The ever alert Dave of Solarventi has spotted playrethink and kindly opined it may appeal to me.
Proactivity. Reuse. Fun.Invention, Entertainment. Sharing.
What... is not to like?
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Monday, January 25, 2010
COMPETITION - 'Here's One I RE:made Earlier'
3rd TIME'S A CHARM?
Crossing everything, after almost a month of the 'wrong kind of snow' (ie: several feet deep either here or there, or on both) we hope at long last to soon be seeing the bench arrive in Ross On Wye.
As the last of the snow melts away, this Friday (30th Jan, 2010), there will be a lunchtime photocall for the press as BRP hands over the donated prize bench to local dignitaries/council representative.
STOP PRESS!
22/12/200
And then, as can so always be the way, it gets a little less better.
STOP PRESS is apt, as that is what I had to do in a mad-panic yesterday morning. Sadly our co-hero (the bench) was stuck in a snowdrift in Yorkshire, so we had to call off the photocall. And that was a lot of phoning around, as many folk were due to attend from far and wide as the story was one the media seemed to like the sound of.
Won't say it was not a big disappointment.
However, the good news is that all (bar one... apparently the big producer in Brum didn't think it a 'hot' enough story so they were not coming anyway, so muhr) I contacted were really great about it, very understanding and, best of all, keen to be invited back next year for what is still a great, heart warming story.
Just not one to op of the year, but now one to kick of 2010 in high spirits.
One door closes...:)
18/12/2009
It just gets better.
The council(s) (there are actually some details to iron out between town and county) are more than happy to accept the kind donation by these inspirational youngsters.
Better yet, the sponsors are so inspired that they are going to bring the bench down for a handover photocall in the town centre this Monday.... weather cooperating. They were going to come today but are snowed in! But they are confident they can get here in good time if they leave at crack of dawn for lunchtime.
The mayor, judges and other representatives (of council, kids, etc) will be there to receive it, and with luck it will be covered by local and possibly even regional media.
It is, after all, a very festive feelgood story of giving for this time of year.
It has certainly made my Christmas.
14/12/2009
WE HAVE OUR FINAL, AND GRAND... WINNER.... S!!!!!!!
Well, the weekend has at last seen the final winner presented.
However, there was a development.
I was contacted by the person who submitted the winning entry.
But, it's more of a 'they'.
Some students from a local (to Ross-on-Wye, who found out about the competition via all the PR I engaged in subsequently to drive awareness - even as an international media Junkk.com has a very high sign-up locally due to my efforts) school have got in touch to say it was actually a joint effort.
I had a few exchanges, and we've agreed that as the prize cannot be split, and in any case it's not really something they could use or want to have, they are happy to donate it to a good cause.
As it's all a bit unusual they want to remain anonymous but would like it to be a gift from the kids to the community to show they do care about the future and are not all hanging about at street corners doing nothing (actually not quite what they said, but I think this sums it up best).
The organisers and sponsors are all cool on the notion.
I have now contacted the town council to see if this is possible, and the signs are positive and wheels are in motion.
I think it is the best solution and reflects well all round, being a lovely way to round up the competition, and the year, at this festive time of giving.
As to the runner-up prizes, the organisers have now been provided with the addresses of these winners, and will be arranging delivery with the sponsors asap.
********* Previously********
This just in: Blog post from prize sponsor
Wow, is the internet quick or what?
We have already been contacted by all our runner up winners. Lovely ladies, too.
No word yet from our grand prize winner. Hope they are 'on line' over the next few days to learn the good news. One 'quirk' of our system is that it is difficult, if not impossible to actually trace folk, even from our admin system. All we have is usernames and they are kept in a separate log to actual names and emails. And if someone changes their e-mail... that's it:(
Latest In:
It took a while, but at long last the judges were convened recently to review the entries.
At least that gave me an opportunity to make some of the entries up to help 'visualise', especially for those where no pictures were provided.
I had to excuse myself as a judge, and was not present during the judging.
There were two who kindly offered their services.
Dennis Humble of EnviroAbility, both man and organisation highly awarded in the country in the field of just about re:verything
Neil Carroll is a renowned creative force locally, nationally and indeed internationally, having been chosen as the main visual artist to represent Wales at The Festival Interceltique
They were asked to consider the entries as follows:
Marks out of 10 for creativity (is this an inspired reuse of plastic?)
Marks out of 10 for consumer appeal (will the public go... yeah... I'd do that!)
Marks out of 10 for eco-impact (will it move stop some plastic hitting the bin and/or landfill)
Fortunately, there were no 'ties'. As no kids' entries were submitted we added another adult to the list.
Runners up (in no order) were:
Houseofstrauss - slug collar - http://www.junkk.com/junkkdetail.asp?slevel=0z622&parent_id=622&renleewtsapf=1931
swirlyarts - earrings - http://www.junkk.com/junkkdetail.asp?slevel=0z622&parent_id=622&renleewtsapf=1917
bveacoker - bathroom rubbish bin - http://www.junkk.com/junkkdetail.asp?slevel=0z622z1080&parent_id=1080&renleewtsapf=1919
And the grand prize winner was:
junkktween1 - cup stack - http://www.junkk.com/Editidea.asp?slevel=0&parent_id=0&EditID=1928
The judges were impressed with the standard of entries, especially appreciating how difficult it is to 'see' what can be done with 'junk' that most people see only as good for the bin... and landfill.
All were simple, but still effective. And, in a one case, very stylish.
The grand prize winner was chosen for its high marks across all the criteria. Said the judges: 'This is an idea we can see many people take advantage of, and benefiting from, especially where space is tight, for instance in flats, caravans or boats'.
Junkk.com will be contacting the winners directly to get addresses to send the prizes to, but also via here and the newsletter, as all we have is usernames and a data protected internal messaging system!
Hope no one has changed their emails in the interim.
*******
28/09 - LAST WEEK!!!!!!!!!!!!
Had to arrive eventually. And it is time to reward the patience, and ideas of those who did enter.
11/08 - Final, that's it, there will be no more, no, I'm serious.... extension
Due to a confluence of circumstances, ranging from Junkk.com shutting down for summer break for a few weeks, to the fact that the UK has evidently been on holiday since June anyway, I am extending the deadline one last time to include September. Back to work, back to school, back in the shed. Plus a final month to really plug it all over the shop. There have been some goodies, but I know there are more! Get thinking... and applying.
24/07 - New Judges Please -
In addition, whilst staying on as organiser/Chairman of the judging committee, I am standing down as a judge. This is because, thanks to some promotions in our local media and via the Junkk.com newsletter, I may be familiar with the User Names some of the possible entrants inspired to take part, from such as the Forum, etc.
05/07
Due to ever popular demand (and the fact that, while there are a couple of nifty ideas in now, we really are still hoping to inspire a few more to justify those great prizes, especially as some great ones are still coming in. Plus, having promoted it, some media are only now mentioning it), with the agreement of the organisers and sponsors, the competition entry deadline has now been extended again to the end of Aug. This will also allow uploaders to use the new, easier upload features we have now active.
08/05
Superceding the PDF (which I'll leave here as an option for those so formatically disposed), I am happy to post here the URL to the online insert page turner. I am actually getting quite impressed with these. I am sure there are server farm 'leccy/heat consequences, but I presume there to be eco advantages too.
06/05
After a brief flurry sign-ups now quieter. May need to make it clearer that you don't need to submit an idea to sign up to the site and roam [Ed - Done - hope it's not too late!]
Here's a URL to the insert PDF. Link to online page-turner coming. Check out the smoothie on p12!
Previous Post (05/05 6.10am)
And today is the day.
Here's what it is all about.
Here's how we launched it with the latest newsletter.
BBC News doing a piece on social networking. By using it I don't have a good sense of my identity. Apparently:(
That's a pity, as I'm off now to add updates to FaceBook, twitter, etc. Which will add a lot more value I'd have thought.
Off soon to the newsagents to buy my first copy of the paper with the insert in.
[In a deep voice] 'Previously, on Junkk.com'
(pondering reversing updates newest at the top this way in future):
Sorry this is blank for now.
Next week all will be revealed.
Watch this space... seriously:)
Thursday, January 21, 2010
AWARD - Sustain Magazine Awards
Some things are worth getting out of bed for.Last Thursday, I succumbed to man flu.
By Friday I was a death's door. The merest few moments in front of the PC was enough to have me dashing for the Lemsip and the Sky History channel.
Which was why a cheery call that day to invite me to submit for the Sustain Magazine Awards was just what the doctor hadn't ordered.
But hey, they had heard nice things and had been steered my way, and were happy to give me a last ditch, 11th hr chance if I was up for it.
What's not to love? I honestly have little recollection what I entered for, much less what I wrote ( a lot... the forms were extensive!) in my addled state, but I have just been told Junkk.com and RE:tie are now shortlisted, under the 'Waste' category' at least.
Which is nice. Sustain is a major player in the green world, so this is already a decent endorsement and the gateway to some major networking. And the folk there seem tops. Especially Adam, who has been coordinating the event.
And at least all this gives me an excuse to break out the tux, which is always well complemented by the Vac:Sac as one rubs the shoulder carrying it with those of the worthy and worth meeting who grace such events.
Who knows, we may even score a gong. Better yet, hook up with some complementary folk.
Maybe see you there?
I will also be attending Ecobuild, which is the same day and next door.
Nice reuse of a journey, at least:)
Saturday, January 16, 2010
You can take the man out of engineering but, maybe, there's still some engineering left in the man
The disaster in Haiti is now days old.
Yet, as I watch SKY news, I am sensing truly woeful disaster contingency planning.
