BBC News - Charles Darwin's ecological experiment on Ascension isle

Very cool stuff

BBC News - Fate of Universe revealed by galactic lens

Nice. Proof of the fate of the universe. What clever people.

SXSW 2011 PanelPicker - Project Management for Humans (No Robots Allowed)

Whether it’s on the front lines or behind the scenes, Project Management is critical to every discipline in web development projects. Keeping your internal project team and your clients happy while making sure that the project runs smoothly are not easy tasks, but you don’t have to be a robot to run a project! Simple humans can make sure a project is delivered on time and on budget. This session will cover the basics on how to manage your project like a pro and keep your clients happy. A group of seasoned project managers will share their experiences (and horror stories) on projects they’ve worked on, and point to specific, useful methodologies that have helped them to gracefully manage large and small projects alike.

  1. What is the most effective way to gather project requirements?
  2. What's better for my project, Agile or Waterfall process?
  3. How can I manage the process as it transitions from UX to Design, to Development?
  4. How can I effectively communicate with and educate my clients on web development
  5. process?
  6. How do I deal with all of these personalities and keep my focus on the project itself?

I want to go and speak at SXSW in 2011. Vote here!

BBC News - School ICT lessons a 'turn-off', says Royal Society

Completely agree with this. in my time as an ICT teacher the course was terrible and there was a real resistance to changing it.

Students love using a computer. The systems ability to make it dull is real achievement.

BBC News - Dartford charge suspension considered at busy times

Dartford charge suspension considered at busy times

The Dartford Crossing carries about 150,000 vehicles each day

The barriers at the Dartford Crossing toll booths could be lifted during times of severe congestion.

The Department for Transport said it was willing to consider the measure to ease traffic delays.

It has also asked the Highways Agency to look at whether new licence plate recognition technology could allow free-flow charging.

Protesters say the crossing should have been free to use after 2003, when building costs were met.

'Congestion particularly severe'

Roads minister Mike Penning said: "The Secretary of State for Transport and I had a constructive meeting today with local and interested MPs to discuss the Dartford/Thurrock River Crossing.

"We both confirmed that reducing congestion at the Dartford crossing is an absolute priority.

"Our preferred option is the use of newer technology to allow free-flow charging and we have asked the Highways Agency to work up proposals as a matter of urgency."

He added: "However, we are also willing to consider the possibility of lifting the barriers when congestion is particularly severe.

"Any solution will need to take account of the potential benefits and impacts, and the need to maintain the safe operation of the Crossing for the millions of its users."

The Dartford Tunnel and Queen Elizabeth II bridge cross the River Thames between Dartford and Thurrock, forming a link in the M25 motorway, carrying about 150,000 vehicles a day.

The crossing is renowned as a major traffic bottleneck, with many people blaming the toll stations.

In August 2009 the AA said there were noticeably more delays on the M25 since November 2008 when the crossing charge was raised from £1 to £1.50 for cars.

There is no charge to use the Dartford Tunnel and QEII bridge between 2200 and 0600.

That's what I said.