Junkk Male RE:View

If you watch one thing...

2009-12-01T15:38:00.001Z

...watch this (quick):

http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b00p67m8/Panorama_Can_Tesco_Save_the_World/

The value of that cranked eyebrow

2009-11-30T17:36:00.003Z

Been a bit quiet here of late.

More than I'd like.

It's just that, on top of the day job, I have been trying to stay on top of some rather hairy bits and bobs swirling around the blogosphere regarding the science of climate change.

And it's still swirling, at least in some quarters.

Which makes a little episode I was involved in today all the more pertinent.

From this blog:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/ethicalman/2009/11/a_guide_to_making_your_fortune.html#comments

It's all up there (for now... excuse me if I have some concerns about stealth editing from on high in certain quarters) so I'll just past the last one:

Further to my last post, I have now heard again from the BBC, and as it is not fully referred to in the note above, feel the explanation is worth sharing:

We owe you an apology.

The post as originally published did indeed contain a mistake, which was
corrected on Sunday morning.

We have now published an update to the blog, which makes this clear.

The reason we confidently informed you that no amendments had been made
to the blog was that we believed only one person on duty on Sunday had
the privileges required to make changes to Justin Rowlatt's blog - and
that person made no changes the copy. We have since discovered that
there was another person on duty with the ability to change the blog,
and this person made the change referred to in the blog comments.

Apologies again for getting it wrong in our first reply to your
complaint.

To which I have replied:

But I think you may owe the guy who spotted it more of one, and thanks for catching it. Which kind makes the general point I was making about a policy of flagging changes even more pertinent.

Order, for now, one trusts, is restored. But it does show the value of checking, and persistence. On top of not being above a cranked eyebrow when things do not seem to be adding up.

Indeed.

Take the rest of the day off

2009-11-27T15:06:00.004Z

I wish.

This was sent by a nice fellow from here.

A few idle moments at least, well spent.

IMHO

(and as a pure aside, I seem to have now been given 'extra' Label space over the 2k limit I blew a while ago. Ta Google/Blogger)

Decisons, decisions...

2009-11-27T14:55:00.003Z

Needing get back on the old blog horse more.

And as it's Friday, maybe ease in with lighter fare.

Amongst my worryingly burgeoning twitter follow list is this fine fellow, who I tracked back to his blog to share:

Reusable Bag Roundup

‘Which reusable bag is your favorite ?’
Still, gotta be… the one I made…:)
http://bit.ly/2e2qDL

A subject dear to my heart

2009-11-27T14:29:00.003Z

In so many ways!

Waste is a potential resource, not a problem

As a passionate advocate of reward over fine, nanny, guilt, scare, etc, all of which have worked so well with the public so far, I have to concede a cautious welcome to the principle at least.

But... shopping vouchers? To go and buy yet more stuff to throw away?

As some here have raised, reduction and reuse remain ahead of recycling in the waste hierarchy, so at the very least make the incentives as pertinent as they should be tangible. Discounts on energy saving schemes or items, maybe. Points towards big ticket items that lead to further savings, such as:

http://www.edie.net/news/news_story.asp?id=17149

Or, if legal, allow aggregation and/or transferability, for compo or as a donation. I'd be happy to allow my 'points' go to buying a match-funded boiler for a pensioner over most tax-gouging redistribution schemes in the name of green that seem to be flying about (or to Copenhagen) from many in high office and held in low esteem at the moment.

Also encourage reuse at every turn:

http://junkk.blogspot.com/2007/10/reuse-exchange-sites.html

Better yet, encourage getting it designed-in:

http://junkk.blogspot.com/2009/09/idea-multi-use-large-container.html

All IMHO, better than an addiction to recycling which, as a last resort, is fine, if done properly:

http://junkk.blogspot.com/2009/10/bye-bye-rebox-hello-wheelie.html

I remain unclear on where all this box-ticking, target meeting recyclate ends up. Better than landfill to be sure, but... where?

IRONY ALERT - Timing is all

2009-11-27T13:42:00.004Z

Forbes - Will The World Go Shopping? - today

And tomorrow?..... Buy Nothing Day

Addendum: Buy Nothing day is only the beginning for a new counter-consumer culture

Guess this one (from top right on the page) won't be operational tomorrow:)

http://www.guardian.co.uk/green-shopping

Addendum 2:

Brand Channel - Today's Consumer Is [Insert Adjective]

Reuse gaining favour again?

