A night on the river

A wonderful evening steaming up the Medway while listening to the Loins.

Piccies here.

Carbon capture and storage

Sorry I've been "off air" for a while - I've been trying to get my head around carbon capture and recovery/ storage. This has a special meaning because the local Kingsnorth power station is being put forward for a rebuild and entry into the Governments CCS competition as an experimental carbon recovery and storage site.

The Guardian included a very helpful supplement this week, although it doesn't appear to be available online.

Good to hear this week that the Government are starting to think alternative energy sources but is this really credible or just the usual waffle? I think I know, especially after Gordo spent last weekend groveling in front of the middle-eastern oil producers, asking for oil production to be increased.

Anyway, enough of politics, climate issues, etc. Tonite we watch/ listen to the Singing Loins whilst cruising up the river. Luverlly.

Suddenly it's all starting to happen...

European-wide fuel protests by truck drivers and fishermen, continued food riots in developing countries...it's all starting to unfold. And now petrol tanker drivers strike.

Suddenly a growing focus on our dependence on fossil fuels.

This year's Climate Camp takes place right here in Medway. Details here.

Ever tried to book a train ticket online?

I've recently had need to book a train ticket online.

No wonder people fly rather than take the train.

Leaving aside the issue of untaxed aviation fuel versus taxed train fuel, the whole expereince was ghastly. Awkward, slow, unweildy, confusing, different prices on different sites, can't book more than twelve weeks ahead...the list goes on.

Wake up UK train industry - it's got to be easier than my experience. Please.

There's a surprise

Global fossil-fuel-based corporate supports renewable energy? Dream on...

That'll be the day.

It starts here...

With you.

You know you can't rely on governments or business to make it happen - it starts right here, with you, doing what you can.

Start here...

The biofuel debate goes on...meanwhile the global food situation worsens

The world's growing food crisis - currently primarilly impacting the world's poorest people - is being over-shadowed by the West's hang-ups with the increasing cost of fuel.

Sadly the world's leaders decided the best thing to do was nothing when it comes to biofuels - after all, that's the easiest decision to make, isn't it?

Check this out

We will remember them

Molly and I spent yesterday geocaching on a circular walk in Kent. Weather-wise, much closer to a reasonable summer's day - the morning was glorious although the afternoon clouded over.

After three and a half hours walking and caching, we came across a quiet country pub. Sitting outside in the sun, we enjoyed a pint with our sandwiches. It was so peaceful apart from the occassional sound of a second world war fighter plane performing aerobatics in the distance.

My mind slipped back to an image of the war years and RAF pilots from the nearby airfield (now long gone). I could imagine them coming out to the pub when off duty for a time of relaxation and pleasure in between the task of dealing with the Nazi threat.

Many of those guys never saw it to the end of their summer or, maybe worst still, ended their year horribly maimed. They gave their life, or quality of life, so that we can enjoy a pint in the sun at a quiet country pub.