The first phase of the London Array, the world’s largest offshore wind farm, became operational in March (2013) in the Thames estuary. It’s a notable achievement. 175 turbines will power 470,000 homes, replacing 900,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide a year. They will make a big contribution to meeting the government’s target to raise 15% of its… Continue reading
Bluebells – we love them, but do we really value them, and all our other nature too?
It was a quiet news morning in London on Monday, April 8, 2013. Just the sort of time for the newspapers and the broadcast media to pick up the publication of a very important report, concerning the whole of Britain’s land and natural resources. And then, boom. Mrs Thatcher’s death was announced at noon, and… Continue reading →
LEDs light the Rijksmuseum, and let us see Rembrandt in his true colours
You’ve heard of LEDs, the new lighting phenomenon, and, own up, you’re interested. But aren’t they terribly expensive? (They must be, as you keep seeing them on top of the range BMWs and Audis.) And isn’t their light too cold and white? But then again, don’t they use far less energy? It’s all so confusing…. Continue reading →
Amsterdam regains the Rijksmuseum, with an art-themed Andaz hotel to match
I was in Amsterdam recently, as the guest of Hyatt at their new Andaz Amsterdam Prinsengracht. If ever there was a hotel that refleted the culture and history of the city around it, it is this, set on a canal in a former city library. It opened (in 2012) just before the great Rijksmuseum, where builders were… Continue reading →
Tidal lagoon in Swansea could power 100,000 homes
Swansea has its second chance to lead the world. Now it’s up to the government? 208 years ago the city launched the world’s first passenger railway. In 2013 a consortium announced a £10m “investment offering” to fund its proposal to build a “tidal lagoon” in Swansea Bay, to produce enough energy to satisfy the domestic requirements of… Continue reading →
David Attenborough talks about his early years – making a music series
Sir David Attenborough is an obliging chat show guest, but it’s quite unusual for him to appear on a popular music radio show. So is quite a coup for Jarvis Cocker to persuade him to join his Sunday afternoon show on BBC Radio 6 Music, today (Sunday, 7 April, 2013). On the other hand, perhaps… Continue reading →