A couple of social things: A couple of mates, Ruth Francis and Henry Scowcroft, have devised the best Facebook group ever – the Campaign to replace the voice on the Tube with David Attenborough’s voice (the Tube is London’s subway system for all you non-Brits). In their words:
So now Life in Cold Blood is over, and the great man has hung up his broadcasting boots for good, what better tribute than to replace the starchy, boring voice on the London Underground with the silky, enthusiastic utterances of Sir David Attenborough. Ever since we were tiny, Sir David’s trademark “THIS… is a ” has had us pricking up our ears for the fascinating facts to follow. Surely, a national institution such as he is deserves such immortalisation. People, pledge your support below. If you need convincing, take a moment and just imagine Sir David intoning the following… “THIS… is Bank. Change here for the Northern, District and Circle lines… and the Waterloo and City Line”.
It seems that there’s certainly a vacancy so go and sign up. And while you’re at it, have a look at the interview I did with Sir David early this year.
Meanwhile, if any of you are free tonight, a bunch of science bloggers are meeting up for a drink in London, near the Natural History Museum. We’ll be at the Queen’s Arms from about 6.30. If we haven’t met, I’m the one in the photo on the top left (not the stuffed monkey, the other one).
Your regularly scheduled blogging will return tomorrow. I’ve been slightly derailed by the desperate need for sleep, triggered by having to do 15 back-to-back live radio interviews from 7-9 yesterday morning.
Related Topics
Go Further
Animals
- These 'trash fish' are among Earth's most primitive animalsThese 'trash fish' are among Earth's most primitive animals
- These photos are works of art—and the artists are bugsThese photos are works of art—and the artists are bugs
- The epic migration of a 6-foot long, 200-pound catfishThe epic migration of a 6-foot long, 200-pound catfish
- Frans de Waal, biologist who studied animal emotion, dies at 75Frans de Waal, biologist who studied animal emotion, dies at 75
Environment
- Are synthetic diamonds really better for the planet? The answer isn't clear-cut.Are synthetic diamonds really better for the planet? The answer isn't clear-cut.
- This year's cherry blossom peak bloom was a warning signThis year's cherry blossom peak bloom was a warning sign
- The U.S. just announced an asbestos ban. What took so long?The U.S. just announced an asbestos ban. What took so long?
- The most dangerous job? Inside the world of underwater weldersThe most dangerous job? Inside the world of underwater welders
- The harrowing flight that wild whooping cranes make to surviveThe harrowing flight that wild whooping cranes make to survive
History & Culture
- Meet the powerful yokai that inspired the demon king in ‘Demon Slayer’Meet the powerful yokai that inspired the demon king in ‘Demon Slayer’
- A surprising must-wear for European monarchs? Weasels.A surprising must-wear for European monarchs? Weasels.
- Meet the woman who made Polaroid into a cultural iconMeet the woman who made Polaroid into a cultural icon
- Inside the observatory that birthed modern astrophysicsInside the observatory that birthed modern astrophysics
Science
- LED light treatments for skin are trendy—but do they actually work?LED light treatments for skin are trendy—but do they actually work?
- NASA smashed an asteroid. The debris could hit Mars.NASA smashed an asteroid. The debris could hit Mars.
- Humans really can have superpowers—scientists are studying themHumans really can have superpowers—scientists are studying them
- Why engineers are concerned about aging infrastructureWhy engineers are concerned about aging infrastructure
Travel
- 2024 will be huge for astrotourism—here’s how to plan your trip2024 will be huge for astrotourism—here’s how to plan your trip
- Play and stay in the mountains of eastern Nevada
- Paid Content
Play and stay in the mountains of eastern Nevada - This couple quit the city to grow wasabi in Japan's mountainsThis couple quit the city to grow wasabi in Japan's mountains