I have been advised BBC news are advising Richard Branson is to help 'survey' the ionosphere to monitor climate change.
I have looked around on the BBC site for confirmation and have only found this, which leads to this, which seems to suggest this is unlikely. Possibly the claim, rather the story, was in error.
However I will repeat my reply, just in case this is another PR turned news item.
Whatever one's views of him, his views do get a fair amount of top billing and hence do count.
But I'm most interested in what he is actually saying and/or doing, and the impacts these words or actions may have.
Without seeing it I couldn't comment, but I am guessing this is more support for 'Virgin Galactic", whereby billionaires and their mates (and pliant media remoras) get to have a Kodak moment atop a column of greenhouse gasses.
I am kind of losing count of the attempted eco-mitigations for this jolly on the part of the empire and its media fanbase, but there was the pushing planes to the takeoff and the bio-747 on the ground. Then there was using this toy to 'transport' vital goods to war-torn outposts in a hurry. Now is it possible that instead of a G&T the next dot com whizz kid or noted physicist will get handed a straw and asked to '...check the extent of 'climate change', by sampling gases in the ionosphere.' as it arcs through.
Please tell me that is not being given screen space!
I don't know, but can't balloons do this? Or if not, unmanned, smaller, cheaper and a lot less polluting rockets?
An interesting ra-ra contrast to the 'science' behind test on Polar Bear hearing problems caused by noise from Global Warming.
Wednesday, October 01, 2008
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
AWARD/COMPETITION - Big Numbers
WHEN: Submission Deadline:October 20th, 2008
WHAT: Project 10 to the 100th
WHAT... MORE?: They'll help bring these ideas to life.
Community: How can we help connect people, build communities and protect unique cultures?
Opportunity: How can we help people better provide for themselves and their families?
Energy: How can we help move the world toward safe, clean, inexpensive energy?
Environment: How can we help promote a cleaner and more sustainable global ecosystem?
Health: How can we help individuals lead longer, healthier lives?
Education: How can we help more people get more access to better education?
Shelter: How can we help ensure that everyone has a safe place to live?
Everything else: Sometimes the best ideas don't fit into any category at all.
HOW MUCH: Freeeeee! Yet you can score soem BIG numbers.
URL: http://www.project10tothe100.com/index.html
COMMENTS: Thx to Martin of EnviroAbility for the share! It's big.. yet I hadn't heard of it.
WHAT: Project 10 to the 100th
WHAT... MORE?: They'll help bring these ideas to life.
Community: How can we help connect people, build communities and protect unique cultures?
Opportunity: How can we help people better provide for themselves and their families?
Energy: How can we help move the world toward safe, clean, inexpensive energy?
Environment: How can we help promote a cleaner and more sustainable global ecosystem?
Health: How can we help individuals lead longer, healthier lives?
Education: How can we help more people get more access to better education?
Shelter: How can we help ensure that everyone has a safe place to live?
Everything else: Sometimes the best ideas don't fit into any category at all.
HOW MUCH: Freeeeee! Yet you can score soem BIG numbers.
URL: http://www.project10tothe100.com/index.html
COMMENTS: Thx to Martin of EnviroAbility for the share! It's big.. yet I hadn't heard of it.
The era of 'Pay To Play' is upon us?
I had to reply to this post from a media forum poster:
We all know how the credit crunch is squeezing us but I was amused by the
fact that the Open University feels that journalists should expect to pay in
order to attend a conference in Milton Keynes. Anyone else been asked to pay
to cover events from other universities or is the Open Uni about to declare
itself full of toxic debt and demand to be nationalised.
Dear
Thank you for your email and interest in the ReLIVE08 Conference.
Registration officially closed on the 22nd September however we are holding
four places for journalists and members of the press, on a first come first
served basis, for which we could offer you a special registration rate of
£325.
If you would like to attend please could you send your completed
registration and payment forms to us ASAP.
We hope to see you at the Conference in November.
Best wishes
ReLIVE08 Conference Team
I feel your pain. If it is one in your side from laughing.
Just last weekend I was not in London and Brighton for an event run with the participation of UoBrighton.
As a consequence of a kind recommendation from a PR I think I met via these pages, I was 'invited' as you were to an event. I thanked them and pointed out that 3 days away, accommodation and travel were quite enough for me to bear without a fee on top, so ta but no ta.
Having seen my email signature links on Junkk.com I was surprised then to be reinvited, only this time to speak. As it seemed a nifty networking opportunity I agreed.
