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the genie of the headlamp
Edinburgh's anti congestion charge vote has captured the dilemma perfectly. Drivers are unable to act for the collective good if they are personally inconvenienced (and no doubt alarmed by scare stories from the ghouls at the Chambers of Commerce etc). Why is this problem so much more acute than in other parts of northern Europe? We believe that try as Tony Blair may, the genie of "No Such Thing as Society" that was coaxed out of the bottle in the greed-glory days of the 80s is still around. And it can easily be stirred and exploited by influential and powerful people with attitudes formed back then.
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maglev
Research into floating maglev trains has been ongoing in Germany and Japan since the early 70s, but the vision remains one of the most alluring sci fi concepts. Perhaps not for too much longer. China has since 2002 run a commercial maglev from Shanghai airport to the city centre. Based on repelling magnets on train and track, no wheels, no motor, the trains are easily capable of 300mph, and could in the future reach 600mph (faster than a Boeing 777). Silent apart from a whoosh, cows apparently do not pause from their grazing when a maglev passes through the field at 300mph.
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hats off (again) to Ken
We met Ken Livingstone one morning in 1992 outside Kilburn tube station. He was an imposing figure in a long trench coat. He smiled amiably and said something, probably about supporting him in the upcoming general election. His recent attack on the Mail and Standard is generating a bit of hysteria, largely since nobody in power has dared say anything detrimental about one of the powerful right wing papers for ages. We can't remember any kind of challenge since the early 80s TUC meetings where leaders wore badges turning the nation's favourite red-top into "The Scum". And even better in this era of insincere apologies, Ken is refusing to say sorry.
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global warming: calm down
Everything at the moment is getting drowned in a debate on global warming. We don't understand global warming, and neither do you (apologies if you're a g.w. scientist). Take 4WDs. By focusing on global warming impact, you play right into Jeremy Clarkson's hands. He can put forward a scientist who says it's bunkum. Cue endless debate. Why not focus on the fact that they kill more children, who go under the vehicle instead of onto the bonnet. Let's talk about what we see around us.
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Edinburgh about to vote on congestion

Edinburgh's postal referendum on congestion charging begins next Monday, with the results on Feb 22nd. The proposed charge is 2 quid. A city-wide referendum is a good way of making a decision like this, where the powerful interests against a charge can apply disproportionate pressure and give councillors cold-feet. Even better would be a referendum 6 months or a year after the introduction of a scheme allowing a truly informed choice. This would give the lie to the scare stories about the terminal decline of the town centre, which may yet win it for the anti's.
louis on 04.02.05 @ 12:11 AM CST [more..]