If you are going to send text messages from his cell phone, you are ready to microblogging. However, instead of sending a text message to someone, you use microblogging to convey to their social network.

What are the available tools at his disposal for this exciting new medium? In recent years have seen the birth of a dozen sites for microblogging carter for their different needs.

Twitter is the leader of the bunch. As soon as you create an account, you are ready to publish your micro-content through its Web browser, cell phone, or e-mail client. You can also follow interesting people as artists, athletes, musical groups, politicians and see their views regularly.

Want to share your files, events and links using microblogging? Use Pownce to send your stuff to friends. Pownce also offers a desktop software for you to download and install on your computer so that you do not have to use the browser.

The site has a Tumblr refined and simple interface. Use it to post photos and videos from your cell phone. Even if you're not wordy, you will be able to share his love and hatred with others.

If you prefer to speak, instead of writing, use MySay. You call the service MySay and leave a message. People in your contact will be able to hear their thoughts using their phones, e-mails, or computers.

If you do not like text or audio, video Hictu to use micro-blogging. Use your video camera to their actions and publish it in Hictu with the click of a mouse.

IRateMyDay has an interesting angle for micro-blogging. Instead of publishing the mundane activities of everyday life that you rate your day on a scale of the worst for the Great. You can also give some explanation for its rating.

The small and powerful purple cube goes on sale on 3 May but as with any console, the game titles released with it will be crucial to its success.

"It is great to play and really fulfils Nintendo's promise that the cube is all about fun, " wrote BBC News Online's Darren Waters about Wave Race: Blue Storm.

But Crazy Taxi did not go down as well: "The problem is that the GameCube version differs so little from the Dreamcast original that none of the power of Nintendo's neat little machine is utilised."

But what do you think?

This debate is now closed. Please see below for a selection of your comments.

Just wait for the next in the Perfect Dark series - dare I say it, it could even be on a par with Halo.

How many of you actually watch DVD's on your consoles? I know at least 12 people with PS2s and only one uses the DVD player. The playing quality of DVD on the console is also inferior to watching it on a dedicated DVD player.

In reference to the 'cute' references, just wait until you see the lovely colourful blood, pooling on that stunningly cute floor, as it runs out of the .50 calibre hole in the baby-faced-zombie's head.
Ciaran O'Connor, N. Ireland

The GameCube may have some great games, but as a console it really is doomed.
Chris Malins, USA

I've got a Cube, an Xbox, a PS2, Dreamcast and N64. I bought the Xbox purely to play Halo. But I bought a Cube because I have high hopes for some "quirky" (Japanese) console games of the likes of Pikmin and Animal Crossing.

As it stands today, your choice of hardware matters very little as the same games seem to be available on all three "next gen" consoles at the moment. Personally, I'm hoping for more than just the current batch of boring PC ports on the cube, and hopefully Nintendo will bring us more stuff like the N64's Zelda, the PS2's Jak & Daxter and Skies of Arcadia on the Dreamcast.
John, Germany

I think GameCube is going to be in for some fierce competition given that Sega are developing games for PS2.
Max, UK

I have had my Cube for months now, and I can't wait for the new titles to get released. I am very happy to see that you all are enjoying yourselves over there. Rogue Leader is awesome, but I really like the billiards game on Super Monkey Ball.
Steven Romanowsky, NJ, USA

Having spent an hour queuing up at midnight, I can safely say that the Cube is a serious contender in the console wars. The vast majority of people buying the Cube were in their mid to late twenties. People should stop taking themselves so seriously and realise that far from being a kiddie console, the Cube is fun - what every console should strive towards!
Richard Marchlewski, UK

Having both a GameCube and a PS2 I can safely say that the GameCube makes a refreshing change from the other consoles on the market. Games such as Pikmin and Super Monkey Ball are exactly what you want when you can't be bothered with the other consoles that take themselves far too seriously. It's totally games orientated and although it's aimed at the younger market it's games will be a source of enjoyment for all ages.
Ade, UK

The GameCube's success depends on developers widening their vision of what can be released on a Nintendo machine, and whether the station generation can put down their lager and chips and enjoy the brighter side of gaming. I doubt gamers who's gaming collection includes Tekken, Gran Turismo 3, Grand Theft Auto 3 and Metal Gear Solid 2 will appreciate rolling a monkey in a ball around a brightly coloured tilting playing field. It's unfair though to judge the cube this early on, especially to a console that's been through its teething period. Developers tend to judge early on how a consoles life will play out, despite the potential of the machine. Just ask Sega.
Revels, UK

Crazy Taxi is the last game you should be mentioning on this site. The game is over three years old and this is it's fourth format. I have just picked a GC up and I am astounded by the games I have played so far: Super Monkey Ball, Rogue Leader and Luigi's Mansion. I have played the PS2 and Xbox, but the cube knocks them both into a cocked hat. Super Monkey Ball has got to be the most frustratingly superb game in recent years.
Martin Gillett, UK

I feel that the GameCube will most probably outsell the Xbox, however, it will take a very long time to reach the stature of the PS2. With great games such as Luigi's Mansion, Sonic Adventure 2 and Star Wars Rogue Leader, there will be something to cater for everyone's gaming needs.

Although the GameCube doesn't have a DVD player or a hard drive, the fact of the matter is that it is all about the games. With franchises such as Mario, Zelda, Donkey Kong and more, along with developers such as Rare, GameCube will definitely be the machine to have if you're in it for the games. It's quality, not quantity. By the end of 2002, Nintendo will have reclaimed what is rightfully theirs, the throne of the video games market.
Zak, England

Much to my eternal shame, I was fourth in line for a cube in Glasgow. And already it's my favourite console ever with just one game (Luigi). It doesn't matter that it doesn't play DVDs or any of that nonsense, in terms of game-playing it's simply a perfect evolutionary climax along the lines of the Great White Shark and Siberian Tiger.
Ross McGlashan, Scotland

I've got a Japanese GameCube, and I'll be off buying the UK one shortly. I am stunned by the innovation shown in terms of the hardware, the software, the GBA link facility, and the pricing.

Compare and contrast: £230 for the Xbox and the very lacklustre Bloodwake and £150 for the GC and the magnificent Super Monkey ball. Where else can you get such quality, innovation, fun and value for money?
John, Reading

My advice to everyone even slightly interested in gaming is BUY A GAMECUBE! It looks cool, plays brilliantly and is very fun.
Jamie, England

Well bought the last one in the store along with the Star Wars game and ISS 2, a football game. Is it any good? Well put it this way, I was up until 4am pretending I was Luke Skywalker, and very nearly slept through the FA Cup final! Having played PS 2 and been utterly put off Xbox by its gargantuan size, this is definitely the best of the three!
Adam, UK

I was at the midnight launch at HMV London this morning (just behind the Sarah) and I got Luigi's mansion and Rogue Leader. Both games impressed straight away - with Rogue Leader edging it with the kind of graphics you show to impress your mates.

Remembering that this is only the first wave of titles, the GameCube is only going to get better, with titles like Mario Sunshine, Zelda, Metroid Prime and the simply stunning Resident Evil all exclusive for the console - the future looks bright for Nintendo's little box.

Excuse me, I have some games to play...
David Howlett, London

Although Nintendo will invariably experience a lag phase in sales, the games for the fourth quarter should be something to behold, regardless of your age it is going to be a big year for Nintendo.
Anthony Watts, England

We have a GameCube at our offices for our clients to use, it rocks, and our clients love it.
Fresh Egg, UK

Having had one on import since it was released in the US I can say that this is one hell of a games console. And that's what it is. Not a DVD player or anything else! It's for pure gamers. THPS3 is just a great game!
Rik Sidebottom, UK

I own an Xbox and the reason? Because the launch games inspired me more on the Xbox than with the GameCube. I will definitely buy a GameCube but not at the moment. It's so cute! Nintendo have taken a different approach and created a "just for games" system which could just work.
Ed, UK

Amazing. Nothing short of that. The box is perfectly made, and the games are so small, they take less time to load. Yet, they hold enough data to make you appreciate the graphics and gameplay. Not only will Nintendo take the game market to a new level, they will set new standards with this fantastic machine. Has been well worthwhile queuing up till midnight for this.
Parvez Hakim, London, UK

I think the GameCube has a lot going for it. Nintendo have always developed some of the most enjoyable games for its consoles and knows the business. I think it'll come in second in the "console wars."

It has some good games on launch and more on the horizon. It's also a lot more aesthetically pleasing and cheaper than the Xbox and the pad is a lot nicer to use. I know I'm going to get a GameCube over an Xbox!
Chris Seto, UK

GameCube will finally prove to everyone that Nintendo are the world's best and forever greatest games company. Sony and Microsoft are just bit-players in this on-going saga - they are disposable.
Jon Adams, UK

I for one will be getting a GameCube mainly for two of the launch titles. Super Monkey Ball looks absolutely fabulous and will be great fun to play with the lads on a drunken night in. Then there's the Star Wars game. I've seen it demonstrated in the shops and it looks great, it's every Star Wars fan's dream to do the trench run, now we get to do it!! Fantastic. The obligatory football games are there too, my choice will be the attractive gameplay of ISS2 over the "run down the wings and score" style of Fifa games. All in all, with the launch titles and the price of the cube, it's already on to a winner!!
Darren, England (UK)

Excellent. Better than the Xbox.
Kash, UK

GameCube games all seem to be ports, remakes or for the younger audience. Recent polls have suggested that the average age of gamers is between 25 and 32. This means that for the largest portion of the gaming community there is no real reason to buy a GameCube. The PlayStation 2's technology is outdated, and was so even before it was released in the UK.

The only real innovation was Microsoft's Xbox, however the PSX's fan base was so large that Microsoft were always going to have a tough fight. The Xbox has great games and is a great console. It is just a shame that most gamers are too stubborn to put down their Sony products for fear of not looking "cool".
Dani, England

Just got my cube and wow! I've always said Nintendo make the most original games that are always great to play. Long Live Sonic!
Keith Scott, Northern Ireland

I'm loving it, loving it, loving it. I got home at 1am this morning and plugged it in straight away for a few hours of fun.

As an overweight middle-aged man I find playing Tony Hawks Skateboarding a really great experience.

Of course, being an overweight middle-aged man also makes playing Star Wars Rogue Leader a dream come true when I finally get to destroy the death star.

