I very much like this site.
Came to it via a specific post on glass cutting. A major area of interest, and frustration, of mine for some reuse projects.
It's a video, 'show & tell' based format which, for clarity, is hard to fault.
And there is a nice, 'one of us' feel to it all. In the example above I felt/feel I can indeed tackle this project with some confidence of success.
I have to say the site layout does rather reflect this chilled approach, and is a smidge hard to follow.
Plus navigation around, especially to engagement areas, is a trial.
But as the sample above shows, if you pan for gold here, you do end up with nuggets worth treasuring.
Showing posts with label TIPS. Show all posts
Showing posts with label TIPS. Show all posts
Friday, March 05, 2010
Saturday, January 09, 2010
Driving Mrs. Martin - Nippy helpful advice
You may not of noticed, but winter has returned.
So I just thought it was worth sharing some very useful, proactive tips and tricks that my dear wife has tracked down, following her short but expensive introduction to the joys of snow driving and black ice on an untreated road this time last year.
Especially as all that is in this cold 'snap' (how long does it last before a new temporal definition applies... a cold 'drawn out agonising echo'?) happening is apparently 'unprecedented' (that means it hasn't happened before), and there's a chance that while the helpful notion of 'not travelling unless you have to' may tick a box in some high-paid circles, especially those now putting grit on ration, to keep the economy running most still have to get from A to B to do X & Y to earn a crust.
So fresh from her PC via my PC to yours (noting all, so far, are from our national broadcaster doing what they should be doing, informing factually rather than opining or evangelising, and doing it well)...
Fab advice here from peeps around the world who are used to snow and icy conditions.
Your tips for coping in a colder UK climate
Top tips for driving safely in the snow and icy weather
How to drive in snow and icy weather
Feel free to add any that help. Possibly more useful than some gracing our screens and pages with a bunch of excuses and 'It wasn't our faults' who perhaps deserve a tad more challenge in future when asking for a wadge of wonga to prevent things long term that they seem a tad shy on even basic contingency plans to prepare for now.
Addendum (with luck addenda)
Lifehacker - Top 10 Winter Survival Tools and Tactics
BBC - Brown issues cold weather gas and salt supply pledge - Phew!
Mumsnet
BBC - Pothole and frozen pipe worries as 'big freeze' thaws
So I just thought it was worth sharing some very useful, proactive tips and tricks that my dear wife has tracked down, following her short but expensive introduction to the joys of snow driving and black ice on an untreated road this time last year.
Especially as all that is in this cold 'snap' (how long does it last before a new temporal definition applies... a cold 'drawn out agonising echo'?) happening is apparently 'unprecedented' (that means it hasn't happened before), and there's a chance that while the helpful notion of 'not travelling unless you have to' may tick a box in some high-paid circles, especially those now putting grit on ration, to keep the economy running most still have to get from A to B to do X & Y to earn a crust.
So fresh from her PC via my PC to yours (noting all, so far, are from our national broadcaster doing what they should be doing, informing factually rather than opining or evangelising, and doing it well)...
Fab advice here from peeps around the world who are used to snow and icy conditions.
Your tips for coping in a colder UK climate
Top tips for driving safely in the snow and icy weather
How to drive in snow and icy weather
Feel free to add any that help. Possibly more useful than some gracing our screens and pages with a bunch of excuses and 'It wasn't our faults' who perhaps deserve a tad more challenge in future when asking for a wadge of wonga to prevent things long term that they seem a tad shy on even basic contingency plans to prepare for now.
Addendum (with luck addenda)
Lifehacker - Top 10 Winter Survival Tools and Tactics
BBC - Brown issues cold weather gas and salt supply pledge - Phew!
Mumsnet
BBC - Pothole and frozen pipe worries as 'big freeze' thaws
Sunday, October 04, 2009
RE:PAIR - Tip - Cleaning saws and sanders
Popped in to the local Tool Shop to get a new diamond cutter blade.
I was also asking the gurus there if it was OK to use my chop saw to cut plastic bottles (for my next Voucher Palm design) as I was worried about dulling the blade.
They said it was fine, and indeed mentioned that using plastic bottles actually can help clean both blades and even sanding discs.
I was also asking the gurus there if it was OK to use my chop saw to cut plastic bottles (for my next Voucher Palm design) as I was worried about dulling the blade.
