And the winner in this category is... from another category!

The life of the lone inventor can be, well, lonely.

But there are rewarding times. A nice piece of PR coverage, or a juicy award can perk one up and re-energise the efforts to get your baby 'out there'. And an award can lead to PR, or both, with a fair wind and the right person down the line to take note, it can mean things get escalated to a more productive level.

Maybe, even, revenue. Because of course, as the family wearily asks when I burst in with some great news, if the answer to 'can we eat it?' is no, the rewards are seldom immediate or tangible, other than down the line. Possibly.

So, with some highs and lows through bitter experience, I have tended of late to be a bit more circumspect, even with time, and especially where money is involved.

But if you are in a lull, with not much happening, it can be darn tempting to risk a roll of the dice to get things moving again. Even if you don't win you may place, and even if you don't place you may get under the gaze of a judge who sees merit (and has a mate), or simply lurk in the brochure where that perfect fit person may be idly glancing through.

So it was that I was flattered by a contact by a major packaging industry trade media editor getting back to me in response to the latest PR on the RE:tie (very positive consumer market research results), but also with a suggestion that I enter their transatlantic awards.

I was, I do confess, flattered, and even after discovering this invitation was, of course, to spend money entering, still tempted.

What clinched it was the categories.

Because there, amongst all the high-profile, mega-player stuff, was a diamond of opportunity gleaming in the prospecting pan.

------
http://www.beverageawards.com/pdf/criteria.pdf

Packaging
Best packaging for functional drinks
Best closure for functional drinks
Best functional drink label

------

However, when the press release and subsequent PR arrived post event, excitement turned to disappointment, and then confusion, and then something more.

Remembering there was really only one category of relevance, which I confirmed...

Me - This seems to be the only category of relevance: Best closure for functional drinks

...and had double confirmed:

Organisers - I would agree that this would be the best category for you to compete in.

Imagine how one feels that to find there not only is there no winner or finalists... the category doesn't seem to exist at all either!!!!!

On querying the missing entry, and mine in particular, I have had this reply:

'I have contacted Bill Bruce who was the chair of the judging panel to explain this, although he is currently in Washington DC at the moment he wanted to get back to you as soon as he could and has provided this statement for you:

'We received a very low number of entries in the closure category and in discussion with the judging panel it was decided to evaluate each entry against its particular criteria and then review the packaging entries to include closures.

As chair of the panel I can assure that full attention was given to each and every entry and that all outcomes were fairly decided. It is always unfortunate to have to revert to the position of 'the panel's decision is final' but in this case I consider this to be the correct decision for the competition.

The Junkk closure was featured for a long time during the awards presentation last night at the Ronald Reagan Building in Washington DC and received a great deal of interest. It will further feature in the Awards Showcase magazine which will be included with the next issue of Beverage Innovation magazine. We will be very interested to follow this product when it is fully commercialised.''

Now, this really didn't quite answer my questions, or seem adequate in the circumstances, so I followed up:

'I very much appreciate you pursuing this so promptly.

I also appreciate Mr. Bruce taking the time to reply.

Whilst noting the positive aspects of the long feature and consequent interest during the evening, plus subsequent inclusion in the magazine(s), and interest in the product once commercialised... it's all nice but... not really the same as winning or being placed in an award for one's product in the specific category created and advertised, that was ideal to highlight it.

I just wondered if you and Claire [Editor] had any thoughts to share before I comment further.

Noting we are two cultures separated by a common language, it's possible that I have interpreted Mr. Bruce's statement in an Anglocentric manner that could have failed to appreciate the full scope of what he may have been trying to convey.'

Sadly, the exchange now seems to have stalled. Basically I am left with the notion that I entered in good faith, paid, and then less good faith kicked in thereafter. And it's all, like, tough, as 'judges' decision is final'?

Now, what to do? Especially as I seem out of pocket, out of luck, and out of my mind trusting any industry awards having had the exact same thing happen before!!!!

Why I did not kick up on that one more at the time I do not know. This time, I just might.

Moving targets

I plod along trying to market RE:tie.

Every so often something resonates.

Forget the Treehuggers: Five Ways to Attract the Less Stereotypical Green Consumer | Fast Company

Especially this bit:

'they’re just as concerned with practical values like price, quality and convenience as they are with do-gooder values like local, organic and fair trade'

Plus, quite a lot else, frankly...

'Making a product that’s good for our planet is nice, but it’s not enough'

'More and more, New Consumers are asking, "What’s in it for we?"

'The DIY mindset has become a way of life for many New Consumers'

'The psychological shift from all-out consumerism to a simpler, more self-sufficient life also presents an opportunity to tap into the exploding "access economy."

I have chipped in:

"More and more, New Consumers are asking, "What’s in it for we?" '

And why not? Too much in green is predicated on rather nebulous notions of what's 'good', and losing sight of for whom.

Reduction is probably best, planetary speaking, but kind of tricky to make a profit from in consumables. Recycling is OK, but many tend to forget who is being asked to do what and for whose benefit.

Inbetween lies reuse, somewhat of a lonely place too often, especially in marketing innovation.

It needn't be.

It is possible to do the job, add value, and save the planet. You may not even need to get rid of stuff or make new things... just need to think laterally.

http://www.retie.co.uk

Japan - Priorities

I simply need to know what I can DO, sensibly, in the UK, to help.

I have near given up on our media.

Streaming footage from helicopters trawling about showing SOS signs atop buildings, having evidently made a call on what they might mean, yesterday pushed me to irony overload.

Meanwhile endless 'experts' guessing what 'could' have happened and 'may' yet, across a variety of issues.

The time for such self-serving ratings-driven analysis or, worse, tribal issue debating, is not now.
[Addendum - at risk of becoming part of the blame culture I criticise, this nonetheless is an interesting tally to show what has so disappointed me]

I am not sure if money is what is needed, but if it is, convince me that it goes to where it will do most good, and will get deployed fast, and the online DD is created.

But what I do have in the loft is stuff 'for a rainy day' or my kids' futures. These I can buy again in my own sweet time.

Blankets, tents... if these can be got to an airfield and arrive in Japan to do some good in 24hrs, just let me know.

But spare me the utter horse manure disaster porn I am currently getting from near all of our sorry media.

Day 4 - I am today trying to put together a newsletter to inspire folk into doing something productive locally, as I am trying to do via our local paper. One thing is trying to assess what best defines 'humanitarian needs'. It seems tents may not be it. OK. Food is mentioned more. I am not sure about the logistical wisdom of sending a can from here, so one does need to be guided by those more experienced. However the international/national media remain less than helpful in this regard.

