines in literature (Alternative Reel, via Rick O’Shea)
Taking note of old Europe (Strange Maps)
“Clean” coal’s dirtiest secret (Scholars and Rogues)
Sep
18
2008
The sea is an abundant source of energy and, with traditional supplies constantly fluctuating in price and subject to extinction, wave power could be an ideal solution for many countries (particularly Ireland). A good number of start-ups in the US and Britain have seen the potential business opportunities; Earth2Tech has a snapshot of 13 that are worth watching.
Mar
23
2008
On Saturday, turn off your lights and other electricity bits and pieces for one hour. The Irish event runs from 8pm to 9pm. Read a book by candlelight or maybe go for a walk. Abu Dhabi isn’t involved but I’ve signed up anyway – join me here (even though the website’s font can’t used extended characters, so my name is totally FUBAR).
Hat tip to Emilie.
Oct
31
2007
Google aims to produce 50 megawatts of electricity by 2012.
To put it in context, Ireland’s biggest power station, Moneypoint, produces 855 megawatts and is supposed to be able to cater for 40% of the country’s needs (although the claim is made on the ESB website, a spokeswoman recently said it produces 800 megawatts, or 25% of Ireland’s demand).
But that’s an aside. Google going green makes sense — if it can produce its own power it will increase its independence, limit the risk of blackouts on the main grid, have energy sources close to its centres and, just as importantly, will garner further goodwill.
Data centres in particular gulp down electricity, so it is a sound strategy to have the power source as nearby as possible.
Perhaps it will help fuel the Google global conquest that Damien has predicted.
Oct
22
2007
The Levi-Prodi law and the end of the Internet. A draft law in Italy would require anyone with a blog or a website to register it with the government, produce certificates and pay taxes.
Shannon and the DAA. Seems the Dublin Airport Authority knew about the Aer Lingus plan to scrap the Shannon-Heathrow route but neglected to tell the Shannon Airport Authority.
BT bets big on wind power. I don’t blame them.
Are these 10 common money mistakes keeping you poor? Bet your sweet ass they are, or at least not making things any easier for you.
Immigration, assimilation and identity in geopolitics. As Louisiana elects its first non-white governor in a century, Switzerland elects racists.
Putting a local spin on social networking.
Iran’s leadership battles. Ahmadinejad and Khamenei are at loggerheads.
Oct
14
2007
Misleading headline of the day: How a boozy dinner led Dunphy to finger Bertie. The Sindo in scintillating form.
Windbelt — Third World power. Shawn Frayne has developed a smallscale wind turbine that can power lights and radios, etc. You might never power your house on such technology but it could make a difference after night falls.
Nigeria asks Bill Gates if he is a mooch. Superbillionaire computer boy Bill was initially denied a visa to enter the country after it “required proof he would not reside in Nigeria indefinitely, causing a strain on social services and a general nuisance for immigration”.
Israeli planes struck nuclear site inside Syria, analysts say. Israeli and US analysts that is, seeming to confirm rumours that have abounded since the incident. And courtesy of Gavin, here’s how the aircraft were able to evade detection.
Meanwhile, Sarah Carey does a good job of taking Ireland’s millionaire tax exiles to task:
As long as we have a political system that is run by rich men’s rules, our society will continue to condemn some children to life-long disadvantage and treat others to a lifetime of opportunity simply because one is born in Moyross and the other in Merrion… The tax exile can operate a private form of justice that comforts him, but it does nothing to make the fundamental changes our society needs. In fact, it’s in their interests that unfairness is perpetuated because the system suits them as it is.
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