They said it was fine, and indeed mentioned that using plastic bottles actually can help clean both blades and even sanding discs.
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
Ethical Problems
10 tips for ethical living
Let's get this clear right away. I have no problem at all with being, eating, flying (snuck that in, eh?) , sleeping.... or doing, buying , etc pretty much anything that may be deemed more 'ethical'.
Why would I? Why would anyone? It's pretty much in the (well, the MS Word dictionary) definition: 'consistent with agreed principles of correct moral conduct'. Though of course one might argue (no, really, one might) over who is 'agreeing' what is 'correct'.
And there does to me seem to be some blurring of what it does mean, should mean, could mean and has come to be used, interpreted, etc.
(Is it just me, or is every sentence a mass of commas to infinity with all the possible, and often competing, options?).
Anyway, every so often , for those who need such things as a guide, along comes a list from 'someone' to give 'you' a 'how to'.
So here, via the Indy, and thanks to the organisers of the One Life Live event at Olympia (which I might have heard of, but obviously missed. Darn not living in that great city) who have found nearly 73 per cent of us (that's more than 72% I'm guessing. But then I always find such precise figures fun) believe that a more sustainable lifestyle is essential to the future of the planet. Not sure if sustainable (exploiting natural resources without destroying the ecological balance of a particular area) is quite the same as ethical, but that debate has been, is and will be raging on for ever.
And I don't know if they are in order, but the first is a no-brainer:
1. The appliance of science - though, oddly, to date I have so far seen no guidance on the various consequences of dumping a working, but less efficient model now vs. allowing it to die of natural causes. Beyond the money, it must surely matter, enviROI-wise.
2. Fuelling change - no argument. Mind you, looking at the M4 from London end when you have 3hrs drive ahead, at 2am, and when you have 200bhp on tap...
3. Sounds fishy - OK... fish.
6. Be cool! - Yup. Mind you, unless you are paying the bills (like me), with two kids in t-shirts and a wife in a puffer jacket, local conditions can make this tricky.
4. Fashion conscious - don't get me started.
5. Growth industry - of course, there's lots we could do without. And as I recall, the total carbon footprint of flowers from Africa may be less than those grown locally. As I have a brown thumb, we have no flowers, cut or in pots. The garden however is blooming. With weeds.
7. Shower power - logically, yes. I notice no mention of having fewer showers. Wife, daily. Me, every 3 days. The boys? What month is it?
8. Running flush - well, me and the boys operate a 'let it mellow' policy until the missus gets wind of it... literally. As to buying a piece of plastic to do the job of what several pieces of plastic you lob out weekly, well....
9. A sparkling success - see fashion. Grrrrr.
10. Off to a tea - tea. Well, yes. That will do it, I guess.
All.... well, most fairly good stuff. But year on year, this is what is served up? Sheesh. And while some may live in a world of ethically deciding on one's jewellery purchases, it's not a planet I'm sure I'm on (or would get saved that quick anyway).
Let's get this clear right away. I have no problem at all with being, eating, flying (snuck that in, eh?) , sleeping.... or doing, buying , etc pretty much anything that may be deemed more 'ethical'.
Why would I? Why would anyone? It's pretty much in the (well, the MS Word dictionary) definition: 'consistent with agreed principles of correct moral conduct'. Though of course one might argue (no, really, one might) over who is 'agreeing' what is 'correct'.
And there does to me seem to be some blurring of what it does mean, should mean, could mean and has come to be used, interpreted, etc.
(Is it just me, or is every sentence a mass of commas to infinity with all the possible, and often competing, options?).
Anyway, every so often , for those who need such things as a guide, along comes a list from 'someone' to give 'you' a 'how to'.
So here, via the Indy, and thanks to the organisers of the One Life Live event at Olympia (which I might have heard of, but obviously missed. Darn not living in that great city) who have found nearly 73 per cent of us (that's more than 72% I'm guessing. But then I always find such precise figures fun) believe that a more sustainable lifestyle is essential to the future of the planet. Not sure if sustainable (exploiting natural resources without destroying the ecological balance of a particular area) is quite the same as ethical, but that debate has been, is and will be raging on for ever.
