Introducing another acronym.
And another of my notions.
The TOL Bar.
That stands for 'Thinking Out Loud'
Kinda of a David Brent-esque 'no such thing as a bad idea combo'd with 'sod it, it's my blog so I'll run whatever I like up the flagpole and see who salutes'.
At the very least, as I seem to live on this PC during my waking moments, it will act as an aide memoire lest the fleeting thought be lost.
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Survival of The Selfish
The latest Newsnight discussion has maintained my frustration with certain messengers and their messages.
But also inspired a philosophical notion or two evolving Darwin. As you do.
'I am in the persuasion business' (Miliband. E)
Now, how is that going so far? Looking at the Indy, Gruaniad and even here... not so great, really, I'd hazard. And why?
'...won't realise the scale of the danger until it is too late'
...is already suffering slightly as I am still trying to purge the image of Miliband's D. and E. in an office in some Nordic capital, with a papier mache model of downtown Gothenburg they made in tech class last week, pushing around wooden models of crocodiles (plastic ones from China via Toys 'R Us obviously a big no-no) as various Eurocrats run around squealing 'the horror, the horror!' and, hopefully, forgetting to mention ze 3rd runway, which is... er... 'different'.
And then onward and, er, still airborne, we have Mr. Kennedy of yet another committee I doubt comes cheap, getting us off the notion of 3 long hauls a year. Not so sure many of us this side of the screen have much of a problem with that already (esp. on Ms. Armstrong's quoted stats), but O.....K. Nice to have a quangocrat's package to be well placed to empathise with the public.
But, but... lest we bash a luxury, let's head over to what by any measure might be deemed a necessity. Phew... we can have green energy (that will meet all the targets, apparently), but 'we' will have to pay. Ignoring what lies behind that little gem to a few sections of society paying tax but not funded by them so much as some, I would have been keen to pursue further the enviROI of that statement. Can we be assured that, if enough wonga gets thrown around, the planet will also benefit too? I am a little unclear, as we head to 70M and counting, TV owning (and licence fee paying -yay!) viewers, where the energy from this and other stuff might be coming from, greenly.
Like biofuelled 747s, might there not be... consequences elsewhere?
And while it was interesting that the Eddy and Fanny love in did get to some 'you're rights!' from one side at least, I remain less than clear, and hence convinced on how just saying something makes it, Picard-like, 'so'. That darn persuasion thing again.
I think the time is right for another poll to show how 'we' are all on board... that is, the pledge bit at least, if not not stopping boarding the planes, as such, unless it is for highly necessary stuff that really should not be brought up, like earning livings, etc (sadly, while Ms. A has produced a noble piece of thought provocation I am sure, and all credit for that, the in-person advocacy was not perhaps as convincing as it might have been in complement. I rather fear Mr. Nixon looked like the soul of televisual conviction and audience empathy in companion, especially when confronted by a questioner not perhaps as 'on message' as others).
But at least she manged to provoke a truly statespersonlike response from one of our 'leaders' with the gibe on his likely tenure. Haven't seen or heard its like since since 3G, when I managed to drop Harbottle right in it for one of my dark deeds... 'But, but...Sir... it's not faaaaaair...'. Easy to see why the opposition benches quake when such power of wit, speed and oratory is unleashed. And makes me proud to think how the UK is going to be represented in he forthcoming negotiations*. I can imagine the likes of the Chinese reps, whose model of governance I remain unsure if Ms. Armstrong was or was not advocating... in this instance at least... really going for the bared throat approach, concession wise.
And as for the sound-biter bit exchanges. 'Impossiblists' vs. defeatists trumped by the shining knight of... 'we're doomed in months, but.. er... optimism' (sorry, the attempted claim of realism is a shipping industry -sized 'that's another issue' long since sailed).
Oh dear. As we're on a water-borne metaphorical streak, this I have just witnessed is what is going to effect a sea change to the careering tanker that is short termism-informed local politics globally and recession-driven public fears, and hence opinion????
* The last exchange was so telling. Because from what I heard it seems the getting of a deal IS THE TARGET, to pols and media alike. Without, it appears, no great concerns as to what that deal might be actually doing, planet wise. Again.
I wish I could have watched iPlayer longer, but the further irony of (ex, twice) Ethical Man at Heathrow Airport in light of the above was satire too far.
I am off now to ponder the notion of the Survival of the Selfish, and how Darwinian theory can be related to the human. We are already a long way from the motivations and actions of a Serengeti Lion pride, and in many cases can be proudly so, but not perhaps so far we should forget that a faltering competitor is still accorded about as much slack as tonight's dinner.
So I'll keep on doing all I can to improve efficiencies and reducing unnecessary wastes, but for the sake of future generations I might also be paying heed to survival strategies as well, just in case man proves either nothing to do with future impositions nature might visit upon us, or our mitigating efforts are not up to the task if we are. Especially bearing in mind the deeds vs. words of those who already see themselves in other, 'better' arks to the majority, by virtue of being somehow 'unique' in mysterious, though a tad 'more equal' ways.
Call it Plan 'A' open brackets(contingency)close brackets. I like to keep my options open, especially when the hens currently sitting all above our one basket seem pretty headless, mobile and putting on a lot of excess weight daily.
Via a post - 87 days to Copenhagen - With 87 days to go until the UN Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen, the UK, Danish, French, Finnish and Swedish Foreign Ministers have agreed a joint letter to newspaper editors. - Again with the nifty picture, guys! I honestly tried to reads the letter, but if these guys are in the persuasion/motivation business... sheesh.
But also inspired a philosophical notion or two evolving Darwin. As you do.
'I am in the persuasion business' (Miliband. E)
Now, how is that going so far? Looking at the Indy, Gruaniad and even here... not so great, really, I'd hazard. And why?
'...won't realise the scale of the danger until it is too late'
...is already suffering slightly as I am still trying to purge the image of Miliband's D. and E. in an office in some Nordic capital, with a papier mache model of downtown Gothenburg they made in tech class last week, pushing around wooden models of crocodiles (plastic ones from China via Toys 'R Us obviously a big no-no) as various Eurocrats run around squealing 'the horror, the horror!' and, hopefully, forgetting to mention ze 3rd runway, which is... er... 'different'.
And then onward and, er, still airborne, we have Mr. Kennedy of yet another committee I doubt comes cheap, getting us off the notion of 3 long hauls a year. Not so sure many of us this side of the screen have much of a problem with that already (esp. on Ms. Armstrong's quoted stats), but O.....K. Nice to have a quangocrat's package to be well placed to empathise with the public.
But, but... lest we bash a luxury, let's head over to what by any measure might be deemed a necessity. Phew... we can have green energy (that will meet all the targets, apparently), but 'we' will have to pay. Ignoring what lies behind that little gem to a few sections of society paying tax but not funded by them so much as some, I would have been keen to pursue further the enviROI of that statement. Can we be assured that, if enough wonga gets thrown around, the planet will also benefit too? I am a little unclear, as we head to 70M and counting, TV owning (and licence fee paying -yay!) viewers, where the energy from this and other stuff might be coming from, greenly.
Like biofuelled 747s, might there not be... consequences elsewhere?
And while it was interesting that the Eddy and Fanny love in did get to some 'you're rights!' from one side at least, I remain less than clear, and hence convinced on how just saying something makes it, Picard-like, 'so'. That darn persuasion thing again.
I think the time is right for another poll to show how 'we' are all on board... that is, the pledge bit at least, if not not stopping boarding the planes, as such, unless it is for highly necessary stuff that really should not be brought up, like earning livings, etc (sadly, while Ms. A has produced a noble piece of thought provocation I am sure, and all credit for that, the in-person advocacy was not perhaps as convincing as it might have been in complement. I rather fear Mr. Nixon looked like the soul of televisual conviction and audience empathy in companion, especially when confronted by a questioner not perhaps as 'on message' as others).
But at least she manged to provoke a truly statespersonlike response from one of our 'leaders' with the gibe on his likely tenure. Haven't seen or heard its like since since 3G, when I managed to drop Harbottle right in it for one of my dark deeds... 'But, but...Sir... it's not faaaaaair...'. Easy to see why the opposition benches quake when such power of wit, speed and oratory is unleashed. And makes me proud to think how the UK is going to be represented in he forthcoming negotiations*. I can imagine the likes of the Chinese reps, whose model of governance I remain unsure if Ms. Armstrong was or was not advocating... in this instance at least... really going for the bared throat approach, concession wise.
And as for the sound-biter bit exchanges. 'Impossiblists' vs. defeatists trumped by the shining knight of... 'we're doomed in months, but.. er... optimism' (sorry, the attempted claim of realism is a shipping industry -sized 'that's another issue' long since sailed).
Oh dear. As we're on a water-borne metaphorical streak, this I have just witnessed is what is going to effect a sea change to the careering tanker that is short termism-informed local politics globally and recession-driven public fears, and hence opinion????
* The last exchange was so telling. Because from what I heard it seems the getting of a deal IS THE TARGET, to pols and media alike. Without, it appears, no great concerns as to what that deal might be actually doing, planet wise. Again.
I wish I could have watched iPlayer longer, but the further irony of (ex, twice) Ethical Man at Heathrow Airport in light of the above was satire too far.
I am off now to ponder the notion of the Survival of the Selfish, and how Darwinian theory can be related to the human. We are already a long way from the motivations and actions of a Serengeti Lion pride, and in many cases can be proudly so, but not perhaps so far we should forget that a faltering competitor is still accorded about as much slack as tonight's dinner.
So I'll keep on doing all I can to improve efficiencies and reducing unnecessary wastes, but for the sake of future generations I might also be paying heed to survival strategies as well, just in case man proves either nothing to do with future impositions nature might visit upon us, or our mitigating efforts are not up to the task if we are. Especially bearing in mind the deeds vs. words of those who already see themselves in other, 'better' arks to the majority, by virtue of being somehow 'unique' in mysterious, though a tad 'more equal' ways.
Call it Plan 'A' open brackets(contingency)close brackets. I like to keep my options open, especially when the hens currently sitting all above our one basket seem pretty headless, mobile and putting on a lot of excess weight daily.
Via a post - 87 days to Copenhagen - With 87 days to go until the UN Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen, the UK, Danish, French, Finnish and Swedish Foreign Ministers have agreed a joint letter to newspaper editors. - Again with the nifty picture, guys! I honestly tried to reads the letter, but if these guys are in the persuasion/motivation business... sheesh.
Blogger, feel thyslef
A worthy piece for all eco-types (mea gulper) who hit the internet to preach:
Conflict Materials in Electronics
Personally, I feel matters of crime are more at the door of government legislation and policing.
But it is also a worthy reminder that enjoying the fruits of technology always incurs a price. Whilst different, though related, on material issues I am monitoring the 'cost' of battery technology when it comes to rarer minerals, especially to feed multi-hundred kilo car units.