Maybe money to a charity is best. But choose, and invest, with care.

17/03/11

Well, it has almost been a week now, and while things have certainly not settled down (anything but) it may soon be time to move on. I'll be moving this to the home page for a while, and leave the blogs free for, well new blogs.

Some have asked me why I have not indulged in the ongoing 'discussions' regarding the nuclear situation. I have actually addressed it on twitter, but even there gave up. There is no point in endless speculation. Something very bad happened the other side of the globe and, with luck, no worse to follow. All I know is that the Japanese are a generous nation, and have never stinted in helping others. Now it's their turn. May we find the best way(s) to do this.

******************************************

STOP PRESS - 20/03/11

The author of the piece above, who lives in Japan, has kindly responded to an invitation of mine to share what he thinks is needed most, and when, with most reasonable explanations as to why....

I'm waiting for things to clear enough to allow me to go north and participate in the clean-up effort. In the meantime, I have donated to Second Harvest Japan, who are getting supplies to stricken areas.

http://www.2hj.org/index.php/get_involved/donate_money

What I like about Second Harvest, is that because their supplies are given by donation, the money is used for transportation and such, meaning that 1000 Yen (about $10USD) can supply (by their estimate, admittedly) 10 times that in supplies.

Supplies are important because, as I understand it, the main post-quake cause of death is looking to by hypothermia (due to lack of fuel) and lack of medicine.

For the more conservative, the Japanese Red Cross is also a good bet. People can donate through the link provided by Google: http://www.google.com/crisisresponse/japanquake2011.html

That page also contains good advice on how to help (Google has a presence in Japan, so they're not just blowing smoke).

******************************************

ADDENDA - (as I get 'em, I'll add 'em - feel free to suggest any more).

Disaster Japan

Google Home Page

Google Search

More Google resources

Gear diary

Shelterbox

Red Cross - specific URL kindly provided by a fellow commenter - http://www.redcross.org.uk/Donate-Now/Make-a-single-donation/Japan-Tsunami-Appeal

firstgiving.com - Note: not vetted, but has been passed on

Quakebook - I'm a bit dubious about 'arty'-based donation efforts, as the %ages that come in vs. get passed on can be variable, but some interesting new aspects are presented, esp. in comments, to make this piece worth sharing.

Not saying I agree with it, but a rather off the wall view

A bit of, necessary, light(er) relief.

Does Japan even NEED donations? Another left field post to digest My head aches.

A graphic indication of the scale of the problem.

Not really into disaster porn, but this shows the scale of what took place. This wave was out to sea. Imagine it when making landfall.

Graphic art in support. Nor all great, but some genius.


All a bit circular, but the latest (after a year's absence) Junkk Newsletter has now gone out. I am hoping to at least inspire/be part of any efforts locally that can be made.

Speaking of priorities, in case you were thinking the world has gone a bit mad....

Dear BBC blog contributor,

Thank you for contributing to a BBC blog. Unfortunately we've had to edit your comment below because it contravened one of our House Rules.

Comments on the BBC blogs will be removed if they contain links to other websites which break our Editorial Guidelines. The URL(s) which failed were: http://www.redcross.org.uk/Donate-Now/Make-a-single-donation/Japan-Tsunami-Appeal. For more information, please visit http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/moderation.shtml#l

Regards,
BBC Central Communities team
http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/

URL of content (now edited):
http://www.bbc.co.uk/dna/blog142/F20708486?thread=8119961&post=107299837#p107299837

Posting:
'...our Science editor, will update us on the situation at the Japanese quake-stricken nuclear plant where radiation levels are now at a level harmful to human health.'

So.... still studiously not worrying too much about that earthquake/tsunami thing that was also involved. Had a bit of an impact too.

Not sure if its the best, but many have told me it's up there: [Unsuitable/Broken URL removed by Moderator - the Red Cross one... unsuitable?????]

Meanwhile, it's nice to know the BBC is sending as many folk as possible over there to fill rooms and consumer resources, mainly to talk to folk they just left back here.

Guessing the carbon-saving thing is on hold too.

ps: Unverified, but credible, bearing in mind a disaster relief URL was 'unsuitable' whilst their pet fun run one was being pushed 24/7:

@OldHoborn - Remember, without £119,946 donated by YOU to #comicrelief, the "Black Association of Women" would struggle for funds

Basics

Trying to discipline myself to blog more.

This seems as good a hop back on the horse as any.

http://www.bishop-hill.net/blog/2011/3/10/rolls-royce-minds.html

It's not the first, and won't be the last, of a bunch of reactions to a less than stellar interviewee from the EU high command rather showing up some key gaps in her knowledge, and one presumes the overall scheme of things she represents.

Readers of this blog will know I have rather studiously steered clear of matters (A)GW. Too many unknowns; too much contention. Vast amounts of heat and little light.

I tend to restrict myself to areas I have more confidence with, such as reducing waste or improving efficiencies.

However, with some science and engineering in the educational background, and communications experience throughout my ad career, I still crank an eyebrow when things don't add up, and especially when such poor arithmetic is either poorly sold or, worse, wilfully misrepresented.

Hence I was transfixed by this exchange. It can be heard verbatim via the link above (though actually the whole segment is worth a listen), and even transcribed here.

Often all you need is the words, unadorned, and especially not 'interpreted' as too often happens with some 'reporting' media, to get a pretty good idea of what calibre of thinking can be deployed in the name of our kids' futures.

I was moved to comment recently on an uncritical puff piece about the future of electric hybrid cars, citing a Rolls Royce variant.

Perhaps the future does lie in such technologies, but with luck also gets its head around more immediate aspects of physics such as the energy required to propel a 4 person car that weighs twice as much as necessary.

Those in charge really seem to have no clue on the basics.

OT - charity promo

Tend not to pass on things that are too OT, but this is a nice, local-ish charity event for a very good cause.

As received:

I am doing a trip around the edges of Wales on my mobility scooter to raise money for The Royal British Legion, Help for Heroes and 1st The Queens Dragoon Guards. The trip, all being well will last about 46 days and I will cover approximately 1200 miles.

* By putting up a poster, there is a link to an A4 poster on the website (in PDF format).
* By making a pledge, this can be done on the website, no monies will be collected until after I have completed the trip.
* Or by spreading the word?

If you would like more information about the trip please see the website, www.roundwales.co.uk or give me a call. Any help is greatly appreciated.

IDEA REQUIRED - Bottle/Can Combo

Sometimes, things just seem to 'fit together'.

This is such an instance.

As stated, no idea what use it may be... yet... but that's the beauty of this whole deal: one may well yet be suggested.

