Nota blooming well bene - this thing is designed to cope with a lot more than the bin after you've munched.
Now, if they have gone to all this effort, why have they not made more of it????!
I am betting I am one of the few who took note.
Sunday, September 13, 2009
IDEA - Multi-use, large container
Nota blooming well bene - this thing is designed to cope with a lot more than the bin after you've munched.
Now, if they have gone to all this effort, why have they not made more of it????!
I am betting I am one of the few who took note.
Saturday, September 12, 2009
Sticks, stones, words...
I got a compliment just now from a fellow blogger I respect.
On a blog that is important, but I am always conscious how often I take the author to task.
Newsnight - Can climate spending save money?
In thanking her, I ended up writing a fair bit (which might see the snipers cocking their rifles..., so sod 'em), but I am proud of what I wrote and the sentiments that inspired it.
Sadly I find my contributions on a few blogs to err a tad too often at eyebrow crankings when I honestly prefer the rewards of positivity and incentivisation, but I am cursed by an odd mix of an education and early career in the sciences and engineering, followed by an even longer one, to date, in the dubious world of persuading the masses, that is advertising and design. So I tend to detect BS masquerading as fact, especially when gilded with some unsubtle smoke and mirrors swirling around to make it palatable.
Combine all that with a passion for environmental common sense in making this planet better for my kids than I inherited (not looking great so far), and I often slam into problems of detail when it comes to what I have coined the enviROI of various 'eco initiatives' (namely, even if the £/$ financial return still sucks, it can still be OK, unless it so out of kilter money is being simply poured down a green hole and away from better projects). Plus I do find that some self-appointed messengers bearing certain messages they deem vital (often with cause), either don't seem to have noticed (or are bothered) that the vast majority who DO matter either don't care for their pitches, or are a tad offside on the often multiplicity of standards between what they say (others should do) and what they might actually inspire by way of example (exemption by believing one is acting in the public interest is a fair conceit, and epic delusion, at best). I think many do register this discrepancy (often aided by those pushing other agendas I find equally discomfiting) and at best ignore, or at worst kick back. Which, IMHO, is not helping much.
Hence I like to crank the odd eyebrow, and often suggest the odd sharp object may be directed at overinflated sacks of hot air, in the hope that a more measured, moderate dialogue based on fact, objectivity and compromise might see us drift to truly productive shores than just trying to win often unwinnable debates.
There is so much that can be DONE, but talk is still vital to coordinate valuable efforts. I like them civilised and intelligent, and by way of a 'backatcha' have enjoyed reading your posts not just for the content, but the manner of their delivery. It is possible to disagree with style, and maybe in so doing change a view that a knee jerk will only make worse. And humour is well, harder to resist. Funny (not ha-ha) how some keep failing to appreciate that.
Green is good, but only if you really think about it, and in debate it is also worth recalling that green can rarely be viewed just in black and white, as some often seem to forget. Or don't seem to care.
I think the human race will work this whole thing through, but possibly not to the satisfaction of the many who see life as a series of absolutes, be they through dogma, idealism or a bunch of other rather restricting standpoints.
And as I learn or am persuaded by new information, links or just great arguments from the likes of your goodself, and many others here (who you seem to tease the best from), I often find my views can and do evolve and even change. I hope for the better. For my... our kids' sake.
On a blog that is important, but I am always conscious how often I take the author to task.
Newsnight - Can climate spending save money?
In thanking her, I ended up writing a fair bit (which might see the snipers cocking their rifles..., so sod 'em), but I am proud of what I wrote and the sentiments that inspired it.
Sadly I find my contributions on a few blogs to err a tad too often at eyebrow crankings when I honestly prefer the rewards of positivity and incentivisation, but I am cursed by an odd mix of an education and early career in the sciences and engineering, followed by an even longer one, to date, in the dubious world of persuading the masses, that is advertising and design. So I tend to detect BS masquerading as fact, especially when gilded with some unsubtle smoke and mirrors swirling around to make it palatable.
Combine all that with a passion for environmental common sense in making this planet better for my kids than I inherited (not looking great so far), and I often slam into problems of detail when it comes to what I have coined the enviROI of various 'eco initiatives' (namely, even if the £/$ financial return still sucks, it can still be OK, unless it so out of kilter money is being simply poured down a green hole and away from better projects). Plus I do find that some self-appointed messengers bearing certain messages they deem vital (often with cause), either don't seem to have noticed (or are bothered) that the vast majority who DO matter either don't care for their pitches, or are a tad offside on the often multiplicity of standards between what they say (others should do) and what they might actually inspire by way of example (exemption by believing one is acting in the public interest is a fair conceit, and epic delusion, at best). I think many do register this discrepancy (often aided by those pushing other agendas I find equally discomfiting) and at best ignore, or at worst kick back. Which, IMHO, is not helping much.
Hence I like to crank the odd eyebrow, and often suggest the odd sharp object may be directed at overinflated sacks of hot air, in the hope that a more measured, moderate dialogue based on fact, objectivity and compromise might see us drift to truly productive shores than just trying to win often unwinnable debates.
There is so much that can be DONE, but talk is still vital to coordinate valuable efforts. I like them civilised and intelligent, and by way of a 'backatcha' have enjoyed reading your posts not just for the content, but the manner of their delivery. It is possible to disagree with style, and maybe in so doing change a view that a knee jerk will only make worse. And humour is well, harder to resist. Funny (not ha-ha) how some keep failing to appreciate that.