Long live the rebel alliance.
James Hayward, UK

Amazing! The graphics which are made by ATI have really brought out the power in the GC. With 20 release games and about 50 by the end of the year Nintendo have made and effort. I feel that the GC is the best around, the PS2 has respectable games but poor specs and the XBox is a glorified PC that looks like it came out of the 80s. Nintendo are truly the best. Remember - No Nintendo, no PlayStation.
Ben Anthony, UK

The GameCube is one of the best consoles on the market. With games that already blow peoples' minds away and yet the best is still to come. Nintendo will bring out the most memorable sequels such as Zelda and Perfect Dark.
Genius, UK

The GameCube sure looks cute, but after the fall in the price of the Xbox just before my birthday, I'm afraid I could not wait for the GC. Sure the games look good (If you're into cutesy graphics and gameplay). But for the serious more mature gamer once you've played Halo on the Xbox. There's no need for any other machine. Though I do secretly hope my brother gets a GC, mind you he said he'd get the games 'cos the discs are cute (oh brother).
Tony B, N.Ireland

I am not disappointed! Rogue Leader is just fantastic, I'm currently unlocking as many hidden ships as possible... Anyway back to the fun before I have to go back to work on Monday!
H, UK

I live in a student house with eight other lads. Between us we have every console under the sun. I can safely say that Sony better get their Playstation 3 out soon 'cos their console is looking outdated, outmoded and simply old fashioned. The Xbox is a great console and I personally would be happy to have one along side the GameCube. Ultimately though I think that the GameCube will win out with those exclusive Nintendo titles. Just wait until those PS2 games start popping up on the Cube. And what a deal it is at £130.
James, UK

GameCube simply doesn't have the killer app titles to compete with Playstation 2 or the power to compete with XBOX. Its perception as a childrens toy is well founded. It will be a home to some exceptional titles over its time like the N64 before it but just like the N64 it will be an "also ran" horse in the console war race.
David Williams, UK

I¿ve had a Cube since it was launched in the US, and the games knock spots off other formats, the controller is excellently ergonomically designed, watch out for Bloody Roar, a solid beat 'em up with awesome graphics, beautiful, gauntlet dark legacy's brill, but its early days yet! Goodbye Microshaft X-Box!
Ibbs Hussain, England

I went to the Nintendo Cube Club event in April for a taster of the GameCube, I own an X-Box and GameBoy Advance. I was disappointed that so many of the games on offer were games that were already available for other systems. It hardly shows the GameCube¿s uniqueness. Luigi's Mansion and Pikmin looked good titles, but I'm wondering at what age group that they're aimed for. At 21, I'm more likely to go for a game like Halo or Deus Ex. Anyway, it's good that the console race isn't just two systems. Hopefully all the consoles available will make developers create new and much more interesting games.
Alasdair Duncan, Scotland

Got my console today (just, last one in the shop!) and I've been playing it virtually all day. I got Super Monkey Ball, which is superb and very addictive. Rogue Leader, every Star Wars fanboys dream come true this: Destroy the Death Star, battle Tie-Fighters, trip up AT-ATs, and that's just in the first 3 levels! And ISS2, which continues to be a superb footballing experience on a new generation of Nintendo hardware. I can honestly say that I was tempted mid-week to buy an X-Box. Needless to say any such thought has since been firmly banished from my mind forever, as I already have more games for my 'Cube than I would purchase at the moment from the complete range of available X-Box titles. Also, less than £130 for a new console, as opposed to £200 for either of the other two? No thanks, I'd rather have my 'Cube with 3 games for the price of a PS2 or an X-Box with 1 game. And it's a superior console to boot.
Dave James, UK

GameCube will wipe the PS2 because of GameCube's 400Mhz or more and PS2 has only got 200Mhz or more. GameCube will be beaten by the X Box by miles with its 700Mhz Or more.
Buckey, UK

I got a GC today and I am sooooo impressed!! The X-Box is too expensive & I know no one who has one(you can buy a GC a PS2 and a game for the price of the X-box alone!!), the PS2 is starting to show its age though it will still out sell both the GC and X-box.
Dillon Scott, Eire

Now I realise what attracted me to games in the first place - NINTENDO
Wayne Spencee, UK

It's a shame that the success of a product depends so much on how 'cool' it is, for in my opinion the Xbox wipes the floor with all these machines. Apart from a small handful of games GameCube on the whole is aimed at much younger players anyway, leaving the PS2 to slug it out with Xbox in the 'big boys' arena. Early adopters of the latest generation of consoles will have gone with the PS2, which is understandable, but the discerning gamer will have bought Xbox. And of course the hard-core gamer will have all of the machines, including GameCube!
Richard Joseph, UK

The GameCube is fantastic. Star Wars R.L. 2 has speed and graphics to rival any Xbox title and games like Super Monkey Ball and Wave Race Blue Storm have gameplay only Nintendo can produce. So it's not all about the hardware, the software is the key!
G.Williams, Co. Durham, UK

GameCube rules. I now have both PS2 and GameCube. PS2 will win this console war purely on the fact that it is deemed "cool" while GameCube will run second even though it is the best machine of the three.
Chi hao Tsang, England

I have to say the GC is way much better than the Xbox, it's small, powerful and it's got a great line up of games (Rogue Leader kicks ass).

Like Microsoft, Nintendo will have to come up with some sort of ingenious idea to pull people away from their PS2s.

The Xbox is just a souped up version of a PS2 with a different name, they both have similar games apart from Halo and other Microsoft franchises.

Overall, in the next two years or so I predict Nintendo will be named King of Gaming consoles.
Humza Ibrahim, UK

I am really impressed with the GameCube - it has launched at a price which is very affordable. It can produce some of the most amazing graphics ever. The Xbox has failed to be a success in Europe and it has specs which it can never perform to, looks ugly and a controller which is a deformed copy of the Dreamcast one.

I admit that Halo is a cracking game - but the GameCube at a cheaper price, easily matches or surpasses the Xbox in terms of graphics/sound, has a great launch line up and the best controller ever made. The PS2 is getting old now and although it has some mint games, it fails to excite.

The GameCube is a breath of fresh air with some really original titles. Future. Pikmin, Super Smash Bros. Melee, Eternal Darkness, Super Mario Sunshine, Starfox Adventures, Perfect Dark 2, Metroid, Kameo, the whole Resident Evil series plus new titles and a whole lot more - and these are just the games which haven't been released yet on European shores. Rogue Leader is amazing, Luigi's Mansion is very original and Super Monkey Ball is mad. Too many good games - too little time to mention. Buy a GameCube and you won't be disappointed.
Mike Thornton, United Kingdom

I think the GameCube will wipe out the PS2 but get nowhere near the Xbox.
John, UK

Nintendo are the kings. Super Monkey Ball is stunning.
Graeme Crowley, UK

For fans of the Sega version of Crazy Taxi I would recommend getting Simpson's Road Rage which has identical game play but the added fun of all the Simpsons characters! 2 player mode is great fun too.
Andy Mc, Boston, USA

Why does everyone keep thinking that this console is for kids? Only if you think that as soon as you hit adulthood all you want to do is look at Lara's chest. I'd suggest it's the other way round, this console is for the discerning grown-up.
Mike, UK

I own a PS2 and I have considered purchasing the Xbox, but I can't bring myself to part with cash when I know that the GameCube, which costs less, is the safe bet for outstanding, playable games like Mario, Zelda, and Metroid - there is simply nothing comparable on any other platform. Video game aficionados cannot possibly want to miss out on this little box of joy. I'm 28 years of age by the way...
Neil Blair, UK

The GameCube is great for younger children, with its bright colours and childish games. If you want the best gaming experience available though - buy an Xbox.
Chris Crowther, London

While the PS2 and the Xbox are both big, meaty machines with fairly serious games (e.g. Halo), I think the GameCube has the upper hand. The cute, purple (or black) machine sums up what gaming is all about - fun. Also, with games like Mario Sunshine, Zelda, Rogue Squadron and Super Monkey Ball, how can it fail?
Edward J Clark, UK

The GameCube is by far the best looking console on the market. Now having played it, it's got the best games as well.
Inzi, UK

Personally, I think Nintendo should just throw in the towel on console gaming. This is their fourth console and they have finally made it to the level of Sony PlayStation one. If people say that the GC has better quality in graphics than the PlayStation 2 or the Xbox then they haven't played Final Fantasy X for the PS2 or Halo for the Xbox. And when game developers truly start designing their games to use the full processing power that the PS2 and Xbox has to offer, well, I hope Nintendo has a rag to wipe the dust off their face as they get blown away. Anyway, this is my thought on the subject. But just to let you all know, the only way to game is computers.
Jonathon Pluth, United States

Tried the Xbox, and was unimpressed - most of the games are clones of those available for other platforms. I picked up a GameCube today, and haven't looked back - stunning graphics, fast and oh-so-addictively fun gameplay, and all in a cute little box to boot.

Well done, Nintendo - you've even put Sony to shame!
Jack, UK

In my eyes, Nintendo will always rule the console market. If it wasn't for them we wouldn't be enjoying the amount and quality of games on all platforms. Xbox's specs eat the rest up but it is quality in gaming that I'm after, not graphics and anyway, you'll be using them all as a doorstop in three years time. Especially the Xbox!!!
SB, UK

The GameCube is a cool little machine, a good alternative to the Xbox and PS 2. Plus it's got the Resident Evil franchise which should help Nintendo shift a few more cubes.
Ashley, England

Great games, but it can't play DVDs. Huge mistake there Nintendo. Sorry guys, you will be missing out to the PS2 and Xbox on that one!
Paul, UK

Having got my cube this morning, I must echo the comments of most of the folk here, it's amazing. As for it only having "cute" games, then take a look at what games are heading to the cube. I'd hardly call many of the tiles cute. And as for many of the games being ports.. of course that never happens on any other console now does it? Nintendo have produced a winner.
Joanne Connors, UK

The GameCube is rubbish! I can't believe I queued this long to pay £129 for this. The graphics are poor and the gameplay is lacking.
James Peck, UK

While many gamers seem to fall into one of three camps, I personally think there's room for both Xbox and GameCube. With the PS2 already well established, however, both may have a little trouble finding a footing. Technically, both are better than the PS2. The Xbox gains ground on the GC due to the hard-drive, broadband modem and full DVD support. The GameCube, on the other hand, can link with the GBA which could prove interesting.

And while the Xbox/PS2 tend to cater towards the older or "cooler" gamer, the Cube looks to be shaping up to deliver a series of small but perfectly formed fun-fests for the whole family.