Trying to figure out the best way to link combo ideas on the site, but I will be posting them here and, in turn, twitter.

Blimey, who does a guy have to sleep with these days to cop a break?

Many will know of our RE:tie concept.

Some may be aware that not only does it confer some advantages eco-wise to the packaging diaspora, the public is on board and we can prove it. Big time.

Many in the industry are aware of this.

Many public bodies, quangos and professional bodies, often flush with green funds to throw about, are aware of it.

Even a few media are, though I do need to get my act together on more PR pronto.

But the old eyebrow does crank when such as this comes out:

http://www.packagingnews.co.uk/news/wrap-report-calls-for-lighter-tint-caps-to-boost-milk-bottle-recycling

Just how much more, more quickly, could I get a genuine, public-pleasing, actual green concept to market, if blessed with new Wrap-sponsored research? Like some others, more blessed.

http://www.wrap.org.uk/downloads/Milk_Bottle_R_D_Final_Report1.26ade849.10344.pdf

Pear Pair

This is prompted by my latest data upload.

Which means that when this goes up, the two will complement each other, at least until the next idea/blog swings in, thus making sense of my headline:)

I think I have pretty much covered the various issued raised on the product upload page.

(Over-)packaging to avoid damage & food waste vs. alternatives.

Inability to assess recyclability.

The true joys of potential reuses!

Lightweight Commentary

I do science me.

Often, badly, along with my woeful maths, but bear with me.

I was about to pop these two fellows in the wheelie when I noticed something.

Accepting the left one holds 75cl and the other 70cl, the former weighed in at 550gm, whereas the latter was 320gm.

That... is quite a difference, and I presume a clear example of lightweighting.

What I can't testify to is the relative in-transit breakage levels, but as an example of what can do the same job for a lot less, and consequent freight energy savings, that seems significant.

JUNKKYARD - Odd post - Box clever

Sadly, I have allowed JunkkYard to wallow.

This on top of never really seeing its potential way back when Junkk was first designed, over a decade ago.

That honour goes to Deron Beal, I think, but what has transpired since makes it all rather murky.

Anyway, I just wanted to make a pitch for how useful it can still be.

So if you are near Hereford and need a bunch of boxes, have I found a mother lode for you:)

REPAIR - TIP - Sticky Knobs

Oo-er, missus.

All through my ad career I always got my best briefings on the client's product not from the marketing guys in their ivory towers, but from those in sales. The ones dealing with the thing, and customers, day-in, day-out. Who I dubbed 'the sharp end'.

They knew the product backwards, its foibles and fabluousness. Plus, of course, the audience.

It's the same with the world of engineering repair.

For some reason, we are going through a spate of break-downs at Junkk Towers.

Age the primary reason. With which I can identify. But also poor design.

Luckily, our belief in repair has meant we have invested in insurances to cover such eventualities, even though I suspect we are paying more as a consequence over the lifespan of kit we're nursing things along.

And this means I have been happy to meet, and chat, with a bunch of cheery guys who know their kit backwards... faults and fabulousness both... as they sort 'em out.

I have just bid farewell to Dave who fixed our oven. A sticky fan was a fuse blow away. But in replacing that I also gleaned a ton of other useful snippets. Seems insurances don't cover self-tapping screws pulling out as 'rust' is excluded. On a device meant to create heat and steam in a steel box that seems quaint. But he was up for a quick bolt substitute.

In passing, he also noted the hob burner rings were now too old to be efficient and needed replacing. These are the metal plates that create the mini gas jets in a circle. Worth investing on new ones for more gas efficiency.

Sadly, with a fried circuit board in the microwave it was deemed easier and cheaper to buy a new one than replace. Good job we still had the 2-ton mechanical monster in the basement. And it works.

But today's tip concerns knobs. Specifically the on/off switch to the washing machine.

I thought it was broken and had booked a repair. Dave knew better.

And his solution...? Spray furniture polish. Worked a treat. I suggested WD40, but he said the polish was better, and smelled nicer.

I just put the phone down to the insurers. That's a van and man not having to come out Monday. And a little bit of planet eased along a smidge better as a result.

Mr. Sheen... we salute you in your new role.

BACKSCRATCHING #101 - Friends in Deed

What a nice email greeting to start the day:

Junk or treasure?

Before you bin anything, stop! Find out if there is another use for your junk, and save money, time and the planet. Or maybe you have some suggestions for what other people can do with their junk? Browse some wacky ideas at http://www.junkk.com/ - just click on the 'Ideas' tab. Best Wishes, Rita @ Friends of the Earth

The FoE daily tips are nice enough - free, fun and useful - in their own right, but when one becomes the subject... better still!

Well worth signing up for.

Also linked opposite>>>>>

WHAT DOES THE TEAM THINK? - Paper logs

This is a new 'regular' heading.

Similar to Prof's Posers, but seeking to tap into the vast seam of common sense and DIY innovation out there, rather than pure science.

That said, a hint of enviROI may creep in, still.

For Xmas, I was given a paper log maker, well worth a Google of that term to see extent of styles and prices.

This, I believe, was a common design sourced in our case (at a sale discount @ £14.99) here.

Now, as the video attached shows, it is not brain surgery. Takes me back to my papier mache days, if without the glue.

It's a metal box that you stick wet paper in and compress into a brick. Then leave to dry.

Now, I am fully aware that there are some aspects of this that will require effort, and to maintain the eco aspects, it best be human.

I am working on the compression side too, but production line aspects rather mitigate on this being too involved, or long in duration. Unless these things burn for a long time, that is a lot of input for about 30 minutes of fire, equating to a log of that size.

Where I am interested is improving the production of paper mulch. Yes, I could sit over a bucket and rip up old papers and card, but that is not looking a great option.

So far I am stuck in an electric rut, from the office shredder to the leaf blower to the twig cruncher.

I am just wondering if there is a brain wave out there on something hand-cranked, which can turn a lot of paper and card into a lot of shredded stuff. All to then make into logs... one brick at a time.

Oh, and from that video... not sure if adding bleach is that eco in the planetary sense, much less economic. May pass on that.

Addendum 1

Thanks to some nice early input in the comments, a new option in complement at least is presented, which I will be scoping asap, and will then report further: http://www.logmaker.org.uk/

Irene Burnett Martin, Junkk Matriarch of Thrift, 31 July 1921 - 8 Jan. 2011. RIP

Beloved Wife to and Widow of John Denis.
Loving, loyal and endlessly supportive Mother to first, only son Peter & then daughter-in-law Joan.
Generous & devoted Grandmother to Kipp & Cody.