2009-11-27T12:18:00.003Z

I have Dave of Solarventi to thank for this:

An £800,000 programme has been launched to ensure more household goods will be reused and recycled across Scotland.

Recycling agency WRAP Scotland has been given the cash from the £7.5 million INCREASE III fund to encourage community organisations to improve infrastructure for collecting and reusing furniture, white goods, carpets and other household items.

Grants can cover up to 50% of the eligible project costs and will be focused on innovative ideas that:

Work in partnership with local authorities to recover items for reuse from civic amenity sites, such as household waste and recycling centres.

Fill gaps in current service provision, either geographically or by type of household item.
Announcing the new fund, Environment Secretary Richard Lochheart said:

“Reusing furniture and household goods is a perfect example of a simple, cost-effective step that can be taken to help us reach our goal of a Zero Waste Scotland.

“This latest round of investment will specifically target areas where reuse facilities are not up to scratch, encouraging the public to reuse and recycle rather than dump their furniture and household goods which are often still in working order.”

Funding will be allocated through a single bidding round. Applications must be submitted by 8 January 2010.

For further information about the programme, visit the WRAP Scotland website (opens a new window)

Source: Scottish Government, 13/11/2009

Not certain quangos I cold mention, who have in the past done their best to ignore me, and my efforts, even to help them in theirs. But I shall persevere.

RE:PAIR - If it rains, this reigns

2009-11-25T16:15:00.003Z

A little repair to the missus' brolly I am quite proud of.

And very 'Junkk', as it saved us £15 on a new one, and cost no more than a few moments of my time.

QUOTE OF THE DAY - 'World Leaders' Say The Funniest Things

2009-11-25T10:52:00.003Z

“‘The fact that I flew here to sit on a panel for one and a half hours, then I´m flying straight back to the US, is an example of our commitment to environmental sustainability,’ boasts Indra Nooyi, CEO of PepsiCo, blissfully unaware of the irony of her statement.”

Taking Care Of Business

I have been quiet...er, here, of late.

Lots of reasons.

The main one is the sheer volume of information one can get, and needs to process, can overtake the ability to actually DO anything.

But I have also been subdued by 'events'.

The sheer incompetence of our political classes still astounds even as it exceeds one's worse expectations and fears. Matched only by the superficiality at best, equal incompetence and complicity at worst, of most major media... which frankly depresses.

And then, there are the rest. From activists to big business, as typified by that quote above.

Yes, I am keen to learn all I can and DO more to make the world a better place for my kids.

But the sheer, rank, hypocrisy of those who have set themselves up, and above 'us' is proving very hard to stomach... much less try and work around (as 'with' seems only to occur to them if there is money to be made, careers to enhance or a target to be met).

I love the resource that is twitter (and upon which this will appear in the net 24 hrs), but even with only a few hundred folllowees I can no longer do justice to following and re-tweeting (on sharing) what they post.

Hence a pause is called for.

Equally here, though I see more value to the 'causes' of Junkk.com, RE:tie and, by extension 'proactive, pragmatic, enviROI+ green advocacy' to popping out the odd post to maintain a presence. Probably more around my thoughts than on specific topics, as I simply do not have the time, or support, to do each one the justice it requires.

To get to that happy stage I need to earn some money. First up to feed the family. But then, if it flows as I hope it will again, to enable me to invest in what I need to make Junkk.com, and all that surround it, all I have always hoped it can be.

Funny what arrives in the mail

2009-11-17T09:40:00.001Z

For obvious reasons, I try and figure out, or collect uses for RE:tie.

Helps when folk say... 'but who would use it, and what for?'

So it's nice when things fall in your lap.

Neee...Oh.... Daaaaaad!

2009-11-16T15:29:00.003Z

A while ago a writing competition was posted.

This is my entry:

To : My sons, as you approach adulthood

My Dear Sons,

I have always told you that the most we can expect is that you do your best, for all, and in support of all the right reasons.

What I have before now neglected to add was that you must never stop doing it. Follow those two principles and while you may never get rich monetarily, at the very least you will find a sense of purpose and rewards in other ways with, if you are lucky, the bonus of a legacy to be proud of.

But you only have one life, so don’t beat yourselves up on it; live it to the full as best you can, whilst you try and DO the best you can.

Now considering the topic theme I would like… need to make an apology. Not for anything I have done (though there are many things for which I am sure I should), but I am sorry to have been part, so far, of an ongoing failure.

