Finding a climate for growth
As to the agreeable (new adjective du jour?:) Mr. Brown, it might be worth looking back and seeing what he has said (or, more likely open-endedly mis- or possibly not spoke) vs. what he has done, on most things but in particular anything to do with my kids' futures on this planet.
As to the awesome thought and authority that has gone in to this... "This is not the time to abandon a climate change agenda which is important for the future... The climate change agenda is part of the solution for many of the problems we face as a world economy"... well, I bet those words stopped all those rowing in their tracks with their substance, depth, detail and insight.
But at least some, somewhere, will be happy. 'We' have yet another, brand new target. Apparently.
Let the lobbyists out of the traps and the subsidies flow!
Telegraph - Ed Miliband promises less hot air
Well, when it comes to assessing talent, everything is relative I suppose. Is there a bar on the shores of the Dead Sea?
Newsnight -
You know what I found most telling about Mr. Miliband (the Even Younger)'s vox pop was his acknowledging that he, and indeed most, involved would not be around in 2050.
For a pol today, that is enough for me to know that a) it ain't going to happen, but b) a lot of folk are going to see target-based careers enhanced and/or making a load of money in the short term looking like they are trying.
Meanwhile, this is another press release that I imagine is already filed.
If we are going to be exposed to this government's latest whirly wheeze, and especially with a ringing stamp of 'You're all doing very well, aren't I' from Young PM Queeg, might we at least have a bit of historical context from the last decade to see how the latest claims might stand up and/or work out.
INdy - Loophole in minister's new emissions target - Rather sets the tone: like "telling everyone you're going on a calorie-controlled diet but not counting cream cakes".
Guardian - Can Ed Miliband deliver?
Guardian - Post-bubble possibility
Guardian - Saving the economy or saving the planet is not an either-or
See, there I was, getting all awed by the massive brainpower and seduced by the compelling skills of persuasion that score one the big bucks in the halls of power, and then I got to this:
"I am confident that we have the bold and challenging leadership we need."
I am sure you are, dear.
Is the Guardian now in the business of posting job applications as well?
At least the posts in reply made the energy consumed reading on worthwhile.
Guardian - Another green dream?
I am continually amazed by the way some manage to divorce 'Britain' from its 'government' - especially in terms of words and deeds carried out in its name - and the 'people' who in theory have given their mandates through 'votes' to others, especially to blow their money in their name via taxes.
Telegraph - Ed Miliband, Energy and Climate Change Secretary, has his work cut out
Indy - Miliband's blueprint for greener homes - while I was on board with much here, some of the suggestions do fail on my current enviROI measures, and hence rather colour the overall thing with a wash of green.
Guardian - On our present course, the bold new carbon target is worthless
When one's course is set by PM Queeg of the U.S Less 'I feel your pain (well, the pay, perks and pension might help ease it a bit)', cheered on at every repeated Titanic iceberg-ramming by a collection of Westminster Useful Village Idiots already nice and comfy in the few lifeboats, I must say 'worthless' is what first sprang to mind, too.
This is one mutineer ready to sign up on this 'ship in a state'.
Guardian - The greening of Brown
So, if I read the first para right it is basically: 'A distracting chance to just look good to your mates in high places whilst blowing yet more on saying a lot but again doing b-all'.
If his 'towering intellect' hadn't understood and/or got interested until now, then he's a few gigawatts short of a becalmed wind farm.
You damn the man with the faintest of praise.
Indy - Rebels to force climate change Bill concessions
I'd just be happy with a world-class climate my kids can enjoy.
But hey-ho....
Unleash the targets, crank up the bonuses and let the box-ticking commence!
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Pedal power
I have had cause to be less than impressed with this 'writer' before.
Let by this 'A cab driver's blog has criticised the Public Carriage Office for allowing tourist rickshaws on the capital's streets' I got to:
Against rickshaws
An interestingly economical form of written communication, but we've established before where the 'journalism' aspect figures.
And obviously remuneration is not by the word (at time of writing they were: 'Cabbies are' ... or is it?
Wonder where Ken or, more relevantly I suppose Boris would stand on this eco vs. econo. vs. safety issue.
Guess we'll never know.
Let by this 'A cab driver's blog has criticised the Public Carriage Office for allowing tourist rickshaws on the capital's streets' I got to:
Against rickshaws
An interestingly economical form of written communication, but we've established before where the 'journalism' aspect figures.
And obviously remuneration is not by the word (at time of writing they were: 'Cabbies are' ... or is it?
Wonder where Ken or, more relevantly I suppose Boris would stand on this eco vs. econo. vs. safety issue.
Guess we'll never know.
Sunday, October 12, 2008
Go figure
It's a list. In a paper. Of the top 100 enviromentalists.
The IoS Green List: Britain's top 100 environmentalists
If they (who?) say so. Fills a page or two, I guess.
I wonder what the criteria were? Volume? Being in (or luvv'd) in London? Applying mine of achieving better enviROI does come up with a rather different result.
I know more, doing more, within 20 miles of here.
ps: No 99. I think it's a water butt? But, then again, maybe not.
Addendum:
But just when you thought the trendy luvvie media had lost the green plot...
20 great green designs
Some are great. So I am just glad this is not claiming the best. Give 'em time, mind.
The IoS Green List: Britain's top 100 environmentalists
If they (who?) say so. Fills a page or two, I guess.
I wonder what the criteria were? Volume? Being in (or luvv'd) in London? Applying mine of achieving better enviROI does come up with a rather different result.
I know more, doing more, within 20 miles of here.
ps: No 99. I think it's a water butt? But, then again, maybe not.
Addendum:
But just when you thought the trendy luvvie media had lost the green plot...
20 great green designs
Some are great. So I am just glad this is not claiming the best. Give 'em time, mind.
Department Next
Ed Miliband, Energy and Climate Change Secretary, has his work cut out
Interesting analysis, but the replies are worth a scope.
Interesting analysis, but the replies are worth a scope.
Thursday, October 09, 2008
AWARD - Shell Springboard 2008
WHEN: Friday Nov 7
WHAT: Shell Springboard 2008
WHAT... MORE?: A programme that provides a financial boost to innovative, low carbon business ideas from across the UK. The idea behind the programme is that the business response to climate change should not be all about compliance and cost. There is a huge business opportunity if society is to move from a carbon-constrained world.
The criteria for those businesses which apply are very simple. Applications will be considered if the product or service will lead to a reduction in greenhouse gas emmissions, is commercially viable and is innovative.
HOW MUCH: Free
URL: http://www.shellspringboard.org/about/
COMMENTS: Been going a while. We keep entering, too. Like Robert the Bruce's spider... one day! And yes, we do know that they are an oil company. Thing is, we don't go around telling folk what not to do all the time... so whatever gets the dosh to DO good... we'll live with them trying to PR it.
AWARD - Google Project 10 to the power 100
Awards , eh? Famine, then fest. Or, as we are talking numbers: 38 busses.
WHEN: Oct 20th, 2008...soon!
WHAT: Google Project 10 to the power 100
WHAT... MORE?:
Categories:
Community: How can we help connect people, build communities and protect unique cultures?
Opportunity: How can we help people better provide for themselves and their families?
Energy: How can we help move the world toward safe, clean, inexpensive energy?
Environment: How can we help promote a cleaner and more sustainable global ecosystem?
Health: How can we help individuals lead longer, healthier lives?
Education: How can we help more people get more access to better education?
Shelter: How can we help ensure that everyone has a safe place to live?
Everything else: Sometimes the best ideas don't fit into any category at all.
Criteria:
Reach: How many people would this idea affect?
Depth: How deeply are people impacted? How urgent is the need?
Attainability: Can this idea be implemented within a year or two?
Efficiency: How simple and cost-effective is your idea?
Longevity: How long will the idea's impact last?
HOW MUCH: FREE
URL: http://www.project10tothe100.com/index.html
COMMENTS: It really is hard to see a down side. Remember... do no harm! Actually, keeping thinking of ways to do good, better.
WHEN: Oct 20th, 2008...soon!
WHAT: Google Project 10 to the power 100
WHAT... MORE?:
Categories:
Community: How can we help connect people, build communities and protect unique cultures?
Opportunity: How can we help people better provide for themselves and their families?
Energy: How can we help move the world toward safe, clean, inexpensive energy?
Environment: How can we help promote a cleaner and more sustainable global ecosystem?
Health: How can we help individuals lead longer, healthier lives?
Education: How can we help more people get more access to better education?
Shelter: How can we help ensure that everyone has a safe place to live?
Everything else: Sometimes the best ideas don't fit into any category at all.
Criteria:
Reach: How many people would this idea affect?
Depth: How deeply are people impacted? How urgent is the need?
Attainability: Can this idea be implemented within a year or two?
Efficiency: How simple and cost-effective is your idea?
Longevity: How long will the idea's impact last?
HOW MUCH: FREE
URL: http://www.project10tothe100.com/index.html
COMMENTS: It really is hard to see a down side. Remember... do no harm! Actually, keeping thinking of ways to do good, better.
One mighty suck for mankind
Newsnight -
Speaking of sucking...
'Susan Watts reports on a radical new approach designed to stop climate change. Confused?'
As I look out of my window at a lovely autumn taking over from summer (well, what passed for one), I simply ask that whatever man-made effort is made to mitigate (if at all possible and affordable) the power of what man might not be helping much as nature does her thing, I'd still like the climate to change a bit, please.
It's complex, and so easy for us all to get confused, I guess. But while dealing with possibly addressing possibly/probably man-worsened negative climate change is a rallying cry I could get behind, the shorter version used here is about as much use as Global Warming is... was.
Guess we should ask all those chaps I saw on the news recently who are going up to the Antarctic to race about how it's all going. Maybe when they meet the eco-racers driving round the country to see how little fuel they can use?
At least the atmospheric Deep Throat (one mighty suck for mankind) hoover sounds a bit more like DOING than talking, but I do worry about relative %ages near the things. Harking back to my A level sciences, if you suck all the C02 out locally and hence cause an osmotic (or is that fluids?) gradient towards them, won't that monkey around with the natural balances of the various gasses that make up air?
And is that a good thing?
I know it looked nifty (if in reverse) in Total Recall, but it's just that 'we' have not proven over nifty in our meddling with nature before.
