passivhaus

I am off to visit a passivhaus first thing tomorrow.  Looking forward to see Danny and Nikki and my 2nd cousins there, and having a weekend away from my current abode which has solid walls.

The Big Lebowski: Film review (and spoiler)

Last night I saw the Big Lebowski, a holywood black comedy about a dude.
Needless to say, until very recently, films did not generally pass the Bechdel Test for killjoy feminism kindly introduced to me by my political friend Amelia Womack.  I have yet to find very many films that do.  Most of the characters in the film are men.  However on revolutionary story lines it comes out with top marks.  There is a non happy ending: the money doesn't turn up, he possibly gets someone pregnant, and his best mate dies of a heart attack.

Being a comedy, I guess that drags me and my friend back to the dark days of sexism in comedy.

The banana milkshake was excellent and we only opened up as much popcorn snacks as we could consume.

When I was a kid I thought black comedy might be like Fresh Prince of Bel-air. It's actually like a tragedy, where we laugh at people's misfortunes and clumsiness.  The butt of the jokes here were the bad foreign accents: german and scouse.

This must have been really fun for some people to film.  I particularly enjoyed the tumbleweed, which has become an internet meme without actually existing in much of the world.

Turnout was effected by the tube strike which goes on today as well.

Are you REALLY over 21?

Anyone wishing to "opt-in" to adult sites should have to answer the following questions:
what were the green party called before:
a) People
b) Old Labour
c) The Orange party

What is Spandau Ballet?
a) Classes in classical dance
b) A popular recording artist
c)

http://www.kosmosxorispolemous.gr/ song

Tag Archive "song"

Tags: Ειρήνη , Μηβία , Παγκόσμια Πορεία , τραγούδι Tags: Peace , Nonviolence , World March , song

Να προχωράς – τραγούδι αφιερωμένο στην ΠΠ! Do you move - song dedicated to PA!

Posted on 13 Νοεμβρίου 2009 Posted on 13 Νοεμβρίου 2009

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Η Μάρα Ρέπα δημιούργησε ένα τραγούδι εμπνευσμένο από την Παγκόσμια Πορεία και το αφιερώνει στους φίλους της ειρήνης και της μηβίας σε όλον τον κόσμο! Mara Repa created a song inspired by the World Track and dedicated friends of peace and nonviolence throughout the world!

Να προχωράς Do you go

Στις παρυφές του λογισμού On the outskirts of the calculus
Και στις κορφές του ονείρου And the peaks of the dream
Στις διαδρομές των αστεριών, On paths of stars,
Στη ρότα του μυαλού The rota of mind

Στων φόβων σου τη μοναξιά Ston your fears loneliness
Στο δρόμο της αγάπης On the road of love
Στου φεγγαριού τη δημοσιά The moon dimosia
Και στη τροχιά του νου And track mind

Να προχωράς, να περπατάς, Do you walk, walk,
Να μη φοβάσαι, να πετάς Do not be afraid to fly
Και να πιστεύεις. And believe.

Μες στης ψυχής το ιερό Inside the holy soul
Μες στης καρδιάς το φάρο, Inside the lighthouse of the heart,
Μες στης ελπίδας την πηγή, Mes Joined hope the source,
Μες στων σκιών την πύλη Inside the gate shadows STON

Με της αλήθειας τη φωτιά, In truth the fire
Τη δύναμη του αγέρα, The power of the wind,
Με ένα χάδι στα μαλλιά With one touch hair
Και με το φως στα μάτια And with the light eyes

Να προχωράς, να περπατάς, Do you walk, walk,
Να μη φοβάσαι, να πετάς Do not be afraid to fly
Και να πιστεύεις And to think

αφήγηση narration

Στα μάγια της Ανατολής The magic of the Orient
Στην ομορφιά της Δύσης, The beauty of the West
Στην έρημο του ορίζοντα, In the desert horizon,
Στης πόλης τα φωτάκια, In the city lights,

Στα χρώματα της μουσικής The Colors of Music
Στ' άγγιγμα της βροχούλας F touch of gentle rain
Στις μυρωδιές της χαραυγής The smells of dawn
Στου έρωτα τη λαχτάρα Stu love longing

Στα δροσερά των ποταμών, In the cool of the river
Και στων βουνών τα βάθη, And STON mountain depths,
στις φυλλωσιές που τις κεντούν the foliage of the embroider
ανάσες κι ουρανός breaths and sky

Στα παιδοτιτιβίσματα In paidotitivismata
στου ηλιογυαλού την άκρη STOU iliogyalou tip
Στις βάρκες που χαράζουνε The boat makers
Μονοπατάκια φως Light paths

