Black Google = Blackle.

This got me thinking. A black version of google that claims to save energy.


Could the whole internet follow suit? Will the sight of bright, colourful computer screens soon look as dated as those ones in Sci-Fi films with the blocky green-out-of-black typeface?

I read somewhere (I think it was in 'The World is Flat' - a fantastic book about the impact of the internet on world trade and economics) that computers account for 2% of energy that the world uses - and this is increasing. Therefore any attempts to lessen this impact are good by me.

I love the simplicity of the idea. It's easy to imagine trying to solve same problem by spending loads of money on a campaign aimed at getting people to turn their monitors off, or install energy saving software. Whereas 'Blackle' requires no effort from the individual, and has produced a viral effect that has raised worldwide awareness of how much energy computers use. And it can't have cost more than a few quid to make, either.

Oh, and if you're a first-time visitor to Snoozing Under The Desk, its always been black. Honest.

UPDATE: Google's boffins have responded on their blog. They cite research that proves clean, white pages with splashes of primary colours are the most energy efficient! Well, sort of. Regardless of what's true, Blackle has started a debate, and that's always good, isn't it?

Mr. Gherkin's house.

Went on holiday to Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat on the south coast of France in early June. And very nice it was too. In particular, the walk around the Cap itself is lovely.

My favourite bit wasn't one of the spectacular views of the med, but the holiday home of Norman Foster. For those that aren't up on their architecture (like me, until the FUSE boys put me right), he's the dude who designed this:Yep, "The Gherkin" - unaffectionately known as the Swiss Re building. So, what's Mr. Gherkin's holiday pad like then? Well, its a stark modern box right on the tip of the cap, that has an incredible view of the sea. What makes it cool is two huge arches that go into the hillside above and below it. Its probably best if I show you...
There. Not only do they look pretty sweet, but they're functional too. Note the sail-like thingies hanging from the left-hand one... those can be positioned wherever you like, offering Mr. Gherkin shade on his terrace, or perhaps to prevent the sun's glare from obscuring the TV when his little Cornichons are playing PlayStation. There's even massive sails that stretch between the two arches - which I reckon could be used to keep the rain off. Nice.

Der-d-d-d-der DENTMAN!

Me: Hello, nice to meet you.

Friendly guy on motorbike: You too. Incidentally, why did you randomly start talk-WHA?! Hang on... my PrangSense(TM) is tingling.

Me: PrangSense(TM)? What's that all about then?

Friendly guy on motorbike: Sorry, no time to talk. An over-paid marketing executive has just let their regulation Audi get too friendly with a Soho bollard.

Me: I'm sorry? What Audi?

Friendly guy's motorbike: VVVRRROOOOOOOOMMM!!!!

OK, so that's not quite how I first met DentMan. But I still reckon he provides a well thought-out service; when you dink your car, but don't crunch it enough to warrant an expensive trip to the garage, DentMan will speed to your aid on his motorbike.


Then, he uses the same set of tools French restaurants provide for eating snails to fix your car.
Its a fraction of the cost, and a lot less hassle. Not to mention perfect for if your malcoordination happens to have kicked-in when you're driving a hire/company/friend's car. Plus, he really is a friendly bloke - I mean, would you pretend to fix a car you'd already fixed for a complete stranger?
Oh yeah - and his real name's Martin, which for some reason he prefers...

Long time no type.

Ooh. This feels strange. A bit like coming back from school after the holidays and finding you can't write for more than 2 minutes without getting severe wrist-ache.

Nonsense has been incredibly busy. Which is good, obviously. But it has meant that the blog has been neglected. But we might be able to post some of our own work on it soon, which would be lovely.

The strangest thing is that people have actually noticed the lack of posts. Our mate Seb mentioned it at the weekend - mind you, he might not have been thinking too clearly...
...and so did Angus, which is a nice compliment from a blogger we like.

So, we'll now be making a bit more effort to post stuff. Expect ramblings on:

• The fantabulous DentMan.
• The-guy-who-designed-the-gherkin's holiday home.
• Equal opportunities boards.
  
• Sharpie Buddy.
• And more!