Speaking of sucking...
'Susan Watts reports on a radical new approach designed to stop climate change. Confused?'
As I look out of my window at a lovely autumn taking over from summer (well, what passed for one), I simply ask that whatever man-made effort is made to mitigate (if at all possible and affordable) the power of what man might not be helping much as nature does her thing, I'd still like the climate to change a bit, please.
It's complex, and so easy for us all to get confused, I guess. But while dealing with possibly addressing possibly/probably man-worsened negative climate change is a rallying cry I could get behind, the shorter version used here is about as much use as Global Warming is... was.
Guess we should ask all those chaps I saw on the news recently who are going up to the Antarctic to race about how it's all going. Maybe when they meet the eco-racers driving round the country to see how little fuel they can use?
At least the atmospheric Deep Throat (one mighty suck for mankind) hoover sounds a bit more like DOING than talking, but I do worry about relative %ages near the things. Harking back to my A level sciences, if you suck all the C02 out locally and hence cause an osmotic (or is that fluids?) gradient towards them, won't that monkey around with the natural balances of the various gasses that make up air?
And is that a good thing?
I know it looked nifty (if in reverse) in Total Recall, but it's just that 'we' have not proven over nifty in our meddling with nature before.
Hur-di-Hur
It's about economics, but I sensed an interesting aspect...
Iceland would be mad to join the EU
As it cropped up at the end there, though not perhaps as a major point, I got to wondering about Iceland's energy independence.
Bearing in mind that it is, as far as I am aware, quite isolated from the vagaries of this aspect of economic development, is it just that they have been so profligate elsewhere that their commitment to renewables has not helped much?
Iceland would be mad to join the EU
As it cropped up at the end there, though not perhaps as a major point, I got to wondering about Iceland's energy independence.
Bearing in mind that it is, as far as I am aware, quite isolated from the vagaries of this aspect of economic development, is it just that they have been so profligate elsewhere that their commitment to renewables has not helped much?
Wednesday, October 08, 2008
Civil exchanges online. A rare pleasure.
I got a reply (well, with a few score others) from a celeb jounro!
The piece in question is below, and I'd popped in a sarky one liner more to keep the author on his toes. He's better than most in the green arena, though can, has, does and will still err on being a bit 'thee and me' in the who's in and who's out of Greeleet VIPdom.
But I did swing to his defence a wee while ago when he came out the the nuclear bunker. Not so much for the nuclear bit, but for his right to speak.
Green shoots of recovery
I was just teasing (some of these posts can come across as a bit worthy), and actually really appreciate the fact that an author here a) reads what they have set in motion and, b) better yet takes the time to reply/engage. Few do. Major kudos.
However....
'marklynas
Oct 08 08, 3:18pm
- Junkketeer - We're talking pretty small beer, just a Shares ISA. Without revealing my entire personal finances, I ain't rich, despite having written a couple of excellent books which everyone on this site really ought to rush off and buy. (there, I have shown there is no better thing than repeated publicity)
- youngpretender - you're quite right, of course. RBS is horrible, and their investments in fossil fuels are indefensible. I'll offload those (small quantity of) shares just as soon as they regain some value...'
I, too, am pondering the penning of a eco-book, with all the recycled, natural-inked, 'just had to fly there to find out how flying there was killing us' pitfalls.
But with this being the Grauniad and all, and there being about 20 articles daily on what to do and, more controversially what NOT to do (or else) du jour, it must surely have occurred that fronting up on investing in a company that invests... etc.. was kind of what a lot of folk get lambasted for/finger-waved at by commentators here all the time. Bit like Mr. Monbiot lobbing up (he didn't I hope) in his new motor for the 'hundreds drive round the UK in cars to show how much fuel we can save by being more careful driving' irony event winner today.
Especially if many seem to figure they'll just have one last, wafer-thin PR-jolly to Antarctica to see.. er ... report on how tourism is killing the polar bears before the ice melts. Or hell freezes over. Or those shares gain enough value so a profit can be made first before any enviro-breast-beating kicks in on a per word basis.
Ain't easy, is it, caring about the future but also trying to be pragmatic? Keep up the good work.
The piece in question is below, and I'd popped in a sarky one liner more to keep the author on his toes. He's better than most in the green arena, though can, has, does and will still err on being a bit 'thee and me' in the who's in and who's out of Greeleet VIPdom.
But I did swing to his defence a wee while ago when he came out the the nuclear bunker. Not so much for the nuclear bit, but for his right to speak.
Green shoots of recovery
I was just teasing (some of these posts can come across as a bit worthy), and actually really appreciate the fact that an author here a) reads what they have set in motion and, b) better yet takes the time to reply/engage. Few do. Major kudos.
However....
'marklynas
Oct 08 08, 3:18pm
- Junkketeer - We're talking pretty small beer, just a Shares ISA. Without revealing my entire personal finances, I ain't rich, despite having written a couple of excellent books which everyone on this site really ought to rush off and buy. (there, I have shown there is no better thing than repeated publicity)
- youngpretender - you're quite right, of course. RBS is horrible, and their investments in fossil fuels are indefensible. I'll offload those (small quantity of) shares just as soon as they regain some value...'
I, too, am pondering the penning of a eco-book, with all the recycled, natural-inked, 'just had to fly there to find out how flying there was killing us' pitfalls.
But with this being the Grauniad and all, and there being about 20 articles daily on what to do and, more controversially what NOT to do (or else) du jour, it must surely have occurred that fronting up on investing in a company that invests... etc.. was kind of what a lot of folk get lambasted for/finger-waved at by commentators here all the time. Bit like Mr. Monbiot lobbing up (he didn't I hope) in his new motor for the 'hundreds drive round the UK in cars to show how much fuel we can save by being more careful driving' irony event winner today.
Especially if many seem to figure they'll just have one last, wafer-thin PR-jolly to Antarctica to see.. er ... report on how tourism is killing the polar bears before the ice melts. Or hell freezes over. Or those shares gain enough value so a profit can be made first before any enviro-breast-beating kicks in on a per word basis.
Ain't easy, is it, caring about the future but also trying to be pragmatic? Keep up the good work.
We have always advocated Gold from Green
A certain retailer decides that you can save green in more ways than one by hooking up with Junkk.com, and...
Poundland escapes high street pounding to post bumper results
Coincidence? Who is to say? But whatever it is, it's a happy one we're thrilled to share:)
If nothing else (and, FWIW, we think there is more... lots more), we seem to be very lucky in, with and for the company we keep.
And you know what Napoleon looked for first in his Generals?
Poundland escapes high street pounding to post bumper results
Coincidence? Who is to say? But whatever it is, it's a happy one we're thrilled to share:)
If nothing else (and, FWIW, we think there is more... lots more), we seem to be very lucky in, with and for the company we keep.
And you know what Napoleon looked for first in his Generals?
AWARD - 2009 ST ANDREWS PRIZE FOR THE ENVIRONMENT
Another thanks to Martin of EnviroAbility
WHEN: Closing date for entries is 31 October, 2008
WHAT: 2009 ST ANDREWS PRIZE FOR THE ENVIRONMENT
WHAT... MORE?: Aimed at helping ordinary people find solutions to environmental problems, the Prize was launched ten years ago and is recognized as a prestigious international initiative, attracting entries from around the world. The Prize is a joint initiative between the University of St Andrews and international energy company ConocoPhillips.
Below is a brief description of the Prize. If you know of anyone who would be interested in applying or an organisation that could see a benefit in hosting a link to the Prize website, please forward.
Are you doing something for the environment? The 2009 St Andrews Prize for the Environment is open to entrants from anywhere in the world. The winner will receive $75,000 USD and two runners-up will each receive $25,000 USD.
The Prize recognises significant contributions to environmental conservation and since its launch in 1998 has attracted entries from more than 50 countries each year on diverse topics including;
sustainable development in the Amazon rainforest
urban regeneration
recycling
health and water issues
renewable energy
Submissions for the annual prize are assessed by a panel of eminent trustees representing science, industry and government with the award going to the project the Trustees consider displays the best combination of good science, economic realism and political acceptability.
HOW MUCH: Looks free. Yay!
URL: http://www.thestandrewsprize.com/
COMMENTS: We figure we're in the a left filed entry on recycling...ish.
Note... it is international. If you win and knock us off, think of who told you:) Heck, if you win in those other categories, still think of us!
WHEN: Closing date for entries is 31 October, 2008
WHAT: 2009 ST ANDREWS PRIZE FOR THE ENVIRONMENT
WHAT... MORE?: Aimed at helping ordinary people find solutions to environmental problems, the Prize was launched ten years ago and is recognized as a prestigious international initiative, attracting entries from around the world. The Prize is a joint initiative between the University of St Andrews and international energy company ConocoPhillips.
Below is a brief description of the Prize. If you know of anyone who would be interested in applying or an organisation that could see a benefit in hosting a link to the Prize website, please forward.
Are you doing something for the environment? The 2009 St Andrews Prize for the Environment is open to entrants from anywhere in the world. The winner will receive $75,000 USD and two runners-up will each receive $25,000 USD.
The Prize recognises significant contributions to environmental conservation and since its launch in 1998 has attracted entries from more than 50 countries each year on diverse topics including;
sustainable development in the Amazon rainforest
urban regeneration
recycling
health and water issues
renewable energy
Submissions for the annual prize are assessed by a panel of eminent trustees representing science, industry and government with the award going to the project the Trustees consider displays the best combination of good science, economic realism and political acceptability.
HOW MUCH: Looks free. Yay!
URL: http://www.thestandrewsprize.com/
COMMENTS: We figure we're in the a left filed entry on recycling...ish.
Note... it is international. If you win and knock us off, think of who told you:) Heck, if you win in those other categories, still think of us!
Maybe they don't know what they are?
Nearly half of FTSE-250 companies keep their carbon footprints hidden
Bet they all have awesome CSR reports, though.
Bet they all have awesome CSR reports, though.
IRONY ALERT - Driving misers crazy
It's a tricky one.
Competition throughout history has driven innovation, and innovation in driving is the competition here.
However, I had to crank a slight eyebrow at a piece on the news today about a driving competition that is based on the lightest foot winning.
