pjf.org.uk

The manufacturer said the Leaf would be the world’s first mass-produced zero-emission car, and around 50,000 a year will be made in Sunderland. The investment will be supported by a £20.7m government grant and a proposed finance package from the European Investment Bank of up to £197.3m.

Sunderland had been tipped as favourite for European production of the Leaf since the Nissan sited its electric car battery plant nearby.

In Sunderland, about 50,000 Nissan Leaf hatchbacks, which run entirely on lithium-ion batteries, will roll off the production line a year.

Lord Mandelson said the development was a “fantastic vote of confidence” in the plant and its “excellent workforce”.

Trevor Mann at Nissan said the government had played “quite a significant role” in the carmaker’s decision to build the Leaf in Sunderland.

“Not just in monetary terms, but also setting its stall out in terms of the infrastructure needed to power electric cars.”

This news follows hot on the heels of UK governments incentive to persuade homeowners to invest in photovoltaic cells for their roof (the excess power being fed into the national grid; and makes more sense than planning 250 mile per hour trains for commuters who still haven’t got the hang of communicating by sound, image and text …

morrisons profits; high-speed rail proposal

admin — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 09:41:25 +0000

New rail network from North to South of UK

On this morning’s news plans for a new high-speed rail network will be announced by the government. If their strategy is to entice car drivers onto the railway that would be good news, but the Conservatives, who turned down an invitation to see the plans ahead of today’s announcement, are keen for the route to go directly to Heathrow airport in west London. It seems that the witless wanderings of rampant consumerism – in this case tourism – are still close to the Tory heart. The connection between air transport and global environmental damage, burning capital (irreplaceable fossil fuels) as though it is income, seems to have still failed to penetrate the minds of the rich. Maybe they have shares in BP and aviation companies?

Quote:
Plans for a high-speed rail (HSR) network featuring 250mph trains will be announced today by the Government.

But it is likely to be 2025 at the earliest before the first section of new track – from London to Birmingham – is completed.

Nearer to home>>

Morrisons profits continue to grow

In a year where Morrisons supermarkets have invested in many new stores. They opened 45 new stores this year (2 were replacements) taking their total to 425.

Pre-tax profits climbed to £858m from £655m from the same period the previous year, including an exceptional credit of £91m arising from steps taken to strengthen pension schemes, as turnover climbed to £15.4bn from £14.5bn. Like-for-like sales excluding fuel and VAT were up by 6%, lower than the 8.2% growth seen the previous year.

The full-year dividend was lifted by 41% to 8.2p a share.

Solar power roof grants, electric trucks

admin — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 12:11:22 +0000

Photovoltaic cells

Photovoltaic cells, that generate electricity from electromagnetic waves (typically sunlight), were initially so expensive to produce that they only appeared in tiny devices such as pocket calculators or high-tech applications like satellites and space exploration. With improved design, technology and sales volume it is now feasible to use them in your own home or business, and government grants are available to help encourage the pioneers!

Selling solar electricity to the national grid

It is now possible to sell the electricity you don’t use to the national grid, and a premium is payable to encourage the pioneers.

The energy saving trust guide

energy saving trust guide to calculating what works for you:

the guide

Clean Energy Cashback

About the Feed-in Tariff (Clean Energy Cashback) scheme

The scheme covers the following electricity-generating technologies, up to 5 Mega Watts:

- Solar electricity (PV) (roof mounted or stand alone)

- Wind turbine (building mounted or free standing)

- Hydroelectricity

- Anaerobic digestion

- Micro combined heat and power (mCHP) (limited to a pilot at this stage)

The tariffs available and the process for receiving them vary, depending on when the technology was installed, and whether the system and the installer were certificated under the MCS* scheme. See below for further details

qualifying for the full FIT payments

You will qualify for the full FIT payments if:

- The technology was installed between 15th July 2009 and 31st March 2010; OR

- It is installed on or after 1st April 2010 using an MCS certificated product and by an MCS* certificated installer;

- The system installed on or after 1st April 2010 is MCS* certificated

Microgeneration Certification Scheme

The Microgeneration Certification Scheme website has lists of certified suppliers and installers, and guidance on deciding what is best for your home or business.

With the development of rechargeable batteries in recent years, as evidenced by their almost universal replacement of mains leads in hand operated power tools (drill, jigsaws, etc.) and small vehicles, it is now feasible for determined individuals to convert a truck to electricity; either using solar electric as described above, or having similar panels on the roof of the truck.