Peacefully, in her sleep, after a period of a few months' unfortunate but still happily comfortable and pain-free consignment to her bed.

Beyond all she gave our family, she unhesitatingly helped without question to keep Junkk.com going, and will in so many ways always still do so. Her belief in the concept has been its bedrock and got us through some difficult times.

It's a legacy we hope she will have taken with her that will always be tangible, and mean a lot to all who have, are and will continue to benefit from a small way to spare wasting anything unnecessarily. Something she was most concerned never to do.

That, and having the cheekiest sense of humour to delight all who knew her, right to the moment she rejoined her life partner and soul mate.

Sorely missed. Never to be forgotten.

Update - 12/01/2011

Junkk First Lady Joan has kindly created a special page to carry evolving news and information for any who new Mum - http://www.firebird.com/irenemartin.html

And a very, merry Xmas to you!

http://fauxfire.com/

Relatively few GHG emissions, too:)

Polishing 'Things Unduly Receiving Dominant Support'

I used (and still do, a bit) work in ad/marketing.

And nothing was surer than night followed day than when a new broom swept into a client's marketing department, they'd just have to make their mark.

Sort of a territorial marking thing.

And nothing made us happier at the agency, because a) it was more money, and b) having lived with marketing stuff more intimately, for longer, we were bored with the 'same old, same old', too.

That the consumer was probably fine with it, and would be for years, really didn't come in to it.

So it's kind of interesting that, when opportunity to do so much more knocks, the focus of gazing still seems to be pretty much at the collective navel.

http://www.packagingnews.co.uk/in-depth/the-perilous-world-of-the-revamp

Of course, I now have extra, vested interests in thinking beyond the box, about the box and how the box can be reused...

'In a consumer-centric world governed mostly by a desire to get an end benefit, while a new look may serve those within an organisation more, a desire that actually adds value… to the purchaser… is more likely to drive extra sales.

Boosting recyclability is of course great, but creating reuse keeps the brand in the home, and heart… not out via the bin. Much as that may tick a tonnage box.'

COMPETITION - myplasticidea.co.uk

A great lead kindly provided by Junkeeter Anita of Writing Services:

COMPETITION

WHEN: Entry D/L Jan 22 2011
WHAT: From their blurb:

This competition is aimed at creatives and students of all ages who are resident in the UK. Using Priplak polypropylene you are asked to create a product, an innovative packaging solution or a promotional incentive. Part of the brief is to think about re-usability, durability, multi-usage and multi-functional.

The designs may be an innovative solution to an existing product or common everyday item, but will be judged on creativity, originality, and functionality, cost effectiveness and use of the material.

WHAT... MORE?:

There will be three categories: My Plastic ‘Packaging’ Idea, My Plastic ‘Product’ Idea and My Plastic ‘Incentive/Promotional’ Idea. First prize for each category is £500 cash and the overall winner will receive an additional £500. Shortlisted finalists will get showcased at an exhibition in May in front of potential clients. In addition, the organisers will be scanning all entries looking for potential opportunities for products or incentives to be developed to market on a royalty arrangement basis.

HOW MUCH: My fave... no mention of money!
URL: http://www.myplasticidea.co.uk/
COMMENTS: Possibly somewhat restricted by having to focus on reuse (and sussing out the plastic specified in the brief), we will for sure be having a go here. But if you do enter via us telling you... and win... make sure to give us a mention at least:)

STANDARD INFLATION

That's the problem with standards.

Allow more than one, and you often end up with none.

And nothing, but nothing, undercuts the value of good work than having a compromised messenger for critical messages, especially one as grotesque as this:

http://blogs.telegraph.co.uk/news/jamesdelingpole/100066317/cancun-suffers-its-final-indignity-a-visit-from-two-jags-prescott/

It's as story from, it's fair to say, a sceptical site, but the ongoing indulgence of representatives such as John Prescott, in his joke role, simply perpetuates the own goals the hypocritical involvement in the name of green this involves.

Telling it like it... well, some want 'it' to be

It's no secret I hold our media estate in low esteem.

Especially on matters of science at the best of times, but even more so when agendas then get bolted on top of near zero appreciation of facts, what is know, or what is not, to support prejudices.

This highlights the point:

http://climatedenial.org/2010/12/02/one-report-two-headlines/

Two diametrically opposing news media; two diametrically opposing ways at looking at things.

It looks like a debate is brewing that may be worth the follow.

I have to agree that I'd rely on the Daily Mail for very little, but it does have its uses.

The Guardian is more credible, but can also be prone to seeing things through its own prism.

And the Met Office's record is not one I would hang my hat on to justify a story.

An important day for RE:tie

Karma is a funny thing.

With the 'brimming with vindication' consumer market research burning a hole in my filing cabinet, yesterday was supposed to be the day of a big meeting with a PR whiz to get the media, at least (hopefully followed by consumers, groups and government) to sit up and take note of RE:tie as a green, disability PR, CSR and sales dream come true.

Sadly, snow stopped (well, postponed, possibly until next year) play.

Suitably snookered, I was licking my wounds when I happened across this:

http://blogs.telegraph.co.uk/finance/ianmcowie/100008829/grey-pounds-100bn-christmas-warning-to-retailers/

Bearing in mind that equal to RE:tie's 'green' cred is its contribution to enablement, this was not unfortuitous.

Of course I have weighed in:

'Retailers risk repelling some of their wealthiest customers with excessive and poorly-designed packaging which older people find difficult to open or use...

+

...Nearly half of more than 2,000 people questioned said they are sometimes unable to take lids or caps off products such as plastic milk bottles or jars because of the packaging

As one with more than a passing interest in PR & marketing, what surprises me is how resistant many brands are to initiatives designed not only to boost their CSR, but which may also confer more than a slight USP/sales advantage too, which one has to presume is the holy grail.

With luck it is but a matter of time before design initiatives such as http://www.retie.co.uk/ or http://www.squeezeopen.com/ get noticed, embraced and appreciated as much by those marketing whizzes (and their bosses forever on the TV claiming to be in support of 'innovation') as much as they may be by consumers.

I have also contacted the professional bodies cited, and downloaded a useful research aid:

http://www.ageuk.org.uk/
http://www.ilcuk.org.uk/
http://www.ilcuk.org.uk/record.jsp?type=publication&ID=80
http://www.ilcuk.org.uk/files/pdf_pdf_155.pdf

Two heads...

Sort of a meeting of minds.

And when they click, synergy is always good.

Yesterday I was pleased and honoured to play host at Junkk Towers to Anne of like-minded 'doing' site Makeitandmendit.com.

