Today I have already watched and read two separate items that got a bit under my skin with the way people in the news say things that really are less than accurate, or substantiated, and the news outlets that allow such messages to go out.
First up is an enduring one, usually spouted by a pol or other spokesperson pitching or defending something under the spotlight; 'The [name social, racial, local, ethnic, national, etc, group here] want/are calling for, etc [this action, inaction, positive, negative, etc].
Er, no. I wasn't asked. And didn't offer any such view. So how do I suddenly get told I am supporting this? My immediate reaction is to rebel. Don't do it. Pitch on the basis of fact and reason.
Next is more topical: ' The climate debate is over'. Er, no, it patently is not. And trying to shut it down in this way is silly. There are still a horde of 'deniers' keeping it going well and truly, and denying this is just playing into their hands.
Find another way of phrasing to persuade those who do not live and breathe the day and night twists of the whole issue. Quick!
Saturday, February 17, 2007
Don't Drive or Drive?
Missed a day. Did you miss me?
The boys are on half-term and 'er indoors had set them up with an eye test in Hereford, so I decided to combo a whole set of chores.
So we set off at 8.45am for the 9.15am appointment. 30 minutes. By car. 3 up. Half a gallon. £2 round trip, plus £1 parking. Back after chores (see below) in time to get lunch ready for Mum.
Took a large box set of exhausted toner cartridges and expired drum thingy to Cartridge World to be refilled. Went to Volvo to see about connecting my solar trickle charger to the cigar lighter (it doesn't seem to work - no answer). Then to Sainsbury's to restock my supply of tinned palm hearts (shipped, I trust - do food miles weigh air vs. sea?). Home.
Now, the simple answer to how to do that 'eco' is to do it slowly or not at all. Was that an option? I guess. But I missed a morning anyway and a lot I needed to do will not get done (you could argue my reading and blogging the day's media is non-essential, but there are a lot of 'jobs' being carried out I'd say are equally forgoeable. It would have been a long day without the car, and more money (unless I never owned the car in the first place. Not really an option in the country). At least I can get this blog post out of it. The green elite would turn it into a TV programme, and pay their mortgage on the proceeds. Most are not so blessed in being rewarded for their good green practices, and I do wonder if those who preach most vocally would do so if not compensated for their special status
Hmmmn.
The boys are on half-term and 'er indoors had set them up with an eye test in Hereford, so I decided to combo a whole set of chores.
So we set off at 8.45am for the 9.15am appointment. 30 minutes. By car. 3 up. Half a gallon. £2 round trip, plus £1 parking. Back after chores (see below) in time to get lunch ready for Mum.
Took a large box set of exhausted toner cartridges and expired drum thingy to Cartridge World to be refilled. Went to Volvo to see about connecting my solar trickle charger to the cigar lighter (it doesn't seem to work - no answer). Then to Sainsbury's to restock my supply of tinned palm hearts (shipped, I trust - do food miles weigh air vs. sea?). Home.
Now, the simple answer to how to do that 'eco' is to do it slowly or not at all. Was that an option? I guess. But I missed a morning anyway and a lot I needed to do will not get done (you could argue my reading and blogging the day's media is non-essential, but there are a lot of 'jobs' being carried out I'd say are equally forgoeable. It would have been a long day without the car, and more money (unless I never owned the car in the first place. Not really an option in the country). At least I can get this blog post out of it. The green elite would turn it into a TV programme, and pay their mortgage on the proceeds. Most are not so blessed in being rewarded for their good green practices, and I do wonder if those who preach most vocally would do so if not compensated for their special status
Hmmmn.
A Century of Scouting
For not much better reason than to test this blog system, which is playing up with error messages, I offer a video for your delectation: A Century of Scouting
Our kids' local group was asked to help with an original song, and Firebird was asked to film, record and edit the results. So we did.
You never know, what goes around may come around.
Our kids' local group was asked to help with an original song, and Firebird was asked to film, record and edit the results. So we did.
You never know, what goes around may come around.
Thursday, February 15, 2007
It's the Sun wot did it: BBC
The Chilling Stars by Calder and Svensmark
"I thought I’d wait and watch the slot before commenting. Having done so I have I must say that it presents a dilemma. It’s one that has been discussed on these e-pages before about the level of balance that needs to be shown by the media in presenting all sides of an argument, and the agendas they can be accused of following when some find it wanting.
This was, one could fairly say, a more contrary view on the causes, effects and solutions to ‘climate change’ to what I hope I can equally fairly claim to be a rather more extensive, possibly majority consensus. Which makes it rather tantalising to media outlets by being at least different, and even... controversial, maybe? So we get the inevitable +/- twofer, only against the duffer (who will be dust before his notions can be proved wrong, which he seemed to be saying we should wait for) this time at least we had a very sane, coherent young lady who knew her stuff and put her case and rebuttals well. With only Mr. Paxman to lob in the odd pot-stirrer to try and throw her off.
Yet look... good golly, there is a book to go with it. Hmmmn. To get a balanced view I have to stump up, and to encourage me to do so I have the benefit of a rather nifty level of free promotion courtesy of the nation’s public, and public-funded, broadcaster.
See.... dilemma. Thing is, in this case I just don’t buy it. The argument. Or the book. Shame that the same doesn’t apply to where I get my broadcast information from, if I think it’s more about ratings than balance.
Is it me, or is that making you shiver too? I’ll go with posts 6&9, James & Paul, on the cause of logic and fact in how best to proceed.
ps: the piece on vultures just made me sick – especially as the govt. decided ‘it couldn’t appear’. Is this the new standard of debate and accountability we can expect in the UK?
pps: Loved the music. Never liked the man. But by 'eck, I had to applaud what Noel G had to say about entertainers and politics. Guess he won't be headlining Global Cool then."
"I thought I’d wait and watch the slot before commenting. Having done so I have I must say that it presents a dilemma. It’s one that has been discussed on these e-pages before about the level of balance that needs to be shown by the media in presenting all sides of an argument, and the agendas they can be accused of following when some find it wanting.
This was, one could fairly say, a more contrary view on the causes, effects and solutions to ‘climate change’ to what I hope I can equally fairly claim to be a rather more extensive, possibly majority consensus. Which makes it rather tantalising to media outlets by being at least different, and even... controversial, maybe? So we get the inevitable +/- twofer, only against the duffer (who will be dust before his notions can be proved wrong, which he seemed to be saying we should wait for) this time at least we had a very sane, coherent young lady who knew her stuff and put her case and rebuttals well. With only Mr. Paxman to lob in the odd pot-stirrer to try and throw her off.
Yet look... good golly, there is a book to go with it. Hmmmn. To get a balanced view I have to stump up, and to encourage me to do so I have the benefit of a rather nifty level of free promotion courtesy of the nation’s public, and public-funded, broadcaster.
See.... dilemma. Thing is, in this case I just don’t buy it. The argument. Or the book. Shame that the same doesn’t apply to where I get my broadcast information from, if I think it’s more about ratings than balance.
Is it me, or is that making you shiver too? I’ll go with posts 6&9, James & Paul, on the cause of logic and fact in how best to proceed.
ps: the piece on vultures just made me sick – especially as the govt. decided ‘it couldn’t appear’. Is this the new standard of debate and accountability we can expect in the UK?
pps: Loved the music. Never liked the man. But by 'eck, I had to applaud what Noel G had to say about entertainers and politics. Guess he won't be headlining Global Cool then."
Dave does Devos. Ta.
Dave at Solarventi has kindly send me this:
Just found this by accident - http://www.demos.co.uk/themes/~clim
If you look at the Technorati links they are all links to your blog.
Now I need a bit of help here.
a) Is this a good thing? (They seem very nice folk and their mission is in keeping with mine from a quick scope of the site).
Assuming it is...
b) How does this Technorati thing work?
c) How did I end up there?
d) How do we work the same magic elsewhere, starting with de.licio.us?
Any offers welcomed!
Just found this by accident - http://www.demos.co.uk/themes/~clim
If you look at the Technorati links they are all links to your blog.
Now I need a bit of help here.
a) Is this a good thing? (They seem very nice folk and their mission is in keeping with mine from a quick scope of the site).
Assuming it is...
b) How does this Technorati thing work?
c) How did I end up there?
d) How do we work the same magic elsewhere, starting with de.licio.us?
Any offers welcomed!
I want to ride my bicycle, I want to ride my bike.
So, become an MP.
My cycling Triumph
This all sounds so super and sensible.
Of course cycling is to be admired, and advocated... wherever and whenever possible.
I just wish those that pay my salary (now, who pays for Westminster dwellers' time?) where as cooperative on funding the time I take getting to and fro. They seem only keen on stumping up for time spent working, sadly. Something those who set policy and impose taxes, so most have to cover as much ground in as little time as possible, would be as well to bear in mind.
Enjoy the fresh air and view, mate. I wish I could.
Next thing we know you'll be touring around South America on your trusty Triumph with a full BBC film crew in tow (4x4s are really the only thing practical for all the kit, dontyaknow), blogging the jaunt to raise awareness in all the rest of us for how horrible our lives are... for the environment.
Er, good for you.... on yer bike.
My cycling Triumph
This all sounds so super and sensible.
Of course cycling is to be admired, and advocated... wherever and whenever possible.
I just wish those that pay my salary (now, who pays for Westminster dwellers' time?) where as cooperative on funding the time I take getting to and fro. They seem only keen on stumping up for time spent working, sadly. Something those who set policy and impose taxes, so most have to cover as much ground in as little time as possible, would be as well to bear in mind.
Enjoy the fresh air and view, mate. I wish I could.
Next thing we know you'll be touring around South America on your trusty Triumph with a full BBC film crew in tow (4x4s are really the only thing practical for all the kit, dontyaknow), blogging the jaunt to raise awareness in all the rest of us for how horrible our lives are... for the environment.
Er, good for you.... on yer bike.
When poachers turn gamekeepers. With nukes.
This issue has rumbled on so long I almost sailed past it.
Nuclear energy? Yes please...
Then I saw who the pro-nuclear advocate in question was, and that makes it worthy of note in the debate, and coming to a pragmatic opinion.
The writer is a former leader of Greenpeace and chair and chief scientist of Greenspirit Strategies
That, of course, along with the facts quoted (in this day and age, one man's fact is another's lobby-group propaganda), I leave to you.
Nuclear energy? Yes please...
Then I saw who the pro-nuclear advocate in question was, and that makes it worthy of note in the debate, and coming to a pragmatic opinion.
The writer is a former leader of Greenpeace and chair and chief scientist of Greenspirit Strategies
That, of course, along with the facts quoted (in this day and age, one man's fact is another's lobby-group propaganda), I leave to you.
What the view like up there!
If you look back over the last few blogs you will see I have become a little testy with those from the chattering classes that seem to feel that they are slightly above the rest of us, and such things as popular petitions are really rather grubby, ineffective and even if a million+ (with some wonderful juggling on what % of the voting population they constitute) do offer an opinion it is... misguided.So, with due deference to our youngers and betters in the media, I bring you something Not in our (now who is that?) name: what looks pretty much like a petition.
How very Animal Farm, now some petitions are more relevant than others, and a few score elite - Leading figures from politics, religion, the arts (leading whom, exactly?) and the military - are waaay more important than the mere working public.
ps: In the Indy yesterday, and I admit to being selective, but these are direct quotes: 'Petitions should not determine government policy', 'we should not be unduly swayed by this petition'
Guardian - Beware of No 10's instant democracy
You know, I'm getting a teenie bit tired of being told I am not as worthy of having, and/or expressing an opinion by those who feel better positioned to do so.
http://junkk.blogspot.com/2007/02/emperors-new-steamroller_14.html
http://junkk.blogspot.com/2007/02/what-view-like-up-there.html
One thing is true though. Nothing will kill the value of this valuable opportunity to actually engage the workings of government with the working classes quicker than all the nonsense petitions, which are clogging the system. Democracy inaction, I guess.
