Doctor Who

The 4th series of Doctor Who has been a real roller-coaster, thrill ride. Very different to the old days of dodgy sets, cheap costumes and daleks who threatened world domination but couldn't climb stairs.

Finally we know that David Tennant remains the Doctor for another series.

The sonic screwdrive (pictured) is a key gadget used by Doctor Who - a kind of intergalactic/timetravelling Swiss Army knife.

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Death by Magic Lantern

Back in the days before Television and the Web, technologies such as the Magic Lantern began to compete with more traditional entertainment such as Charades and piano, poetry or singing recitals.

The Magic lantern was an early version of the slide projector which bored to death millions of families from around the 1950s onwards.

Nowadays we tend to send a link to a site like Flica or Picassa and trust our friends/family to check out our latest snaps. At least they no longer have to endure dreaded phrases such as,

"Now this next carosel is from our holidays in Spain. Then we have 2 more from Clackton-on-Sea.... Then we'll break for a cup of tea ..."

Here is a typical example of the kit, complete with handy carrying case.

Today the nearest equivalent to the dreaded slide show is 'Death by PowerPoint' frequently endured at countless business meetings across the globe.

For some lighthearted hints and tips on presentations and how to avoid death by PowerPoint check out:

Deliver Successful, Effective Presentations.

SteamPunk and Nicole

Steampunk is a term used in fantasy and speculative fiction that came into fashion in the 1980s. The term relates to an alternative universe where steam power is still widely used.

In Steampunk there is typically an element of the works of H. G. Wells and Jules Verne and real technological developments like the computer or mobile phone occurring at an earlier date.

Here is a PC built in Steampunk style. This one was sold on Ebay. The frame is solid 1/4-inch brass. The base features a mixture of brass and black marble.

The Goldern Compass

There is an element of Steampunk in the movie The Golden Compass, based on Philip Pullman's book. This is particularly reflected in modes of transport such as the amazing steam carriages and the airships.

There is no doubt that there is a real hunger for these retro-looking technology items. We long for the days when technology was hand-made and individually crafted. Think of the early gramophones with their cabinet-maker cases.

With oil prices going through the roof, who knows, the steam car may be on the way back. Similarly the airship could also be the next big retro-technology thing.

Talking of Retro and the Golden Compass, it seems only right to end with Nicole Kidman; an actress of timeless beauty who compliments retro-technology so well.

Safety First?

In days gone by people had a more cavalier attitude to safety. This picture illustrates my point perfectly.

• Who is holding the handlebars?
• Where are the safety helmets?
• What about protective clothing?
• How come the person in front is blindfolded?

Still, it just goes to show that the Italians know how to have a good time.