It is the failure of my generation, plus one at least above (and a few below) to have sensibly managed very well this precious planet that all our futures so depend upon.

At one time I could offer the reason, if not excuse, of ignorance, and even less credibly, being ‘too busy’. This can no longer be true, of me or any in a position to effect necessary changes; from voters to those in, or seeking power with their blessing. Plus all those who also are attached to and can influence the process of local, national and global governance. Media, activists, etc. You know who your are.

Where the message is so key, so many messengers, often self-appointed, have failed with the importance of getting it through. Yet still so few seem able, or willing, to look inward and cease blaming others for failing to understand, but instead to hold them…ourselves to account for being so poor at explanation and/or persuasion.

It’s not enough to believe, you need also to convince by the power and skill of argument. Turning incomprehension or the shake of a head into a nod is an art, and a very rewarding one to cultivate. Do it well and you not only create converts; you make new friends. Always a plus.

Sadly, despite my best efforts at self-education, I must confess to still remaining confused on much of what to do for the best. And I fear the human condition, and all its manifestations, today, are simply too much for one person or even ‘leaders’ to get fully to grips with global issues sensibly in any form to simply hand me the answers on a platter. I don’t think most 'know', or can 'know' either. There is a strong case for admitting ignorance, so long as you show commitment to filling that gap quickly.

All I am aware of is that there is much that seems very broken, and hence needs fixing. And that we as individuals are well equipped in this regard, with our minds and our hands, to tackle the challenges ahead.

I give my pledge therefore to do my best to help support all laudable aims based upon just causes. It is all I can do to live up to what I have tried to inspire in you. And that is to do our best to spare humanity going to waste.

I might fail, at least in my lifetime. I hope not. But at least I will know I tried. So I invite you to join me. Always follow the positive path if you can, but don’t be afraid, especially of outside and especially peer pressure, to challenge what you feel is wrong. And remember, a question is not a threat (or should not be) if it invites an answer that moves the discussion along. Stay true to your instincts, but never be too proud to find out more, or admit error… and then be quick to change. And evolve. Seek to inspire rather than suppress; you may win arguments but hearts and minds can be much more sensitive, and hence of great value to win on side. And don’t be afraid to lose, so long as it has been for the right reasons. That said, see merit, and no shame in sticking to your guns to gain victory. People love, and support winners. And we all need the support of those around us.

Most of all, whilst there can and will be valleys to balance the peaks, only do what you do if you truly enjoy it. Bitterness or frustration are poor companions on the road to success. And while I do no decry words alone (this is a letter after all), never forget the value of setting examples, especially through DOING. The result of the smallest effort in this regard can place you way ahead and above the loftiest pronouncement or claim, no matter how high the author’s perceived pedestal.

If nothing else, this notion is something, I hope of value, that I can give to you now: not just to hope, but to try as best you can to make the world a better place.

If we do, others might. And in banding together we can make anything happen. Who knows, this may even register with a few in power too, if enough of us walk the walk as well as expecting that we all talk sense, and with honesty.

Never miss the opportunity to take pause to listen... every step of the way. Broadcast-only devices make poor communicators.

Oh, and if you can get to wangle decent careers to support you families whilst doing all that, your Mum says she will be thrilled to.

With love,

Dad.

Not sure I dare show it to the little sods yet, mind. Their new XBox game has just arrived.

Cry Havoc, too often, in the wrong way, and...

2009-11-15T10:23:00.005Z

Storm winds batter Britain

No looking good, to be sure.

Then this arrived:

A Flood Warning has been issued for the River Wye from Hereford To Ross On Wye area. Flooding of homes and businesses is expected. Act now!

The Environment Agency advises you to act now:

- Ring Floodline on 0845 988 1188 for up to date flooding information
- Stay tuned to radio and television weather, news and travel bulletins
- Keep a watch on water levels
- Move family, pets and valuables to safety
- Help neighbours
- Use sandbags or flood boards to block doors and airbricks
- Don't drive through flood water
- Be prepared to turn off gas and electricity supplies
- Find more information at www.environment-agency.gov.uk/floodline

Above all - be careful. The Environment Agency cannot be held responsible for any accidents, injuries, or losses, financial or otherwise, which occur as a result of this email. Forecasts cannot be guaranteed.

