A retreat centre in the heart of the Hampshire countryside. A place for quiet study and inquiry, with no set schedules or agenda, and no road noise. The architecture of the building was featured in Prince Charles’ book, A Vision of Britain.
BP Oil Leak: Corexit 9500
They are using millions of gallons of this stuff to disperse the oil:
Corexit 9500:
The safety data sheet states “The potential human hazard is: High.”
According to the Alaska Community Action on Toxics, the use of Corexit during the Exxon Valdez oil spill caused “respiratory, nervous system, liver, kidney and blood disorders” in people. According to the EPA, Corexit is more toxic than dispersants made by several competitors and less effective in handling southern Louisiana crude. However, the oil from Deepwater Horizon is not believed to be typical Louisiana crude.
Reportedly Corexit is toxic to marine life and helps keep spilled oil submerged. The quantities used in the Gulf will create ‘unprecedented underwater damage to organisms.’ 9527A is also hazardous for humans: ‘May cause injury to red blood cells (hemolysis), kidney or the liver’.
Russian scientists say it will get into the rain and fall on the East Coast, causing massive unprecedented damage to microbial life, as well as being washed ashore.
Carpet (127/365)
Well, I missed the rhododendrons in full bloom in the Grove, but look at them on the ground!
Mother and Her Nippers (126/365)
She has ten ducklings. They were born in the courtyard last week and she led them outside over the weekend.
Bunny and the Bull
If you like Mighty Boosh, this film is by the same director, and therefore suitable weird. This clip has a cameo from Julian Barratt, the tall Boosher. A very inventive film, with hand-drawn/made sets and props. Reminded me a little of Withnail & I, too. Watch out, it contains some language and inappropriate milk-drinking…
Weekend Walk 16 – Duncton to Amberley (South Downs Way)
Today I went up on the South Downs again, reaching the half way point at Amberley in West Sussex. A very warm day. From Littleton Farm south of Duncton, up onto Bignor Hill and across the Arun Valley to Amberley. Found myself in the middle of a cross country run. Poor blighters, sweating up on the hills. I was also sweating up on the hills but at least I didn’t gotta run.
The Tree Is Dead (125/365)
IKEA Southampton (124/365)
The price tags and reflection in the mirror give it away.
Bloom (123/365)
Oi, if you don’t clear off I’ll punch you, coz I can: I am the Handfish
Photograph courtesy Karen Gowlett-Holmes
Using its fins to walk, rather than swim, along the ocean floor in an undated picture, the pink handfish is one of nine newly named species described in a recent scientific review of the handfish family.
via Pictures: Nine Fish With “Hands” Found to Be New Species.
Young Dragonfly and Water Lily Flower (122/365)
One third of the way through my Feb-Jan photographic year!
Drops (121/365)
TDK AD90 Compact Audio Cassette
IEC I/TYPE I
Black case with large window. Horizontal patterns and silver lettering. Blue and grey labels.
Simply, to sit (120/365)
Simply, to sit. Once or twice a day. No aim, for no reason, with no techniques. It’s the least difficult thing one can do, and can be the hardest.
TDK AR100 Compact Audio Cassette
IEC I/TYPE I NORMAL POSITION
Black case with gold lettering. Red and grey label. Large window. Horizontal patterning on case.
Essential Viewing (119/365)
Tarmacadam (118/365)
Ice Cube vs Eazy E
Poison (117/365)
Mark The Gardener said a few seeds in someone’s tea and they’re dead.
TDK SA90 Compact Audio Cassette
HIGH POSITION IECII/TYPEII
Charcoal grey case with gold and blue lettering and motifs.
Arched tape window and horizontal patterns in case.
These later 90s tapes sure were ugly and over-designed.
Falling Awake 