Ένα «μαζί», A 'together'
μια ανάσα είσαι… μια ανάσα είμαι… Being a breath ... I am a breath ...
μια σφαίρα φως, a sphere of light,
γαλαζοπράσινη, aquamarine,
διάφανο φως, clear light
ο κόσμος σου… ο κόσμος μου… your world ... my world ...
ο κόσμος που φωτίζεις people who enlightens
λάμπει Ζω Living shines

Τραγούδι: Μάρα Ρέπα Song: Mara Repa

Αφήγηση: ΑΜΧ Narrative: AMX

παραγωγή GPAL production GPAL

Lansley's health reforms are picking up where Labour left off:

I must add that one thing clearly distinguishes me from my fellow Greens like Darren and Jenny in the Assembly; I live with my parents, and my mom agrees with David Cameron that she would not oppose the privatisation of the NHS। In fact, she goes one step further than his opinion piece in the London Evening Standard saying that it's about what's best, not whether it's privatised। She would see everything privatised. Luckily it's not my mum but my dad who has helped with the printing and cutting of selection campaign literature.

The News Agenda

I watched today's news on the two main rival TV stations here. Both have the same headlines. It's amazing that UK news channels are sending the message that the editor doesn't have the power to set the news agenda different from the other channels.


Meanwhile the blogs and newsgroups send a different message. They are pluralist, democratic, but deeply divided with agendas which simply do not match up.

Ben Samuel For GLA Facebook Page

yg

"Young Greens travelled far and wide to attend the Young Greens Convention in Cambridge. The two day event, which ran on Saturday 24th and Sunday 25th October, was a chance for young members to discuss party policy and share their opinions on the future direction of the party.
Enthusiastic Young Greens assembled at a community centre for an 11.00am start. After introductions the group began to work through a thoroughly packed agenda.
The group undertook a discussion on the topic of Green Jobs. The discussion was led by Tom Bailey from London. The talk was both interesting and informative; members of the party listened keenly before debating ‘what is a green job?’, discussing the concept of a ‘green economy’ and the Green New Deal.
The presentation on Green Jobs was followed by another talk. Green Parliamentary Candidate for Cambridge, Tony Juniper, addressed the challenges ahead for both himself and the party.
Before lunch, a street action was held in the City Centre. The action, 'Green Jobs we're ready', was part of the 350 Day of Action on Climate Change.
After the action, the group headed back to the community centre for a well-deserved rest.
The Saturday afternoon was spent discussing education and child development. The discussion, led by Seb Power of the Cardiff Young Greens, was in-depth, absorbing and insightful. Young Greens shared their views on how education should work in a Green Britain and, as would be expected, the topic proved to be conducive to great debate. As a result of such debate, the group were late for their dinner and had only tackled two out of four prepared sub-topics.
After a fantastic meal in one of Cambridge’s fine establishments, members socialised well into the night, discussing all manner of topics. One could be forgiven for thinking that Sunday would be blighted by tiredness, and possibly the odd hangover, after a very long Saturday.
After an impromptu football game, Sunday morning began much as the Saturday had finished. The two remaining education topics were discussed; once again the members’ contributions were interesting and varied.
Later in the morning, a talk was given by the Howard League for Penal Reform. A student member gave a fantastic presentation, particularly considering the short notice at which she spoke, on the subject of juveniles in the prison system. Party members listened intently, and after the talk they were quick to show their gratitude to the group’s representative for what was a thought provoking session. After discussing the talk, the group took a lunch break.
The afternoon session began with a presentation by Green councillors Alex Phillips, Brighton and Hove, and Marcus Hemsley, Norwich. The councillors shared their experiences of running for office; both were keen to share both the highs and lows of the campaign trail, and painted a vivid picture of their respective experiences. After their talk, members asked questions and discussed the realisation of Green policies in the councils.
The final act in a very productive weekend was the hustings for YG Committee positions। The committee roles to be filled were: Female Co-Chair, Male Co-Chair, Elections and Campaigns Coordinator, Treasurer, International liaison Coordinator, Media Officer, Publications Coordinator, Students Support Officer, Fundraising and Events Coordinator and Web Coordinator. The convention was able to fill the roles to the satisfaction of all members before the end of the session. Details of the portfolio holders and their contact details will be forthcoming in the near future."

From:

"Daniel Childs" Media Officer

Politics

I just had a chat with my dad and Andrew Dismore MP. He said that Maldives is an independent country. I had suspected it belonged to the UK for some time. Anyway, they're interested in Climate Change and not sure what happens next.