Sadly, having got cracking on my topic, Powerpoints, etc, it all went the shape of a pear when it was clarified that this was still for a fee (only... that I paid them), but would be reduced vs. other delegates.
The era of 'pay to play' beyond music is with us I guess:(
However, I really struggle to see why I should fund others who go on to profit from charging an audience to share in what I am willing to bring to them, especially when it is all billed as 'helping the planet'. This whole industry is becoming thoroughly discredited, as well as being totally unrepresentative. I was at one a while ago that was £1k for the day, and the only folk there were govt. and LAs and Uni types paid for, big business and lobbyists on expenses and almost no grass roots folk to represent the average person. Which may explain why a lot of these 'summit's result in stuff few with a mortgage, Fiesta and once a week dash round Lidl can identify with.
Rgds, Peter
Junkk.com
ps: The 'RE' prefix piqued my interest as I thought this might be another 'green' effort, and hence one I might be interested in, as I am pondering holding an eco-conference using it that does not depend on your ability to pay, get there or who lobbies a slot based on 'knowing people' or being a media luvvie.
In fact I note it refers to Second Life, which I am very interested in for its ability to bring people together, for free, without needing to fly or drive further than their PC screen. My partner now holds live international concerts using it and though she may have to stay up late or get up early to catch an Asia or US audience at their favoured time, it doesn't half make for a better gig on family life, for wallet... and planet.
We all know how the credit crunch is squeezing us but I was amused by the
fact that the Open University feels that journalists should expect to pay in
order to attend a conference in Milton Keynes. Anyone else been asked to pay
to cover events from other universities or is the Open Uni about to declare
itself full of toxic debt and demand to be nationalised.
Dear
Thank you for your email and interest in the ReLIVE08 Conference.
Registration officially closed on the 22nd September however we are holding
four places for journalists and members of the press, on a first come first
served basis, for which we could offer you a special registration rate of
£325.
If you would like to attend please could you send your completed
registration and payment forms to us ASAP.
We hope to see you at the Conference in November.
Best wishes
ReLIVE08 Conference Team
I feel your pain. If it is one in your side from laughing.
Just last weekend I was not in London and Brighton for an event run with the participation of UoBrighton.
As a consequence of a kind recommendation from a PR I think I met via these pages, I was 'invited' as you were to an event. I thanked them and pointed out that 3 days away, accommodation and travel were quite enough for me to bear without a fee on top, so ta but no ta.
Having seen my email signature links on Junkk.com I was surprised then to be reinvited, only this time to speak. As it seemed a nifty networking opportunity I agreed.
Sadly, having got cracking on my topic, Powerpoints, etc, it all went the shape of a pear when it was clarified that this was still for a fee (only... that I paid them), but would be reduced vs. other delegates.
The era of 'pay to play' beyond music is with us I guess:(
However, I really struggle to see why I should fund others who go on to profit from charging an audience to share in what I am willing to bring to them, especially when it is all billed as 'helping the planet'. This whole industry is becoming thoroughly discredited, as well as being totally unrepresentative. I was at one a while ago that was £1k for the day, and the only folk there were govt. and LAs and Uni types paid for, big business and lobbyists on expenses and almost no grass roots folk to represent the average person. Which may explain why a lot of these 'summit's result in stuff few with a mortgage, Fiesta and once a week dash round Lidl can identify with.
Rgds, Peter
Junkk.com
ps: The 'RE' prefix piqued my interest as I thought this might be another 'green' effort, and hence one I might be interested in, as I am pondering holding an eco-conference using it that does not depend on your ability to pay, get there or who lobbies a slot based on 'knowing people' or being a media luvvie.
In fact I note it refers to Second Life, which I am very interested in for its ability to bring people together, for free, without needing to fly or drive further than their PC screen. My partner now holds live international concerts using it and though she may have to stay up late or get up early to catch an Asia or US audience at their favoured time, it doesn't half make for a better gig on family life, for wallet... and planet.
Monday, September 29, 2008
All change in Alaska
According to this piece from Sunday's Observer, the Yup'ik Eskimos 0f southern Alaska are amongst the planet's first climate change refugees. (There ARE others though, such as Kiribati's inhabitants.)
A fascinating article about how climate change is having really huge impacts on native Eskimo communities highlights how one village is moving location some nine miles to an island where the melting permafrost will not have quite the same effect that it is having on their current village's location.