I have not run a proper enviROI investigation into the uses and abuses of PCs and the internet, emissions-wise, partly because I am sure others have/are/will, and are more qualified to do so.
But there is a part that doesn't want to go there. What if, by hitting the net each minute, I really am doing more harm than good? That's a few decades and a career down the drain.
Fortunately I have not, am and will not be too preachy, and accept some 'progress' and its consequences. Plus we do have the right to strive, over and above survive.
Plus I also factor in human nature, which many do not. Like the arguments on travel, it is plain silly to think the human will be content to stay in one place. Hence the aim has to be to mitigate that desire rather than stifle it.
Equally we love to communicate. If I am arrogant enough to presume that folk want to read what I write, I tend to believe that squirting it around by electrons beats printing and distribution still.
Conflict Materials in Electronics
Personally, I feel matters of crime are more at the door of government legislation and policing.
But it is also a worthy reminder that enjoying the fruits of technology always incurs a price. Whilst different, though related, on material issues I am monitoring the 'cost' of battery technology when it comes to rarer minerals, especially to feed multi-hundred kilo car units.
I have not run a proper enviROI investigation into the uses and abuses of PCs and the internet, emissions-wise, partly because I am sure others have/are/will, and are more qualified to do so.
But there is a part that doesn't want to go there. What if, by hitting the net each minute, I really am doing more harm than good? That's a few decades and a career down the drain.
Fortunately I have not, am and will not be too preachy, and accept some 'progress' and its consequences. Plus we do have the right to strive, over and above survive.
Plus I also factor in human nature, which many do not. Like the arguments on travel, it is plain silly to think the human will be content to stay in one place. Hence the aim has to be to mitigate that desire rather than stifle it.
Equally we love to communicate. If I am arrogant enough to presume that folk want to read what I write, I tend to believe that squirting it around by electrons beats printing and distribution still.
Sticks and stones may break my bones...
... but dicking about with definitions may just as surely do me in :
'Climate Change' Predates 'Global Warming' By Decades - Semantic Shift Wasn't Until 1980s
Just get the snappy 'Anthropomorphic' (man-made to... and, possibly, by you and I) in there and we can waste more decades arguing about it.
Speaking of waste, I'll just beaver on trying to reduce any and all that are unnecessary, whilst accepting reductions if they are practical and doable.
'Climate Change' Predates 'Global Warming' By Decades - Semantic Shift Wasn't Until 1980s
Just get the snappy 'Anthropomorphic' (man-made to... and, possibly, by you and I) in there and we can waste more decades arguing about it.
Speaking of waste, I'll just beaver on trying to reduce any and all that are unnecessary, whilst accepting reductions if they are practical and doable.
From the 'Don't Go There' files
'Contraception cheapest way to combat climate change'
As I wrote that headline,... literally as well as figuratively.
Why do I suspect that many, currently active in the cc arena, will be studiously ignoring this option (which need not be Hitlerian or even Chinese in approach despite the rhetoric being stirred up) whilst generating a lot of heat and noise in more 'acceptable' areas?
And, ironically, for once find themselves supported from those at the other end of the spectrum. Strange bedfellows. Let's hope that the usual result of such a shared experience does not continue to haunt certain parts of the planet in 9 month cycles.
At least if Milibands D. & E. share a bath, there can only be a positive outcome. Though circling the globe in their Caravans of Carbon to extol such measures seems... quaint in comparison given the above.
And if if the likes of these inspiring leaders do decide to embrace this route, the thought of they and their extensive GOAT teams' hamfisted attempts to put this case in a way to engage support from the target audiences is too horrible to contemplate.
Next time the bros from the Westminster 'hood visit the Indian subcontinent, if they have solar DAB digital radios with 'em to give away... look out!
Treehugger - Contraception Five Times Less Expensive Than Low-Carbon Technology in Combatting Climate Change
It does all rather add up (or the reverse, really) to the human equivalent of my already noted 'not so much making oceans of artificial trees vs. not chopping down existing, real ones'.
Or, as 'The Sun Sez' - NEW - Carbon mating -Thatthey also have an entity called 'The Green House' was... novel. As this is an audience I believe needs addressing I have taken note, and added to the list, if rather dreading their take on the issues.
As I wrote that headline,... literally as well as figuratively.
Why do I suspect that many, currently active in the cc arena, will be studiously ignoring this option (which need not be Hitlerian or even Chinese in approach despite the rhetoric being stirred up) whilst generating a lot of heat and noise in more 'acceptable' areas?
And, ironically, for once find themselves supported from those at the other end of the spectrum. Strange bedfellows. Let's hope that the usual result of such a shared experience does not continue to haunt certain parts of the planet in 9 month cycles.
At least if Milibands D. & E. share a bath, there can only be a positive outcome. Though circling the globe in their Caravans of Carbon to extol such measures seems... quaint in comparison given the above.
And if if the likes of these inspiring leaders do decide to embrace this route, the thought of they and their extensive GOAT teams' hamfisted attempts to put this case in a way to engage support from the target audiences is too horrible to contemplate.
Next time the bros from the Westminster 'hood visit the Indian subcontinent, if they have solar DAB digital radios with 'em to give away... look out!
Treehugger - Contraception Five Times Less Expensive Than Low-Carbon Technology in Combatting Climate Change
It does all rather add up (or the reverse, really) to the human equivalent of my already noted 'not so much making oceans of artificial trees vs. not chopping down existing, real ones'.
Or, as 'The Sun Sez' - NEW - Carbon mating -Thatthey also have an entity called 'The Green House' was... novel. As this is an audience I believe needs addressing I have taken note, and added to the list, if rather dreading their take on the issues.
Wednesday, September 09, 2009
More is still more
Still not settling well.
Just too many folk either not getting it of trying to make out of it.
With even more thinking fixes will be free and easy.
Hence I cannot resist sticking my oar in still.
BBC - Yukio Hatoyama's golden carrot
"The answer to climate change is nuclear power + electric cars."
At best not so much an answer as a very minor possible help in postponement.
I'd say fewer folk around wanting (or allowed... eek) to go elsewhere all the time might be closer to it, but with the politico-media Caravans of Carbon making their green elite - either deluded or venal - ways 1st class from one world venue to the next, if occasionally offset, only to pronounce but not practice, that doesn't seem likely.
We need much more fundamental appreciations of causes and effects... cures and consequences.
What we are getting at the moment from the greeleets is none of the above.
Just too many folk either not getting it of trying to make out of it.
With even more thinking fixes will be free and easy.
Hence I cannot resist sticking my oar in still.
BBC - Yukio Hatoyama's golden carrot
"The answer to climate change is nuclear power + electric cars."
At best not so much an answer as a very minor possible help in postponement.
I'd say fewer folk around wanting (or allowed... eek) to go elsewhere all the time might be closer to it, but with the politico-media Caravans of Carbon making their green elite - either deluded or venal - ways 1st class from one world venue to the next, if occasionally offset, only to pronounce but not practice, that doesn't seem likely.
We need much more fundamental appreciations of causes and effects... cures and consequences.
What we are getting at the moment from the greeleets is none of the above.
GOOD PACK, BAD PACK - Pot luck
I have at last had to act to stop that darn buzzer.
Can't complain.
It is one that I myself have instituted.
It is there to remind to me to a) add at least one pack (+data) and/or an idea EVERY DAY to Junkk.com in future, and then blog it too (which will end up being twittered and a few other social net things too, by means I have long since forgotten and really need to find out about again).
This is because I have realised that the world and their goat (the boys want one having seen a pet of same in a French bar) have blogs and whatnot that share notions, ideas, etc, but very few create original stuff for these fine folk to point at or comment upon.
Now, that doesn't mean I won't be pointing all sorts of nifty stuff as well, but I do intend to stop weighing in so much on things that really just get my blood pressure up and really don't help (though shifting from some ill-qualified, often less than straight talkers to some well-qualified (by dint of self-evidently DOING), sincere DOERS and, their often terrific ideas or leads to better things.
Sorry this first is more of an 'why not' idea in waiting than anything special. But just patting comanies on the pack with +ve PR can make a difference.
Just Babel'd the product title and got: 'Saver d' Formerly'. I'm guessing that might mean it is a range intended for reuse. If so... kudos Yoplait.
Are you on the Map?
I need a dose of positivity after being waay too incensed by the antics of our political classes.
It is a nice little visual aid started (I'm pretty sure) by the lovely Karen of The Rubbish Diet.
http://platial.com/
Pretty sure that's not her with the beard, and I have, as yet, in my capacity as an ITiot, NO CLUE how to get it myself/Junkk.com on there (it's a bit 'lean' on guidance for those over 50: who need a helping hand signing up for stuff), but I like the whole 'picture paints...' notion, and getting a handle on the location of fellow greenies might well lead to more beneficial hook ups in person over and above online.
It is a nice little visual aid started (I'm pretty sure) by the lovely Karen of The Rubbish Diet.
http://platial.com/
Pretty sure that's not her with the beard, and I have, as yet, in my capacity as an ITiot, NO CLUE how to get it myself/Junkk.com on there (it's a bit 'lean' on guidance for those over 50: who need a helping hand signing up for stuff), but I like the whole 'picture paints...' notion, and getting a handle on the location of fellow greenies might well lead to more beneficial hook ups in person over and above online.
Tuesday, September 08, 2009
I do mean to get back to the real, doing world soon, but...
David Miliband sets out to shock on global warming tour
When I saw the picture, I thought he was going to come up on delegates and go 'Boo!'
But no.
David Miliband will address EU, French, Swedish and Danish foreign ministries, to date unaware of the spectre of a 4C warmer world, with alligators basking off the coast of Sweden, a vast desert surrounding the Mediterranean and a largely uninhabitable mainland Europe.
That should have them reeling in the isles.
Maybe they will, as they are foreign ministries and this is from the climate side of things, and not all have brothers who know such things.
If not... He then travels to New York.
Bless.
I am sure they will all give Miliband. D a Gold Star for his latest effort. What is itabout the man that everything comes across as an 11+ project?
Addendum 1:
Meanwhile, at another token effort near you, our pols show just how much they have grasped not just the issues, but the public mood:
Brown turns down heat and Mandelson gets on his bike to support 10:10
When the readership of the Guardian is pretty much unanimous in their distain, you have to wonder whether they could tie their shoelaces without falling over.
Read the pledges, and what folk think of them.
Addendum 2:
Just heard the Director General of the Government's climate change task force (a title like that's got to be £150kpa minimum) taken apart by Eammon Homes (not an interviewer of great surgical skill you'd have thought) over some pretty daft claims. And it certainly didn't help his case when he tried to mollify those he seems to have told 'must' cut 90% of their emissions to keep their air industry going, by then saying he and his brood were off several times a year and might knock a couple of their international flights out in future to chip in.
I can see how that might have gone down with both the staycation brigade and those who could only afford a wet weekender in Tenby.