Green is good, but only if you really think about it, and in debate it is also worth recalling that green can rarely be viewed just in black and white, as some often seem to forget. Or don't seem to care.
I think the human race will work this whole thing through, but possibly not to the satisfaction of the many who see life as a series of absolutes, be they through dogma, idealism or a bunch of other rather restricting standpoints.
And as I learn or am persuaded by new information, links or just great arguments from the likes of your goodself, and many others here (who you seem to tease the best from), I often find my views can and do evolve and even change. I hope for the better. For my... our kids' sake.
Sometimes, 140 characters is not enough
I have come to Twitter late.
And... but, I am loving it.
Though I am also coming to dread it.
For all the great tweets, comments and links, this morning's scroll was 10 pages... and 2hrs! Just checking, reading and replying. Another hour at least topping up to now through the day.
Maybe it is because I am not using it right, but then few of those I appreciate do either.
My understanding is that it was/is designed to be social and personal, but I really cannot be too bothered with the 'good mornings' and whether so and so likes their mate's new shoes (almost put dress, which might have riled the sexist community, who in turn could be accused of an 'ism' by the transgendered one).
Frankly I wish I could delete these, that I deem major clutter, even as the time waste is moot.
But I love, and try to contribute to the shares. The occasional considered ponder, but mainly awesome links. And, in following those, finding other great tweeters to follow.
But it is getting out of control. I have yet to figure out the FF's (for Follow Fridays) when along come various Mention Mondays and Who-hoo Wednesdays, and of course RT's (Re-tweets). I appreciate being a beneficiary, and have tried to respond in kind, but one guy I follow did his whole follow list in batches, and filled a whole page of twitter up. Who is going to read that? Or him, much more, if he keeps it up.
And the whole admin side is becoming an obsession. I am so worried about missing one, or losing the archive (when I came back after 2 weeks hols, the thought of not going back to see all I missed was too horrible to contemplate, but not doing so caused real angst. Especially when, even though I probably would never try to re-read, I dread the archive falling off the back end. My Mac has a pretty nifty search capability now where I can access 'internal' stored references quickly).
I am sure there are training tips and even bolt-ons to assist, but who has the time to search and learn?
There's also the small matter of relevance. I use JunkkMale, currently, for everything.
Now that is great if a followee pops back and sees a post on green if that is their bag, but what about my interests in music, design, invention or the ad world? I think I am going to have to split and run complements. But that suggests a danger of Xx2hrs each morning... and counting as I add more.
But even if you focus, just how does a guy with 20k+ followers, especially one who follows back in kind, engage? They have to be purely on transmit, which means they are possibly missing so much new and useful. But, practically, they are I guess prioritising as best they can.
Currently I check each follow to see what they are up to before following back. I want to read their stuff, and get back when it's good. Or share.
It is all so exciting, but overwhelming. Better than being boring and underwhelming, I guess.
And... but, I am loving it.
Though I am also coming to dread it.
For all the great tweets, comments and links, this morning's scroll was 10 pages... and 2hrs! Just checking, reading and replying. Another hour at least topping up to now through the day.
Maybe it is because I am not using it right, but then few of those I appreciate do either.
My understanding is that it was/is designed to be social and personal, but I really cannot be too bothered with the 'good mornings' and whether so and so likes their mate's new shoes (almost put dress, which might have riled the sexist community, who in turn could be accused of an 'ism' by the transgendered one).
Frankly I wish I could delete these, that I deem major clutter, even as the time waste is moot.
But I love, and try to contribute to the shares. The occasional considered ponder, but mainly awesome links. And, in following those, finding other great tweeters to follow.
But it is getting out of control. I have yet to figure out the FF's (for Follow Fridays) when along come various Mention Mondays and Who-hoo Wednesdays, and of course RT's (Re-tweets). I appreciate being a beneficiary, and have tried to respond in kind, but one guy I follow did his whole follow list in batches, and filled a whole page of twitter up. Who is going to read that? Or him, much more, if he keeps it up.
And the whole admin side is becoming an obsession. I am so worried about missing one, or losing the archive (when I came back after 2 weeks hols, the thought of not going back to see all I missed was too horrible to contemplate, but not doing so caused real angst. Especially when, even though I probably would never try to re-read, I dread the archive falling off the back end. My Mac has a pretty nifty search capability now where I can access 'internal' stored references quickly).
I am sure there are training tips and even bolt-ons to assist, but who has the time to search and learn?
There's also the small matter of relevance. I use JunkkMale, currently, for everything.
Now that is great if a followee pops back and sees a post on green if that is their bag, but what about my interests in music, design, invention or the ad world? I think I am going to have to split and run complements. But that suggests a danger of Xx2hrs each morning... and counting as I add more.
But even if you focus, just how does a guy with 20k+ followers, especially one who follows back in kind, engage? They have to be purely on transmit, which means they are possibly missing so much new and useful. But, practically, they are I guess prioritising as best they can.
Currently I check each follow to see what they are up to before following back. I want to read their stuff, and get back when it's good. Or share.
It is all so exciting, but overwhelming. Better than being boring and underwhelming, I guess.
Friday, September 11, 2009
Thursday, September 10, 2009
CATEGORY - The TOL Bar
Introducing another acronym.
And another of my notions.
The TOL Bar.
That stands for 'Thinking Out Loud'
Kinda of a David Brent-esque 'no such thing as a bad idea combo'd with 'sod it, it's my blog so I'll run whatever I like up the flagpole and see who salutes'.
