Recently, there has been a lot in the UK news about eco-towns. All part of Desperate Gordon's miserable attempts at meeting EU and Kyoto emissions treaties.
Wherever eco-towns are planned, we have seen neighbouring communities protesting against the building of these new towns. It verges on NIMBYism but, in fact, the protesters are correct to protest.
Eco-towns are to be built on green field sites, in the middle of the countryside. Of course, property developers are queueing up to be part of the latest property scams. Building on virgin earth and promising a life in the country is a big money maker.
Are these new towns ecologically sound? No. When you have displaced town people from their urban lives to the country what are they expected to do, start farming? Of course not. They will commute back into a town in cars. Eco-towns are no different to sub-urban sprawl.
Eco-towns also put pressure on existing villages in the countryside by competing for food, energy and roads. If anything eco-towns achieve the opposite of what they purport to achieve. Eco-towns are touted as though they are food and energy independent oases. The answer to all our problems. They are anything but.
The best place to build "eco-towns" is in cities, on brown field sites, with existing public transport systems.
The problem is with preservation orders. UK cities are full of dilapidated Victorian terraces that have been preserved simply because they are old and "look pretty". And with old comes energy inefficient. Frankly, if you have seen one Victorian terrace then you have seen them all. Save one street maybe but not hundreds of square miles.
I have lived in Victorian terraced houses in London. They are awful. Cold in the winter. Hot in the summer. The ceilings are ridiculously high and make room spaces harder to heat. They are often badly built because Victorian speculators couldn't build fast enough to cope with the original urban sprawl. Everything about a Victorian house is inefficient.
Bolting on energy efficiency solutions is a waste of time for Victorian houses. They should all be demolished so eco-houses can be built in their stead.
Daily Telegraph - Build eco-towns in urban areas, not the countryside, say council chiefs
Daily Telegraph - Council withdraws controversial eco-town plan
Daily Telegraph - Eco-towns: Britain's brave new worlds?
Daily Telegraph - Eco-towns do not offer 'sustainable living'
The big supermarkets announce price cuts
The bigger supermarkets such as Tesco, Asda, Morrisons and Sainsburys have announced price cutting promotions. And the keyword there is promotion. Temporary price cuts on a small range of products.
The aim is just to get people through the door where the full marketing machinery will con you into buying stuff you don't want.
The reason for this sudden (but temporary) act of generosity is the fact that the cheaper supermarkets are gaining a bigger market share. Although Aldi, Lidl and Netto don't have the range of products the big supermarkets have their cost cutting measures are the norm. There are no fancy displays, just the basic products, packed high. The lighting is poor but that saves energy bill charges that don't have to be passed on to consumers.
I shop selectively and know which supermarkets have the products I want and at the price I want. The cheaper supermarkets are often used for bulk buying of staples. I shop at Morrisons for the cheapest of the palatable orange juices that the cheaper supermarkets don't stock and for turkey mince which is a pound cheaper than Asda. Waitrose only for a block of smoked cheese. Netto for pasta. Lidl for chicken fillets. Asda for a fresh baguette, the cheapest apple juice and cured chorizo. I buy in bulk (keeping an eye on 'sell by' dates) so I only have to go to Morrisons (on the other side of town) once every two months.
I shan't be rushing to Tesco or Sainsbury as I can get whatever I need more cheaply and with less travelling (remember your car's fuel bill) with a walk to my local supermarket.
One thing you can be sure of is that the big supermarkets will watch each others' price cuts and ensure that nobody rocks the barrel. The big supermarkets are a cartel and will not do anything to the detriment of the other big supermarkets. Their plan is simply to drive shoppers away from the cheap supermarkets, just like the large airlines, with temporary offers, who try to rid the market of the smaller cheaper airlines.
BBC - Supermarkets to battle on prices
The aim is just to get people through the door where the full marketing machinery will con you into buying stuff you don't want.
The reason for this sudden (but temporary) act of generosity is the fact that the cheaper supermarkets are gaining a bigger market share. Although Aldi, Lidl and Netto don't have the range of products the big supermarkets have their cost cutting measures are the norm. There are no fancy displays, just the basic products, packed high. The lighting is poor but that saves energy bill charges that don't have to be passed on to consumers.