I don't know the best answer, but this cannot be it. Yet again, the footy field next to the river ended up waterlogged.

First time I move the family. Second time we glanced out the window. Fool me once...

Now we feel they are more making sure they can say they tried to avoid criticism rather than being sensible about helping folk make decisions. Box ticking. Target meeting. I called to suggest that this was losing value rapidly by being such a blanket alert and why not be more honest on the limits of the system and parameters. I was advised to unsubscribe.

Is there a metaphor here?

IDEA - Bus Shelter

2009-11-15T10:15:00.004Z

Bus Stop Shelter – A bus shelter made of school bus parts

CATEGORY - IT/WEB TOOLS

2009-11-15T10:15:00.000Z

Slightly 'off-enviro', but still pertinent to all involved, or interested in honing their online/IT skills with blogs, sites, etc.

Evolving content

Basically as I see, use or get sent 'em, I'll share.

Advertising

Spotmixer - some useful free creation bits but distribution costs

onlinebannergenerator.com - does what it says on the URL

Analysis

website-analyser.com -

Animation

moviestorm.co.uk -

goanimate.com -

Anonymity

torproject.org -

Answers

raintoday.co.uk - tin. says. does. what

Archiving

Mostly benign, and always nice to find stuff you thought had gone. But also... what is may not always have been, and the truth is out there. So have a care what you commit to the web... and then try and change, especially if it is not to add truth or further clarity. You will be caught out, Mr. Nixon.

archive.org - via makeuseof - The Wayback Machine - Browse The Internet Of Yester-Yore -
newssniffer -
uknova.com - Looks like a good resource for aired TV shows
waybackmachine -
mashable.com - download-youtube-videos-to-desktop/

Audio

Audiohijackpro - recording for Macs - costs, mind
Call recorder - Mac Skypes
Herewho - text to audio
MP3myMP3 - to record stuff you hear online
pamela - skype recording
Screaming Bee - vocal shenanigans

Bookmarking

addthis.com - also sharethis.com for promoting your site/blog (which I really need to do)
BBC - what are these?
Wikipedia - social bookmarking

del.icio.us -
digg
facebook
google
newsvine
now public
only2clicks.com - actually a bookmarking bookmarker. Looks nifty.
pageflakes
reddit
slashdot
stumbleupon
Tailrank
Twitter
TWITTER AS AN EARLY STAGE WARNING SYSTEM FOR BRANDS?
socializer
technocrati
Windows Live
Yahoo/My Yahoo

Browser

Flock - an eco-version described in Grist

Calculator & Conversion

moffsoft.com/freecalc - Windows only
google calculator -
youconvertit.com -

Databasing

blist.com - an online database

Dictionaries, Encyclopedias & Sources of General Wisdom

List of dictionaries -

acronymfinder.com -
dictionary.reference.com -
wikipedia -
wordia.com - Indy review

Duplicate/Redundant Files

ccleaner.com -
clonespy.com -

email
SPAM

Wikipedia - 'backskatter' - can be an issue if people or, worse, listing-systems think you are the originator. Firebird gest thousands of bounce-backs a month.

TRACING

whatismyipaddress.com -

ENVIRONMENTAL

HP - Smart web printing tool to reduce waste

Erasing

Eraser -

FACT-CHECKING

cvgadget.com - Big Brother knows who you are...

FILE CONVERSION

youconvertit.com
zamzar.com - Free!

FUN - We are allowed

bennyhillifier - !
John’s Background Switcher - Perk up your monitor background!

GENERAL

BBC Click - Most of what you see here.... probably
Times - Austerity chic software
posti.ca - sticky notes you can add files too

GOOGLE PACKS

For PC -
For Mac -

GPS - caution - Beware the traitor in your pocket

buddyway.com -

free tracking via mobile

GRAPHICS

sumopaint.com -

HTML

ibdguy.com/makehtml - Generates HTML code. So useful. I've popped a link over on the right

IMAGES

everystockphoto.com -
Flikr -
stock.xchng -

MAILING

Wabmail - Get a list of all the e-mail addresses in your address book

MAPPING/TRACKING/NAVIGATION

192.com -
discovery earth - specifically to help track the state of the Earth
getmapping -
google earth -
n2yo.com - tracks satellites. How cool is that?
openstreetmap.org - FREE wiki
overmap.com -
schmap.com -
Windows Live Maps -

MEASUREMENT

General

rough-equivalents.com - How many Albert Halls do we fill with waste again?

