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Scientists to Investigate Wind Power Impacts on Migratory Wildlife

Fri, 24 Jul 2009 20:25:08 -0700

This is something I have been banging on about, to anyone who will listen, for a long time now. Too often these wind turbines are sited without sufficient study on their impact on wildlife and birds in particular.

In September 2005 phase 2 of the Smola Wind Farm opened in Norway, by May 2006 9 Sea Eagles had died due to colliding with rotor blades.

The usual argument is that more birds are killed by cars than wind turbines, which is undoubtedly true, but more people are killed by cars than murderers, should we leave the murderers free to continue?

Minneapolis/st. Paul - City Pages - The Blotter - How to shave your balls: A lesson from Gillette

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 12:56:38 -0700

I can't even shave under my nose without cutting myself, so this is definitely out :

)

BBC NEWS | UK | Big Ben celebrates 150th birthday

Sun, 31 May 2009 04:41:13 -0700

Today is the 150th anniversary of Big Ben.

The clock started working on the 31st May 1859, but the bell, which is named Big Ben did not chime until the 11th July 1859.
The clock tower itself is actually named 'The Clock Tower of St. Stephens' and is the third largest free-standing clock tower in the world.
A clock tower was originally built in Westminster in 1288. The current tower was built as part of Charles Barry's design, following the destruction of the previous Palace of Westminster in a fire on the night of the 22nd October 1834.

Owl Pictures, Pictures of all the different types of owls.

Sun, 31 May 2009 03:52:50 -0700

I was sent this site by a good friend and former top stumbler Wiggy. There is a wide selection of photographs of various species of Owls, some of which are in captivity.

Short-eared Owl

Northern Owl

Barn Owl

rusticolus images

Sun, 31 May 2009 03:37:14 -0700

Where the name Rusticolius comes from I don't have clue, but Mark Wilson has a small selection of nice images on this site that are well worth a look.

�Mark Wilson

Green Woodpeker
�Mark Wilson

Stunning picture of birds amazing upside-down flight - EDP24

Tue, 19 May 2009 13:36:07 -0700

This fascinating photo of a greylag goose in mid-whiffle was taken by Brian MacFarlane at Strumpshaw, Norfolk, UK.

For those who don't know whiffling is what birds do when they land, tipping from side to side to lose height.

Star Trek Enterprise

Tue, 05 May 2009 13:41:30 -0700

If you are a major Star Trek fan I am sure you will love this, personally I really can't be bothered to go through all the necessary rigmarole to set it up. May the force be with you though :)

Empire State Building: Made by Hand - Photo Gallery, 18 Pictures - LIFE

Sat, 02 May 2009 18:41:45 -0700

Stunning set of black and white (obviously) photographs showing workmen erecting the Empire States Building.

The jousting accident that turned Henry VIII into a tyrant - This Britain, UK - The Independent

Sun, 19 Apr 2009 19:36:51 -0700

An interesting article, referring to a forthcoming TV programme, that suggests that King Henry VIII had a major character change following an injury suffered when jousting at the age of 44.
He was thrown from his fully armoured horse, which then fell on top of him, consequently he was unconscious for two hours and was not expected to survive.
The experts state that they believe this resulted in him changing from a "sporty, promising, generous young prince, to a cruel, paranoid and vicious tyrant."

BBC NEWS | Science &Environment | A new Q - search for spy science chief

Fri, 17 Apr 2009 01:09:47 -0700

A new Q - search for spy science chief

By Pallab Ghosh
Science correspondent, BBC News

Desmond Llewelyn (BBC)
"Q", played by Desmond Llewelyn, was James Bond's gadget master

Any fan of James Bond will know that science and technology have always been the fictional spy's most potent weapons.

Without his cigarette capable of shooting a jet-powered projectile accurately up to 30 yards, the Rolex watch equipped with a small laser beam cutting tool and, of course, his trademark Aston Martin with machine guns, missiles and ejector seat, Bond would have been finished long ago.

His famous gadgets have got MI6 officer 007 out of several tight spots - though much to the anguish of the agency's chief boffin, "Q", the ingenious devices produced with such loving care have often ended up battered or blown up during Bond's escapades.

Now it seems that the UK's domestic intelligence agency, better known as MI5 or the Security Service, has taken a leaf out of MI6's book.

It is about to appoint its own Q, with a job advert to recruit a chief scientific adviser.

What! Q has just been a fictional character, we haven't had anyone in that role in reality?
Well I'm glad I never became a double 0 operative now.

Having said that James Bond wannabees in the current economic climate will probably find themselves in Morris Minors with peashooters mounted on the wing mirrors:)