And I don't know if they are in order, but the first is a no-brainer:
1. The appliance of science - though, oddly, to date I have so far seen no guidance on the various consequences of dumping a working, but less efficient model now vs. allowing it to die of natural causes. Beyond the money, it must surely matter, enviROI-wise.
2. Fuelling change - no argument. Mind you, looking at the M4 from London end when you have 3hrs drive ahead, at 2am, and when you have 200bhp on tap...
3. Sounds fishy - OK... fish.
6. Be cool! - Yup. Mind you, unless you are paying the bills (like me), with two kids in t-shirts and a wife in a puffer jacket, local conditions can make this tricky.
4. Fashion conscious - don't get me started.
5. Growth industry - of course, there's lots we could do without. And as I recall, the total carbon footprint of flowers from Africa may be less than those grown locally. As I have a brown thumb, we have no flowers, cut or in pots. The garden however is blooming. With weeds.
7. Shower power - logically, yes. I notice no mention of having fewer showers. Wife, daily. Me, every 3 days. The boys? What month is it?
8. Running flush - well, me and the boys operate a 'let it mellow' policy until the missus gets wind of it... literally. As to buying a piece of plastic to do the job of what several pieces of plastic you lob out weekly, well....
9. A sparkling success - see fashion. Grrrrr.
10. Off to a tea - tea. Well, yes. That will do it, I guess.
All.... well, most fairly good stuff. But year on year, this is what is served up? Sheesh. And while some may live in a world of ethically deciding on one's jewellery purchases, it's not a planet I'm sure I'm on (or would get saved that quick anyway).
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
But carry a big pointy stick
Tread Lightly is a new(ish Guardian blog site. Some nice ideas and useful debate.
Trouble is, I'm having a problem working it as will be gathered by my posting on the section. However, I have my reasons.
EnvironmentEditor Comment No. 76060October 29 16:17 Blimey, what fantastic tips...
Yes, tips are good. Long may they be shared.
And this looks like a good place to share them. However I must confess to having a few navigational problems.
This thread, obviously, is about light bulbs. And I have more I'd like to share on other things in other enviro-areas. But this is not so easy.
Take my main area of reuse. There is a link to a more promising zone of the Tread Lightly Section, Waste, but when I tried to read more and contribute to Reuse or throw away? the link didn't work and comments were closed (so please go to http://www.junkk.com/ideas.asp?slevel=0z622&parent_id=622 to get some hopefully useful options by way of a contribution to that section).
Is it possible to keep such things archived and open a bit longer?
Trouble is, I'm having a problem working it as will be gathered by my posting on the section. However, I have my reasons.
EnvironmentEditor Comment No. 76060October 29 16:17 Blimey, what fantastic tips...
Yes, tips are good. Long may they be shared.
And this looks like a good place to share them. However I must confess to having a few navigational problems.
This thread, obviously, is about light bulbs. And I have more I'd like to share on other things in other enviro-areas. But this is not so easy.
Take my main area of reuse. There is a link to a more promising zone of the Tread Lightly Section, Waste, but when I tried to read more and contribute to Reuse or throw away? the link didn't work and comments were closed (so please go to http://www.junkk.com/ideas.asp?slevel=0z622&parent_id=622 to get some hopefully useful options by way of a contribution to that section).
Is it possible to keep such things archived and open a bit longer?
Tuesday, September 04, 2007
Sometimes a fence is the best place to be when surrounded by weeds
I just had through a bit of research entitled: UK consumers sit on the fence while climate change debate rages
From site Combat Climate Change, it goes on more insightfully to ask: Climate change: a real threat or an excuse for state meddling and stealth taxes? Well, as it stands, I am erring on both, and think a few agree. Which may explain the fence straddling bit.
With all due cautions* we always advise on the origins, extent, methodologies and possible agendas behind any and all research, it's worth sharing.
More than 45% of UK consumers confess they find the climate change debate confusing.
Only 45%?!
Of these, 41% of these admit they have delayed taking direct personal action to reduce their carbon footprint while they get to grips with the complex scientific arguments – even though a staggering 93% are well aware they can also save money by saving energy.
The personal action side is explicable. Why act to reduce 'fun' when there is a get out, albeit vague? The lack of desire to save money anyway is simply... inexplicable.
The survey revealed that more women (56%) than men (37%) find the climate change debate confusing – but women aren’t letting this confusion hold them back, and they equal men in their commitment to reduce their carbon footprint.