I shop selectively and know which supermarkets have the products I want and at the price I want. The cheaper supermarkets are often used for bulk buying of staples. I shop at Morrisons for the cheapest of the palatable orange juices that the cheaper supermarkets don't stock and for turkey mince which is a pound cheaper than Asda. Waitrose only for a block of smoked cheese. Netto for pasta. Lidl for chicken fillets. Asda for a fresh baguette, the cheapest apple juice and cured chorizo. I buy in bulk (keeping an eye on 'sell by' dates) so I only have to go to Morrisons (on the other side of town) once every two months.
I shan't be rushing to Tesco or Sainsbury as I can get whatever I need more cheaply and with less travelling (remember your car's fuel bill) with a walk to my local supermarket.
One thing you can be sure of is that the big supermarkets will watch each others' price cuts and ensure that nobody rocks the barrel. The big supermarkets are a cartel and will not do anything to the detriment of the other big supermarkets. Their plan is simply to drive shoppers away from the cheap supermarkets, just like the large airlines, with temporary offers, who try to rid the market of the smaller cheaper airlines.
BBC - Supermarkets to battle on prices
Water contamination in Northamptonshire
For the past few days we have been boiling our tap water in most of Northamptonshire. I wondered why I had green doo-doos last week. It's either the cryptosporidium or the tonne of lettuce I am eating everyday. Well, I haven't had stomach cramps so I guess it's the lettuce. Reminds me of the green doo that the Canada Geese used to leave by the lakes at my old university.
Anyway, I walked to the supermarket this morning and, of course, everyone is trying to cash in on the contamination scare. Bottled water for sale everywhere. Even from shops that wouldn't normally sell it.
Nevertheless, I am happy to say that I don't see people staggering home with bottled water. It appears that everyone is just boiling their tap water. Bravo!
BBC - Ultra-violet to fight water bug
Anyway, I walked to the supermarket this morning and, of course, everyone is trying to cash in on the contamination scare. Bottled water for sale everywhere. Even from shops that wouldn't normally sell it.
Nevertheless, I am happy to say that I don't see people staggering home with bottled water. It appears that everyone is just boiling their tap water. Bravo!
BBC - Ultra-violet to fight water bug
Gordon Brown admits to peak oil
After taking his begging bowl to Saudi Arabia, and gotten nothing, Gordon Brown has announced a £100 billion wind farm expansion. In doing so he said, "The North Sea has now passed its peak of oil and gas supply - but it will now embark on a new transformation into the global centre of the offshore wind industry."
Credit where credit is due but it took an embarrassing trip to Jeddah to beg for more oil to make him realise that the Saudis can't pump any more oil than they are currently pumping.
Slow moving creatures, these political dinosaurs, but you and I will help them to change gear and direction.
BBC - Brown pushes wind power expansion
Credit where credit is due but it took an embarrassing trip to Jeddah to beg for more oil to make him realise that the Saudis can't pump any more oil than they are currently pumping.
Slow moving creatures, these political dinosaurs, but you and I will help them to change gear and direction.
BBC - Brown pushes wind power expansion
Sign of the times
Many think that high oil prices are a temporary phenomenon and that high food prices just need a dose of technology. However, I am of the belief that high prices are a permanent fact of life in a new era.
In the news today, I read of a farmer's wife dying and a son being badly beaten during a diesel raid on a farm. Petrol and diesel prices are at a level where many think twice before taking their car out on the road. There are those who either cannot afford to pay for their fuel or who want to turn a quick profit and so resort to theft.
No longer is having a lock on your filler cap a deterrent to fuel theft from your car. Many criminals just resort to drilling through the bottom of the fuel tank.
The post war era is now well and truly dead. The days of "You've never had it so good" are over. Relatively, we are wealthier than we were a few decades ago but the peak has passed and we are now on a down slope that will never be recovered.
As food and fuel become more expensive relative to wealth we can expect to see more cases of people fighting over them. We already see it in the developing world. Don't think that it can't happen here.
