“Harrar!” For Ethiopia - Starbucks Backs Down

A little while ago you may remember that Starbucks was attempting to block an attempt by the Ethiopian government to trademark its best-known coffee beans, Sidamo and Harrar. In a typical case of David and Goliath, Starbucks has backed down, meaning that Ethiopia will be able to get a fair deal for its farmers. “Harrar! Harrar!” Check out the video from Youtube, that rallied the campaign!

A Rare Glimpse Inside China’s Power Plants

Recent reports in the UK news suggest that China is currently building around two new power stations a week. This video provides a rare glimpse inside one of them. Is it so unique, or is it no different than Didcot power station? Why has it come to be a symbol of China’s rapid growth?

The issue of China’s emissions have been was covered in great detail today by the Guardian, which elucidated the findings of a Dutch think-tank. The Netherlands Environmental Assessment Agency claims to have found that China’s emissions overtook those of the US in 2006. This was, in part due to China’s booming economic growth and hunger for energy.

However, John Ashton, the Foreign Office’s representative for climate change said there was no point in blaming the Chinese, as the West had to set an example for China to follow. “We are fuelling that demand by buying Chinese goods” is an argument often presented. Climate skeptics, wonder why the average Brit should bother switching off their lights and avoiding flights abroad. Is this attitude childish? After all, Greenpeace UK’s Director John Sauven said “Responsibility lies not just in Beijing but also in Washington, Brussels and Tokyo.” What do you think?

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Governator

This is a video of a speech made during the G8 summit by our favourite celebrity/Governor of California. There is a presidential style in which Arnie addresses his questions, which at times is mildly ridiculous. The best bit in the clip is when he repeatedly rejects a reporter’s questions because they are in his native language “sey id in Inglish, so everi-wan kan undestaahnd.” Definitely funnier than that awful attemp at Comedy “Kindergarten Cop.” Yuk!

EAT THIS OR ELSE…

Just thought I’d provide you with a list of all the fruit and vegetables that are in season in the UK, so you won’t have to worry about feeling guilty and getting the wrong food!

Fruit

Blackcurrant, Cherry, Elderflower, Loganberry, Raspberry, Redcurrant, Rhubarb, Strawberry, Tomato and Pineapple, but only in Antigua!

Vegetables

Artichoke, Asparagus, Beans, Beetroot, Broccoli, Cabbage, Carrot, Cauliflower, Chard, Courgette, Cucumber, Dandelion, Endive, Fennel, Garlic, Kohlrabi, Lettuce, Mushroom, Onion, Pea (shelled mangetout, sugar snap), Potato, Radish, Rocket, Sampire, Shallot, Sorrel, Spinach, Spring Green, Spring Oninon, Turnip, Watercress.

Hope you enjoy the flavours of the summer!

Sustainable Art

We’ve all seen mother nature depicted in art, but it is not often that you see it made from sustainable materials. Andy Goldsworthy has taken this to the extreme by creating haunting sculptures made from materials such as branches, clay mixed with human hair blackthorns and cow dung.

This week you’ll be able to visit his biggest exibition ever at the Yorkshire sculpture park, West Bretton.

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Is it all about energy?

Energyforamerica.us claims it’s all about energy. In what is probably the cheeziest video, you will ever see, they actually make a few interesting points (among other things) about biofuels, which we covered earlier this month. Check it out!

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Global Warming Apology from Nasa Head

This is a pretty interesting video. One of Nasa’s own - in fact, its chief is heavily criticised about his views on global warming and is forced to make an apology.

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