Some fascinating insights into subsistence living in one of the planet's harshest, and, it seems, rapidly changing, environments. Well worth a read.
n.b. Just love the quote about Sarah Palin - "Alaska's new lipstick-wearing pitbull megastar, Sarah Palin, is intellectually challenged when it comes to global warming. [Ouch!!] Soon after she was thrown into the spotlight as John McCain's presidential running mate she said: 'A changing environment will affect Alaska more than any other state, because of our location. I'm not one, though, who would attribute it to being man-made.' A few days later she tried to retract her statement, but her sentiments as a global-warming denier were crystal clear."
A fascinating article about how climate change is having really huge impacts on native Eskimo communities highlights how one village is moving location some nine miles to an island where the melting permafrost will not have quite the same effect that it is having on their current village's location.
Some fascinating insights into subsistence living in one of the planet's harshest, and, it seems, rapidly changing, environments. Well worth a read.
n.b. Just love the quote about Sarah Palin - "Alaska's new lipstick-wearing pitbull megastar, Sarah Palin, is intellectually challenged when it comes to global warming. [Ouch!!] Soon after she was thrown into the spotlight as John McCain's presidential running mate she said: 'A changing environment will affect Alaska more than any other state, because of our location. I'm not one, though, who would attribute it to being man-made.' A few days later she tried to retract her statement, but her sentiments as a global-warming denier were crystal clear."
More on bees ...
... and the potential effects of colony collapse disorder from Haaretz, an Israeli publication house.
"Bear in mind that the bee problem has implications not only for fruits and vegetables, but also for beef. Without bees there is no seed for cattle grazing, no alfalfa and no clover," says Shai Spector, head of the Israeli honey producers association. "It's a chain. Costs will skyrocket; chickens and cows will disappear. You can eat bread, but a body cannot be sustained on bread alone. A war will break out over food, with the problems already in place today."
All very worrying, especially at a time of increasing costs in most basic foodstuffs.
"Bear in mind that the bee problem has implications not only for fruits and vegetables, but also for beef. Without bees there is no seed for cattle grazing, no alfalfa and no clover," says Shai Spector, head of the Israeli honey producers association. "It's a chain. Costs will skyrocket; chickens and cows will disappear. You can eat bread, but a body cannot be sustained on bread alone. A war will break out over food, with the problems already in place today."
All very worrying, especially at a time of increasing costs in most basic foodstuffs.
Sunday, September 28, 2008
CATEGORY - BIOFUELS
Time to break this out as a separate category.
And also to note that when discussed before (as it is, often), the archiving separates singular from plurals, so you need to check 'BIOFUEL' and 'BIOFUELS' (see links at end) to get the full collection.
I will... one day... try to bring them all under here, but this is where it will all go from now on.
Sunday Times - Biofuels: Fields of dreams - a fair summary to kick off
BBC - Call for delay to biofuels policy
Guardian - Top scientists warn against rush to biofuel
Guardian - Biofuels: a solution that became part of the problem
Food&Drink.com - Nestle chief warns biofuels threaten food supplies - another take... from a surprising source
The Register - Dave of Solarventi has flagged this up in comments: I think it worthy of a main link: Pork and politics energise the biofuel delusion - I really like their contributors' writing style (erring on the very witty, with a touch of sarky), but the sheer logic that their science base makes for compelling argument and opinion. Plus, even if they may not see it in such terms, they are very much in the vanguard of genuine enviROI+ advocacy. I might also have to lob this in the Compost and FWD categories, too.... assuming he's right.
Had to drop a note:
'And the prize for GW claptrap reporting goes, once again to, the BBC.'
To this statement, at the very least... Amen.
Whatever else one might think about the various issues surrounding 'Probably man-worsened climate change', I am still trying to get around our national broadcaster's total lack of irony.
Around the ice shelf story they had no problem advocating moon burials and a crew flying to Midway Island to go beachcombing for plastic to show how a bag ban will solve the various e-crises.
ps: Back on-topic, kudos for a most worthwhile story for those simply keen to avoid waste and reduce unnecessary greenhouse nasties going up - no matter what - 'in the name of green'.
Beverage Daily - Biofuels policy requires focus on sustainability, says CIAA
Guardian CiF - NEW - Fuelling the debate - no post as yet, oddly
Edie - Biofuel demand 'will increase GHGs'
The Register - Boffinry bigwig puts another boot into biofuels - Obviously not a 'pro' piece. Worth reading for some interesting (and funny) science-savvy comments.
Guardian - Demands for crackdown on biofuels scam - (links in piece to other info, some objective facts) The negatives just keep on piling up, which is a pity, as I am sure that in amongst it all there could be a positive angle to tell.. and embrace. I feel for all those who are trying to make businesses out of doing the right thing, in the right way, but will get tarred by a rather broad brush.