Nature vs. nurture? And without getting Germaine Greered, despite younger females now doing better at science I reckon the facts and figures being hurled around may be of more interest to the male mind.
Of those who find the climate change debate confusing, young baby boomers aged 55 to 64 are least likely (30%) to let the confusion hold them back from taking direct personal action to save energy and reduce their carbon footprint; those aged 16-24 were most likely to let the confusion hold them back (50%).
I hate to guess, but I doubt it's confusion; just an excuse for not wishing to miss out on the next iPod upgrade or stay in making something rather than hitting Ibiza. This is often the problem with research into social issues. Who and how many are going say ''Yes, I'm a selfish scumbucket and could care less!'. Other than Jeremy Clarkson, natch.
Overall, 79% of UK consumers believe the threat of climate change to be real. Those living in Greater London (87%) are most likely to be concerned about global climate change; those in the North East take a more cynical view, with 27% admitting they are non believers.
I am surprised, pleasantly, to see them so high. If concerned that belief does not seem to translate into much action.
The research also revealed:
· 40% of us leave a washing machine/dishwasher/electronic appliance on standby every day
Designers... manufacturers! Legislators! Kill the standby! In light of the tip below, which I practice, it's worth noting that once the cycle is complete, it stays 'on' 'til morning.
· 47% have yet to replace their light bulbs with low-energy alternatives
Just one word: plonkers. That said, I am testing a few brands as we speak having had a supermarket 'deal' effort blow in about two months. There are low-energy bulbs. There are long life bulbs. There are low energy, long life bulbs. And there are... ways to get us to blow money in the name of green that really has no ROI or enviROI basis at all. So be cautious!
· 19% rarely turn off home computing peripherals when shutting down their PC
Peripherals...no brainer. But on the PC front, well, here the old fence bit comes in. I don't know for sure yet. First up there's the old 'on/off' debate on damage to hard drive from spinning up and down to often being worse than leaving on... even environmentally. Also, the whole nighttime upgrade thing. Mine certainly seems to sort a few things out in the wee smalls. I wish there were a definite, trusted source of what to do on this. The science can't be that hard, surely? Mind you, if we can't get any sense yet on wind farms, what are the odds?
MD Stewart Grew, says: “Where individual consumers stand on climate change is largely irrelevant. That’s a matter of personal conscience, and we could spend years debating the finer points while millions of people sit on the fence.
“The fact is, by saving energy now, every individual can save money – and they just might save the planet at the same time. If all the concerns are real, they will have done their bit for the world. If it all turns out to be so much hot air, then they will have made their own world a better place anyway. Everyone wins.”
And I can't fault that sentiment one jot.
They also have some tips to: Save Energy, Save Money. Again, can't argue... and in fact have been banging on in a similar vein for years. Worth sharing as they are a bit more £-centric than the usual quango/committee efforts that abound:
1. Buy plug-in timers
They save you money by turning on your appliances only when they are needed. And if you are on one of the cheaper, night rates for your electricity, by running your washing machine and dishwasher overnight you could save up to 50% of the cost of running them during the day.
And timer solves the standby issue! I am, by the by, in process of doing a in-home test of several for review on the site soon.
2. Invest in a multi-plug board for your PC
Electrical equipment left on standby in the UK wastes £740 million of energy every year. By switching your computer peripherals off, rather than leaving them on standby, you can save both energy and money.
3. Replace your old GLS light bulbs
Energy saving light bulbs last up to 12 times longer than ordinary light bulbs, and can save you £100 over the bulb’s lifetime – as well as 38kg of CO2 per year!
*The survey was conducted by market research agency TNS. It was conducted over the internet from 14th – 16th August 2007 and involved a sample of 1002 GB adults aged 16-64. The sample was weighted to represent the adult population of Great Britain aged 16-64.
From site Combat Climate Change, it goes on more insightfully to ask: Climate change: a real threat or an excuse for state meddling and stealth taxes? Well, as it stands, I am erring on both, and think a few agree. Which may explain the fence straddling bit.
With all due cautions* we always advise on the origins, extent, methodologies and possible agendas behind any and all research, it's worth sharing.
More than 45% of UK consumers confess they find the climate change debate confusing.
Only 45%?!