And talk about shifty. You could almost see him trying to scoot off stage left to get to the warm embrace of a BBC studio asap.
Addendum 3:
Live Q&A: David Miliband on the Copenhagen summit
Yes, that is the picture I would have chosen, too. A leader to follow to the ends of the earth, indeed.
Addendum 4:
BBC Newsnight - A stark message from the Milibands on climate change - 'a double act with a certain air of the hastily convened about it' - This from the BBC. They really are throwing the A team at this.
How the heck are we going to inspire coherent action from the majority of the population, when those few 'leaders' we have who do seem to have some inkling that this might be worth addressing (one hopes with the right reasons in mind) are either numpties, crooked, rampant hypocrites or (worst in my book) plainly incapable of a) understanding science (they all seem to have got z's in Politics at Oxford and seem to take verbatim whatever lobbysist - pro or anti climate-cause - who walks in their door as gospel) or b) identifying with the hopes, fears, aspirations and willingness to help of the vast majority of real folk just a tad fed up with being patronised, fined or cheated by a totally out of touch elite.
Times - NEW - Climate change talks ‘in danger’, warns David Miliband - And I quote: Mr Miliband refused to say how much the British Government was willing to contribute to the $100 billion (£61 billion) that Gordon Brown, the Prime Minister, said in June should be paid each year by developed countries to poorer nations to help them to cope with climate change.
When I saw the picture, I thought he was going to come up on delegates and go 'Boo!'
But no.
David Miliband will address EU, French, Swedish and Danish foreign ministries, to date unaware of the spectre of a 4C warmer world, with alligators basking off the coast of Sweden, a vast desert surrounding the Mediterranean and a largely uninhabitable mainland Europe.
That should have them reeling in the isles.
Maybe they will, as they are foreign ministries and this is from the climate side of things, and not all have brothers who know such things.
If not... He then travels to New York.
Bless.
I am sure they will all give Miliband. D a Gold Star for his latest effort. What is itabout the man that everything comes across as an 11+ project?
Addendum 1:
Meanwhile, at another token effort near you, our pols show just how much they have grasped not just the issues, but the public mood:
Brown turns down heat and Mandelson gets on his bike to support 10:10
When the readership of the Guardian is pretty much unanimous in their distain, you have to wonder whether they could tie their shoelaces without falling over.
Read the pledges, and what folk think of them.
Addendum 2:
Just heard the Director General of the Government's climate change task force (a title like that's got to be £150kpa minimum) taken apart by Eammon Homes (not an interviewer of great surgical skill you'd have thought) over some pretty daft claims. And it certainly didn't help his case when he tried to mollify those he seems to have told 'must' cut 90% of their emissions to keep their air industry going, by then saying he and his brood were off several times a year and might knock a couple of their international flights out in future to chip in.
I can see how that might have gone down with both the staycation brigade and those who could only afford a wet weekender in Tenby.
And talk about shifty. You could almost see him trying to scoot off stage left to get to the warm embrace of a BBC studio asap.
Addendum 3:
Live Q&A: David Miliband on the Copenhagen summit
Yes, that is the picture I would have chosen, too. A leader to follow to the ends of the earth, indeed.
Addendum 4:
BBC Newsnight - A stark message from the Milibands on climate change - 'a double act with a certain air of the hastily convened about it' - This from the BBC. They really are throwing the A team at this.
How the heck are we going to inspire coherent action from the majority of the population, when those few 'leaders' we have who do seem to have some inkling that this might be worth addressing (one hopes with the right reasons in mind) are either numpties, crooked, rampant hypocrites or (worst in my book) plainly incapable of a) understanding science (they all seem to have got z's in Politics at Oxford and seem to take verbatim whatever lobbysist - pro or anti climate-cause - who walks in their door as gospel) or b) identifying with the hopes, fears, aspirations and willingness to help of the vast majority of real folk just a tad fed up with being patronised, fined or cheated by a totally out of touch elite.
Times - NEW - Climate change talks ‘in danger’, warns David Miliband - And I quote: Mr Miliband refused to say how much the British Government was willing to contribute to the $100 billion (£61 billion) that Gordon Brown, the Prime Minister, said in June should be paid each year by developed countries to poorer nations to help them to cope with climate change.
Washing machine blues
A while ago our dishwasher packed in.
And in getting it going again, I managed to spin out a blog post. I have of course now lost it, but as a consequence of chatting with an engineer at the sharp end, I learned a few things, one of which was cold water washes may save on the water heating, but may not be that great on enviROI due to pipes getting bunged up through hot water not scouring them .
Well, it has happened again, and I am faced with a a similar dilemma on the price, if not principle of insurance.
Tricky. Stuart, the engineer, says it is a good model with loads of life in it, so I am tempted to keep on. But it is really a bet with the actuaries. 3 more years and I could buy a brand new one on the annual fee. Not a Miele, of course, but still...
Anyhoo, a few tips to pass on. All as a result of that rather nasty collection in the picture.
First up, change is very bad. Do try and ensure you do not leave any in. Thanks to the boys we did end up with enough for a pint, but it could have been at major cost. If the coin does not slide to the trap and gets wedged... major.
The other tip is as a result of the main blockage culprit, namely cord ties.
It is well worth putting any garment with flappy bits in a net bag first. Saves the bits being ripped off and the resulting strands starting a healthy bung.
Saturday, September 05, 2009
IN THE NEWS - From zero to hero?
What a nice way to wake up on one's wedding anniversary*
Fellow green Blogger Mrs. Green and her MyZeroWaste site have run a feature on reuse, and kindly bigged up Junkk in the process: National zero waste week - reuse something.
Let the mutual complementing commence!
* Especially when the missus has forgotten. Out to the garden to pick some posies to pop on the breakfast-in-bed tray for soon (etched glass sake bottle makes a lovely vase - drink the sake first), and I am in major brownie points for a while:) And before any accusations of an excess of thrift, we have three annually (it's an East West thing), plus I'm guessing we're headed for Yaks & Yetis for Nepalese fare tonight. Doubtless with the kids in tow. Something about 17 years seems to temper the romance somewhat.
Fellow green Blogger Mrs. Green and her MyZeroWaste site have run a feature on reuse, and kindly bigged up Junkk in the process: National zero waste week - reuse something.
Let the mutual complementing commence!
* Especially when the missus has forgotten. Out to the garden to pick some posies to pop on the breakfast-in-bed tray for soon (etched glass sake bottle makes a lovely vase - drink the sake first), and I am in major brownie points for a while:) And before any accusations of an excess of thrift, we have three annually (it's an East West thing), plus I'm guessing we're headed for Yaks & Yetis for Nepalese fare tonight. Doubtless with the kids in tow. Something about 17 years seems to temper the romance somewhat.
Friday, September 04, 2009
CampCon 5
There will be a few posts as a consequence of our Eurocamping trip.
Let's start with a lighthearted one.
It was inspired by two weeks of near perfect (if often too hot) weather in France and Italy, which made for easy pitching and striking.
With the staycation caution of arriving back at Plymouth to grey drizzle which persisted all the way home, from whence I looked out over the field opposite with drenched, hooded figures trying to set up or leave a campsite.
In homage to the US nuke threat system, I hence propose the following:
CampCon 1 - arrive in the dry, set up in the dry, stay in the dry, strike and leave in the dry.
CampCon 2 - arrive in the dry, set up in the dry, stay in all sorts, strike and leave in the dry. (Though in a way, sleeping under canvas in rain is fun... IF it then dries before you leave).
CampCon 3 - arrive in all sorts, set up in the dry, stay in all sorts, strike and leave in the dry.
CampCon 4 - arrive in all sorts, set up in all sorts, stay in all sorts, strike and leave in the dry.
CampCon 5 - arrive in all sorts, set up in the wet, stay in all sorts, strike and leave in the wet.
There are other factors - such as wind, red ant nests and previous tenant-bestowed dog poos - that could run this to many more. But suffice to say that getting you gear up and back in the dry is about the closest to nirvana as one can hope.
Thursday, September 03, 2009
Words and deeds
India's middle class must cut its hot air emissions
30-plus degree heat, 74 per cent humidity
Inside, their air-conditioners run 24/7
India's middle class must cut its hot air emissions
Just juggled those 3 sentences around a bit, whilst reflecting on how lucky we are here to have the ability to use almost no energy on adjusting our surrounding room temperatures for more than half the year.
And then considering how, if means and money are available, being told one must not use them will go down.
So the notion of our Ministers flying hither and thither in the attempt seems, at best, quaint.
In writing the above and posting it on the blog, I was of course pondering my own experiences in Singapore (32 degrees, 99% humidity, 24/7), and the odds of me not using a/c whenever possible (actually, we did only use fans in our home). And on our recent camping trip round Southern Europe (40 degrees, if low humidity) I was the first to concede that, without it, we'd have died in the car (plus reducing the mpg by having the windows open, he hopes, guilt-stricken).
But I have been moved to coin another descriptive phrase; that of the the Monotonous Meddlers. These guys seem not only to have an addiction to sticking their oars in everywhere and all the time, but also do it with little appreciation for actual realities, consequences or, most tellingingly, the rampant hypocrisies of their often selective and too often arrogantly stated positions.
And if they are p*ssing me off, when I agree with the basic premise they are promoting if not the manner, then lord knows how their pronouncements go down with their targets and/or those not quite so enamoured with the rightness of their causes as they are.
30-plus degree heat, 74 per cent humidity
Inside, their air-conditioners run 24/7
India's middle class must cut its hot air emissions
Just juggled those 3 sentences around a bit, whilst reflecting on how lucky we are here to have the ability to use almost no energy on adjusting our surrounding room temperatures for more than half the year.
And then considering how, if means and money are available, being told one must not use them will go down.
So the notion of our Ministers flying hither and thither in the attempt seems, at best, quaint.
In writing the above and posting it on the blog, I was of course pondering my own experiences in Singapore (32 degrees, 99% humidity, 24/7), and the odds of me not using a/c whenever possible (actually, we did only use fans in our home). And on our recent camping trip round Southern Europe (40 degrees, if low humidity) I was the first to concede that, without it, we'd have died in the car (plus reducing the mpg by having the windows open, he hopes, guilt-stricken).
But I have been moved to coin another descriptive phrase; that of the the Monotonous Meddlers. These guys seem not only to have an addiction to sticking their oars in everywhere and all the time, but also do it with little appreciation for actual realities, consequences or, most tellingingly, the rampant hypocrisies of their often selective and too often arrogantly stated positions.
And if they are p*ssing me off, when I agree with the basic premise they are promoting if not the manner, then lord knows how their pronouncements go down with their targets and/or those not quite so enamoured with the rightness of their causes as they are.
Wanted: One Napoleonic general.
Is successful innovation just dumb luck?