Guardian - Germany drops 'roadmap to biofuels' for cars
Guardian - Poor go hungry while rich fill their tanks - Lumme.. the negatives are piling up. I have to wonder if we are getting the true picture or as extreme a swing away as we had to that got the industry in this pickle.
Observer - Darling calls for urgent review of biofuel policies - That'll crack it, a 'review' is 'called for'.
Telegraph - Biofuel potential for commercially grown grass - rare good news?
Guardian - Biofuels: a blueprint for the future? - Not sure I'd call it a 'debate' as billed, but some views from a couple of bods who should know a thing or two. Trouble is, they are pols.
Newsnight & Indy - via Junkk -
Guardian - Fuelling the food crisis
Indy - Why biofuels could actually mean more CO2 emissions - That's a no form the UK's chemists (well CEO of their society), then.
gas2org - Twenty-Two Biodiesel Myths Dispelled -
Guardian - Brazil rejects biofuels criticism - And how. I have popped the Prez' comment as Quote of the Day
The Register - Royal Navy warships could run on sunflower oil - if fresh - 'Make smoke...d herrings, Number One' Actually, some interesting facts!
SAAB - Fuelling the BioPower argument - Bear in mind that this is from a company who makes a car that runs on the stuff.
Times - Biofuel: a tankful of weed juice
Guardian - The biofuel solution - Were it as simple as inferred
Guardian - Secret report: biofuel caused food crisis - Oh, dear. But shush, it's a secret. And soon there will be another report that says teh exact opposite, I'm sure.
The Grocer - Biofuels to blame for food price rises
Observer - Exclusive: we publish the biofuels report they didn't want you to read - I crank an eyebrow at anyything billed thus, mind.
Guardian - UK biofuel 'not up to standard' - That's alsmost 1 in 5! Whe do I suspect getting it to 38% might get billed by some as 100% improved!
BBC - EU in crop biofuel goal rethink
Times - NEW - Pumping the biofuels, from Rio to the Humber
INFORMATION
BBC Green - Sixty-second-guide-to-biofuels
Guardian - Q&A: Biofuels
Renewable Fuels Agency -
Renewable Transport Fuel Obligation (RTFO)
And also to note that when discussed before (as it is, often), the archiving separates singular from plurals, so you need to check 'BIOFUEL' and 'BIOFUELS' (see links at end) to get the full collection.
I will... one day... try to bring them all under here, but this is where it will all go from now on.
Sunday Times - Biofuels: Fields of dreams - a fair summary to kick off
BBC - Call for delay to biofuels policy
Guardian - Top scientists warn against rush to biofuel
Guardian - Biofuels: a solution that became part of the problem
Food&Drink.com - Nestle chief warns biofuels threaten food supplies - another take... from a surprising source
The Register - Dave of Solarventi has flagged this up in comments: I think it worthy of a main link: Pork and politics energise the biofuel delusion - I really like their contributors' writing style (erring on the very witty, with a touch of sarky), but the sheer logic that their science base makes for compelling argument and opinion. Plus, even if they may not see it in such terms, they are very much in the vanguard of genuine enviROI+ advocacy. I might also have to lob this in the Compost and FWD categories, too.... assuming he's right.
Had to drop a note:
'And the prize for GW claptrap reporting goes, once again to, the BBC.'
To this statement, at the very least... Amen.
Whatever else one might think about the various issues surrounding 'Probably man-worsened climate change', I am still trying to get around our national broadcaster's total lack of irony.
Around the ice shelf story they had no problem advocating moon burials and a crew flying to Midway Island to go beachcombing for plastic to show how a bag ban will solve the various e-crises.
ps: Back on-topic, kudos for a most worthwhile story for those simply keen to avoid waste and reduce unnecessary greenhouse nasties going up - no matter what - 'in the name of green'.
Beverage Daily - Biofuels policy requires focus on sustainability, says CIAA
Guardian CiF - NEW - Fuelling the debate - no post as yet, oddly
Edie - Biofuel demand 'will increase GHGs'
The Register - Boffinry bigwig puts another boot into biofuels - Obviously not a 'pro' piece. Worth reading for some interesting (and funny) science-savvy comments.
Guardian - Demands for crackdown on biofuels scam - (links in piece to other info, some objective facts) The negatives just keep on piling up, which is a pity, as I am sure that in amongst it all there could be a positive angle to tell.. and embrace. I feel for all those who are trying to make businesses out of doing the right thing, in the right way, but will get tarred by a rather broad brush.
