Favourite links of the week #4

“A few years ago, scientists began to calculate just how much energy the Sahara holds. They were astounded at the answer. In theory, a 35,000-sq.-mi. (90,600 sq km) chunk of the Sahara — smaller than Portugal and a little over 1% of its total area — could yield the same amount of electricity as all the world’s power plants combined.” [Link]

Lauren has written a post on how the proposed Clean Feed (Boo! Hiss!) will harm education here in Australia.

The 2009 Bloggies nominations have been announced. Congratulations to everyone who got a nod.

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So I’ve watched most of last Saturday’s movies. Here’s my brief thoughts:

1) American Gangster – I got distracted because whenever I see Denzel playing bad I think of Training Day and whenever I see Russell Crowe these days, I think of Robert Downey Jnr. in Tropic Thunder. Was so-so.

2) No Country for Old Men – Adam reminded me we actually had this already (whoops) so will watch at my leisure later.

3) Miller’s Crossing – I love John Turturro. Period. Baby faced (well, as baby faced as he can get, I suppose) Gabriel Byrne isn’t bad either

4) Syriana – No time to watch.

5) Last Tango in Paris – I enjoyed this. Interesting to see Brando being lit in this movie as he is - especially in the interior shots he is poised on the shadows, between rooms and angles.

One last one:

6) In Bruges – MEMO TO ALL: Colin Farrell finds his charm again In Bruges. (He won the recent Golden Globe for an actor in a comedy for his performance). The screenplay just got an Oscar nomination. My favourite of the week.