A ton of stuff heading that way, and chaos and gridlock when it gets there.
And, as with the Boxing Day tsunami, I dread to think what the vast monetary aid might get applied to once things 'settle'.
I just heard a spokesperson from a disaster charity saying their first aircraft, from the UK, had just arrived... 'with bottled water'.
As the most basic need, untainted water supplies are obviously a priority.
I was just surprised the logistical systems globally were not optimised to store and deliver this commodity without having to carry water further than necessary, time and weight-wise.
As a serious, but equally potentially daft (I accept - but no such thing...), suggestion for future aid efforts, might it be an idea in areas prone to disasters to build with aid well sited earthquake-proof reservoir (sprung leg low level - no need for 'head' - tanks with flexible connectors?) buffers to water supplies around regions, than can be tapped in the event of emergencies?
I'd have thought just 2/3 of these, even if located to the periphery of distribution centres such as airports, would equate, and a lot more cheaply and quickly (in future), to one plane load.
Addendum -
Indy - practical, and human issues to the mix - Water delivery disruptions imperil quake survivors
Make it and mend it
Yet, as I watch SKY news, I am sensing truly woeful disaster contingency planning.
A ton of stuff heading that way, and chaos and gridlock when it gets there.
And, as with the Boxing Day tsunami, I dread to think what the vast monetary aid might get applied to once things 'settle'.
I just heard a spokesperson from a disaster charity saying their first aircraft, from the UK, had just arrived... 'with bottled water'.
As the most basic need, untainted water supplies are obviously a priority.
I was just surprised the logistical systems globally were not optimised to store and deliver this commodity without having to carry water further than necessary, time and weight-wise.
As a serious, but equally potentially daft (I accept - but no such thing...), suggestion for future aid efforts, might it be an idea in areas prone to disasters to build with aid well sited earthquake-proof reservoir (sprung leg low level - no need for 'head' - tanks with flexible connectors?) buffers to water supplies around regions, than can be tapped in the event of emergencies?
I'd have thought just 2/3 of these, even if located to the periphery of distribution centres such as airports, would equate, and a lot more cheaply and quickly (in future), to one plane load.
Addendum -
Indy - practical, and human issues to the mix - Water delivery disruptions imperil quake survivors
Make it and mend it
Friday, January 15, 2010
Spring 2010 - a new, better, beginning to the decade?
I write that fully aware of the initial, and unfolding tragedy that is Haiti.
But sadly, as she can delight, nature can be fickle, and brutal. Such events have happened before, and will happen again. Probably with even worse consequences, as more and more are crammed together near the points she chooses to unleash her powers.
'We' all will do what we can, with luck with speed and coherence, and an eye to the future, too. Another story, another time. This is, selfishly, closer to home.
My optimism is founded on no more than a few exchanges online lately, when I have been feeling for a while that the net is at best spinning (in many cases, too often, literally) on is axis 'talking', and at worst a very potent force for negativity.
Using the predominately vanity (I fear I do not have the desire, or skills to make it 'professional' enough to earn revenue - my main aim is to archive thought more than gain numbers) medium of twitter, I have taken to adding to the conceit by positing philosophical musings. One such was this:
'I disagree with you'. So long as sincerely held, and politely put, should be the start of a worthwhile conversation; not the end of it.
It was inspired by a conversation I was engaged upon, which may be followed here:
Guardian - Everybody's talking about: the snow, nuclear fears and birds in the big freeze
As may be gathered it has been, to date (and will with luck remain unsullied as such), a pleasant experience, I hope all round, if possibly actually worthwhile (to posters and readers alike) as well. I almost didn't engage as the pages of the Guardian can be...'challenging'... to those who follow no particular tribal path, but I am glad I did.
It is a rare pleasure to find an influencer such as this journalist, who I fear is sadly all too rare, especially when it comes to reaching out and being tolerant of contrary views. For its relative size the Guardian is a powerful force in the world of 'Green', and knowing such attitudes can exist there make me value it as a source, and often (but not always) objective one, all the more.
One related conversation, coincidentally that transpired today, has highlighted how so many things can get 'politicised' so easily beyond facts that should really have no bearing on one's voting inclinations, class, race or anything else.
Think Politics - Turning Away From Right and Left
But sadly, as she can delight, nature can be fickle, and brutal. Such events have happened before, and will happen again. Probably with even worse consequences, as more and more are crammed together near the points she chooses to unleash her powers.
'We' all will do what we can, with luck with speed and coherence, and an eye to the future, too. Another story, another time. This is, selfishly, closer to home.
My optimism is founded on no more than a few exchanges online lately, when I have been feeling for a while that the net is at best spinning (in many cases, too often, literally) on is axis 'talking', and at worst a very potent force for negativity.
Using the predominately vanity (I fear I do not have the desire, or skills to make it 'professional' enough to earn revenue - my main aim is to archive thought more than gain numbers) medium of twitter, I have taken to adding to the conceit by positing philosophical musings. One such was this:
'I disagree with you'. So long as sincerely held, and politely put, should be the start of a worthwhile conversation; not the end of it.
It was inspired by a conversation I was engaged upon, which may be followed here:
Guardian - Everybody's talking about: the snow, nuclear fears and birds in the big freeze
As may be gathered it has been, to date (and will with luck remain unsullied as such), a pleasant experience, I hope all round, if possibly actually worthwhile (to posters and readers alike) as well. I almost didn't engage as the pages of the Guardian can be...'challenging'... to those who follow no particular tribal path, but I am glad I did.
It is a rare pleasure to find an influencer such as this journalist, who I fear is sadly all too rare, especially when it comes to reaching out and being tolerant of contrary views. For its relative size the Guardian is a powerful force in the world of 'Green', and knowing such attitudes can exist there make me value it as a source, and often (but not always) objective one, all the more.
One related conversation, coincidentally that transpired today, has highlighted how so many things can get 'politicised' so easily beyond facts that should really have no bearing on one's voting inclinations, class, race or anything else.
Think Politics - Turning Away From Right and Left
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
GOOD PACK, BAD PACK - IT's gone mad
Wife home. Kids pretty much now in residence.
Hence everyone clamouring to get on various sources of IT to do their own thing.
Fortunately, various bits 'n bobs had been purchased.
Unfortunately, they pretty much all reduced me to spitting bullets on waste and/or in wrap rage.
Last first. I guess it's mainly a 'one size suits all' matter of economics, but that cable really didn't need that size of blister (much less a blister at all, save to protect the ends - another story).
But Microsoft... hang your heads in shame!
One CDR... and it took all that!!!!!!
Worse, it took me about 10 minutes to open the sodding thing!
I really can see no excuse. Evidently another one size fits all with space for a booklet (doubtless in 26 languages), but if you send a CDR, send it in a CDR box. Sheesh.
Saturday, January 09, 2010
Driving Mrs. Martin - Nippy helpful advice
You may not of noticed, but winter has returned.
So I just thought it was worth sharing some very useful, proactive tips and tricks that my dear wife has tracked down, following her short but expensive introduction to the joys of snow driving and black ice on an untreated road this time last year.
Especially as all that is in this cold 'snap' (how long does it last before a new temporal definition applies... a cold 'drawn out agonising echo'?) happening is apparently 'unprecedented' (that means it hasn't happened before), and there's a chance that while the helpful notion of 'not travelling unless you have to' may tick a box in some high-paid circles, especially those now putting grit on ration, to keep the economy running most still have to get from A to B to do X & Y to earn a crust.
So fresh from her PC via my PC to yours (noting all, so far, are from our national broadcaster doing what they should be doing, informing factually rather than opining or evangelising, and doing it well)...
Fab advice here from peeps around the world who are used to snow and icy conditions.
Your tips for coping in a colder UK climate
Top tips for driving safely in the snow and icy weather
How to drive in snow and icy weather
Feel free to add any that help. Possibly more useful than some gracing our screens and pages with a bunch of excuses and 'It wasn't our faults' who perhaps deserve a tad more challenge in future when asking for a wadge of wonga to prevent things long term that they seem a tad shy on even basic contingency plans to prepare for now.
Addendum (with luck addenda)
Lifehacker - Top 10 Winter Survival Tools and Tactics
BBC - Brown issues cold weather gas and salt supply pledge - Phew!
Mumsnet
BBC - Pothole and frozen pipe worries as 'big freeze' thaws
So I just thought it was worth sharing some very useful, proactive tips and tricks that my dear wife has tracked down, following her short but expensive introduction to the joys of snow driving and black ice on an untreated road this time last year.
Especially as all that is in this cold 'snap' (how long does it last before a new temporal definition applies... a cold 'drawn out agonising echo'?) happening is apparently 'unprecedented' (that means it hasn't happened before), and there's a chance that while the helpful notion of 'not travelling unless you have to' may tick a box in some high-paid circles, especially those now putting grit on ration, to keep the economy running most still have to get from A to B to do X & Y to earn a crust.
So fresh from her PC via my PC to yours (noting all, so far, are from our national broadcaster doing what they should be doing, informing factually rather than opining or evangelising, and doing it well)...
Fab advice here from peeps around the world who are used to snow and icy conditions.
Your tips for coping in a colder UK climate
Top tips for driving safely in the snow and icy weather
How to drive in snow and icy weather
Feel free to add any that help. Possibly more useful than some gracing our screens and pages with a bunch of excuses and 'It wasn't our faults' who perhaps deserve a tad more challenge in future when asking for a wadge of wonga to prevent things long term that they seem a tad shy on even basic contingency plans to prepare for now.
Addendum (with luck addenda)
Lifehacker - Top 10 Winter Survival Tools and Tactics
BBC - Brown issues cold weather gas and salt supply pledge - Phew!