BBC - Farmer's wife dies in diesel raid
BBC - Action call after fuel raid death
In the news today, I read of a farmer's wife dying and a son being badly beaten during a diesel raid on a farm. Petrol and diesel prices are at a level where many think twice before taking their car out on the road. There are those who either cannot afford to pay for their fuel or who want to turn a quick profit and so resort to theft.
No longer is having a lock on your filler cap a deterrent to fuel theft from your car. Many criminals just resort to drilling through the bottom of the fuel tank.
The post war era is now well and truly dead. The days of "You've never had it so good" are over. Relatively, we are wealthier than we were a few decades ago but the peak has passed and we are now on a down slope that will never be recovered.
As food and fuel become more expensive relative to wealth we can expect to see more cases of people fighting over them. We already see it in the developing world. Don't think that it can't happen here.
BBC - Farmer's wife dies in diesel raid
BBC - Action call after fuel raid death
Sparkling cider!
Excellent results from my last batch of cider. I fermented 4 litres of apple juice with a new cider specific yeast. The fermentation was much quicker than with my usual wine yeast. After only 7 days the fermentation was complete.
I racked off the cider into two vessels. The first was a smaller demijohn to take the cider as was for immediate drinking. That has since cleared and produced a tasty dry still cider.
The second vessel was a bottle with a wire lock on top of it. I siphoned 750ml of cider and yeast from the bottom of the demijohn into this bottle. I then added a spoon of sugar. At once the cider started to fizz over the bottle so I had to be quick to lock the top. The fizzing soon stopped as the pressure rose inside the bottle.
After a week, the bottle cleared and so today I opened it. At once bubbles formed in the cider on opening. I poured a glass with the frothing liquid. Delicious. A dry sparkling cider, reminiscent of a brut champagne.
As promised, I shall make a video of my next batch. After I have sozzled myself on this lot.
I racked off the cider into two vessels. The first was a smaller demijohn to take the cider as was for immediate drinking. That has since cleared and produced a tasty dry still cider.
The second vessel was a bottle with a wire lock on top of it. I siphoned 750ml of cider and yeast from the bottom of the demijohn into this bottle. I then added a spoon of sugar. At once the cider started to fizz over the bottle so I had to be quick to lock the top. The fizzing soon stopped as the pressure rose inside the bottle.
After a week, the bottle cleared and so today I opened it. At once bubbles formed in the cider on opening. I poured a glass with the frothing liquid. Delicious. A dry sparkling cider, reminiscent of a brut champagne.
As promised, I shall make a video of my next batch. After I have sozzled myself on this lot.
So, Ireland voted "NO"
Last Thursday, the 50% of the Irish electorate that could be bothered held a referendum on the European Constitution, a document that most politicians have not read. The result was "NO" to the constitution.
Without all EU members states ratifying the constitution it cannot become law. What did the EU elite have to say? "Business as usual. All other countries to ratify. We'll sort you Irish out later."
No other nation has been allowed to hold a referendum. Only by luck does the Irish constitution demand a referendum if there is to be any change to the Irish constitution. The suits have prevented the French and Dutch from upsetting the apple cart a second time as they did by voting no to the first incarnation of this document.
The European Constitution purports to uphold democracy but so far we have seen little democracy being exercised during the constitution's creation. As can be expected from the suits, all blame is on Ireland for not allowing the rest of Europe to "tackle terrorism and climate change". Strange when all the hot air and anti-democratic rhetoric is coming out of Brussels these days.
We don't need the suited corporate brand of democracy. Referenda appear to be the ideal way to curtail the activities of corporate democracy, which is precisely why referenda are avoided at all costs in other countries. Bravo to Ireland!
The EU looks more like the Roman Empire everyday. Forcing its will upon disparate people. Expanding just to stay in existence. Well, one way or another the EU Empire will go the way of all empires, into the dustbin of history.
Without all EU members states ratifying the constitution it cannot become law. What did the EU elite have to say? "Business as usual. All other countries to ratify. We'll sort you Irish out later."
No other nation has been allowed to hold a referendum. Only by luck does the Irish constitution demand a referendum if there is to be any change to the Irish constitution. The suits have prevented the French and Dutch from upsetting the apple cart a second time as they did by voting no to the first incarnation of this document.