She had come to 'kick our tyres' so to speak, but in the course of a few very enjoyable hours we also explored some interesting areas of opportunity and mutual benefit.

Just how I like it.

IDEA - Abandon hope...

... all ye who enter here!

Suitably apocalyptic? Good.

Because, earlier today, I was.

The route from here to my Mum's home (where I visit twice daily) is about 10 mile, each way.

It's almost all a stretch of dual carriageway between Ross on Wye and Monmouth, along the A449/40.

On a good day, 10 mins, door-to-door.

On a bad day.... best to be thinking in terms of nifty beard styles.

No dual carriageway or motorway is any different. Great when they work, but you're stuffed when they don't.

And the worst part is that once you're in, there is no way out.

Which got me to pondering.

With all the technology that exists today, from hardware such as Highway Agency gantries to TrafficMaster, and immediate on-site assessments from the police to drivers with Bluetooth mobiles, surely there has to be a way to identify the problems quickly and accurately, and inform others upstream usefully and reliably.

This stretch is a prime example. There is nearly zero alternative route (trust me, I did a tour of Herefordshire trying), so the most logical thing is, surely, to position just two warning signs, one Southbound at Ross and one Northbound at Monmouth, that basically tells you that section of the route is stuffed (for how long in terms of miles and duration until resolved optional extras). I can't see how this would cost too much, and it would save so much.

OK, there will be the vast stream of traffic pouring in that will divert, or stop, or go back, but surely that is better than creating a several mile backing up car park with motors idling?

Light fantastic

If it's too good to be true... rush in and worry later!

I am sure there is a downside, but just got back from FOCUS DIY with a stash of Edison screw and bayonet low energy bulbs for... 29p/ea. O, and 3 for 2, too.

I presume they will actually work, but really...

Blowing the horn for reuse

I must confess that the Vuvuzela seemed to consume a lot of plastic.

Especially in this country, where most enjoyed a limited lifespan.

Anyway, it is nice that the spirit of reuse has inspired some in the home of the Vuvuzela.

Telegraph - Leftover vuvuzelas to be reinvented as earrings

I have to say that the winning entry selected has confirmed my views on most judges.

At first I thought folk would need pretty tough lobes to swing a couple of these fellas off 'em, but apparently the notion is to saw slices along the length. Hmn.

All for thinking laterally, and no problem with a bit of extra DIY, but... really?

Purely subjective, but I would have given more credit to some of the other, and often simpler ideas.

But at least those imaginations are out there, and working furiously, worldwide.

If you do one thing today...

http://www.silentsingle.com

Brilliant concept, totally appropriate for an outstanding cause.

While the marketing sense of using 'celebs' is clear, I would have preferred more of the faces to be featured to be those more relevant and in need of further exposure to those they have served.

Still worth 'buying' over and over to succeed.

I was going to apologise for this being a bit 'off eco' but, on reflection, other than server consequences, etc, maybe it's even 'greener' than more 'showy' methods.

Of course, get that poppy too, but only to wear at the right time for the right reasons.

Dad, what you and others did and still do for me and our future will never be forgotten.

Telegraph

REPAIR - A problem halved..

I wanna tell you a story...

A few years back, we had a shower unit installed in the master bedroom.

Recently, we had rain in the lounge below.

As luck would have it, we had taken out one of those British Gas insurances on all sorts, including, we thought, plumbing.

As it turns out, luck was against us... the wrong kind of plumbing.

A man came, saw, and went away. We'd run the shower, he looked, nothing happened, and away he went.

Thing is, it started raining again.

This time, I went into full Sherlock mode and, armed with a camera, 'observed' the missus at her toilette. Racy. But, more critically, the blooming waste pipe was dripping a storm! That... was covered. How had they missed it before?

So I got them back.

Blow me down... nothing again.

Then I had a brainwave.

I recalled a story about a lady who said her telephone didn't work when it rained. Several engineer visits later, no sign of any problem.

Then, as luck would have it, one call-out day, the engineer meets her in the driveway on a rainy day. Shaking out her brolly, as they enter the hall she hangs it up to dry... on the telecom wire, just enough to pull the connection apart.

So I thought laterally, and donned a pair of Speedos and climbed in to shower while the engineer surveyed beneath. Sure enough... a leak.

What was happening was the weight of the person on the shower tray was dropping it enough to create a gap the older sealant couldn't accommodate.

Sorted, but sad part is... that aspect is not covered by the insurance.

Plus seeing off a young man in my bathrobe has done my reputation locally no good at all.

PROF'S POSER - Tow or trail?

Here's a fun one.

On my daily jaunt to visit my Mum, I see quite a few tourist RV's plying the highways.

Some often have a little shuttle bug (usually a Smart) hanging off the back.

Very sensible to simply nose around the latest venue without a monster truck.

T'oher day I overtook two such behemoths, only one was connected to its baby by a tow bar, and the other had it on a trailer which was in turn hooked up to the Mother ship.

Which set me to pondering which would be better.

The latter obviously reduces wear and tear on the towee, especially tyres, but will impose a load on the tower rear.

The former might add more friction (4 wheels vs. 2) but maybe less load (weight of trailer + any down forces).

Not a clue. But keen to find out.

PROF'S POSER - Tap or...?

Nope, not about bottled water.

The other day I was cooking lunch for the boys and needed to clean the pan, which was coated in fat from the last fry-up.

Invested one kitchen towel in scooping the solids out and to the pin.

Then I needed to address the remains. A dob of Fairy Liquid and then I reached for the hot tap.

Now, hold on.

To get the water I needed, I say a minimum 'run' of about 1min. That's a lot of water down the drain anyway. And then the amount of hot water now left to cool in the pipes between boiler and tap.

Vs.... popping 1/2 a litre in the kettle. 250ml to cleana dn the rest to rinse.

I opted for the kettle. But I wonder is the 'leccy vs. gas source makes a difference.

CYCLING - Uni-lateral dismemberment?

Just had to share this.

In Hereford the other day.

That now lonely wheel was fully padlocked.

Ironically, to the bike rack of the local council offices... under the security camera.

COMPETITION - Sustainability Now Social Media Awards

COMPETITION

WHEN: Deadline Friday 5th November
WHAT: Sustainability Now Social Media Awards
WHAT... MORE?: Their blurb:

The Sustainability Now Social Media Awards will highlight the very best social media focusing on the creation and sustainability of a green built environment. We’re looking to highlight the most engaging, informative, innovative or simply entertaining sustainability based social media, wherever it may be found.