Mumsnet
BBC - Pothole and frozen pipe worries as 'big freeze' thaws
Friday, January 08, 2010
LIGHTBULBS
Articles
Brand Republic - A new definition for the light year
Which - Nov 2007
Guardian - Low-carbon Christmas lights
Guardian - Do eco bulbs emit too much mercury?
BBC - Low-energy bulb disposal warning
Treehugger - Luxim Plasma Light Bulb Kicks Some Serious LED Butt
Indy - Energy saving light bulbs can emit enough UV radiation to damage skin - Oh... strike a light;(
Gaurdian - Ultraviolet radiation warning on unshaded eco lightbulbs - It's Friday, the news is slow (well, apart from the world going down the pan). Then, a press release lands...
Guardian - Cheap new LED eco-lights promise price breakthrough
Telegraph Letters - Light bulbs: a dim outlook - worth bearing in mind
Telegraph - Low energy lightbulbs mailed to British families that cannot use them - Not exactly a ringing endorsement of the box-ticking system, really. Maybe we should set up 'bulb swaps' where people could exchange a bayonet for a screw fitting, and vice versa.
prNewswire - Life-cycle Assessment Proves How Environmentally Friendly LED Lamps Are - two wind-up lanterns for camping... tick. £15 for one LED branded GU10 vs. £1.50 for a 2-pack old style, energy gobbler, when I rarely use them..... dilemma!
Time - BRIEF HISTORY The Lightbulb -
Treehugger - Environmental Reporter from UK Sunday Times on CFLs: RUN! - Well, you are getting a variety of 'sides' between this piece and the one to which it refers. But I rather suspect a tad more heat than light is generated.
BBC - NEW - More than you ever wanted to know about dimmer switches and energy efficient light bulbs
Grants
lightbulbs4free.com -
_________
Suppliers (there are/will be more - I'll add 'em as I find 'em and/or get told. Do search and compare longevity vs. prices!)
ebulbshop -
Greenled - time for me to swap those GU10 spots in our ceiling!
greenstock -
Lightbulbs direct -
Yourwelcome -
Recycling
recolight.co.uk -
Brand Republic - A new definition for the light year
Which - Nov 2007
Guardian - Low-carbon Christmas lights
Guardian - Do eco bulbs emit too much mercury?
BBC - Low-energy bulb disposal warning
Treehugger - Luxim Plasma Light Bulb Kicks Some Serious LED Butt
Indy - Energy saving light bulbs can emit enough UV radiation to damage skin - Oh... strike a light;(
Gaurdian - Ultraviolet radiation warning on unshaded eco lightbulbs - It's Friday, the news is slow (well, apart from the world going down the pan). Then, a press release lands...
Guardian - Cheap new LED eco-lights promise price breakthrough
Telegraph Letters - Light bulbs: a dim outlook - worth bearing in mind
Telegraph - Low energy lightbulbs mailed to British families that cannot use them - Not exactly a ringing endorsement of the box-ticking system, really. Maybe we should set up 'bulb swaps' where people could exchange a bayonet for a screw fitting, and vice versa.
prNewswire - Life-cycle Assessment Proves How Environmentally Friendly LED Lamps Are - two wind-up lanterns for camping... tick. £15 for one LED branded GU10 vs. £1.50 for a 2-pack old style, energy gobbler, when I rarely use them..... dilemma!
Time - BRIEF HISTORY The Lightbulb -
Treehugger - Environmental Reporter from UK Sunday Times on CFLs: RUN! - Well, you are getting a variety of 'sides' between this piece and the one to which it refers. But I rather suspect a tad more heat than light is generated.
BBC - NEW - More than you ever wanted to know about dimmer switches and energy efficient light bulbs
Grants
lightbulbs4free.com -
_________
Suppliers (there are/will be more - I'll add 'em as I find 'em and/or get told. Do search and compare longevity vs. prices!)
ebulbshop -
Greenled - time for me to swap those GU10 spots in our ceiling!
greenstock -
Lightbulbs direct -
Yourwelcome -
Recycling
recolight.co.uk -
Shut it and save
The other day I heard a BBC West Midlands 'report' that a town in my 'hood, Herefordshire, was launching a 'ban the bag' campaign.
So far, so, um, what words can I think of? Behind the curve? Bandwagon jumping? Potentially misguided? No longer news?
It had all the usual components. A Yummie earth mother and her moppet who walk from their Georgian townhouse in this market town with their one bag to buy their organic tofu. A jovial local butcher who thought it was great because as soon as he had worked through the evil plastic jobbies he was getting the non-evil, biodegradable... plastic jobbies. And the gushing local news bouffant who was tasked to make this a big deal.
Thing is, as my recent attempted effort at understanding the issues showed, there is certainly nothing wrong with reduction in any form, so long as it is in the right way for the right reasons. But I'm afraid this still seems to fail on waaaay too many counts, not that it matters to those in government, commerce and media who see virtue in distracting away from the real failings at system level.
So I have decided to pose a question that has struck me before, but more so after this, as I walked around a very similar Herefordshire market town: Why are all the shop doors open?
Which, in turn, I think could lead to a campaign, whose slogan I would suggest could/would be 'Shut it and save!'. That's save money (retailers, which can be passed on to clientele in energy costs saved)... plus planet.
Of course I know why the doors are open. They represent a barrier to entry, and hence sales. This was confirmed by the poor check out girl at the local organic shop, who approved (along with management) of my rejecting the proffered bag, but who was more onside with my notions on the open door policy (not shared with us by management, apparently).
Now, unlike carrier bags, I don't see jobs being lost, but of course there is the real chance of reduced sales, which will not make my idea popular with the local chamber. Unless of course it is made mandatory for all, as is proposed with plastic carriers. Then the comparative 'hassle' of opening a door is equal amongst all options and hence removed. With a ton of hot air being spared the eventing to the open sky.
And that seems to me to have a pretty clear enviROI.
Before I charge aherad thoughlessly... any comments, suggestions?
This isn't a ban. It's just a sensible alternative course of action with an enviROI+ result.
Yes?
I have now found a piece on this topic: Hay aims to bag plastic problem
First up, I wasn't aware that Hay was in Wales. My bad.
I will also need to try and figure what exactly the enviROI is on 'specially ordered Hay cotton bags and cornstarch Biobags'.
While this - Support has also been forthcoming through a £1,000 grant from the Sustainable Development Fund and the introduction by the council of extra plastic bag recycling points - at first seems positive, I still wonder if this is a) the best use of money and b) how the recycling point will address mixed medium recyclables.
More information on this scheme is available at www.theendofplasticbags.co.uk
Couldn't resist. I had to write in:
While reduction in any form has to be applauded, I have often wondered if plastic bags represent the greatest threat to our planet’s future, and indeed that some alternatives mooted have been sufficiently challenged to represent any better enviROI. So I'm just hoping recyclables are to be appropriately separated to avoid cross-contamination, and the compostables provided in a form that can either be processed at home or directed to a facility that can deal with them.
Anyhoo, now the cat is out of the bag (or the bag is no longer a cat...egory), and the banwagon is up to steam, as we are on planetary saving roll may I suggest the next target for consideration.
In our fair market towns I cannot not help but notice the number of shops and stores with gaping entrances pumping hot air out into the atmosphere.
Without seeking to put too many honest folk out of business or even inconvenience the understandable (indeed essential) consumerist advocacy of some retailers, and the simple preferences of the rest of us who patronise their establishments, might I suggest they be encouraged to keep doors closed when the temperature inside is greater than that outside?
I'd go for 'Shut it and save', which can of course can apply to money (in energy cost to both retailer and, if passed on, their customers) as well as the planet.
I'd also hazard that this could be quite easily done, might actually help and not require a ton more stuff that may or may not actually work to have a positive impact.
Green can be and often is great. But it also still needs thinking about carefully.
Addendum
Two years hence and the banner has been taken up as I, to my shame, could and should have done (so many eco-ideas; so little time. Like JunkkYard vs. FreeCycle, maybe another I should have pursued over others): Close the Door
So far, so, um, what words can I think of? Behind the curve? Bandwagon jumping? Potentially misguided? No longer news?
It had all the usual components. A Yummie earth mother and her moppet who walk from their Georgian townhouse in this market town with their one bag to buy their organic tofu. A jovial local butcher who thought it was great because as soon as he had worked through the evil plastic jobbies he was getting the non-evil, biodegradable... plastic jobbies. And the gushing local news bouffant who was tasked to make this a big deal.
Thing is, as my recent attempted effort at understanding the issues showed, there is certainly nothing wrong with reduction in any form, so long as it is in the right way for the right reasons. But I'm afraid this still seems to fail on waaaay too many counts, not that it matters to those in government, commerce and media who see virtue in distracting away from the real failings at system level.
So I have decided to pose a question that has struck me before, but more so after this, as I walked around a very similar Herefordshire market town: Why are all the shop doors open?
Which, in turn, I think could lead to a campaign, whose slogan I would suggest could/would be 'Shut it and save!'. That's save money (retailers, which can be passed on to clientele in energy costs saved)... plus planet.
Of course I know why the doors are open. They represent a barrier to entry, and hence sales. This was confirmed by the poor check out girl at the local organic shop, who approved (along with management) of my rejecting the proffered bag, but who was more onside with my notions on the open door policy (not shared with us by management, apparently).
Now, unlike carrier bags, I don't see jobs being lost, but of course there is the real chance of reduced sales, which will not make my idea popular with the local chamber. Unless of course it is made mandatory for all, as is proposed with plastic carriers. Then the comparative 'hassle' of opening a door is equal amongst all options and hence removed. With a ton of hot air being spared the eventing to the open sky.