The European Constitution purports to uphold democracy but so far we have seen little democracy being exercised during the constitution's creation. As can be expected from the suits, all blame is on Ireland for not allowing the rest of Europe to "tackle terrorism and climate change". Strange when all the hot air and anti-democratic rhetoric is coming out of Brussels these days.
We don't need the suited corporate brand of democracy. Referenda appear to be the ideal way to curtail the activities of corporate democracy, which is precisely why referenda are avoided at all costs in other countries. Bravo to Ireland!
The EU looks more like the Roman Empire everyday. Forcing its will upon disparate people. Expanding just to stay in existence. Well, one way or another the EU Empire will go the way of all empires, into the dustbin of history.
Thanet Earth - 220 acres of greenhouses for Kent
Continental style, industrial-scale greenhouses are coming to the UK. Covering an area the size of 80 football pitches, or 220 acres, Thanet Earth will grow 1.3 million plants at any one time and will increase the UK's salad crop by 15%.
The plants will grow hydroponically in fluid rather than soil for 52 weeks of the year. Though the plants will go to sleep with the setting sun they will be rudely awoken at midnight by artificial light. Shrouds will cover the greenhouses so that 95% of the light does not pollute the skies. A combined heat and power system will also provide electricity to supply half the domestic power needs of 50,000 homes close to the complex, as a by-product.
I saw a film recently about greenhouses like this in Holland. The 550 strong workforce can expect to walk about in head-to-toe chemical warfare style clothing and gas masks to protect themselves. The workers will be in a chemical rich environment. Nutrient rich water in 50 million gallon containers will feed the plants. Insecticides will be sprayed on the plants too, which is why the workers need protection.
I suppose it is progress in some ways. Others will say that it is cheaper to fly in salads from Kenya where they have year round growing conditions without the technology. I say that expanding the allotment system throughout the country, rather than building houses on existing allotments, could easily increase salad production by 15% or more.
I won't be buying anything that has the Thanet Earth label on it. My vegetables have nothing but water poured on them.
Telegraph - Giant greenhouse complex will be size of 80 football pitches
Guardian - The future of food is not on the farm
The plants will grow hydroponically in fluid rather than soil for 52 weeks of the year. Though the plants will go to sleep with the setting sun they will be rudely awoken at midnight by artificial light. Shrouds will cover the greenhouses so that 95% of the light does not pollute the skies. A combined heat and power system will also provide electricity to supply half the domestic power needs of 50,000 homes close to the complex, as a by-product.
I saw a film recently about greenhouses like this in Holland. The 550 strong workforce can expect to walk about in head-to-toe chemical warfare style clothing and gas masks to protect themselves. The workers will be in a chemical rich environment. Nutrient rich water in 50 million gallon containers will feed the plants. Insecticides will be sprayed on the plants too, which is why the workers need protection.
I suppose it is progress in some ways. Others will say that it is cheaper to fly in salads from Kenya where they have year round growing conditions without the technology. I say that expanding the allotment system throughout the country, rather than building houses on existing allotments, could easily increase salad production by 15% or more.
I won't be buying anything that has the Thanet Earth label on it. My vegetables have nothing but water poured on them.
Telegraph - Giant greenhouse complex will be size of 80 football pitches
Guardian - The future of food is not on the farm
Another batch of cider is fermenting
This time I'm trying a cider specific yeast. Usually, I just use wine making yeast but recently bought cider and champagne making yeasts to make comparisons.
The cider yeast didn't require much heat to get the brew going. With wine yeast I have to leave the demi-john on a heated pad overnight to get things going before turning off the heater and leaving the yeast to generate its own heat through fermentation.
Cider doesn't need heat like beer brewing does so this cider yeast is specifically formulated for a lower temperature fermentation. Still, it is 25C indoors so that helps with fermentation.
Whilst in town, I also bought a bottle with a stopper lock on it and will try for a dry sparkling cider as well as the usual dry still cider I produce. I will be making a video of the next batch I brew and will put it up on YouTube.
The cider yeast didn't require much heat to get the brew going. With wine yeast I have to leave the demi-john on a heated pad overnight to get things going before turning off the heater and leaving the yeast to generate its own heat through fermentation.