An example of local government determination to encourage cleaner transport is shown for London:

London’s electric vehicles

The Hero of Ages – Mistborn Bk. 3 by Brandon Sanderson

admin — Sun, 07 Mar 2010 12:57:34 +0000

The Hero of Ages – Mistborn Bk. 3

by Brandon Sanderson

Synopsis

Tricked into releasing the evil spirit Ruin while attempting to close the Well of Ascension, new emperor Elend Venture and his wife, the assassin Vin, are now hard-pressed to save the world. This adventure brings the Mistborn epic fantasy trilogy to a dramatic and surprising climax as Sanderson’s saga offers complex characters and a compelling plot, asking hard questions about loyalty, faith and responsibility.

reader review for Waterstones:

This is one of the best fantasy trilogies of all time, it all ties together so fantastically, with every little piece falling into place. I can’t recommend this book enough. And it’s really difficult to review, because there are so many great things about it.

Published
11/02/2010

Publisher

Gollancz

bargain paperback books

contemporary-fiction-reviews/

recent snow in Bude

admin — Sun, 28 Feb 2010 11:02:09 +0000

In January 2010:

snowy landscape near Bude, Cornwall

l

border collie dog in snow

popular posts:
satire with King Arthur

Environmental Rage poem lyrics

St Nectan’s Glen, Cornwall: photos

acoustic guitar specialists!

admin — Sun, 21 Feb 2010 16:01:19 +0000

variety is the spice of … beware the cliche !

Andy McKee – Guitar – Drifting

Andrew Winton acoustic guitar solo

“The first thing you should know about Andrew Winton is that he’s a seriously good guitarist… In company with some of Australia’s finest singer-songwriters, most notably Jeff Lang, Winton uses a blues base for many of his creations, slipping into jazz grooves, even gospel mode, here and there.” – Rhythms Magazine

Award winning musician Andrew is an independent solo artist based in Perth, Western Australia.
He combines acoustic guitar, lap slide, dobro and seven-string lap guitar/bass (the Wintonbeast), with hollers and stomps to provide an engaging and authentic performance. He plays original music with blues, roots, folk, gospel & jazz influences. Andrew’s sound has been likened to a cross between Ben Harper, Sting, Kelly-Joe Phelps and Harry Manx. His performances are driven by infectious rhythms, stunning slide, bluesy vocals, quirky lyrics and storytelling.

or, pick your own from these:

15. Petteri Sariola
14. Kotaro Oshio
13. Justin King
12. Erik Mongrain
11. Kaki King
10. Peppino D’Agostino
9. Antoine Dufour
8. Andy Mckee
7. Stephen Bennett
6. Steven King
5. Don Ross
4. Chet Atkins
3. Lenny Breau
2. Tommy Emmanuel
1. Michael Hedges

popular posts:
satire with King Arthur

Environmental Rage poem lyrics

St Nectan’s Glen, Cornwall: photos

Seamus Egan

admin — Sun, 21 Feb 2010 15:38:41 +0000

Another discovery from Radio 3 Late Junction, guaranteed to speed up the arrival of Spring:

Irish music Seamus Egan Reel

Flute Reel — not sure of the name (Several people here on youtube have told me that the tune is “Emily’s Reel”.. )

Someday You’ll See Live at StringNation

Eamon McElholm – Guitar, Vocals
Seamus Egan – Mandolin
Eric Merill – Fiddle

popular tags, february 2010

admin — Sat, 20 Feb 2010 09:54:54 +0000

1970s rock music
2009
banking current affairs
books on witches
classical music

comic paintings
conflict poems and songs
cornish seascapes
Cornwall
current affairs
environment politics
famous poems
fantasy
fantasy paintings

favorite poems
finance news
flute
funny
funny poems and songs
funny short stories
funny short stories for teens
guitar
illustrated stories

lyrics
music videos
music videos with lyrics
non-fiction
oils paintings
paintings
photos
poems
poems and songs

Vivaldi
whimsy
youtube mozart
YouTube video

Nissan back electric car future

admin — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 10:43:48 +0000

The future of electric cars (zero emissions) is central to the plans of Nissan-Renault, according to their boss, Carlos Ghosn.

Many claim that the current limit of approx 160km range, then a 20 minute charge-up time will deter most buyers. But public demand for cleaner lifestyles and environmental awareness are improving faster than expected.

But Mr Ghosn says that “80% of the people on earth, driving a car, drive less than 100km a day”.

Plans were recently announced in the UK to generate 20% of all electricity from wind turbines placed in the shallows of the North Sea and west of Lundy. It may be electioneering, but it gives interested voters a stick with which to beat backsliding MPs in the future

popular posts:
satire with King Arthur

Environmental Rage poem lyrics

St Nectan’s Glen, Cornwall: photos

Breathe the Earth-Words by Peter Fairbrother-Art by Marty Downs

admin — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 14:19:33 +0000

popular posts:
satire with King Arthur

Environmental Rage poem lyrics

St Nectan’s Glen, Cornwall: photos

Breathe the Earth poem/song

admin — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 19:17:04 +0000

Environmental rage poems

Pigs in Spacesuits

my turn – to see the Earth
to feel her pulse, to smell her breath

just in time – to catch her smile
to walk upon her for a while

the Witless Ones – dash to and fro
glued to fashion – friend or foe
forever fleeing …

