Bar gets patrons talking like we used to
Convinced that smartphones are ruining pub socialising, the owner of a newly-opened bar in Brighton, England has disabled cellphone reception. Patrons of the Gin Tub bar will have to pass the time by interacting with actual people rather than social media. Owner Steve Tyler says his bar has a Faraday cage built into its ceiling, which makes getting a reception inside the venue impossible. He says it was the only exception in Britain's 2006 Wireless Telegraphy Act that otherwise outlaws the use of signal blockers. Rotary landline phones on each table are used to call the bar and order more drinks and interact with other table punters. "We do shared tables here," says Tyler. "So, if you're two people coming in, we'll put you with another two. When your wife or partner goes to the toilet, you can't insulate yourself from conversation by going on your phone; you have to talk to them." (Via vice.com)
Tunnels for the birds
Derek wanted to know why the tunnels you encounter heading north were ever necessary. Simon responds: "The Waiwera Viaduct and Johnstone's Hill tunnels are the result of years of study of the local environment. Originally, NZTA had planned a large cutting in the hill instead, but there is an ecologically significant wetland below with endangered birds which would have been damaged, so tunnels were seen as a better option."