And that seems to me to have a pretty clear enviROI.
Before I charge aherad thoughlessly... any comments, suggestions?
This isn't a ban. It's just a sensible alternative course of action with an enviROI+ result.
Yes?
I have now found a piece on this topic: Hay aims to bag plastic problem
First up, I wasn't aware that Hay was in Wales. My bad.
I will also need to try and figure what exactly the enviROI is on 'specially ordered Hay cotton bags and cornstarch Biobags'.
While this - Support has also been forthcoming through a £1,000 grant from the Sustainable Development Fund and the introduction by the council of extra plastic bag recycling points - at first seems positive, I still wonder if this is a) the best use of money and b) how the recycling point will address mixed medium recyclables.
More information on this scheme is available at www.theendofplasticbags.co.uk
Couldn't resist. I had to write in:
While reduction in any form has to be applauded, I have often wondered if plastic bags represent the greatest threat to our planet’s future, and indeed that some alternatives mooted have been sufficiently challenged to represent any better enviROI. So I'm just hoping recyclables are to be appropriately separated to avoid cross-contamination, and the compostables provided in a form that can either be processed at home or directed to a facility that can deal with them.
Anyhoo, now the cat is out of the bag (or the bag is no longer a cat...egory), and the banwagon is up to steam, as we are on planetary saving roll may I suggest the next target for consideration.
In our fair market towns I cannot not help but notice the number of shops and stores with gaping entrances pumping hot air out into the atmosphere.
Without seeking to put too many honest folk out of business or even inconvenience the understandable (indeed essential) consumerist advocacy of some retailers, and the simple preferences of the rest of us who patronise their establishments, might I suggest they be encouraged to keep doors closed when the temperature inside is greater than that outside?
I'd go for 'Shut it and save', which can of course can apply to money (in energy cost to both retailer and, if passed on, their customers) as well as the planet.
I'd also hazard that this could be quite easily done, might actually help and not require a ton more stuff that may or may not actually work to have a positive impact.
Green can be and often is great. But it also still needs thinking about carefully.
Addendum
Two years hence and the banner has been taken up as I, to my shame, could and should have done (so many eco-ideas; so little time. Like JunkkYard vs. FreeCycle, maybe another I should have pursued over others): Close the Door
Saturday, December 12, 2009
TWEET 'N LOWDOWN - I see you one, and raise you one
I guess the 'big' story yesterday was the generosity and statesmanship of our PM.
Time will tell where this money comes from, where it goes to, whether it is used wisely and well, and what % gets redirected in the name of green if not for it.
I start with a post I made to Newsnight:
Headline: Why micro wind turbines don't work (with relative directions of vanes on weather cock and turbine in telling complement)
Text: In most urban locations in Britain wind turbines simply do not work
And folk wonder why the public are cranking eyebrows. There is what we know, there is what we don't, and there is what we are told. Seldom is this done without a narrative being enhanced or an event being interpreted.
Which becomes pertinent, and key, when it comes to what we are told*, especially about vast amounts of money to be dedicated to 'solving' things, which seem a bit shy on detail as to what, specifically, and how measured to assess enviROI, etc. Numbers do matter, even as science gets settled (if often in creative ways), and passed on by those we pay, and trust to be our guides.
It makes a nonsense of the claim made by the Energy Saving Trust,
But I am glad I persevered, as there was much to ponder of value, and I appreciated the maths lesson. Makes me wonder why such calculations are often beyond those who claim (all dutifully passed on by those copy-typing press releases as 'reporting') that 'such and such 'could' power 1/2 of 'so and so' for 'free' (exc: construction, operation, maintenance, repair and disposal).
And there is also the power of editorial, often, possibly, via omission:
3. At 9:01pm on 11 Dec 2009, simon noble wrote:
You forgot to mention that those big wind turbines are also erratic, so you need a big back-up source of power to manage the lows.
One just has to hope that, when given the massive importance of the basic intent to reduce GHGs, and the vast monies involved in securing that laudable aim, those with the power to take and dispense the funds in securing this, plus those tasked to hold them to account, know what the heck they are doing.
And are guided by honest, unselfish influences and not the lures of personal advancement, ratings, career influence, lobby-influence, bonuses, targets and box ticks.
*Clarified, often, only after the the hyperlink and/or in the small print.
As you'll gather, I appreciate a done deal when I see one; I just express the hope that it will be upfront and accurate.
And.. reported with competence and objectivity. I have this slight concern the media are every bit as much a part of the problem of public understanding and engagement.
guardianeco - Gordon Brown bangs heads and crunches climate figures in Brussels http://bit.ly/4PkeQ1 - as he is so good with numbers here
climatebiz - What's Keeping Climate Investment Out of Africa? http://bit.ly/6EjAcV - maybe that money in Africa often doesn't end up where intended?
UN - UN online tool allows people to track nations’ pledges on climate change http://bit.ly/6xLQpu - as to delivery...?
JaymiHeimbuch - RT @planetenvy Rainforest Nations: We'll Drop Deforestation Targets if Rich Don't Put Money on the Table: http://digg.com/d31Ca8A - Blazing Saddles anyone?
kate_sheppard - Stern: "We have to combine science and pragmatism." That.. would be nice
timesonline - Gordon Brown and Nicolas Sarkozy: banks should pay for climate change http://bit.ly/5YiQS2 - No reward for failure! Thank heavens I have very little in the bank. Mainly due to Mr. Brown p*ssing money away on things that don't work.
DowningStreet - PM: Excellent result in Brussels - got EU up to £6.6 billion for developing countries over next 3 years. Big boost for Copenhagen - like a drunk at an auction trying to impress the girls in the onlooking crowd
wwwfoecouk - Press release: EU barely budges an inch on climate: Commenting on the conclusion of the EU Council today, Friends o... http://bit.ly/8Nc1GF - sometimes twitter can throw up reasons to look around for more...
ThinkPolitics - EU agrees climate pledge that may boost Copenhagen http://tiny.cc/b0EE2 - and end up scratching your head
iaindale - Blogpost: Cost of Insuring British Govt Debt Rises by 1000% in 2 Years http://tinyurl.com/y9fg26h
guardianeco - EU set to double climate aid for developing countries to €2bn http://bit.ly/8L8ULR - Game, set and fudge?
TheIndyNews - UK giving £1.5bn to climate fund http://bit.ly/67eznH - we are a giving sort, apparently
the_ecologist - A toothless cap-and-trade scheme is a planetary wrecking ball http://bit.ly/6bCEW4 - let's see what we get
Meanwhile, in other tweets:
GuyKawasaki - The Six Twitter Types http://om.ly/cxBQ - Modesty prevents me assessing my self
fivenineteen - RT @twitwalk "To invent, you need a good imagination and a pile of junk." ~ Thomas Edison #quote #creativity #green #recycle (via @quotme) - like, I need to explain:)
ChristianaCooke - A man should look for what is, and not for what he thinks should be. Albert Einstein - like, some in science might need that explained to them, before they get too 'settled'
Ecosaveology - Google opens satellite images, tools, to study deforestation: http://googleblog.blogspot.com/2009/12/seeing-forest-through-cloud.html
mickwill - I can't believe it! Just got up at 5.30 to get taxi to BBC Centre & they just phoned to say I'm not on at 7.20 now. GRR! - The joys of dealing with our media
jimpenny - http://twitpic.com/t5fnq - I save and reuse my false eyelashes, I care about the planet! (via @theboygeorge) - every little bit helps? I am presuming irony at play.
guardianeco - A £480 train ticket to Copenhagen makes it hard to care about the climate | George Monbiot http://bit.ly/71rfgg - No, it makes it harder to trust and/or believe in hypocrites who say one thing and do another. It's different. And rubbish pricing on more eco transport options is not mutually exclusive with caring that the bozos making decisions seem to be 'selective at best'.
mickwill - If you want to know if your boiler is g-rated for the Boiler Scrappage scheme, you can check here http://tinyurl.com/y8d7mvg - talk is cheap, knowledge is power, action is golden
wwwfoecouk - Safe #climate news: Helen Baxendale heading for Copenhagen: Actor, mother, campaigner calls for justice http://bit.ly/4rOMGZ - Bless, in so many ways
thegoodhuman - Wondering this morning if all of us writing about environmental issues does anything in big picture. What should we be doing instead? - My shed beckons
LilGreenFingers - New blog post where I get a bit cross with Kirstie Allsopp and her gilded pears... http://tinyurl.com/yctok2a - There's making and mending, and there's buying in posh shops, making and suckering daft luvvies, or not
timesonline - RT @Times_Live Is Man largely responsible for global warming? Join our live debate at 1.30pm today http://bit.ly/5MAzNo - I did. It was a zoo
richardbranson - Have a read of my views on @Virgin_Galactic ethics on @virgindotcom http://bit.ly/7hDqT7 -props for stating his case. Not asked or tasked once by the MSM
futerra - Ed Milliband on C4 using #sizzle message "we need a positive vision, let's sell dreams not nightmares". futerra.co.uk/blog/611 - Now, where did he end up at that notion? Guess we won't be seeing the ASA-referred, inaccurate, scaremongering ActOnCo2 bedtime story ad again, then?
journalismnews - PDA: ‘Algorithms will replace journalists’ http://is.gd/5jqNo - speaking of our mighty 4th estate... Well, it can often seem that much reporting these days is mainly cut and pasting of press releases with little checking or critical oversight.