Cider doesn't need heat like beer brewing does so this cider yeast is specifically formulated for a lower temperature fermentation. Still, it is 25C indoors so that helps with fermentation.
Whilst in town, I also bought a bottle with a stopper lock on it and will try for a dry sparkling cider as well as the usual dry still cider I produce. I will be making a video of the next batch I brew and will put it up on YouTube.
Welcome to my world
I, and others, have been banging on about overpopulation and food for a long time. The media has finally caught up with us. The many naysayers leaving comments on my blog are no more.
There are those who think it is just a matter of throwing technology at the problem. Fine, if you think there should be no limit to human population growth and no boundaries with regards to the effect of human habitation on the rest of the flora and fauna on this planet. The truth is, we share this planet with other animals and plant species that not only have a right to exist but without them we would cease to exist too.
During my misguided youth, I didn't think much of Jonathon Porritt who, at the time, was President of Friends of the Earth. In those days, I regarded environmentalism as a branch of socialism. The kind of socialism that wants to drag everyone into the gutter if it can't make everyone kings and queens.
My youth saw the beginning of the home computer craze and this teenager thought there was no limit to human life and it's technological capabilities. Of course, I came to my senses and saw the error of my ways. I don't know the politics of Jonathon Porritt but he has the guts to talk my kind of language.
Greeted with food shortages, people call for more land to be put under the plough. When faced with overpopulation, these same people call for more land to be urbanised. I wouldn't be surprised if these do-gooders also donate regularly to environmental charities and demand more land to be set aside for non-human species.
It is this lack of joined-up thinking that makes my blood boil and realise that looking after number one is my highest priority. I could put my head in the sand like those who think they have the answers or, quietly make provisions to look after myself because I know that governments and other people in high places are not doing the right thing.
Don't take it for granted that your supermarket will always be well-stocked. Don't take for granted that petrol stations will always have fuel. Don't take for granted that other countries will be willing to export their dwindling supplies of food and fuel to your country. Liberalised democracies are a soft touch on globalisation and mass migration but they are a by-product of easy times. Those times are over. Self-reliance. Self-reliance. Self-reliance.
Telegraph - Global food supply is a growing problem
Telegraph - Jonathon Porritt: Britain should have 'zero net immigration' policy
There are those who think it is just a matter of throwing technology at the problem. Fine, if you think there should be no limit to human population growth and no boundaries with regards to the effect of human habitation on the rest of the flora and fauna on this planet. The truth is, we share this planet with other animals and plant species that not only have a right to exist but without them we would cease to exist too.
During my misguided youth, I didn't think much of Jonathon Porritt who, at the time, was President of Friends of the Earth. In those days, I regarded environmentalism as a branch of socialism. The kind of socialism that wants to drag everyone into the gutter if it can't make everyone kings and queens.
My youth saw the beginning of the home computer craze and this teenager thought there was no limit to human life and it's technological capabilities. Of course, I came to my senses and saw the error of my ways. I don't know the politics of Jonathon Porritt but he has the guts to talk my kind of language.
Greeted with food shortages, people call for more land to be put under the plough. When faced with overpopulation, these same people call for more land to be urbanised. I wouldn't be surprised if these do-gooders also donate regularly to environmental charities and demand more land to be set aside for non-human species.
It is this lack of joined-up thinking that makes my blood boil and realise that looking after number one is my highest priority. I could put my head in the sand like those who think they have the answers or, quietly make provisions to look after myself because I know that governments and other people in high places are not doing the right thing.
Don't take it for granted that your supermarket will always be well-stocked. Don't take for granted that petrol stations will always have fuel. Don't take for granted that other countries will be willing to export their dwindling supplies of food and fuel to your country. Liberalised democracies are a soft touch on globalisation and mass migration but they are a by-product of easy times. Those times are over. Self-reliance. Self-reliance. Self-reliance.
Telegraph - Global food supply is a growing problem
Telegraph - Jonathon Porritt: Britain should have 'zero net immigration' policy
Nine meals from anarchy
This article by Rosie Boycott encapsulates many of my posts in one excellent article. I never have the time to research an article to this level of detail but I echo everything it says.