At the very least, as I seem to live on this PC during my waking moments, it will act as an aide memoire lest the fleeting thought be lost.
And another of my notions.
The TOL Bar.
That stands for 'Thinking Out Loud'
Kinda of a David Brent-esque 'no such thing as a bad idea combo'd with 'sod it, it's my blog so I'll run whatever I like up the flagpole and see who salutes'.
At the very least, as I seem to live on this PC during my waking moments, it will act as an aide memoire lest the fleeting thought be lost.
Survival of The Selfish
The latest Newsnight discussion has maintained my frustration with certain messengers and their messages.
But also inspired a philosophical notion or two evolving Darwin. As you do.
'I am in the persuasion business' (Miliband. E)
Now, how is that going so far? Looking at the Indy, Gruaniad and even here... not so great, really, I'd hazard. And why?
'...won't realise the scale of the danger until it is too late'
...is already suffering slightly as I am still trying to purge the image of Miliband's D. and E. in an office in some Nordic capital, with a papier mache model of downtown Gothenburg they made in tech class last week, pushing around wooden models of crocodiles (plastic ones from China via Toys 'R Us obviously a big no-no) as various Eurocrats run around squealing 'the horror, the horror!' and, hopefully, forgetting to mention ze 3rd runway, which is... er... 'different'.
And then onward and, er, still airborne, we have Mr. Kennedy of yet another committee I doubt comes cheap, getting us off the notion of 3 long hauls a year. Not so sure many of us this side of the screen have much of a problem with that already (esp. on Ms. Armstrong's quoted stats), but O.....K. Nice to have a quangocrat's package to be well placed to empathise with the public.
But, but... lest we bash a luxury, let's head over to what by any measure might be deemed a necessity. Phew... we can have green energy (that will meet all the targets, apparently), but 'we' will have to pay. Ignoring what lies behind that little gem to a few sections of society paying tax but not funded by them so much as some, I would have been keen to pursue further the enviROI of that statement. Can we be assured that, if enough wonga gets thrown around, the planet will also benefit too? I am a little unclear, as we head to 70M and counting, TV owning (and licence fee paying -yay!) viewers, where the energy from this and other stuff might be coming from, greenly.
Like biofuelled 747s, might there not be... consequences elsewhere?
And while it was interesting that the Eddy and Fanny love in did get to some 'you're rights!' from one side at least, I remain less than clear, and hence convinced on how just saying something makes it, Picard-like, 'so'. That darn persuasion thing again.
I think the time is right for another poll to show how 'we' are all on board... that is, the pledge bit at least, if not not stopping boarding the planes, as such, unless it is for highly necessary stuff that really should not be brought up, like earning livings, etc (sadly, while Ms. A has produced a noble piece of thought provocation I am sure, and all credit for that, the in-person advocacy was not perhaps as convincing as it might have been in complement. I rather fear Mr. Nixon looked like the soul of televisual conviction and audience empathy in companion, especially when confronted by a questioner not perhaps as 'on message' as others).
But at least she manged to provoke a truly statespersonlike response from one of our 'leaders' with the gibe on his likely tenure. Haven't seen or heard its like since since 3G, when I managed to drop Harbottle right in it for one of my dark deeds... 'But, but...Sir... it's not faaaaaair...'. Easy to see why the opposition benches quake when such power of wit, speed and oratory is unleashed. And makes me proud to think how the UK is going to be represented in he forthcoming negotiations*. I can imagine the likes of the Chinese reps, whose model of governance I remain unsure if Ms. Armstrong was or was not advocating... in this instance at least... really going for the bared throat approach, concession wise.
And as for the sound-biter bit exchanges. 'Impossiblists' vs. defeatists trumped by the shining knight of... 'we're doomed in months, but.. er... optimism' (sorry, the attempted claim of realism is a shipping industry -sized 'that's another issue' long since sailed).
Oh dear. As we're on a water-borne metaphorical streak, this I have just witnessed is what is going to effect a sea change to the careering tanker that is short termism-informed local politics globally and recession-driven public fears, and hence opinion????
* The last exchange was so telling. Because from what I heard it seems the getting of a deal IS THE TARGET, to pols and media alike. Without, it appears, no great concerns as to what that deal might be actually doing, planet wise. Again.
I wish I could have watched iPlayer longer, but the further irony of (ex, twice) Ethical Man at Heathrow Airport in light of the above was satire too far.
I am off now to ponder the notion of the Survival of the Selfish, and how Darwinian theory can be related to the human. We are already a long way from the motivations and actions of a Serengeti Lion pride, and in many cases can be proudly so, but not perhaps so far we should forget that a faltering competitor is still accorded about as much slack as tonight's dinner.
So I'll keep on doing all I can to improve efficiencies and reducing unnecessary wastes, but for the sake of future generations I might also be paying heed to survival strategies as well, just in case man proves either nothing to do with future impositions nature might visit upon us, or our mitigating efforts are not up to the task if we are. Especially bearing in mind the deeds vs. words of those who already see themselves in other, 'better' arks to the majority, by virtue of being somehow 'unique' in mysterious, though a tad 'more equal' ways.
Call it Plan 'A' open brackets(contingency)close brackets. I like to keep my options open, especially when the hens currently sitting all above our one basket seem pretty headless, mobile and putting on a lot of excess weight daily.
Via a post - 87 days to Copenhagen - With 87 days to go until the UN Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen, the UK, Danish, French, Finnish and Swedish Foreign Ministers have agreed a joint letter to newspaper editors. - Again with the nifty picture, guys! I honestly tried to reads the letter, but if these guys are in the persuasion/motivation business... sheesh.