chasing illusions in a whirl
they trample the Soul of the World
never seeing …

take turns – to see the Earth
to feel her pulse, to smell her breath

make time – to feel her breathe
communal healing through the leaves

the Witless Ones – breed and blather
grasp and gobble – in a lather
never heeding …

reading commandments – on a screen
Gimme! Mine! – Hear them scream
force feeding …

about turn – recall the Earth
I felt her pulse, I smelt her death

environment ,

poems and songs ,

satirical songs ,

Consumerism and carrier bag re-use

admin — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 10:28:43 +0000

UK energy supply woes

On today’s news, the OfGem Chief executive, Alistair Buchanan, warns that Britain’s privatised energy suppliers will struggle to deliver supplies of electricity and gas in the coming decade. Also he warns that many people will struggle to afford the rising energy bills.

Given that it is several decades since the alarm bells were ringing, and even longer since the environmental damage caused by chronic Consumerism was well publicised, one wonders what to do?

A search on Google suggests that a tourist 747 uses 300 gallons (about 1.5 tonnes) just to take-off. A carrier bag weighs about 1 gram, hence it takes about 2 gram of hydrocarbons to make it. Some bags are much heavier, but re-usable in many ways.

http://66.102.9.132/search?q=cache:4rOFzdUkEMwJ:www.carrierbagtax.com/downloads/Carrier_bags_Norwegian_report_summary.doc+oil+needed+to+make+1+carrier+bag

The government could either quit supporting and promoting Consumerism (yes, it is a religion; the dominant religion of the western world), and make serious inroads into solving the problem. Or they could make a big fuss about re-using carrier bags and engender a false sense of ‘doing our bit’.

A significant difference between carrier bags and 747 take-offs is that all carrier bags are potentially useful in other ways – recycling in fleece manufacture, storing and carrying other things, use as rubbish bags. (Aim to dispose of your non-recyclable household rubbish in ONE carrier bag per week and you will really achieve something!). When aviation fuel is burned, it has gone forever.

( One tourist take-off ) = 1,500,000
( one carrier bag ) 2

750,000 : 1

Which do you suppose our elected leaders will choose? The token or the cultural transformation?

I fear people will still be trekking to the supermarket in the 4×4s, tourist brochures in their hand, and reusing their carrier bags.

Clapton and Winwood 2010 tour

admin — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 11:43:54 +0000

Eric Clapton and Steve Winwood
2010 European Tour, May and June

the dates

May 18 – Birmingham, UK – NEC
May 20 – London – Wembley Arena
May 23 – Antwerp, Belgium – SportPaleis
May 25 – Paris, France – Bercy
May 28 – Dusseldrof, Germany – Phillips Halle
May 29 – Arnhem, Netherlands – Gelredome Stadium
May 31 – Malmo, Sweden – Malmo Arena
June 2 – Berlin, Germany – 02 World
June 3 – Hamburg, Germany – Colorline Arena
June 5 – Munich, Germany- Konigsplatz
June 7 – Vienna, Austria – Stadthalle
June 9 – Belgrade, Serbia – Arena
June 11 – Bucharest, Romania – Rugby Park
June 13 – Istanbul, Turkey – Santral Istanbul.

It will be interesting to see what they do, since both Eric Clapton and Steve Winwood are fine guitarists and singers.

archive pages

admin — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 10:28:16 +0000

For finding particular topics, the categories (at the top of each page), and popular tags (listed in the sidebar) are more useful.

pjf.org.uk

popular feeds

Sunderland plant gets Nissan’s electric car vote

morrisons profits; high-speed rail proposal

New rail network from North to South of UK

Morrisons profits continue to grow

Solar power roof grants, electric trucks

Photovoltaic cells

Selling solar electricity to the national grid

The energy saving trust guide

Clean Energy Cashback

qualifying for the full FIT payments

Microgeneration Certification Scheme

The Hero of Ages – Mistborn Bk. 3 by Brandon Sanderson

The Hero of Ages – Mistborn Bk. 3

recent snow in Bude

snowy landscape near Bude, Cornwall l

acoustic guitar specialists!

Andy McKee – Guitar – Drifting

Andrew Winton acoustic guitar solo

Seamus Egan

Irish music Seamus Egan Reel

Someday You’ll See Live at StringNation

popular tags, february 2010

Nissan back electric car future

Breathe the Earth-Words by Peter Fairbrother-Art by Marty Downs

Breathe the Earth poem/song

Environmental rage poems

Pigs in Spacesuits

Consumerism and carrier bag re-use

UK energy supply woes

Clapton and Winwood 2010 tour

archive pages

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snowy landscape near Bude, Cornwall

l