I've got a PS2 and an Xbox at the moment. Certainly a GC will fly my way soon - but not quite yet. The initial line up, bar Super Monkey Ball, holds nothing "must buy"... Give it a few weeks, though.....
Dagada Dagada, UK

Too little. Too late. Disappointing to see a company who wield the banner of games forth and foremost should present the least technically innovative to gamers. Where's the broadband gaming future? Ironic that a stuffy, PC-orientated company like Microsoft should lead the way with Xbox.
Cockles, England

The GameCube is good for what it is aimed at...I have PS2 and Xbox for big, more serious games, but the GameCube is just right for that after pub gameplay with friends... and it's small enough to fit into the limited space under my TV.
Papa, England

We bought the GameCube for our children at Christmas and it has been a great success. I love playing Pikmin, a good mix of action and strategy. The kids like Smash Bros Melee.
KS, USA

I have one, am very excited. I only have bought Super Monkey Ball so far as this game is fantastic! The GC really offers something different, unlike the Xbox that just does the usual Microsoft trick of copying everyone else.
Jasper, UK

The launch selection is the most impressive I have seen to date. I believe with lowest price and most powerful hardware, the GameCube will secure its place as a market leader.
Kevin Prince - Next Gen Games, UK

I've got my GameCube (though not played it yet as I'm at work). I do own a PS2 and a PC (so I don't need an Xbox) but I can see this becoming my main games machine. Nintendo do only games and they do it well. They're not doing it for control of the living room like Sony and Microsoft. They will concentrate on the quality of their games, while MS and Sony will concentrate on extending their games consoles into the rest of your home. I sincerely hope that the quality and innovation that Nintendo deliver will ensure a long and fun future for Nintendo.
Simon Frost, UK

I think the Cube will succeed as an "impulse" buy - it is less than three average games after all. I will buy one to complement my Xbox, but Xbox is the one that I am most excited about in 20 years (!) of gaming.
Ross, UK

Whether or not you buy this machine is completely dependent on what you're looking for. If you just want games, get this. Unfortunately I have no faith in Nintendo following the N64, where games like Mission Impossible which were meant to be launch titles didn't come out until nearly a year after the console. They simply don't have the wide developer support that Sony has, Rare being one of the few. Plus the fact that the games and machine, as Nintendo have admitted themselves, are generally aimed at the younger market.

You look for fun games, definitely, but you can get these on a PS2 as well as the darker, more cerebral games like Soul Reaver 2, Silent Hill 2, et al.

More powerful as regards the hardware, but not the most appealing of the batch I'm afraid. And hey, give it a few months and chances are most of the games will have been ported to PS2 anyway.
Adam Green, England

Just picked up my GameCube. I haven't managed to take it home yet as I am still at work. (I got at lunch!!!) Three excellent games - Sonic, Luigi's mansion and ISS2 ....I can't wait.
Chico Mendez, UK

GameCube's launch titles may be good, but it's the next six months that will show whether it has the legs. Playstation beat N64 by the sheer number of games churned out for it. PS2 will kill Xbox and GameCube if they don't adopt the same approach.
Laurence, UK

The wait is finally over. I love this console - the games don't rely on their amazing graphics and sound, the playability is un-rivalled. Unlike its competition, Nintendo have launched this console with a huge array of great games right from the start. The only question when deciding on which console to buy should be "What colour GameCube should I buy?"
Richard Allen, UK

I've had a Japanese Cube for a few months, and it is by far the best console since the underrated Dreamcast.

Forget the power and DVD arguments - the games are the most important, and Pikmin, Super Monkey Ball, Super Smash Brothers and Rogue Leader are pure entertainment. What more could you want from a games console?
Dan, Wales

I picked up a GameCube today, with four games. I played them all and loved every second of it...I urge you to buy one.
Kip, UK

Nintendo certainly have the pedigree and financial clout to make GameCube a success, and with a £130 price point from launch it is a very attractive option. What concerns me however is the speed to market of their software, and the quality of it. The N64 was a good machine but suffered from a dire lack of "adult" themed games and was notorious for triple A titles being delayed. With the exception of Zelda and most of the Rare titles it was a disappointing range of games. If Nintendo can rectify this (and the signs are good with Rogue Squadron and Resident Evil) then they will be on to a winner.
Nathan Griffiths, United Kingdom

Fantastic console and games. Size of console makes a great change from that elephant of an Xbox. Long live Nintendo.
Adam, UK

Whilst Super Monkey Ball is an excellent game, it is far from being in the league of Halo. Having owned an import GameCube for months, I now play it very rarely and it is sitting gathering dust like my PS2. Halo, Jet Set Radio Future and Project Gotham Racing put the GameCube to shame. I expect better games to arrive in the next six months!
Ian Harvey, UK

It may be small but it will frighten the life out of Xbox, except Halo which is the best game ever.
Joe S, England

Awesome, absolutely awesome. As simple as that.
Mark, UK

The cube's great. I'm hoping I can run my Xbox games on to it real soon, as it's so much cheaper.
Ciaran Mullan, Ulster

I think it's brilliant and can't wait for more games.
Daniel, UK

My mate bought one on Friday, with SMB, Rogue Leader, Luigi's and Waverace, and I was stunned. I have always been a keen Nintendo fan (having owned every console so far) and I was interested to see what route they would take into the next gen of gaming, and they have blazed their own path as usual.

The games are incredibly beautiful, the controls are responsive and fluid and the humour is as present as it ever was. Since the demise of the N64 I have converted to PS2, but I think the two are going to lead the way, with Xbox trailing behind. PS2 seems a bit more adult and serious, whilst GameCube is definitely geared towards the multiplayer post-pub crowd. Get one of each and make your life complete!
Ash, UK

I'm a 30-year-old gamer and I must say that I own all three systems and Nintendo by far outdoes the other two. With the games they have now and the ones on the way, Nintendo is gonna leave the rest wondering what happened. Because it is fantastic. About it being a kiddie system, just look at the release calendar. I am going to trade my PS2 and Xbox in to pre-order as many Nintendo games as I can. It's just that good. Nintendo rocks. By the way, wait till you lads see Resident Evil. It's the best looking and scariest game I've ever played. Be sure to check that one out. And please enjoy the sweetest system of them all. Nintendo rules all.
Mark, USA

I think it's stupid when people say that the GameCube is a kiddies console. Is Resident Evil a kiddies game?
Jake Kearsley, UK

The Xbox is undeniably American - ugly, big, powerful and noisy just like their cars, however, it only has one distinctive game, Halo, that was destined to be a hit on any platform.

Whereas we look at the GameCube, it is undeniably Japanese, sleek, small, affordable and fun - also like their cars.

This is not a battle of consoles, this is a battle between the East and West!!
Alex, UK

I have a PC, I always will have a PC and my PC will always be better than any console. That said, there is only one reason why I'd buy a console; multiplayer!! I cant think of a better way to spend an evening in with three friends but to play Super Monkey Ball or Super Smash Bros.

Also the fact that I can get any decent Xbox game for my PC (Halo) makes me wonder why I'd want to shell out £200 for what is essentially a one game platform
Max, UK

This cube kicks serious butt. Rogue Leader is amazing, as is the short but very sweet Luigi's Mansion. Done Nintendo, let's keep these magnificent games coming.
Jac, Scotland

I got a GameCube with Luigi's Mansion, Super Monkey Ball, and Star Wars. The console itself is excellent - I love the size and the look. The control pad feels good in the hand and the games I have at the moment are all very good. I'd highly recommend the GameCube, oh and I'm 22.
Ben, UK

People talk about the "power" of the GC compared to the X-box, the fact is that as those who understand the technical specifications of the machines will know, the GC is more than a mach for the X-box. Why? Because for one, it utilises Apple's "Power PC" technology in its "Gekko" CPU, whereas the X-box uses a standard Intel chip. Bottom line, the raw power/clock speed of the GC at 485MHz is fairly much on a par with the 733MHz of the X-box.

As for games (the most important factor), I would hardly call the complete Resident Evil series a child's game. If you look at recent screenshot comparisons you will also see how vastly superior the graphics are to Sony originals.
Andy, UK

Bought one under extreme duress from my housemate who has always rated Nintendo above all others - looked forward to mocking the smug little fella for being sucked in by the prospect of cutesy games wherein you fire your bubble gun at smiling hamsters.

However - I have just blown up the deathstar and bent it like Beckham in under 30 minutes and have to admit he was right - Super Monkey Ball is a bit poor though.
Neil Stephens, UK

How can the Xbox and Ps2 compete? GameCube is almost half the price, half the size but four times as powerful as the PS2. Also, some incredible games are lined up for the next few years and third party developers are already queuing for licenses to develop for Nintendo.
Glenn White, Uzbeckistan

Friday May 3rd. A day I had been waiting for months. Ever since the launch date was announced I counted the days waiting to get my hands on Nintendo's cube of quality. I bought Luigi's Mansion, Fifa World Cup and Tony Hawk's 3 and have been playing ever since. The graphics are unbelievable and the gameplay is even better. My advice to anyone who wants a console that plays good quality games is: BUY A GAMECUBE!
Darren, England

GC already wipes the floor with the competition in terms of sheer fun. Super Monkey Ball is the most enjoyable game I've ever played and Rogue Leader the most impressive. But Nintendo will only defeat Xbox if they can convince enough adolescents that there's more to gaming than guns, gore and fast cars. I'd love to see Microsoft crash and burn, but it will take the right sort of marketing.

Incidentally, in response to a couple of earlier posts, the Cube does have broadband capability.
Charles, UK

The GameCube is superb, a next generation console for £130, what really annoys me is people that say the GameCube is not as powerful as the Xbox and see that as the be all and end all. Okay it isn't as powerful as the Xbox but what you need to understand is that all the machines including the PS2 (look at Jak and Daxter, Devil May Cry, GTA3, MGS2,THPS3) are capable of hi-end graphics, it's mainly how you work with the hardware to get the game running smoothly. The GameCube has soooo much potential, just look at what Rare did with Donkey Kong Country on the Super Nintendo.

For me the Xbox has always been out of the picture, I think it is losing the fun aspect of gaming and all the titles seem to be way too serious, and you can't get away form the fact the machine is big and ugly. (Halo is great though!)

I do believe that the GameCube is the best choice in the long run and cannot wait for new games such as Sega Soccer Slam, Zelda, Mario Golf and that Starfox one. The PS2 is still great!
Ross Wallingford, Sussex, UK

For me, the Xbox launch software was better. I think I'll use my GameCube money to buy some more Xbox games. Maybe get one in four or five months time when there's more software.
Arran, UK

How disappointing, after reading all the comments here I expected so much more. Star Wars is good but just not finished off professionally. Luigi's mansion is for children. Oh well, back to the PS2 and Metal Gear Solid 2!! I think if you are over 16 or something it's not worth it. It's a toy aimed at children, my daughter loves it!
Kevin, England

With a huge amount of games on day one and with games to come like the new Zelda and Mario Sunshine, GameCube will rock. I already own a cube and the graphics rule, the sound is amazing and it is so great I can't put it down. With more and more games being announced it will easily thrash the Xbox and the PS2 in the computer games wars.
Andy Holkham, England

I got a GameCube for my kids (to get them off my PS2), but I find myself sending them to bed early so I can get my hands on it. It's an elegant design, and Super Monkey Ball is great fun. For a £129, it rocks!
Janus, UK

The GameCube is just plain amazing. It's got the most games on release than any other console, its' easy to carry (unlike the Xbox which gives you a hernia just trying to lift it), it's got four times as much power as the PS2 and it doesn't actually look ugly. So BUY A GAMECUBE, don't waste your time buying these overrated consoles, mentioning no names (PS2, Xbox!). Think clearly and buy a GameCube!
Robert Boyce, England

I have been very pleased with my GameCube. The graphics this system can produce are stunning and easily comparable to the PS2 and not far behind the Xbox. The controller is very comfortable to hold and all the buttons are within easy reach. The most important thing though is the games and both games I've bought (Star Wars and Super Monkey Ball) are excellent fun and have a lot to come back to. I have always bought Nintendo consoles and the GameCube certainly doesn't disappoint.
Alex McIver, Scotland

I have a Cube and an Xbox but the cube seems like a toy. The box has an air of power in comparison to the weedy cube.
John Woodhouse, England

See also:

05 Oct 01 | EntertainmentGameCube packs a punch
22 Apr 02 | EntertainmentGameCube price dropped
13 Sep 01 | EntertainmentWhat's in the GameCube
02 May 02 | EntertainmentConsole wars hot up
Internet links:

Nintendo GameCube
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Computer programmer Luca Mori found the remains of an ancient Roman villa when he browsed Google Earth maps showing satellite images of his local area.