But also inspired a philosophical notion or two evolving Darwin. As you do.
'I am in the persuasion business' (Miliband. E)
Now, how is that going so far? Looking at the Indy, Gruaniad and even here... not so great, really, I'd hazard. And why?
'...won't realise the scale of the danger until it is too late'
...is already suffering slightly as I am still trying to purge the image of Miliband's D. and E. in an office in some Nordic capital, with a papier mache model of downtown Gothenburg they made in tech class last week, pushing around wooden models of crocodiles (plastic ones from China via Toys 'R Us obviously a big no-no) as various Eurocrats run around squealing 'the horror, the horror!' and, hopefully, forgetting to mention ze 3rd runway, which is... er... 'different'.
And then onward and, er, still airborne, we have Mr. Kennedy of yet another committee I doubt comes cheap, getting us off the notion of 3 long hauls a year. Not so sure many of us this side of the screen have much of a problem with that already (esp. on Ms. Armstrong's quoted stats), but O.....K. Nice to have a quangocrat's package to be well placed to empathise with the public.
But, but... lest we bash a luxury, let's head over to what by any measure might be deemed a necessity. Phew... we can have green energy (that will meet all the targets, apparently), but 'we' will have to pay. Ignoring what lies behind that little gem to a few sections of society paying tax but not funded by them so much as some, I would have been keen to pursue further the enviROI of that statement. Can we be assured that, if enough wonga gets thrown around, the planet will also benefit too? I am a little unclear, as we head to 70M and counting, TV owning (and licence fee paying -yay!) viewers, where the energy from this and other stuff might be coming from, greenly.
Like biofuelled 747s, might there not be... consequences elsewhere?
And while it was interesting that the Eddy and Fanny love in did get to some 'you're rights!' from one side at least, I remain less than clear, and hence convinced on how just saying something makes it, Picard-like, 'so'. That darn persuasion thing again.
I think the time is right for another poll to show how 'we' are all on board... that is, the pledge bit at least, if not not stopping boarding the planes, as such, unless it is for highly necessary stuff that really should not be brought up, like earning livings, etc (sadly, while Ms. A has produced a noble piece of thought provocation I am sure, and all credit for that, the in-person advocacy was not perhaps as convincing as it might have been in complement. I rather fear Mr. Nixon looked like the soul of televisual conviction and audience empathy in companion, especially when confronted by a questioner not perhaps as 'on message' as others).
But at least she manged to provoke a truly statespersonlike response from one of our 'leaders' with the gibe on his likely tenure. Haven't seen or heard its like since since 3G, when I managed to drop Harbottle right in it for one of my dark deeds... 'But, but...Sir... it's not faaaaaair...'. Easy to see why the opposition benches quake when such power of wit, speed and oratory is unleashed. And makes me proud to think how the UK is going to be represented in he forthcoming negotiations*. I can imagine the likes of the Chinese reps, whose model of governance I remain unsure if Ms. Armstrong was or was not advocating... in this instance at least... really going for the bared throat approach, concession wise.
And as for the sound-biter bit exchanges. 'Impossiblists' vs. defeatists trumped by the shining knight of... 'we're doomed in months, but.. er... optimism' (sorry, the attempted claim of realism is a shipping industry -sized 'that's another issue' long since sailed).
Oh dear. As we're on a water-borne metaphorical streak, this I have just witnessed is what is going to effect a sea change to the careering tanker that is short termism-informed local politics globally and recession-driven public fears, and hence opinion????
* The last exchange was so telling. Because from what I heard it seems the getting of a deal IS THE TARGET, to pols and media alike. Without, it appears, no great concerns as to what that deal might be actually doing, planet wise. Again.
I wish I could have watched iPlayer longer, but the further irony of (ex, twice) Ethical Man at Heathrow Airport in light of the above was satire too far.
I am off now to ponder the notion of the Survival of the Selfish, and how Darwinian theory can be related to the human. We are already a long way from the motivations and actions of a Serengeti Lion pride, and in many cases can be proudly so, but not perhaps so far we should forget that a faltering competitor is still accorded about as much slack as tonight's dinner.
So I'll keep on doing all I can to improve efficiencies and reducing unnecessary wastes, but for the sake of future generations I might also be paying heed to survival strategies as well, just in case man proves either nothing to do with future impositions nature might visit upon us, or our mitigating efforts are not up to the task if we are. Especially bearing in mind the deeds vs. words of those who already see themselves in other, 'better' arks to the majority, by virtue of being somehow 'unique' in mysterious, though a tad 'more equal' ways.
Call it Plan 'A' open brackets(contingency)close brackets. I like to keep my options open, especially when the hens currently sitting all above our one basket seem pretty headless, mobile and putting on a lot of excess weight daily.
Via a post - 87 days to Copenhagen - With 87 days to go until the UN Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen, the UK, Danish, French, Finnish and Swedish Foreign Ministers have agreed a joint letter to newspaper editors. - Again with the nifty picture, guys! I honestly tried to reads the letter, but if these guys are in the persuasion/motivation business... sheesh.
Blogger, feel thyslef
A worthy piece for all eco-types (mea gulper) who hit the internet to preach:
Conflict Materials in Electronics
Personally, I feel matters of crime are more at the door of government legislation and policing.
But it is also a worthy reminder that enjoying the fruits of technology always incurs a price. Whilst different, though related, on material issues I am monitoring the 'cost' of battery technology when it comes to rarer minerals, especially to feed multi-hundred kilo car units.
