That idea went away, and we've yet to see the long-promised action on cutting Sinn Fein MP's allowances.

BBC: Promises easy to make in opposition

While Silicon Valley still has a firm grip on cutting-edge technologies, there are other countries that are trying to get a piece of the action.

FORBES: Socialbakers: Riding the Facebook Wave

And HDMI video mirroring lets users put the action on the screen onto a high-definition television set just like cutting edge consoles do.

FORBES: iPad 2 Shows Why Apple Doesn't Need A Gaming Console

In his blog, Mr Fallows has also sought views on whether the council should reduce the frequency of street cleaning and grass cutting to save money, or if such action would be damaging in terms of tourism.

BBC: Communities could run services, Highland Council says