I would just wish that there had (if there was I missed it) been a slight tilt towards the fact that, whatever the awareness, there are still an awful lot of cars gadding about the country burning fuel. It's better, but to me still erring on F1 trying to allude to eco-status by thinking about bio-fuels.
So far all I have gleaned as a consequence is that a smaller car uses less fuel, plus if you don't accelerate or break hard. Well, D'uh.
I do wonder what box-ticking effort this latest exercise in awareness might really be serving.
Addendum - Just watched the lunch news. The objective is, apparently, 'to use the least fuel'.
I wrote in and asked if, as a local participant (they went past my home), I could claim a prize, as my car used sod all fuel today as I didn't get in it.
Sadly, no reply. But fear not, this is so popular that there are plans for many more. Gaia breathes easier, I am sure.
Addendum 2 - Just watching the BBC Breakfast News about some noble race or other across the Antarctic. I am sure TV show and book to follow.... on BBC Worldwide.
Now, I am all for all these 'higher, faster, stronger' celebrations of the human spirit, but do wonder how the irony alert gets disconnected because some staffers are on to plug the thing.
Were we not being lambasted for how all we are up to is messing up the wildlife in colder climes? And how do all these guys and their teams get there... kayak?
I am still trying to get my head round yesterday's well-publicised 'eco'-race (one of many to come, apparently. Maybe F1 will get in on the act) where hundreds of folk drive around the country to show how little petrol they used. I was the clear winner by not going out at all in my car, and if I did only for something I really needed it for.
Consistency, Aunty, consistency. Next you'll be vying for a slot on Virgin Galactic... oh.
Join Captn. Fishtock's 'Polar Bears need more settees to rest on icebergs' now!
Competition throughout history has driven innovation, and innovation in driving is the competition here.
However, I had to crank a slight eyebrow at a piece on the news today about a driving competition that is based on the lightest foot winning.
I would just wish that there had (if there was I missed it) been a slight tilt towards the fact that, whatever the awareness, there are still an awful lot of cars gadding about the country burning fuel. It's better, but to me still erring on F1 trying to allude to eco-status by thinking about bio-fuels.
So far all I have gleaned as a consequence is that a smaller car uses less fuel, plus if you don't accelerate or break hard. Well, D'uh.
I do wonder what box-ticking effort this latest exercise in awareness might really be serving.
Addendum - Just watched the lunch news. The objective is, apparently, 'to use the least fuel'.
I wrote in and asked if, as a local participant (they went past my home), I could claim a prize, as my car used sod all fuel today as I didn't get in it.
Sadly, no reply. But fear not, this is so popular that there are plans for many more. Gaia breathes easier, I am sure.
Addendum 2 - Just watching the BBC Breakfast News about some noble race or other across the Antarctic. I am sure TV show and book to follow.... on BBC Worldwide.
Now, I am all for all these 'higher, faster, stronger' celebrations of the human spirit, but do wonder how the irony alert gets disconnected because some staffers are on to plug the thing.
Were we not being lambasted for how all we are up to is messing up the wildlife in colder climes? And how do all these guys and their teams get there... kayak?
I am still trying to get my head round yesterday's well-publicised 'eco'-race (one of many to come, apparently. Maybe F1 will get in on the act) where hundreds of folk drive around the country to show how little petrol they used. I was the clear winner by not going out at all in my car, and if I did only for something I really needed it for.
Consistency, Aunty, consistency. Next you'll be vying for a slot on Virgin Galactic... oh.
Join Captn. Fishtock's 'Polar Bears need more settees to rest on icebergs' now!
Tuesday, October 07, 2008
OCO to monitor CO2
Reported on Economist.com, the Orbiting Carbon Observatory (OCO) [hey, isn't that yet another CO2 molecule?], to be launched in 2009, is going to gather and monitor planetary wide data with the objective of providing a high resolution global map of CO2.
It all sounds highly intriguing and extremely complex, but, hopefully, will provide some much needed genuine empirical data.
Just love the conclusion ...... "Understanding what might happen is essential. Even if we don’t like the answers."
It all sounds highly intriguing and extremely complex, but, hopefully, will provide some much needed genuine empirical data.
Just love the conclusion ...... "Understanding what might happen is essential. Even if we don’t like the answers."
In the midst of all the financial doom and gloom....
... you can always trust the genius that is Matt of the Daily Telegraph to come up with a slant that will make you smile.
Have press card, will travel (to save planet)
BERG BENCHLESS
Now I have just about got used to endless celebs and their camp following 'journalistic' mates raising 'awareness' of climate change in their sweetly ironic way by helicoptering up to a snow-covered place at the first crack of a calving glacier or to see if saying 'boo' to a polar bear will stress it out... a bit more.
Or getting in a boat which, one presumes, uses some form of internal combustion power ('No dear, you can't put your settee on the funnel as that's where the poisonous gasses belch from when Capt'n Fishstocks yells 'Hypocrisy Ho!'). They have gathered that kayaks don't work too well, especially when trying to make a point.
But I am still trying to get my jaw off the floor as I watch my BBC Breakfast News about a couple who used their Tesco ClubCard Miles to buy Business Class flights.
Hey, whatever keeps the ratings up in Sevenoaks, I guess.
However, what got me, immediately, (and, to be fair a few readers, who whose comments were jokily referred to mid-way) was that what made this advertisement for the 'buy more stuff' scheme by a major private retailer a 'good thing' to share was, apparently, the fact that the couple accrued these points by collecting recycling waste.
Now, I really endorse the notion of reward-based eco-schemes (so long as they make sense.. and work) as opposed to the usual fine or hairshirt stuff, but for the love of Gaia could they not have found someone... anyone... who did not negate the whole effect, and hence point in such a crass manner?
Apparently it was offset. Now, I am no expert, but I am pretty sure the carbon gain of recycling some plastic bottles for 12 weeks is probably going to struggle to cope with what pops out the exhaust of a 747.
I wonder if it was the same one that ferried the bouffant and crew to New York for a quick slot on how the news in America is made. Don't they have guys over there to do that?
And now, as I type, It seems that shrimps in some bay up North are vanishing on account of... the salt water being diluted by all the rain.
There was a time when I would have swallowed that hook, line and mayonnaise, but now, without a serious scientist or two elsewhere agreeing, as far as I am concerned this is more likely due to over-fishing due to ever-increasing demands for prawn-cocktails as such the BBC canteen expands with more staff to address the news 'needs' of a growing population.
Times - Honeymoon takes off with recycled Air Miles -
True eco-champions. Where did they honeymoon? Antarctica? Probably not as it's packed with celeb luvvies and media camp followers raising 'awareness'. Besides the 'irony', anyone calculated 60,000 items recycled vs. 2 on Biz Class in Jumbo, Co2-wise? Or doesn't that matter?
BBC - Recycling litter funds honeymoon
ADDENDUM:
Funny who things turn out. I used the above as a mild example of how perceptions matter on a thread about 'International conferences....' (not by me, I might add) which started a long time ago on a, how to say, 'serious' 'list'. Look how it went:
Me:
I have followed the discussions on this thus far with interest.
It is obvious the balance is never going to be easy.
Take today.
A couple is lauded (rightly) in the media for taking advantage of a
pro-active, positive, incentive-driven supermarket scheme (and well
done them) to reduce waste and encourage recycling.
Their reward is 'points', which they choose to redeem for... two
Business Class seats to an exotic location.
Which aspect did my more 'climate optimistic' readers pick up upon?
As the topic did come up, do any experts present have a ballpark of
how 60,000 pieces of mixed recyclate would stack up, carbon-wise,
versus the consequences of their flight?
The issue of offsetting did come up and, though I fear the principle
is more important here, facts on mitigation would still be helpful.
To which I got an 'off list' reply (funny how the list encourages debate) from a person how might actually know:
Gr8 stuff (privately – as i hesitate to make an ‘expert’ pronouncement here!
My guesstimate though – between you and me – is that the 60,000 pieces will be a few 100kg of CO2e
The exotic flight – perhaps as much as 10 tonnes CO2e
So yes – 100 to one against!
To which I replied (off list - I know a lost cause when it presents):
Ta for the guesstimate. Mine was a fair bit higher, but I figured the balance was not that optimal.
I do have a bit of a bee in my bonnet on those talking a lot actually doing very little, and racking up a lot of bad enviROI whilst engaging in little more than that which they seek to scold others for doing: earning a living. I don't deny them the opportunity, but do question the multiplicity of standards.
And if those don't play well with my 'hood, then my kids' futures on this planet are not being served well. IMHO:)
I then made a mistake. I added:
At least I didn't get the usual flood of 'How dare you use this list for such things!!!'
Well, yet.
'Yet'... soon came:
All a bit of a no-brainer, I would have though - but obviously not.
Recycling materials is not an excuse for profligate energy use elsewhere. The simple message is that we avoid all energy waste or the game is lost. Flying to exotic locations is, sadly perhaps, a luxury that we can no longer afford. There are a lot of interesting places in Europe, accessible by train at a lower energy cost than a flight to NY and back.
Its not about balance, its about doing things differently. One saving does not justify another case of waste; that's plainly absurd. Clearly the Government have done a poor job in communicating the problem if such inane comments are still made.
I didn't comment on xx's original email as xx is a colleague and a friend but the plethora of comments deserve a reply. Much of what is achieved at conferences lies in the social interaction that happens between sessions. That's where contacts are made and useful networks established. Video conferencing certainly has a role but it does not replace every aspect of human contact - except amongst the socially challenged. Of course there are unnecessary jollies, conducted every day, but there are also events that require human contact where the nuances of the other delegates can be seen. That is how human communication evolved and it's not going to change any time soon. Events that deal with issues such as climate change, where networks develop that can begin to make more effective change, are sensible uses of travel - and xx did point out that he's not flying. Flying off to exotic locations is, I would have thought, an example of senseless and selfish use of travel.
This is more what I expected.
Clearly the Government have done a poor job in communicating the problem if such inane comments are still made.
I wonder if he meant mine, ad hominem, or the fact that the BBC shared this story as OK because one offset the other. In which cases maybe the government, its national broadcaster and others who would claim to 'know better' are doing a p*ss poor job, I agree.
And I guess Bali is out in future? Then again, getting UK delegates to the US and vice versa will require a nifty train, too.