I have not run a proper enviROI investigation into the uses and abuses of PCs and the internet, emissions-wise, partly because I am sure others have/are/will, and are more qualified to do so.
But there is a part that doesn't want to go there. What if, by hitting the net each minute, I really am doing more harm than good? That's a few decades and a career down the drain.
Fortunately I have not, am and will not be too preachy, and accept some 'progress' and its consequences. Plus we do have the right to strive, over and above survive.
Plus I also factor in human nature, which many do not. Like the arguments on travel, it is plain silly to think the human will be content to stay in one place. Hence the aim has to be to mitigate that desire rather than stifle it.
Equally we love to communicate. If I am arrogant enough to presume that folk want to read what I write, I tend to believe that squirting it around by electrons beats printing and distribution still.
Conflict Materials in Electronics
Personally, I feel matters of crime are more at the door of government legislation and policing.
But it is also a worthy reminder that enjoying the fruits of technology always incurs a price. Whilst different, though related, on material issues I am monitoring the 'cost' of battery technology when it comes to rarer minerals, especially to feed multi-hundred kilo car units.
I have not run a proper enviROI investigation into the uses and abuses of PCs and the internet, emissions-wise, partly because I am sure others have/are/will, and are more qualified to do so.
But there is a part that doesn't want to go there. What if, by hitting the net each minute, I really am doing more harm than good? That's a few decades and a career down the drain.
Fortunately I have not, am and will not be too preachy, and accept some 'progress' and its consequences. Plus we do have the right to strive, over and above survive.
Plus I also factor in human nature, which many do not. Like the arguments on travel, it is plain silly to think the human will be content to stay in one place. Hence the aim has to be to mitigate that desire rather than stifle it.
Equally we love to communicate. If I am arrogant enough to presume that folk want to read what I write, I tend to believe that squirting it around by electrons beats printing and distribution still.
Sticks and stones may break my bones...
... but dicking about with definitions may just as surely do me in :
'Climate Change' Predates 'Global Warming' By Decades - Semantic Shift Wasn't Until 1980s
Just get the snappy 'Anthropomorphic' (man-made to... and, possibly, by you and I) in there and we can waste more decades arguing about it.
Speaking of waste, I'll just beaver on trying to reduce any and all that are unnecessary, whilst accepting reductions if they are practical and doable.
'Climate Change' Predates 'Global Warming' By Decades - Semantic Shift Wasn't Until 1980s
Just get the snappy 'Anthropomorphic' (man-made to... and, possibly, by you and I) in there and we can waste more decades arguing about it.
Speaking of waste, I'll just beaver on trying to reduce any and all that are unnecessary, whilst accepting reductions if they are practical and doable.
From the 'Don't Go There' files
'Contraception cheapest way to combat climate change'
As I wrote that headline,... literally as well as figuratively.
Why do I suspect that many, currently active in the cc arena, will be studiously ignoring this option (which need not be Hitlerian or even Chinese in approach despite the rhetoric being stirred up) whilst generating a lot of heat and noise in more 'acceptable' areas?
And, ironically, for once find themselves supported from those at the other end of the spectrum. Strange bedfellows. Let's hope that the usual result of such a shared experience does not continue to haunt certain parts of the planet in 9 month cycles.
At least if Milibands D. & E. share a bath, there can only be a positive outcome. Though circling the globe in their Caravans of Carbon to extol such measures seems... quaint in comparison given the above.
And if if the likes of these inspiring leaders do decide to embrace this route, the thought of they and their extensive GOAT teams' hamfisted attempts to put this case in a way to engage support from the target audiences is too horrible to contemplate.
Next time the bros from the Westminster 'hood visit the Indian subcontinent, if they have solar DAB digital radios with 'em to give away... look out!
Treehugger - Contraception Five Times Less Expensive Than Low-Carbon Technology in Combatting Climate Change
It does all rather add up (or the reverse, really) to the human equivalent of my already noted 'not so much making oceans of artificial trees vs. not chopping down existing, real ones'.
Or, as 'The Sun Sez' - NEW - Carbon mating -Thatthey also have an entity called 'The Green House' was... novel. As this is an audience I believe needs addressing I have taken note, and added to the list, if rather dreading their take on the issues.
As I wrote that headline,... literally as well as figuratively.
Why do I suspect that many, currently active in the cc arena, will be studiously ignoring this option (which need not be Hitlerian or even Chinese in approach despite the rhetoric being stirred up) whilst generating a lot of heat and noise in more 'acceptable' areas?
And, ironically, for once find themselves supported from those at the other end of the spectrum. Strange bedfellows. Let's hope that the usual result of such a shared experience does not continue to haunt certain parts of the planet in 9 month cycles.
At least if Milibands D. & E. share a bath, there can only be a positive outcome. Though circling the globe in their Caravans of Carbon to extol such measures seems... quaint in comparison given the above.
And if if the likes of these inspiring leaders do decide to embrace this route, the thought of they and their extensive GOAT teams' hamfisted attempts to put this case in a way to engage support from the target audiences is too horrible to contemplate.
Next time the bros from the Westminster 'hood visit the Indian subcontinent, if they have solar DAB digital radios with 'em to give away... look out!
Treehugger - Contraception Five Times Less Expensive Than Low-Carbon Technology in Combatting Climate Change
It does all rather add up (or the reverse, really) to the human equivalent of my already noted 'not so much making oceans of artificial trees vs. not chopping down existing, real ones'.