The theme of the awards is sustainability, but this doesn’t mean it has to be the main focus of these social media efforts; it could be a recurring element among many different discussion areas, or a single tweet, an individual blog post, or the primary subject matter.

The categories:

We have seven categories available for the awards this year. These are open to individuals as well as branded company accounts. Entries and nominations for the Awards close on Friday 5th November.

Nominate yourself or your company in 350 words or less for any of the following categories

Best social media community group
Best Tweeter
Best Blogger
Best brand social media use
Best social media individual

HOW MUCH: Don't see a fee, so 'Weeeeeee!'
URL: http://www.ukvirtualevents.com/virtual-events/sustainability-now/social-media-awards/
COMMENTS: Now, who do we know worthy...:)

Ok, so your arteries are still clogged...

And the salt is seizing up your heart.

But this works (a bit better) environmentally:

http://www.kfc.com/packaging/lineup.asp

Have to love that first word!

COMPETITION - Letswasteless.com

Actually, it's a competition to intro a new website.

http://www.letswasteless.com/cms/community/competition.aspx

And it's one in our 'hood - Herefordshire & surrounds.

Not sure how well populated it is, as a lot of folk (including Junkk.com) are not included who could/should be), so it's also an opportunity to bring 'em up to speed.

Tell 'em Junkk.com sent you. Maybe they'll realise we're here... and have been for a while.

And here to help:)

Number Crunching

Sometimes things make you think.

And sometimes folk make you think you need to think more.

A few weeks ago, in my local paper, I saw the headline 'Well done for recycling 25 jumbo jets off waste', and was frankly, impressed.

It was a letter to the county's public by the Environment Cabinet member, celebrating the 5,000th tonne of waste collected for the EnviroSort facility.

Certainly, other than that sidelined here for reuse, our household has 'done it's bit' with the new wheelies.

But then I read a follow-up letter the next week, pointing out that it worked out at 0.6kg per week per person in the county.

Further, the free paper this message was in, is a weekly 0.15kg. Made me think twice before getting too impressed too quickly. Better than nothing, but perhaps a ways to go?

But just in case, I'll also await next week to see if there is more to the way the numbers get crunched than meets the eye.

PR COVERAGE - Little acorns

Did a little series of talks t'other week for local Cub & Scout groups.

Nice to be appreciated.

Sometimes you have to make a stand

Hated to have to do it, but just had to write to the 10:10 campaign.

Dear Sirs,

Just seen the new 'awareness' promo.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/blog/2010/sep/30/10-10-no-pressure-film*

We used to support your mission, but as now revealed as another over-funded activist group who seems to confuse awareness with persuasion, this is now withdrawn. This had to have been approved at the top, so the rot is too high to expect any change of attitude, much less grasp of media message reality.

And we will be advising our audience of this fact.

Unlike some, we leave what they do, or not, up to them. No pressure. No judgement.

This has set the cause of sensible dialogue back a long way, just so some more bandwagon-jumping luvvies can have another 15 minutes in the limelight at the expense of hard slog, pragmatism and a belief that the public can be persuaded as to the value of effective and efficient lifestyle choices without nanny, threat, guilt or mockery.

Especially from a 'we know what's best for you' 'elite'.

Yours faithfully,

I can only hope it was meant as satire or irony, but sadly if that was the intent it was way wide of the mark. The sorriest example of messed up messaging from self-elected, pedestal claiming dumb messengers yet. It's complex issue, guys, and fine lines need to be walked. Patronising is bad enough, but failing to connect with the audience is plain unprofessional.

*Also had to chip in, a bit less formally, here:

Curtis made dive-bombers didn't they?

Certainly made a mess, but were at least designed to hit the right target.

Philip & Tracey seem more collateral damage in a totally misplaced campaign designed to make smug gits called... ahem... Jemima (really? was the Notting Hill author just going for maximum irony?) feel secure in the knowledge that their sweet teacher is actually a lying psycho who will brook nothing but fealty... or else. Even without the Scanners homage, any educator creating a 'us' vs. 'you' scenario in this manner should be transferred to the canteen to make Turkey Twizzlers.

No pressure... or we'll kill you. Sweet. Plus I love the new voting idea. Who needs a secret ballot when we can simply see who believes what... and kill you. At least the movie seems to feel that's OK so long as it is a majority view. Is that borne out, Mr. Curtis? Maybe we could ask the Science Museum? I recall they delivered a less than satisfactory result to Mr. Ed 'settled science, blank slate' Miliband in return for his multi-million £ efforts. Money perhaos better directed to, I don't know, DOING tangible stuff as opposed to getting a pat on the back in a SoHo bar.

Sadly, this latest bit of celeb indulgence will simply further set back sensible environmental dialogue, so some luvvies can all have a back-slap at an obscure awards show in Colorado that, just this once, their entourage will have to attend.

Dire, daft and damaging. Nice one. Ta very much.

I am now a lot more worried about assaults on freedom of thought and speech by unelected 'we know what's good for you' groups with waaay too much control over the media than I am by any positive messages of sensible mitigation.

The only hope is that it was a misplaced attempt at a caution on the damaging effects of dogma, but as noted, that's a target missed by a mile. 0/10. #fail

ADDENDUM

Had a few folk ''explain" to me that this is, as I alluded above, a bunch of lite greens telling dark greens to chill.

If so, I support the strategy, but still can't get behind the creative concept, which seems way too concerned with the shock value of 'awareness', which is dead fun & sexy 'n all, but sadly rarely as effective as patient, hard, slog.

Also not sure it getting yanked quite so soon seems part of the plan, unless it went a bit more viral than intended.

Addendum 2

It would appear that it was not, as I was told by ardent supporters, a complex spoof, and has, for now, been taken down. A bit late. With poor grace. Few were concerned 'it was not funny'. Most were concerned it suggested mindset that was hardly helpful to proactive persuasion.

Interestingly, if with irony, and little surprise, discussion of this seems to have either been allowed for those who toe the line per the compliant Jemima, or simply closed down. In some places (see thread end). Animal Farm advances, as certain ex-employees of certain media organisations foretold.

Addendum 3

http://wattsupwiththat.com/2010/10/01/blow-me-up-blow-me-down/

Much of what concerns was summarised to me by a late, brief comment on the Graun article (which I did take to task):

You lot need to lighten up

(I think there was something further irony free about 'we British', rather ignoring near all appalled commenters, by a factor of about 100:1, were indeed from our fair isles)

In that short sentence, this person set up a superior, false majority tribal grouping (in their own minds at least), with a god-given right to instruct others how to think and behave.

As I replied, in context of this story... 'Or... what?'

