Yesterday I had another insight into the confusion on green issues that we all face.
En route to a meeting, I listened to the BBC radio news, with a story about our seabird population.
Not good. Seems they are in a dire state, and this can be traced back to the state of their principal food source, sand eels. And this... is due to global warming.
Oh dear.
Thing is, just 15 minutes later the DJ, Terry Wogan (somewhat of a rebellious spirit to the corporate agenda, like they don't have enough already) read out an email on this story (though without any reference to the news slot just read out) from a listener of unknown professional provenance that the sand eel reductions were nothing to do with climate, but more at the door of Danish fleets 'hoovering them up' (the term used) for animal feed and even, ironically, to be used as an alternative source of fuel.
Now, as a listener, in one quarter of an hour I had two diametrically opposite reasons provided for the fact of sand eel reductions over the airwaves and am currently none the wiser as to which is anything like the accurate one.
Now, I hate to say it, but there has to be a problem that when it comes to read any old press releases by charities that cite 'global warming', the track record of this £3.5B, multi-tens of thousand strong (analysts, researchers, etc) national broadcast entity is a bit suspect, and the net result of all this has been to cast more doubt on anything the BBC comes out with on science issues.
Newsnight
Friday, October 31, 2008
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
I don't design the 2012 Mascot
London 2012 Olympic mascot: Calling all entries
Dear Sir,
I hadn't realised, by virtue of not reading 'the brief' until now (the point pre-deadline I'd logged in my PC), that this was a search for an agency.
And much as a showcase in the Guardian is attractive, exposing one's brainpower to a potentially profitable property without being more certain of the rewards is unattractive.
Not likely to be a problem bearing in mind the entity involved in the real deal is a committee of worthies from an 'interestingly relevant' set of backgrounds, who don't do bland and yet came up with the whatever it is.
Hence, and rather than submit any doodles, may I instead make a suggestion?
Whatever this 'thing' is, in light of the eco-stance that will form a major part of the games, and the likely frugal, waste-sparing nature of most visitors during this period, rather than piece of useless tat Made in China that serves no function, the brief requires that in addition to being all a mascot needs to be, it is designed to do more than sit on a desk or ending up in a drawer.
Now, having set such a brief, and knowing all the potential manifestations it will need to satisfy in 2 & 3D, in the time left I can't imagine how to fulfill it.
Sorry.
But I would suggest a good start is a hole. You can use it to hang onto things, or things from.
Let the designs begin!
Rgds,
Dear Sir,
I hadn't realised, by virtue of not reading 'the brief' until now (the point pre-deadline I'd logged in my PC), that this was a search for an agency.
And much as a showcase in the Guardian is attractive, exposing one's brainpower to a potentially profitable property without being more certain of the rewards is unattractive.
Not likely to be a problem bearing in mind the entity involved in the real deal is a committee of worthies from an 'interestingly relevant' set of backgrounds, who don't do bland and yet came up with the whatever it is.
Hence, and rather than submit any doodles, may I instead make a suggestion?
Whatever this 'thing' is, in light of the eco-stance that will form a major part of the games, and the likely frugal, waste-sparing nature of most visitors during this period, rather than piece of useless tat Made in China that serves no function, the brief requires that in addition to being all a mascot needs to be, it is designed to do more than sit on a desk or ending up in a drawer.
Now, having set such a brief, and knowing all the potential manifestations it will need to satisfy in 2 & 3D, in the time left I can't imagine how to fulfill it.
Sorry.
But I would suggest a good start is a hole. You can use it to hang onto things, or things from.
Let the designs begin!
Rgds,
One less reason to shop...?
Has the the lucky Rabbits' foot that is Junkk.com struck again?
Well, for some.
Now, I'd be hard-pressed to say our little effort in Ross is much more than a drop in the ocean, but our local Morrison's has run out of Let's Grow vouchers.
Just popped over to get the boys' lunch, and as the cashier handed me my bill I smiled and asked for my vouchers, too.
"We've run out', she said.
'Well, what do I do to get them,' I asked.... "See the supervisor".
Oddly, I had only got a few words out before this lady was in full 'It's not my fault" mode.
They've run out, they didn't get any more and at this stage (it ends Nov. 6) there may not be any. No offer to log my receipt in case they do.
Now.... I don't know much about marketing, but that rather smacks of a bit of poor planning and rather suspect customer relations at head office.
Happy to play our part in making the scheme a success. Shame we seem unlikely to get any more vouchers, mind.
Anyway, every little bit helps. And maybe we did, a bit, too.
Well, for some.