I am not sure who to credit this with, but I'll accord it to my old business partner who used it in my hearing first: 'Too many are content to be the first to be second. It's safer. The real excitement, and potential rewards, come from those who are determined only to be the first'.
Throw enough money, or people, at something, and it just might stick.
The real skill, and fun... and profit... is to come up with a great idea on a shoestring, and then get it to market on not much more.
I'm still working on the latter.
So I guess I'll accept whatever might help next. Even luck:)
But I'd also settle for a few less gatekeepers whose main function is to secure their positions by taking no risks, but also ensuring no one else around them might succeed where they dare not tread.
'No one got fired...' phoey. Think of what may have been if that attitude was stuck in a big blue hole.
I am not sure who to credit this with, but I'll accord it to my old business partner who used it in my hearing first: 'Too many are content to be the first to be second. It's safer. The real excitement, and potential rewards, come from those who are determined only to be the first'.
Throw enough money, or people, at something, and it just might stick.
The real skill, and fun... and profit... is to come up with a great idea on a shoestring, and then get it to market on not much more.
I'm still working on the latter.
So I guess I'll accept whatever might help next. Even luck:)
But I'd also settle for a few less gatekeepers whose main function is to secure their positions by taking no risks, but also ensuring no one else around them might succeed where they dare not tread.
'No one got fired...' phoey. Think of what may have been if that attitude was stuck in a big blue hole.
Well, it's nice to know we were, are and will be in good hands
Prescott: cutting emissions by 80% will not be enough
Sadly, it would seem that some do not feel this messenger to be the best for such a message.
For my part, I seem to recall a person who engineered a trip, with full entourage, mainly to get a suntan, when in a position of real power and responsibility.
Which rather shapes my views on him, his government, and the media who still accord them any shred of credibility.
Sadly, it would seem that some do not feel this messenger to be the best for such a message.
For my part, I seem to recall a person who engineered a trip, with full entourage, mainly to get a suntan, when in a position of real power and responsibility.
Which rather shapes my views on him, his government, and the media who still accord them any shred of credibility.
Tuesday, September 01, 2009
Going to the polls
You know how much I love 'em:)
Britain admits it is not green enough, reveals poll
Oddly, I do not recall being asked.
Especially such gems as this: 20%, even claim they would not mind a nuclear plant being built in sight of their house.
A rather clear sign this was conducted amongst those who have a fairly good notion that such a thing would never happen in their neck 'o the woods.
Beyond the presumption, there is more than a danger of some out there over-parodying themselves.
Britain is not green enough. But those who see themselves as the ones to do it with soem truly bonkers ideas are coming across as total numpties. And now, of all times, we need messengers who can convey the messages beyond the comfort zone of a very small readership.
Britain admits it is not green enough, reveals poll
Oddly, I do not recall being asked.
Especially such gems as this: 20%, even claim they would not mind a nuclear plant being built in sight of their house.
A rather clear sign this was conducted amongst those who have a fairly good notion that such a thing would never happen in their neck 'o the woods.
Beyond the presumption, there is more than a danger of some out there over-parodying themselves.
Britain is not green enough. But those who see themselves as the ones to do it with soem truly bonkers ideas are coming across as total numpties. And now, of all times, we need messengers who can convey the messages beyond the comfort zone of a very small readership.
CATEGORY - ALT ENERGY/GEO-ENGINEERING
A comment to a posting has inspired me to create this new category.
I will give pride of place to Dave of Solarventi, who had this to say:
Re: The BBC bit on the apparent failure of the iron filings experiment in the southern ocean (Under Geo-Engineering).
So the iron filings successfully caused a phytoplankton bloom. But, the phytoplankton were rapidly eaten up by voracious copepods, which were themselves then eaten by larger amphipods.
Now, please will someone correct me if I'm wrong here. I know that the CO2 sequestered by the phytoplankton was supposed to go to the bottom of the ocean as they died, but as all the CO2 that they took on board has been reused (digested!) higher up the food chain, and will either be sequestered to the ocean floor sediments as dead exoskeletons (the amphipods and copepods) or as their faeces, surely this is going to tie up the carbon in the ocean sediments just as well?
Hasn't the carbon sequestered by the phytoplankton actually gone into the food chain to be locked up elsewhere? Or am I missing something blindingly obvious here?
...about this:
ARTICLES
BBC - Setback for climate technical fix - I think Dave has a point! I still caution on these macro-manipulations, but a bunch of dead stuff heading ocean floorwards, taking carbon with it, seems a lot better than many ideas I've seen and heard.
Guardian - Obama climate adviser open to geo-engineering to tackle global warming
Guardian - The climate engineers - Can't say finding out is such a bad thing. But the comments so far are less than stellar. Hence I bailed.
BBC - Climate fixes 'pose drought risk' - Erk. Die of climate change, or lack of water? Mess with Mother with caution...
BBC - NEW - Plan B for Planet Earth - With a very scary graph. I had to look up Afforestation just to be sure. Or... don't cut down in swathes those that currently exist and do a pretty good job. Just a thought.
I will give pride of place to Dave of Solarventi, who had this to say:
Re: The BBC bit on the apparent failure of the iron filings experiment in the southern ocean (Under Geo-Engineering).
So the iron filings successfully caused a phytoplankton bloom. But, the phytoplankton were rapidly eaten up by voracious copepods, which were themselves then eaten by larger amphipods.
Now, please will someone correct me if I'm wrong here. I know that the CO2 sequestered by the phytoplankton was supposed to go to the bottom of the ocean as they died, but as all the CO2 that they took on board has been reused (digested!) higher up the food chain, and will either be sequestered to the ocean floor sediments as dead exoskeletons (the amphipods and copepods) or as their faeces, surely this is going to tie up the carbon in the ocean sediments just as well?
Hasn't the carbon sequestered by the phytoplankton actually gone into the food chain to be locked up elsewhere? Or am I missing something blindingly obvious here?
...about this:
ARTICLES
BBC - Setback for climate technical fix - I think Dave has a point! I still caution on these macro-manipulations, but a bunch of dead stuff heading ocean floorwards, taking carbon with it, seems a lot better than many ideas I've seen and heard.
Guardian - Obama climate adviser open to geo-engineering to tackle global warming
Guardian - The climate engineers - Can't say finding out is such a bad thing. But the comments so far are less than stellar. Hence I bailed.
BBC - Climate fixes 'pose drought risk' - Erk. Die of climate change, or lack of water? Mess with Mother with caution...
BBC - NEW - Plan B for Planet Earth - With a very scary graph. I had to look up Afforestation just to be sure. Or... don't cut down in swathes those that currently exist and do a pretty good job. Just a thought.
CATEGORY - WATER
I think until now I'd stuck this under Utilities. It's bigger than washing your car of a Sunday. So here's a dedicated category.
To kick off:
ARTICLES
Nature - Water special
Indy - Forget carbon: you should be checking your water footprint
Indy - The big turn off: Could you drink, bathe and clean using just 20 litres a day? - usual stuff, but with some interesting stats
Guardian - What's in your tap water? - When it comes to a fairly fundamental aspect of what keeps me & mine ticking, I don't really feel a healthy interest (or, if you prefer, 'worrying') constitutes an unreasonable notion, and certainly a worthy, if not more necessary action , rather than diversion versus the latest chatterati cause-mongering. But it is true that I do find myself 'worrying' a lot, and more often than not it is down to the media. So rack up another rating point. Now, where the heck do I find out what is in my Ross-on-Wye Springs via the blue tap? That's the trouble with just turning something on and leaving it open. There can be a lot wasted as a consequence.
Gaurdian - Forecast: dry, becoming drier -
Nature - Hydrology: India running on empty - Groundwater in northwestern India is being depleted at an unsustainable rate, which could lead to severe water shortages and reduced agricultural productivity. The reduction in groundwater cannot be attributed to natural climate variability, but is probably caused by excessive consumption from irrigation and other human uses. Satellite-based estimates of groundwater depletion in India -
I have accepted that 'we' are not helping nature (as in Mother, and trying to do what I can to help/mitigate), and nature is certainly not helping the climate. However, I think this highlights why we need to look across all aspects 'man's' endeavours before hanging all our hopes on 'solving' climate change with certain high-profile, low enviROI quick fixes. Especially to the exclusion (though climate does play a major role) of other pretty hefty aspects, water being high on the list.
BBC - India's unsustainable lesson -
WATER METERING
I think this deserves it's own slot, too. I do have a few references already, coinciding with our meter installation, but this will serve for other archiving.
Telegraph - NEW - Hang on Boris: who would be penalised by compulsory water meters? - Not the best of starts, mind.
INFORMATION
waterfootprint.org
DirectGov - Saving water in the garden
SUPPLIERS
freewateruk.co.uk -
To kick off:
ARTICLES
Nature - Water special
Indy - Forget carbon: you should be checking your water footprint
Indy - The big turn off: Could you drink, bathe and clean using just 20 litres a day? - usual stuff, but with some interesting stats
Guardian - What's in your tap water? - When it comes to a fairly fundamental aspect of what keeps me & mine ticking, I don't really feel a healthy interest (or, if you prefer, 'worrying') constitutes an unreasonable notion, and certainly a worthy, if not more necessary action , rather than diversion versus the latest chatterati cause-mongering. But it is true that I do find myself 'worrying' a lot, and more often than not it is down to the media. So rack up another rating point. Now, where the heck do I find out what is in my Ross-on-Wye Springs via the blue tap? That's the trouble with just turning something on and leaving it open. There can be a lot wasted as a consequence.
Gaurdian - Forecast: dry, becoming drier -
Nature - Hydrology: India running on empty - Groundwater in northwestern India is being depleted at an unsustainable rate, which could lead to severe water shortages and reduced agricultural productivity. The reduction in groundwater cannot be attributed to natural climate variability, but is probably caused by excessive consumption from irrigation and other human uses. Satellite-based estimates of groundwater depletion in India -
I have accepted that 'we' are not helping nature (as in Mother, and trying to do what I can to help/mitigate), and nature is certainly not helping the climate. However, I think this highlights why we need to look across all aspects 'man's' endeavours before hanging all our hopes on 'solving' climate change with certain high-profile, low enviROI quick fixes. Especially to the exclusion (though climate does play a major role) of other pretty hefty aspects, water being high on the list.
BBC - India's unsustainable lesson -
WATER METERING
I think this deserves it's own slot, too. I do have a few references already, coinciding with our meter installation, but this will serve for other archiving.
Telegraph - NEW - Hang on Boris: who would be penalised by compulsory water meters? - Not the best of starts, mind.
INFORMATION
waterfootprint.org
DirectGov - Saving water in the garden
SUPPLIERS
freewateruk.co.uk -
O....k
Is it just me, or does this headline kinda state the obvious?
I am also intrigued that, in porting this over, blogger has imported a typeface for the first time.
Let's also see how it deals with his gem:
Are you concerned about the spread of the fire?
All those not concerned about the spread of killer wildfires being?