MoreEco - Eco News - Budget to include electric car tax break: Company drivers who choose electric cars are to.. http://bit.ly/92TLqV - now, about the green 'leccy generation and distribution
Greengamma - 'Dirty' battery cars 'make more CO2 than they save' http://bit.ly/5R7T4P - see the issues, gov...media?
myzerowaste - My Zero Waste is up against Guardian ethical living and You Gen 4 best green site. Please vote 4 us! http://bit.ly/5uYTKH - sadly, Junkk.com nor Junkk Male RE:view were not deemed worthy*. But MZW was, and as she is also a contributor of ideas (and winner) to the site, she gets my vote:)
adamvaughan_uk - Voting is open for the @greenwebawards - go vote before 31 Dec http://bit.ly/5lccMM [disclaimer: I was one of judges who shaped shortlist) - *all comes clearer. he's not a fan of greens who crank eyebrows:)
GlobeGuard - RT @packagingdiva: A perspective about why #Packaging reduction goes out of the window at Christmas @ http://is.gd/5hSey - I find this site great for scoops on ppackaging to help RE:tie
..and finally, as we are a reuse advocate and it's Xmas...
CAGW - Make a Gift Bow Out of Scrap Paper: http://is.gd/5iZqO
And that's just the retweets in a day. I really can't be bothered to go through all the others I favourited, as they are usually the contentious ones, and really, life is too short.
Time will tell where this money comes from, where it goes to, whether it is used wisely and well, and what % gets redirected in the name of green if not for it.
I start with a post I made to Newsnight:
Headline: Why micro wind turbines don't work (with relative directions of vanes on weather cock and turbine in telling complement)
Text: In most urban locations in Britain wind turbines simply do not work
And folk wonder why the public are cranking eyebrows. There is what we know, there is what we don't, and there is what we are told. Seldom is this done without a narrative being enhanced or an event being interpreted.
Which becomes pertinent, and key, when it comes to what we are told*, especially about vast amounts of money to be dedicated to 'solving' things, which seem a bit shy on detail as to what, specifically, and how measured to assess enviROI, etc. Numbers do matter, even as science gets settled (if often in creative ways), and passed on by those we pay, and trust to be our guides.
It makes a nonsense of the claim made by the Energy Saving Trust,
But I am glad I persevered, as there was much to ponder of value, and I appreciated the maths lesson. Makes me wonder why such calculations are often beyond those who claim (all dutifully passed on by those copy-typing press releases as 'reporting') that 'such and such 'could' power 1/2 of 'so and so' for 'free' (exc: construction, operation, maintenance, repair and disposal).
And there is also the power of editorial, often, possibly, via omission:
3. At 9:01pm on 11 Dec 2009, simon noble wrote:
You forgot to mention that those big wind turbines are also erratic, so you need a big back-up source of power to manage the lows.
One just has to hope that, when given the massive importance of the basic intent to reduce GHGs, and the vast monies involved in securing that laudable aim, those with the power to take and dispense the funds in securing this, plus those tasked to hold them to account, know what the heck they are doing.
And are guided by honest, unselfish influences and not the lures of personal advancement, ratings, career influence, lobby-influence, bonuses, targets and box ticks.
*Clarified, often, only after the the hyperlink and/or in the small print.
As you'll gather, I appreciate a done deal when I see one; I just express the hope that it will be upfront and accurate.
And.. reported with competence and objectivity. I have this slight concern the media are every bit as much a part of the problem of public understanding and engagement.
guardianeco - Gordon Brown bangs heads and crunches climate figures in Brussels http://bit.ly/4PkeQ1 - as he is so good with numbers here
climatebiz - What's Keeping Climate Investment Out of Africa? http://bit.ly/6EjAcV - maybe that money in Africa often doesn't end up where intended?
UN - UN online tool allows people to track nations’ pledges on climate change http://bit.ly/6xLQpu - as to delivery...?
JaymiHeimbuch - RT @planetenvy Rainforest Nations: We'll Drop Deforestation Targets if Rich Don't Put Money on the Table: http://digg.com/d31Ca8A - Blazing Saddles anyone?
kate_sheppard - Stern: "We have to combine science and pragmatism." That.. would be nice
timesonline - Gordon Brown and Nicolas Sarkozy: banks should pay for climate change http://bit.ly/5YiQS2 - No reward for failure! Thank heavens I have very little in the bank. Mainly due to Mr. Brown p*ssing money away on things that don't work.
DowningStreet - PM: Excellent result in Brussels - got EU up to £6.6 billion for developing countries over next 3 years. Big boost for Copenhagen - like a drunk at an auction trying to impress the girls in the onlooking crowd
wwwfoecouk - Press release: EU barely budges an inch on climate: Commenting on the conclusion of the EU Council today, Friends o... http://bit.ly/8Nc1GF - sometimes twitter can throw up reasons to look around for more...
ThinkPolitics - EU agrees climate pledge that may boost Copenhagen http://tiny.cc/b0EE2 - and end up scratching your head
iaindale - Blogpost: Cost of Insuring British Govt Debt Rises by 1000% in 2 Years http://tinyurl.com/y9fg26h
guardianeco - EU set to double climate aid for developing countries to €2bn http://bit.ly/8L8ULR - Game, set and fudge?
TheIndyNews - UK giving £1.5bn to climate fund http://bit.ly/67eznH - we are a giving sort, apparently
the_ecologist - A toothless cap-and-trade scheme is a planetary wrecking ball http://bit.ly/6bCEW4 - let's see what we get
Meanwhile, in other tweets:
GuyKawasaki - The Six Twitter Types http://om.ly/cxBQ - Modesty prevents me assessing my self
fivenineteen - RT @twitwalk "To invent, you need a good imagination and a pile of junk." ~ Thomas Edison #quote #creativity #green #recycle (via @quotme) - like, I need to explain:)
ChristianaCooke - A man should look for what is, and not for what he thinks should be. Albert Einstein - like, some in science might need that explained to them, before they get too 'settled'
Ecosaveology - Google opens satellite images, tools, to study deforestation: http://googleblog.blogspot.com/2009/12/seeing-forest-through-cloud.html
mickwill - I can't believe it! Just got up at 5.30 to get taxi to BBC Centre & they just phoned to say I'm not on at 7.20 now. GRR! - The joys of dealing with our media
jimpenny - http://twitpic.com/t5fnq - I save and reuse my false eyelashes, I care about the planet! (via @theboygeorge) - every little bit helps? I am presuming irony at play.
guardianeco - A £480 train ticket to Copenhagen makes it hard to care about the climate | George Monbiot http://bit.ly/71rfgg - No, it makes it harder to trust and/or believe in hypocrites who say one thing and do another. It's different. And rubbish pricing on more eco transport options is not mutually exclusive with caring that the bozos making decisions seem to be 'selective at best'.
mickwill - If you want to know if your boiler is g-rated for the Boiler Scrappage scheme, you can check here http://tinyurl.com/y8d7mvg - talk is cheap, knowledge is power, action is golden
wwwfoecouk - Safe #climate news: Helen Baxendale heading for Copenhagen: Actor, mother, campaigner calls for justice http://bit.ly/4rOMGZ - Bless, in so many ways
thegoodhuman - Wondering this morning if all of us writing about environmental issues does anything in big picture. What should we be doing instead? - My shed beckons
LilGreenFingers - New blog post where I get a bit cross with Kirstie Allsopp and her gilded pears... http://tinyurl.com/yctok2a - There's making and mending, and there's buying in posh shops, making and suckering daft luvvies, or not
timesonline - RT @Times_Live Is Man largely responsible for global warming? Join our live debate at 1.30pm today http://bit.ly/5MAzNo - I did. It was a zoo
richardbranson - Have a read of my views on @Virgin_Galactic ethics on @virgindotcom http://bit.ly/7hDqT7 -props for stating his case. Not asked or tasked once by the MSM
futerra - Ed Milliband on C4 using #sizzle message "we need a positive vision, let's sell dreams not nightmares". futerra.co.uk/blog/611 - Now, where did he end up at that notion? Guess we won't be seeing the ASA-referred, inaccurate, scaremongering ActOnCo2 bedtime story ad again, then?
journalismnews - PDA: ‘Algorithms will replace journalists’ http://is.gd/5jqNo - speaking of our mighty 4th estate... Well, it can often seem that much reporting these days is mainly cut and pasting of press releases with little checking or critical oversight.
MoreEco - Eco News - Budget to include electric car tax break: Company drivers who choose electric cars are to.. http://bit.ly/92TLqV - now, about the green 'leccy generation and distribution
Greengamma - 'Dirty' battery cars 'make more CO2 than they save' http://bit.ly/5R7T4P - see the issues, gov...media?
myzerowaste - My Zero Waste is up against Guardian ethical living and You Gen 4 best green site. Please vote 4 us! http://bit.ly/5uYTKH - sadly, Junkk.com nor Junkk Male RE:view were not deemed worthy*. But MZW was, and as she is also a contributor of ideas (and winner) to the site, she gets my vote:)
adamvaughan_uk - Voting is open for the @greenwebawards - go vote before 31 Dec http://bit.ly/5lccMM [disclaimer: I was one of judges who shaped shortlist) - *all comes clearer. he's not a fan of greens who crank eyebrows:)
GlobeGuard - RT @packagingdiva: A perspective about why #Packaging reduction goes out of the window at Christmas @ http://is.gd/5hSey - I find this site great for scoops on ppackaging to help RE:tie
..and finally, as we are a reuse advocate and it's Xmas...
CAGW - Make a Gift Bow Out of Scrap Paper: http://is.gd/5iZqO
And that's just the retweets in a day. I really can't be bothered to go through all the others I favourited, as they are usually the contentious ones, and really, life is too short.