Guardian - Germany drops 'roadmap to biofuels' for cars
Guardian - Poor go hungry while rich fill their tanks - Lumme.. the negatives are piling up. I have to wonder if we are getting the true picture or as extreme a swing away as we had to that got the industry in this pickle.
Observer - Darling calls for urgent review of biofuel policies - That'll crack it, a 'review' is 'called for'.
Telegraph - Biofuel potential for commercially grown grass - rare good news?
Guardian - Biofuels: a blueprint for the future? - Not sure I'd call it a 'debate' as billed, but some views from a couple of bods who should know a thing or two. Trouble is, they are pols.
Newsnight & Indy - via Junkk -
Guardian - Fuelling the food crisis
Indy - Why biofuels could actually mean more CO2 emissions - That's a no form the UK's chemists (well CEO of their society), then.
gas2org - Twenty-Two Biodiesel Myths Dispelled -
Guardian - Brazil rejects biofuels criticism - And how. I have popped the Prez' comment as Quote of the Day
The Register - Royal Navy warships could run on sunflower oil - if fresh - 'Make smoke...d herrings, Number One' Actually, some interesting facts!
SAAB - Fuelling the BioPower argument - Bear in mind that this is from a company who makes a car that runs on the stuff.
Times - Biofuel: a tankful of weed juice
Guardian - The biofuel solution - Were it as simple as inferred
Guardian - Secret report: biofuel caused food crisis - Oh, dear. But shush, it's a secret. And soon there will be another report that says teh exact opposite, I'm sure.
The Grocer - Biofuels to blame for food price rises
Observer - Exclusive: we publish the biofuels report they didn't want you to read - I crank an eyebrow at anyything billed thus, mind.
Guardian - UK biofuel 'not up to standard' - That's alsmost 1 in 5! Whe do I suspect getting it to 38% might get billed by some as 100% improved!
BBC - EU in crop biofuel goal rethink
Times - NEW - Pumping the biofuels, from Rio to the Humber
INFORMATION
BBC Green - Sixty-second-guide-to-biofuels
Guardian - Q&A: Biofuels
Renewable Fuels Agency -
Renewable Transport Fuel Obligation (RTFO)
You are either with 'us', or against 'us'. Apparently.
On this very blog I have had cause to disagree with the protagonist here.
Mark Lynas: the green heretic persecuted for his nuclear conversion
On a variety of green-related issues. Not that: they can be separate, and distinct.
But he has nothing but my sympathies in this turn of events. Even if I may still disagree, in part. If I am allowed.
Careful the enviormental camapaigner who crosses the othordoxy of the main mob.
The responses he has had as an, er, 'Climate change expert' reflect poorly on those who see fit to issue them.
However, I still remain concerned on the disposal of the waste.
Mark Lynas: the green heretic persecuted for his nuclear conversion
On a variety of green-related issues. Not that: they can be separate, and distinct.
But he has nothing but my sympathies in this turn of events. Even if I may still disagree, in part. If I am allowed.
Careful the enviormental camapaigner who crosses the othordoxy of the main mob.
The responses he has had as an, er, 'Climate change expert' reflect poorly on those who see fit to issue them.
However, I still remain concerned on the disposal of the waste.
Moguls ahead!
I often (and possibly unfairly) allude to those telling others what not to do often being a tad shy on giving up the next ski weekend.
Can you ski and be green?
Beats yellow, I guess.
Can you ski and be green?
Beats yellow, I guess.
Saturday, September 27, 2008
Junkk is 'Blue Peter on steroids'
Always liked that quote.Anyway, reading the Times today I came acrosss this, which seemed worth a share by way of an homage.
It's where I ended up after clicking an ad/icon.
Oddly, I'm not clear on what one is meant to do to find out more, which I would have liked to do.
Fine, maybe. But let's not forget.
The EU's Renewables Directive: unworkable and costly
Slightly O/T but related, as I read this at the same time as my council may have to dip into my wallet to pay for the landfill misses.
Just how many 'targets' are there, irrespective of any actual value they may have as an actual enviROI that helps my kids' futures, that 'we', the tax/ratepayer have been set up to fund the fines for? By whom? And where does this protection racket money go to if (no doubt) and when paid over by those who arranged it all on our behalves?
BBC - UK opposes green aviation target - The Gord caveth, and the Gord diggeth in?
Slightly O/T but related, as I read this at the same time as my council may have to dip into my wallet to pay for the landfill misses.
Just how many 'targets' are there, irrespective of any actual value they may have as an actual enviROI that helps my kids' futures, that 'we', the tax/ratepayer have been set up to fund the fines for? By whom? And where does this protection racket money go to if (no doubt) and when paid over by those who arranged it all on our behalves?