His curiosity was sparked by unusual shading by his home in Sorbolo, Parma.

He contacted local archaeologists who investigated and confirmed it was once the location of a Roman villa.

"At first I thought it was a stain on the photograph," 47-year-old Mr Mori explained. "But when I zoomed in, I saw that there was something under the earth."

The satellite images threw up a dark oval shape more than 500m (1,640ft) long, as well as shaded rectangular shapes nearby.

Mr Mori decided to alert experts from the National Archaeological Museum in Parma about his find.

After excavating some ceramic pieces from the site - now farmland - they confirmed a Roman villa once stood there.

"At first they thought the site might be Bronze Age but a closer inspection turned up ceramic and stone pieces that showed it was a Roman villa built some time just before the birth of Christ," he was quoted as saying in the UK's Daily Telegraph newspaper.

Google Earth is a service offered by the US-based internet search engine Google, allowing users to view most parts of the world using a combination of satellite imagery and maps.

]]> http://naturallyinc2005.wordpress.com/2008/07/07/banning-women-to-beat-calories/ Mon, 07 Jul 2008 10:50:36 +0000 Actondco http://naturallyinc2005.wordpress.com/2008/07/07/banning-women-to-beat-calories/
Cledwyn Rowles remembers his "lowest ebb".

He knew he weighed over 30 stone, but did not know the exact figure.

Unable to find a set of scales which could accommodate him, Mr Rowles paid a visit to his local quarry.

An employee took pity on him, and allowed Mr Rowles to check his weight by standing on the weighbridge normally used by lorries.

He says: "It was then that I decided to take action and joined a group of men in a similar situation to myself."

Mr Rowles is among a small band of men who meet in a Leicester church hall every Tuesday.

They call themselves "The Big Blokes' Club", and feel that the all-male environment allows them to discuss issues freely.

Mr Rowles believes the weight-loss industry has been "collared by women", and the needs of men are being overlooked.

This view is shared by Paul Hebblethwaite, a cognitive behavioural therapist who is working with the group.

Mr Hebblethwaite says: "Men are usually not quite so good at expressing how they're feeling and what they are struggling with.

"Within a group of males they are going to feel safer, but also this group's been running for a long time so they have all got to know each other well and are beginning to share some really tough struggles.

"If there were females in the group I doubt somehow that they would be able to share at that level."

Fellow club member Pete Crane agrees.

But interestingly, he believes it can be all-male environments which lead to weight problems in the first place.

He says: "My biggest problem is that I drive a lorry, which is very male-oriented, and my hobby is riding motorbikes which is fairly male-oriented.

"There's very much an attitude of 'I can eat anything and I can drink anything'.

"That's not conducive to trying to lose weight, whereas getting some guys together to discuss things when they have got the same problems... is much more supportive."

Mr Rowles has shed two-and-a-half stone since joining the club and has his sights set on reaching 20 stone before he walks his daughter down the aisle next year.

He says: "Hopefully I'll get there with help from the guys at the Big Blokes' Club."
]]> http://orlandovisit2005.wordpress.com/2008/07/07/facts-on-mens-health-2/ Mon, 07 Jul 2008 10:50:19 +0000 Shantell http://orlandovisit2005.wordpress.com/2008/07/07/facts-on-mens-health-2/ Men have health needs that are very different from women? S. To maintain a strong and healthy body, there is nothing better than a healthy, balanced diet, regular exercise and, of course, a clean and healthy lifestyle. However, there are many essential vitamins and minerals lacking in the common man? S diet. An excellent way to get all the nutrients they need a man was taking health supplements. There are many types of health supplements specially designed for men and readily available in the market. These supplements health cope with various health and welfare issues experienced by men.

Men? From s health supplements come in a wide variety and offer a wide spectrum of vitamins and minerals. A basic health supplement for men should contain vitamin A, zinc and vitamin B6. Vitamin A has antioxidant properties that fight free radicals and help prevent cancer. It also strengthens the immune system and helps keep the skin clean and clear. A good health supplement must contain essential fatty acids and a complex of amino acids for health in general. For older men, pantothenic acid, niacin and zinc are important nutrients for maintaining a healthy body and mind alert.

Pantothenic acid is an important nutrient necessary for the proper functioning of the adrenal gland. Zinc is an important element in maintaining the prostate and the role of testosterone production. It also helps developing sperm. Niacin helps maintain a healthy level of cholesterol in the blood. Ginseng is one of the most popular ingredients in men? S health supplements and is used to maintain a good male roles.

Many health supplements claim to help relieve stress and strengthen the body? S defense system. Vitamin C, omega-3 fatty acids, copper, beta-carotene, calcium and other non-essential amino acids are among the most common components of men? S health supplements. Taking men? S health supplements will strengthen the pillars of good health as a balanced diet and regular exercise.

Baker was the fourth actor to play Doctor Who in the TV series, taking up the role from 1974-1981.

Peter Davison, who took over from Baker in 1981, was second in the poll, carried out by fantasy and sci-fi magazine SFX.

Jon Pertwee, who played the Doctor from 1970-1974, was third.

'Quintessential Doctor'

Sylvester McCoy, the seventh actor to play the role on the TV show, and William Hartnell, who was the original Doctor Who, completed the top five.

SFX editor Dave Golder said that Christopher Eccleston, who is playing the Doctor in the new series, had a tough act to follow.

"The ninth Doctor will have to be pretty amazing to topple Tom Baker from his perch as the quintessential Doctor Who," he said.

"There aren't many children from the 70s who can't clearly remember peering out from behind the sofa to see Doctor Who with his hat, scarf, jelly babies and that wild curly hair."

Baker, 71, has gone on to star in the BBC One show Monarch of the Glen, as well as narrating the hit comedy Little Britain. More recently he was one of the voice talents in the film version of The Magic Roundabout.

Do you think Tom Baker is the best Doctor Who of all time? Or do you prefer one of the other Doctors?

All of the Doctors embodied a certain quality that gave them their own style and distinction, but generally your favourite doctor is the one you grew up with. I personally thought that McCoy showed another side to the Doctor and some of his stories are regarded by many as classics despite the pantomime nature of season 24. Peter Davison comes out top in my book, portraying an innocence and quality that some of the Doctors failed to grasp. His last season and regeneration are some of the best moments in the show's history.
Don green, Alloa, Scotland

An unsurprising choice, as Tom is by default the Doctor people usually remeber because of his tenure. I really think that the accolade should be split equally between Pat Troughton, Jon Pertwee and Tom, as in my honest opinion all three made Who what it was.
Gareth Stafford, Chesterfield, UK

Oh, come on! I am lucky enough to have seen all of the Doctor's incarnations as they occurred (okay, my recall of Hartnell is a bit vague). But the first one I really got to know was Patrick Troughton, and suprise! he's my all time favourite! Isn't it obvious that most people will go for the first one they properly encountered, and therefore Tom Baker, being the longest running, will get the most votes every time? To be fair, Tom Baker was very good, but personally, Messrs Troughton and Pertwee were both better by far!
Karl Williams, Malvern, UK

I remember, as a child, watching William Hartnell in black & white. He was mysterious and very scary - for me what Sci Fi was all about. No Doctor has matched up to him since.
Pamela Bulley, Bahrain (currently)

Peter Davison is my favorite Doctor of choice; problably because his character was the one being broadcast on my local PBS station when I first began watching the show in 1986. Years before, I had watched many episodes of All Creatures Great and Small in which Peter played Tristan Farnon. It was a nice contrast to see Peter go from the roles of Tristan to the Doctor. Tom Baker comes in second. It wasnt until several years later until I experienced the Tom Baker era. It must have made an impression, I have 20 foot long scarf in the closet. I'm just glad the show is back!
Matt McCormick, Beckley, West Virginia, USA

I always bristle at these kinds of polls. I think all the actors who played Doctor Who were just brilliant. My favorite would have to be whichever I happened to be watching at the time as each brough something unique and different to the role. If one has to choose, though, I'm going to use this opportunity to speak up for Sylvestor McCoy. I was growing out of Doctor Who as a teenager and his brooding, mysterious and grown-up performance coupled with the dynamic chemistry with Ace kept me hooked on the programme. I feel Sylvestor (and Colin Baker for that matter) have been getting a lot of negative press lately. I read articles regarding their years as sub-par and the reason for the cancellation. I respectfully disagree with this confusing assessment and thought some of their stories were fantastic. Rememberance of the Daleks and Curse of Fenric in particular showed exactly the kind of innovation and maturity that the critics of this era were clamoring for. I also had a chance to meet Sylvestor last year and he was a real gentleman to myself and all the fans present. Not every Doctor is for everyone, fair enough. And with all due respect to Jon Pertwee and Tom Baker (the quintessentail Doctors) in order for Doctor Who to go on and on, the mold has to be broken & the show must progress. I will always love my Genesis of the Daleks but can't wait to see how Christopher Eccleston and Billie Piper will handle it. Now if only someone would sign a deal for a broadcaster for the U.S.
Tim Davis, Los Angeles, USA

Watching William Hartnell turn into Patrick Troughton is my first Dr Who memory, though I'm told I watched from the very first episode (I was born the same year the series was). For me Troughton, Pertwee and Tom Baker were the best, in no particular order. I liked Peter Davies and Sylvester McCoy, but I hated Colin Baker - though to be fair, that may have been the scripts. For me the Daleks were fun, and I loved seeing them. It was the Cybermen that scared me ...
Peter Paddon, Sunland, Ca, USA (Formerly UK)

Though I love Tom Baker, and think the scripts from his era were the best, my favorite Dr. Who was Jon Pertwee. His classy style lent the role a special dignity without compromising its humor.
Mordecai Shapiro, Santa Cruz, California, USA

Each of the Doctors was wonderful in his own unique way. Let me put in a special word for Colin Baker though, who, thrillingly, took more risks with his characterization and pushed the envelope further than anyone else. His great love for the series and the character shone through then and shines through still.
J Vail, Brookline, Massachusetts, USA

Patrick Troughton and then John Pertwee were the Doctors I "grew up with", though quite frankly I couldn't care less about who the best one was as I always watched "Garrison's Guerillas" on the other side instead.
Martin Lewis, Auckland, NZ