Now, I'd be hard-pressed to say our little effort in Ross is much more than a drop in the ocean, but our local Morrison's has run out of Let's Grow vouchers.
Just popped over to get the boys' lunch, and as the cashier handed me my bill I smiled and asked for my vouchers, too.
"We've run out', she said.
'Well, what do I do to get them,' I asked.... "See the supervisor".
Oddly, I had only got a few words out before this lady was in full 'It's not my fault" mode.
They've run out, they didn't get any more and at this stage (it ends Nov. 6) there may not be any. No offer to log my receipt in case they do.
Now.... I don't know much about marketing, but that rather smacks of a bit of poor planning and rather suspect customer relations at head office.
Happy to play our part in making the scheme a success. Shame we seem unlikely to get any more vouchers, mind.
Anyway, every little bit helps. And maybe we did, a bit, too.
Monday, October 27, 2008
GOOD PACK: BAD PACK - Turkish less than delightful
From our recent hols... not the best example of packaging ever!
Boeing, Boeing..
Timeframes can be problematic.
Biofuel flying will take off in three years, says Boeing
When these guys, and celeb supporters like Richard Branson, though biofuels were the answer, few would have argued.
Now it is a new ball game.
ps: note 'Will' turns to 'Could'
Biofuel flying will take off in three years, says Boeing
When these guys, and celeb supporters like Richard Branson, though biofuels were the answer, few would have argued.
Now it is a new ball game.
ps: note 'Will' turns to 'Could'
Sunday, October 26, 2008
My Friend's Electric... still emission free?
Just had to write to the BBC Politics Show:
Watching your pre-recorded segment on electric cars.
As I am sure 'experts' such as Mr. 'Monbeeay' [a pronunciation that I have not heard before] will confirm, I don't think it accurate to say that these efforts are 'zero' or 'emission free'.
The exhaust pipe is just in another place.
I am unsure what I am being sold here, but with the BBC selling it with their usual fine grasp of the science and commitment to looking across the issues objectively, I am pretty sure there will be a pup involved.
Now, how many fluffy reporterettes will we get serving up a blatant bit of inaccurate information in this regard before our national broadcaster gets its technical/science act together.
Gaurdian - £100m road to electric motoring ... police, post office and politicians step off the gas
Love the bit about free parking by Greenpeace. I think they might have missed the whole revenue aspect of governance. Plus the point of reduction. Maybe they all have G-Wiz' already and fancy a freebie? While it lasts.....
Watching your pre-recorded segment on electric cars.
As I am sure 'experts' such as Mr. 'Monbeeay' [a pronunciation that I have not heard before] will confirm, I don't think it accurate to say that these efforts are 'zero' or 'emission free'.
The exhaust pipe is just in another place.
I am unsure what I am being sold here, but with the BBC selling it with their usual fine grasp of the science and commitment to looking across the issues objectively, I am pretty sure there will be a pup involved.
Now, how many fluffy reporterettes will we get serving up a blatant bit of inaccurate information in this regard before our national broadcaster gets its technical/science act together.
Gaurdian - £100m road to electric motoring ... police, post office and politicians step off the gas
Love the bit about free parking by Greenpeace. I think they might have missed the whole revenue aspect of governance. Plus the point of reduction. Maybe they all have G-Wiz' already and fancy a freebie? While it lasts.....
CATEGORY - HEATING
As a key aspect in domestic emissions (and energy costs), this deserves a break out category.
ARTICLES
Guardian - Tread lightly: Install a condenser boiler
Times - Market for eco heating keeps warming up
Times - NEW - Stoves - energy efficient heating
GRANTS
EST -
INFORMATION
DirectGov -
SUPPLIERS
charnwood.com
euroheat.co.uk
morsoe.com
ARTICLES
Guardian - Tread lightly: Install a condenser boiler
Times - Market for eco heating keeps warming up
Times - NEW - Stoves - energy efficient heating
GRANTS
EST -
INFORMATION
DirectGov -
SUPPLIERS
charnwood.com
euroheat.co.uk
morsoe.com
More telling me what I should think
Perhaps more for El Burro Hotay, but I did not like the way this was heading...
Sarah Palin: her clothes, her shoes and her odd attitude to facts
Every Sunday I pop over to get a summary of issues on matters environmental from the major papers.
And what do I get? Quelle surprise. A rambling diatribe about an aspiring VP in a foreign election, replete with trivia and gossip.
But hey ho, I guess there is some possible relevance to be found...
'...her denial of man-made global warming was in marked contrast to John McCain's acceptance of it...'
FWIW, I thought she had expressed a view along the lines that she was not yet convinced that mankind was totally responsible for negative climate change.