However, as these guys want 'my sort' out of the club, it is best not to ask in open forum... er... list.
I do fear I touched a raw nerve.
Plus recalling a few past attempts of mine - to point out that when some folk use 'us' as a separate entity to a 'them', the latter might find themselves less sympathetic to the spirit of 'Don't do as I say...' based solely on a bit of perceived 'green cred' - generating more than a couple of old boys muttering about who should be in the club.
Shame then that they are not open to other views, then. Might explain the results generated at a few conferences (very few; I go on my own dime) I have been at where the public and their daily concerns and perceptions are poorly represented.
Sadly, he was also unable to help with my substantive question either. Funny how one willing and able to do so did... off list.
I now have another acronym: IYANWUYAU 'If you are not with us...'
And sadly, I cam mostly apply it to those who should be courting such as me, not driving us away by being incestuous, arrogant, know-all numpties.
Now I have just about got used to endless celebs and their camp following 'journalistic' mates raising 'awareness' of climate change in their sweetly ironic way by helicoptering up to a snow-covered place at the first crack of a calving glacier or to see if saying 'boo' to a polar bear will stress it out... a bit more.
Or getting in a boat which, one presumes, uses some form of internal combustion power ('No dear, you can't put your settee on the funnel as that's where the poisonous gasses belch from when Capt'n Fishstocks yells 'Hypocrisy Ho!'). They have gathered that kayaks don't work too well, especially when trying to make a point.
But I am still trying to get my jaw off the floor as I watch my BBC Breakfast News about a couple who used their Tesco ClubCard Miles to buy Business Class flights.
Hey, whatever keeps the ratings up in Sevenoaks, I guess.
However, what got me, immediately, (and, to be fair a few readers, who whose comments were jokily referred to mid-way) was that what made this advertisement for the 'buy more stuff' scheme by a major private retailer a 'good thing' to share was, apparently, the fact that the couple accrued these points by collecting recycling waste.
Now, I really endorse the notion of reward-based eco-schemes (so long as they make sense.. and work) as opposed to the usual fine or hairshirt stuff, but for the love of Gaia could they not have found someone... anyone... who did not negate the whole effect, and hence point in such a crass manner?
Apparently it was offset. Now, I am no expert, but I am pretty sure the carbon gain of recycling some plastic bottles for 12 weeks is probably going to struggle to cope with what pops out the exhaust of a 747.
I wonder if it was the same one that ferried the bouffant and crew to New York for a quick slot on how the news in America is made. Don't they have guys over there to do that?
And now, as I type, It seems that shrimps in some bay up North are vanishing on account of... the salt water being diluted by all the rain.
There was a time when I would have swallowed that hook, line and mayonnaise, but now, without a serious scientist or two elsewhere agreeing, as far as I am concerned this is more likely due to over-fishing due to ever-increasing demands for prawn-cocktails as such the BBC canteen expands with more staff to address the news 'needs' of a growing population.
Times - Honeymoon takes off with recycled Air Miles -
True eco-champions. Where did they honeymoon? Antarctica? Probably not as it's packed with celeb luvvies and media camp followers raising 'awareness'. Besides the 'irony', anyone calculated 60,000 items recycled vs. 2 on Biz Class in Jumbo, Co2-wise? Or doesn't that matter?
BBC - Recycling litter funds honeymoon
ADDENDUM:
Funny who things turn out. I used the above as a mild example of how perceptions matter on a thread about 'International conferences....' (not by me, I might add) which started a long time ago on a, how to say, 'serious' 'list'. Look how it went:
Me:
I have followed the discussions on this thus far with interest.
It is obvious the balance is never going to be easy.
Take today.
A couple is lauded (rightly) in the media for taking advantage of a
pro-active, positive, incentive-driven supermarket scheme (and well
done them) to reduce waste and encourage recycling.
Their reward is 'points', which they choose to redeem for... two
Business Class seats to an exotic location.
Which aspect did my more 'climate optimistic' readers pick up upon?
As the topic did come up, do any experts present have a ballpark of
how 60,000 pieces of mixed recyclate would stack up, carbon-wise,
versus the consequences of their flight?
The issue of offsetting did come up and, though I fear the principle
is more important here, facts on mitigation would still be helpful.
To which I got an 'off list' reply (funny how the list encourages debate) from a person how might actually know:
Gr8 stuff (privately – as i hesitate to make an ‘expert’ pronouncement here!
My guesstimate though – between you and me – is that the 60,000 pieces will be a few 100kg of CO2e
The exotic flight – perhaps as much as 10 tonnes CO2e
So yes – 100 to one against!
To which I replied (off list - I know a lost cause when it presents):
Ta for the guesstimate. Mine was a fair bit higher, but I figured the balance was not that optimal.
I do have a bit of a bee in my bonnet on those talking a lot actually doing very little, and racking up a lot of bad enviROI whilst engaging in little more than that which they seek to scold others for doing: earning a living. I don't deny them the opportunity, but do question the multiplicity of standards.
And if those don't play well with my 'hood, then my kids' futures on this planet are not being served well. IMHO:)
I then made a mistake. I added:
At least I didn't get the usual flood of 'How dare you use this list for such things!!!'
Well, yet.
'Yet'... soon came:
All a bit of a no-brainer, I would have though - but obviously not.
Recycling materials is not an excuse for profligate energy use elsewhere. The simple message is that we avoid all energy waste or the game is lost. Flying to exotic locations is, sadly perhaps, a luxury that we can no longer afford. There are a lot of interesting places in Europe, accessible by train at a lower energy cost than a flight to NY and back.
Its not about balance, its about doing things differently. One saving does not justify another case of waste; that's plainly absurd. Clearly the Government have done a poor job in communicating the problem if such inane comments are still made.
I didn't comment on xx's original email as xx is a colleague and a friend but the plethora of comments deserve a reply. Much of what is achieved at conferences lies in the social interaction that happens between sessions. That's where contacts are made and useful networks established. Video conferencing certainly has a role but it does not replace every aspect of human contact - except amongst the socially challenged. Of course there are unnecessary jollies, conducted every day, but there are also events that require human contact where the nuances of the other delegates can be seen. That is how human communication evolved and it's not going to change any time soon. Events that deal with issues such as climate change, where networks develop that can begin to make more effective change, are sensible uses of travel - and xx did point out that he's not flying. Flying off to exotic locations is, I would have thought, an example of senseless and selfish use of travel.
This is more what I expected.
Clearly the Government have done a poor job in communicating the problem if such inane comments are still made.
I wonder if he meant mine, ad hominem, or the fact that the BBC shared this story as OK because one offset the other. In which cases maybe the government, its national broadcaster and others who would claim to 'know better' are doing a p*ss poor job, I agree.
And I guess Bali is out in future? Then again, getting UK delegates to the US and vice versa will require a nifty train, too.
However, as these guys want 'my sort' out of the club, it is best not to ask in open forum... er... list.
I do fear I touched a raw nerve.
Plus recalling a few past attempts of mine - to point out that when some folk use 'us' as a separate entity to a 'them', the latter might find themselves less sympathetic to the spirit of 'Don't do as I say...' based solely on a bit of perceived 'green cred' - generating more than a couple of old boys muttering about who should be in the club.
Shame then that they are not open to other views, then. Might explain the results generated at a few conferences (very few; I go on my own dime) I have been at where the public and their daily concerns and perceptions are poorly represented.
Sadly, he was also unable to help with my substantive question either. Funny how one willing and able to do so did... off list.
I now have another acronym: IYANWUYAU 'If you are not with us...'
And sadly, I cam mostly apply it to those who should be courting such as me, not driving us away by being incestuous, arrogant, know-all numpties.
Monday, October 06, 2008
But... do they recycle?
Ch 4 - Starbucks leaves the tap running in the interests of hygiene..
...but every day loses the equivalent amount that it takes to provide water for the entire population of Namibia.
Now this cannot be right in today's CSR-aware world, surely?
...but every day loses the equivalent amount that it takes to provide water for the entire population of Namibia.
Now this cannot be right in today's CSR-aware world, surely?
Sunday, October 05, 2008
Don't believe a word I say
No, really. Why should you?
Check, check, and check agin. Compare and contrast. Challenge if necessary. Just make sure you have all the possible facts, and a decent spread of subjective opinion, before coming to a view.
And then be open to having it evolve if necessary.
Why do I write all this?
Well, for an envionmental campaigner, I am about to post two pieces form what can only charitably be deemed 'climate optimists'.
Thing is, it is their right to have views, and share them. So long as they are sincere, honest, well argued and referenced.
Which is why I have been so unhappy from others, who should really know better, using terms such as 'denialists' in an ongoing, and unsubtel battle of wills, and fight for the thoughts and support of the general public.
Now, I have a stated unease with focussing too much on the person and their supprters as opposed to the argument, but this can of course coem to matter.
As, I believe, it does here.
Bearing in mind my caution at the top, bearing this intoduction in mind, I think what is raised in these blogs is worth sharing, and the consequences thought about.
How the public is served its information (bear in mind that the BBC serves up only a few 'authoratative' environment reproters , with various titles that sledom to my mind are warranted form their backgrounds) is, still, to my mind, a critical aspect of how we conduct our daily lives.
Bishop Hill Blog - The amazing disappearing Roger Harrabin!
Harmless Sky - The Freedom of Information Act and the BBC’s willing little helpers
Just the facts, man... just the facts.
Check, check, and check agin. Compare and contrast. Challenge if necessary. Just make sure you have all the possible facts, and a decent spread of subjective opinion, before coming to a view.
And then be open to having it evolve if necessary.
Why do I write all this?
Well, for an envionmental campaigner, I am about to post two pieces form what can only charitably be deemed 'climate optimists'.
Thing is, it is their right to have views, and share them. So long as they are sincere, honest, well argued and referenced.
Which is why I have been so unhappy from others, who should really know better, using terms such as 'denialists' in an ongoing, and unsubtel battle of wills, and fight for the thoughts and support of the general public.
Now, I have a stated unease with focussing too much on the person and their supprters as opposed to the argument, but this can of course coem to matter.
As, I believe, it does here.
Bearing in mind my caution at the top, bearing this intoduction in mind, I think what is raised in these blogs is worth sharing, and the consequences thought about.
