Finnish folly
Two great news items on the world energy future emerged today.
The Guardian reports a thrilling breakthrough on solar power. If all comes good, it will mean photovoltaic (PV) cells can be produced nearly as easily and quickly as on a printing press. Slashing the initial cost will make them great value almost from the year of installation. No linger a long term investment for the rich, solar cells could provide bargain electricity for all.
A dose of nuclear reality arrived in Finland today. The troubled construction of Finland's new nuclear power station has fallen further behind schedule, with the operator TVO warning yesterday that the additional delay would add to the project's costs of £3.3 billion. The news will add fuel the debate about the economics of nuclear power, not least in Britain, where the government is to announce the results of its public 'consultation' on building nuclear power stations here.
Expert David Lowry recently said that the "British projected budget - mainly funded by the taxpayer- for the clean-up of radioactive detritus for the current generation of nuclear power station is £75 billion and rising".
The only way the nuclear costs compare with other generating costs is by ignoring the clean-up bill. A fair assessment of the renewables including tidal and wave power destroys the case for the unpopular, dangerous and wildly expensive nuclear option.
Honours honoured
The annual honours awards are guaranteed to stock up my levels of indignation. Why him? Why not her? If her, why not them?
The local list contains the usual stock of the lick-spittles and over-sung heroes. But there are two inspired choices.
Sian Jones is my hero teacher who deserves the top accolades the profession offers. She was head of Duffryn Infants School for 30 hardworking years.
It's the school that present the sternest challenges in the city. She tackled them with energy, imagination and devotion.
When I sat on a board that appointment head teachers, I was regularly angry that 50 candidates would apply for headships in the middle class areas and half a dozens for council estate schools. To have chosen to work in this rewarding school and to stick at it for thirty years, deserves a big medal. Happily today Sian has got one. This was a nomination based firmly on merit and success. Well done, Sian.
Chris Barber is a Gwent groupie. No other living person has done more to illuminated our knowledge of the history and beauty of Gwent. 
An enthusiastic Youth Hosteller, he established Gwent's Countryside service and set up walkways and picnic sites that has made beauty spots readily accessible.
Retiring early to devote himself to full time writing, he has published
25 books. the most recent is 'In the Footsteps of Alexander Cordell published by his own Blorenge Books Company.
His MBE is a small token of the appreciation that thousands of local people feel for deepening our interest and wonder at our own habitat. llongyfrachiadau, Chris!
Ark
After a tornado hit an American town, several orphan pets were found wandering after their homes had been destroyed. The shared fear led to instant friendships among the animals who were not previously
acquainted.
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