The Commonwealth conversation

Interesting blog here led by Dr Danny Sriskandarajah, the Director of the Royal Commonwealth Society. I like the idea of a 'Commonwealth Conversation'. I've had mixed impressions of activity that comes under the Commonwealth umbrella in the past - not quite sure what to make of it. But the topics covered here certainly have contemporary relevance. According to this website The idea of the Commonwealth conversation is as follows

The Commonwealth turns 60 in 2009. This landmark year offers the perfect opportunity to reflect upon the past and to consider what the future may hold for the association.With this in mind, the RCS is facilitating the largest, global dialogue ever undertaken between the peoples of the Commonwealth about their association.

Why can't I take pictures like this?

Some of the pictures and films that most impress me are beautifully composed pictures of things that it's difficult enough to see let alone photograph! This kingfisher is a case in point. It suggests to me infinite patience. Love it!

Copenhagen - negotiating text

I wasn't surprised to read, in the Guardian, that the draft text for the Copenhagen climate change agreement is long, confusing and contradictory at this stage as all parties have added in their 'corrections' on the initial draft. The process is probably as important as the product but it's depressing to recognise that such agreements do often end up as the lowest common denominator. Pulling it together into a meaningful agreement will require a lot of different skills and understanding. As the article highlights, the big question is "How far will it go to address the traditional sticking points that have delayed progress?" i.e.

• How much are rich countries willing to cut their greenhouse gas emissions, and by when?
• Will large developing nations such as China make an effort to put at least a dent in their soaring levels of pollution?
• How much money must flow from the developed world to developing countries to grease the wheels and secure their approval? How much to compensate for the impact of past emissions, and how much to help prevent future emissions?"

Eco-font

No it's nothing to do with water-saving church ceremonies - it's hole-y fonts rather than holy fonts. Interesting to hear via Mark Yoxon that we could be saving 20% on ink if we download a Dutch ecofont which retains the pattern of letters without them being solidly inked-in.

Wonderful photos

So glad to see that Graham Jeffery, whose sensitive light pages I've much enjoyed in the past, is back behind his camera. He takes some wonderful pictures and of so many different subjects. This one I particularly like. How does he do that?

Digital habitats

I'm looking forward to getting time to read Digital Habitats: stewarding technology for communities, a new book just out from Etienne Wenger, Nancy White and John Smith. I've been very impressed by the communications skills and depth of understanding of the issues and the wealth of ideas shown by these people in the past and their blending of theory and practice. Promises to be a good read.

Great place to go in August!

Just back from a few days break in mid-Wales. Wide open landscapes, great walking, wonderfully peaceful, few tourists away from the honey pots and not a computer in sight. Watched red kites feeding here - quite remarkable. Even with my little compact camera they were close enough to look like red kites. Learnt a bit about how not to cross bogs also....but lived to tell the tale.