BBC - UK opposes green aviation target - The Gord caveth, and the Gord diggeth in?
Friday, September 26, 2008
Sling it
As my home for several years, I can testify that Singapore has much to offer.
Singapore slings out tradition and welcomes the bright lights of F1
This... especially at the moment, ain't one.
Singapore slings out tradition and welcomes the bright lights of F1
This... especially at the moment, ain't one.
How to spoil a Friday
Sometimes it's good to share. This is not one of those times.
Pandora: BBC faces Ofcom row over interview edits
I share this not to give ammo to those would use it in defence of a rather extreme climatically optimistic view (which it will, even though it is just about reporting standards), but in the hope that the Nixonian notion of 'don't get caught' rarely applies. If you don't want your dirty laundry hung out for all to see... don't soil it.
If (it still looks in the realms of "what might be", but the Indy is not a great fan of those from a CO viewpoint and has chosen to share) this pans out as billed I must again raise my eyes to the heavens at the sheer, unprofessional ineptitude of those who are allowing personal or corporate agenda corrupt the spirit of objective information sharing.
And 'But Ch4 did it first!' won't cut it outside of my licence fee demand.
Who are these folk? How are they paid? Why? Is there ever an accounting?
Just lay all it all out honestly and let the public decide. The minute you start figuring you know better, then try and rig it, and then get caught, it just makes everything a whole lot worse to try and explain for those working along, steadily sharing what we know, what we think we know and what we don't. And then what we think might help now, just in case.
It will be interesting to see if this escalates as billed. If proven it has to. If not, then it will rumble along anyway I'm sure. But it would have never been an issue if the desire in some quarters to 'enhance the narrative' had not overcome professional standards.
Thank heavens I do not have to pay... for.. all... th..
Oh.
Daily Mail - QED. BBC investigated after peer says climate change programme was biased 'one-sided polemic' - That's how many million choking up their meat & two veg in suburbia?
Broadcast - BBC2 show ignites contributor row
Gaurdian - NEW - The battle caused by Climate Wars
For some reason, the author has posted this in the Guardian (I usually enjoy having a debate there, but on this issue it's really not worth it. I've just left one where 'they' are asking why someone who might have a different view to the group is allowed on, and to voice an opinion. Bless):
I must say it makes for an interesting read, even if some links to 'a bloke's blog' seems rather... unconvincing in support.
I must say on first reading I was unclear (great communicators that they are: 'Maybe that's our fault for not being clearer' - that's what £3.5B gets you, I guess) whether he was saying the climate debate was a done deal, or it wasn't..'...even if the scientific consensus is that global warming is a reality', '..makes clear, it is that there is still a furious debate going on out there.'
As to the rest, with bitter irony it mostly makes this committed environmental campaigner weep... or feel like buying a Hummer.
Pandora: BBC faces Ofcom row over interview edits
I share this not to give ammo to those would use it in defence of a rather extreme climatically optimistic view (which it will, even though it is just about reporting standards), but in the hope that the Nixonian notion of 'don't get caught' rarely applies. If you don't want your dirty laundry hung out for all to see... don't soil it.
If (it still looks in the realms of "what might be", but the Indy is not a great fan of those from a CO viewpoint and has chosen to share) this pans out as billed I must again raise my eyes to the heavens at the sheer, unprofessional ineptitude of those who are allowing personal or corporate agenda corrupt the spirit of objective information sharing.
And 'But Ch4 did it first!' won't cut it outside of my licence fee demand.
Who are these folk? How are they paid? Why? Is there ever an accounting?
Just lay all it all out honestly and let the public decide. The minute you start figuring you know better, then try and rig it, and then get caught, it just makes everything a whole lot worse to try and explain for those working along, steadily sharing what we know, what we think we know and what we don't. And then what we think might help now, just in case.
It will be interesting to see if this escalates as billed. If proven it has to. If not, then it will rumble along anyway I'm sure. But it would have never been an issue if the desire in some quarters to 'enhance the narrative' had not overcome professional standards.
Thank heavens I do not have to pay... for.. all... th..
Oh.
Daily Mail - QED. BBC investigated after peer says climate change programme was biased 'one-sided polemic' - That's how many million choking up their meat & two veg in suburbia?
Broadcast - BBC2 show ignites contributor row
Gaurdian - NEW - The battle caused by Climate Wars
For some reason, the author has posted this in the Guardian (I usually enjoy having a debate there, but on this issue it's really not worth it. I've just left one where 'they' are asking why someone who might have a different view to the group is allowed on, and to voice an opinion. Bless):
I must say it makes for an interesting read, even if some links to 'a bloke's blog' seems rather... unconvincing in support.