And those used to a clear, suitably moderated (thanks, CiF) shot at telling us what to do and think (pols, commentators, spokespersons) all have a vested interest in making it so. There's an unholy alliance against a great threat: a population fed up with being fed spin and kept in a froth, who just want to get on and do what they can and is reasonable to make life fairer and safer for their families and futures.
Just before the airflown compost hit the windwill, I had submitted a compromise IHT petition advocating a Carbon Legacy to future generations, which has been acknowledged but not yet accepted or rejected - http://junkk.blogspot.com/2007/02/carbon-legacy.html . Just a tad busy elsewhere at the 'mo to get it up, I'm hoping.
I also sweat on it getting rejected for not mutting the custard. Or maybe being too sensible and uncontentious to risk being shared with the ignorant masses.
Because that just seems how some want to keep things that they don't control these days - divide & rule!
BBC - Transport targets 'not being met'
Wednesday, February 14, 2007
Dragging On, and Down? - How reality TV is not serving this nation
A caught a piece from the FT (no sub, no access to comment), but wrote to the author, who kindly replied and suggested I resend to the letters page. Here's the full version:
What I read struck a chord in one who has stood and still stands at the other side of the entrepreneur: business angel/VC relationship. With the dubious added extra benefit of being involved with such reality TV shows as well.
There's a lot of talk in high places these days about encouraging enterprise, especially the social variety.
As with anything, having a great idea is the easy part. Putting together a business plan that makes sense, and a team to execute it just notches up the grief factor to a whole new level. But once you get to funding....
Which is why a lot of people are seduced by such shows. With the added attraction of potential publicity, which any product or service can only gain from having, especially to a nationwide audience, for no more investment than some time, small change and some humiliation.
I thought I was smart, but perhaps I was too smart. I had no intention of some clown getting half my company for the price of their lunch tab at the Ivy, especially when I had no idea what the deal would be before deciding on the spot, and with no idea of their level of commitment. I just wanted profile. Sadly, they saw me coming a mile off. And now I realise my cunning plan would still be on the edit room floor.
So what we have is an endless supply of hapless, televisual 'Christians' being fed into... the Dragon's Den.
Great for ratings. Horrible for enterprise. Most with halfway decent ideas now wouldn't go near such shows (at the British Invention Show we were running away from their reps), and are tarring serious, sensible, decent investors with a very negative brush. And as far as the youth of the country is concerned, being a good businessperson now merely requires one being like Simon Cowell, only without the charm and the interesting lifestyle.
It's a disaster for getting together the key, complementary components that make up a great team to push something into the market and turn a profit.
If I had one critique from my experience of the more reasonable varieties of VC/funder, it is that they still expect things to be laid out for them in a manner they can recognise. Understandable, but there are a lot of creative people out there who are not that savvy with or temperamentally attuned to P&Ls, spreadsheets, forecasts etc. Or suits. It's a shame therefore that there is not more effort to establish a proactive and productive interface between these two disparate character traits, to facilitate the path to mutual reward.
There is more to life than just making money and showing how 'hard' you can be. And in my business experience, it's the guys who are very smart, and very nice as well, who really make things happen.
'A great person (ok, I'm PC-sensitive) makes others feel small. A truly great person makes others feel great'.
I'd rather work with the latter, as I know that if they make me feel great, together we'll make others feel great, and that is a quick route to success... and staying at the top.
I attach here a URL to just one thread of a posting to a show you may or may not have heard of - SKY's The Big Idea - where the subject of DD came up. You may be interested. I just looked and there is a brand new posting about DD. Not very encouraging.
What I read struck a chord in one who has stood and still stands at the other side of the entrepreneur: business angel/VC relationship. With the dubious added extra benefit of being involved with such reality TV shows as well.
There's a lot of talk in high places these days about encouraging enterprise, especially the social variety.
As with anything, having a great idea is the easy part. Putting together a business plan that makes sense, and a team to execute it just notches up the grief factor to a whole new level. But once you get to funding....
Which is why a lot of people are seduced by such shows. With the added attraction of potential publicity, which any product or service can only gain from having, especially to a nationwide audience, for no more investment than some time, small change and some humiliation.
I thought I was smart, but perhaps I was too smart. I had no intention of some clown getting half my company for the price of their lunch tab at the Ivy, especially when I had no idea what the deal would be before deciding on the spot, and with no idea of their level of commitment. I just wanted profile. Sadly, they saw me coming a mile off. And now I realise my cunning plan would still be on the edit room floor.
So what we have is an endless supply of hapless, televisual 'Christians' being fed into... the Dragon's Den.
Great for ratings. Horrible for enterprise. Most with halfway decent ideas now wouldn't go near such shows (at the British Invention Show we were running away from their reps), and are tarring serious, sensible, decent investors with a very negative brush. And as far as the youth of the country is concerned, being a good businessperson now merely requires one being like Simon Cowell, only without the charm and the interesting lifestyle.
It's a disaster for getting together the key, complementary components that make up a great team to push something into the market and turn a profit.
If I had one critique from my experience of the more reasonable varieties of VC/funder, it is that they still expect things to be laid out for them in a manner they can recognise. Understandable, but there are a lot of creative people out there who are not that savvy with or temperamentally attuned to P&Ls, spreadsheets, forecasts etc. Or suits. It's a shame therefore that there is not more effort to establish a proactive and productive interface between these two disparate character traits, to facilitate the path to mutual reward.
There is more to life than just making money and showing how 'hard' you can be. And in my business experience, it's the guys who are very smart, and very nice as well, who really make things happen.
'A great person (ok, I'm PC-sensitive) makes others feel small. A truly great person makes others feel great'.
I'd rather work with the latter, as I know that if they make me feel great, together we'll make others feel great, and that is a quick route to success... and staying at the top.
I attach here a URL to just one thread of a posting to a show you may or may not have heard of - SKY's The Big Idea - where the subject of DD came up. You may be interested. I just looked and there is a brand new posting about DD. Not very encouraging.
It all adds up. Or does it?
Calculating the carbon cost of business travel
I wonder how much calculating results in not doing in the first place.
Homeworking, video-conferencing, anyone?
Whacking a fir in the Gobi to compensate is not better than nothing, if and when the alternative of not travelling is available.
It will also make for a thinner travel section as you don't get to go to report on a Bali sap where the climate change delegates will go to relax. Or their ads.
But it does spoil the jollies some, luckier than others, enjoy.
ADDENDUM:
A very comprehensive post by EvilClanger, most of which I could not agree more with.
My only area of concern strays into the social costs of sledgehammer taxes, so I am reassured to see the word ‘graduated’ in the commercial tax calculation. I do get nervous by what seems a vaguely elitist, urban-centric view that those who live in the country all escaped there and enjoy a bohemian lifestyle. I’d venture many do not have the luxury of a penthouse in Canary Wharf, especially if they have families or don’t work in the City. I do believe it’s because that’s all they can afford.
ps: I think fur is now back ‘in’, probably featured in a gossip or style section near here.
I wonder how much calculating results in not doing in the first place.
Homeworking, video-conferencing, anyone?
Whacking a fir in the Gobi to compensate is not better than nothing, if and when the alternative of not travelling is available.
It will also make for a thinner travel section as you don't get to go to report on a Bali sap where the climate change delegates will go to relax. Or their ads.
But it does spoil the jollies some, luckier than others, enjoy.
ADDENDUM:
A very comprehensive post by EvilClanger, most of which I could not agree more with.
My only area of concern strays into the social costs of sledgehammer taxes, so I am reassured to see the word ‘graduated’ in the commercial tax calculation. I do get nervous by what seems a vaguely elitist, urban-centric view that those who live in the country all escaped there and enjoy a bohemian lifestyle. I’d venture many do not have the luxury of a penthouse in Canary Wharf, especially if they have families or don’t work in the City. I do believe it’s because that’s all they can afford.
ps: I think fur is now back ‘in’, probably featured in a gossip or style section near here.
The Emperor's New Steamroller
Wasn't the first. Won't be the last.: Road charge petition was a car crash waiting to happen
'I don't think anyone is coming out of this very well, including me probably but especially the planet, sadly.
Like a few posters here (not exactly the Jeremy Clarkson fan club, but for a Guardian blog the % pro/con the petition is significant, at least at this early stage), I fully accept that something needs to be done, but signed the petition because I certainly was not going to hand a bunch of clowns 'my mandate' to do it with their greenwashing/income-generating track record to date.
And especially with almost all policy being decided by a new-found green elite within the Islington/Westminster/FleetStreet triangle, who probably don't need a car to get them to work any more than their villas in Tuscany.
I'm still wading through all the media sources of today to see how it has moved on (to create an updated post to the one above), but one thing that has struck me already is the shameless and arrogant way that so many of the chattering classes have decided that they know stuff and the rest of us don't. Much less should be allowed have the right to express it. Feeling a little redundant perhaps, chaps and chapesses? The people are still allowed opinions, I do trust? And now it seems when they do get expressed we either don't understand, are being misled or are being selfish.
And our elected representatives have a "duty to listen"? Well there's a novelty. It seems that they no longer have much of a duty hear what is being said, or are too [insert pejorative here] to understand or feel the need to respond sensibly if the old index-linked is looking a smidge threatened.
Odd also that it has taken until now for a "high-ranking government member" (which means NOTHING to me unless it is attributed, so why quote it) and others to express some doubts - Event. Wise. After. The.
Live with it dudes. So as you sowed...
Actually, I think it's a great piece of popular feedback, sadly lacking these days from those claimed voices of the people that are our press - with 'right' & 'left' inevitably taking polar opposite views and then rabble-rousing to drum up the best readerships/ratings they can before moving on to the next stumbling invalid to savage.
And I love the notion of declining to comment on something, with a spokesman then commenting.
Yet again, all those with a vested interest in their self-serving agendas are running like blazes from having an opinion that may actually pin them down to a sincere belief... which might also not quite fit. Let's find some folk with cojones and credibility out there to deal with this honestly, as opposed to back-pedaling, backside-covering and attempting to steamroller through the crowds regardless with no clothes on.'
It also occurs, too late, that the headline is daft. What are they saying? Only approved petitions are allowed? That defeats the object!!!
Caught in the headlights
A similar discussion going on next door: http://junkk.blogspot.com/2007/02/emperors-new-steamroller_14.html
As life, and policy, these days is dictated by headline, I have to look critically at "A Million Motorists CAN be Wrong". I am a motorist. And I signed. Therefore I am wrong?
I just dared to voice support for an opinion, having been asked to do so by my government, on the boss-man's website. Maybe the nuances of my views were lost a bit in the sweeping nature of it all, but on balance I was not handing my kids' future, short and long term, to this plan from this lot, with their record. And I'm wrong?
I am as green as I think I can be. Not as green as I could. And I see the way forward as being through cooperation (which means trust), fairness, reward and genuine, prioritised enviro-ROI. The way I read this effort it was no such thing. So my response was nothing to do with 'wanting to ignore global warming'.
Maybe voters sign before they know enough. It has been ever thus. Who is there to decide what we know and when it is enough? It seems a lot of folk who don't like the result have tried to play a 'you are not worthy card'. Especially major media who reckon they have the exclusive on such wisdom yet invariably manage polar opposite views.