How the public is served its information (bear in mind that the BBC serves up only a few 'authoratative' environment reproters , with various titles that sledom to my mind are warranted form their backgrounds) is, still, to my mind, a critical aspect of how we conduct our daily lives.
Bishop Hill Blog - The amazing disappearing Roger Harrabin!
Harmless Sky - The Freedom of Information Act and the BBC’s willing little helpers
Just the facts, man... just the facts.
PROF'S POSER - Back story
Prompted by a post in a very good Gizmo site I frequent, Red Ferret, the issue of Fridge coil cooling has come up.
I was just wondering what, if anything, could be done to help improve this aspect of what is an unavoidable 24/7 energy draining system.
I was just wondering what, if anything, could be done to help improve this aspect of what is an unavoidable 24/7 energy draining system.
Saturday, October 04, 2008
Reaction is probably the best form of complement
News from the "Voucher Tree" front.We've made two, and they are in two local locations: Terry's Digital and the EnviroAbility Book Swap shop.
The PR has been picked up quite well, with local papers the Ross Gazette and Hereford Journal, and local radio BBC H&W (we think - they interviewed me for sure, but the advised date for airing keeps moving) and WyvernFM (on air and online - we'll try and get MP3s of both stations) being most supportive. It was gratifying to find hard-bitten press folk not seeing a down side to what we are trying to do.
And two more primaries, Weston-under-Penyard and Kings Caple, have asked for a 'coconut' to be added, which has been done.
Though Morrisons has yet to get back to us, we have noticed that in the last few days, if oddly well into the promotion, some 'A frames' have been put in the foyer to advise which schools have signed up. Better than nothing for sure. Shame no invitation to add a tree (or tell us they were doing this, as we could have added it to the PR), but we'd like to think our efforts may have inspired them a bit. That a sister store in the nearby city, Hereford, has only a few schools mentioned to the big list we have in Ross (like, by a factor of 10), would suggest a lot of local interest... for some reason. Still seems a pity not to just get the vouchers from till to tree in one shot.
And we've just been told of an ASDA promo around now that is very similar.
All in a good cause! As is said: 'Every little bit helps', if you know what I mean.
Friday, October 03, 2008
Just what we needed... another department
Miliband's new department - what does it mean for the climate?
'...a country safe from climate change."
'Send a letter to Miliband now, congratulating him on his new appointment and encouraging him to begin a green energy revolution.'
Dear Ed...
As we head into autumn, I do hope that a ceratin amount of climate change will still be permitted.
But I feel so much happier knowing one with your experience, backed by a whole new department and all that entails, is on the case.
Yours,
BBC - Greens welcome new climate dept - BBC says 'Greens are happy'. At least further down the piece are some more pragmatic questions being asked.
'...a country safe from climate change."
'Send a letter to Miliband now, congratulating him on his new appointment and encouraging him to begin a green energy revolution.'
Dear Ed...
As we head into autumn, I do hope that a ceratin amount of climate change will still be permitted.
But I feel so much happier knowing one with your experience, backed by a whole new department and all that entails, is on the case.
Yours,
BBC - Greens welcome new climate dept - BBC says 'Greens are happy'. At least further down the piece are some more pragmatic questions being asked.
Thursday, October 02, 2008
CATEGORY - GREEN POLITICS
Plenty scattered about via labels (below) , but time to try and start a list as they arise:
GENERAL
CONSERVATIVES
Indy - How green are the Tories?
Telegraph - Cameroonie wonks plan reboot of environmental policy -
Conservativehome - NEW - Green taxes have been kicked into the long grass - Oooo...kkayyyy
GREENS
LABOUR
LIB DEMS
PLAID CYMRU
SNP
GENERAL
CONSERVATIVES
Indy - How green are the Tories?
Telegraph - Cameroonie wonks plan reboot of environmental policy -
Conservativehome - NEW - Green taxes have been kicked into the long grass - Oooo...kkayyyy
GREENS
LABOUR
LIB DEMS
PLAID CYMRU
SNP
Wednesday, October 01, 2008
Space cadets
I have been advised BBC news are advising Richard Branson is to help 'survey' the ionosphere to monitor climate change.
I have looked around on the BBC site for confirmation and have only found this, which leads to this, which seems to suggest this is unlikely. Possibly the claim, rather the story, was in error.
However I will repeat my reply, just in case this is another PR turned news item.
Whatever one's views of him, his views do get a fair amount of top billing and hence do count.
But I'm most interested in what he is actually saying and/or doing, and the impacts these words or actions may have.
Without seeing it I couldn't comment, but I am guessing this is more support for 'Virgin Galactic", whereby billionaires and their mates (and pliant media remoras) get to have a Kodak moment atop a column of greenhouse gasses.
I am kind of losing count of the attempted eco-mitigations for this jolly on the part of the empire and its media fanbase, but there was the pushing planes to the takeoff and the bio-747 on the ground. Then there was using this toy to 'transport' vital goods to war-torn outposts in a hurry. Now is it possible that instead of a G&T the next dot com whizz kid or noted physicist will get handed a straw and asked to '...check the extent of 'climate change', by sampling gases in the ionosphere.' as it arcs through.
Please tell me that is not being given screen space!
I don't know, but can't balloons do this? Or if not, unmanned, smaller, cheaper and a lot less polluting rockets?
An interesting ra-ra contrast to the 'science' behind test on Polar Bear hearing problems caused by noise from Global Warming.
I have looked around on the BBC site for confirmation and have only found this, which leads to this, which seems to suggest this is unlikely. Possibly the claim, rather the story, was in error.
However I will repeat my reply, just in case this is another PR turned news item.
Whatever one's views of him, his views do get a fair amount of top billing and hence do count.
But I'm most interested in what he is actually saying and/or doing, and the impacts these words or actions may have.
Without seeing it I couldn't comment, but I am guessing this is more support for 'Virgin Galactic", whereby billionaires and their mates (and pliant media remoras) get to have a Kodak moment atop a column of greenhouse gasses.
I am kind of losing count of the attempted eco-mitigations for this jolly on the part of the empire and its media fanbase, but there was the pushing planes to the takeoff and the bio-747 on the ground. Then there was using this toy to 'transport' vital goods to war-torn outposts in a hurry. Now is it possible that instead of a G&T the next dot com whizz kid or noted physicist will get handed a straw and asked to '...check the extent of 'climate change', by sampling gases in the ionosphere.' as it arcs through.
Please tell me that is not being given screen space!
I don't know, but can't balloons do this? Or if not, unmanned, smaller, cheaper and a lot less polluting rockets?
An interesting ra-ra contrast to the 'science' behind test on Polar Bear hearing problems caused by noise from Global Warming.
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
AWARD/COMPETITION - Big Numbers
WHEN: Submission Deadline:October 20th, 2008
WHAT: Project 10 to the 100th
WHAT... MORE?: They'll help bring these ideas to life.
Community: How can we help connect people, build communities and protect unique cultures?
Opportunity: How can we help people better provide for themselves and their families?
Energy: How can we help move the world toward safe, clean, inexpensive energy?
Environment: How can we help promote a cleaner and more sustainable global ecosystem?
Health: How can we help individuals lead longer, healthier lives?
Education: How can we help more people get more access to better education?
Shelter: How can we help ensure that everyone has a safe place to live?
Everything else: Sometimes the best ideas don't fit into any category at all.
HOW MUCH: Freeeeee! Yet you can score soem BIG numbers.
URL: http://www.project10tothe100.com/index.html
COMMENTS: Thx to Martin of EnviroAbility for the share! It's big.. yet I hadn't heard of it.
WHAT: Project 10 to the 100th
WHAT... MORE?: They'll help bring these ideas to life.
Community: How can we help connect people, build communities and protect unique cultures?
Opportunity: How can we help people better provide for themselves and their families?
Energy: How can we help move the world toward safe, clean, inexpensive energy?
Environment: How can we help promote a cleaner and more sustainable global ecosystem?
Health: How can we help individuals lead longer, healthier lives?
Education: How can we help more people get more access to better education?
Shelter: How can we help ensure that everyone has a safe place to live?
Everything else: Sometimes the best ideas don't fit into any category at all.
HOW MUCH: Freeeeee! Yet you can score soem BIG numbers.
URL: http://www.project10tothe100.com/index.html
COMMENTS: Thx to Martin of EnviroAbility for the share! It's big.. yet I hadn't heard of it.
The era of 'Pay To Play' is upon us?
I had to reply to this post from a media forum poster:
We all know how the credit crunch is squeezing us but I was amused by the
fact that the Open University feels that journalists should expect to pay in
order to attend a conference in Milton Keynes. Anyone else been asked to pay
to cover events from other universities or is the Open Uni about to declare
itself full of toxic debt and demand to be nationalised.
Dear
Thank you for your email and interest in the ReLIVE08 Conference.
Registration officially closed on the 22nd September however we are holding
four places for journalists and members of the press, on a first come first
served basis, for which we could offer you a special registration rate of
£325.
If you would like to attend please could you send your completed
registration and payment forms to us ASAP.
We hope to see you at the Conference in November.
Best wishes
ReLIVE08 Conference Team
I feel your pain. If it is one in your side from laughing.
Just last weekend I was not in London and Brighton for an event run with the participation of UoBrighton.
As a consequence of a kind recommendation from a PR I think I met via these pages, I was 'invited' as you were to an event. I thanked them and pointed out that 3 days away, accommodation and travel were quite enough for me to bear without a fee on top, so ta but no ta.
Having seen my email signature links on Junkk.com I was surprised then to be reinvited, only this time to speak. As it seemed a nifty networking opportunity I agreed.
Sadly, having got cracking on my topic, Powerpoints, etc, it all went the shape of a pear when it was clarified that this was still for a fee (only... that I paid them), but would be reduced vs. other delegates.
The era of 'pay to play' beyond music is with us I guess:(
However, I really struggle to see why I should fund others who go on to profit from charging an audience to share in what I am willing to bring to them, especially when it is all billed as 'helping the planet'. This whole industry is becoming thoroughly discredited, as well as being totally unrepresentative. I was at one a while ago that was £1k for the day, and the only folk there were govt. and LAs and Uni types paid for, big business and lobbyists on expenses and almost no grass roots folk to represent the average person. Which may explain why a lot of these 'summit's result in stuff few with a mortgage, Fiesta and once a week dash round Lidl can identify with.