Superb reporting and editorial. Just superb.
Let's also see how it deals with his gem:
Are you concerned about the spread of the fire?
All those not concerned about the spread of killer wildfires being?
Superb reporting and editorial. Just superb.
Monday, August 31, 2009
EVENT - IP - Greenfest 09
EVENT
WHEN: Tuesday Sept 22
WHAT: Greenfest 09, West Suffolk College
WHAT... MORE?:
HOW MUCH: Free, I think
URL: Not sure yet... try this: http://www.westsuffolk-ac.co.uk/general/contact_us.php
COMMENTS:Cripes, doesn't time pass quickly. Junkk is going to be there as an exhibitor, and it was an age ago that we were kindly invited. Yet here it is upon us. If you are in the vicinity, and allowed (I'm sure it is open to all)* do come and say hi, and see our latest reuse ideas on show.
*Ooops. It isn't. At least not yet. Just back from hols to note comment from organiser Amy. Sorry for the mis-info.
WHEN: Tuesday Sept 22
WHAT: Greenfest 09, West Suffolk College
WHAT... MORE?:
HOW MUCH: Free, I think
URL: Not sure yet... try this: http://www.westsuffolk-ac.co.uk/general/contact_us.php
COMMENTS:Cripes, doesn't time pass quickly. Junkk is going to be there as an exhibitor, and it was an age ago that we were kindly invited. Yet here it is upon us. If you are in the vicinity, and allowed (I'm sure it is open to all)* do come and say hi, and see our latest reuse ideas on show.
*Ooops. It isn't. At least not yet. Just back from hols to note comment from organiser Amy. Sorry for the mis-info.
Friday, August 14, 2009
CATEGORY - WIND
As with any renewable, I love the idea. I just cast an engineer's eye around the enviROI in practice in many cases.
Try and make your own mind up. Though between most media and governments I'd say you'd often be struggling to be totally clear.
Articles
Guardian - Big oil to big wind: Texas veteran sets up $10bn clean energy project
FT.com - Setback for UK wind farm push - Were it me, I'd have gone for 'Blow to...' Especially when one reads this: 'The large subsidies paid by electricity users to fund the drive towards wind power are generating profits for existing wind farm owners – without producing many new turbines'
Indy - Save peatlands from wind turbines - More facts than I have seen anywhere in a while. Thing is... are they accurate? I am guessing we'll not hear more as the caravan rolls on.
The Register - Shell pulls out of Thames Estuary mega-windfarm -
Telegraph - Shell disappoints with wind farm withdrawal - I merely note the competencies and responsibilities and agendas of those 'disappointed', but look also at this: Quite simply, the costs of wind farms are spiralling out of control. I think in terms of enviROI+, but most talk seems to be of image. Which is better for our kids?
Indy - Shouldn't local people have a say on wind farms? - There are many factors to be considered here; and most are important, if often different ones to different people.
However what often gets lots is clear data on the actual deliverables of energy to meet these 'targets'.
With expanding economies, and populations, there are frankly going to be demands of land and resources for all sorts of reasons.
In making tricky choices my major concern is that whatever else is going on, we are allowed to assess the merits of these alternative energy options on clear issues of ROI and enviROI (environmental benefits to our kids' futures), and not certain narrow, short-term definitions that are more to help box-tickers' careers, lobbyists bonus payments and contractors' subsidy-supported profits.
Telegraph - Wind Weekend to celebrate wind power - Another week/end, another feature/celebration of stuff that is 24/7, 365/365. I guess it must be good for PR with lazy media. Like me! I'll confess to having linked but not read.
The Register - Research: Wind power pricier, emits more CO2 than thought - I have been asking for more meaningful data, especially on enviROI as well as deliverables, for a while. Ta-da! However, doubtless there will soon be a ton more that totally contradicts this. Seems a heck of a lot of uncertainty still to be pinning £100B and the country's energy needs on.
Telegraph - Wind won't solve energy gap - A piece from a 'side', so the real value is in the thread replies.
Times - Giant turbines to make north Windy Central - 'Each could [my italics] generate up to 7.5 mega-watts of power, enough for 4,000-5,000 homes.' What, I wonder, do we know they can... and will generate. Why is this always left unknown? I am keen to be convinced, but such reporting leaves me always wondering.
Telegraph - Homeowners living near windfarms see property values plummet - A problem, but also something to bear in mind before accusing some of unthinking, unreasonable NIMBYism.
Telegraph - When the wind stops - the other side of the wind turbine argument - Some science (if from a clear 'side' - check the comments in reply. One only, so far)
Gaurdian - A blot of turbines - With a title like that...
Greenbang - Wind power: “Expensive and unreliable” - worth reading on as the headline is not all there is to it
The Register - Greenpeace: UK gov trying to strangle wind power - Um, why? I don't say they are not, but they say they are in favour. Confused?
Guardian - Report finds US is world's top wind producer
Times - Host of new pylons to carry wind farm power
Greenbang - UK wind: only for the rural - Now there's a thing. Who'da thunk and why did no one mention this before? Could have spared all sorts of eco-savvy folk money and looking like enviROI-numpties... like our next PM, for instance. Arthur, bring up more coal from the bunker, if you please! George, throw a few more rods in the reactor! Gives me a warm glow (I hope that's all it is) just thinking of the brain power being deployed on our behalves.
The Register - Carbon Trust: Rooftop windmills are eco own-goal
Times - Country out-performs towns in household wind turbine trials
Gaurdian - Wind farms are not only beautiful, they're absolutely necessary - Just gotta love objective headlines
RenewableEnergyWorld - Software Predicts Electricity Output for Wind - Now this looks more promising, but note reply
ASA - Interesting insights via ad complaint
Telegraph - Giant Upside Down Kitchen Whisks (GUDKW) to save the planet? - Can it be beaten? Personally I'd have gone for 'Blender Blades'... snappier.
Times - Wind turbines generate bonus for homeowners
Guardian - Spinning to destruction - Not anticipated by whom (Whilst being cautiously in favour, as an ex- Civ. Eng I recall wondering how a gearbox in the North Sea stood up), and when, exactly? At what cost? (ROI & enviROI?) And why?
BBC - When the wind doesn't blow - I read this as I read about a chap who 'saves' by using the energy from his next door neighbours' homes to radiate into his. Not too sure this system works too well.
EU Referendum - Trouble at t'grid
Inhabitat - Groundbreaking Energy Ball Wind Turbine for Home Power - Interesting comments and links to this
EU Referendum - Candour from the Beeb - I am starting to sense that not only has the cart been put before the horse, no one actually seemed to figure out that first you need a path to follow. This lack of informed foresight, intelligent planning and sensible, objective, agenda-free media oversight from major public media with immense resources is nothing short of a scandal.
Telegraph - Wind farms, hot air and spin , Wind farms fail to deliver value for money, report claims -
I tend to share most of the concerns articulated here, especially (ignoring a few other pertinent parameters) those of the actual enviROI.
But as an ideal I want the idea to succeed and remain ready to be persuaded. The advocates have not yet, at least in many UK locations, but may win me round.
However, in the same way, those in favour of nuclear also still have a job ahead, at least for this microscopic jury of one.
'...nuclear energy is the most realistic option for meeting our long-term energy needs.'
May be true economically (though I have seen rather scary numbers on simple ROI here, at least without subsidy - which comes from whom?), but I'd hazard that to tick my environmental boxes as well, a few questions need to be answered. Especially... long term... I'd like to have more confidence that there's a better notion of what will be done with the waste, beyond hoping that eventually a solution will be found.
Daily Mail - A load of hot air: Why spending £100bn on windfarms to please the EU is Labour's greatest act of lunacy - Caution: as the title might suggest, this is not what you might call a 'Pro' stance. I also query the claim; Labour might have had a hand in a few other odd and fiscally unwise efforts to challenge this assertion.
And no mention of enviROI.
Times - Wind power plans may be blown off course - Having just watched a YouTube of one that sounded quite noisy, before it exploded, I wonder what rpm was meant when the guy says 'You can easily hold a conversation under the blades as they whizz around'?
Guardian - Wind farms must be nearer coast to meet targets, says report - I always thought they had to be out there to get the wind (or they could all be stuck on David Cameron's roof) , but nearer at least improves the enviROI of maintenance.
Observer - UK wind farm plans on brink of failure
Times - Shell pulls out of its last UK wind farm project
Guardian - UK overtakes Denmark as world's biggest offshore wind generator
Newsnight - Some interesting, if unproven and possibly partisan comments in the comments at the end.
Indy - Winds of change: A beacon of optimism
Greenbang - Wind energy “capacity” - just hot air?
So, here’s a surprise. In one corner a pretty extreme climate optimist. And in the other the leader of our country, a very smart man… who spins on his own axis pretty much whenever the political winds shift. Currently a bastion of ‘green’. Who to believe? No help from the Telegraph. Any experts out there who can help. It’s just numbers after all.
Max/min/average ratings. Wind speeds. Efficiencies. Maintenance schedules. Lifespans. Etc.
With a few less clear influences as work: Targets. Bonusses. Subsidies. Fines. Lobbying. Etc.
So… what delivers an enviROI from construction through to decommissioning that has an enviROI my kids’ futures can depend on?
Anyone?
Times - Wind investment at a standstill
Indy Letters - I missed the piece that inspired it, but I reprint this with my usual caveats about being impressed by titles and concerns that today's major media seem quite content to share black and white in sequence, without really being too concerned that teh reader aquires any sense of subtle shades of green...
When the wind does not blow
It is all very well for Michael Meacher to call for a higher proportion of electricity to be supplied by renewables (Letters, 3 December) but he ignores the main objective of the supply industry: to provide low-carbon electrical power continuously, on demand.
Wind is intermittent and variable. The "cube law" is hardly ever mentioned. (When a 30 mph wind falls to 10 mph, the power output falls by 96 per cent.) The deficiency usually has to be made up by gas or coal generators. Other countries do not have to rely so heavily on carbon credits. The Scandinavian countries have available hydro-electricity. Germany can import electricity from up from up to nine countries. We have one cross-channel cable.
Professor Charles Hughes, FREng
Guardian - Spinning to destruction - Actually an old one I just stumbled across. My main concern with reliability is how it affects the enviROI (gearboxes and salt air don't seem happy bedfellows), but safety is also a maintenance-related issue and concern, too. However, the failure rate, so far, still seems low.
Telegraph - Do you really want a wind turbine? - Oo, facts. There's a novelty.
Guardian - Keep the blades of wind power turning
Guardian - Opposing wind farms should not be socially unacceptable
Telegraph - Wind Farms: the death of Britain - Wind still grabbing the headlines, and not always good ones. And this is a good (bad?) example. Between the piece and the comments in reply the divide makes a climate change discussion seem almost an exercise in polite compromise. It is important, as there is so much money involved. And my main concern remains the enviROI. What beggars my belief is that we have got to this point and there seems still no clear cut trustworthy, objective facts. And when those making the most noise are a target-obsessed government I wouldn't trust to build a sandcastle vs. an often very reactionary press, the issue remains downright obscure. Criminally so.