My decision to bulk buy rice and pasta, to cut down on meat to barely 0.5 kilos per month and to grow some greens and potatoes for this year, was fortuitous. It isn't enough but it is a start.
Television commentators talk of high food prices for a few years to come, of oil price bubbles and new technologies that mean we need not worry. I don't think much of those commentators. I'm bulk buying and preparing for an uncertain future.
Daily Mail - Nice meals from anarchy
My decision to bulk buy rice and pasta, to cut down on meat to barely 0.5 kilos per month and to grow some greens and potatoes for this year, was fortuitous. It isn't enough but it is a start.
Television commentators talk of high food prices for a few years to come, of oil price bubbles and new technologies that mean we need not worry. I don't think much of those commentators. I'm bulk buying and preparing for an uncertain future.
Daily Mail - Nice meals from anarchy
World Environment Day
Yes, today. I didn't notice either. Does anyone?
Everyday should be an environment day. These silly "world days" devalue whatever they purport to champion.
UNEP - World Environment Day
Everyday should be an environment day. These silly "world days" devalue whatever they purport to champion.
UNEP - World Environment Day
How to say p*** o** without saying p*** o**
A news story on the BBC website knows how to couch its terms. "The North Sea has almost as much oil left as has already been extracted." That's the definition of peak oil.
As the article points out, the only reason why the North Sea still produces any oil is because of the doubling of the price over the past year. The higher price reflects the difficulty of getting the second half of oil out of the ground.
That is why there will be no popping of a commodity bubble. We are seeing a slight retreat from the $133 high but only through demand destruction. The world still needs oil.
I just noticed that p*** o** could equally mean "go away" as it does peak oil.
BBC - Oil reserves 'will last decades'
As the article points out, the only reason why the North Sea still produces any oil is because of the doubling of the price over the past year. The higher price reflects the difficulty of getting the second half of oil out of the ground.
That is why there will be no popping of a commodity bubble. We are seeing a slight retreat from the $133 high but only through demand destruction. The world still needs oil.
I just noticed that p*** o** could equally mean "go away" as it does peak oil.
BBC - Oil reserves 'will last decades'
Iron Bridge Gorge
This time last week I was at Iron Bridge Gorge, a world heritage site, in Shropshire. The industrial revolution started there in the late 18th century and is a place I have wanted to visit for many years.There are ten museums in total, which cover a wide range of industries. Iron Bridge is in a gorge through which the River Severn flows. The Ice Age carved the gorge and left behind an abundance of resources; coal, clay, limestone and iron ore.
Georgian entrepreneurs began to move into the area to take advantage of these resources. Abraham Darby patented the smelting of iron with coke at Coalbrookdale, which permitted the casting of iron and before long iron cylinders for the first steam engines were being made.
The world's first cast iron bridge was built to span the gorge. A bone china factory was set up a mile down the river at Coalport. On the other side of the gorge, the Jackfield tile factory churned out tiles that graced many a Victorian building and still makes them to this day. A clay smoking pipe factory was set up in Broseley village.
On Blists Hill there is a replica Victorian Village. On changing your pounds and pence for pounds, shillings and pennies you can spend a while day visiting a Victorian grocer, candlestick maker, carpenter, foundryman, steam driven pit head winding gear operator and many other dedicated people.
Two points were of note to me in the village. How the village could not run without 20th/21st century technology in the background and, if we were forced to fall back on simpler times, how hard it would be to do so.
The "Victorian bakery" was doing a roaring trade but unlike other shops you were not allowed to see the whole shop. Partly because of health and safety rules but also because there were modern ovens baking the bread and cakes. The candlestick maker acknowledged that his vat of wax was heated electrically rather than with hot water from a stove.
The Museum of the Gorge ties everything together with a magnificent scale model of the whole area. You can see the importance of the River Severn for transporting goods to Bristol afore an inclined rail was built to connect the area with the Shropshire canal.
If you find yourself in Shropshire then set aside two days, buy yourself a passport to save on the cost of entry and visit all ten museums.
The Iron Bridge Gorge Museums
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