Now wishing I'd added the sweet further invitation '...no pressure' to that.

I see this term becoming rather potent in this regard, if used effectively.

As an ex-Civ Eng/ad man, I am now a passionate, if pragmatic enviro-campaigner, concerned more with proactive DOING and reward-based, end-benefit-driven inspiration by high enviROI example over £/$-squandering, predominantly negative guilt, shame, threat, fear, nag or nanny 'talk' (from endless worldwide events to vast 'awareness' campaigns) and initiatives that simply don't add up unless you are a lobby-pleasing, subsidy-addicted, box-ticking pol, quangocrat and their high paid mates in the often well-funded NGO/charity/activism sector. That these guys get bonusses based on using public money to run ads designed to drive up hits that drive up their bonusses offends me as clear examples of conflict of interest if not fraud.

But I do dip in to the odd chat to try and haul focus back to all the good that is DONE, and can be achieved by DOING, so long as it is well-assessed and targetted. For ages I have been dismayed that near all in green has been hijacked by usually self-elected, single issue messengers clearly utterly incapable of appreciating the complexities in doing the overall message (and hence topic) justice.

And they seem to be spiraling out of control, rationalising their abject professional failures to communicate and/or persuade as a) the failure of the public to grasp their 'wisdom' and, worse, b) trying to blame them for it. I know how that would have gone done in the commercial world with client and audience alike.

So as much as I am concerned about our environmental futures, I am now as concerned with the mindsets being embraced by some, with clear abuses of free speech and democracy in pursuit of narrow, dogmatic agendas that brook no counters.

And so, when next any from this extreme element get on high horses and presume to lecture broadcast only or dictate, I will be simply saying, in future... 'Or else what?... No pressure'.

Addendum 4

My 'Junkk' activity is, of necessity, a little light at present, as I visit my Mother in her home. She has enjoyed a long, good life, but we fear it is coming to a conclusion. At least the earthly chapter. A small family unit, we are determined to stay by her side as often as possible.

Hence a PC, dongle and good WiFi connection is a boon.

Just to nudge this story along, I need not share the reams of links this story has generated. Google is your friend.

But I will share an unexpectedly quick and contrite reply to my email above. Plus what I wrote back.

From 10:10:

Please accept our apologies. You are right. We made a major misjudgement with the film. Our UK director has made an official statement on the issue, which you can see at http://www.1010global.org/uk/2010/10/statement-1010-uk-director

We will be instigating a thorough review of our processes and procedures to identify how this mistake was allowed to happen.

Once again, I offer our sincere apologies. We thank you for the support that you have given to the campaign, and hope that you can accept that we recognise our mistake, and are taking steps to respond in an appropriate manner.

From me:

Dear 10:10 team,

Thank you for a prompt reply in the circumstances, and one that I appreciate that was no fun to have to make.

After the now accepted poor decisions that went into the conception, execution and initially awful 'defences' of the 'No Pressure' piece, this more savvy, considered response is welcome, if necessarily form, and we are tempted to reconsider.

However, with regret, we will need to 'mull' a while. Something perhaps too few do. Evidently.

Yes, it was 'a' mistake, and one that should not adversely impact the many other aspects 10:10 that we endorse(d) and/or support(ed).

However, we remain concerned at the mindset at 'the top', at least as highlighted in the spotlight brought by this unfortunate controversy. This, whilst clearly at last aware of what was precipitated, does rather reveal a history of dogmatic imposition at odds with the belief in actual 'no pressure' accurate, balanced information, fun education and incentive-based, end-benefit driven culture we prefer here.

Hence, whilst pleased to accept what we presume to be a sincere apology from the author below at least, overall blanket forgiveness will take some more time and assessment. Sorry.

There are too many sucking up public (and other) funds in various names, often over-duplicating, and too often with self-indulgent 'awareness' exercises over worthy doing (our interpretation of 'action' is somewhat different) projects, and it may be that this point needs to be made still. Where it will make an impact. Not just with 10:10's leadership, but also as a message to others frustrated maybe, but so self-absorbed as to feel justified in going beyond the high profile pale, and hence making the job of others, working slowly, openly and diligently, all the more difficult.

But good luck with the aspects of you initiative that are positive in enviROI terms.


I feel for those at the helm, but they are cleary not right for the task.

The long and long of it

(that seems to be Blogger's image limit, so a 48 sheet long copy poster was going to struggle. Sorry. Will try to figure a way to post it elsewhere to be viewed bigger)



Just finished, I hope successfully, a bit of 'can't hurt' fun roaming my ad territory, but neatly, and coincidentally, also possibly with a nice rub-off for Junkk.com.

londonlongcopy.com is how I like my competitions (actually most things): fun & free.

I was invited to take part a while ago, and determined this time not to leave it to the last minute.

Fate somewhat intervened, in that I have only just got back after a wee spell enjoying the hospitality of the NHS. All well now, but a large hole in the month's traffic management plans.

I had the idea, and I had the copy, and I had a rough layout. What I didn't have at 24hrs notice was an AD/designer.

Fortunately, I have made some new chums. Taylor & Taylor (with pix on homepage of my fave ever bridge) just happen to be affiliated to the IP guys handling RE:tie's marketing, and what with one thing and another, the deed got done. Ta, guys.

I actually have high hopes. Fingers crossed. Wish us luck. Especially all you Junkketeers in London:)

Addendum:

Didn't even make the shortlist:( Some nice ideas there, but frankly I think ours could have shared such good company too. Will never understand how judging works.

http://www.cbsoutdoor.co.uk/en-gb/Our-Media/London-Underground/48-sheets/longcopy/Commercially-Driven-Entries/

http://www.cbsoutdoor.co.uk/en-gb/Our-Media/London-Underground/48-sheets/longcopy/Not-for-Profit-Entries/

NEWS/Commercial PR - Liftshare Week, 4-8 Oct

I do so love it when they write themselves.

Especially in a good cause.

I like to think off myelf not so much as lazy, but more into not wasting perfectly good resources. From the sharing horsepower's mouth:

Just as Junkk is all about match-making - and sharing to avoid waste - so is liftshare.com. So we want to tell you about an event they’ve got coming up which can help you to slash your CO2 emissions, save a load of money and make some new buddies into the bargain...

It’s the first ever liftshare Week from 4-8 October, and the aim is to help as many people as possible discover the benefits of car-sharing. The typical commuter who car-shares every day saves around £800 a year and a tonne of CO2, not to mention reducing their stress levels and having more fun.