The best TV Doctor for me was Patrick Troughton although I have to say that all the others have really good qualities. And for those people who think that Colin Bakers Doctor was poor, I suggest that they take a listen to the Big Finish Doctor Audio range where his Doctor (along with Paul McGanns 8th Doctor) have really been given a chance to shine and show people exactly how they could have been given the time and the right scripts.
Colin Lambert, Birmingham

Tom Baker IS at timelord - if there is such a thing. Reverse the polarity of the neutron flow!
Matt Ashman, Wickford, Essex

Sylvestor McCoy was the best in my opinion. He seemed to radiate mystery. Some of the story lines he was involved in rank as my all time favourites for any of the Doctor Who characters. Admittedly the earlier storylines in his first few forays with the character were weak, but he and the writing went from strength to strength. A pity the show was cancelled. He could well have been regarded by many more as the greatest of all, given more time....
F. Elliot, Auckland, NZ

Tom Baker has and always will be the quintessential doctor for the true Who fan, but I also hold Peter Davidson and Sylvester McCoy in high regard. Still plumping for Tom though as without him my girlfriend wouldn't be knitting me a full-length scarf. Marvellous.
Carl, Durham

Great to see Peter Davison finally get the recognition he deserves. He worked hard to uphold the core values of the Doctor's character, and was the last actor to get a proper stab at developing a new take on an old television favourite. Pity most of his detractors can't spell his name correctly. He's not related to Jim Davidson!
David, Hove

I was visiting the UK in 1975-76 and became hooked on Tom Baker's Doctor. His years were also the first to be shown in the US. I did not even know there had been prior doctors until he regenerated into Peter Davison's Doctor. So, like most who love their first doctor, I love Tom's regeneration the best. However, as I became a great fan of the entire series, I came to the conclusion that the best episodes often involve the best pairings of doctor and companion. I think Tom had three great pairings -- with Sarah Jane (the all-time best, in my opinion), with Leela (Louise Jameson), and with Romana II (ex-wife Lalla Ward). My second favorite pairing was McCoy as gentle tutor and friend to "Ace" (Sophie Aldred), followed by Troughton with Jamie (Fazier Hines) and Zoe (Wendy Padbury). I also loved Pertwee with Jo Grant (Katy Manning), the ultimate "screamer." Of course, we must also mention the Brigadier (Nicholas Courtney) and the men of UNIT. I think Pertwee best captured the proper relationship between a Time Lord's sensibilities and the terran militarism of the UNIT squad. Finally, the one companion to have a spin-off named for him (albeit 1 episode) -- the faithful but slightly snooty (pun intended) K-9. Can't wait for the new episodes! DGU
David G. Uffelman, Morristown, New Jersey, US

Tom Baker was Dr. Who. For me, none of the other actors quite captured the character. He played the Doctor as an alien. Always unpredictable and exciting, I wanted so much to be a companion. I have great hopes for Christopher Eccleston. He's a very good actor, and if the scripts are good, we are all in for a real treat. Thank you, Thank you BBC.
George, Boston, US

Tom Baker was the best. He signed my Dr Who annual and gave me a jelly baby. I thought he was made of magic.
Cat, Guildford

Tom Baker embodied the role like no other actor. He IS the Doctor! Hartnell, Troughton, Pertwee and Davison were spot on, but Colin Baker and McCoy were never really believable. Rock on Eccleston!
John, Philadelphia USA

William Hartnell is my favourite version of Dr Who. I suppose, because he was the original, and the one I remember first: cantankerous, eccentric, quirky, eloquent and with a gravitas all of which defined the character for me.
Aelfwine Arden, London, England

My favourite has to be Patrick Troughton one doctor who always scared me more than the daleks. Oh, and he was my grandfather's cousin.
David Troughton-Smith, Streatley,Bedfordshire

Patrick Troughton was definitely the best actor to have played the part, but Tom Baker and Jon Pertwee the most charasmatic. I love 'em all and looking forward to enjoying Chris Ecclestone's portrayal as well. Long live the Doctor!
Neil Clarke, London SW11 UK

I grew up with all of the Doctors. For me, my favourite always has been John Pertwee. He had class and style none of the other Doctors had. But each other Doctor had their saving graces. Sylvester McCoy was the most modern and quizzical; a true Doctor of the 90's. William Hartnell had a gentlemanly grace none of the others had. The rest, I leave to others to point them out.
Joe Carpenter, London, UK

I remember watching the very first Dr Who, and every one since. The best Dr Who for me was Patrick Troughton followed by William Hartnell. Tom Baker was a fun doctor who followed the dandy Pertwee. The ones that followed seemed to mock and play it up. Hopefully the new one is more down to earth, in a off world way!
Glenn Renshaw, Newbury, Berkshire.

Tom Baker was easily the best Doctor, however I am getting slightly annoyed at the number of people at the BBC whom when reporting on the New Series mention that either the Daleks can not attack you if you go upstairs or that the solution to this problem will be explained in the new series. This was sorted out in Season 25 Remembrance of the Daleks where you can clearly see a Dalek ascending a flight of stairs in pursuit of the Doctor.
Tim Thomas, Burton upon Trent

It's wonderful to see Peter Davison feature so highly in the poll ¿ I only became a fan of the show a few years after the series had ended, but I remember seeing some Davison stories when I was younger and they've really stuck in my mind ever since. He was a brilliant choice for the role, a perfect contrast to Tom Baker's often over the top performance.
Wayne, London

When I hid behind the sofa the Doctor was William Hartnell so he would probably get my vote. But in truth I think all the actors who have played the Doctor over the years have simply conveyed a different aspect of his enigmatic character. This is one series that has been enhanced rather than undermined by a continuous change of the lead role.
Trudy, Germany

I grew up watching Peter Davidson playing the doctor and he naturally until a few years ago he was my favourite. I now live in the USA and my local PBS station a few years ago on Sunday nights played the whole series from start to finish. It gave me a whole new appreciation for the early days with William Hartnell and Patrick Troughton. Patrick's last episode "The War Games" is amazing for its time. I am really looking forward to the new show as I feel Ecleston had a lot to offer to the character by taking it in a new direction. Both Colin Baker and Sylvester McCoy tried to play the doctor like previous actors and it did not work. So far there has been no news on a US air date. Rumours are either the Sci-Fi channel or BBC America will show it. I still keep hoping the BBC will finally launch a subscription based download service of its programs. I am sure there are many ex-pats like myself who would pay for the content as US TV sucks.
David Jones, San Francisco, CA, USA

How could anyone doubt that Dr Who is really William Hartnel1, followed by Patrick Troughton??? It would be like suggesting that James Bond isn't really Sean Connery...!!!
Michael P, Manchester, UK

The poll has got it spot on. Tom Baker was not only the best Doctor but had also had great companions although K-9 is the exception.
Louise Jameson, London, UK

I agree entirely with Dylan Beck, in that Sylvester was "my" Doctor with whom i grew up watching (Im 26)... but he sits in 2nd place as Patrick Troughton is the best Doctor, with Jon Pertwee in 3rd.
Reese Porter, Cambridge, England

The poll results mirror my own favourites. Tom Baker went out on a high; well before his time. I reckon Christopher Eccleston could well end up being a very close number 2- it's good to see that the BBC have given some serious thought and attention to giving us a new Who that we can all be proud of (with the bonus of a Northern accent!)
craig waterworth, London, UK.

I think it is not fair to have a poll of this kind and it is not completely accurate. These are the reasons why. Firstly, Tom Baker was the longest running Doctor, averaging an extra three years on the rest. Secondly, most people who use a computer or know how to use a computer are in the generations that grew up with Pertwee and above. Thirdly, Pertwee onwards was in colour and with exception of the specials Hartnell and Troughton never appeared in colour, so younger audiences are put off by watching Black & White. Lastly, how can you compare Hartnell and Troughton to the rest of the doctors when most people who have voted have not seen all the stories and never will as a lot of the stories are missing.
Barry Fowler, Herts

William Hartnell and Tom Baker and Jon Pertwee were all great. How about Peter Cushing, who everyone seems to forget played the Doctor in two films. He was quite quirky too!
Robert, Singapore

I will always remember rushing home to watch Doctor Who on KTCA, our local PBS, when it started in August 1981, 5pm every night. Got introduced to Leela, I wasn't old enough top know why I liked her, but I did. While I was introduced to Doctor Who with Tom Baker it was Peter Davison who I truly contacted to when he arrived in 1983, Okay a year after his BBC premier, but that¿s what I got.
Jeff Johnson, Minnesota, USA

I would like to say that my favorite Doctor is Tom Baker because he was the one I started off with back in the early 80's here in the states, but I then have since grown a fondness towards the second Doctor with the very few episodes that do exist. I really hope this new Doctor does a good job, too bad we won't get it here in the states...yet.
Doctor Vell, San Antonio, TX USA

I always disliked Peter Davison's Doctor. Nothing beat William Hartnell for me.
Sarah Sutton, Dagenham, Essex, UK

Everyone seems to love the Doctor they grew up with - mine was Sylvester McCoy (I'm 23). But he's beaten into second place by Patrick Troughton. He'll always be the best Doctor!
Dylan Beck, London, UK

Why not repeat all of the Dr. Who episodes that there are copies of and let us all decide? It's unfair to comment when it is over ten years since most of us watch an episode.
Matt Prescott, Oxford

I only started watching Dr Who recently as my boyfriend is a huge fan. It has to be said that the only ones I've truly enjoyed have been the ones with Tom Baker's Cheesy grin. On the other hand I wouldn't have had to learn to knit if a different Dr had been the most popular. 2 months in and I still have 3 feet of scarf to go!!
Helen, Durham

Tom Baker is the Dr I'd rush home for and for whom I jeopardized my grad school results: the all-night, week-long Dr Who marathon always came up during finals. I would have risked all to see Baker battle wits with the villainous Master. Night after night.
Natalie, Evanston, Illinois, USA

Tom Baker is my favorite - but I guess it comes down to who was Who when you were at the right age! I also really enjoy the Pertwee and Davison years and always enjoy the regular repeats of all the Doctor Who shows. I got the impression that the latter Doctors were dealt a poor hand in terms of scripts and resources - the BBC seememd to have lost interest by that stage.
Neil, Abingdon, UK

Colin Baker and Sylvester McCoy all the way- I love all the Doctors but these two had the most enjoyable stories.
Roy Trromlley, Cardiff.