Wednesday, December 09, 2009
TWEET 'N LOWDOWN - S****page!
Sorry for that headline.
It's not what you think, but merely a media trick to get more folk reading... did it work?
I wasn't expletive deleting, but in writing that was reminded that it would be on the website, which has a rather over-enthusiastic 'swear filter' that takes out anything it think innocent eyes should be spared.
Anyway from yesterday's twitter surf RT/save collection, the dominant story that caught my eve had to be the boiler scrappage initiative introduced in Alistair Darling's pre-budget wassname.
About the only good thing there, as it's hard to find much else when 'we' owe' billions, if not more already.
But this one makes sense. Subsidy money is being given away left, right and centre, and this seems to be a rare 'win-win', with it going to reductions and efficiency increase, and hence lowered GHGs and reduced expenditure for those who can ill-afford it.
I just hope this government actually has the money to do it.
guardianeco - Boiler scrappage plan aims to help 125,000 householders http://bit.ly/86hFfZ - AIMS?
IndyPolitics - Boiler scrappage scheme unveiled http://bit.ly/7afmL7
hmtreasury - An extra 75,000 households will benefit from an extension of the Warm Front scheme #pbr09
MRW - Chancellor announces boiler scrappage scheme in Pre-Budget Report
I also was keen to crank an eyebrow here:
solarguy2034 - In Copenhagen, Stores Heat the Streets: To encourage Christmas shoppers, many stores in Copenhagen leave their .. http://bit.ly/6J8EeK as Junkk.com has noted, and suggested a response, more than once before.
Then there was this, for no better reason that on my last visit t'other day my Mum did not recognise me for 30 minutes:
jerryjamesstone - Scientists Working on Cure for Alzheimers Invent Self-Cleaning Solar Panels (Now Just Cure Alzheimer's Please) http://digg.com/d31CKxF?t - Amen
It's not what you think, but merely a media trick to get more folk reading... did it work?
I wasn't expletive deleting, but in writing that was reminded that it would be on the website, which has a rather over-enthusiastic 'swear filter' that takes out anything it think innocent eyes should be spared.
Anyway from yesterday's twitter surf RT/save collection, the dominant story that caught my eve had to be the boiler scrappage initiative introduced in Alistair Darling's pre-budget wassname.
About the only good thing there, as it's hard to find much else when 'we' owe' billions, if not more already.
But this one makes sense. Subsidy money is being given away left, right and centre, and this seems to be a rare 'win-win', with it going to reductions and efficiency increase, and hence lowered GHGs and reduced expenditure for those who can ill-afford it.
I just hope this government actually has the money to do it.
guardianeco - Boiler scrappage plan aims to help 125,000 householders http://bit.ly/86hFfZ - AIMS?
IndyPolitics - Boiler scrappage scheme unveiled http://bit.ly/7afmL7
hmtreasury - An extra 75,000 households will benefit from an extension of the Warm Front scheme #pbr09
MRW - Chancellor announces boiler scrappage scheme in Pre-Budget Report
I also was keen to crank an eyebrow here:
solarguy2034 - In Copenhagen, Stores Heat the Streets: To encourage Christmas shoppers, many stores in Copenhagen leave their .. http://bit.ly/6J8EeK as Junkk.com has noted, and suggested a response, more than once before.
Then there was this, for no better reason that on my last visit t'other day my Mum did not recognise me for 30 minutes:
jerryjamesstone - Scientists Working on Cure for Alzheimers Invent Self-Cleaning Solar Panels (Now Just Cure Alzheimer's Please) http://digg.com/d31CKxF?t - Amen
TWEET 'N LOWDOWN - Teetering Pedestals
Actually, more like a teetering tower... that of Babel.
This is my first 'round up' of yesterday's retweets.
Not sure it will work. There were so many.
Which at least serves for the point of this post.
I was once appalled to be in the midst of a council meeting where there were about twenty folk shouting the odds. Whatever the intention it was a total waste of time, effort and resources as nothing got agreed, or done.
I, and a few others there voluntarily did note that most 'officials' there were all on salary, plus expenses, whatever happened.
I can only imagine what it must be like with tens of thousands, all shouting, such that not only no one can hear each other, they but won't even bother listening.
All paid, or paid for. As are all those there to 'report' on it. Like they really care.
The planet, meanwhile, goes on, if perhaps with a tear in its eye.
If there were a few 'tweets' that stood out to me, it was these:
BBC_WHYS
Right we're on air. Do climate deniers deserve to be part of this discussion? - Nice of the BBC to ask, but who are 'they', and who are 'they' asking? Ed Miliband? Voltaire (possibly) rotates in his grave.
futerra
RT @thomsmith: How can we take climate change seriously when Richard "@virgindotcom" Branson is talking about space tourism? - More crucially, when some irony deficient MSM outfits run 'sombre' climate stories and then happily send their teams off to the mojave to film rockets that don't get airborne without some stuff out the exhaust.
guardianeco
Could you be the winner of the Fun Theory Award!? http://bit.ly/6CdlaB (from @ClimateSquad) - Hope so, as I have several entries in:)
And one more* that has now dropped off the archive, which rather makes me feel that RT'ing is a pretty short term, useless facility if you want to keep an archive record. So I think I'll give up on this before I end up a messy creek sans paddle.
Twitter is good for getting stuff in and as it happens. No more.
RT'ing might help keep others on one's journey in the loop and valuing what you come across, and takes seconds, so may be worth maintaining. I'll have to see how far back favourites goes (Encouraging. I went back over a few weeks over 50 pages with no 'limit', so that might mean they are all 'held' - it is also worth 'saving', too)
But mainly I think I'll just favourite the stories linked to on my browser so I don't lose them, and use the browsing history to blog from in future.
Sorry, twitter, it's just not going to work out as I'd hoped. At least like this.
*http://twitpic.com/snodu - In addition to the message being rather overshadowed by less than green messageboard materials, I do rather wonder what the awareness that is being raised here actually is.
This is my first 'round up' of yesterday's retweets.
Not sure it will work. There were so many.
Which at least serves for the point of this post.
I was once appalled to be in the midst of a council meeting where there were about twenty folk shouting the odds. Whatever the intention it was a total waste of time, effort and resources as nothing got agreed, or done.
I, and a few others there voluntarily did note that most 'officials' there were all on salary, plus expenses, whatever happened.
I can only imagine what it must be like with tens of thousands, all shouting, such that not only no one can hear each other, they but won't even bother listening.
All paid, or paid for. As are all those there to 'report' on it. Like they really care.
The planet, meanwhile, goes on, if perhaps with a tear in its eye.
If there were a few 'tweets' that stood out to me, it was these:
BBC_WHYS
Right we're on air. Do climate deniers deserve to be part of this discussion? - Nice of the BBC to ask, but who are 'they', and who are 'they' asking? Ed Miliband? Voltaire (possibly) rotates in his grave.
futerra
RT @thomsmith: How can we take climate change seriously when Richard "@virgindotcom" Branson is talking about space tourism? - More crucially, when some irony deficient MSM outfits run 'sombre' climate stories and then happily send their teams off to the mojave to film rockets that don't get airborne without some stuff out the exhaust.
guardianeco
Could you be the winner of the Fun Theory Award!? http://bit.ly/6CdlaB (from @ClimateSquad) - Hope so, as I have several entries in:)
And one more* that has now dropped off the archive, which rather makes me feel that RT'ing is a pretty short term, useless facility if you want to keep an archive record. So I think I'll give up on this before I end up a messy creek sans paddle.
Twitter is good for getting stuff in and as it happens. No more.
RT'ing might help keep others on one's journey in the loop and valuing what you come across, and takes seconds, so may be worth maintaining. I'll have to see how far back favourites goes (Encouraging. I went back over a few weeks over 50 pages with no 'limit', so that might mean they are all 'held' - it is also worth 'saving', too)
But mainly I think I'll just favourite the stories linked to on my browser so I don't lose them, and use the browsing history to blog from in future.
Sorry, twitter, it's just not going to work out as I'd hoped. At least like this.
*http://twitpic.com/snodu - In addition to the message being rather overshadowed by less than green messageboard materials, I do rather wonder what the awareness that is being raised here actually is.
Know that 'incentive' mantra I keep chanting?
Bottle Bank Arcade
Kudos to thefuntheory.com
Again.
Here are my entries as inspired by this:
www.thefuntheory.com/2009/12/03/reramid-chops
www.thefuntheory.com/2009/12/03/pepcycle
www.thefuntheory.com/2009/12/03/cullet-gullet-mill
www.thefuntheory.com/2009/12/03/madame-la-relotine
www.rolighetsteorin.se/2009/12/03/archies-magic-reounderbutt-augurs-well
(No idea why this last one seems to be a different URL)
Took a loooong while as I had upload issues and the system couldn't cope with my 'suite'* idea, but the organisers were very helpful.
Doubt they'll be in with much of a chance now as the competition closes soon, but at least they are now in.
*One to freak out the health and safety guys, but here goes.
It has always frustrated me that many public recycling facilities involve a dirty great (heavy) steel container that requires a big-engined, high-powered truck to haul away often only a few kilos of 95% fresh air surrounding a veneer of card, glass or metal.
They are also often smelly, and boring. And no one crushes waste bottles, cans, etc because they are already confused by a plethora of do’s and don’ts regarding what’s cool and/or not.
But one thing is clear: we need to get stuff as small in volume as possible to make the most of the logistics’ systems carbon footprint. This also tends to help with recycling anyway.
Then we need to make it so people a) want to do it so they try, and try again, and b) enjoy it so much they do it again and tell their mates. So… pretty much fun, then.
