Musings of a Babylon Lurker

“When the Power goes …. Chaos Reigns” (J.C. Hutchins)

Thursday, November 13th, 2008 | technology | 1 Comment

- or at least the Internet connection disappears.

This evening I have been powerless for a few hours. I was just taking a break and should be starting my daily post when the lights first faded for a few seconds – then went out. DSL-Modem, computers radio and TV etc – the whole house was dead.

Now what ? since this is quite unusual for this area I first looked out of my windows, and the flats in the next street had lights on – looked to the other corner – more lights. Went to the other side of the flat : a dark area for some miles/km – where there would normally be a sea of lights.

I found myself in one corner of a dark area, with light on two sides. Hmmm. I do not know exactly what happened, but my guess is that a transformer station went up in smoke – likely due to an overload – it can happen if someone digs into a cable (seen that before).

Find a flashlight – I have one or two LED flashlights around , talk to neighbours, one had a non working flashlight – fortunately it just needed new batteries, and she had spares.

No lights, no reading, no tv , no computers, and certainly no internet.

Actually, I don’t mind the dark, then the stars become visible. Unfortunately the stars are blocked by “The Great Northern European Nebula” , aka clouds, so no luck there. Well – I was a little tired, so had an excuse to take a rest.

It took a few hours for the power to return here, so no real harm done.

Funny how much we depend on electricity for our daily activities nowadays. Make me think that I should have some backup power system. Not easy in the flat, but at my house “back home” – that is another matter. I should plan to make some kind of renewable energy generation there, so it is ready when I return to my home country.

Tags: events, technology, vulnerable

The Chinese Launch of Shenzhou 7 with a Crew of 3.

Thursday, September 25th, 2008 | space | No Comments

The Chinese space agency has launced their 3rd manned spacecraft with 3 astronauts (”Taikonauts”) on board. see the article from SPACE.com

The plan is to have a Space Walk of about 40 minutes in order to test a newly made Chinese space suit, collect some scientific experiments from the outside of the craft and launch a small satellite sending images back to Earth. The Space Walk should happen on Friday or Saturday.

Exciting to see the Chinese emerge as a manned space faring nation. along with the US and Russia.

There are still not many nations/organisations capable of launching space craft into orbit. I count

- US
- Russia
- Europe (ESA)
- Japan
- India

did I forget anyone ?

I am curious to see when and if the Chinese will join the ISS. I think they belong there along with the others.

Tags: space, technology