Telegraph - When wind power blows, jobs will fall - Can't comment on the objectivity of the facts (see above) but certainly a sober outline of some critical issues. Can't help be suspect that an article from a more supportive source would paint a different picture.
Telegraph - How can wind turbines generate so much lunacy? - Ditto. I guess you need to review the comments for 'balance'. But I do prefer cold, hard numbers. And the examples of how badly some media can apparently get them wrong...is concerning.
Guardian - Live Q&A: George Monbiot on wind power - It's a shame, but I rather find the Grauniad and Torygraph to be bookends when it comes to eco-objectivity, so at least this is likely to provide some 'balance' and maybe even facual considerations to the last few I have come across. I hope. I'd pose a question or two, but seom blogs are now too flamey for comfort. but worth a gander IMHO tomorrow.
Indy - Wind power plan blown off course - Don't know where the Indy rates for objectivity, but that headline doesn't bode well.
BBC - Newsnight - The iPlayer is only good for a week. But the follow up comments offer an interesting mix of viewpoints. I think the BBC really needs to address the qualifications of its 'reporters' in what is a very science/engineering-dependent topic (with a fair mix of enviROI economics in the mix - preferably without box-ticking targets and or subsidy-addicted lobbyists skewing decisions). Both to understand the issues and, as important, share them both objectively AND understandably.
Guardian - Wind power: Local difficulty - an interesting debate sparked and, indeed, still brewing, especially as more on the 'Two E's' aspects come out.
Guardian - Wind power: the silent majority must speak out, says Miliband - Always a tad concerned when minority groups (esp: pols) invoke the majority. Even more when mandates are presumed.
Guardian - A wind farm is not the answer - Get the feeling this is topical... and about as polarised as climate change? How is it that there seem yet to be few numbers that anyone can trust, and hence agree upon?
Grants
Information
BERR - UK Windspeed Database -
UK Wind Speed Database -
EERE - Wind Powering America - Its a start. An odd one; but interesting.
energy4all.co.uk - For setting up community projects
warwickwindtrials -
windpowertv.com - NEW - Clear advocates, but lots of useful information to add the knowledge base
Carbon Trust - Small-scale wind energy
Suppliers
allsmallwindturbines.com - Looks useful!
encraft.co.uk -
windandsun.co.uk -
weatherworks.co.uk
See labels below, especially under 'Alt. Energy' for previous notes. If you have anything to add to the headings above... share 'em! Direct to info[at]junkk.com or via the comments on the blog.
Useful Media
renewableenergyworld.com -
Try and make your own mind up. Though between most media and governments I'd say you'd often be struggling to be totally clear.
Articles
Guardian - Big oil to big wind: Texas veteran sets up $10bn clean energy project
FT.com - Setback for UK wind farm push - Were it me, I'd have gone for 'Blow to...' Especially when one reads this: 'The large subsidies paid by electricity users to fund the drive towards wind power are generating profits for existing wind farm owners – without producing many new turbines'
Indy - Save peatlands from wind turbines - More facts than I have seen anywhere in a while. Thing is... are they accurate? I am guessing we'll not hear more as the caravan rolls on.
The Register - Shell pulls out of Thames Estuary mega-windfarm -
Telegraph - Shell disappoints with wind farm withdrawal - I merely note the competencies and responsibilities and agendas of those 'disappointed', but look also at this: Quite simply, the costs of wind farms are spiralling out of control. I think in terms of enviROI+, but most talk seems to be of image. Which is better for our kids?
Indy - Shouldn't local people have a say on wind farms? - There are many factors to be considered here; and most are important, if often different ones to different people.
However what often gets lots is clear data on the actual deliverables of energy to meet these 'targets'.
With expanding economies, and populations, there are frankly going to be demands of land and resources for all sorts of reasons.
In making tricky choices my major concern is that whatever else is going on, we are allowed to assess the merits of these alternative energy options on clear issues of ROI and enviROI (environmental benefits to our kids' futures), and not certain narrow, short-term definitions that are more to help box-tickers' careers, lobbyists bonus payments and contractors' subsidy-supported profits.
Telegraph - Wind Weekend to celebrate wind power - Another week/end, another feature/celebration of stuff that is 24/7, 365/365. I guess it must be good for PR with lazy media. Like me! I'll confess to having linked but not read.
The Register - Research: Wind power pricier, emits more CO2 than thought - I have been asking for more meaningful data, especially on enviROI as well as deliverables, for a while. Ta-da! However, doubtless there will soon be a ton more that totally contradicts this. Seems a heck of a lot of uncertainty still to be pinning £100B and the country's energy needs on.
Telegraph - Wind won't solve energy gap - A piece from a 'side', so the real value is in the thread replies.
Times - Giant turbines to make north Windy Central - 'Each could [my italics] generate up to 7.5 mega-watts of power, enough for 4,000-5,000 homes.' What, I wonder, do we know they can... and will generate. Why is this always left unknown? I am keen to be convinced, but such reporting leaves me always wondering.
Telegraph - Homeowners living near windfarms see property values plummet - A problem, but also something to bear in mind before accusing some of unthinking, unreasonable NIMBYism.
Telegraph - When the wind stops - the other side of the wind turbine argument - Some science (if from a clear 'side' - check the comments in reply. One only, so far)
Gaurdian - A blot of turbines - With a title like that...
Greenbang - Wind power: “Expensive and unreliable” - worth reading on as the headline is not all there is to it
The Register - Greenpeace: UK gov trying to strangle wind power - Um, why? I don't say they are not, but they say they are in favour. Confused?
Guardian - Report finds US is world's top wind producer
Times - Host of new pylons to carry wind farm power
Greenbang - UK wind: only for the rural - Now there's a thing. Who'da thunk and why did no one mention this before? Could have spared all sorts of eco-savvy folk money and looking like enviROI-numpties... like our next PM, for instance. Arthur, bring up more coal from the bunker, if you please! George, throw a few more rods in the reactor! Gives me a warm glow (I hope that's all it is) just thinking of the brain power being deployed on our behalves.
The Register - Carbon Trust: Rooftop windmills are eco own-goal
Times - Country out-performs towns in household wind turbine trials
Gaurdian - Wind farms are not only beautiful, they're absolutely necessary - Just gotta love objective headlines
RenewableEnergyWorld - Software Predicts Electricity Output for Wind - Now this looks more promising, but note reply
ASA - Interesting insights via ad complaint
Telegraph - Giant Upside Down Kitchen Whisks (GUDKW) to save the planet? - Can it be beaten? Personally I'd have gone for 'Blender Blades'... snappier.
Times - Wind turbines generate bonus for homeowners
Guardian - Spinning to destruction - Not anticipated by whom (Whilst being cautiously in favour, as an ex- Civ. Eng I recall wondering how a gearbox in the North Sea stood up), and when, exactly? At what cost? (ROI & enviROI?) And why?
BBC - When the wind doesn't blow - I read this as I read about a chap who 'saves' by using the energy from his next door neighbours' homes to radiate into his. Not too sure this system works too well.
EU Referendum - Trouble at t'grid
Inhabitat - Groundbreaking Energy Ball Wind Turbine for Home Power - Interesting comments and links to this
EU Referendum - Candour from the Beeb - I am starting to sense that not only has the cart been put before the horse, no one actually seemed to figure out that first you need a path to follow. This lack of informed foresight, intelligent planning and sensible, objective, agenda-free media oversight from major public media with immense resources is nothing short of a scandal.
Telegraph - Wind farms, hot air and spin , Wind farms fail to deliver value for money, report claims -
I tend to share most of the concerns articulated here, especially (ignoring a few other pertinent parameters) those of the actual enviROI.
But as an ideal I want the idea to succeed and remain ready to be persuaded. The advocates have not yet, at least in many UK locations, but may win me round.
However, in the same way, those in favour of nuclear also still have a job ahead, at least for this microscopic jury of one.
'...nuclear energy is the most realistic option for meeting our long-term energy needs.'
May be true economically (though I have seen rather scary numbers on simple ROI here, at least without subsidy - which comes from whom?), but I'd hazard that to tick my environmental boxes as well, a few questions need to be answered. Especially... long term... I'd like to have more confidence that there's a better notion of what will be done with the waste, beyond hoping that eventually a solution will be found.
Daily Mail - A load of hot air: Why spending £100bn on windfarms to please the EU is Labour's greatest act of lunacy - Caution: as the title might suggest, this is not what you might call a 'Pro' stance. I also query the claim; Labour might have had a hand in a few other odd and fiscally unwise efforts to challenge this assertion.
And no mention of enviROI.
Times - Wind power plans may be blown off course - Having just watched a YouTube of one that sounded quite noisy, before it exploded, I wonder what rpm was meant when the guy says 'You can easily hold a conversation under the blades as they whizz around'?
Guardian - Wind farms must be nearer coast to meet targets, says report - I always thought they had to be out there to get the wind (or they could all be stuck on David Cameron's roof) , but nearer at least improves the enviROI of maintenance.
Observer - UK wind farm plans on brink of failure
Times - Shell pulls out of its last UK wind farm project
Guardian - UK overtakes Denmark as world's biggest offshore wind generator
Newsnight - Some interesting, if unproven and possibly partisan comments in the comments at the end.
Indy - Winds of change: A beacon of optimism
Greenbang - Wind energy “capacity” - just hot air?
So, here’s a surprise. In one corner a pretty extreme climate optimist. And in the other the leader of our country, a very smart man… who spins on his own axis pretty much whenever the political winds shift. Currently a bastion of ‘green’. Who to believe? No help from the Telegraph. Any experts out there who can help. It’s just numbers after all.
Max/min/average ratings. Wind speeds. Efficiencies. Maintenance schedules. Lifespans. Etc.
With a few less clear influences as work: Targets. Bonusses. Subsidies. Fines. Lobbying. Etc.
So… what delivers an enviROI from construction through to decommissioning that has an enviROI my kids’ futures can depend on?
Anyone?
Times - Wind investment at a standstill
Indy Letters - I missed the piece that inspired it, but I reprint this with my usual caveats about being impressed by titles and concerns that today's major media seem quite content to share black and white in sequence, without really being too concerned that teh reader aquires any sense of subtle shades of green...
When the wind does not blow
It is all very well for Michael Meacher to call for a higher proportion of electricity to be supplied by renewables (Letters, 3 December) but he ignores the main objective of the supply industry: to provide low-carbon electrical power continuously, on demand.
Wind is intermittent and variable. The "cube law" is hardly ever mentioned. (When a 30 mph wind falls to 10 mph, the power output falls by 96 per cent.) The deficiency usually has to be made up by gas or coal generators. Other countries do not have to rely so heavily on carbon credits. The Scandinavian countries have available hydro-electricity. Germany can import electricity from up from up to nine countries. We have one cross-channel cable.
