A star is born when atoms of light elements are squeezed under enough pressure for their nuclei to undergo fusion. All stars are the result of a balance of forces: the force of gravity compresses atoms in interstellar gas until the fusion reactions begin. And once the fusion reactions begin, they exert an outward pressure.… Continue reading This could be me or a star
Kali: The End of the Honeymoon
I'll begin at an end. The newspaper headlines today are : End of Obama Honeymoon. I'd given Kali (the dog) to Miranda to look after while Barry and I partied in Norwich at a fancy dress, and our B&B did not cater for dogs. After collecting Kali from Miranda, I found a dog revolt. As… Continue reading Kali: The End of the Honeymoon
London: The End of the Line
Fish Farming a solution? It takes 5 kilos of anchovy to feed 1 kilo of salmon. Eat the anchovy and little fish! Indicators include a rise in plankton and jellyfish - their preditors have all been predicated to humans insatiable apetite for business (not food - 40% of fish caught are wasted (quality control, sell… Continue reading London: The End of the Line
London PROMS Finzi & Apples, Moeran & Trains
Love affair with London continues, with opening of Prom season. Part and parcel is the ease and delight of getting there. Biking down Millionaires spacious tree lined luxury road, into the democratic park with other bicycle commuters, dog walkers, nature: 8 mins door to door. Recognising the same ticket touts outside. Chatting to another waiting… Continue reading London PROMS Finzi & Apples, Moeran & Trains
Sathyu the Bhopal campainger for 25 years
The vortex of London unexpectedly reveals Sathyu coming to London to give a talk at Frontline (Paddington) on Bhopal 25 years on. He took me back 10 years to that campaiging life. Unchanged, except, like me he ports glasses. His dedication to the cause is undiluted and impressive. For 25 years - his adult life -… Continue reading Sathyu the Bhopal campainger for 25 years
Africa 2009 – 07 Mali TIMBOUCTOU
TOMBOUCTOU! Update on the library in Timbuktoo Desert came immediately after leaving Douenza. Camels and thorn trees. We were warned about the road but for the first hundred or so kilometers, it was not unpleasant washboard. Then, inevitably, the groves deepened, the sand drifted, and we veered between vibrating washboard, deep sand track or off… Continue reading Africa 2009 – 07 Mali TIMBOUCTOU
Africa 2009 – 06 Mali
A fragile moment just before the frontier when we realised our car insurance had run out. Having never been asked for proof of it before, the document is demanded by two customs officers. B negotiates a bribe with one. Anger, followed by bananas, solves the other. We are blown away by the colours. After the… Continue reading Africa 2009 – 06 Mali
Africa 2009 – 05 End of Mauritania – Matmata and Nile Crocodiles
Conversing with two English engineers working here, 6 weeks on, 4 weeks off. They'd worked with each other 30 years, and were like a married couple with their swift responses. One, the operations fixer, down to earth, canny bright, was married and could not imagine being otherwise. The other, the geological brains, was separated, and… Continue reading Africa 2009 – 05 End of Mauritania – Matmata and Nile Crocodiles
Africa 2009 – 04 Mauritania
Forms and Frontiers - Name, First name, fathers name, mothers name, date of birth, place of birth, numbers of identification each time recalling the colour and texture of another time, place and person. What does Norwich mean here, or Ross my fathers name? At the Morocco frontier the playful customers officer offered me a… Continue reading Africa 2009 – 04 Mauritania
Africa 2009 – 03 Morocco
ALGECIRAS / TERRIFA - Land of Wind Ferry or no ferry? Unseasonal dramatic weather shows no sign of abating. Edmund gives news of snow in UK unseen in 18 years; Marlon says worst ever coupled witih recession, means no business coming through B&P door. As we drive the coast to Teriffa, we pass hills deep… Continue reading Africa 2009 – 03 Morocco
