Archive for December, 2010
The 10 most important emerging technologies
December 22nd, 2010 by Roger Darlington
Each year, “Technology Review” published by MIT selects what it believes are the 10 most important emerging technologies. The winners are chosen based on the editors’ coverage of key fields. They state: “The question that we ask is simple: is the technology likely to change the world? Some of these changes are on the largest […]
Posted in Science & technology | Comments (1)
What a difference an hour makes …
December 21st, 2010 by Roger Darlington
Today is the shortest day of the year and officially the start of winter (that’s a laugh this year for those of us who live in Britain). Once again, one has to think why we actually use the time system that we do in the UK and whether it would not be much more sensible […]
Posted in British current affairs, Environment | Comments (2)
The race between India and China
December 20th, 2010 by Roger Darlington
As I do each December, I am enjoying reading the review of the coming year produced by the “Economist”. In “The World In 2011”, it points out that, in the coming year, India might manage to grow its economy at the same rate – around 8.5% – as China for the first time since 1990. […]
Posted in World current affairs | Comments (0)
Facing up to the energy trilemma
December 19th, 2010 by Roger Darlington
Earlier this week, I attended a Consumer Focus Board discussion on energy policy when reference was made to the energy trilemma. If this is a phrase that you’ve not come across before, it is explained in this very short video: The notion of an energy trilemma occurred in my short story “Coming In To Land”.
Posted in Environment | Comments (0)
Snow, snow, quick, quick, snow
December 18th, 2010 by Roger Darlington
After a period of thaw, most of Britain has today been covered again by a blanket of snow. Even London where we live has seen snow falling all morning which has cancelled our social programme for the weekend. We won’t be having lunch on the terrace today A picturesque scene at the back of our […]
Posted in My life & thoughts | Comments (1)
That was the week that was
December 17th, 2010 by Roger Darlington
As a semi-retired portfolio worker, my workload fluctuates considerably, but this week was probably the busiest of the year. On Monday, I attended a consultation with consumers to debate the future of banking. This was organised by Consumer Focus – on whose Board I sit – at the request of the Independent Banking Commission. I […]
Posted in My life & thoughts | Comments (0)
Facebook and HMU
December 17th, 2010 by Roger Darlington
Apparently 80,00 times a day Facebook carries the message HMU. What does it mean? Answer here.
Posted in Internet | Comments (0)
A fair account? Don’t bank on it
December 15th, 2010 by Roger Darlington
As a member of the Board of Consumer Focus, earlier this week I was invited to attend an event sponsored by the organisation and blog about it. Here is what I wrote: Who would have thought that one could persuade some 100 people to gather on a cold December evening to discuss the future of […]
Posted in Consumer matters | Comments (2)
The Government’s Plan B
December 14th, 2010 by Roger Darlington
It is reported today that the Coalition Government has prepared an alternative economic strategy to be activated if the economy does not recover fast enough. Elements of the Plan B are further quantitative easing, purchase of commercial bonds, infrastructure investment and tax cuts. It would not surprise me if a Plan B proves necessary, but […]
Posted in British current affairs | Comments (0)
The planet’s seventh billion
December 13th, 2010 by Roger Darlington
Sometime next year, the world will see its population hit the seven billion mark. To see how we got here and where we’re going in population terms, watch this short video.
Posted in Environment | Comments (0)