15 May 2013

Movies released
Matrix Reloaded released 15 May 2003

The movies I mention are not all post Star Wars and not all big box office hits, but a lot of them are. On a day like this with no birthday to mention (still researching this and that may change next year), expect to see a movie poster in the picture slot.

In the year 2000!

Prediction: Coal will not be used for heating or cooking. It will be scarce, but not entirely exhausted. The earth’s hard coal will last until the year 2050 or 2100; its soft-coal mines until 2200 or 2300. Meanwhile both kinds of coal will have become more and more expensive. Man will have found electricity manufactured by waterpower to be much cheaper. Every river or creek with any suitable fall will be equipped with water-motors, turning dynamos, making electricity. Along the seacoast will be numerous reservoirs continually filled by waves and tides washing in. Out of these the water will be constantly falling over revolving wheels. All of our restless waters, fresh and salt, will thus be harnessed to do the work which Niagara is doing today: making electricity for heat, light and fuel.  

Reality: Coal isn't that scarce, sad to say. As for heating and cooking, Watkins is talking about coal being delivered to people's homes as a energy source and as far as that goes, he's right, that's over. As for water power, it certainly increased over the 20th Century, but it has its environmental costs as well. I've never quite understood why the tides aren't used as an energy source, probably because they only flow at their hardest for a few hours a day.


Looking one day ahead... INTO THE FUTURE!

Tomorrow, it's H.G. Wells' turn again, so we'll get a glimpse of The Shape of Things to Come.

Join us then... IN THE FUTURE!