I didn't have time to ask him about my job I'd applied to lifting rubbish bins for Barnet Council. He likes criticising the conservative-run council as he used to be a councillor for Westminster city.

. In Bagua Grande, 1,400km north of Lima

. In Bagua Grande, 1,400km north of Lima

Agreement to Digitize Millions of Books Online

http://www.democracynow.org/2009/4/30/google_faces_antitrust_investigation_for_अग्रीमेंट
watch this if you write or will write abook

wsjvcf.com

wsjvcf.com is an online forum that brings together top "corporate employers" and employees who wish to remain corporate but might be ditched by their company.

I missed the first one but they had an other one themed "diversity" fair. I will ask jobcentre about job fairs because career fairs are pretty much running before you can walk.

There I had a chance to chat to Disney about their Enviroport. Most of the punters at the event were in a position, and thinking about what would be there if they left the company. This is what I'm thinking would be best to research in an organisation. (This level of head-hunting was revealed in the influential film I saw years back when information was free.)

There is an other online event coming up.

Funded places to study in China - the focus

Illustration from poster:
http://goodjobforben.googlepages.com/bikeinstudychina.jpg

Interesting focus
"
Successful candidates will be learning Chinese language, attending lectures on Chinese culture, society, history and economy and visiting local businesses. The theme for the summer programme is Regional Economy and Cultures. We have selected two representative regions for the programme – Zhejiang and Shandong.

Zhejiang is known as the ‘Land of Fish and Rice’ with a strong and active economy of small businesses and enterprises. You will be visiting the Yiwu Wholesale Market, which is the largest supplier and distributor of Chinese products. You will experience the region’s tea culture, silk culture and local opera Yueju. The programme is hosted by Zhejiang University in Hangzhou from 24th August to 14th September.

Shandong is the home of the Confucius and Qilu culture with famous business brands such as ‘Tsingtao Beer’ and ‘Haier’. Its economy is focusing on large enterprises, agriculture and fishery. You will get a taster of regional cultures and learn kite making and Shandong bangzi (local opera). The programme is hosted by Shandong University in Jinan from 24th August to 14th September.
"

Beca sent me and Robin this from her connections in the marketing and StudyAbroad. the Scottish Government, DIUS, DEL and studychina.org.uk are on the poster. I said I was glad she didn't get the free flight!
Whilst I value my alumni network from Sculthorpe, Ilkeston, Sheffield, Nigeria and Poland, I'm not interested in what the studychina.org.uk ask - language, culture and business. I don't know what that means, and why I can't do this in China-Town or the new Oriental City community.

Statement from Management Board for All Students and misleading information about the police investigation

Statement from Management Board for All Students and Staff
Within the University there are currently a number of emails and documents circulating which again contain inaccurate and misleading information about the police investigation at University Park campus, which concluded last week.
The University has a responsibility to ensure all staff and students receive an accurate account of recent events. During the course of the police enquiries we were restricted by law about what could be shared. and the University did not at any stage name either of the people involved, nor did it reach any conclusions about their actions before police investigations concluded.
Given statements being made externally, and in response to some emails sent internally, we wish to make the following sequence of events clear:
1. A member of staff conducting everyday university business discovered that an individual within the School’s administrative team - who is not an academic and not a registered student - was in possession of the ‘al Qaeda Training Manual.’ In any circumstances and in any organisation (including our University) discovery of such material -being held for non-academic purposes by a clerical member of staff - would prompt reasonable anxiety.
2. Given the University’s public duty and its duty of care to staff, and students, this material was quite properly brought to the attention of the Registrar by the member of staff’s Head of School.
3. The Vice-Chancellor, Registrar and senior management of the University decided the police were the only appropriate investigating authority to determine why this material was being held by a non-academic member of staff.
4. Despite numerous assertions to the contrary in recent emails and statements to the press issued by individuals both within and outside the institution, the police inquiry was measured, thorough and low key. From the outset the police described it as a low-level operation, but one judged necessary in law. There was no armed police involvement.
5. The first arrest made by police involved a student (from another School in a different Faculty) who attended the scene and was, in their view, impeding their inquiries. This student, it was later established, had sent a copy of the ‘al Qaeda Training Manual’ to the member of clerical staff in question. When the latter was eventually traced by the police, he too was arrested.
6. The police spent six days investigating this matter. They had to examine substantial quantities of information and also establish the nature and scope of the relationships and sequence of events. The University had no formal power to speed up or end this process. The investigations concluded with police satisfied they understood why this material had been sent to a clerical member of staff. Both individuals were then released without charge.
7. The administrative member of staff was immediately re-arrested in connection with immigration laws. As an overseas national he has failed to produce evidence of his eligibility to work in the United Kingdom. The University is no different from other employers and is prevented in law from employing foreign nationals who do not have permission to work here. The institution has contacted him, and his defence team, to request any information which contradicts evidence that he was working at the University whilst ineligible for employment. The University is continuing to liaise with the immigration authorities and making efforts to maintain contact with the individual.
8. Much has been said on the matter of academic freedom, and whether recent events are in conflict with it. The University has always fully embraced the principle and continues to do so. The University is already addressing issues raised by these events through the ongoing work of the Research Committee.
9, All members of the University can be reassured that we take very seriously our duty to ensure students and staff are free to study and work in a safe, secure and tolerant environment. Anyone who wishes to express a view is encouraged to email registrars@nottingham.ac.uk।