Now that gets me very annoyed.
Times - Blair to e-mail all who sign road charge petition
Long day. Just got to this. The others have pretty much covered it all. But here's my 2p:
So Mr. Blair is going to write to me to dispel the myths that caused me to sign the petition?
Poor old me. I just signed it because it looked like yet another half-a***ed income generating exercise concocted by city-dwellers to fill the index-linked public sector pension hole in the name of green, with no clear outline of how the revenue would improve the environment. I do trust that will be addressed in his email.
And now I am going to be fed one-sided propaganda to make me change my mind, because they know where I live. What next? Zils at dawn?
I think I feel another political disaster coming on. Spinning out of control?
Times - Driven round the bend at £1.50 a mile
Love it. A grumpy person in a flat city telling the rest of us in the country to cycle. You'll be telling me to use the tube next. You really should get out more and realise not all of us live in the Islington, Westminster, Fleet Street triangle. So notions dreamt up in the Ivy are a bit of a concern to the rest of us.
Meanwhile, back to why I signed. As Mr. Blair now knows here I live and is going to send the boys round to point out the error of my ways as I have been 'misled' by a concern over things that 'have not be ruled out', I do hope I will get full disclosure of how all this dosh goes to helping my kids' future environmentally and not propping up his bloated circus of departments' and beholden quangos' pension plans.
Times - There may be better alternatives to road pricing
Times - Livingstone’s £8 zone heads west, but traffic jams are as bad as ever
Indy - Good policies should not fall victim to the bullying of selfish, short-sighted petitioners
I need go no further than this: '..bullying of selfish, short-sighted petitioners'. For the rest go here.
I do not believe I am selfish, or shortsighted. I am concerned, especially at things that 'need not be ruled out'. As well as a total lack of clear answers.
As to bullying, by invitation I signed a petition, and did so based on a lot of information I had gleaned to my satisfaction. If that is bullying, you need to look up your definitions.
Do you by chance live within walking, or tube distance of London's political, media and social centres?
I believe you and your fellow know-betters have set back the cause of environmental engagement with the vast majority of this contry's common people more than anything else in recent history. Your arrogance is breath-taking.
Indy - Mark Steel: Anyone would think motorists were a minority In there, amongst all the champagne socialist ranting, is a few fair points: 'the reason the petition has attracted such vast numbers is public transport is ridiculously, unreliably, filthily expensive.
And the last train between major cities is usually about eight o' clock, because if you want to stay out later than that you're obviously some sort of Bohemian...
Shame he spoiled it with his intro and ending. I guess he was having a bad day getting from Islington to White City by BBC-compensated cab.
Eco-liberal elites like him are no longer funny. And we won't even die laughing if we can't get the normal, working folk onside.
Telegraph - Debate on road pricing is 'a sham'
Indy - Stuck in the wrong gear - A lot more sense than their commentators
Telegraph - Road pricing 'won't end congestion problems'
'I don't think anyone is coming out of this very well, including me probably but especially the planet, sadly.
Like a few posters here (not exactly the Jeremy Clarkson fan club, but for a Guardian blog the % pro/con the petition is significant, at least at this early stage), I fully accept that something needs to be done, but signed the petition because I certainly was not going to hand a bunch of clowns 'my mandate' to do it with their greenwashing/income-generating track record to date.
And especially with almost all policy being decided by a new-found green elite within the Islington/Westminster/FleetStreet triangle, who probably don't need a car to get them to work any more than their villas in Tuscany.
I'm still wading through all the media sources of today to see how it has moved on (to create an updated post to the one above), but one thing that has struck me already is the shameless and arrogant way that so many of the chattering classes have decided that they know stuff and the rest of us don't. Much less should be allowed have the right to express it. Feeling a little redundant perhaps, chaps and chapesses? The people are still allowed opinions, I do trust? And now it seems when they do get expressed we either don't understand, are being misled or are being selfish.
And our elected representatives have a "duty to listen"? Well there's a novelty. It seems that they no longer have much of a duty hear what is being said, or are too [insert pejorative here] to understand or feel the need to respond sensibly if the old index-linked is looking a smidge threatened.
Odd also that it has taken until now for a "high-ranking government member" (which means NOTHING to me unless it is attributed, so why quote it) and others to express some doubts - Event. Wise. After. The.
Live with it dudes. So as you sowed...
Actually, I think it's a great piece of popular feedback, sadly lacking these days from those claimed voices of the people that are our press - with 'right' & 'left' inevitably taking polar opposite views and then rabble-rousing to drum up the best readerships/ratings they can before moving on to the next stumbling invalid to savage.
And I love the notion of declining to comment on something, with a spokesman then commenting.
Yet again, all those with a vested interest in their self-serving agendas are running like blazes from having an opinion that may actually pin them down to a sincere belief... which might also not quite fit. Let's find some folk with cojones and credibility out there to deal with this honestly, as opposed to back-pedaling, backside-covering and attempting to steamroller through the crowds regardless with no clothes on.'
It also occurs, too late, that the headline is daft. What are they saying? Only approved petitions are allowed? That defeats the object!!!
Caught in the headlights
A similar discussion going on next door: http://junkk.blogspot.com/2007/02/emperors-new-steamroller_14.html
As life, and policy, these days is dictated by headline, I have to look critically at "A Million Motorists CAN be Wrong". I am a motorist. And I signed. Therefore I am wrong?
I just dared to voice support for an opinion, having been asked to do so by my government, on the boss-man's website. Maybe the nuances of my views were lost a bit in the sweeping nature of it all, but on balance I was not handing my kids' future, short and long term, to this plan from this lot, with their record. And I'm wrong?
I am as green as I think I can be. Not as green as I could. And I see the way forward as being through cooperation (which means trust), fairness, reward and genuine, prioritised enviro-ROI. The way I read this effort it was no such thing. So my response was nothing to do with 'wanting to ignore global warming'.
Maybe voters sign before they know enough. It has been ever thus. Who is there to decide what we know and when it is enough? It seems a lot of folk who don't like the result have tried to play a 'you are not worthy card'. Especially major media who reckon they have the exclusive on such wisdom yet invariably manage polar opposite views.
Now that gets me very annoyed.
Times - Blair to e-mail all who sign road charge petition
Long day. Just got to this. The others have pretty much covered it all. But here's my 2p:
So Mr. Blair is going to write to me to dispel the myths that caused me to sign the petition?
Poor old me. I just signed it because it looked like yet another half-a***ed income generating exercise concocted by city-dwellers to fill the index-linked public sector pension hole in the name of green, with no clear outline of how the revenue would improve the environment. I do trust that will be addressed in his email.
And now I am going to be fed one-sided propaganda to make me change my mind, because they know where I live. What next? Zils at dawn?
I think I feel another political disaster coming on. Spinning out of control?
Times - Driven round the bend at £1.50 a mile
Love it. A grumpy person in a flat city telling the rest of us in the country to cycle. You'll be telling me to use the tube next. You really should get out more and realise not all of us live in the Islington, Westminster, Fleet Street triangle. So notions dreamt up in the Ivy are a bit of a concern to the rest of us.
Meanwhile, back to why I signed. As Mr. Blair now knows here I live and is going to send the boys round to point out the error of my ways as I have been 'misled' by a concern over things that 'have not be ruled out', I do hope I will get full disclosure of how all this dosh goes to helping my kids' future environmentally and not propping up his bloated circus of departments' and beholden quangos' pension plans.
Times - There may be better alternatives to road pricing
Times - Livingstone’s £8 zone heads west, but traffic jams are as bad as ever
Indy - Good policies should not fall victim to the bullying of selfish, short-sighted petitioners
I need go no further than this: '..bullying of selfish, short-sighted petitioners'. For the rest go here.
I do not believe I am selfish, or shortsighted. I am concerned, especially at things that 'need not be ruled out'. As well as a total lack of clear answers.
As to bullying, by invitation I signed a petition, and did so based on a lot of information I had gleaned to my satisfaction. If that is bullying, you need to look up your definitions.
Do you by chance live within walking, or tube distance of London's political, media and social centres?
I believe you and your fellow know-betters have set back the cause of environmental engagement with the vast majority of this contry's common people more than anything else in recent history. Your arrogance is breath-taking.
Indy - Mark Steel: Anyone would think motorists were a minority In there, amongst all the champagne socialist ranting, is a few fair points: 'the reason the petition has attracted such vast numbers is public transport is ridiculously, unreliably, filthily expensive.
And the last train between major cities is usually about eight o' clock, because if you want to stay out later than that you're obviously some sort of Bohemian...
Shame he spoiled it with his intro and ending. I guess he was having a bad day getting from Islington to White City by BBC-compensated cab.
Eco-liberal elites like him are no longer funny. And we won't even die laughing if we can't get the normal, working folk onside.
Telegraph - Debate on road pricing is 'a sham'
Indy - Stuck in the wrong gear - A lot more sense than their commentators
Telegraph - Road pricing 'won't end congestion problems'
Men of God. Feet of clay.
The other night there was a programme about religion's involvement in global warming... and what they are doing and intend to do about it: Saving souls - and the planet
I've just watched it.
Seemed the thing to do before commenting too much.
I think we have a better chance with Tony Blair and his celebrity roadshow.
Which is a worry.
ps: Good point on the 50k a week flying nun... ok, bishop. I saw it, thought 'typical' and moved on without thinking. Tricky things, facts.
I've just watched it.
Seemed the thing to do before commenting too much.
I think we have a better chance with Tony Blair and his celebrity roadshow.
Which is a worry.
ps: Good point on the 50k a week flying nun... ok, bishop. I saw it, thought 'typical' and moved on without thinking. Tricky things, facts.
Rumbling On
As long term readers of this blog will recall, we took part in a Reality TV show last year that started well but drifted in to... 'unfortunate' areas.
I'm sure the programme makers would hope that it has been left well alone, but a lot of folk were asked to commit a lot of time and money in a contest, whose rules and management became less and less satisfactory, with a bizarre collection of decisions being taken by the organisers that left the results in question.
As one who was not impressed, I decided that if there was anything that needed answering, those responsible should answer it. So I have maintained a watching brief.
This latest vindicates my determination.
If even winners have not had delivered what was promised, it goes to the true intentions of the programme makers to all who were invited to take part.
I'm sure the programme makers would hope that it has been left well alone, but a lot of folk were asked to commit a lot of time and money in a contest, whose rules and management became less and less satisfactory, with a bizarre collection of decisions being taken by the organisers that left the results in question.
As one who was not impressed, I decided that if there was anything that needed answering, those responsible should answer it. So I have maintained a watching brief.
This latest vindicates my determination.
If even winners have not had delivered what was promised, it goes to the true intentions of the programme makers to all who were invited to take part.
Tuesday, February 13, 2007
Shopping the Supermarkets
I accidentally left my PC TV link on this am, and so when I came to the office I managed to watch this programme: Shopping the Supermarkets
I'm glad I did. What a damning indictment of the system that exists and, indeed, is permitted.
Here's the blurb:
Milking the Suppliers?
We all love supermarkets, but who pays the price for the cheap food we buy? We meet three characters who can tell us first hand. Nigel has been growing lettuces for supermarkets for 27 years but has just been dropped by a supermarket because he can't compete on price; Victoria thinks she makes the best range of pestos in Britain and has one chance to pitch them to Sainsburys; and Somerset dairy farmer Chris is reluctantly selling his cows because he can't make a living from milk.
Having worked most of my life in the ad game, I am well used to the irrational whims that accompany single folk in positions of power within a marketing organisation. This laid bare the consequences.