MEMOS

evernote.com - Hat tip @bricksandbread

Site

SiteMeter Widget -

NETWORKING

Spaceo.us - social collaboration software
Twitter - Defined on Wikipedia

ORGANISING -

rainlendar
reminderfox
sunbird

PAGE CAPTURE

screenjelly.com - NEW -

Macs have 'Grab' - much awesomeness.

For PCs:

Bugshooting -
Screen Grab Pro -
SnagIT - Costs!
websnapshot -

For Browsers

Fireshot -

PASSWORDS

Times - Software that remembers your passwords - I'll list 'em one day!

PC-Tools

Responding Heads - (WIN) - Responding Heads enables you to launch programs, commands and actions via voice commands spoken into your PC microphone.

PDF

Red Ferret - 30 Alternatives to Adobe Acrobat + 1
Make Use OF - Grant PDF Print Power To Your Website Visitors
pdftoword.com - Could be very useful! Note it is beta at time of posting
pdfvue.com -

PHOTO EDITTING

splashup.com -
Gimp -
Image Composite Editor - Windows only

PHOTO SOURCING

alamy.com -
fotolia.com -
istockphoto.com -

PHOTO ORGANISING

Google Picasa -
Multiply -

PICTURE EDITTING

alpoy.com - for avatars!
pagepainter.com - Test and adjust colors on your own web page layout without leaving the browser.
pixlr.com -

PLAGIARISM -

copyscape.com -

PRESENTATION

280slides.com - a free PowerPoint

PRINTING

touchnote.com - Not quite as eco as an 'e', maybe but it is also FSC

QUIZ (not doing 'em.. making 'em)

proprofs.com/quiz-school -

REGISTRATION

bugmenot.com - Tricky one this, as Junkk.com requires registration! But we do have good reasons. Thing is, ours is opt-in, so you say whether you want to get the newsletter etc. This looks useful for the catch-all database trawl.

REMINDER

resnooze.com - No more than the same thing on your calendar (Google does me), but fun

REMOTE ACCESS

LogMeIn -

REMOTE WORKING

mojopac.com -

RFID

violet.net -

RSS - What is RSS?, Wikipedia

BBC - The feed factory - helpful intro... I need it!
makeuseof.com - How to Monitor Websites that don’t have RSS Feeds

When I dig 'em out from other posts! (Click RSS link below for now)

Q&A

WikiAnswers

REMINDERS

dontforgetyourtoothbrush.com -

SEARCH -

Google Desktop -
cuil.com -

SEO

Daily Blog Tips - 50 Tips to Speed Up Your Website

Daily Writing Tips - How to Write an SEO Article - Part 1
Daily Writing Tips - How to Write an SEO Article - Part 2

ukbusinessform - 10 Top Tips to Make Your Website Search Engine Friendly - Free Guide, but you do swap your details and get a plug for the sponsor. 'Ain't no such thing as a free...'

SITE ZIPPER

spidersoft.com -
Webcopier - Mac
Webzip -

SOCIAL NETWORKING

ping.fm - aggregator - as tested here

SOFTWARE

Make Use Of - Free Open Source Counterparts of Windows Software
zoho.com -
Make Use Of - 100 FREE ONLINE ALTERNATIVES TO POPULAR OFFICE APPS

Alternative to Microsoft Office
Open Office - NEW
IBM Lotus Symphony -

Alternative to Internet Explorer
Firefox 3 -

Alternative to (almost) every other Instant Messenger
Pidgin -

Alternative to Adobe Photoshop and other image editing software
Gimp -

oldversion.com

Other alternatives to popular applications
Open Source Windows -

Stickiness - Definition from About.com

SOUND EFFECTS

instantrimshot - made me laugh
soundsnap.com -

STORAGE/BACK-UP

Carbonite - paid
dashwire.com - for mobile data - FREE
drop.io -
filemail - paid
Mozy - paid
Outlook Express Backup Version 6.5 - FREE

STORAGE/SHARING

badongo.com -
fileden.com -
filedropper.com -
filefactory.com -
fileqube.com -
fumpr.com - for images. No idea how you find 'em again, but it's free.
drop.io -
mediafire.com -
myfreefilehosting.com -
pando - via makeuseof - large file storage
Ringo - images & video
s4ve.as -
weefolio - beta

SURVEY

survey monkey -

TELECOM

Saynoto0870.com

TELEPROMPTING

cueprompter -
DIY Teleprompter - Now that's playing my song!