A freedom of thought, and acceptance of others' right to have such a view, that some might find refreshingly less dogmatic than others who are not dependent on votes to be in a position to promote what some in certain positions are convinced is the only 'correct' view.
Sarah Palin: her clothes, her shoes and her odd attitude to facts
Every Sunday I pop over to get a summary of issues on matters environmental from the major papers.
And what do I get? Quelle surprise. A rambling diatribe about an aspiring VP in a foreign election, replete with trivia and gossip.
But hey ho, I guess there is some possible relevance to be found...
'...her denial of man-made global warming was in marked contrast to John McCain's acceptance of it...'
FWIW, I thought she had expressed a view along the lines that she was not yet convinced that mankind was totally responsible for negative climate change.
A freedom of thought, and acceptance of others' right to have such a view, that some might find refreshingly less dogmatic than others who are not dependent on votes to be in a position to promote what some in certain positions are convinced is the only 'correct' view.
Saturday, October 25, 2008
Good start...
... but, very little, if anything, that represents an end-benefit to the consumer.
Supermarkets come in from cold as part of low carbon revolution
Supermarkets come in from cold as part of low carbon revolution
Friday, October 24, 2008
QUOTE OF THE DAY - It must be true, it's in the BBC!
Newsnight supports folk who support the Junkk ethos.... ish.
"Craftsmanship is the way forward. It's perfect for the credit crunch. Things like knitting and so on are very important and very English. It's definitely a good time to start making your own things" - Henry Conway, fashionista son of Tory MP Derek Conway.
"Craftsmanship is the way forward. It's perfect for the credit crunch. Things like knitting and so on are very important and very English. It's definitely a good time to start making your own things" - Henry Conway, fashionista son of Tory MP Derek Conway.
Thursday, October 23, 2008
An insight?
As to whether it, and the responses it has garnered, bode well is another matter:
Obsessed with saving the planet? There are worse fates
Obsessed with saving the planet? There are worse fates
Rising to the challenge
To good to miss, really...
The great green swindle
A genuine question, but how well vetted for 'wash' are the ads that appear on this page, if not the entire Guardian site?
Great to set a bar, and a high one, but it would be best to ensure that it doesn't get knocked off by the judges. And allow critics further opportunities to chip away at 'green' advocacy.
Not greenwash, per se, and not a great example as their claims are, one presumes, verifiable, but even as I glance at the top of the page I have to crank an eyebrow that "You don't have to leave my car at home to save fuel" by fitting a Michelin tyre. They might be bett...er indeed, but I'd be hard pressed to use less on a journey with them than not taking one at all.
Equally not overt greenwash, but glancing to the side bar on a piece about corporate attitudes to eco-marketing, I am not sure that selling a paper by carrying an ad that suggests one might win a skiing holiday to Banff sends out the most coherent, or best message.
Anyway, good luck to them with their mission. Along with others I am sure, I'll be watching. Maybe even contributing, too.
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
YouTube Videos
Just got my act together on some video archiving on YouTube, and thought it worth listing here too:
Enviro-related
Green is Good - with thanks to Clikingo, and Kipp & Cody
Junkk.com
A quick intro to the site - with thanks to Clikingo
The 12 E-Ways of Christmas - with thanks to Phoenix J
RE:tie
The initial 'pitch' - with thanks to iMovie
A later pitch to a 'Dragon's Den - via Businesszone.co.uk - Didn't work. Still could... here 2
Enviro-related
Green is Good - with thanks to Clikingo, and Kipp & Cody
Junkk.com
A quick intro to the site - with thanks to Clikingo
The 12 E-Ways of Christmas - with thanks to Phoenix J
RE:tie
The initial 'pitch' - with thanks to iMovie
A later pitch to a 'Dragon's Den - via Businesszone.co.uk - Didn't work. Still could... here 2
Monday, October 20, 2008
NEWSLETTER - September and a half
Still getting to grips with the new system.
What's not so great is a few folk have written to say the links don't work.
This is really odd. The system itself tests every which way, including pictures and links, and then before sending out to those on the opt-in mailing list I send to some test emails scattered about here.
All worked, from a Mac on OSX/Safari to PCs running FireFox/IE. Can't suss it.
Anyway, just in case it didn't work for you, and the link to the online version did not link (well, it wouldn't I guess) either, or you are just surfing this blog and might be interested (if you like it sign up by registering at Junkk.com!) then here it is.
What's not so great is a few folk have written to say the links don't work.
This is really odd. The system itself tests every which way, including pictures and links, and then before sending out to those on the opt-in mailing list I send to some test emails scattered about here.
All worked, from a Mac on OSX/Safari to PCs running FireFox/IE. Can't suss it.