John Pertwee was the best doctor and no matter what the situation, himself and his lisp would be on hand to deal with Daleks, The Green Death and Cybermen with a sense of urgency yet knowledge. Third? He should be first!
Luke Barnard, Crystal Palace, London

Tom Baker was, is, and always shall be the Doctor. For me he was born to play the part, he had the other world quality that stood him apart from the other actors in the role.
Dave Hoare, Stevenage

Colin Baker is my favourite Dr Who actually - which places me at odds with most of my generation as I am old enough to recall watching the first ever episode in 1963. I just loved his irrascible unpredictability and the one-liner quotes which undoubtedly made him the "sound-byte" doctor.
Jenny Day, Cornwall (Nr Galifrey) UK

Like so many others, I follow the common path of having the first Doctor I watched as my favourite, so Tom is the one I associate most with the role. And I think this is going to be Chris Eccleston's biggest challenge. Invariably in the press and in conversation Baker T's version is the one that is most cited as being iconic - both in the visual imagery of floppy hat and scarf and his manic, sometimes over-the-top portrayal. From the little I've seen and heard about Chris in the role I'm confident that he will be more than up to the task of challenging everyone's views and I wouldn't be surprised if it was his interpretation that topped viewers polls in years to come. I know it's very early days but I'm certain he's in with a fighting chance.
Andrew, Cardiff

Tom Baker topped the poll because you genuinely believed he was an alien, he had that unique, other-worldly quality (from 74-78, after that he degenerated into a caricature of himself). Peter Davison was a poor successor, not because of his acting, but his youth. At 30 he lacked the authority to be The Doctor. He'd be an ideal choice for the role now (after Christopher Eccleston of course!)
Stephen Laing, Stockton-on-Tees

Tom Baker was definitely a great doctor (just read the other comments to prove that!), but I have to say that Patrick Troughton and Jon Pertwee were my favourites. William Hartnell was also a good doctor as he WAS the original. It will be interesting to see how Christopher Eccleson will follow on as the doctor as I was not particularly happy when I heard he would be the new doctor, but I could grow to like him, as my mind isn't completely closed....
Matt Fenn, Sevenoaks, UK

While Tom Baker was the most iconic Doctor I think the storylines towards the end of his tenure left a lot to be desired. Peter Davidson, meanwhile, had consistently excellent plots throughout his time in the Tardis.
Jeremy, London, UK

It's a hard decision. But for me it has to be William Hartnell. Quirky and at times a bit nippy, he set the standard for all the other Doctors to follow.
Andy Stevens, Glasgow

I was 10 years old when my favourite, Patrick Troughton changed into Jon Pertwee. Both had the ability to terrify me more than the Daleks or Cybermen! They seemed to live the part of the Doctor. I still treasure my autographed photo of Jon.
Richard Jackson, Rotherham, UK

As Tom stayed in the role the longest I'm not surprised that he has come top of the poll. But gosh - Peter Davison the second favourite! And Patrick Troughton (my own personal favourite) is not even in the top five! That's a turn up for the books!!!

It would be interesting to do the poll at the end of Chris Eccleston's first series, to see how much of an impact he has.
Andy Scott, St Helens, Merseyside

Tom Baker is the Doctor. I am sure I am not the only person to have spent formative years learning to crochet just so I could make a Dr Who scarf! A bit sad really!!!
Liz Doulton, Pinner, UK

It's an unfair poll. Most of the voters are too young to remember the earlier episodes, many of which were destroyed and not as widely seen. I have seen most of the series - except the last few, which were so awful I had to switch off. I would rank Patrick Troughton and Tom Baker as the best, followed closely by Peter Davison. I never warmed to William Hartnell but he and foppish Jon Pertwee would be the best of the rest. Sylvester McCoy was plain awful. Best of the companions: Zoe, Leela, Romana I, Jamie, Sara Jane, Adric. Worst Perri, K9. And I always had a soft spot for good old Brigadier Lethbridge-Stewart.
David May, Perth, Western Australia

I watched the original series from the very first on a black and white TV my father built. William Hartnell has to be the very best as he played the part so well, given the time and the "props" and the need to make the series a success. Well acted, spoken and played. Jon Pertwee was my personal second favourite for his more sophisticated interpretation of Who. While I liked Tom Baker, I still feel that his interpretation was too bumbling schoolmaster-like and more for laughs rather than a semi-serious sci-fi series. However these are just opinions.
David Slater, Milan, Italy

My favourite Doctor was Jon Pertwee, but I have a huge soft spot for Paul McGann's 8th Doctor. Would have been interesting to see him continue the role with a TV series. . . .
Estelle, Dagenham, Essex

I totally agree with Tom Baker - I won a Dr Who build a monster competition many moons ago, and my first prize was to visit the Dr Who set, meet Tom Baker and Elisabeth Sladen and have a tour of the BBC. It was a wonderful day and I remember how nice both Tom and Lis were to a young girl who loved Dr Who. Tom will always be the top Dr for me, followed by Jon Pertwee.
Jules, London, England

I was sorry to see Patrick Troughton come so low in the poll. He was in my view a far more memorable Doctor then the sometimes similar Sylvester McCoy who achieved a higher position. He also had the tricky job of following on from William Hartnell at a time when it was unheard for an actor to take over the lead in a television series.
Tony , Southport, Britain

The part was made for Tom Baker - he brought an otherworldly quality and mysticism which no other actor could begin to match. I'm just glad we got as much as 7 years out of him!
A Sellar, Edinburgh, UK

Tom Baker IS The Doctor: it's almost unfair on the others to include him in this sort of vote. Of the others I'd say Patrick Troughton and Paul McGann were the finest actors to have played the role.
Mark Edwards, Canterbury, UK

I would agree with that, only when Douglas Adams did the scripts show pure genius. Lets hope the new TV series will be well written, I know they have a better budget so fingers crossed.
Alister, St Albans

The choice all depends on which Doctor Who you grow-up with. My vote goes to Jon Pertwee first, then Tom Baker. I'm 40 years old, I'll leave you to do the maths. The Doctors that followed these two always rang a bit false to me.
Paul, London

Tom was certainly one of the best Doctors, simply because he did it for so long, got some of the best storylines and had some of the best writers (Robert Holmes, Douglas Adams, Terrance Dicks). His performance was always excellent. However, if you are looking for the best Doctor, ignoring production values and special effects, it would have to be (for me) Pat Troughton. Fabulous actor, he had that magic spark and impish quality that made him responsible for keeping the series going after Bill Hartnell. A talent for ad-lib and humour that made his association with Frazer Hines superb. No wonder Pat came back 3 times after he left (three, five and two Doctors). Pat first, Tom second and then Peter. Chris has a lot of work to do to live up to some of these actors, but it's more important that the writers have a lot to live up to, and Chris can only shine if his material allows him to. We will watch with much interest and excitement (from behind the sofa obviously). The old classics never die or grow old. They simply get a TARDIS....
Jeff Sutton, London, UK

All the Doctors are unique and, as a fan, I appreciate all of them. For me though, if pushed, my favourite is Sylvester McCoy - the Scottish-Chaplinesque-with-a-considerable-dark-side Doctor is the most underrated of them all. And lets not forget Paul McGann's Dr Who audio work since the telefilm of 1996 - he's done many great stories and has earned his place as a truly wonderful Doctor.
Richard, Redditch, Worcs

Tom Baker is far and away the best doctor. Saturday nights just weren't the same when Peter Davidson took over. The less said about Colin Baker the better.
Steve Reynolds, Southampton, UK

Patrick Troughton was the best. Were it not for his ability to engage and enthral a viewing public the show would never have made it out of the sixties. His off-beat style often mimicked by all who followed set the standard for (re)generations to come.
Matthew, London England

Tom Baker played the role for the longest and consequently more people remember him in the role when they started watching the show. His early stories were among the shows best but he lost some of his sparkle in his later years.

I am surprised that Patrick Troughton did not feature more highly as he was one of the best actors to play the role. I also feel Colin Baker has been consistently underrated by fans. He is a great actor but was lumbered with poor stories.
Matt, UK

Tom was "my" Doctor, but having now been able to view every extant Doctor Who episode I have to say I prefer Patrick Troughton. Tom is my second favourite and will always have a special place in my childhood memories, indeed the episode where he unmasks an android Sarah Jane is my earliest TV memory.
Angus Gulliver, Luton, UK

A very predictable poll! Tom Baker had the right personality for the job. In fact, he's pretty much on a different planet to the rest of us sometimes! However, my most vivid memories are from the early eighties and I think Colin Baker deserves a better placement - he's definitely better then McCoy and was treated to some very inconsistent scripts.
David, Tower Hamlets, London

It was a very pleasant surprise to see Peter Davison in second place, reflecting the growing popularity of his Doctor in the years since he left the role. Davison has been excellent in the audio Doctor Who adventures which he has been involved with, and he has proved very popular with his DVD commentaries on his stories. It was also interesting to see Sylvester McCoy and William Hartnell achieving higher positions than Patrick Troughton. Despite being the first of The Doctors, William Hartnell often does not achieve a high positions in similar polls, perhaps there has been a revival in popularity for the original Doctor.
Dan Evans, Southport

I do think Tom Baker was the best Doctor Who, with Jon Pertwee a close second. However, whichever actor played the role during your childhood would probably win your vote and as Baker played the role for 7 years (longer than any other actor) I would expect him to get more votes than the others.
Sara Clark, Cobham, UK

I grew up with Patrick Troughton as my first Doctor (I just remember William Hartnell collapsing and regenerating), so he's remained the definitive Doctor for me. Having watched Hartnell since, I'd put him second with Tom Baker and Jon Pertwee about level for third. Sylvester McCoy demonstrated in the film that the problem hadn't been with him but with the poor scripts and indifferent production values of the last couple of series.
Jeremy Broadribb, Horsham, UK

Tom Baker is without doubt the number one Doctor Who. He was the only one that you took seriously. He filled the role superbly and worked his magic with the character of Doctor Who like he does with so many of the roles he has played.
Andrew Clarke, Market Harborough, Leicestershire

Watching Dr Who as a child my favourite Dr was Jon Pertwee. Each week, no matter what the peril facing the Dr, I knew every thing would be all right. Jon gave the Dr a sense that you would always be safe with him there.
G Smith, Orpington Kent

Despite being born in 1979, Patrick Troughton has always been my favourite Doctor. He brought an infectious sense of wonder and magic to the role, tempered with a suggestion of dark undertones.
Ben Stevens, London, UK
]]> http://thefoodadditive.wordpress.com/2008/07/07/jobs-boost-for-dundee-tech-firm/ Mon, 07 Jul 2008 10:49:57 +0000 Turigck http://thefoodadditive.wordpress.com/2008/07/07/jobs-boost-for-dundee-tech-firm/ A Dundee-based chemical company has announced plans to expand and create 27 manufacturing jobs.

BB International Dundee, formerly Alchemy Laboratories, said that it would expand its manufacturing facilities over the next three years.

The company specialises in the manufacture of rapid diagnostic test technology such as pregnancy and hormone testing kits.

Scottish Enterprise Tayside welcomed news of the expansion.

BBI Dundee managing director and founder Richard Lamotte said: "The global market value for clinical diagnostic point of care tests was estimated in 2005 to be worth approximately $2.1bn.