Rgds, Peter
Junkk.com
ps: The 'RE' prefix piqued my interest as I thought this might be another 'green' effort, and hence one I might be interested in, as I am pondering holding an eco-conference using it that does not depend on your ability to pay, get there or who lobbies a slot based on 'knowing people' or being a media luvvie.
In fact I note it refers to Second Life, which I am very interested in for its ability to bring people together, for free, without needing to fly or drive further than their PC screen. My partner now holds live international concerts using it and though she may have to stay up late or get up early to catch an Asia or US audience at their favoured time, it doesn't half make for a better gig on family life, for wallet... and planet.
We all know how the credit crunch is squeezing us but I was amused by the
fact that the Open University feels that journalists should expect to pay in
order to attend a conference in Milton Keynes. Anyone else been asked to pay
to cover events from other universities or is the Open Uni about to declare
itself full of toxic debt and demand to be nationalised.
Dear
Thank you for your email and interest in the ReLIVE08 Conference.
Registration officially closed on the 22nd September however we are holding
four places for journalists and members of the press, on a first come first
served basis, for which we could offer you a special registration rate of
£325.
If you would like to attend please could you send your completed
registration and payment forms to us ASAP.
We hope to see you at the Conference in November.
Best wishes
ReLIVE08 Conference Team
I feel your pain. If it is one in your side from laughing.
Just last weekend I was not in London and Brighton for an event run with the participation of UoBrighton.
As a consequence of a kind recommendation from a PR I think I met via these pages, I was 'invited' as you were to an event. I thanked them and pointed out that 3 days away, accommodation and travel were quite enough for me to bear without a fee on top, so ta but no ta.
Having seen my email signature links on Junkk.com I was surprised then to be reinvited, only this time to speak. As it seemed a nifty networking opportunity I agreed.
Sadly, having got cracking on my topic, Powerpoints, etc, it all went the shape of a pear when it was clarified that this was still for a fee (only... that I paid them), but would be reduced vs. other delegates.
The era of 'pay to play' beyond music is with us I guess:(
However, I really struggle to see why I should fund others who go on to profit from charging an audience to share in what I am willing to bring to them, especially when it is all billed as 'helping the planet'. This whole industry is becoming thoroughly discredited, as well as being totally unrepresentative. I was at one a while ago that was £1k for the day, and the only folk there were govt. and LAs and Uni types paid for, big business and lobbyists on expenses and almost no grass roots folk to represent the average person. Which may explain why a lot of these 'summit's result in stuff few with a mortgage, Fiesta and once a week dash round Lidl can identify with.
Rgds, Peter
Junkk.com
ps: The 'RE' prefix piqued my interest as I thought this might be another 'green' effort, and hence one I might be interested in, as I am pondering holding an eco-conference using it that does not depend on your ability to pay, get there or who lobbies a slot based on 'knowing people' or being a media luvvie.
In fact I note it refers to Second Life, which I am very interested in for its ability to bring people together, for free, without needing to fly or drive further than their PC screen. My partner now holds live international concerts using it and though she may have to stay up late or get up early to catch an Asia or US audience at their favoured time, it doesn't half make for a better gig on family life, for wallet... and planet.
Monday, September 29, 2008
All change in Alaska
According to this piece from Sunday's Observer, the Yup'ik Eskimos 0f southern Alaska are amongst the planet's first climate change refugees. (There ARE others though, such as Kiribati's inhabitants.)
A fascinating article about how climate change is having really huge impacts on native Eskimo communities highlights how one village is moving location some nine miles to an island where the melting permafrost will not have quite the same effect that it is having on their current village's location.
Some fascinating insights into subsistence living in one of the planet's harshest, and, it seems, rapidly changing, environments. Well worth a read.
n.b. Just love the quote about Sarah Palin - "Alaska's new lipstick-wearing pitbull megastar, Sarah Palin, is intellectually challenged when it comes to global warming. [Ouch!!] Soon after she was thrown into the spotlight as John McCain's presidential running mate she said: 'A changing environment will affect Alaska more than any other state, because of our location. I'm not one, though, who would attribute it to being man-made.' A few days later she tried to retract her statement, but her sentiments as a global-warming denier were crystal clear."
A fascinating article about how climate change is having really huge impacts on native Eskimo communities highlights how one village is moving location some nine miles to an island where the melting permafrost will not have quite the same effect that it is having on their current village's location.
Some fascinating insights into subsistence living in one of the planet's harshest, and, it seems, rapidly changing, environments. Well worth a read.
n.b. Just love the quote about Sarah Palin - "Alaska's new lipstick-wearing pitbull megastar, Sarah Palin, is intellectually challenged when it comes to global warming. [Ouch!!] Soon after she was thrown into the spotlight as John McCain's presidential running mate she said: 'A changing environment will affect Alaska more than any other state, because of our location. I'm not one, though, who would attribute it to being man-made.' A few days later she tried to retract her statement, but her sentiments as a global-warming denier were crystal clear."
More on bees ...
... and the potential effects of colony collapse disorder from Haaretz, an Israeli publication house.
"Bear in mind that the bee problem has implications not only for fruits and vegetables, but also for beef. Without bees there is no seed for cattle grazing, no alfalfa and no clover," says Shai Spector, head of the Israeli honey producers association. "It's a chain. Costs will skyrocket; chickens and cows will disappear. You can eat bread, but a body cannot be sustained on bread alone. A war will break out over food, with the problems already in place today."
All very worrying, especially at a time of increasing costs in most basic foodstuffs.
"Bear in mind that the bee problem has implications not only for fruits and vegetables, but also for beef. Without bees there is no seed for cattle grazing, no alfalfa and no clover," says Shai Spector, head of the Israeli honey producers association. "It's a chain. Costs will skyrocket; chickens and cows will disappear. You can eat bread, but a body cannot be sustained on bread alone. A war will break out over food, with the problems already in place today."
All very worrying, especially at a time of increasing costs in most basic foodstuffs.
Sunday, September 28, 2008
CATEGORY - BIOFUELS
Time to break this out as a separate category.
And also to note that when discussed before (as it is, often), the archiving separates singular from plurals, so you need to check 'BIOFUEL' and 'BIOFUELS' (see links at end) to get the full collection.
I will... one day... try to bring them all under here, but this is where it will all go from now on.
Sunday Times - Biofuels: Fields of dreams - a fair summary to kick off
BBC - Call for delay to biofuels policy
Guardian - Top scientists warn against rush to biofuel
Guardian - Biofuels: a solution that became part of the problem
Food&Drink.com - Nestle chief warns biofuels threaten food supplies - another take... from a surprising source
The Register - Dave of Solarventi has flagged this up in comments: I think it worthy of a main link: Pork and politics energise the biofuel delusion - I really like their contributors' writing style (erring on the very witty, with a touch of sarky), but the sheer logic that their science base makes for compelling argument and opinion. Plus, even if they may not see it in such terms, they are very much in the vanguard of genuine enviROI+ advocacy. I might also have to lob this in the Compost and FWD categories, too.... assuming he's right.
Had to drop a note:
'And the prize for GW claptrap reporting goes, once again to, the BBC.'
To this statement, at the very least... Amen.
Whatever else one might think about the various issues surrounding 'Probably man-worsened climate change', I am still trying to get around our national broadcaster's total lack of irony.
Around the ice shelf story they had no problem advocating moon burials and a crew flying to Midway Island to go beachcombing for plastic to show how a bag ban will solve the various e-crises.
ps: Back on-topic, kudos for a most worthwhile story for those simply keen to avoid waste and reduce unnecessary greenhouse nasties going up - no matter what - 'in the name of green'.
Beverage Daily - Biofuels policy requires focus on sustainability, says CIAA
Guardian CiF - NEW - Fuelling the debate - no post as yet, oddly
Edie - Biofuel demand 'will increase GHGs'
The Register - Boffinry bigwig puts another boot into biofuels - Obviously not a 'pro' piece. Worth reading for some interesting (and funny) science-savvy comments.
Guardian - Demands for crackdown on biofuels scam - (links in piece to other info, some objective facts) The negatives just keep on piling up, which is a pity, as I am sure that in amongst it all there could be a positive angle to tell.. and embrace. I feel for all those who are trying to make businesses out of doing the right thing, in the right way, but will get tarred by a rather broad brush.
Guardian - Germany drops 'roadmap to biofuels' for cars
Guardian - Poor go hungry while rich fill their tanks - Lumme.. the negatives are piling up. I have to wonder if we are getting the true picture or as extreme a swing away as we had to that got the industry in this pickle.
Observer - Darling calls for urgent review of biofuel policies - That'll crack it, a 'review' is 'called for'.
Telegraph - Biofuel potential for commercially grown grass - rare good news?
Guardian - Biofuels: a blueprint for the future? - Not sure I'd call it a 'debate' as billed, but some views from a couple of bods who should know a thing or two. Trouble is, they are pols.
Newsnight & Indy - via Junkk -
Guardian - Fuelling the food crisis
Indy - Why biofuels could actually mean more CO2 emissions - That's a no form the UK's chemists (well CEO of their society), then.
gas2org - Twenty-Two Biodiesel Myths Dispelled -
Guardian - Brazil rejects biofuels criticism - And how. I have popped the Prez' comment as Quote of the Day
The Register - Royal Navy warships could run on sunflower oil - if fresh - 'Make smoke...d herrings, Number One' Actually, some interesting facts!
SAAB - Fuelling the BioPower argument - Bear in mind that this is from a company who makes a car that runs on the stuff.
Times - Biofuel: a tankful of weed juice
Guardian - The biofuel solution - Were it as simple as inferred
Guardian - Secret report: biofuel caused food crisis - Oh, dear. But shush, it's a secret. And soon there will be another report that says teh exact opposite, I'm sure.
The Grocer - Biofuels to blame for food price rises
Observer - Exclusive: we publish the biofuels report they didn't want you to read - I crank an eyebrow at anyything billed thus, mind.
Guardian - UK biofuel 'not up to standard' - That's alsmost 1 in 5! Whe do I suspect getting it to 38% might get billed by some as 100% improved!