Anyway, just in case it didn't work for you, and the link to the online version did not link (well, it wouldn't I guess) either, or you are just surfing this blog and might be interested (if you like it sign up by registering at Junkk.com!) then here it is.
Sunday, October 19, 2008
Time, and tide, and...
I actually missed all of the originals these letters refer to today:
IoS letters, emails & texts (19 October 2008)
However they serve as worthy reminders to take anything in the world of green you read with a pinch of salt (especially in 'major' media), and avoid coming to any conclusions until you have seen a broad variety of opinions, and then take a wee while to see how they shape up.
ps: all here are put pieces in the jigsaw still
IoS letters, emails & texts (19 October 2008)
However they serve as worthy reminders to take anything in the world of green you read with a pinch of salt (especially in 'major' media), and avoid coming to any conclusions until you have seen a broad variety of opinions, and then take a wee while to see how they shape up.
ps: all here are put pieces in the jigsaw still
Careful what you wish for
An article which got me on board, at least initially...
Miliband's blueprint for greener homes
And that was despite stumbling over this early on...
'The drive has the full backing of the Prime Minister, who has decided that promoting energy saving should be...'
However, I knew I was in a differnt place when I got here:
10 ways to a more energy-efficient house
Eco hat - sounds good. No link. Google is my friend.
Ground source (or geothermal) heat pump - would prefer more info on this
Air source heat pump - ditto
Hydro turbine - I am a fan, but planning is a zoo
Energy meter - well yes, but while a Wattson is very cute, it is not the only one and about as expsnive vs. others as you can find. London rules showing though?
Triple-glazed window - ROI & enviROI?
Biomass burning boiler - I am tempted, if only to get Mr. Putin off my back.
Underfloor heating - new build? Or dig up my stone floor?
Solar-powered charger - just assess hwo long the panel will last. Most are cheap and don't.
Wind turbine - er.... this option is really under challenge on both ROI and enviROI.
and what you should be doing already
Using energy-efficient lightbulbs - OK
Turning down your thermostat by at least 1C - OK
Switching to a green energy supplier - er....
Making sure your home – including potentially wasteful areas such as the loft space – is well insulated - OK
Turning off appliances such as computers and televisions when they not in use, rather than leaving them on standby - depending on...
Using energy-efficient washing machines and fridge-freezers - er...
Getting a free Home Energy check by logging on to www.energy savingtrust.org.uk - if it helps, go for it
Miliband's blueprint for greener homes
And that was despite stumbling over this early on...
'The drive has the full backing of the Prime Minister, who has decided that promoting energy saving should be...'
However, I knew I was in a differnt place when I got here:
10 ways to a more energy-efficient house
Eco hat - sounds good. No link. Google is my friend.
Ground source (or geothermal) heat pump - would prefer more info on this
Air source heat pump - ditto
Hydro turbine - I am a fan, but planning is a zoo
Energy meter - well yes, but while a Wattson is very cute, it is not the only one and about as expsnive vs. others as you can find. London rules showing though?
Triple-glazed window - ROI & enviROI?
Biomass burning boiler - I am tempted, if only to get Mr. Putin off my back.
Underfloor heating - new build? Or dig up my stone floor?
Solar-powered charger - just assess hwo long the panel will last. Most are cheap and don't.
Wind turbine - er.... this option is really under challenge on both ROI and enviROI.
and what you should be doing already
Using energy-efficient lightbulbs - OK
Turning down your thermostat by at least 1C - OK
Switching to a green energy supplier - er....
Making sure your home – including potentially wasteful areas such as the loft space – is well insulated - OK
Turning off appliances such as computers and televisions when they not in use, rather than leaving them on standby - depending on...
Using energy-efficient washing machines and fridge-freezers - er...
Getting a free Home Energy check by logging on to www.energy savingtrust.org.uk - if it helps, go for it
CATEGORY - GREEN NAPPIES
But it's worth sharing other, related stuff as it comes our way:
Articles
Guardian - UK's first nappy recycling plant - Must apply for a job(by). Hey, it's not before time!
Letsrecycle - Firm seeks site for first UK nappy recycling plant
Telegraph - NEW - Nappies: terry cloth more environmentally-friendly than disposable
Times - NEW - Blow to image of ‘green’ reusable nappy - Guess it depends on where you read?
Times - NEW - Washable nappies greener than disposables, suggests report - and, indeed, who
Grants
Information
Real Nappy Campaign -
Women's Enviromental Network -
Suppliers
Junkk.com is of course quite in the... er.. thick of this, via a local relationship with aptly-named Green Nappies.