It also showed up the hoops that decent folk are put though by committees of middle managers, with matrices and other Brent-speek holding sway over loyalty, relationships and logic.
Sickening. It explains, if not excuses, the problems we are having getting these guys to even talk to us. And we are trying to make them money!
My only slight reservation about the programme was who was featured and who not. Sainsbury cooperated and treated their subject ( a woman so destitute she was down to her last new Range Rover) to an order. Somerfield did not and came off badly, though it seemed deservedly so.
I'm glad I did. What a damning indictment of the system that exists and, indeed, is permitted.
Here's the blurb:
Milking the Suppliers?
We all love supermarkets, but who pays the price for the cheap food we buy? We meet three characters who can tell us first hand. Nigel has been growing lettuces for supermarkets for 27 years but has just been dropped by a supermarket because he can't compete on price; Victoria thinks she makes the best range of pestos in Britain and has one chance to pitch them to Sainsburys; and Somerset dairy farmer Chris is reluctantly selling his cows because he can't make a living from milk.
Having worked most of my life in the ad game, I am well used to the irrational whims that accompany single folk in positions of power within a marketing organisation. This laid bare the consequences.
It also showed up the hoops that decent folk are put though by committees of middle managers, with matrices and other Brent-speek holding sway over loyalty, relationships and logic.
Sickening. It explains, if not excuses, the problems we are having getting these guys to even talk to us. And we are trying to make them money!
My only slight reservation about the programme was who was featured and who not. Sainsbury cooperated and treated their subject ( a woman so destitute she was down to her last new Range Rover) to an order. Somerfield did not and came off badly, though it seemed deservedly so.
Thoroughly Modern Milli
This man is pretty much central to the government side of what I'm trying to do. I have been in the process of writing to him for a few eeks, but every time I get ready to lick the stamp, the situation changes again. A week is a long time in writing to a politician:
Miliband loses Teflon touch
'Don't ask properly. Don't tell and it will blow over.'
My problem is that I don't have a clue what's going on any more, thanks to a media so obsessed with a one-day turnaround (and prepared to selectively quote, if necessary out of context, to maximise readership ratings) that in-depth journalism goes out of the window in favour of a quick 'hit',
And they are so addicted to these 'hits' they will drop one for the next in the blink of an eye.
Meanwhile, politicians (or indeed anyone who are stuck in front of the camera, microphone or steno pad) have realised this, and have opted for deny, deny, deny, or better yet saying nothing until it blows over.
Hence there may be those who have performed well and those who did not. The latter will certainly not be held accountable, and to succeed these days you merely need to be adept at not getting pinned down to anything.
In this regard Mr. Milliband is almost refreshing in some 'off-message' (ie: can be pounced on to stir the media pot) pronouncements, but on balance over the last few weeks (climate, turkeys, etc), I can think of nothing I have read, heard or seen beyond 'It's difficult', 'will be looked at', 'is only as good as what I'm told...' that actually meant anything tangible.
I am so looking for a leader from any party who has the courage and charisma to pick a direction, stick to it and let me know what it is in terms I can grasp well enough to follow in support.
I am writing to him about one of his quangos going from not supporting my Junkk.com free-to-public reuse efforts to what seems like outright competition, funded by private sponsorship. So thank you alisdair campbell for some very useful info to add to the case I'm putting forward for government to help social entrepreneurs as effectively as the claims that have been made of such initiatives lately.
Miliband loses Teflon touch
'Don't ask properly. Don't tell and it will blow over.'
My problem is that I don't have a clue what's going on any more, thanks to a media so obsessed with a one-day turnaround (and prepared to selectively quote, if necessary out of context, to maximise readership ratings) that in-depth journalism goes out of the window in favour of a quick 'hit',
And they are so addicted to these 'hits' they will drop one for the next in the blink of an eye.
Meanwhile, politicians (or indeed anyone who are stuck in front of the camera, microphone or steno pad) have realised this, and have opted for deny, deny, deny, or better yet saying nothing until it blows over.
Hence there may be those who have performed well and those who did not. The latter will certainly not be held accountable, and to succeed these days you merely need to be adept at not getting pinned down to anything.
In this regard Mr. Milliband is almost refreshing in some 'off-message' (ie: can be pounced on to stir the media pot) pronouncements, but on balance over the last few weeks (climate, turkeys, etc), I can think of nothing I have read, heard or seen beyond 'It's difficult', 'will be looked at', 'is only as good as what I'm told...' that actually meant anything tangible.
I am so looking for a leader from any party who has the courage and charisma to pick a direction, stick to it and let me know what it is in terms I can grasp well enough to follow in support.
I am writing to him about one of his quangos going from not supporting my Junkk.com free-to-public reuse efforts to what seems like outright competition, funded by private sponsorship. So thank you alisdair campbell for some very useful info to add to the case I'm putting forward for government to help social entrepreneurs as effectively as the claims that have been made of such initiatives lately.
Let the spins begin!
Battle of the rhubarb
'Why are they destroying our 100-year-old allotments to make way for the 'Green Olympics'?'
Hype. Spin. Ambition. Greed. Targets. Cowardice. Obfuscation. Lack of oversight. No accountability. Media with eyes only on tomorrow's headline (All for the competition to the point it's won, then all down on it once the consequences they should have reported upon sink in... or make new stories)... er, etc
And sod all to do with the environment.
A billion £ con, and so far how many posts?
Maybe we're wrong, then.
BBC - London Olympics could cost £9bn
Telegraph - 'Brown to blame for 2012 Olympics costs'
Telegraph - The real cost of the Olympics
And who, if ever, will get called to account in tangible terms if this is, as seems likely, borne out?
Where there is no accountability there is no responsibility.
And where there is no responsibility there is no reason to serve any measure but self-interest.
Telegraph - Olympics budget set at £5bn in bid to end row - Nice to see it has been 'set' .. at last
Guardian - The show must go on
Telegraph - Olympic budget trebles to £9.3bn - look back two lines. And how many days?
Indy - Jowell: cost of Olympics has tripled to £9bn - not just the right wing stirring, then
Indy - The cost of victory
Indy - Tessa's going for the gold in Olympic chicanery
Newsnight - Thursday, 15 March, 2007
'Why are they destroying our 100-year-old allotments to make way for the 'Green Olympics'?'
Hype. Spin. Ambition. Greed. Targets. Cowardice. Obfuscation. Lack of oversight. No accountability. Media with eyes only on tomorrow's headline (All for the competition to the point it's won, then all down on it once the consequences they should have reported upon sink in... or make new stories)... er, etc
And sod all to do with the environment.
A billion £ con, and so far how many posts?
Maybe we're wrong, then.
BBC - London Olympics could cost £9bn
Telegraph - 'Brown to blame for 2012 Olympics costs'
Telegraph - The real cost of the Olympics
And who, if ever, will get called to account in tangible terms if this is, as seems likely, borne out?
Where there is no accountability there is no responsibility.
And where there is no responsibility there is no reason to serve any measure but self-interest.
Telegraph - Olympics budget set at £5bn in bid to end row - Nice to see it has been 'set' .. at last
Guardian - The show must go on
Telegraph - Olympic budget trebles to £9.3bn - look back two lines. And how many days?
Indy - Jowell: cost of Olympics has tripled to £9bn - not just the right wing stirring, then
Indy - The cost of victory
Indy - Tessa's going for the gold in Olympic chicanery
Newsnight - Thursday, 15 March, 2007
Worth a try... again
Over the weekend I was watching BBC News 24, and something struck me, and was minded to write in:
bbcnews24@bbc.co.uk
'With the IPCC report just a week old (and warranting about a day's in most major media) it seems a pity the most clicked on issue is just the inconvenience and/or fun of the extreme weather, though possibly nothing directly to do with global warming.
Maybe people are just so over-awed, or just plain bored by the way it is all being treated?
I think individuals need to be inspired by more down to earth, meaningful ways to do their bit, and enjoy doing it, rather than grand claims by scientists, arguments by activists, short-term headlines by the media and celebrity band-wagon jumping.
It needs to be made practical, fun and rewarding for normal people in the street and home.
Something like this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eA0onyAQRvo'
bbcnews24@bbc.co.uk
'With the IPCC report just a week old (and warranting about a day's in most major media) it seems a pity the most clicked on issue is just the inconvenience and/or fun of the extreme weather, though possibly nothing directly to do with global warming.
Maybe people are just so over-awed, or just plain bored by the way it is all being treated?
I think individuals need to be inspired by more down to earth, meaningful ways to do their bit, and enjoy doing it, rather than grand claims by scientists, arguments by activists, short-term headlines by the media and celebrity band-wagon jumping.
It needs to be made practical, fun and rewarding for normal people in the street and home.
Something like this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eA0onyAQRvo'
Monday, February 12, 2007
Dave won't be happy
I mean Dave the poster on this blog, not Miliband, or Cameron, etc (though they might be a smidge miffed, too)
I wouldn't have even bothered with this, but he is former editor of New Scientist:
An experiment that hints we are wrong on climate change
'I am prepared to listen to all sides of an argument before trying to come to a decision, but I have to say I am swayed not only by numbers in documents, but the numbers of qualified persons producing them. It's looking about 2000 to 2 so far (I exagerate, or what we science types call 'choosing the numbers we like to prove our case', for effect). And when I see the words 'in our forthcoming book' I'm guessing I have to fork out to get this side in itsentirety, which further clouds my view.
Which is frustrating, because I am always up for balance.
I have to agree with any poster (post moderation) who advocates erring on the side of caution, as opposed to a rather Medieval method that seems to work on the basis of 'Ok, you were right, we are both toast. But I had a blast these last ten years'.
I also am more prone to pay attention and support anyone who comes up with rational, positive solutions that work within today's framework, rather than launching yet more intellectual artillery exchanges on how many fairies can dance on the head of a pin, while the clock ticks down.
But I agree, flushing gazillions down some unproven solutions to unspecified problems and an unknown EnviROI is not the way to go either.'
I wouldn't have even bothered with this, but he is former editor of New Scientist:
An experiment that hints we are wrong on climate change
'I am prepared to listen to all sides of an argument before trying to come to a decision, but I have to say I am swayed not only by numbers in documents, but the numbers of qualified persons producing them. It's looking about 2000 to 2 so far (I exagerate, or what we science types call 'choosing the numbers we like to prove our case', for effect). And when I see the words 'in our forthcoming book' I'm guessing I have to fork out to get this side in itsentirety, which further clouds my view.
Which is frustrating, because I am always up for balance.
I have to agree with any poster (post moderation) who advocates erring on the side of caution, as opposed to a rather Medieval method that seems to work on the basis of 'Ok, you were right, we are both toast. But I had a blast these last ten years'.
I also am more prone to pay attention and support anyone who comes up with rational, positive solutions that work within today's framework, rather than launching yet more intellectual artillery exchanges on how many fairies can dance on the head of a pin, while the clock ticks down.
But I agree, flushing gazillions down some unproven solutions to unspecified problems and an unknown EnviROI is not the way to go either.'
The bride wore green
Here comes the eco-friendly bride
Let no one be accused of jumping on a topical bandwagon.
'...the Bishop of London, has signed a pledge not to take any flights
this year'
This year!? Bless.
Times - The Eco Bride
Let no one be accused of jumping on a topical bandwagon.
'...the Bishop of London, has signed a pledge not to take any flights
this year'
This year!? Bless.
Times - The Eco Bride
Nanny will sing to you now
Remember 'Legs Akimbo', the brilliant comic invention and satirical skewer by the League of Gentlemen? A hopeless, internally-riven crowd of PC-trendies tasked with inspiring 'yoof', with whom they have not one jot of cred. I wonder if they decided on 'rap' 'cos it rhymes with WARP.