BBC - EU in crop biofuel goal rethink
Times - NEW - Pumping the biofuels, from Rio to the Humber
INFORMATION
BBC Green - Sixty-second-guide-to-biofuels
Guardian - Q&A: Biofuels
Renewable Fuels Agency -
Renewable Transport Fuel Obligation (RTFO)
And also to note that when discussed before (as it is, often), the archiving separates singular from plurals, so you need to check 'BIOFUEL' and 'BIOFUELS' (see links at end) to get the full collection.
I will... one day... try to bring them all under here, but this is where it will all go from now on.
Sunday Times - Biofuels: Fields of dreams - a fair summary to kick off
BBC - Call for delay to biofuels policy
Guardian - Top scientists warn against rush to biofuel
Guardian - Biofuels: a solution that became part of the problem
Food&Drink.com - Nestle chief warns biofuels threaten food supplies - another take... from a surprising source
The Register - Dave of Solarventi has flagged this up in comments: I think it worthy of a main link: Pork and politics energise the biofuel delusion - I really like their contributors' writing style (erring on the very witty, with a touch of sarky), but the sheer logic that their science base makes for compelling argument and opinion. Plus, even if they may not see it in such terms, they are very much in the vanguard of genuine enviROI+ advocacy. I might also have to lob this in the Compost and FWD categories, too.... assuming he's right.
Had to drop a note:
'And the prize for GW claptrap reporting goes, once again to, the BBC.'
To this statement, at the very least... Amen.
Whatever else one might think about the various issues surrounding 'Probably man-worsened climate change', I am still trying to get around our national broadcaster's total lack of irony.
Around the ice shelf story they had no problem advocating moon burials and a crew flying to Midway Island to go beachcombing for plastic to show how a bag ban will solve the various e-crises.
ps: Back on-topic, kudos for a most worthwhile story for those simply keen to avoid waste and reduce unnecessary greenhouse nasties going up - no matter what - 'in the name of green'.
Beverage Daily - Biofuels policy requires focus on sustainability, says CIAA
Guardian CiF - NEW - Fuelling the debate - no post as yet, oddly
Edie - Biofuel demand 'will increase GHGs'
The Register - Boffinry bigwig puts another boot into biofuels - Obviously not a 'pro' piece. Worth reading for some interesting (and funny) science-savvy comments.
Guardian - Demands for crackdown on biofuels scam - (links in piece to other info, some objective facts) The negatives just keep on piling up, which is a pity, as I am sure that in amongst it all there could be a positive angle to tell.. and embrace. I feel for all those who are trying to make businesses out of doing the right thing, in the right way, but will get tarred by a rather broad brush.
Guardian - Germany drops 'roadmap to biofuels' for cars
Guardian - Poor go hungry while rich fill their tanks - Lumme.. the negatives are piling up. I have to wonder if we are getting the true picture or as extreme a swing away as we had to that got the industry in this pickle.
Observer - Darling calls for urgent review of biofuel policies - That'll crack it, a 'review' is 'called for'.
Telegraph - Biofuel potential for commercially grown grass - rare good news?
Guardian - Biofuels: a blueprint for the future? - Not sure I'd call it a 'debate' as billed, but some views from a couple of bods who should know a thing or two. Trouble is, they are pols.
Newsnight & Indy - via Junkk -
Guardian - Fuelling the food crisis
Indy - Why biofuels could actually mean more CO2 emissions - That's a no form the UK's chemists (well CEO of their society), then.
gas2org - Twenty-Two Biodiesel Myths Dispelled -
Guardian - Brazil rejects biofuels criticism - And how. I have popped the Prez' comment as Quote of the Day
The Register - Royal Navy warships could run on sunflower oil - if fresh - 'Make smoke...d herrings, Number One' Actually, some interesting facts!
SAAB - Fuelling the BioPower argument - Bear in mind that this is from a company who makes a car that runs on the stuff.
Times - Biofuel: a tankful of weed juice
Guardian - The biofuel solution - Were it as simple as inferred
Guardian - Secret report: biofuel caused food crisis - Oh, dear. But shush, it's a secret. And soon there will be another report that says teh exact opposite, I'm sure.
The Grocer - Biofuels to blame for food price rises
Observer - Exclusive: we publish the biofuels report they didn't want you to read - I crank an eyebrow at anyything billed thus, mind.
Guardian - UK biofuel 'not up to standard' - That's alsmost 1 in 5! Whe do I suspect getting it to 38% might get billed by some as 100% improved!
BBC - EU in crop biofuel goal rethink
Times - NEW - Pumping the biofuels, from Rio to the Humber
INFORMATION
BBC Green - Sixty-second-guide-to-biofuels
Guardian - Q&A: Biofuels
Renewable Fuels Agency -
Renewable Transport Fuel Obligation (RTFO)
You are either with 'us', or against 'us'. Apparently.
On this very blog I have had cause to disagree with the protagonist here.
Mark Lynas: the green heretic persecuted for his nuclear conversion
On a variety of green-related issues. Not that: they can be separate, and distinct.
But he has nothing but my sympathies in this turn of events. Even if I may still disagree, in part. If I am allowed.
Careful the enviormental camapaigner who crosses the othordoxy of the main mob.
The responses he has had as an, er, 'Climate change expert' reflect poorly on those who see fit to issue them.
However, I still remain concerned on the disposal of the waste.
Mark Lynas: the green heretic persecuted for his nuclear conversion
On a variety of green-related issues. Not that: they can be separate, and distinct.
But he has nothing but my sympathies in this turn of events. Even if I may still disagree, in part. If I am allowed.
Careful the enviormental camapaigner who crosses the othordoxy of the main mob.
The responses he has had as an, er, 'Climate change expert' reflect poorly on those who see fit to issue them.
However, I still remain concerned on the disposal of the waste.
Moguls ahead!
I often (and possibly unfairly) allude to those telling others what not to do often being a tad shy on giving up the next ski weekend.
Can you ski and be green?
Beats yellow, I guess.
Can you ski and be green?
Beats yellow, I guess.
Saturday, September 27, 2008
Junkk is 'Blue Peter on steroids'
Always liked that quote.Anyway, reading the Times today I came acrosss this, which seemed worth a share by way of an homage.
It's where I ended up after clicking an ad/icon.
Oddly, I'm not clear on what one is meant to do to find out more, which I would have liked to do.
Fine, maybe. But let's not forget.
The EU's Renewables Directive: unworkable and costly
Slightly O/T but related, as I read this at the same time as my council may have to dip into my wallet to pay for the landfill misses.
Just how many 'targets' are there, irrespective of any actual value they may have as an actual enviROI that helps my kids' futures, that 'we', the tax/ratepayer have been set up to fund the fines for? By whom? And where does this protection racket money go to if (no doubt) and when paid over by those who arranged it all on our behalves?
BBC - UK opposes green aviation target - The Gord caveth, and the Gord diggeth in?
Slightly O/T but related, as I read this at the same time as my council may have to dip into my wallet to pay for the landfill misses.
Just how many 'targets' are there, irrespective of any actual value they may have as an actual enviROI that helps my kids' futures, that 'we', the tax/ratepayer have been set up to fund the fines for? By whom? And where does this protection racket money go to if (no doubt) and when paid over by those who arranged it all on our behalves?
BBC - UK opposes green aviation target - The Gord caveth, and the Gord diggeth in?
Friday, September 26, 2008
Sling it
As my home for several years, I can testify that Singapore has much to offer.
Singapore slings out tradition and welcomes the bright lights of F1
This... especially at the moment, ain't one.
Singapore slings out tradition and welcomes the bright lights of F1
This... especially at the moment, ain't one.
How to spoil a Friday
Sometimes it's good to share. This is not one of those times.
Pandora: BBC faces Ofcom row over interview edits
I share this not to give ammo to those would use it in defence of a rather extreme climatically optimistic view (which it will, even though it is just about reporting standards), but in the hope that the Nixonian notion of 'don't get caught' rarely applies. If you don't want your dirty laundry hung out for all to see... don't soil it.
If (it still looks in the realms of "what might be", but the Indy is not a great fan of those from a CO viewpoint and has chosen to share) this pans out as billed I must again raise my eyes to the heavens at the sheer, unprofessional ineptitude of those who are allowing personal or corporate agenda corrupt the spirit of objective information sharing.
And 'But Ch4 did it first!' won't cut it outside of my licence fee demand.
Who are these folk? How are they paid? Why? Is there ever an accounting?
Just lay all it all out honestly and let the public decide. The minute you start figuring you know better, then try and rig it, and then get caught, it just makes everything a whole lot worse to try and explain for those working along, steadily sharing what we know, what we think we know and what we don't. And then what we think might help now, just in case.
It will be interesting to see if this escalates as billed. If proven it has to. If not, then it will rumble along anyway I'm sure. But it would have never been an issue if the desire in some quarters to 'enhance the narrative' had not overcome professional standards.
Thank heavens I do not have to pay... for.. all... th..
Oh.
Daily Mail - QED. BBC investigated after peer says climate change programme was biased 'one-sided polemic' - That's how many million choking up their meat & two veg in suburbia?
Broadcast - BBC2 show ignites contributor row
Gaurdian - NEW - The battle caused by Climate Wars
For some reason, the author has posted this in the Guardian (I usually enjoy having a debate there, but on this issue it's really not worth it. I've just left one where 'they' are asking why someone who might have a different view to the group is allowed on, and to voice an opinion. Bless):
I must say it makes for an interesting read, even if some links to 'a bloke's blog' seems rather... unconvincing in support.
I must say on first reading I was unclear (great communicators that they are: 'Maybe that's our fault for not being clearer' - that's what £3.5B gets you, I guess) whether he was saying the climate debate was a done deal, or it wasn't..'...even if the scientific consensus is that global warming is a reality', '..makes clear, it is that there is still a furious debate going on out there.'
As to the rest, with bitter irony it mostly makes this committed environmental campaigner weep... or feel like buying a Hummer.
Pandora: BBC faces Ofcom row over interview edits
I share this not to give ammo to those would use it in defence of a rather extreme climatically optimistic view (which it will, even though it is just about reporting standards), but in the hope that the Nixonian notion of 'don't get caught' rarely applies. If you don't want your dirty laundry hung out for all to see... don't soil it.