TEMPLATES -

floorplanner.com - does what it says on the ti... URL... free
nutsnbits.com - Graph paper
onesimplemove.com - Lists for moving house
sweethome3d.eu -

TOOLBAR -

Google for FireFox -

TRACKING

brightkite.com -

TRAFFIC

eta.co.uk/aggregator -
highways.gov.uk/traffic/ -

TRANSLITERATION/TRANSLATION

Blogger - here! At least, into Indian sub-continent languages
babelfish -
babelfish -
freetranslation -
meglobe.com - instant messaging/instant translation

TROUBLESHOOTING

bug.gd - Looks a worthy fix resource
downforeveryoneorjustme.com - a URL availability checker. Neat!
Ask Jack - He's worked for me!
Ask Rick - well, if you have to ask...:) I wonder if techno fixes have political slants?
MakeUseOf - The PC Repair Toolkit in your Pocket: Boot CD on a USB Stick

TYPEFACES

Fontstock -
fontstruct.fontshop.com - Design your own! How fun is that?
designm - 50+ Fonts for Big, Bold Headlines

TYPING

makeuseof.com - The Best Free Apps to Help you start Touch Typing - Too late for old two fingers me!

URL SHORTENERS

bit.ly -
editurl -
is.gd -
metamark -
shorturl -
tiny -

VALUATION

business-opportunities.biz - how-much-is-your-blog-worth
myblogvalue.com - Requires a lot of data, which may make it more accurate

VIDEO

Animoto - Looks fun
avidemux.sourceforge.net - a free video editor designed for simple cutting, filtering and encoding tasks. Available for Linux, BSD, Mac OS X and Microsoft Windows
Camtasia - made just for screen recording rather than just still grabs. It's not free
but there's a 30 day trial on their website.
Blinkxx - Brand Republic - Blinkx launches online TV and film platform
fixmyvideo - Paid for correction service
hulu.com - archive tv footage. Currently US only
irfanview - image viewer/converter
kwout - screen grabs
miglia - for Macs
Photo morpher - from Real. £14.99 at time of writing. Looks a hoot.
picreflect.com - More fun manipulation
snag it - Video capture off PC. Costs. Free trial
Free-Video-Flip-and-Rotate - Does what it says on the tin.
picshadow.com - drop shadow tool
tubemogul - a posting service to upload your videos
YouTube -
Downloading (via a blog) - NEW - Type "download youtube" into google for a selection of websites you can download with. Just enter the youtube URL and it will download a .FLV file for you. Then go to www.download.com and search for "FLV to AVI" to get a file
converter - there are plenty of free ones. Convert the file you've downloaded and it will now be an AVI movie playable on most computers You can also find converters that change it into other formats like MPG4, Quicktime etc - depending on what format you need.
Reuters - YouTube helps video creators track viewership
mashable.com - download-youtube-videos-to-desktop/
youripper -

VIDEOCONFERENCING - Wikipedia

Skype -

VIRTUAL MEETING

Second Life - a rather amazing world. See my lovely missus play concerts without leaving home (go to news>calendar). Well worth it, and an interesting insight into lots of folk meeting up without burning travel miles.

VISUAL IMPAIRMENT/AIDS

webanywhere -

VOICE 2 TEXT

spinvox.com -

WEATHER

Times - An online guide to weather

WEB 2.0

knol - from Google, what's the (do no) harm? At least you can weigh this against this:
Wikipedia

WIDGETS

NMA - Widgets

WORD PROCESSING

theultimatesteal - legal, kosher... but you need to be a student

Distract and rule

2009-11-14T10:40:00.004Z

And rule seems to mean licence to gouge without check or balance.

Plus a few worrying stirrings on democratic process and freedom of speech. From the top, plus some less exalted, but oddly on message sources.

As it is still relatively small, usually civilised and may get read by the powers that be, I still invest in the Newsnight blogs (some BBC ones, like Richard Black's, are now beyond parody, as are most via such as the Guardian, which is a pity as they seem to wield influence out of all proportion to their readership numbers).

My big issue, as we barrel up to Copenhagen, is not so much whether there are climatic issues happening (though pertinet), but what the enviROI of proposed impositions being rushed through actually represent. Sensible, tangible global GHG curbs are one thing; giving every lobby-funded chump with a box-ticking wheeze the keys to the exchequer for a comms budget quite another.