Anything that gets out of the deep doo-doo that our little future generations can crank out!
Articles
Guardian - UK's first nappy recycling plant - Must apply for a job(by). Hey, it's not before time!
Letsrecycle - Firm seeks site for first UK nappy recycling plant
Telegraph - NEW - Nappies: terry cloth more environmentally-friendly than disposable
Times - NEW - Blow to image of ‘green’ reusable nappy - Guess it depends on where you read?
Times - NEW - Washable nappies greener than disposables, suggests report - and, indeed, who
Grants
Information
Real Nappy Campaign -
Women's Enviromental Network -
Suppliers
Junkk.com is of course quite in the... er.. thick of this, via a local relationship with aptly-named Green Nappies.
Anything that gets out of the deep doo-doo that our little future generations can crank out!
Saturday, October 18, 2008
AWARD - The MediaGuardian Innovation Awards
er... who sez*?
WHEN: Dec 5
WHAT: The MediaGuardian Innovation Awards
WHAT... MORE?: The Awards are open to innovative work in any media or across a variety of media. There are 14 Awards categories each seeking to reward the mould breakers, scene shifters and upstarts in the media industry.
HOW MUCH: Free
URL: http://megas.guardianprofessional.co.uk/
COMMENTS: You never know. *Assuming reuse counts, too.
Friday, October 17, 2008
Worth a ponder or, well, four trillion
I certainly would prefer it go to some of these vs. a pol's pension or City type's bonus.
What would the bank-bail out money buy for the environment?
What would the bank-bail out money buy for the environment?
RE:pair - IT - Answer - Fixing a Mac monitor
Just dashing this out, having scrabbled about for answers to include in the next newsletter.
I really need a better system! And help. And...
Qu: From Junketeer Susan:
'Hi. I have a 17inch Apple monitor which has about a minute to live. Any ideas where it can go to be mended/refurbished and reused?'
Ans: You don't mention where you are located so I can only respond in general terms.
The sad fact is, of course, that repair is seldom cost effective. But that doesn't mean it's not worth trying.
For instance, here in our neck 'o the woods, Herefordshire, I have found a shop which still does just that. In fact just a few weeks ago I took in a TV (which is a CRT monitor in most ways that matter) that didn't work, and now it does. £49, done and dusted. Here's their email: therepairstation@aol.com
If you're not in the area then I am sure there might be a similar outfit around. Google is your friend!
You could also try any of the Mac resources from http://junkk.blogspot.com/2008/04/category-repair.html . http://www.macfixcentre.com/ , http://www.e-repair.co.uk/tipsmon.htm , http://www.applemacrepair.com/apple-emac-repair.html
If it is 'worse than that, it's dead, Jim', or still dying without much hope, then the best you can do is dispose. Your local council site (dump) may well have a dedicated section for this, and even a site (URL) to guide you before making the trip. This will be a one way trip to the knacker's yard, though.
One resort is of course to let another try. Hence an honest post on any one of these from http://junkk.blogspot.com/2007/10/reuse-exchange-sites.html may get a hit and find it's gone to a better home. No money, but a warm and fuzzy glow at least... a bit like the last time it worked as it should?;)
I really need a better system! And help. And...
Qu: From Junketeer Susan:
'Hi. I have a 17inch Apple monitor which has about a minute to live. Any ideas where it can go to be mended/refurbished and reused?'
Ans: You don't mention where you are located so I can only respond in general terms.
The sad fact is, of course, that repair is seldom cost effective. But that doesn't mean it's not worth trying.
For instance, here in our neck 'o the woods, Herefordshire, I have found a shop which still does just that. In fact just a few weeks ago I took in a TV (which is a CRT monitor in most ways that matter) that didn't work, and now it does. £49, done and dusted. Here's their email: therepairstation@aol.com
If you're not in the area then I am sure there might be a similar outfit around. Google is your friend!
You could also try any of the Mac resources from http://junkk.blogspot.com/2008/04/category-repair.html . http://www.macfixcentre.com/ , http://www.e-repair.co.uk/tipsmon.htm , http://www.applemacrepair.com/apple-emac-repair.html
If it is 'worse than that, it's dead, Jim', or still dying without much hope, then the best you can do is dispose. Your local council site (dump) may well have a dedicated section for this, and even a site (URL) to guide you before making the trip. This will be a one way trip to the knacker's yard, though.
One resort is of course to let another try. Hence an honest post on any one of these from http://junkk.blogspot.com/2007/10/reuse-exchange-sites.html may get a hit and find it's gone to a better home. No money, but a warm and fuzzy glow at least... a bit like the last time it worked as it should?;)
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