I must say on first reading I was unclear (great communicators that they are: 'Maybe that's our fault for not being clearer' - that's what £3.5B gets you, I guess) whether he was saying the climate debate was a done deal, or it wasn't..'...even if the scientific consensus is that global warming is a reality', '..makes clear, it is that there is still a furious debate going on out there.'
As to the rest, with bitter irony it mostly makes this committed environmental campaigner weep... or feel like buying a Hummer.
IDEA - Voucher Tree
This, I hope, can be the start of something big.
Let me quote from some PR going out, which I hope will explain:
Sow What?
Local schools and businesses team up to make the most of national retail chain promotional opportunity
Have you got a bunch of vouchers still in your kitchen draw from some supermarket promotion that was over last year? It seems such a pity that these opportunities to get free stuff to the benefit of the local community, especially when they are our schools, often pass by without really being taken advantage of fully.
Well, a locally-organised community collaboration has been launched to try and avoid any such waste this time, and help our nearby schools too.
Shoppers in Ross may have noticed that Morrisons supermarket is running a 'Let's Grow' promo, whereby your purchases can generate free vouchers that your school can use to buy gardening equipment.
There have been many such similar schemes before, but how easy is it to pop these in you wallet at checkout and then never get them to the right person at the right school to be of use?
Well, meet the 'Voucher Tree'. Made by local re:use-advocacy voluntary Junkketeers from old packaging, the 'Voucher Tree' will be available for you to post vouchers when in around town shopping.
Initially, local environmental social enterprise EnviroAbility have kindly offered to place one in their Cantilupe Road shop.
They will then make sure they get to the school you specify (each 'coconut' lists a local choice, plus a generic one whose contents will be divided equally) at the end of the promo.
It is very much hoped that the store itself will also soon be able to have one behind the checkout rows so it can be a simple ‘shop and pop’ in one smooth motion as you leave. But first head office approval is being sought before this will be possible.
As an interesting aside, with some experience in such charitable endeavours, Dennis Humble of EnviroAbility has advised that for some reason many customers still turn down such free vouchers even when offered at the till. Hopefully this initiative, and any publicity that may be generated, will result in higher responses through better awareness combined with more immediate and convenient ways to get the vouchers where they will do most good.
So, when you shop, remember when they ask if you'd like your vouchers – please think 'Sow What' and then come and add them to the tree.
The scheme runs until November 6th.
Now, what we're hoping is that the big guns at Head Office see opportunity staring them in the face. It's happening with or without them. With is better for all, all round.
Because... there's more sinking in:
As an interesting aside, with some experience in such charitable endeavours, Dennis has advised that for some reason many customers still turn down such free vouchers even when offered. Hopefully this initiative, and any publicity that may be generated, might result in higher responses through better awareness combined with more immediate and convenient ways to get the vouchers where they will do most good.
If it works here in Ross, it is hoped it may catch on elsewhere in the county and country and with other promos, too. Hey, it’s a free and easy way to get free and useful stuff to help the community!
If anyone wants to copy the “Voucher Tree” just go to Junkk.com and look in the 'Ideas Section'. But feel free to adapt and/or improve!
OK, this is no longer funny...
Thursday, September 25, 2008
AWARD - Rushlight Awards 2008
WHEN: 31 October 2008
WHAT: Rushlight Awards 2008
WHAT... MORE?: The Rushlight Awards are a unique set of awards designed to celebrate and promote UK and Irish organizations that are developing environmental technology and innovation. The categories cover renewable energy, clean fuels, power generation, waste, water and pollution management, including a number of new award categories for 2008 such as nuclear, energy efficiency and water management.
HOW MUCH: There is a 20% discount off the entry fee (£100) for members of the supporting partners and readers of the media partners’ publications.
URL: http://www.rushlightawards.co.uk/
COMMENTS: A new one to us, but the pedigree looks very impressive. Not the cheapest but by no means the most expensive. We are thinking of having a crack ourselves.
WHAT: Rushlight Awards 2008
WHAT... MORE?: The Rushlight Awards are a unique set of awards designed to celebrate and promote UK and Irish organizations that are developing environmental technology and innovation. The categories cover renewable energy, clean fuels, power generation, waste, water and pollution management, including a number of new award categories for 2008 such as nuclear, energy efficiency and water management.