Or, as 'The Sun Sez' - NEW - Carbon mating -Thatthey also have an entity called 'The Green House' was... novel. As this is an audience I believe needs addressing I have taken note, and added to the list, if rather dreading their take on the issues.
Wednesday, September 09, 2009
More is still more
Still not settling well.
Just too many folk either not getting it of trying to make out of it.
With even more thinking fixes will be free and easy.
Hence I cannot resist sticking my oar in still.
BBC - Yukio Hatoyama's golden carrot
"The answer to climate change is nuclear power + electric cars."
At best not so much an answer as a very minor possible help in postponement.
I'd say fewer folk around wanting (or allowed... eek) to go elsewhere all the time might be closer to it, but with the politico-media Caravans of Carbon making their green elite - either deluded or venal - ways 1st class from one world venue to the next, if occasionally offset, only to pronounce but not practice, that doesn't seem likely.
We need much more fundamental appreciations of causes and effects... cures and consequences.
What we are getting at the moment from the greeleets is none of the above.
Just too many folk either not getting it of trying to make out of it.
With even more thinking fixes will be free and easy.
Hence I cannot resist sticking my oar in still.
BBC - Yukio Hatoyama's golden carrot
"The answer to climate change is nuclear power + electric cars."
At best not so much an answer as a very minor possible help in postponement.
I'd say fewer folk around wanting (or allowed... eek) to go elsewhere all the time might be closer to it, but with the politico-media Caravans of Carbon making their green elite - either deluded or venal - ways 1st class from one world venue to the next, if occasionally offset, only to pronounce but not practice, that doesn't seem likely.
We need much more fundamental appreciations of causes and effects... cures and consequences.
What we are getting at the moment from the greeleets is none of the above.
GOOD PACK, BAD PACK - Pot luck
I have at last had to act to stop that darn buzzer.
Can't complain.
It is one that I myself have instituted.
It is there to remind to me to a) add at least one pack (+data) and/or an idea EVERY DAY to Junkk.com in future, and then blog it too (which will end up being twittered and a few other social net things too, by means I have long since forgotten and really need to find out about again).
This is because I have realised that the world and their goat (the boys want one having seen a pet of same in a French bar) have blogs and whatnot that share notions, ideas, etc, but very few create original stuff for these fine folk to point at or comment upon.
Now, that doesn't mean I won't be pointing all sorts of nifty stuff as well, but I do intend to stop weighing in so much on things that really just get my blood pressure up and really don't help (though shifting from some ill-qualified, often less than straight talkers to some well-qualified (by dint of self-evidently DOING), sincere DOERS and, their often terrific ideas or leads to better things.
Sorry this first is more of an 'why not' idea in waiting than anything special. But just patting comanies on the pack with +ve PR can make a difference.
Just Babel'd the product title and got: 'Saver d' Formerly'. I'm guessing that might mean it is a range intended for reuse. If so... kudos Yoplait.
Are you on the Map?
I need a dose of positivity after being waay too incensed by the antics of our political classes.
It is a nice little visual aid started (I'm pretty sure) by the lovely Karen of The Rubbish Diet.
http://platial.com/
Pretty sure that's not her with the beard, and I have, as yet, in my capacity as an ITiot, NO CLUE how to get it myself/Junkk.com on there (it's a bit 'lean' on guidance for those over 50: who need a helping hand signing up for stuff), but I like the whole 'picture paints...' notion, and getting a handle on the location of fellow greenies might well lead to more beneficial hook ups in person over and above online.
It is a nice little visual aid started (I'm pretty sure) by the lovely Karen of The Rubbish Diet.
http://platial.com/
Pretty sure that's not her with the beard, and I have, as yet, in my capacity as an ITiot, NO CLUE how to get it myself/Junkk.com on there (it's a bit 'lean' on guidance for those over 50: who need a helping hand signing up for stuff), but I like the whole 'picture paints...' notion, and getting a handle on the location of fellow greenies might well lead to more beneficial hook ups in person over and above online.
Tuesday, September 08, 2009
I do mean to get back to the real, doing world soon, but...
David Miliband sets out to shock on global warming tour
When I saw the picture, I thought he was going to come up on delegates and go 'Boo!'
But no.
David Miliband will address EU, French, Swedish and Danish foreign ministries, to date unaware of the spectre of a 4C warmer world, with alligators basking off the coast of Sweden, a vast desert surrounding the Mediterranean and a largely uninhabitable mainland Europe.
That should have them reeling in the isles.
Maybe they will, as they are foreign ministries and this is from the climate side of things, and not all have brothers who know such things.
If not... He then travels to New York.
Bless.
I am sure they will all give Miliband. D a Gold Star for his latest effort. What is itabout the man that everything comes across as an 11+ project?
Addendum 1:
Meanwhile, at another token effort near you, our pols show just how much they have grasped not just the issues, but the public mood:
Brown turns down heat and Mandelson gets on his bike to support 10:10
When the readership of the Guardian is pretty much unanimous in their distain, you have to wonder whether they could tie their shoelaces without falling over.
Read the pledges, and what folk think of them.
Addendum 2:
Just heard the Director General of the Government's climate change task force (a title like that's got to be £150kpa minimum) taken apart by Eammon Homes (not an interviewer of great surgical skill you'd have thought) over some pretty daft claims. And it certainly didn't help his case when he tried to mollify those he seems to have told 'must' cut 90% of their emissions to keep their air industry going, by then saying he and his brood were off several times a year and might knock a couple of their international flights out in future to chip in.