Planned expansion

"We predict that the market will grow by 27% over the next five years and the new employees and additional equipment will give us the extra capacity to execute contracts which we may have previously struggled to fulfil."

Deputy First Minister Nicol Stephen said that the planned expansion was excellent news for the local economy and for Scotland.

He added: "I am pleased to support this expansion through a Regional Selective Assistance (RSA) grant of £220,000 which will result in the creation of 27 new jobs and further highlight Dundee as one of the leading cities in Europe for life sciences."

Jill Farrell, operations director at Scottish Enterprise Tayside, said: "This will help further promote our international reputation as a great place to live, work and do business which will in turn help attract overseas investment - all vital to Scotland's economic growth."

Ridsdale praised Hammam for his "sacrifice" to step aside as chairman so that new investors could come in.

Hammam said relinquishing control of Cardiff "shattered" him, but accepted it was in the club's best interest.

"Sam knew that this club needed new investment to take it forward," Ridsdale told the club's website.

"This is a massive club with even more potential. By stepping aside now, he has given us a chance to achieve everything that has been dreamt about."

Former Leeds United chairman Ridsdale has refused to reveal the identity of the new investors willing to manage Cardiff's £24m debt in exchange for equity in the club.

He says they are "two or three" London-based financial institutions who specialise in hedge funds - a process using high-risk techniques in an effort to make extraordinary capital gains.

The deal is being brokered by former Football League chairman Keith Harris, now head of investment bank Seymour Pierce.

Harris is also advising the Icelandic businessman hoping to buy West Ham United.

Ridsdale said: "We will end up within 12 months being debt-free business and having a new stadium.

"Sam has taken his shareholding down from 82.5% to not a lot and people who are putting the money in wanted to see a change of management before their investment.

"They become the majority shareholders."

Hammam bought control of Cardiff back in 2000 when the Bluebirds were languishing in the bottom division of English football.

His investment and vision has transformed them into a club currently leading the chase for Premiership status.

But the next crucial step was building a new stadium and retail park which would ensure the club's financial stability for years to come.

The £35m project has been dogged by years delays as Cardiff have been unable to give assurance to Cardiff council they were able to cover the cost.

Hammam has resolutely stood up to the critics who questioned his ability to finance the project, but the Lebanese businessman has now admitted he has been punching above his weight.

"I am a man with strong financial clout but nevertheless nowhere near what is needed for the club to go forward," he said in a statement on the Cardiff website.

"Very simply, this club in common with many big clubs, proved to be far too big for one individual to handle - unless of course you are an Abramovich or a Glazier.

"I am not that and in effect I pumped up the club prospects to such a level that it became too big and powerful for me to handle. The club has outgrown me!"

Ridsdale was recruited by Hammam 18 months ago to help him drive through the new stadium project.

The appointment raised many eyebrows as Ridsdale's reign as Leeds United chairman ended in 2003 with the club £103m in debt.

But Ridsdale is now likely to be credited with being the man who finally delivered Cardiff with a new 30,000-seater stadium, although he is keen to stress the significance of Hammam's contribution.

He said: "Whatever happens, Sam will be ever remembered as the man who created the new Cardiff City.

"The 'dream' was his and when achieved will be remembered as his. Sam is an 'all or nothing man' and with new investors it was not possible for him to remain. He therefore agreed to this personal sacrifice."

Ridsdale added: "Sam gave me the opportunity to get back into football and restore a reputation that had more recently taken a severe knock.

"I will never forget that. I am also now acutely aware of the tremendous responsibility that I now inherit."

http://news.cnet.com/8301-11128_3-9984384-54.html?tag=nefd.top

But an age of high gas prices and peak oil, every new innovation can help. If we have well heeled car companies paying to try to get some alternative technologies working on their vehicles I believe we will all benefit in the long run.

Just how concentrated has the problem become? Previously Brazil was thought to account for 27% of worldwide deforestation - per the U.N. Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). Now it is understood to be a whopping 48%.

This news comes from a new study in the 7/8/08 issue of the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS) by Matthew Hansen - as reported by Mongabay.

Put another way:

...Brazil accounts for nearly half of global deforestation, nearly four times that of the next highest country, Indonesia, which makes up about an eighth of worldwide forest clearing.

A corollary of sorts being that African deforestation may not be as critical as once thought:

"Africa, although a center of widespread, low-intensity selective logging, contributes only 5.4 percent to the estimated loss of humid tropical forest cover. This result reflects the absence of current agro-industrial scale clearing in humid tropical Africa."

Interestingly this greater concentration has the benefit of potentially making the problem more manageable.

Matthew Hansen says:

...the geographic concentration of deforestation, coupled with the shift from subsistence-driven to enterprise-deforestation forest clearing, may hold unexpected benefits for conservation: it may be easier for environmental groups to target their campaigns on major forest-destroying corporations and industries.

A sliver of good news to be leveraged for sure.

Previously the U.N. Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) provide the authoritative analysis on deforestation. But its data was largely based on individual countries self-reporting. And the new estimates?

...produced by analysis of a combination of satellite imagery from NASA's Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) and Landsat programs. The researchers say the integrated methodology offers a more accurate way to track change in forest cover.

A bit of detail on the newly revealed concentrations:

...55 percent of total tropical humid forest clearing occurs within only 6 percent of the biome area, indicating the existence of deforestation "hotspots," especially for Brazil and Indonesia where rates of forest loss — 3.6 percent and 3.4 percent, respectively — far exceed regional deforestation rates (1.2 percent for the rest of Latin America, 2.7 percent for the rest of Asia).

Other hotspots revealed:

"Latin American hotspots include northern Guatemala, eastern Bolivia, and eastern Paraguay. As a percentage of year-2000 forest cover, Paraguay features the highest areal proportion of change hotspots, indicating an advanced, nearly complete forest clearing dynamic..."

And:

"...Riau province in Sumatra has the highest indicated change within Indonesia. Hot spots of clearing are present in every state of Malaysia, and clearing in Cambodia along its border with Thailand is among the highest of indicated change hot spots..."

What does the future hold?

"The pattern of deforestation in the humid tropics for the current decade indicates concentrated areas with high rates of deforestation in Latin America and southeast Asia," study co-author Ruth DeFries, a professor at the University of Maryland's Department of Geography and Earth System Science Interdisciplinary Center, told mongabay.com. "With skyrocketing demand for biofuels and agricultural commodities, we can expect that deforestation in the future will be increasingly driven by large-scale industrial agriculture rather than small-scale landholders."

Deforestation like coal is top-shelf climate villain. And as new coal power plant construction must be stopped so must we also stop rainforest based industrial agriculture.

Let's capitalize on the sliver of good news. To find out more about what you can do to help, large and small, visit:

• Rainforest Action Network
• Rainforest Alliance
• Rainforest Coalition
• Greenpeace - USA - Forests
• Sign EU Greenpeace Petition - (per Juliette's comment)
• Fair Trade Resource Network
• Adopt an acre of rainforest.
• And for all things rainforest, I encourage you to visit Mongabay's Rainforest Page.

Apologies to those readers who subscribe to both my blogs www.GreenerMe.wordpress.com & www.WeddingPlanningTips.wordpress.com because I felt the subject of holding a green wedding was relevant to both.

For Earth Hour 2008, I was photographing a wedding in Balmoral Sydney.  At 8pm the bride and groom, requested all lights to be turned off while dinning at the reception.  With an added thoughtful gesture the MC announced that instead of purchasing bomboniere, the bride & groom are donating the money to the cause ‘Stop Global Warming’.

As a wedding photographer, I have noticed the subject of planning a green wedding is becoming a concern with many more couples.

Ali who is getting married at the end of the year and who has been reading both my blogs emailed me about her green wedding concerns:

“Oh I found something you might be interested in this. I can’t afford to hire china plates etc for our wedding (and can't be arsed washing them up after) and I didn’t want plastic ones as they are so bad for the environment... so I found a cool alternative - I love them!!! :)”

Check out:  http://www.nontoxiclife.com.au/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=79_165

I did check out this website Ali – thank you so much for emailing me the link.  I am going to add them to my Australian website blog roll.  My only concern was they used palm leaves to make the disposable plates. I knew from my friend Laura that you need to be careful on where palm leaves and palm oil comes from.  We don’t want to destroy any more orangutan forest or habitat. 

See Laura’s email in my post:  http://greenerme.wordpress.com/2008/06/26/giant-worms-orangutans-doggie-poo/ )

Laura emailed them on my behalf to ask the question of where the palm leaves comes from.  Here is their response back:

“Hi Laura

The bioplates are made from the fallen palm fronds of the Betel Nut tree. In the village where they are made, the trees are everywhere naturally, they are not harvested at all.  We are simply finding a use for the fronds that just create a mess as there are so many trees in the area.

The wooden cutlery is made from fast growing plantation timber, grown on a four year rotational cycle, especially for their manufacture.

Kind Regards

Melissa Kerr

www.nontoxiclife.com.au”

Thanks Laura for your help on this post.  Please leave a comment about any more information you would like to add about saving the organgutan.

Here are some links to other blogs and or posts talking about green weddings for your reference:

http://greatgreenwedding.com/blog/

http://www.polkadotbride.com/wp/index.php/category/eco-friendly-weddings/

http://www.yourweddingwardrobe.com.au/blog/?p=10

Here's something new to worry about: If you can't figure out how much carbon your company is pumping into the atmosphere, you could face fines or even criminal charges someday.

...

They're calling it Carbox, and it's inspired a green streak in corporate culture--and spawned a cottage industry to deal with the problem. As most people now painfully know, Sarbanes-Oxley, or Sarbox, requires companies to disclose any business risks facing the company to investors in public filings.

And here is the quote that gives the whole game away:

"Companies like Google are adding hundreds if not thousands of servers a month to keep up with demand from all these Web 2.0 sites where you store your photos or music. Those are all powered by servers in data centers. The growth of those things is just incredible." Expect the fees for consultants and lawyers to follow the same path.

What utter non-sense. So of course it's going to happen. Sometimes I think it's a miracle public companies stay in business, much less remain profitable.

The Las Vegas-style plans for the Middlehaven docklands will also feature luxury hotels, bars and an arena.

The UK/Australian firm Aspers has been named by Tees Valley Regeneration as its preferred operator of the casino.

Under the Gambling Act, only one super casino can be built in the UK, along with 16 smaller ones. Other cities, including Cardiff, have put in bids.

A spokesman for Tees Valley Regeneration said: "Winning the right to have a regional casino would be great news not only for Middlehaven and Middlesbrough but also for the wider Tees Valley.

"With a new college, thousands of jobs, trendy apartments and family homes and leisure and sporting facilities, Middlehaven will offer something for everyone.

"The stunning nature of the architecture chosen for Middlehaven and the top class facilities it will offer will make it a destination in its own right with people travelling far and wide just to be part of it.