HOW MUCH: There is a 20% discount off the entry fee (£100) for members of the supporting partners and readers of the media partners’ publications.
URL: http://www.rushlightawards.co.uk/
COMMENTS: A new one to us, but the pedigree looks very impressive. Not the cheapest but by no means the most expensive. We are thinking of having a crack ourselves.
Ready, aim.. missed. Off to another meeting, guys!
The strange science of setting targets
If it's anything, it's an art. If a rather dubious one. The Damien Hirst of social breast-beating as a veneer over rampant self-interest, where you might get to fool the 'smart set' to fork out bazillions for a rotting corpse as it keeps a lot in work even if no one actually benefits.
On the one hand, I accept the need for measures, whereby you can assess what you are aiming for (and have agreed with others), how you're doing en route (in case corrective actions are needed) and how well all involved performed in meeting them.
However, these days, when I hear the word 'targets', and all the associated waffle from those with a box-ticking, bonus-addicted, media-ratings reason to deal in them, I rather switch off.
Perhaps because they, and the industries surrounding them, have been totally discredited?
If it's anything, it's an art. If a rather dubious one. The Damien Hirst of social breast-beating as a veneer over rampant self-interest, where you might get to fool the 'smart set' to fork out bazillions for a rotting corpse as it keeps a lot in work even if no one actually benefits.
On the one hand, I accept the need for measures, whereby you can assess what you are aiming for (and have agreed with others), how you're doing en route (in case corrective actions are needed) and how well all involved performed in meeting them.
However, these days, when I hear the word 'targets', and all the associated waffle from those with a box-ticking, bonus-addicted, media-ratings reason to deal in them, I rather switch off.
Perhaps because they, and the industries surrounding them, have been totally discredited?
Jobs for the boys, and girls. Makes you green with envy, eh?
Labour's shocking CO2 admissions
I am, I must admit, still trying to get my head around who actually funds my having my own personal waste / compost advisor / bin checker / sustainability executive / WEEE consultant as I don't think that their pay and pension is covered by them producing anything that actually generates income. Or the vast comms budgets that accompany their roles in Gov, LAs, Edu or quangos.
I know these are not 'meant' to be included in the noble list suggested, but why do I feel they might? I sense, with dread, a pen hovering over a box.
I am wondering who the last poor soul left in the UK will be who is making anything that creates enough wealth enough to support all who need to feed of their taxes.
I am, I must admit, still trying to get my head around who actually funds my having my own personal waste / compost advisor / bin checker / sustainability executive / WEEE consultant as I don't think that their pay and pension is covered by them producing anything that actually generates income. Or the vast comms budgets that accompany their roles in Gov, LAs, Edu or quangos.
I know these are not 'meant' to be included in the noble list suggested, but why do I feel they might? I sense, with dread, a pen hovering over a box.
I am wondering who the last poor soul left in the UK will be who is making anything that creates enough wealth enough to support all who need to feed of their taxes.
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
The right person for the job
We're on a roll.Well, it's certainly true that when life serves of lemons, there are those who can have fun whilst making lemonade.
And as a lot of what ails seems to come from 'politics' (though not just in government), I have recently learned a trick or two.
For instance, if you want to get across something, but don't want to be nailed to or by it too closely (just in case), you refer to what another may have said without comment, in passing, like.
Oh look, I wonder what the genius Dilbert might be saying today...
Proof that it can pay to recycle..
From my lovely wife (and a series of others back to its genius, if sadly now 'anon' originator):
> If you had purchased £1,000 of Northern Rock shares one
> year ago, they would now be worth £4.95.
>
> If instead you had purchased HBOS shares, earlier this week
> your £1,000 would have been worth £16.50.
>
> If you'd invested in XL Leisure your £1,000 would now
> be worth less than £5.00.
>
> However if you'd bought £1,000 worth of Stella Artois
> one year ago, drank it all, then took the empty cans to an
> aluminium re-cycling plant, you would currently get £214.
>
> Based on the above statistics the best investment advice I
> can give you is to drink heavily and recycle.
> If you had purchased £1,000 of Northern Rock shares one
> year ago, they would now be worth £4.95.
>
> If instead you had purchased HBOS shares, earlier this week
> your £1,000 would have been worth £16.50.
>
> If you'd invested in XL Leisure your £1,000 would now
> be worth less than £5.00.
>
> However if you'd bought £1,000 worth of Stella Artois
> one year ago, drank it all, then took the empty cans to an
> aluminium re-cycling plant, you would currently get £214.
>
> Based on the above statistics the best investment advice I
> can give you is to drink heavily and recycle.
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