Friday, July 31, 2009

QUOTE OF THE DAY - Weasels 'R Them


In my new guise as an 'entrepreneur' (not quite right: that's a guy with an idea that has made money), I keep slamming into new and ever more painful business realities.

One is that the words 'fixed price' don't actually need to mean what you are told is how what you are expected to pay works out.

Especially with some lawyers (though I have met a few goods ones, if not enough to balance out the blood-sucking, firstborn-taking, ethical black holes that are most).

Which is why I turn to Dilbert. Not for restitution, for even he knows this is not possible, but simply for empathy.

Ch 7. Negotiating Like a Weasel

When you are planning to buy anything expensive, you probably call around to compare prices. Companies have wised up to that strategy and counter it with the weasel tactic known as the accidental misquote...

He goes on:

Why are there no accidental misquotes in the too high direction?

Green tech I can get behind

Thermal images make a home's heat loss easy to plug

Like it.

As opposed to blowing bazillions on 'campaigns' or 'officers' to raise 'awareness' on intangibles.

Use the dosh on stuff like this and promoting it sensibly.

I can't think of a home-owner who couldn't see the merits, the benefits and engage.

You might even find few boxes actually get ticked and targets get met that may mean something.

Facts are sacred. Use them with care.

I have highlighted a few polls, etc, today.

And not in a good way.

But here's some stuff that looks well worth treating wiv' respect.

Interesting uses of the Data Store

Data, Gosh-darned data, and 'it's how you ask' data

I share it, but would have no clue how to answer the question, if asked:

Which countries believe in climate change?


To be fair, drilling down the questions are more specific. Then we get to methodology.

Good hacks from hacks

Hack the environment

Well, I found it interesting.

What's (possibly) wrong with this picture?


From a train travel article in the Guardian.

Answers on a postcard.

QUOTE OF THE DAY 2 - Silly season

Does divorce cause global warming?

Of course, I then read on.

QUOTE OF THE DAY - Smart for whom?

Smart meters in every home will cost each household more than £300

"We don't see how the Government can justify asking consumers to pay for something that will save energy companies hundreds of millions a year, while the average household will make only minimal savings."

I don't think this mob 'do' justifying to the public.

And I can think of a few things I could direct that dosh to that might help the planet more.