Of these, 41% of these admit they have delayed taking direct personal action to reduce their carbon footprint while they get to grips with the complex scientific arguments – even though a staggering 93% are well aware they can also save money by saving energy.
The personal action side is explicable. Why act to reduce 'fun' when there is a get out, albeit vague? The lack of desire to save money anyway is simply... inexplicable.
The survey revealed that more women (56%) than men (37%) find the climate change debate confusing – but women aren’t letting this confusion hold them back, and they equal men in their commitment to reduce their carbon footprint.
Nature vs. nurture? And without getting Germaine Greered, despite younger females now doing better at science I reckon the facts and figures being hurled around may be of more interest to the male mind.
Of those who find the climate change debate confusing, young baby boomers aged 55 to 64 are least likely (30%) to let the confusion hold them back from taking direct personal action to save energy and reduce their carbon footprint; those aged 16-24 were most likely to let the confusion hold them back (50%).
I hate to guess, but I doubt it's confusion; just an excuse for not wishing to miss out on the next iPod upgrade or stay in making something rather than hitting Ibiza. This is often the problem with research into social issues. Who and how many are going say ''Yes, I'm a selfish scumbucket and could care less!'. Other than Jeremy Clarkson, natch.
Overall, 79% of UK consumers believe the threat of climate change to be real. Those living in Greater London (87%) are most likely to be concerned about global climate change; those in the North East take a more cynical view, with 27% admitting they are non believers.
I am surprised, pleasantly, to see them so high. If concerned that belief does not seem to translate into much action.
The research also revealed:
· 40% of us leave a washing machine/dishwasher/electronic appliance on standby every day
Designers... manufacturers! Legislators! Kill the standby! In light of the tip below, which I practice, it's worth noting that once the cycle is complete, it stays 'on' 'til morning.
· 47% have yet to replace their light bulbs with low-energy alternatives
Just one word: plonkers. That said, I am testing a few brands as we speak having had a supermarket 'deal' effort blow in about two months. There are low-energy bulbs. There are long life bulbs. There are low energy, long life bulbs. And there are... ways to get us to blow money in the name of green that really has no ROI or enviROI basis at all. So be cautious!
· 19% rarely turn off home computing peripherals when shutting down their PC
Peripherals...no brainer. But on the PC front, well, here the old fence bit comes in. I don't know for sure yet. First up there's the old 'on/off' debate on damage to hard drive from spinning up and down to often being worse than leaving on... even environmentally. Also, the whole nighttime upgrade thing. Mine certainly seems to sort a few things out in the wee smalls. I wish there were a definite, trusted source of what to do on this. The science can't be that hard, surely? Mind you, if we can't get any sense yet on wind farms, what are the odds?
MD Stewart Grew, says: “Where individual consumers stand on climate change is largely irrelevant. That’s a matter of personal conscience, and we could spend years debating the finer points while millions of people sit on the fence.
“The fact is, by saving energy now, every individual can save money – and they just might save the planet at the same time. If all the concerns are real, they will have done their bit for the world. If it all turns out to be so much hot air, then they will have made their own world a better place anyway. Everyone wins.”
And I can't fault that sentiment one jot.
They also have some tips to: Save Energy, Save Money. Again, can't argue... and in fact have been banging on in a similar vein for years. Worth sharing as they are a bit more £-centric than the usual quango/committee efforts that abound:
1. Buy plug-in timers
They save you money by turning on your appliances only when they are needed. And if you are on one of the cheaper, night rates for your electricity, by running your washing machine and dishwasher overnight you could save up to 50% of the cost of running them during the day.
And timer solves the standby issue! I am, by the by, in process of doing a in-home test of several for review on the site soon.
2. Invest in a multi-plug board for your PC
Electrical equipment left on standby in the UK wastes £740 million of energy every year. By switching your computer peripherals off, rather than leaving them on standby, you can save both energy and money.
3. Replace your old GLS light bulbs
Energy saving light bulbs last up to 12 times longer than ordinary light bulbs, and can save you £100 over the bulb’s lifetime – as well as 38kg of CO2 per year!
*The survey was conducted by market research agency TNS. It was conducted over the internet from 14th – 16th August 2007 and involved a sample of 1002 GB adults aged 16-64. The sample was weighted to represent the adult population of Great Britain aged 16-64.
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