Enjoy
My twins would have laughed themselves silly if they didn't click over immediately to Runescape. Now there's an idea... work reuse and recycling into online role-playing. Any developers feel like a Junkk-world?
Er.. whatever.
Enjoy
My twins would have laughed themselves silly if they didn't click over immediately to Runescape. Now there's an idea... work reuse and recycling into online role-playing. Any developers feel like a Junkk-world?
Er.. whatever.
They're not the only ones
I wish I had a sub for the FT.
I saw this:
NATIONAL NEWS: Start-up TV a switch-off for venture capitalists
...for a fourth series, its popular Dragon's Den reality format, in which wannabe...Tycoon, starring Peter Jones, a Dragon's Den judge.Production companies are...portrayed in these programmes."Dragon's Den belittles what it takes to be a...
Feb 12 2007, By Emiko Terazono, Financial Times
Having been through the wringer, I can say it's not that much of a turn-on for genuine entrepreneurs with good ideas, either!
I wrote, and the writer wrote backto see what I had to say:
I was sent the intro to your piece and dashed out to buy a copy of the paper, but maybe it was published another day.
However, even the small section I read struck a chord in one who has stood and still stands at the other side of the entrepreneur: business angel/VC relationship. With the dubious added extra benefit of being involved with such reality TV shows as well.
There's a lot of talk in high places these days about encouraging enterprise, especially the social variety.
As with anything, having a great idea is the easy part. Putting together a business plan that makes sense, and a team to execute it just notches up the grief factor to a whole new level. But once you get to funding....
Which is why a lot of people are seduced by such shows. With the added attraction of potential publicity, which any product or service can only gain from having, especially to a nationwide audience, for no more investment than some time, small change and some humiliation.
I thought I was smart, but perhaps I was too smart. I had no intention of some clown getting half my company for the price of their lunch tab at the Ivy, especially when I had no idea what the deal would be before deciding on the spot, and with no idea of their level of commitment. I just wanted profile. Sadly, they saw me coming a mile off. And now I realise my cunning plan would still be on the edit room floor.
So what we have is an endless supply of hapless, televisual 'Christians' being fed into... the Dragon's Den.
Great for ratings. Horrible for enterprise. Most with halfway decent ideas now wouldn't go near such shows (at the British Invention Show we were running away from their reps), and are tarring serious, sensible, decent investors with a very negative brush. And as far as the youth of the country is concerned, being a good businessperson now merely requires one being like Simon Cowell, only without the charm and the interesting lifestyle.
It's a disaster for getting together the key, complementary components that make up a great team to push something into the market and turn a profit.
If I had one critique from my experience of the more reasonable varieties of VC/funder, it is that they still expect things to be laid out for them in a manner they can recognise. Understandable, but there are a lot of creative people out there who are not that savvy with or temperamentally attuned to P&Ls, spreadsheets, forecasts etc. Or suits. It's a shame therefore that there is not more effort to establish a proactive and productive interface between these two disparate character traits, to facilitate the path to mutual reward.
There is more to life than just making money and showing how 'hard' you can be. And in my business experience, it's the guys who are very smart, and very nice as well, who really make things happen.
'A great person (ok, I'm PC-sensitive) makes others feel small. A truly great person makes others feel great'.
I'd rather work with the latter, as I know that if they make me feel great, together we'll make others feel great, and that is a quick route to success... and staying at the top.
I attach here a URL to just one thread of a posting to a show you may or may not have heard of - SKY's The Big Idea - where the subject of DD came up. You may be interested. I just looked and there is a brand new posting about DD. Not very encouraging.
I saw this:
NATIONAL NEWS: Start-up TV a switch-off for venture capitalists
...for a fourth series, its popular Dragon's Den reality format, in which wannabe...Tycoon, starring Peter Jones, a Dragon's Den judge.Production companies are...portrayed in these programmes."Dragon's Den belittles what it takes to be a...
Feb 12 2007, By Emiko Terazono, Financial Times
Having been through the wringer, I can say it's not that much of a turn-on for genuine entrepreneurs with good ideas, either!
I wrote, and the writer wrote backto see what I had to say:
I was sent the intro to your piece and dashed out to buy a copy of the paper, but maybe it was published another day.
However, even the small section I read struck a chord in one who has stood and still stands at the other side of the entrepreneur: business angel/VC relationship. With the dubious added extra benefit of being involved with such reality TV shows as well.
There's a lot of talk in high places these days about encouraging enterprise, especially the social variety.
As with anything, having a great idea is the easy part. Putting together a business plan that makes sense, and a team to execute it just notches up the grief factor to a whole new level. But once you get to funding....
Which is why a lot of people are seduced by such shows. With the added attraction of potential publicity, which any product or service can only gain from having, especially to a nationwide audience, for no more investment than some time, small change and some humiliation.
I thought I was smart, but perhaps I was too smart. I had no intention of some clown getting half my company for the price of their lunch tab at the Ivy, especially when I had no idea what the deal would be before deciding on the spot, and with no idea of their level of commitment. I just wanted profile. Sadly, they saw me coming a mile off. And now I realise my cunning plan would still be on the edit room floor.
So what we have is an endless supply of hapless, televisual 'Christians' being fed into... the Dragon's Den.
Great for ratings. Horrible for enterprise. Most with halfway decent ideas now wouldn't go near such shows (at the British Invention Show we were running away from their reps), and are tarring serious, sensible, decent investors with a very negative brush. And as far as the youth of the country is concerned, being a good businessperson now merely requires one being like Simon Cowell, only without the charm and the interesting lifestyle.
It's a disaster for getting together the key, complementary components that make up a great team to push something into the market and turn a profit.
If I had one critique from my experience of the more reasonable varieties of VC/funder, it is that they still expect things to be laid out for them in a manner they can recognise. Understandable, but there are a lot of creative people out there who are not that savvy with or temperamentally attuned to P&Ls, spreadsheets, forecasts etc. Or suits. It's a shame therefore that there is not more effort to establish a proactive and productive interface between these two disparate character traits, to facilitate the path to mutual reward.
There is more to life than just making money and showing how 'hard' you can be. And in my business experience, it's the guys who are very smart, and very nice as well, who really make things happen.
'A great person (ok, I'm PC-sensitive) makes others feel small. A truly great person makes others feel great'.
I'd rather work with the latter, as I know that if they make me feel great, together we'll make others feel great, and that is a quick route to success... and staying at the top.
I attach here a URL to just one thread of a posting to a show you may or may not have heard of - SKY's The Big Idea - where the subject of DD came up. You may be interested. I just looked and there is a brand new posting about DD. Not very encouraging.
Nice to see the BBC taking our future seriously
Online petitions...
Can't say I'm to impressed with this way of making a point:
'Reflect, yes. But anything online must be viewed with caution. I have 20 email addresses to play with. I don't know how effective the checking system would be should I decide to play with them all. But that's true of a paper petition.
It's certainly something that should be paid attention to, and not fudged and spun the way I have been seeing and hearing today.
I think we may need something like road pricing to handle traffic and environmental issues. But I don't trust this mob one jot to do it either effectively, efficiently, or even honestly. So trying to stuff things through with no idea where money was going to is what I was objecting to. That's not how some talking ministerial head was trying to weasel it around.
It will be interesting to see how this pans out. They have opened a Pandora's box and I don't know how they will dig themselves out. Leave it open and gawd knows what will happen. Close it down and the conspiracy buffs will be in clover. If there is a bandwagon to be jumped on it will be.
I don't think your 'poll' is smart of helpful. As a follower of the majority Jedi Knight faith at the last census that may seem hypocritical, but you are a major national broadcaster either trying to force a point or simply drum up ratings. We know the result you're after.
I hope you don't mess up an exercise in democracy others could gain from using.
After seeing what other media were up to, pitting sides against each other using this facility, I decided to give it a go myself, with a slightly more positive outcome in mind:
http://junkk.blogspot.com/2007/02/carbon-legacy.html
We petition the prime minster to enable the creation of a ‘Carbon Legacy’, as a direct, future generation-benefiting substitute for Inheritance Tax
IHT debate boils down into 2 main areas. Individuals get frustrated seeing a major % of savings go not to securing descendant’s futures, but to fund much that is... wasteful. To Govt IHT is an historical plum to good to be denied, justified by wealth being redistributed ‘for the common good’. Climate change is accepted by all as the most serious issue we face, Carbon Legacy is a fruitful compromise between entrenched positions, which remain deadlocked. A no middleman bequest, down to the IHT limit, donated to any initiative that is proven to be tangibly DOING something to improve matters on a measurable e-ROI, free from all but the most crucial instruments of management/oversight. No ‘redirection’! Funds straight to where most needed, to do the most good for the future. Some devils in the detail, but doable with consensus. In so doing it must surely satisfy both the needs and aspirations of all sides.
Keeping control of how we think and what we feed back seems mighty threatening to those used to being in control.
Let's see how long this all lasts.'
Surprise, surprise. Email to Newsnight Editor:
By all accounts your site has crashed again, as has Number 10's.
If you ask people what they think, and then put obstacles in the way of being heard equally, it can lead them to wonder what agendas are at play.
I have never felt more serious than about this issue, and want my petition heard.
Please do not mess it up with games.
Can't say I'm to impressed with this way of making a point:
'Reflect, yes. But anything online must be viewed with caution. I have 20 email addresses to play with. I don't know how effective the checking system would be should I decide to play with them all. But that's true of a paper petition.
It's certainly something that should be paid attention to, and not fudged and spun the way I have been seeing and hearing today.
I think we may need something like road pricing to handle traffic and environmental issues. But I don't trust this mob one jot to do it either effectively, efficiently, or even honestly. So trying to stuff things through with no idea where money was going to is what I was objecting to. That's not how some talking ministerial head was trying to weasel it around.
It will be interesting to see how this pans out. They have opened a Pandora's box and I don't know how they will dig themselves out. Leave it open and gawd knows what will happen. Close it down and the conspiracy buffs will be in clover. If there is a bandwagon to be jumped on it will be.
I don't think your 'poll' is smart of helpful. As a follower of the majority Jedi Knight faith at the last census that may seem hypocritical, but you are a major national broadcaster either trying to force a point or simply drum up ratings. We know the result you're after.
I hope you don't mess up an exercise in democracy others could gain from using.
After seeing what other media were up to, pitting sides against each other using this facility, I decided to give it a go myself, with a slightly more positive outcome in mind:
http://junkk.blogspot.com/2007/02/carbon-legacy.html
We petition the prime minster to enable the creation of a ‘Carbon Legacy’, as a direct, future generation-benefiting substitute for Inheritance Tax
IHT debate boils down into 2 main areas. Individuals get frustrated seeing a major % of savings go not to securing descendant’s futures, but to fund much that is... wasteful. To Govt IHT is an historical plum to good to be denied, justified by wealth being redistributed ‘for the common good’. Climate change is accepted by all as the most serious issue we face, Carbon Legacy is a fruitful compromise between entrenched positions, which remain deadlocked. A no middleman bequest, down to the IHT limit, donated to any initiative that is proven to be tangibly DOING something to improve matters on a measurable e-ROI, free from all but the most crucial instruments of management/oversight. No ‘redirection’! Funds straight to where most needed, to do the most good for the future. Some devils in the detail, but doable with consensus. In so doing it must surely satisfy both the needs and aspirations of all sides.
Keeping control of how we think and what we feed back seems mighty threatening to those used to being in control.