I have thrown my hat into the ring on a few occasions in the last 24 hrs. A sampling:

Guardian - Should climate deniers be allowed to speak on the Today programme?

The exclusion of the barking to the biased from 'the oxygen of publicity' would be interesting, especially from entities that are happy to allow even terrorists to make their case. The trick seems to be inviting the right kind of 'unbalanced' individual on just enough to show 'balance', bit still follow agenda whilst not putting the glee club offside.

BBC - The Editors: A balanced approach to climate change

From the title on it tends to go downhill

BBC - Newsnight Thursday

BBC - Ethical Man Blog

And I fear I am not alone in my concerns about the trend

Iain Dale's Diary: Climate Change Poll: Britons Are Unconvinced

There also seems to be this odd notion that it is a wing' thing. For the life of me I cannot fathom how or why. Except where it comes to relative comfort with state, and state media levels of control.

There's saving votes, and there's saving...

2009-11-13T16:40:00.002Z

How scrappage is reviving the world economy

If not the world environment.

'Green' was so yesterday... and might be tomorrow. But for now....

Just popped in a wee plug for one of those odd win-win notions I happen across that just don't seem to tick the right boxes for the target bonus brigade.

Talking of such things… and (anthro) global warming (which we weren’t, but some in high places often do, as and when it suits):

http://reheatbritain.org.uk/

Life

2009-11-13T12:43:00.002Z

It applies in many ways:

The PR job

As my family is prone to saying these days: 'Profile! It's good for !@#$! profile???! We cannot eat $%^& profile!'

Lock and load

2009-11-13T07:00:00.000Z

Libertarian I may be, but this has 'moved' me.

Telegraph - The Dartz Prombron Monaco Red Diamond Edition armoured car sells for one million euros. It has gold plated bulletproof windows, pure tungsten exhausts, speed gauges encrusted with diamonds - and seats made from whale penis leather...

If some human pr*ck still in touch with their foreskin drives past on one of these, they'll need the armour, and need to be pretty confident I have not whipped up an RPG from Junkk.

22/10/09

Result: Sorry, No More Whale-Penis Leather for You - though I suspect the maxim that 'there is no such thing as bad publicity' applies on the remaining still obscene mode of transport

PR OPPORTUNITY - Making the best of it

2009-11-12T17:17:00.003Z

The Telegraph has kindly published a list of:

Best Green websites

Oddly Junkk.com was not in the top 10... of green websites. For shame.

I have, however, done the next best thing... blagged!

So far... poll position.

PR OPPORTUNITY - Here come de judge

2009-11-12T14:18:00.002Z

Like I always say, as he asked...

'Take a look at Mashable’s list of 75 green tweets and see how many you would really want in your Twitter window every day.'

Green web awards: upwards, onwards

I was grateful for that list, and pleased to add a few more I did not already have.

But you are right, a few really didn't seem to float my boat at all. Not to say some were not sincere or well done, but I found many that resided at the two extremes that frustrate me most (other than the two at each end of (A)GW), either preaching to a very faithful hairshirt flock in such a way as to repel 'liter' greens still keen to find out and change, to high-end fashionistas way above my pay grade. I am more Fiesta Family on a Friday Tesco run for the whole week rather than Prius Person using the wicker basket bike to get organic veg for a dinner do at the weekend Devon retreat.

Personally (and flying a wee selfish, self-promo flag here), I think (and hope) the future is in the hands of those who seek to inspire rather than hector, reward rather than punish and educate/entertain rather than strike fear or promote guilt.

It's a great world. We should enjoy every moment of making it even better, even when we are rolling up our sleeves to help support it while in need.

Thinking back, I believe I entered Junkk.com. Hope this little effort hasn't scr*wed our chances

Not a lot, little 'Ern, not a lot

2009-11-12T11:05:00.004Z

A wee while ago I raised the notion of 'Survival of the Selfish'

This is a worthy evolutionary addition to that:

What use is evolution to environmentalists?

The question of course depends on what aspect of environmentalism one is referring to, but outside of nature's self (as far is she is able without man's malign influence)-regulation, if it's to do with the bigger picture of (A)GW and various global hoo-haas/negotiations I fear that is a boat long since sailed.

There is a certain irony that, to read the full text, you have to pay. That is life, if not one Nature had factored in, perhaps.