I can see how that might have gone down with both the staycation brigade and those who could only afford a wet weekender in Tenby.
And talk about shifty. You could almost see him trying to scoot off stage left to get to the warm embrace of a BBC studio asap.
Addendum 3:
Live Q&A: David Miliband on the Copenhagen summit
Yes, that is the picture I would have chosen, too. A leader to follow to the ends of the earth, indeed.
Addendum 4:
BBC Newsnight - A stark message from the Milibands on climate change - 'a double act with a certain air of the hastily convened about it' - This from the BBC. They really are throwing the A team at this.
How the heck are we going to inspire coherent action from the majority of the population, when those few 'leaders' we have who do seem to have some inkling that this might be worth addressing (one hopes with the right reasons in mind) are either numpties, crooked, rampant hypocrites or (worst in my book) plainly incapable of a) understanding science (they all seem to have got z's in Politics at Oxford and seem to take verbatim whatever lobbysist - pro or anti climate-cause - who walks in their door as gospel) or b) identifying with the hopes, fears, aspirations and willingness to help of the vast majority of real folk just a tad fed up with being patronised, fined or cheated by a totally out of touch elite.
Times - NEW - Climate change talks ‘in danger’, warns David Miliband - And I quote: Mr Miliband refused to say how much the British Government was willing to contribute to the $100 billion (£61 billion) that Gordon Brown, the Prime Minister, said in June should be paid each year by developed countries to poorer nations to help them to cope with climate change.
When I saw the picture, I thought he was going to come up on delegates and go 'Boo!'
But no.
David Miliband will address EU, French, Swedish and Danish foreign ministries, to date unaware of the spectre of a 4C warmer world, with alligators basking off the coast of Sweden, a vast desert surrounding the Mediterranean and a largely uninhabitable mainland Europe.
That should have them reeling in the isles.
Maybe they will, as they are foreign ministries and this is from the climate side of things, and not all have brothers who know such things.
If not... He then travels to New York.
Bless.
I am sure they will all give Miliband. D a Gold Star for his latest effort. What is itabout the man that everything comes across as an 11+ project?
Addendum 1:
Meanwhile, at another token effort near you, our pols show just how much they have grasped not just the issues, but the public mood:
Brown turns down heat and Mandelson gets on his bike to support 10:10
When the readership of the Guardian is pretty much unanimous in their distain, you have to wonder whether they could tie their shoelaces without falling over.
Read the pledges, and what folk think of them.
Addendum 2:
Just heard the Director General of the Government's climate change task force (a title like that's got to be £150kpa minimum) taken apart by Eammon Homes (not an interviewer of great surgical skill you'd have thought) over some pretty daft claims. And it certainly didn't help his case when he tried to mollify those he seems to have told 'must' cut 90% of their emissions to keep their air industry going, by then saying he and his brood were off several times a year and might knock a couple of their international flights out in future to chip in.
I can see how that might have gone down with both the staycation brigade and those who could only afford a wet weekender in Tenby.
And talk about shifty. You could almost see him trying to scoot off stage left to get to the warm embrace of a BBC studio asap.
Addendum 3:
Live Q&A: David Miliband on the Copenhagen summit
Yes, that is the picture I would have chosen, too. A leader to follow to the ends of the earth, indeed.
Addendum 4:
BBC Newsnight - A stark message from the Milibands on climate change - 'a double act with a certain air of the hastily convened about it' - This from the BBC. They really are throwing the A team at this.
How the heck are we going to inspire coherent action from the majority of the population, when those few 'leaders' we have who do seem to have some inkling that this might be worth addressing (one hopes with the right reasons in mind) are either numpties, crooked, rampant hypocrites or (worst in my book) plainly incapable of a) understanding science (they all seem to have got z's in Politics at Oxford and seem to take verbatim whatever lobbysist - pro or anti climate-cause - who walks in their door as gospel) or b) identifying with the hopes, fears, aspirations and willingness to help of the vast majority of real folk just a tad fed up with being patronised, fined or cheated by a totally out of touch elite.
Times - NEW - Climate change talks ‘in danger’, warns David Miliband - And I quote: Mr Miliband refused to say how much the British Government was willing to contribute to the $100 billion (£61 billion) that Gordon Brown, the Prime Minister, said in June should be paid each year by developed countries to poorer nations to help them to cope with climate change.
Washing machine blues
A while ago our dishwasher packed in.
And in getting it going again, I managed to spin out a blog post. I have of course now lost it, but as a consequence of chatting with an engineer at the sharp end, I learned a few things, one of which was cold water washes may save on the water heating, but may not be that great on enviROI due to pipes getting bunged up through hot water not scouring them .
Well, it has happened again, and I am faced with a a similar dilemma on the price, if not principle of insurance.
Tricky. Stuart, the engineer, says it is a good model with loads of life in it, so I am tempted to keep on. But it is really a bet with the actuaries. 3 more years and I could buy a brand new one on the annual fee. Not a Miele, of course, but still...
Anyhoo, a few tips to pass on. All as a result of that rather nasty collection in the picture.
First up, change is very bad. Do try and ensure you do not leave any in. Thanks to the boys we did end up with enough for a pint, but it could have been at major cost. If the coin does not slide to the trap and gets wedged... major.
The other tip is as a result of the main blockage culprit, namely cord ties.
It is well worth putting any garment with flappy bits in a net bag first. Saves the bits being ripped off and the resulting strands starting a healthy bung.