Are you a 'suspect'?
If you answer yes to White Ben's 10 questions below then your profile matches, sorry, nice knowing you.
1. You are campaigning against a person or group of people. Do you announce a target that could be construed by the recipients as incitement of serious crime to that target?
2. You are planning to take action. Do you use weird tactics like reading out banned documents?
3. You are involved in a sensitive meeting. Do you invite convicted criminals?
4. If you think security would have said no, do you push ahead anyway? You don’t trust the police do you?
5. Political demonstration. Do you have a quiet chat to the anti-terror unit and then go, “let’s all read out banned documents?”
6. Someone does a little thing like writing “F*** the World Police” on a placard. You’re too ladylike to rip apart an offending poster or banner, but think it could make your Movement look bad. Do you say “No, that’s not allowed because when I used the f-word I got arrested!”
7. You seek recognition. Do you announce to the press that UK is undergoing an Orwellian Holocaust?
8. Gary Stephens called the police and got you taken hostage. Do you topple the power with no idea what next?
9. Institutional racism has been tackled for 10 years. Do you believe you’re being searched because you're black / Arab?

10. Here's the clincher. Are you Islamic?

CSET Launch at the University of Nottingham Ningbo, China.

The Centre for Sustainable Energy Technologies (CSET) has been
Chancellor Professor Yang Fujia, Vice Chancellor Professor Sir Colin Campbell, and Pro Vice Chancellor for Internationalisation Professor Christine Ennew, welcomed representatives from the Chinese government and industry to the launch, as well as experts from Europe and colleagues from the University.
CSET will be one part of an umbrella Institute of Sustainable Development, led by the School of the Built Environment. The centre will house laboratory, office and seminar space in which state of the art approaches to sustainable construction will be researched.
Professor Sir Colin Campbell, opened his speech with an expression of sympathy for victims of the recent earthquake. He said: "Our thoughts are with all those who have been affected, and all those whose families have been affected, by the tragic earthquake in Sichuan province and our thoughts and prayers go out to the rescue workers who are doing as much as they can to help." Announcing the launch of CSET, he said: "Everyone here is aware of the importance of sustainable development in China and worldwide. President Hu Jintao, speaking at the 17th Annual Congress of the Chinese Communist Party, declared the importance of energy and the sustainability agenda time and time again, and declared that he wanted to involve every family in the pursuit of sustainable energy.”
Professor Jo Darkwa, Director of CSET said: “Construction is one of the highest energy-consuming sectors in China. There has been massive redevelopment going on here for some years now, and we want to help ensure that new buildings are sustainable, that they can adapt to change in the future, and that they are affordable."

brussel sprouts

Brussel sprouts are yummy!
Brussel sprouts are sweet,
Even on their own.
Why not grow your own?
Stick in loads of water,
On a gentle heat.
When the revolution comes,
We'll have lots to eat.

Introduction to Organic Chemistry

So you're thinking of going to New York on a shopping spree? Think again. Here are a few of the nasty chemicals Steve Jobs has put in the new iPhone. Let the chemistry lesson begin.

Phthalates
Anything synthetic and rubbery such as PVC could contain a class of chemicals known as phthalates unless it's specifically designed to be safe. So please boys think twice before chewing those gorgeous soft earphone cables, and try not to drop it in the water supply. Phthalates disrupt the body because they have similar structures to some really key hormones. Nokia, Sony Ericson, and Motorola phones are all phthalate-free.

Brominated Flame Retardants
Organic compounds can be reacted with bromine to make every concievable toxic compound imaginable. BFRs are lame additives to prevent smokers in bed committing suicide to quickly. The fire is slowed down by the additive and not stopped. As "recyclers" know full well. In China, computer waste containing the many BFRs are burnt to recover the gold and other metals. Therefore the Bromine ends up in the atmosphere causing ozone depletion. Oooops. There have also been studies linking BFRs to indoor air pollution.