Let's see how long this all lasts.'
Surprise, surprise. Email to Newsnight Editor:
By all accounts your site has crashed again, as has Number 10's.
If you ask people what they think, and then put obstacles in the way of being heard equally, it can lead them to wonder what agendas are at play.
I have never felt more serious than about this issue, and want my petition heard.
Please do not mess it up with games.
You can be too smart for our own good
Read this before deleting...
Ok. I have.
And I'd love to harness just a fraction of the energy devoted to having
spats with, or reporting the ones between climate deniers and the
various other interest groups ranged profitably (in terms of careers and
funding) against 'them'. And if they did not exist they would have to be
invented just to keep a cosy little industry of contention going.
Why bother with such tripe? And who cares who anyone is funded by?
Look at the facts. It matters little whether climate change is caused by
man or nature. It is happening to a degree that it makes sense to
address... NOW!
Let us devote ourselves to sensible solutions that with produce practical
ROIs across the various criteria necessary, primarily the environmental
one.
Hit delete on the wastes of time, and let's find the ones that will make
a positive difference, then devote ourselves to sharing them in a way
to inspire the majority of the population, not get just to score a point and
a nod from a very small peer group who are already on board.
Ok. I have.
And I'd love to harness just a fraction of the energy devoted to having
spats with, or reporting the ones between climate deniers and the
various other interest groups ranged profitably (in terms of careers and
funding) against 'them'. And if they did not exist they would have to be
invented just to keep a cosy little industry of contention going.
Why bother with such tripe? And who cares who anyone is funded by?
Look at the facts. It matters little whether climate change is caused by
man or nature. It is happening to a degree that it makes sense to
address... NOW!
Let us devote ourselves to sensible solutions that with produce practical
ROIs across the various criteria necessary, primarily the environmental
one.
Hit delete on the wastes of time, and let's find the ones that will make
a positive difference, then devote ourselves to sharing them in a way
to inspire the majority of the population, not get just to score a point and
a nod from a very small peer group who are already on board.
Gulliver's Hassles
Brian May has always reminded me of Gulliver, at least physically, and now it seems he is not above some Lilliputian nibbling by a 'social affairs corespondent': Don’t start him now: Queen’s star pens a mean rock blog
'Sounds like an interesting blog from an interesting man.
At his level most get shaped to snoredome by handlers and PRs.
It's nice to get a feel for the actual guy and his ups and downs.
So it's a shame to see edited highlights applied to make a human being's life look only petty and frustrated.
Though not in the same league, I was advised by my PRs to tone down some opinions I had/have about business, govt departments, NGOs and even (moderated) media as I may need to engage with them to help my environmental Junkk site; but sod it, life's too short. We need to get back to saying what we think, do what's right and not what looks good to make the world a better place. There are too many butt-protectors doing d-squat out there.
The blog URL is not given but I will try and find it.
Sounds like a guy who is on a roll. And not afraid to call a rock an obstacle if it is.'
ADDENDUM: I was right, it was a hatchet job. Nice guy. Nice blog. I'll pop back every so often. Here's the URL. It's only polite.
'Sounds like an interesting blog from an interesting man.
At his level most get shaped to snoredome by handlers and PRs.
It's nice to get a feel for the actual guy and his ups and downs.
So it's a shame to see edited highlights applied to make a human being's life look only petty and frustrated.
Though not in the same league, I was advised by my PRs to tone down some opinions I had/have about business, govt departments, NGOs and even (moderated) media as I may need to engage with them to help my environmental Junkk site; but sod it, life's too short. We need to get back to saying what we think, do what's right and not what looks good to make the world a better place. There are too many butt-protectors doing d-squat out there.
The blog URL is not given but I will try and find it.
Sounds like a guy who is on a roll. And not afraid to call a rock an obstacle if it is.'
ADDENDUM: I was right, it was a hatchet job. Nice guy. Nice blog. I'll pop back every so often. Here's the URL. It's only polite.
What was one thinking?
Charles: let’s kill off the cul-de-sac
Open one's mouth (or have it opened for one).
Do not engage brain (well, that one's sorted then).
Issue Forth.
Stand back and get amazed at one's subjects' responses.
Does he really say these things? Or are they issued by his coterie of spinmeisters, all of whom seem to be a tad 'out of touch'.
We live on a main road. Our kids don't go out to play because it is too dangerous. Hence they play in the garden we are lucky enough to have, or get conveyed to their mates from school by car, repeat after me, because cycling at their age is...'.
I would live to live in a cul-de sac, as those that do seem to have thriving communities based on not being too worried about cars zooming past in the town areas as all the Gatsos are on a dual carriageway outside.
Open one's mouth (or have it opened for one).
Do not engage brain (well, that one's sorted then).
Issue Forth.
Stand back and get amazed at one's subjects' responses.
Does he really say these things? Or are they issued by his coterie of spinmeisters, all of whom seem to be a tad 'out of touch'.
We live on a main road. Our kids don't go out to play because it is too dangerous. Hence they play in the garden we are lucky enough to have, or get conveyed to their mates from school by car, repeat after me, because cycling at their age is...'.
I would live to live in a cul-de sac, as those that do seem to have thriving communities based on not being too worried about cars zooming past in the town areas as all the Gatsos are on a dual carriageway outside.
Just say Nero
New plan revealed for flight-path Britain
'Labour wants to cut CO2 emissions but it is also pursuing a dramatic expansion of Britain’s airways. Can the circle be squared?'
You'd think not, wouldn't you?
But as this government's approach to ROI's on any basis, especially an environmental one, is, shall we say, 'creative'. Let's just fiddle for the next 10 years as the (potential) flames get fanned. I guess it's only when we're toast we'll know who was right all a long, if that's any comfort.
I guess Mr. Blair is paving the way for all the private jets bringing his mate Al's Global Cool performers.
When did leading by example get so discredited, yet those who would take it upon themselves to shoulder the mantle of leadership become so blind as to the consequences of their actions versus their deeds?
'Labour wants to cut CO2 emissions but it is also pursuing a dramatic expansion of Britain’s airways. Can the circle be squared?'
You'd think not, wouldn't you?
But as this government's approach to ROI's on any basis, especially an environmental one, is, shall we say, 'creative'. Let's just fiddle for the next 10 years as the (potential) flames get fanned. I guess it's only when we're toast we'll know who was right all a long, if that's any comfort.
I guess Mr. Blair is paving the way for all the private jets bringing his mate Al's Global Cool performers.
When did leading by example get so discredited, yet those who would take it upon themselves to shoulder the mantle of leadership become so blind as to the consequences of their actions versus their deeds?
Belief is beggared... again
MPs lose fight to keep their travel expenses secret
My main concern is who are the MPs who want to be exempted from the FoI act
Telegraph - MPs claim £5m travel expenses
BBC - READ THIS!!!!!!- MPs reveal travel expense claims
Times - I popped in a comment here. Where I come from claiming more than you use is fraud - MPs’ claims of £5m in travel expenses show big variations
Indy - Is Norman Baker the most hated man in Westminster? - Who cares? Nice one Norm!
Telegraph - It still gets dark early
And a big up to Mr. Baker! Only MP to write back to me helpfully about my eco-website.
I don't think he actually published the details. He just campaigned for 'us' to see them. Despite what was apparently a spirited campaign by some (to we ever get to find out who) to not find out who may be defrauding their employers (that would be 'us', again)
Thing is, all and sundry seem to be saying they are wrong, so please just forget about them. I do hope the 24-hr headline world of modern media is not so forgiving. I won't be.
Telegraph - The true cost of the great expenses fiddle is ruination
Well, golly.
At least we can rely on those at the top to set a better example.
Say.... some MPs and their travel claims.
My main concern is who are the MPs who want to be exempted from the FoI act
Telegraph - MPs claim £5m travel expenses
BBC - READ THIS!!!!!!- MPs reveal travel expense claims
Times - I popped in a comment here. Where I come from claiming more than you use is fraud - MPs’ claims of £5m in travel expenses show big variations
Indy - Is Norman Baker the most hated man in Westminster? - Who cares? Nice one Norm!
Telegraph - It still gets dark early
And a big up to Mr. Baker! Only MP to write back to me helpfully about my eco-website.
I don't think he actually published the details. He just campaigned for 'us' to see them. Despite what was apparently a spirited campaign by some (to we ever get to find out who) to not find out who may be defrauding their employers (that would be 'us', again)
Thing is, all and sundry seem to be saying they are wrong, so please just forget about them. I do hope the 24-hr headline world of modern media is not so forgiving. I won't be.
Telegraph - The true cost of the great expenses fiddle is ruination
Well, golly.
At least we can rely on those at the top to set a better example.
Say.... some MPs and their travel claims.
BA Humbug
That 'BA' stands for Blogger's Anonymous.
For I think I need to join.
It's midday, and I have only just finished reading and writing my own. And I started at 6am.
So much to do; so little time.
But what to purge? And which nuggets will I miss.
Oh, the humanity.
For I think I need to join.
It's midday, and I have only just finished reading and writing my own. And I started at 6am.
So much to do; so little time.
But what to purge? And which nuggets will I miss.
Oh, the humanity.
Vote, er, choose, er, select to suit your agenda... me!
O alwasy wonder how a typical cross-section of naything is set up (good phrase by our media).
Let's see what happens: Be on our Breakfast Panel
My answers to:
What can we do better?
Within the confines of the schedule, more substance. Much better analysis required. You are still journalists, not just purveyors of PR.
What would you like to see more of?
You are covering the environment, but not very well. This morning's effort was an example, just a week and a bit after IPCC. More needs to be done to inspire the public to act because they want to, not from guilt, fear or threat. There are ways to do this, and other people to trot out to rehash tired mantras from the 'who cares' to green elite/hair shirt brigades.
Let's see what happens: Be on our Breakfast Panel
My answers to:
What can we do better?
Within the confines of the schedule, more substance. Much better analysis required. You are still journalists, not just purveyors of PR.
What would you like to see more of?
You are covering the environment, but not very well. This morning's effort was an example, just a week and a bit after IPCC. More needs to be done to inspire the public to act because they want to, not from guilt, fear or threat. There are ways to do this, and other people to trot out to rehash tired mantras from the 'who cares' to green elite/hair shirt brigades.
Armageddingouttahere
Untangling the global warming paradox
What a great post by ScepticOptimist. I shall be happy to point at it in my blog.
To try and add something, or at least another take on this, I find these cerebral debates interesting, though worrying, as they do seem to be creating distracting delays that are (may be) hard to justify.
I am not an economist. Or a business leader. Or a politician. Or a professional journalist. But I do rather suspect that if (!) we keep on going the way we are (may) be, and don't pop in some corrections PDQ, then there won't be much by way of sophisticated economies to mull over, consumers to sell to, voters to persuade or indeed readers to pay the salary.
The planet has a finite area. There are wet bits and dry bits. We stand on the dry bits and survive off the bounty of the bits we are not standing on. As we as a race are expanding, I foresee a slight problem coming by simple maths. This problem is made a lot worse by some other activities we engage in as we go beyond the basics (eating, drinking, etc), and may even be hyperbolic.
So I am more than a little concerned as to how we are at present doing anything practical to recognise, much less act to slow, stop or even reverse the desire to breed, earn money and find more and more ways to spend on what you don't really need, especially on travel.
But I really think it's worth trying... about now.
What a great post by ScepticOptimist. I shall be happy to point at it in my blog.
To try and add something, or at least another take on this, I find these cerebral debates interesting, though worrying, as they do seem to be creating distracting delays that are (may be) hard to justify.