To take part in liftshare Week, just sign up to the free www.liftshare.com website and search for someone else going your way so that you can share the journey. You only have to do it on the days that suit you, and you can either take turns driving or - if one of you doesn’t have their own car - the passenger(s) can contribute to the driver’s petrol costs. Everyone wins.

(Oh, and if you’re allowed to spread the word at work by sticking some posters up at your office, you can download them from www.liftshareWeek.com!)

PR COVERAGE - And idea gaining traction?

Actually, this is more IP coverage.

But as it is a pretty nice article about what we're up to, I think it's worth sharing.

WIPO is not an insignificant force in global IP, so to be noticed and so covered is a very nice thing to enjoy.

Palming On

Funny old world.

A week ago I noticed the local Morrison's was again running the 'Let's Grow' promo, and pondered if we might again unleash the Voucher Palm again (click the links below for archive backstory)

Well, a bit like careless kings and troublesome priests, no sooner muttered than rushed out... without telling me! Nice 'n all, but I might have helped with the proof-reading too.

Plus actually delivering as promised.

Hence a bit of flashing around this weekend to get the new one up.

All's well that ends well....

--------

Don't Be Shy, Schools and Shoppers - Choose Your Coconut Today!

Voucher Palm Ready To Do The Business Again in 2010

Another Autumn, another Morrison's 'Let's Grow' Promo.

And, of course, in Ross-on-Wye at least, the Voucher Palm blossoms in complement again, made from all-reused materials by local eco-ideas website Junkk.com, to help shoppers around town 'post' their vouchers to donate to local schools.

Two have so far have asked to have their own coconut on the palm, but there is space for plenty more. Plus plenty of room inside each to donate vouchers to the school of your choice.

So when around town, if you have some vouchers in your wallet in danger of being lost in the back of the kitchen drawer, pop by the EnviroAbility Book Swap Shop, Cantilupe Rd to ensure they get to... and help make even nicer... some very good local home schools... and gardens.

Caption - Eleanor Bennett of the EnviroAbility Book Swap Shop, Cantilupe Rd, Ross-on-Wye, graciously demonstrates Voucher Palm 3.0

PR COVERAGE - Mate's Rates

As some may know, Junkk.com enjoys a healthy relationship with Poundland.

You know, the retail phenomenon that seems to be almost unique in going from strength to strength, somewhat against the trend?

The one that does seem to have pegged what consumers want these days?

But for all their commitment to value and savings on the pocket, they do ponder deep and long about ways to help make the planet a tad nicer place to be, too.

Which is why, a fair while ago, having seen a Junkk.com stand plugging RE:tie at a show, they liked what they saw enough to want to help in our mission to encourage reuse.

So they popped our URL on their packaging. And from this end, we can testify to just how that has caught on with their customer base. Folk like the notion... A LOT.

Well, just as we had a cheery call that made our Friday a while back, we've just had another.

Look who has pride (well, bottom left, but it's right next to the sign-up) of place on their website homepage:)

Nice to be loved. And to be rated so highly via such an endorsement, compliment and complement from such a successful business.

Maybe we are doing something right, as well as good, after all.

PR COVERAGE - Fast, moving, consumer-related.. and good

Always nice to be noticed.

Even better to be appreciated.

Top cherry to be thought amongst the best.

Junkk.com has been featured in this month's FMCG magazine 'Website spotlight'.

Which is nice.

Not too sure on the value as, so far, the phone has not be ringing off the hook. Early days?

Folk in this industry are pretty time poor, and I've only just found it after it hit the in-tray a few days ago.

Plus I can't help but notice on behalf of RE:tie a tamper evident packaging outfit just down the road. Reaches next for phone...

Sons, sun & sand (lots of sand). Plus wife.

We're back (and have been a few weeks - only now with kids off to school can I get back to the 'other' day job)

Full disclosure: we flew for 6hrs, budget class, to Egypt, for a Nile cruise.

And enjoyed every minute of it. No regrets (the T-shirt is not mine, but raised a wry-smile come 'so, what do you do' at evening cocktails intro-time)

However, learning from many who ponder and post in the world of environess, I will attempt to justify a smidge of what we got up to by writing about it, especially a few eco-aspects of it all... good... but mainly not as good as one may have hoped.

OK, we were in a sunny place. Make that sunny to the tune of 45 degrees some days, pretty much dawn to dusk. That... is a lot of energy falling on every sqm of a vast expanse, day-in, day-out. Trust me. As the only family not out the first day for a tanning session, we observed the results on the others.

Yet... I could see no great evidence of any solar collection, domestic, commercial or national, either photovoltaics or even hot water. Bizarre.

What I did note was the gentle chug of diesels, 24/7, which sadly results in a pervasive fug hanging over the Nile and its banks. Makes for nice sunsets, but not much else.

And I can't understand the need. Where the grid doesn't run, like a boat, so many thing surely could be solar powered to avoid using up GHG-emitting fuel in this way? If it's possible in the UK (see link below, but caution on the numbers, and deal!) with our weather...

http://blogs.telegraph.co.uk/finance/ianmcowie/100007449/how-the-roof-over-your-head-could-earn-1000-out-of-thin-air/

Now, a lot of this may be down to cheap 'leccy thanks to the Aswan dam. A rather uninspiring structure, TBH, but quite a feat. Actually, I was a bit more impressed with the one the British built several decades before. It also had the benefits of a lock system to allow navigation, something the Russians 'forgot' to add. Apparently. I suspect this may have led to, and still inspires some... frustration, downstream.

Which brings me to the other eco-aspect from this trip: the importance of water. Look at that shot out the plane window: no water, no nothing. More than that, no irrigation; no growth more than a few yards in. The country is a high % of sun-blasted sand and little else.

Man has a great capacity to harness nature for good, but also a great responsibility to ensure it is done properly.

Sadly, as I write this I add below a URL that poses some of the dilemmas facing our own mega-water-harnessing scheme.

The Ecologist - http://www.theecologist.org/News/news_analysis/522790/severn_barrage_faces_economic_rather_than_environmental_hurdles.html

Finally, I leave pondering a matter of historical interest, namely was the climate back in Ramases' time as oppressive as now?

Telegraph - Biblical plagues really happened say scientists

Keeping In Good Company

Caption: Nothing whatsoever to do with Poundland, but we appreciate the irony inherent in this image of one of their competitors, along with the rather cute weasel as regards their business model on the shop sign.

For while we have enjoyed the support of Poundland.

They have seen fit to add the Junkk.com URL to their packaging, and were first in line to help with some recent research for RE:tie, about which more to soon be shared.

And it seems they are doing rather well.
The Grocer

Kamcity

SKY

Just sayin', that's all.