Saturday, September 05, 2009
IN THE NEWS - From zero to hero?
What a nice way to wake up on one's wedding anniversary*
Fellow green Blogger Mrs. Green and her MyZeroWaste site have run a feature on reuse, and kindly bigged up Junkk in the process: National zero waste week - reuse something.
Let the mutual complementing commence!
* Especially when the missus has forgotten. Out to the garden to pick some posies to pop on the breakfast-in-bed tray for soon (etched glass sake bottle makes a lovely vase - drink the sake first), and I am in major brownie points for a while:) And before any accusations of an excess of thrift, we have three annually (it's an East West thing), plus I'm guessing we're headed for Yaks & Yetis for Nepalese fare tonight. Doubtless with the kids in tow. Something about 17 years seems to temper the romance somewhat.
Fellow green Blogger Mrs. Green and her MyZeroWaste site have run a feature on reuse, and kindly bigged up Junkk in the process: National zero waste week - reuse something.
Let the mutual complementing commence!
* Especially when the missus has forgotten. Out to the garden to pick some posies to pop on the breakfast-in-bed tray for soon (etched glass sake bottle makes a lovely vase - drink the sake first), and I am in major brownie points for a while:) And before any accusations of an excess of thrift, we have three annually (it's an East West thing), plus I'm guessing we're headed for Yaks & Yetis for Nepalese fare tonight. Doubtless with the kids in tow. Something about 17 years seems to temper the romance somewhat.
Friday, September 04, 2009
CampCon 5
There will be a few posts as a consequence of our Eurocamping trip.
Let's start with a lighthearted one.
It was inspired by two weeks of near perfect (if often too hot) weather in France and Italy, which made for easy pitching and striking.
With the staycation caution of arriving back at Plymouth to grey drizzle which persisted all the way home, from whence I looked out over the field opposite with drenched, hooded figures trying to set up or leave a campsite.
In homage to the US nuke threat system, I hence propose the following:
CampCon 1 - arrive in the dry, set up in the dry, stay in the dry, strike and leave in the dry.
CampCon 2 - arrive in the dry, set up in the dry, stay in all sorts, strike and leave in the dry. (Though in a way, sleeping under canvas in rain is fun... IF it then dries before you leave).
CampCon 3 - arrive in all sorts, set up in the dry, stay in all sorts, strike and leave in the dry.
CampCon 4 - arrive in all sorts, set up in all sorts, stay in all sorts, strike and leave in the dry.
CampCon 5 - arrive in all sorts, set up in the wet, stay in all sorts, strike and leave in the wet.
There are other factors - such as wind, red ant nests and previous tenant-bestowed dog poos - that could run this to many more. But suffice to say that getting you gear up and back in the dry is about the closest to nirvana as one can hope.
Thursday, September 03, 2009
Words and deeds
India's middle class must cut its hot air emissions
30-plus degree heat, 74 per cent humidity
Inside, their air-conditioners run 24/7
India's middle class must cut its hot air emissions
Just juggled those 3 sentences around a bit, whilst reflecting on how lucky we are here to have the ability to use almost no energy on adjusting our surrounding room temperatures for more than half the year.
And then considering how, if means and money are available, being told one must not use them will go down.
So the notion of our Ministers flying hither and thither in the attempt seems, at best, quaint.
In writing the above and posting it on the blog, I was of course pondering my own experiences in Singapore (32 degrees, 99% humidity, 24/7), and the odds of me not using a/c whenever possible (actually, we did only use fans in our home). And on our recent camping trip round Southern Europe (40 degrees, if low humidity) I was the first to concede that, without it, we'd have died in the car (plus reducing the mpg by having the windows open, he hopes, guilt-stricken).
But I have been moved to coin another descriptive phrase; that of the the Monotonous Meddlers. These guys seem not only to have an addiction to sticking their oars in everywhere and all the time, but also do it with little appreciation for actual realities, consequences or, most tellingingly, the rampant hypocrisies of their often selective and too often arrogantly stated positions.
And if they are p*ssing me off, when I agree with the basic premise they are promoting if not the manner, then lord knows how their pronouncements go down with their targets and/or those not quite so enamoured with the rightness of their causes as they are.
30-plus degree heat, 74 per cent humidity
Inside, their air-conditioners run 24/7
India's middle class must cut its hot air emissions
Just juggled those 3 sentences around a bit, whilst reflecting on how lucky we are here to have the ability to use almost no energy on adjusting our surrounding room temperatures for more than half the year.
And then considering how, if means and money are available, being told one must not use them will go down.
So the notion of our Ministers flying hither and thither in the attempt seems, at best, quaint.
In writing the above and posting it on the blog, I was of course pondering my own experiences in Singapore (32 degrees, 99% humidity, 24/7), and the odds of me not using a/c whenever possible (actually, we did only use fans in our home). And on our recent camping trip round Southern Europe (40 degrees, if low humidity) I was the first to concede that, without it, we'd have died in the car (plus reducing the mpg by having the windows open, he hopes, guilt-stricken).
But I have been moved to coin another descriptive phrase; that of the the Monotonous Meddlers. These guys seem not only to have an addiction to sticking their oars in everywhere and all the time, but also do it with little appreciation for actual realities, consequences or, most tellingingly, the rampant hypocrisies of their often selective and too often arrogantly stated positions.
And if they are p*ssing me off, when I agree with the basic premise they are promoting if not the manner, then lord knows how their pronouncements go down with their targets and/or those not quite so enamoured with the rightness of their causes as they are.
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