I am not an economist. Or a business leader. Or a politician. Or a professional journalist. But I do rather suspect that if (!) we keep on going the way we are (may) be, and don't pop in some corrections PDQ, then there won't be much by way of sophisticated economies to mull over, consumers to sell to, voters to persuade or indeed readers to pay the salary.
The planet has a finite area. There are wet bits and dry bits. We stand on the dry bits and survive off the bounty of the bits we are not standing on. As we as a race are expanding, I foresee a slight problem coming by simple maths. This problem is made a lot worse by some other activities we engage in as we go beyond the basics (eating, drinking, etc), and may even be hyperbolic.
So I am more than a little concerned as to how we are at present doing anything practical to recognise, much less act to slow, stop or even reverse the desire to breed, earn money and find more and more ways to spend on what you don't really need, especially on travel.
But I really think it's worth trying... about now.
Something to chew on
I guess I'm a critic. Hence this piqued my interest: Irish News suffers from disgraceful libel loss
"defamatory, damaging and hurtful".
"Juries do not like the press,"
I clicked the links but could not find any further info, so may I ask a few questions here.
It is indeed hard to imagine a critique that, if negative, could not at least err on the damaging. Hurtful seems harder to prove. Defamatory looks more promising legally, based on evidence.
Now I appreciate that the legal process and justice can be inconvenienced by the sometimes erratic nature of '12 good persons and true', but I'm not sure that 'not liking the press' would be allowed.
I just wonder on what basis the jury found in favour of what seems to be a legal, if not very legitimate charge? Was the food too whatever. Were the venue and the staff as described? If not, and this was proven, then we have another story. If so, one can only wonder at the quality of the defence.
"defamatory, damaging and hurtful".
"Juries do not like the press,"
I clicked the links but could not find any further info, so may I ask a few questions here.
It is indeed hard to imagine a critique that, if negative, could not at least err on the damaging. Hurtful seems harder to prove. Defamatory looks more promising legally, based on evidence.
Now I appreciate that the legal process and justice can be inconvenienced by the sometimes erratic nature of '12 good persons and true', but I'm not sure that 'not liking the press' would be allowed.
I just wonder on what basis the jury found in favour of what seems to be a legal, if not very legitimate charge? Was the food too whatever. Were the venue and the staff as described? If not, and this was proven, then we have another story. If so, one can only wonder at the quality of the defence.
Follow me! I know where I've been!
Blair has fixed on his legacy plan: Tony saves the world
As an ad man who has decided to try and rectify a life making people by or use stuff they didn't really have to, pointing at someone's past record is a bit rich. But we're looking at soemthing a bit more here than David Cameron's schoolboy recreational habits. This is a world he has 'benfitted' hugely from messing up. I feel disicnlined to let him grab the highground in trying to save it. Others may be better equipped and certainly more worthy.
"I'll take whatever works, however unpalatable.
So if Mr. Blair's new found conversion is sincere and likely to be effective then why not. But....
I have just read the replies to this blog so far.
And I am still mulling over a BBC Breakfast spot this morning .
Assuming the Mirror (on a sample of one) to be more a reflection of the majority, non-green-elite views, example, credibility and incentive are key to motivating the necessary masses.
I don't think Mr. Blair and his well connected exclusive brigades are the ones to do it, at least in the populist sense. Shutting up and working behind the scenes on a no-spin, no hype and no publicity basis with the movers and shakers may be another matter. What are the odds?"
As an ad man who has decided to try and rectify a life making people by or use stuff they didn't really have to, pointing at someone's past record is a bit rich. But we're looking at soemthing a bit more here than David Cameron's schoolboy recreational habits. This is a world he has 'benfitted' hugely from messing up. I feel disicnlined to let him grab the highground in trying to save it. Others may be better equipped and certainly more worthy.
"I'll take whatever works, however unpalatable.
So if Mr. Blair's new found conversion is sincere and likely to be effective then why not. But....
I have just read the replies to this blog so far.
And I am still mulling over a BBC Breakfast spot this morning .
Assuming the Mirror (on a sample of one) to be more a reflection of the majority, non-green-elite views, example, credibility and incentive are key to motivating the necessary masses.
I don't think Mr. Blair and his well connected exclusive brigades are the ones to do it, at least in the populist sense. Shutting up and working behind the scenes on a no-spin, no hype and no publicity basis with the movers and shakers may be another matter. What are the odds?"
'Hmnn, we'll leave it there'
Just watched the almost obligatory daily BBC breakfast eco-slot, this time on how hard it is to be green.
Usual plot. Usual suspects (Lucy Siegel from the Observer and Sue Carroll from the Mirror). Here's my email:
''Great, a quick green-slot with an Observer pro-eco and a Tabloid 'who cares' by way of debate.
Actually Sue did have some good points, as did Lucy.
But what was the actual result for us to act on in anything other than a nanny-state, guilty way? 'Hmmn, we'll leave it there.'
ps: For Mr-Mid, there is another choice for his cereal boxes that is higher on the re-hierarchy than recycling, Re:use:
My office filing system is free and expands daily."
The core of the piece was a study that showed there are 3 green shades: Lite, Mid & Dark.
The Dark was that Irish guy Don-something Mac-something who actually came across less didactic than I have experienced before. He was singing the praises of his free electricity. I did note his turbine was a pigeon perch, and somehow they had manged a sunny day. But the rest of his stuff was quite inspirational.
What was not was the main conclusions. Going green is stressful.
And here's a major innovation: more will go with it if it's made easier and cheaper. Now, what initiative can help with that. Well... D'uh.
What's the odds of getting a plug on the BBC?
'Hmnn, we'll leave it there'
I decided to write:
Dear Ms. Carroll,
I am quite a committed environmentalist, so I was most interested, if not surprised, but still disappointed with the BBC Breakfast TV piece you took part in.
Don’t worry, this is not going to be an eco-tirade: I pretty much agreed with all you said, or at least your reason for feeling the way you do to say it.
Yes, it is hard...er to be green, in many ways. But, depending on your acceptance or not of certain predictions we may need to think hard about embracing many of them.
But they are being sold appallingly. Hypocritical government, corporate-style e-activists and green elite media jollying around the world to climate conferences to tell the rest of the population they can’t fly. Or domestic initiatives under a green banner with no substance, no hint of where money may actually go, and hence zero trust or public support. Heck, I almost feel like getting a 4x4 and booking RyanAir myself!
It’s no surprise, with the only thing grabbing headlines being endless guilt trips or ‘may as well give up and by a Humvee to get to the Apocalypse quicker and in style’ vs. ‘Share an eco-lodge in Mauritius’ commentators trying to knock spots off each other as to who is better informed.
Such Prius persons are nothing to do with Mondeo Man. They don’t understand the things that matter, and impinge on most normal, average working folk who need to get to work, need to get the kids to a party at the weekend and get two weeks holiday... so slow travel at only £10k isn’t really an option. But they do care.
Going green is only stressful because a load of folk with a vested interest in playing it that way have captured the high, or at least broadcast ground. And offer little but talk.
But there are practical, proactive initiatives out there that are not costing the taxpayer a fortune (or anything), are not designed to meet targets as opposed to actual environmental ROIs, and can be inspirational. A few even have the odd notion that you can have fun and be re:warded whilst saving the future.
And I’m hoping your readers may appreciate hearing about more solutions like these.
Usual plot. Usual suspects (Lucy Siegel from the Observer and Sue Carroll from the Mirror). Here's my email:
''Great, a quick green-slot with an Observer pro-eco and a Tabloid 'who cares' by way of debate.
Actually Sue did have some good points, as did Lucy.
But what was the actual result for us to act on in anything other than a nanny-state, guilty way? 'Hmmn, we'll leave it there.'
ps: For Mr-Mid, there is another choice for his cereal boxes that is higher on the re-hierarchy than recycling, Re:use:
My office filing system is free and expands daily."
The core of the piece was a study that showed there are 3 green shades: Lite, Mid & Dark.
The Dark was that Irish guy Don-something Mac-something who actually came across less didactic than I have experienced before. He was singing the praises of his free electricity. I did note his turbine was a pigeon perch, and somehow they had manged a sunny day. But the rest of his stuff was quite inspirational.
What was not was the main conclusions. Going green is stressful.
And here's a major innovation: more will go with it if it's made easier and cheaper. Now, what initiative can help with that. Well... D'uh.
What's the odds of getting a plug on the BBC?
'Hmnn, we'll leave it there'
I decided to write:
Dear Ms. Carroll,
I am quite a committed environmentalist, so I was most interested, if not surprised, but still disappointed with the BBC Breakfast TV piece you took part in.
Don’t worry, this is not going to be an eco-tirade: I pretty much agreed with all you said, or at least your reason for feeling the way you do to say it.
Yes, it is hard...er to be green, in many ways. But, depending on your acceptance or not of certain predictions we may need to think hard about embracing many of them.
But they are being sold appallingly. Hypocritical government, corporate-style e-activists and green elite media jollying around the world to climate conferences to tell the rest of the population they can’t fly. Or domestic initiatives under a green banner with no substance, no hint of where money may actually go, and hence zero trust or public support. Heck, I almost feel like getting a 4x4 and booking RyanAir myself!
It’s no surprise, with the only thing grabbing headlines being endless guilt trips or ‘may as well give up and by a Humvee to get to the Apocalypse quicker and in style’ vs. ‘Share an eco-lodge in Mauritius’ commentators trying to knock spots off each other as to who is better informed.
Such Prius persons are nothing to do with Mondeo Man. They don’t understand the things that matter, and impinge on most normal, average working folk who need to get to work, need to get the kids to a party at the weekend and get two weeks holiday... so slow travel at only £10k isn’t really an option. But they do care.
Going green is only stressful because a load of folk with a vested interest in playing it that way have captured the high, or at least broadcast ground. And offer little but talk.
But there are practical, proactive initiatives out there that are not costing the taxpayer a fortune (or anything), are not designed to meet targets as opposed to actual environmental ROIs, and can be inspirational. A few even have the odd notion that you can have fun and be re:warded whilst saving the future.
And I’m hoping your readers may appreciate hearing about more solutions like these.
Some of us just have more access than others
As I'm pondering democracy, I happened across this from Bad Science: The Price Is Wrong
I was going to post my thoughts, but one thing I have noticed is that these guys are very highbrow and while not rude, rather dismissive of those not within the halls of academe. A shame, as I think a lot more could be achieved by engaging with interested ams like me. So I'll keep it here.
The thread is in fact about academic journals, and the charging policies vs. free access that applies.
I was going to pitch in and add that it can be a similar situation with the environment. Not just with information, but also conferences, etc.
Some of the costs to know and share stuff can be prohibitive if you are not a major commercial or funded GO3, which creates a gap between those who can afford to be 'in', and those who may have a lot to contribute and are priced 'out'. So policy can often go in directions that is not reflected by the views and contribution of a truly representative whole.
I was going to post my thoughts, but one thing I have noticed is that these guys are very highbrow and while not rude, rather dismissive of those not within the halls of academe. A shame, as I think a lot more could be achieved by engaging with interested ams like me. So I'll keep it here.
The thread is in fact about academic journals, and the charging policies vs. free access that applies.
I was going to pitch in and add that it can be a similar situation with the environment. Not just with information, but also conferences, etc.
Some of the costs to know and share stuff can be prohibitive if you are not a major commercial or funded GO3, which creates a gap between those who can afford to be 'in', and those who may have a lot to contribute and are priced 'out'. So policy can often go in directions that is not reflected by the views and contribution of a truly representative whole.