Professor Charles Hughes, FREng
Guardian - Spinning to destruction - Actually an old one I just stumbled across. My main concern with reliability is how it affects the enviROI (gearboxes and salt air don't seem happy bedfellows), but safety is also a maintenance-related issue and concern, too. However, the failure rate, so far, still seems low.
Telegraph - Do you really want a wind turbine? - Oo, facts. There's a novelty.
Guardian - Keep the blades of wind power turning
Guardian - Opposing wind farms should not be socially unacceptable
Telegraph - Wind Farms: the death of Britain - Wind still grabbing the headlines, and not always good ones. And this is a good (bad?) example. Between the piece and the comments in reply the divide makes a climate change discussion seem almost an exercise in polite compromise. It is important, as there is so much money involved. And my main concern remains the enviROI. What beggars my belief is that we have got to this point and there seems still no clear cut trustworthy, objective facts. And when those making the most noise are a target-obsessed government I wouldn't trust to build a sandcastle vs. an often very reactionary press, the issue remains downright obscure. Criminally so.
Telegraph - When wind power blows, jobs will fall - Can't comment on the objectivity of the facts (see above) but certainly a sober outline of some critical issues. Can't help be suspect that an article from a more supportive source would paint a different picture.
Telegraph - How can wind turbines generate so much lunacy? - Ditto. I guess you need to review the comments for 'balance'. But I do prefer cold, hard numbers. And the examples of how badly some media can apparently get them wrong...is concerning.
Guardian - Live Q&A: George Monbiot on wind power - It's a shame, but I rather find the Grauniad and Torygraph to be bookends when it comes to eco-objectivity, so at least this is likely to provide some 'balance' and maybe even facual considerations to the last few I have come across. I hope. I'd pose a question or two, but seom blogs are now too flamey for comfort. but worth a gander IMHO tomorrow.
Indy - Wind power plan blown off course - Don't know where the Indy rates for objectivity, but that headline doesn't bode well.
BBC - Newsnight - The iPlayer is only good for a week. But the follow up comments offer an interesting mix of viewpoints. I think the BBC really needs to address the qualifications of its 'reporters' in what is a very science/engineering-dependent topic (with a fair mix of enviROI economics in the mix - preferably without box-ticking targets and or subsidy-addicted lobbyists skewing decisions). Both to understand the issues and, as important, share them both objectively AND understandably.
Guardian - Wind power: Local difficulty - an interesting debate sparked and, indeed, still brewing, especially as more on the 'Two E's' aspects come out.
Guardian - Wind power: the silent majority must speak out, says Miliband - Always a tad concerned when minority groups (esp: pols) invoke the majority. Even more when mandates are presumed.
Guardian - A wind farm is not the answer - Get the feeling this is topical... and about as polarised as climate change? How is it that there seem yet to be few numbers that anyone can trust, and hence agree upon?
Grants
Information
BERR - UK Windspeed Database -
UK Wind Speed Database -
EERE - Wind Powering America - Its a start. An odd one; but interesting.
energy4all.co.uk - For setting up community projects
warwickwindtrials -
windpowertv.com - NEW - Clear advocates, but lots of useful information to add the knowledge base
Carbon Trust - Small-scale wind energy
Suppliers
allsmallwindturbines.com - Looks useful!
encraft.co.uk -
windandsun.co.uk -
weatherworks.co.uk
See labels below, especially under 'Alt. Energy' for previous notes. If you have anything to add to the headings above... share 'em! Direct to info[at]junkk.com or via the comments on the blog.
Useful Media
renewableenergyworld.com -
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Sometimes a headline just warrants a post
The Underwear That Saved the World
The story is worth it, too.
Now, where's those scuzzy skivvies down the back of the laundry pail?
The story is worth it, too.
Now, where's those scuzzy skivvies down the back of the laundry pail?
CATEGORY - Climate Change
Still on a refiling roll. So check anything with CLIMATE for more until I collate.
I rather like the c0lour coding idea (Lord help us if I get into trying to accord shades). Let's go for Climate Optimistic and Climate Pessimistic
ARTICLES
Times - Understanding climate change - well, understanding it better, which still isn't very much, more like.
Greenbang - NEW - Psych! Climate change messes with our heads - A lot of this is, like D'Oh, but I prefer attempts at understanding to fights on fixed views.
INFORMATION
antigreen - CO -
climateaudit - CO -
climatedenial.org - CP - Nice catch on daft car ads
climatesci - CO -
omniclimate - that's a CO, safe to say
icecap - NEW -
Spiked - CO - Global warming: the chilling effect on free speech - I might just leave this up front out of alphabetical order. While one may or may not agree with it, I have to agree that in the cause of striving to make a point, very often the spirit of free debate is too often hijacked by pejoratives.
Oops. must have missed the link. Now, how to find it?
I rather like the c0lour coding idea (Lord help us if I get into trying to accord shades). Let's go for Climate Optimistic and Climate Pessimistic
ARTICLES
Times - Understanding climate change - well, understanding it better, which still isn't very much, more like.
Greenbang - NEW - Psych! Climate change messes with our heads - A lot of this is, like D'Oh, but I prefer attempts at understanding to fights on fixed views.
INFORMATION
antigreen - CO -
climateaudit - CO -
climatedenial.org - CP - Nice catch on daft car ads
climatesci - CO -
omniclimate - that's a CO, safe to say
icecap - NEW -
Spiked - CO - Global warming: the chilling effect on free speech - I might just leave this up front out of alphabetical order. While one may or may not agree with it, I have to agree that in the cause of striving to make a point, very often the spirit of free debate is too often hijacked by pejoratives.
Oops. must have missed the link. Now, how to find it?
Radio Silence is Golden... for a while
Just to say the Junkk empire is off on hols.
Gremlins permitting, the site should tick over while we're gone.
And the blog will be a tad thinner perhaps, though Dave of Solarventi might be able to plug the void with his as always worthy shares.
We might be in range of a WiFi spot on occasion, so you never know, the odd post or tweet might yet sail in.
And upon our return, we hope to share the joys of camping and driving an LPG car round France.
The only thing I am pre-dreading is the in-box here upon my return.
Au revoir!
My last task is to point you at the latest newsletter, and now to hit... post.
Gremlins permitting, the site should tick over while we're gone.
And the blog will be a tad thinner perhaps, though Dave of Solarventi might be able to plug the void with his as always worthy shares.
We might be in range of a WiFi spot on occasion, so you never know, the odd post or tweet might yet sail in.
And upon our return, we hope to share the joys of camping and driving an LPG car round France.
The only thing I am pre-dreading is the in-box here upon my return.
Au revoir!
My last task is to point you at the latest newsletter, and now to hit... post.
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Buy one, eat one. Yes... FREE!
Not big on bans, but I have to say that this possible one is an exception:
The End of Buy One, Get One Free in the U.K.?
I have a study somewhere from my ad days that shows 'FREE' is by far and away the most potent word in the lexicon.
But it also had a breakdown of the other 'tricks', such as 'half price', two-for-one', etc.
Even the most ruthless and cynical seem powerless to resist.
But there really is no excuse between the two above. The result to the consumer is the same, and the amount of money per 'unit' of produce is no different, but one wins over the other through other factors. And they usually mean profits winning and planets losing.
I have a bee in my bonnet already on storage, especially in back of the fridge, and as we run down ours for our hols this is even more front of mind.
I really think we should try to get used to buying little, more often, and pay a fair price for doing so. And, if the right enviROI boxes can be added... locally.
That all said, the few comments in reply do bear consideration. Funny it's a US site talking about the UK.
Addendum - Supermarket offers and food waste targeted in goverment's food strategy
Aha... spoke too soon!
Telegraph - NEW - Food security cannot be debated properly without considering population density - Meanwhile, back at the more pragmatic, less box-tickophilic end...
The End of Buy One, Get One Free in the U.K.?
I have a study somewhere from my ad days that shows 'FREE' is by far and away the most potent word in the lexicon.
But it also had a breakdown of the other 'tricks', such as 'half price', two-for-one', etc.
Even the most ruthless and cynical seem powerless to resist.
But there really is no excuse between the two above. The result to the consumer is the same, and the amount of money per 'unit' of produce is no different, but one wins over the other through other factors. And they usually mean profits winning and planets losing.
I have a bee in my bonnet already on storage, especially in back of the fridge, and as we run down ours for our hols this is even more front of mind.
I really think we should try to get used to buying little, more often, and pay a fair price for doing so. And, if the right enviROI boxes can be added... locally.
That all said, the few comments in reply do bear consideration. Funny it's a US site talking about the UK.
Addendum - Supermarket offers and food waste targeted in goverment's food strategy
Aha... spoke too soon!
Telegraph - NEW - Food security cannot be debated properly without considering population density - Meanwhile, back at the more pragmatic, less box-tickophilic end...
Turning a new leaf... into energy?
This... is solar power (with a dash of geoengineering) I can get behind:
Scientists explore how the humble leaf could power the planet
Certainly a tad better than concreting over green belts for 'affordable housing' for certain voting blocs to cope with runaway population increases, and then fretting about 'food security'.
Scientists explore how the humble leaf could power the planet
Certainly a tad better than concreting over green belts for 'affordable housing' for certain voting blocs to cope with runaway population increases, and then fretting about 'food security'.
EVENT - LONDON - British Invention Show 09
EVENT
WHEN: 14-17 Oct
WHAT: The 9th British Invention, Innovation & Technology Show
WHAT... MORE?: From the blurb:
Inventions from around the globe are set to battle it out at the World Invention Awards & Exhibition in London. Entries already include a diverse array of unique ideas.
The three-and-a-half-day show, now in its ninth year, is run in association with the British Inventors Society and enjoys support from government partners including the IPO (Formally the UK patent office) and business link.
A panel of 18 judges from the British Inventor’s Society will put ecological and social benefits to mankind, as well as design, ingenuity and originality to the test, culminating in the presentation of the coveted British Invention, Innovation and Design of the Year Awards.
HOW MUCH: Various - for what it is, more than reasonable. See site:
URL: http://www.britishinventionshow.com/show/index.html
COMMENTS: And the best bit is... Junkk.com will be there, with the RE:tie. They have now kindly designated a 'green ideas' section. This is a great event. We attended once before, and even picked up a gong. But what makes it special is the atmosphere. There are all manner of folk with all manner of ideas. And the last time I was there I met many new chums... and useful contacts.
WHEN: 14-17 Oct
WHAT: The 9th British Invention, Innovation & Technology Show
WHAT... MORE?: From the blurb:
Inventions from around the globe are set to battle it out at the World Invention Awards & Exhibition in London. Entries already include a diverse array of unique ideas.