Any other advantages that roll along as a consequence we’ll take as plusses. On balance, win-win-win-win-etc
Hence…
RE:Gymberation RE:Spa Planet Fitness
We need venues. And where better than supermarket foyers or shopping centres, which would confer green kudos to savvy CSR marketers who can sweeten the extra traffic likely to be attracted by offering reward opportunities to those bring in the correct materials? Possibly consumers get to hand in waste in exchange for Junkk bonds to use on… eco purchases.
RE:Gymberation posits a ‘zone’, where by human energy is harnessed in the cause of greater fitness and… reducing recyclate volumes for transport.
All the shredding, smashing and/or flattening is done by one human power on a series of exercise devices that serve to not only dispose of waster materials, but in an entertaining manner.
Some could indeed be prone to misuse or vandalism – so possible solutions are sensors to divert metals or, more practically, human oversight, hence being located near staff, which also supports reward redemption. A few complementary freestanding systems are suggested, specific to particular recyclates.
What was weird is one submission included that had to be dropped (pix above), which had to be dropped:
The Whack a Can Pan – For Cans Or Cartons
INGREDIENTS
Based, almost identically, on either a fairground mallet and bell concept, or the ‘Whack-a-Mole’.
CONCEPT
The can or carton is introduced to be crushed by a wide head mallet, with the flattened result dropped into the receptacle below.
Here's why
How spooky is that? Annoyingly, it's a top 10 idea. He who hesitates - or has a less than compatible browser... is lost.
Tuesday, December 08, 2009
Nice when you get it
Just had a nice call.
Remember my Voucher Tree idea?
Well, one of the schools we helped has just advised me that they had enough coupons in their coconut to be redeemed for a new wheelbarrow for their organic garden.
Every little bit helps, eh?
But I still can't stop wondering how much better it would have been, for all in the community, if Morrison's had allowed us to put the tree in their foyer to catch folk as they were leaving.
It would have reminded those without kids to collect them anyway, the schools would have got tons more... and the store itself would have gained awesome PR.
Remember my Voucher Tree idea?
Well, one of the schools we helped has just advised me that they had enough coupons in their coconut to be redeemed for a new wheelbarrow for their organic garden.
Every little bit helps, eh?
But I still can't stop wondering how much better it would have been, for all in the community, if Morrison's had allowed us to put the tree in their foyer to catch folk as they were leaving.
It would have reminded those without kids to collect them anyway, the schools would have got tons more... and the store itself would have gained awesome PR.
TWEET ME SEYMOUR
The problem with online experiments is that the positives can be matched equally by the negatives.
So for all the advantages of speed, ease of creation, etc, there is that slight worry that the minute you hit 'send', it's out there, for all to see, with its flies open.
And one thing I have discovered is that few in the blog, and especially twitosphere seem of a mind to sidle up and say 'Psst... actually, this doesn't really work [for this reason....]. Maybe time to think of a wee review?'
Anyway, nothing ventured, etc.
Following some truly appreciated support, I am beta-testing (ok, trying out) a new twitter regime.
Basically, I am going to use the new twitter retweet button to scoot throught what comes my way, morning, noon and night. And as the system permits no comments, I can't and hence won't. So if the content delights... or enrages... with luck the twitocrats will realise that to get context they need to follow the trail, to bouquet or brickbat the authors accordingly for their <140 masterpieces.
Meanwhile, the plan is for me to go back over the day (if I have time... most likely next morning) and do a quick review of those that tickled my fancy.
Working title: TWEET 'N LOWDOWN (see who salutes:)
Well, that's the theory.
So for all the advantages of speed, ease of creation, etc, there is that slight worry that the minute you hit 'send', it's out there, for all to see, with its flies open.
And one thing I have discovered is that few in the blog, and especially twitosphere seem of a mind to sidle up and say 'Psst... actually, this doesn't really work [for this reason....]. Maybe time to think of a wee review?'
Anyway, nothing ventured, etc.
Following some truly appreciated support, I am beta-testing (ok, trying out) a new twitter regime.
Basically, I am going to use the new twitter retweet button to scoot throught what comes my way, morning, noon and night. And as the system permits no comments, I can't and hence won't. So if the content delights... or enrages... with luck the twitocrats will realise that to get context they need to follow the trail, to bouquet or brickbat the authors accordingly for their <140 masterpieces.
Meanwhile, the plan is for me to go back over the day (if I have time... most likely next morning) and do a quick review of those that tickled my fancy.
Working title: TWEET 'N LOWDOWN (see who salutes:)
Well, that's the theory.
The issue.. as some would have it?
Just heard on the BBC as the talking head reads out what he's told to ask Prof. Sir David King: 'the issue is that a large number of people are saying there is nothing to be concerned about'.
Is this true?
Or is this how the government and its media shills would wish to see 'the debate' framed?
Anyone who thinks there are no issues of concern regarding PMWNCC is a) not being too rational and b) in a very small minority. Hence why play that up?
My concern, and I suspect that of others, is that 'climate' gets used as an excuse by already mediocre minds to try and compensate for fiscal failures elsewhere that will have zero or, worse, negative enviROI impacts on my kids' futures.
I smell straw men, and the media using them to frame...more like steer the issues stinks.
At least the talking head raised the contradictory point of Ed. Miliband shrieking about reductions whilst the government he is part of is advocating a 3-fold increase in air travel.
Addendum:
My first foray into how the print media complement the narrative:
http://www.independent.co.uk/environment/climate-change/we-wont-let-sceptics-hijack-climate-talks-1836029.html
Good to have standards. Not to have them as doubles
But this is an MSM that seems to see the US EPA and its timely actions as somehow unconnected with media management in a new era of command and control by big government.
And is one that also doesn't 'do' irony.
At least, watching today's broadcast news as I now catch up on the print.
Dancing to the tune of PROs of your mates and issuing news by press release does the BBC (or any medium) little credit. Especially when it is contradictory.
You either think greenhouse gasses are a here and now issue, or you don't.
Stick Ed Miliband and Richard Branson up together on this and I think most environmental correspondents' brains would freeze as anything either comes out with gets shared with zero critical thinking attached by our star-truck, government-slavish media.
Is this true?
Or is this how the government and its media shills would wish to see 'the debate' framed?
Anyone who thinks there are no issues of concern regarding PMWNCC is a) not being too rational and b) in a very small minority. Hence why play that up?
My concern, and I suspect that of others, is that 'climate' gets used as an excuse by already mediocre minds to try and compensate for fiscal failures elsewhere that will have zero or, worse, negative enviROI impacts on my kids' futures.
I smell straw men, and the media using them to frame...more like steer the issues stinks.
At least the talking head raised the contradictory point of Ed. Miliband shrieking about reductions whilst the government he is part of is advocating a 3-fold increase in air travel.
Addendum:
My first foray into how the print media complement the narrative:
http://www.independent.co.uk/environment/climate-change/we-wont-let-sceptics-hijack-climate-talks-1836029.html
Good to have standards. Not to have them as doubles
But this is an MSM that seems to see the US EPA and its timely actions as somehow unconnected with media management in a new era of command and control by big government.
And is one that also doesn't 'do' irony.
At least, watching today's broadcast news as I now catch up on the print.
Dancing to the tune of PROs of your mates and issuing news by press release does the BBC (or any medium) little credit. Especially when it is contradictory.
You either think greenhouse gasses are a here and now issue, or you don't.
Stick Ed Miliband and Richard Branson up together on this and I think most environmental correspondents' brains would freeze as anything either comes out with gets shared with zero critical thinking attached by our star-truck, government-slavish media.
IRONY ALERT - We have standards; at least double most
Just had to pop this one in to Aunty and SKY:
Watching today's news.
Some entirely welcome, and valid coverage on Copenhagen, and the issues at stake.
Then a few more pieces, followed by a commercial for favoured son Richard Branson and his next moneymaking scheme taking the uber-rich into space for a quick Kodak moment.
But it's all ok it seems, as the design of the craft is, according to the [at least in the case of the BBC, astoundingly] reporter, 'fuel efficient'.
Dancing to the tune of PROs of your mates and issuing news by press release does the BBC little credit. Especially when it is contradictory.
You either think greenhouse gasses are a here and now issue, or you don't.
Stick Ed Miliband and Richard Branson up together on this and I think your brains would freeze as anything either comes out with gets shared with zero critical thinking attached.
To be fair (if conceding two wrongs makes an MSM consenus) SKY had the same double standards as well. Who gives a sod about the planet if you get invited [to the Mojave Desert] by a ratings-cert Celeb billionaire to play with his rocket?
News generation by PRO and reporting by press release. Unique.
Addendum:
Having taken the broadcast media to task (and found that what was troubling viewers more... at least as claimed by those who select the emails... was a ban on 'pink'. Go figger), it was interesting to move on to their print cousins:
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/science/branson-unveils-his-spaceship-1836142.html
'The environmental impact would be minimal, Branson said.
"It's almost zero carbon output. We can put people into space for less carbon output than say, a flight from New York to L.A. and back, and that's for your particular seat on the flight from New York to L.A. and back," he said. "And I think in time, we will almost definitely be able to get to zero carbon output."
That is almost definitely a meaningless crock of... unsettling science.
Apt as the various debates around reducing GHG's swirl like contrails from a plane taking off from one of Gordon Brown and his government colleagues' (esp. Miliband. E) expanded airports.
But saying that would seem to make me a denier, or maybe saboteur? Too the too-cosy double-standard world some in the politico-media bubble live in, perhaps. Welcome to a Britain where the media is managed, and barely managing professionally it seems, other than via 'news' from press release by government or corporate PRO.
Meanwhile back at Copenhagen...
