10/11/2009 by admin.

In Brazil some are blaming an intense concentration of lightening, rain and wind near Itaipu for triggering a huge blackout - possible the world’s worst ever - which covered half of the country. Some 800 cities were without power for around 3 hours, including Rio de Janiero and Sao Paulo.  Power supplies have been a sensitive issue in Brazil since blackout in 2001 and 2002 affected large parts of the country - although nothing on this scale. In response Brazil has invested millions in improving the electricity infrastructure which has prompted many to seek answers about the blackout - with a potential cause being the failure of 3 high-tension transmission lines.

Well, how about our explanation for the massive and mysterious blackout - Mother Nature has intervened to warn us in the run up to COP 15 that we need to change our ways! Why are we so confident - simples! Our novel includes an account of how an intense storm caused a blackout at Keeper’s Cottage, which prompts Ben Whittenbury to ponder life prior to the industrial revolution and the value of a life lead in harmony with Nature, exemplified by The Haymakers painting by George stubbs.  And, what better place to host a blackout than in Brazil - home of the Amazon Rainforest.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wd7aWWTnrAc

Posted in Q58 Do things happen for a reason?, Q79 Have you ever looked into the shadows?, Haymakers: Watch Wonders, Q54 Do you enjoy a bit of a mystery?, Q32 Are you afraid of the dark?, Q12 Is our Earth enchanted?, Q23 Do you believe all the laws of physics?, Q29 Could you live without machines?, Q.9 Do you feel in control of your life? | No Comments »

15/07/2008 by admin.

The new Batman film has premiered in New York to much acclaim. It co-stars Heath Ledger as the Joker.  Tragically, Heath died aged just 28 this January from an accidental drug overdose.  The movie has been dedicated to the actor.  Critics rate the film highly, predicting record box office receipts.  Take a closer look…

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z8kzkdmPCJI&feature=related

From The Haymakers Survey perspective, we recall how the Joker featured in a game of cards between Ben and Sarah.  

Posted in Q78 Do you want to be part of the picture?, Q75 Have you ever put on a show?, Q38 Have you built a house of cards?, Q32 Are you afraid of the dark? | No Comments »

16/01/2008 by admin.

In a near repeat of the summer floods of 2007,  Britain is enduring heavy rain and hurricane-force winds once more.  Interestingly, the media are again quoting from Samuel Coleridge’s poem Rime of the Ancient Mariner.    

One of the Fab Four, Sir Paul McCartney, is launching an exhibition of photographs by his late wife Linda to mark the tenth anniversary of her death.   They include a picture of Sir Paul in reflective mood - just like the Thinker. The photos will be exhibited at the Hyman Gallery in London.

Climate change is having a major impact on Britain’s coast, the seas around the coast, and the life in those seas.  The Marine Climate Change Impacts Partnership says seas are becoming more violent, causing coastal erosion and a higher risk of flooding.  Higher CO2 levels in the atmosphere are making oceans warmer and more acidic, affecting plankton, fish and birds.  2006 was the second warmest year in coastal waters since records began.  Our wildlife is suffering and the trends are set to increase.

The ‘darkest ever’ matter known to science has been made in a US laboratory.  The material was created from carbon nanotubes.  Researchers say it is the closest thing yet to the ideal black material, which abosrbs light from all angles and over all wavelengths.

Posted in Q60 Have you ever experienced deja vu?, Q79 Have you ever looked into the shadows?, Q58 Do things happen for a reason?, Q47 Do you know your history?, Q30 Did you ever watch the rain on your window?, Q32 Are you afraid of the dark?, Q.2 Are you an art lover? | No Comments »

10/08/2007 by admin.

Research has shown that soot from industrial activity has influenced climate change in the Artic.  It was particularly bleak from 1851 to 1951!  The soot adds to climate warming because dark ground absorbs energy from the sun, whereas light snow reflects it back. Question 32

Posted in Q32 Are you afraid of the dark? | No Comments »

11/07/2007 by admin.

More record breaking in nature. Samson, a three year old Great Dane stands over 6 feet tall and weighs nearly 20 stone. He’s billed as Britain’s biggest dog.  Adopted from the local RSPCA the huge dog is a reluctant media star. Watch out Malachi. Question 58

Meanwhile, Astronomers claim they have detected light from some of the earliest galaxies – that shone over 13billion years ago. Question 14

Posted in Q58 Do things happen for a reason?, Q32 Are you afraid of the dark?, Q14 Do you believe your stars? | No Comments »