The three-and-a-half-day show, now in its ninth year, is run in association with the British Inventors Society and enjoys support from government partners including the IPO (Formally the UK patent office) and business link.
A panel of 18 judges from the British Inventor’s Society will put ecological and social benefits to mankind, as well as design, ingenuity and originality to the test, culminating in the presentation of the coveted British Invention, Innovation and Design of the Year Awards.
HOW MUCH: Various - for what it is, more than reasonable. See site:
URL: http://www.britishinventionshow.com/show/index.html
COMMENTS: And the best bit is... Junkk.com will be there, with the RE:tie. They have now kindly designated a 'green ideas' section. This is a great event. We attended once before, and even picked up a gong. But what makes it special is the atmosphere. There are all manner of folk with all manner of ideas. And the last time I was there I met many new chums... and useful contacts.
NEWS/Commercial PR - A wind up
I share this having had a PR just in, for no better reason (and it's a good one, IMHO) than I like wind up 'leccy gizmos. My supply of same is growing, and as we pack for our camping trip a veritable clockwork cavalcade is being created.Which has, just now... sparked an idea of my own.
Blurb (E&EO) from PR:
Slik Stik was invented by Denise Anstey - 2009 British Female Inventor of the Year. Following a major motoring accident leaving her significantly disabled, Denise set about designing an aid to overcome her personal challenges and in the process created an Eco friendly walking stick. Slik Stik is the perfect eco solution to anyone that uses a walking stick.
Fully rechargeable from mains and wind up
Slik Stik folds flat, but "pops up" as soon as you need it
Integrated front "search lights" and integral red strobe lights ensure that the user can see and be seen
Integrated alarm for attracting attention
Soft grip handle with integrated magnet for picking up dropped keys
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
It's in the Gaurdian so it must be true
Hard to figure the best category, so I'll give it its own post.
BBC accused of wasting £406,000 of public money a year on bottled water
'The broadcaster said it was assessing the "health issues" of switching from bottled to mains-fed water.'
The comments are also... choice. 'How dare you critique Aunty. This is like the Daily Mail....!' Interesting rationale.
Tries hard to keep straight face....
BBC accused of wasting £406,000 of public money a year on bottled water
'The broadcaster said it was assessing the "health issues" of switching from bottled to mains-fed water.'
The comments are also... choice. 'How dare you critique Aunty. This is like the Daily Mail....!' Interesting rationale.
Tries hard to keep straight face....
This deserves its own post...
Wit thanks to good chum/honourary Junkketeer Paul, whose overnight Far East timezone caught it first and alerted me (he recognised the twins' vocal talents, but not mine as I shoved a weed up a pole inside a plant pot as a video camera ran), our entry on the recent '1 minute to save the world' competition noted yesterday is currently on their home page.
Too early and peaked. Or get in right away to drum up support?
Time, will tell.
I am now trying to figure ot how on earth you do drum support as for the life of me voting seems unclear. Anyhoo, we have to October.
However, should you feel inspired now to add your vote (5* has a nice feel:).... link, and/or pass on to your chums. Ta very much!
Monday, August 10, 2009
COMPETITION - One minute to save the world
COMPETITION
WHEN: Now, deadline
WHAT: One minute to save the world
WHAT... MORE?: Hat tip: Five of the best short films from the One minute to save the world competition
HOW MUCH: Free! But with munny at the end... er... if you win:(
URL: http://www.1minutetosavetheworld.com/
COMMENTS: I had a bumper sticker made once that said 'Copywriters have to do it in 30 secs or less'. Didn't seem to get many girls, mind. See how ours does. It does have kids, and is for sure 'amateur' in production, but might suffer from a more gritty message of realism.
WHEN: Now, deadline
WHAT: One minute to save the world
WHAT... MORE?: Hat tip: Five of the best short films from the One minute to save the world competition
HOW MUCH: Free! But with munny at the end... er... if you win:(
URL: http://www.1minutetosavetheworld.com/
COMMENTS: I had a bumper sticker made once that said 'Copywriters have to do it in 30 secs or less'. Didn't seem to get many girls, mind. See how ours does. It does have kids, and is for sure 'amateur' in production, but might suffer from a more gritty message of realism.
JUNKK CATEGORY - FOOD-RELATED
This is 'in progress', too.
General
Times - Waste not want not, Gordon Brown tells families - Dear Leader on another winner. The BBC says he is 'urging' us. This suggest 'tells'. Whilst an encouragement to waste less is fine, I rather suspect this is not garnering the reaction intended.
Indy - Britain declares war on food waste - Ok, now it's 'Britain'
Guardian - UK is wasting far too much food - Brown - Fascinating to see how the same report is headlined. I wonder if anyone took a gander at the scrapings in the bins at the summit kitchens? Perhaps a luxury resort not the best locale to talk about conspicuous consumption & waste?
BBC - What's in your basket?
Guardian - Waste not ... A slightly more positive piece in response, though some of the tips do seem more geared to Guardian readers of a certain income level than most in the country.
Telegraph - Gordon Brown puts the spotlight on supermarket food waste - Good word.. risible
Guardian - The real waste is to reduce a historic study to soundbites
Guardian - What not to put in your fridge
Planet Green - How To Preserve Garden Produce Without Freezing or Canning!
Guardian - Government accused of buying food that damages people and the planet - What's good for the Go...ose?
Newsnight - NEW - Interesting follow-up comments. Any debate on food that ignores population and (in the case of a finite bordered area)/or immigration is, at best, 'selective'
Fish
Guardian - Is it time for fish rations? - Soylent Green is but a blink away!
Food Waste
lovefoodhatewaste.com
Guardian - Our culture of wasting food will one day leave us hungry - it has provoked a reply from a source I often have cause to respect. Like him, citing WRAP did not inspire confidence:
Bishop Hill - Importing food - Whilst I have seen some merit in the industrial-related areas of their remit, almost all directed at the consumer seem to be the worst examples of quangocracy, with vast budgets driving massive comms budgets designed more to meet artificial recycling/waste reduction targets so box-tickers can accord each other bonuses.
Which, as far as I am concerned, is a massive waste of money that could be directed much more productively to tangibles. Not to mention what seems to me a conflict of interest. If I am paid by shifts in public awareness, where will I direct my spend?
Pesticides
foodnews.org - The Shopper's Guide to Pesticides. Hat tip small footprints (link RHS opposite - I wish Blogger would let you run two windows so you can cut and waste URLs from other pages) for the heads up. More on the menu than we thought?
Salad
Guardian - Freshly prepared, bagged salads are a healthy convenience food - Brave lass
GRANTS
localfoodgrants.org -
General
Times - Waste not want not, Gordon Brown tells families - Dear Leader on another winner. The BBC says he is 'urging' us. This suggest 'tells'. Whilst an encouragement to waste less is fine, I rather suspect this is not garnering the reaction intended.
Indy - Britain declares war on food waste - Ok, now it's 'Britain'
Guardian - UK is wasting far too much food - Brown - Fascinating to see how the same report is headlined. I wonder if anyone took a gander at the scrapings in the bins at the summit kitchens? Perhaps a luxury resort not the best locale to talk about conspicuous consumption & waste?
BBC - What's in your basket?
Guardian - Waste not ... A slightly more positive piece in response, though some of the tips do seem more geared to Guardian readers of a certain income level than most in the country.
Telegraph - Gordon Brown puts the spotlight on supermarket food waste - Good word.. risible
Guardian - The real waste is to reduce a historic study to soundbites
Guardian - What not to put in your fridge
Planet Green - How To Preserve Garden Produce Without Freezing or Canning!
Guardian - Government accused of buying food that damages people and the planet - What's good for the Go...ose?
Newsnight - NEW - Interesting follow-up comments. Any debate on food that ignores population and (in the case of a finite bordered area)/or immigration is, at best, 'selective'
Fish
Guardian - Is it time for fish rations? - Soylent Green is but a blink away!
Food Waste
lovefoodhatewaste.com
Guardian - Our culture of wasting food will one day leave us hungry - it has provoked a reply from a source I often have cause to respect. Like him, citing WRAP did not inspire confidence:
Bishop Hill - Importing food - Whilst I have seen some merit in the industrial-related areas of their remit, almost all directed at the consumer seem to be the worst examples of quangocracy, with vast budgets driving massive comms budgets designed more to meet artificial recycling/waste reduction targets so box-tickers can accord each other bonuses.
Which, as far as I am concerned, is a massive waste of money that could be directed much more productively to tangibles. Not to mention what seems to me a conflict of interest. If I am paid by shifts in public awareness, where will I direct my spend?
Pesticides
foodnews.org - The Shopper's Guide to Pesticides. Hat tip small footprints (link RHS opposite - I wish Blogger would let you run two windows so you can cut and waste URLs from other pages) for the heads up. More on the menu than we thought?
Salad
Guardian - Freshly prepared, bagged salads are a healthy convenience food - Brave lass
GRANTS
localfoodgrants.org -
But at least they can tick the 'target met' box!
According to this from the Telegraph, the cost of the Gov's plans to move us to using more 'green' energy is not exactly going to provide much of a return on investment.
Cost: £57 to £70 Billion
Benefit: £4 to £5 Billion
That doesn't seem to make much sense to me, whether ROI or even enviRoi. No surprise that the numbers were buried deep within the strategy document then.
Hmmmm, I wonder who is footing the bill?
Cost: £57 to £70 Billion
Benefit: £4 to £5 Billion
That doesn't seem to make much sense to me, whether ROI or even enviRoi. No surprise that the numbers were buried deep within the strategy document then.
Hmmmm, I wonder who is footing the bill?
O/T, but I had to...
Those who engage with Junkk.com I often include with myself as Junkketeers.
So close...
Junketeering
But, that extra special K, not in a good way:)
So close...
Junketeering
But, that extra special K, not in a good way:)
CATEGORY - PLAYERS
I see all sorts of lists on these bods.
Who's who, who is more powerful, influential, etc
So when I see a profile in profile in future, I'll share.
And in a small tilt to an opinion, I'll also where relevant indicate whether they are, IMHO, climate positive or negative (though of course we get to the 'man-made' complication, and matters of degree - I do also note that I have rather flipped the common meaning/association of the word green in this context)
Bjorn Lomborg - TIMES - lite green (ironically), as he does, I believe see the climate changing as a threat, but is less committed to the man-made aspects, and especially the commitment of funds being espoused as a consequence.
Who's who, who is more powerful, influential, etc
So when I see a profile in profile in future, I'll share.
And in a small tilt to an opinion, I'll also where relevant indicate whether they are, IMHO, climate positive or negative (though of course we get to the 'man-made' complication, and matters of degree - I do also note that I have rather flipped the common meaning/association of the word green in this context)
Bjorn Lomborg - TIMES - lite green (ironically), as he does, I believe see the climate changing as a threat, but is less committed to the man-made aspects, and especially the commitment of funds being espoused as a consequence.
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