Telegraph - NEW - Virgin spaceman's flight of fancy
Watching today's news.
Some entirely welcome, and valid coverage on Copenhagen, and the issues at stake.
Then a few more pieces, followed by a commercial for favoured son Richard Branson and his next moneymaking scheme taking the uber-rich into space for a quick Kodak moment.
But it's all ok it seems, as the design of the craft is, according to the [at least in the case of the BBC, astoundingly] reporter, 'fuel efficient'.
Dancing to the tune of PROs of your mates and issuing news by press release does the BBC little credit. Especially when it is contradictory.
You either think greenhouse gasses are a here and now issue, or you don't.
Stick Ed Miliband and Richard Branson up together on this and I think your brains would freeze as anything either comes out with gets shared with zero critical thinking attached.
To be fair (if conceding two wrongs makes an MSM consenus) SKY had the same double standards as well. Who gives a sod about the planet if you get invited [to the Mojave Desert] by a ratings-cert Celeb billionaire to play with his rocket?
News generation by PRO and reporting by press release. Unique.
Addendum:
Having taken the broadcast media to task (and found that what was troubling viewers more... at least as claimed by those who select the emails... was a ban on 'pink'. Go figger), it was interesting to move on to their print cousins:
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/science/branson-unveils-his-spaceship-1836142.html
'The environmental impact would be minimal, Branson said.
"It's almost zero carbon output. We can put people into space for less carbon output than say, a flight from New York to L.A. and back, and that's for your particular seat on the flight from New York to L.A. and back," he said. "And I think in time, we will almost definitely be able to get to zero carbon output."
That is almost definitely a meaningless crock of... unsettling science.
Apt as the various debates around reducing GHG's swirl like contrails from a plane taking off from one of Gordon Brown and his government colleagues' (esp. Miliband. E) expanded airports.
But saying that would seem to make me a denier, or maybe saboteur? Too the too-cosy double-standard world some in the politico-media bubble live in, perhaps. Welcome to a Britain where the media is managed, and barely managing professionally it seems, other than via 'news' from press release by government or corporate PRO.
Meanwhile back at Copenhagen...
Telegraph - NEW - Virgin spaceman's flight of fancy
Monday, December 07, 2009
A time for RE:appraisal
Yesterday was my birthday.
And amongst a few nice things (my wife has been active on FaceBook and reconnected with some old friends who it was lovely to hear from) there was one, truly horrible one.
Which, though it affected me badly, and still is a matter of upset, might have been the best thing that could have happened in a long time.
It was a truly awful, personal 'tweet' on my twitter page.
This person had got a very wrong end of a stick, and instead of thinking for a few seconds had sought offence which, as I am oft prone to quote, if you are looking for in any way, it will happily present itself easily whenever required.
I was shocked by the passion and the bile. All in 140 characters or less. And all because we are in a time poor world where people react rather than think, and cheap talk has more value than considered actions.
Well, and here's the 'good' bit, after 24hrs pondering, I have decided enough's enough.
I enjoy debate. I think I am good at it. And I do think what I say can have value.
But talk can also be very cheap. And pointless. I have valued Twitter for the information it has brought my way, but 9 times out of 10 it has been in a form that is hard to trust and hence needs a lot of checking.
But not just Twitter. At the other end of the communication spectrum, even the so-called 'MSM' (main stream media) is now so corrupted by agenda, dubious affiliations and the seduction of career-driving ratings in an already facile 24/7 'news' environment, nearly all 'reporting' now is commentary, and all commentary is only as good as the person passing it. And that, these days, is near zero.
I have seen Copenhagen as an iconic event, much as many other sincere, idealistic folk. But now it has arrived I think it will just be another jamboree of tribalism and hypocrites jockeying for personal gain, be it monetary, career or ego-boosting legacy coverage.
Maybe there will be 'a deal', and maybe it will involve some positive aspects. If so, great.
But I cannot see the juggernaut that is the various competing global lobbying groups being influenced one jot by what I might think, say or even if the latter resonates with the few I share my views with.
So all the Twittering, blog-surfing and contributing has to stop. It was, is, and I suspect will be mere exercises in futility.
To make a difference I have to get back to doing, even if it is just in the smallest of ways. Because a deed that is appreciated and inspires can lead on to more, bigger and maybe even better ones.
So to that very sad, angry person: thank you. But I am not above hoping that by your words I will be returned to actions that will one day come back to haunt you and what you stand for.
'A great person makes others feel small. A truly great person makes others feel great'
Words to live by. And act upon.
And amongst a few nice things (my wife has been active on FaceBook and reconnected with some old friends who it was lovely to hear from) there was one, truly horrible one.
Which, though it affected me badly, and still is a matter of upset, might have been the best thing that could have happened in a long time.
It was a truly awful, personal 'tweet' on my twitter page.
This person had got a very wrong end of a stick, and instead of thinking for a few seconds had sought offence which, as I am oft prone to quote, if you are looking for in any way, it will happily present itself easily whenever required.
I was shocked by the passion and the bile. All in 140 characters or less. And all because we are in a time poor world where people react rather than think, and cheap talk has more value than considered actions.
Well, and here's the 'good' bit, after 24hrs pondering, I have decided enough's enough.
I enjoy debate. I think I am good at it. And I do think what I say can have value.
But talk can also be very cheap. And pointless. I have valued Twitter for the information it has brought my way, but 9 times out of 10 it has been in a form that is hard to trust and hence needs a lot of checking.
But not just Twitter. At the other end of the communication spectrum, even the so-called 'MSM' (main stream media) is now so corrupted by agenda, dubious affiliations and the seduction of career-driving ratings in an already facile 24/7 'news' environment, nearly all 'reporting' now is commentary, and all commentary is only as good as the person passing it. And that, these days, is near zero.
I have seen Copenhagen as an iconic event, much as many other sincere, idealistic folk. But now it has arrived I think it will just be another jamboree of tribalism and hypocrites jockeying for personal gain, be it monetary, career or ego-boosting legacy coverage.
Maybe there will be 'a deal', and maybe it will involve some positive aspects. If so, great.
But I cannot see the juggernaut that is the various competing global lobbying groups being influenced one jot by what I might think, say or even if the latter resonates with the few I share my views with.
So all the Twittering, blog-surfing and contributing has to stop. It was, is, and I suspect will be mere exercises in futility.
To make a difference I have to get back to doing, even if it is just in the smallest of ways. Because a deed that is appreciated and inspires can lead on to more, bigger and maybe even better ones.
So to that very sad, angry person: thank you. But I am not above hoping that by your words I will be returned to actions that will one day come back to haunt you and what you stand for.
'A great person makes others feel small. A truly great person makes others feel great'
Words to live by. And act upon.
Tuesday, December 01, 2009
Monday, November 30, 2009
The value of that cranked eyebrow
Been a bit quiet here of late.
More than I'd like.
It's just that, on top of the day job, I have been trying to stay on top of some rather hairy bits and bobs swirling around the blogosphere regarding the science of climate change.
And it's still swirling, at least in some quarters.
Which makes a little episode I was involved in today all the more pertinent.
From this blog:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/ethicalman/2009/11/a_guide_to_making_your_fortune.html#comments
It's all up there (for now... excuse me if I have some concerns about stealth editing from on high in certain quarters) so I'll just past the last one:
Further to my last post, I have now heard again from the BBC, and as it is not fully referred to in the note above, feel the explanation is worth sharing:
We owe you an apology.
The post as originally published did indeed contain a mistake, which was
corrected on Sunday morning.
We have now published an update to the blog, which makes this clear.
The reason we confidently informed you that no amendments had been made
to the blog was that we believed only one person on duty on Sunday had
the privileges required to make changes to Justin Rowlatt's blog - and
that person made no changes the copy. We have since discovered that
there was another person on duty with the ability to change the blog,
and this person made the change referred to in the blog comments.
Apologies again for getting it wrong in our first reply to your
complaint.
To which I have replied:
But I think you may owe the guy who spotted it more of one, and thanks for catching it. Which kind makes the general point I was making about a policy of flagging changes even more pertinent.
Order, for now, one trusts, is restored. But it does show the value of checking, and persistence. On top of not being above a cranked eyebrow when things do not seem to be adding up.
Indeed.
More than I'd like.
It's just that, on top of the day job, I have been trying to stay on top of some rather hairy bits and bobs swirling around the blogosphere regarding the science of climate change.
And it's still swirling, at least in some quarters.
Which makes a little episode I was involved in today all the more pertinent.
From this blog:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/ethicalman/2009/11/a_guide_to_making_your_fortune.html#comments
It's all up there (for now... excuse me if I have some concerns about stealth editing from on high in certain quarters) so I'll just past the last one:
Further to my last post, I have now heard again from the BBC, and as it is not fully referred to in the note above, feel the explanation is worth sharing:
We owe you an apology.
The post as originally published did indeed contain a mistake, which was
corrected on Sunday morning.
We have now published an update to the blog, which makes this clear.
The reason we confidently informed you that no amendments had been made
to the blog was that we believed only one person on duty on Sunday had
the privileges required to make changes to Justin Rowlatt's blog - and
that person made no changes the copy. We have since discovered that
there was another person on duty with the ability to change the blog,
and this person made the change referred to in the blog comments.
Apologies again for getting it wrong in our first reply to your
complaint.
To which I have replied:
But I think you may owe the guy who spotted it more of one, and thanks for catching it. Which kind makes the general point I was making about a policy of flagging changes even more pertinent.
Order, for now, one trusts, is restored. But it does show the value of checking, and persistence. On top of not being above a cranked eyebrow when things do not seem to be adding up.
Indeed.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)