If (it still looks in the realms of "what might be", but the Indy is not a great fan of those from a CO viewpoint and has chosen to share) this pans out as billed I must again raise my eyes to the heavens at the sheer, unprofessional ineptitude of those who are allowing personal or corporate agenda corrupt the spirit of objective information sharing.
And 'But Ch4 did it first!' won't cut it outside of my licence fee demand.
Who are these folk? How are they paid? Why? Is there ever an accounting?
Just lay all it all out honestly and let the public decide. The minute you start figuring you know better, then try and rig it, and then get caught, it just makes everything a whole lot worse to try and explain for those working along, steadily sharing what we know, what we think we know and what we don't. And then what we think might help now, just in case.
It will be interesting to see if this escalates as billed. If proven it has to. If not, then it will rumble along anyway I'm sure. But it would have never been an issue if the desire in some quarters to 'enhance the narrative' had not overcome professional standards.
Thank heavens I do not have to pay... for.. all... th..
Oh.
Daily Mail - QED. BBC investigated after peer says climate change programme was biased 'one-sided polemic' - That's how many million choking up their meat & two veg in suburbia?
Broadcast - BBC2 show ignites contributor row
Gaurdian - NEW - The battle caused by Climate Wars
For some reason, the author has posted this in the Guardian (I usually enjoy having a debate there, but on this issue it's really not worth it. I've just left one where 'they' are asking why someone who might have a different view to the group is allowed on, and to voice an opinion. Bless):
I must say it makes for an interesting read, even if some links to 'a bloke's blog' seems rather... unconvincing in support.
I must say on first reading I was unclear (great communicators that they are: 'Maybe that's our fault for not being clearer' - that's what £3.5B gets you, I guess) whether he was saying the climate debate was a done deal, or it wasn't..'...even if the scientific consensus is that global warming is a reality', '..makes clear, it is that there is still a furious debate going on out there.'
As to the rest, with bitter irony it mostly makes this committed environmental campaigner weep... or feel like buying a Hummer.
IDEA - Voucher Tree
This, I hope, can be the start of something big.
Let me quote from some PR going out, which I hope will explain:
Sow What?
Local schools and businesses team up to make the most of national retail chain promotional opportunity
Have you got a bunch of vouchers still in your kitchen draw from some supermarket promotion that was over last year? It seems such a pity that these opportunities to get free stuff to the benefit of the local community, especially when they are our schools, often pass by without really being taken advantage of fully.
Well, a locally-organised community collaboration has been launched to try and avoid any such waste this time, and help our nearby schools too.
Shoppers in Ross may have noticed that Morrisons supermarket is running a 'Let's Grow' promo, whereby your purchases can generate free vouchers that your school can use to buy gardening equipment.
There have been many such similar schemes before, but how easy is it to pop these in you wallet at checkout and then never get them to the right person at the right school to be of use?
Well, meet the 'Voucher Tree'. Made by local re:use-advocacy voluntary Junkketeers from old packaging, the 'Voucher Tree' will be available for you to post vouchers when in around town shopping.
Initially, local environmental social enterprise EnviroAbility have kindly offered to place one in their Cantilupe Road shop.
They will then make sure they get to the school you specify (each 'coconut' lists a local choice, plus a generic one whose contents will be divided equally) at the end of the promo.
It is very much hoped that the store itself will also soon be able to have one behind the checkout rows so it can be a simple ‘shop and pop’ in one smooth motion as you leave. But first head office approval is being sought before this will be possible.
As an interesting aside, with some experience in such charitable endeavours, Dennis Humble of EnviroAbility has advised that for some reason many customers still turn down such free vouchers even when offered at the till. Hopefully this initiative, and any publicity that may be generated, will result in higher responses through better awareness combined with more immediate and convenient ways to get the vouchers where they will do most good.
So, when you shop, remember when they ask if you'd like your vouchers – please think 'Sow What' and then come and add them to the tree.
The scheme runs until November 6th.
Now, what we're hoping is that the big guns at Head Office see opportunity staring them in the face. It's happening with or without them. With is better for all, all round.
Because... there's more sinking in:
As an interesting aside, with some experience in such charitable endeavours, Dennis has advised that for some reason many customers still turn down such free vouchers even when offered. Hopefully this initiative, and any publicity that may be generated, might result in higher responses through better awareness combined with more immediate and convenient ways to get the vouchers where they will do most good.
If it works here in Ross, it is hoped it may catch on elsewhere in the county and country and with other promos, too. Hey, it’s a free and easy way to get free and useful stuff to help the community!
If anyone wants to copy the “Voucher Tree” just go to Junkk.com and look in the 'Ideas Section'. But feel free to adapt and/or improve!
OK, this is no longer funny...
Thursday, September 25, 2008
AWARD - Rushlight Awards 2008
WHEN: 31 October 2008
WHAT: Rushlight Awards 2008
WHAT... MORE?: The Rushlight Awards are a unique set of awards designed to celebrate and promote UK and Irish organizations that are developing environmental technology and innovation. The categories cover renewable energy, clean fuels, power generation, waste, water and pollution management, including a number of new award categories for 2008 such as nuclear, energy efficiency and water management.
HOW MUCH: There is a 20% discount off the entry fee (£100) for members of the supporting partners and readers of the media partners’ publications.
URL: http://www.rushlightawards.co.uk/
COMMENTS: A new one to us, but the pedigree looks very impressive. Not the cheapest but by no means the most expensive. We are thinking of having a crack ourselves.
WHAT: Rushlight Awards 2008
WHAT... MORE?: The Rushlight Awards are a unique set of awards designed to celebrate and promote UK and Irish organizations that are developing environmental technology and innovation. The categories cover renewable energy, clean fuels, power generation, waste, water and pollution management, including a number of new award categories for 2008 such as nuclear, energy efficiency and water management.
HOW MUCH: There is a 20% discount off the entry fee (£100) for members of the supporting partners and readers of the media partners’ publications.
URL: http://www.rushlightawards.co.uk/
COMMENTS: A new one to us, but the pedigree looks very impressive. Not the cheapest but by no means the most expensive. We are thinking of having a crack ourselves.
Ready, aim.. missed. Off to another meeting, guys!
The strange science of setting targets
If it's anything, it's an art. If a rather dubious one. The Damien Hirst of social breast-beating as a veneer over rampant self-interest, where you might get to fool the 'smart set' to fork out bazillions for a rotting corpse as it keeps a lot in work even if no one actually benefits.
On the one hand, I accept the need for measures, whereby you can assess what you are aiming for (and have agreed with others), how you're doing en route (in case corrective actions are needed) and how well all involved performed in meeting them.
However, these days, when I hear the word 'targets', and all the associated waffle from those with a box-ticking, bonus-addicted, media-ratings reason to deal in them, I rather switch off.
Perhaps because they, and the industries surrounding them, have been totally discredited?
If it's anything, it's an art. If a rather dubious one. The Damien Hirst of social breast-beating as a veneer over rampant self-interest, where you might get to fool the 'smart set' to fork out bazillions for a rotting corpse as it keeps a lot in work even if no one actually benefits.
On the one hand, I accept the need for measures, whereby you can assess what you are aiming for (and have agreed with others), how you're doing en route (in case corrective actions are needed) and how well all involved performed in meeting them.
However, these days, when I hear the word 'targets', and all the associated waffle from those with a box-ticking, bonus-addicted, media-ratings reason to deal in them, I rather switch off.
Perhaps because they, and the industries surrounding them, have been totally discredited?
Jobs for the boys, and girls. Makes you green with envy, eh?
Labour's shocking CO2 admissions
I am, I must admit, still trying to get my head around who actually funds my having my own personal waste / compost advisor / bin checker / sustainability executive / WEEE consultant as I don't think that their pay and pension is covered by them producing anything that actually generates income. Or the vast comms budgets that accompany their roles in Gov, LAs, Edu or quangos.
I know these are not 'meant' to be included in the noble list suggested, but why do I feel they might? I sense, with dread, a pen hovering over a box.
I am wondering who the last poor soul left in the UK will be who is making anything that creates enough wealth enough to support all who need to feed of their taxes.
I am, I must admit, still trying to get my head around who actually funds my having my own personal waste / compost advisor / bin checker / sustainability executive / WEEE consultant as I don't think that their pay and pension is covered by them producing anything that actually generates income. Or the vast comms budgets that accompany their roles in Gov, LAs, Edu or quangos.
I know these are not 'meant' to be included in the noble list suggested, but why do I feel they might? I sense, with dread, a pen hovering over a box.
I am wondering who the last poor soul left in the UK will be who is making anything that creates enough wealth enough to support all who need to feed of their taxes.
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
The right person for the job
We're on a roll.Well, it's certainly true that when life serves of lemons, there are those who can have fun whilst making lemonade.
And as a lot of what ails seems to come from 'politics' (though not just in government), I have recently learned a trick or two.
For instance, if you want to get across something, but don't want to be nailed to or by it too closely (just in case), you refer to what another may have said without comment, in passing, like.
Oh look, I wonder what the genius Dilbert might be saying today...
Proof that it can pay to recycle..
From my lovely wife (and a series of others back to its genius, if sadly now 'anon' originator):
> If you had purchased £1,000 of Northern Rock shares one
> year ago, they would now be worth £4.95.
>
> If instead you had purchased HBOS shares, earlier this week
> your £1,000 would have been worth £16.50.
>
> If you'd invested in XL Leisure your £1,000 would now
> be worth less than £5.00.
>
> However if you'd bought £1,000 worth of Stella Artois
> one year ago, drank it all, then took the empty cans to an
> aluminium re-cycling plant, you would currently get £214.
>
> Based on the above statistics the best investment advice I
> can give you is to drink heavily and recycle.
> If you had purchased £1,000 of Northern Rock shares one
> year ago, they would now be worth £4.95.
>
> If instead you had purchased HBOS shares, earlier this week
> your £1,000 would have been worth £16.50.
>
> If you'd invested in XL Leisure your £1,000 would now
> be worth less than £5.00.
>
> However if you'd bought £1,000 worth of Stella Artois
> one year ago, drank it all, then took the empty cans to an
> aluminium re-cycling plant, you would currently get £214.
>
> Based on the above statistics the best investment advice I
> can give you is to drink heavily and recycle.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)