"The casino is central to the success of Middlesbrough's regeneration. It will raise the profile of the Middlehaven development regionally, nationally and internationally and serve to attract further investment to the area and boost economic prosperity."
]]> http://3eintelligence.wordpress.com/2008/07/07/news-alerts-more-proof-that-climate-policy-is-failing/ Mon, 07 Jul 2008 09:50:11 +0000 Willy De Backer http://3eintelligence.wordpress.com/2008/07/07/news-alerts-more-proof-that-climate-policy-is-failing/ As G-8 leaders start their 3-day talking circus on the Japanese island of Hokkaido, four new reports confirm that our race towards economic and ecological collapse continues at an increasing speed:

• The Australian government published its long-awaited Garnaut report (over 500 pages), sort of a Stern report for the country down under. Economist Garnaut's (not very original) proposal: use the market to solve the climate crisis. Was it not Stern who called climate change "the biggest market failure ever"? What did Einstein say about trying to solve a problem with the instrument that created the problem in the first place? For a good analysis of the Garnaut report, read Geoff Well's excellent comments.
• Lester Brown's Earth Policy Institute issued a new Plan B study calling for an 80% reduction of greenhouse gas emissions by 2020 (yes, 2020, not 2050) and indicating how it can be done. This reduction target is what "is needed" not "what is politically feasible", says the report. See the problem?
• WWF and Allianz presented G-8 climate scorecards measuring the performances (or better lack of it) of the participant countries at Hokkaido. No real surprises here, but good to demonstrate the gap between climate rhetoric and real action.
• Last but not least, an interesting report published today by the UK's DEFRA (department for environment, food and rural affairs) looks at the embedded carbon emissions in products and services imported into the country. The study shows that we are just exporting our carbon emissions to China and India (where we buy our cheap products) and that the Kyoto-based national reduction strategies are bound to fail. It demonstrates that real climate solutions will have to start structurally from regulating our individual consumer behaviour. Which politicians will have the courage to address this?

The jury certainly seems to be out at the moment.

The government is pinning its hopes on treating NHS patients in hospitals owned and run privately.

At the new Shepton Mallet diagnostic and treatment centre the cost of every operation is 20% more than the NHS tarfiff.

That is because the multi-national company that owns the hospital needs to re-coup the cost of building the 35-bed unit.

At the end of five years, primary care trusts could decide to take over the hospital. But then they would have to compensate its owners, the New York Presbyterian Healthcare System.

Private sector 'reliance'

So in Shepton's case it could be bad value for money.

But a senior NHS manager told me that the NHS has ingrained working practices, which makes trying to make staff work in a more efficient manner very difficult to achieve.

She sees the private sector has merits in this respect. It can dictate to staff when, how and where they should work.

But the great danger, she told me, was relying too much on the private sector.

She forsees a situation where patients left with complications from operations going wrong have to battle with the private hospitals for redress and correction.

'Perverse incentive'

And with NHS trusts competing with the private sector for business, the long-held NHS ethos of co-operation will mean give and take will disappear.

By cutting waiting lists using extra capacity outside the NHS, the government gets rid of the main reason patients pay to go private.

It also removes the perverse incentive for NHS consultants to keep long waiting lists in order to have a healthy private practice.

But if we carry on cutting waiting times by using the private sector, this very success could prove disastrous for NHS finances.

With more patients using the private facilities - paid for by the NHS - that is more patients the NHS will have to pay for.

In his weekly opinion column, Harold Evans takes issue with Michael Crichton's latest thriller, in which global warming is the work of mad eco-scientists.

Do you ever read that line on an early page of a novel: "Any connection between the characters and events herein portrayed, and real people, is purely coincidental."

In Michael Crichton's State of Fear, I'd say the connection was purely intentional. It's about the kind of hurricanes, floods, tsunamis and tornadoes we've been experiencing. Crichton's trade is to bring pleasurable terror to millions by spinning tales of science gone amok - as in Jurassic Park and the Andromeda Strain.

In this new bestseller those hurricanes etc aren't natural disasters at all. They are the creations of global warming activists - eco-maniacs desperate to publicise the case for controlling emissions of carbon dioxide. To make sure you get his point, Crichton adds a 32-page footnote documenting his own conviction that global warming is an unscientific scare.

What about the contrary worldwide consensus of scientists that global warming is a man-made disaster in the making? Crichton's answer: "If it's consensus, it isn't science. If it's science, it isn't consensus." As I suppose in the old consensus that the earth is flat.

Crichton's is not actually a thesis that the displaced folks in Louisiana and Texas can concentrate on at the moment in the wake of Katrina and Rita. Yet for his polemic on global warming, Crichton has become something of a hero to the groups fighting hard to stop anything like the Kyoto treaty.

The well-endowed think tank, the American Enterprise Institute for Public Policy, honoured Crichton with an invitation to Washington to address its members - not on the novel, but on science policy in the 21st Century. The point of that was to embrace Crichton's attack on what he calls the pseudo-science of global warming. It's not easy to embrace Crichton himself; he is an intimidating 6ft 9 inches. <p --="--"

The sceptics on global warming needed this kind of reinforcement. They have mostly been keeping quiet after the ferocity of Katrina and Rita, widely blamed in the press on the unusually hot waters of the Gulf. Al Gore, in a rousing "action now" speech that impressed business leaders at the Clinton summit in New York recently, pointed out that since the 1970s, hurricanes both in the Atlantic and Pacific have increased in intensity by about 50%.

'Great hoax'?

It is quite significant that while President Bush has been active on hurricane relief, he has not reiterated his well-aired doubts about whether global warming is a real threat or a scare. Nor have we heard much from the Republican chairman of the Senate Environment Committee.

Senator James Inhofe's previous best effort was this: "With all of the hysteria, all of the fear, all of the phoney science, could it be that man-made global warming is the greatest hoax ever perpetrated on the American people? It sure sounds like it."

The senator did not explain quite how 2,000 top scientists in 100 countries could have been persuaded in 2004 to produce a rare consensus that gas emissions left unchecked will produce a series of catastrophes. Nor is he likely to try and explain in the post-Katrina atmosphere.

The conspiracy Crichton outlined in his novel might seem tailor-made for Hollywood - scientists manipulating weather systems to suit their own leftie agenda. But it is very much in the paranoid political style identified by the renowned historian Richard Hofstadter. There are still people who just know that FDR conspired with Winston Churchill to have the Japanese bomb Pearl Harbor. There are millions who just know that JFK's assassin, the shooter on the grassy hill in Dallas, was hired by Lyndon Johnson.

As a historian, I have never been much impressed by conspiracy theories left or right. Too often, they are exalted by non-evidence - "proved" by records that have disappeared, "witnesses" whose stories have been suppressed. But if you happen to be in the market for a conspiracy theory today, there's a rather more credible one documented by the pressure group Greenpeace. Just bend an ear for a moment for the names of a few organizations very much concerned with global warming.

• Advancement of Sound Science Centre Inc
• Committee for a Constructive Tomorrow
• Heartland Institute
• Competitive Enterprise Institute
• Annapolis Center for Science-based Public Policy

You wouldn't guess it but all these highfalutin bodies are dedicated to undermining the science of global warming and preventing America signing something like the Kyoto Treaty. And again, you wouldn't guess it, but they take thousands of dollars from Exxon Mobil. It's the world's largest oil company and a high profile opponent of Kyoto for imposing too many costs on the developed world.

The five groups I mentioned are not the only ones with deceptive titles. Greenpeace has identified 40 such mouths at the Exxon nipple. So what's wrong about this? For one thing I'd guess you'd be a bit more sceptical of their pronouncements on global warming if they made it clear that they are not - shall we say - unrelated to the interests of their Exxon sponsors.

I asked Exxon about supporting so many of these propaganda groups. They point out that pro-Kyoto foundations give out much more money than they do, and that's true. What's disturbing to me is that the groups Exxon supports are much less forthcoming about their connections; they are often treated in the media as if they were wholly independent scientific bodies.

In addition Exxon has done something positive in committing $100m to Stanford University for research into new energy technology. So where's the rub? Well, funding long-term research like this is all well and good. The trouble is - as the economist Keynes famously said in another context - in the long-term we are all dead. The damage is being done here and now every day. It is accelerating - and it is damage that could be irreversible.

Smear tactics

All the delaying tactics, denials and obfuscations bring to mind what happened in 1974 to two American scientists, Professor Sherwood Roland and Dr Mario Molina. They coolly set out the evidence that the chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) used in refrigeration, aerosols and air conditioning were eating at the ozone layer which protects mankind and plants from dangerous ultraviolet radiation.

They were at once smeared as scaremongers. The manufacturers ran an all too successful campaign to fog the issue. A lazy media bought into it. The public got bored and bamboozled. And as they did so, millions more tons of the pollutant were added to the atmosphere.

Thirteen years later when the world finally woke up to an ozone hole bigger than anyone had predicted, there was a swift international agreement - led by the US - to find alternatives to the CFCs. In the meantime, great damage had been done.

Winston Churchill back in the 1930s had this to say about another government that didn't believe a threat was real. As the Chamberlain Cabinet dithered about Hitler, Churchill warned: "They go on in strange paradox, decided only to be undecided, resolved to be irresolute, adamant for drift, solid for fluidity, all powerful to be impotent."

And he concluded: "The era of procrastination, of soothing and baffling expedients, of delays, is coming to a close. In its place we are entering a period of consequences."

We are entering that period now with global warming. And if quoting Churchill in this context puts me in Michael Crichton's class of conspirators, I will bear it with fortitude.

Add your comments on this story, using the form below.

An excellent article. Whenever any newly discovered scientific fact threatens existing economic interests, those interests will always induce some scientists to challenge it, until the scientific consensus becomes so overwhelming that no scientist is willing to look like a fool by standing out against it any longer. For many years the tobacco companies were able to roll out tame scientists to deny that smoking caused lung cancer, but now even they have given up pretending. The same process is now repeating itself with the oil companies and global warming - the only question is whether it will take so long that it is too late for the earth.
Rod Parkes, Taipo, Hong Kong

Brilliant, just what an already confused issue needs. Is there anyone here who would deny the existence of a current global warming trend? If so I would have to categorise them alongside those who doubt the existence of the Apollo moon landings. Its hard science, with irrefutable evidence. Now can we do something about it, please? Only I don't want to be remembered as one of the generation who's egotistical inaction brought about the beginning of the end of the world.
Andrew Watkins, Glasgow, Scotland

Has Harold Evans actually read Crichton's book? Does he understand the word 'Fiction'? It's amusing and yes, frustrating to read articles like this that attack a work of fiction as though it was fact. I smell a similar fear as that of the Catholic Church when condemning the 'Da Vinci Code'. Maybe there's no smoke without fire? Why would the church appoint a senior figure solely to defend itself against the ideas in a work of fiction unless there was some truth there? Equally, why is the conservation lobby now gearing up to attack 'State of Fear' unless they don't want it's ideas to gain currency? One thing is for sure, 'State of Fear' is a cracking read, one of the better Crich