I'm glad I got my petition in now
When I did, the site announced that there had already been 1,000, so I see a log jam on the horizon, if not already. It's all about access, and while this looked/s like a great idea in theory, I do wonder how long it is before there is a selection process, which in turn will get hijacked that know how and/or know how to get paid to play the system.
Anyway, here's the next one: No 10 site faces fresh petition
This one is about rubbish taxes, which I have blogged upon already. Frankly the similarities between this and the road pricing one are striking.
It is to be hoped the results will be given worthy consideration by our elected leaders.
Indy: Critics seize No 10's petitions website to slate Government
Speaking of trust in stated aims vs. suspicions of income generation:
Telegraph - Speed cameras fail to halt a rise in fatalities on the roads
Telegraph - Democracy will never be the same again
Telegraph - No 10 site faces fresh petition
Anyway, here's the next one: No 10 site faces fresh petition
This one is about rubbish taxes, which I have blogged upon already. Frankly the similarities between this and the road pricing one are striking.
It is to be hoped the results will be given worthy consideration by our elected leaders.
Indy: Critics seize No 10's petitions website to slate Government
Speaking of trust in stated aims vs. suspicions of income generation:
Telegraph - Speed cameras fail to halt a rise in fatalities on the roads
Telegraph - Democracy will never be the same again
Telegraph - No 10 site faces fresh petition
The trouble with democracy
It's the best system there is, but can be abused: 1 in 3 homes dependent on state benefits
Summed up perfectly here: 'New Labour welfare policy has been designed to "create beholden voters rather than independent people".'
If there is no financial consequence (other than the chance of losing a hand out - or job, in the case of a bloated civil service and NGOs packed with staff - by not opting in a certain direction) to one's vote, its direction will inevitably go where the most favourable option lies.
Summed up perfectly here: 'New Labour welfare policy has been designed to "create beholden voters rather than independent people".'
If there is no financial consequence (other than the chance of losing a hand out - or job, in the case of a bloated civil service and NGOs packed with staff - by not opting in a certain direction) to one's vote, its direction will inevitably go where the most favourable option lies.
Sunday, February 11, 2007
CARBON LEGACY
Death... taxes. If you want a good read on a Sunday, trust the Sunday papers.
The Express has a campaign to scrap IHT. Better than nothing, but if I know the Treasury and politicians of any hue with a pension to support, that is a tad black and white. And has a snowballs chance of doing not much more than adding to the readership.
So I have fired off an e-petition to No. 10. I doubt it will get the support a major tabloid can swing, but it seems a more reasonable compromise with a certain amount of imminent planet-saving attached, as opposed to a left-wing Govt./right-wing paper bunfight. If nothing else, what's not to like as a voter. Your dosh goes to funding a pol's golden sideways transfer when they cock up, or to making things that help save the planet for our kids.
Here's the text:
We petition the prime minster to enable the creation of a ‘Carbon Legacy’, as a direct, future generation-benefiting substitute for Inheritance Tax
IHT debate boils down into 2 main areas. Individuals get frustrated seeing a major % of savings go not to securing descendant’s futures, but to fund much that is... wasteful. To Govt IHT is an historical plum to good to be denied, justified by wealth being redistributed ‘for the common good’. Climate change is accepted by all as the most serious issue we face, Carbon Legacy is a fruitful compromise between entrenched positions, which remain deadlocked. A no middleman bequest, down to the IHT limit, donated to any initiative that is proven to be tangibly DOING something to improve matters on a measurable e-ROI, free from all but the most crucial instruments of management/oversight. No ‘redirection’! Funds straight to where most needed, to do the most good for the future. Some devils in the detail, but doable with consensus. In so doing it must surely satisfy both the needs and aspirations of all sides.
I'll let you know if an when it's approved. Oh, and here's the longer version:
The problem with IHT is complex, but boils down into two main areas.
As far as the individual is concerned, having worked and been taxed all one’s life, there is a certain frustration with seeing a major % of one’s hard-earned go not to the future generations that will bear your name, but to fund quite a lot that might be deemed... wasteful.
As far as the government is concerned, this is too good an historical plum to be denied, and the claim is usually that such wealth should be redistributed ‘for the common good’.
With climate change accepted as the most important issue facing future generations, might I suggest a fruitful compromise: Carbon Legacy.
A no frills, no middleman, bequest of whatever amount one wishes, but certainly down (from whatever excess there may be) to the IHT limit; donated to any project or initiative that is proven to be tangibly doing something to improve matters, and is free from ministers, activists, City-types, lobbyists, targets, assessors, licensees and all other instruments of jobsworth cut-carving. Money straight where it is needed, to do the most good for the future. A few devils in the detail, but surely doable with relatively easy consensus.
And in so doing it must surely satisfy both the needs and aspirations of both sides. Unless people and governments are really that greedy or think they can take it with them.
I’ll suggest my own website Junkk.com as an initial beneficiary [you can delete that if it’s too commercial a plug, though we are free and really doing something tangible to help save this planet].
And it’s surely 1000% better than anything potential future deputy prime ministers can come up with by way of equitable, and practical, redistribution of wealth.
Who knows? Maybe it will strike a chord. If so, I hope it will not go the way of the road pricing one: democracy inaction:)
Guardian - The 'death trap' menacing middle Britain is a myth
Just popped over from another thread where we're discussing the economics of climate change, and the small fact there soon may not be much to leave, let alone tax.
So, Yoda-like, may I suggest that there is 'another way': CARBON LEGACY
I even thought it good enough to start a petition on the No.10 site.
If you think so too, please join in.
Let's have schools to match London's wealth
Following Mr. Hain's not-very subtle and totally pie-in-the sky notions of wealth distribution, and certain newspapers' equally Air Old Spot attempt at IHT removal, I decided (sadly about a minute before it all went ballistic on road-pricing and my submission seems to have been lost in the greenwash) to instigate a petition to create a 'Carbon Legacy'.
It was... is... an attempt to introduce a spirit of pragmatic compromise between the various rocks and hard places trying to score points off each other with no chance, and no intention, of actually getting anything done, but looking great and scoring profile for not doing so.
It's designed to provide an option for City high-flyers, Premiership footballers, Media darlings, and anyone with more than a semi in Surbiton to bequeath their excess squillions to tangible future-saving projects and not some Treasury dam-plugging black-hole.
It's on the basis that if you can't take it with you, you won't mind leaving it at least to your own next generation's future, if not actually to them.
Fancy joining in? Or, assuming it's legal and/or ethical, have you something better in mind for you money once you're gone?
To: Breakingviews.com
Attn: Hugo Dixon
Re: Carbon Legacy
Following Boris Johnson's reference to your influnence in such matters, might I commend to you the following IHT suggestion, that may appeal to those with an interest in a genuine legacy for their hard-won money.
Those who can, and should... won't, and don't
I have just finished my Sunday Times conservatory hard-copy read (plus a Sunday Express extra, on account of the Climate Aid concert front page and the free Dusty CD).
And I have come to a conclusion.
Most people in public life are now 100% concerned with keeping their jobs by spending all their times saying nothing, and doing about the same, especially their jobs
And I have come to a conclusion.
Most people in public life are now 100% concerned with keeping their jobs by spending all their times saying nothing, and doing about the same, especially their jobs
Representing all that makes media so mediocre
I just watched some chattering class in a few minutes lay bare all that is wrong with our major media's unelected, self-appointed mouthpieces of what we should think, merely because they are privileged to have a job that gets them invited:
I was fascinated to watch the piece on Blogging.
Did the Independent Columnist really believe that what she has to say is important and interesting for any other reason than she is paid by an (inevitably) agenda-driven newspaper, as opposed to those who write with - mostly - unpaid, if often subjective passion.
The arrogance of our chattering class, media-elite is getting more and more hard to stomach.
This woman is only engaged with because she is employed by a medium that offers access to others. For her to think she is relevant or significant for any other reason is delusional.
I was fascinated to watch the piece on Blogging.
Did the Independent Columnist really believe that what she has to say is important and interesting for any other reason than she is paid by an (inevitably) agenda-driven newspaper, as opposed to those who write with - mostly - unpaid, if often subjective passion.
The arrogance of our chattering class, media-elite is getting more and more hard to stomach.
This woman is only engaged with because she is employed by a medium that offers access to others. For her to think she is relevant or significant for any other reason is delusional.
Same boat
Why should individuals fight climate change?
Why indeed? You'd have thought there would be a lot of traffic following such a question. While I can empathise with one the country's most significant eco-media resources, I am a tad worried for the future:
Dear Sir/madam,
This post was last changed at 09:04 AM, October 29 2006, at a time when the top headline on Guardian Unlimited was Figures reveal Europe falling far short of climate targets, and the top headline from the BBC was Corfu hotel faces death charges,
Considering the ongoing, and ever more pressing nature of the issue, it seems a pity that this piece generated so few replies, some links have lapsed and the thread seems closed, especially as the blog trail still links off the home. I'd have been happy to offer some tangible things to do.
D2AID2AIS
For those new to this blog, that's my 'Don't do as I do..' shorthand.
And this is what I feel to be a rather sad attempt at explanation/justification from a major medium selling papers based on its concern for the environment: The readers' editor on...
the true cost of flying and climate change
Some masterpieces of polspeak include: 'Our travel editor had acknowledged this from the start..' (so that's ok then). '...but while those of us fortunate enough to be able to afford the luxury of foreign travel agonise over our carbon footprints,' (we feel her pain).
The whole thing smacked of an episode of Newswatch, BBCs dawn fake mea culpa slot where editors come on to say they don't think they were wrong and even if they were so what.
I'm afraid I have to agree with the respondents so nasty to to haul the paper up. If only I could think of a way to help make the point better. Oo, look what I found at the top.
Nil points.
Meanwhile, the next salvo sails over...
It was only a matter of time, but I must confess to surprise how quickly the first past the post-IPCC counter theory pops out: Cosmic rays blamed for global warming
What's a boy to think? Other than noting we are looking at a ratio of around 100 to 1 on boffins pro/con, I leave this latest to you.
Times - ‘Blame cosmic rays not CO2 for warming up the planet’
What's a boy to think? Other than noting we are looking at a ratio of around 100 to 1 on boffins pro/con, I leave this latest to you.
Times - ‘Blame cosmic rays not CO2 for warming up the planet’
Interesting notion
As I breezed through this morning's media, this little nugget struck me:
Give City's bonuses to the poor, urges Hain
Now, I have been, am and will be the first to wonder what exactly most of those fine productive folk in the City do, much less do to 'earn' their money.
However, for a gold-plated, index-linked member of a similar bunch of folk in Westminster to come up with such a suggestion is... interesting.
Everything is relative I suppose, but having devoted 10 years and almost all my resources to making Junkk.com effective, should my later years be less than comfortable as a consequence, I do hope I can rely on him to stump up a decent % of the ministerial pension, directors' compo and speaking fees to help me out.
Oooo look, a flying pig!
Indy - Peter Hain and the politics of envy
Give City's bonuses to the poor, urges Hain
Now, I have been, am and will be the first to wonder what exactly most of those fine productive folk in the City do, much less do to 'earn' their money.
However, for a gold-plated, index-linked member of a similar bunch of folk in Westminster to come up with such a suggestion is... interesting.
Everything is relative I suppose, but having devoted 10 years and almost all my resources to making Junkk.com effective, should my later years be less than comfortable as a consequence, I do hope I can rely on him to stump up a decent % of the ministerial pension, directors' compo and speaking fees to help me out.
Oooo look, a flying pig!
Indy - Peter Hain and the politics of envy
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