The TOL Bar - e-will

2009-11-12T09:47:00.003Z

Still grappling with an unhealthy addiction to twitter.

It's just that it... is... so... darn... useful for new info, usually linked.

Soooo hard to resist.

And, often, soooo hard not to either RT or draft a reply, which with a total of 140 characters (inc. original) can be a challenge; one that takes time.

But I know it is detracting from here.

The solution, I think is a compromise (for now): I'll keep up with both, but cut down on the rehashing (#re - that is more apt than you think) as frankly a lot of folk just shunt the same info or opinion around endlessly, and try and focus on adding value.

I cannot claim to get hold of much original 'news', so this means, mainly, data and/or ideas.

As here, in the latest 'Thinking Out Loud" label post.

It has been inspired by this:

What happens to email after you die

Inspired but, ironically, little actually to do with its main premise, more on personal privacy.

I'm thinking the 'cost' of online existence.

Already, I daily 'enjoy' gigabytes of stuff flowing in, much of which I don't even look at at all much less skip. I tend to keep 'em all 'cos I'm hoarder by nature, but also the 'missing the nugget in the tailings' fear. I should cancel many... most, but don't. Just in case. And, heck, they might appreciate the numbers on the ratings board.

But what about when I pop off or, as seems more likely, one day suffer info overload rage and decide to really get back to my shed and hope a passing airship full of VCs and journalists passes over head and sees my latest creation?

Plugs may well get pulled, but I doubt that much will happen to the outpouring, though the size of in-box caches may well eventually lead to a blockage. Maybe even a 'full' sign that properly washed mailings will pick up on and self-cancel.

But for the rest...?

Maybe the creation of some kind of e-will of things to cancel might leave a legacy that helps the planet as well, if in a small way? It might need some effort to set up and carry out, plus the scary notion of post-mortem access to passwords, but I wonder if it may be worth it?

A site for sore eyes, ears...

2009-11-11T14:14:00.002Z

Every so often a site comes along that I just like.

This is one such: unclutterer.com

For no better reason than that, I am happy to share:)

Climate of confusion

2009-11-11T10:52:00.004Z

Newsnight is one of the more significant news/current affairs programmes we have in this country.

That's not saying a lot.

I watched this, and the protagonists selected, with my jaw on the ground.

How much has changed?

Just watched the chat... 'legally-binding' came up a lot. Lot of eggs in the kitchen?

I just hope that, whatever does get discussed, agreed, and bound up, most people will move beyond the fact that a treaty has been established to what it's actually committing folk to and with what in mind.

With the current level of global boxtickocracy and short-term legacy jockeying, I'll be fascinated whether emissions actually get reduced, or just shunted around a lot more as various interested parties take their cut.

Monday 9 November 2009

Just now watched Mr. Rowlatt's kitchen cabinet meeting.

If this is the calibre of political heft and serious journalism surrounding this huge, complex, vital issue that we may expect... oh.

I do indeed now expect that President 'only if it's going to look good' O will swing by to bestow blessings on a bit of a thing... and no one present, observing or hoping to be adequately informed will end up having the slightest clue who has committed to what and whether it will make a blind bit of difference - save to boost business and first class seat uptake, convention hotel and 5 star restaurant bookings, and a few folks' golf handicaps. These things always seem to happen, a lot, in nice places.

Meanwhile populations will grow, economies will need to expand, forests will be felled, green fields will turn first brown and then get concreted over, affordably, runways will be added, nukes will get commissioned... and a BBC 'science' moppet will point at the business end of a Tesla as others will Copenhagen and declaim 'Look... it's not emitting, and meeting all sorts of lovely bonus-driving, fine-avoiding, lobby-pleasing targets'. So long as such things make sense environmentally and practically in complement with other socio-economic parameters, fine. If not, its just a silly game, with the only winners being those on the pitch and a few in the sponsors' and media boxes, with the rest paying.

However, it is not enough to observe and/or critique, so when the opportunity presents I will grab it:

Update on your questions for Ed Miliband

What will be the outcome to total global emissions of a 'successful' outcome?

Then... where from? Up or down? Country by country, industry by industry. Plus cost impositions... or gains, as a consequence.

And of these what % will be tangible, practical, genuine enviROI+ reductions, and what % redistribution or redesignation?

How, with expanding populations encroaching or dependent on ever more territory and resources can the growing economy mantra from all governments to support these be satisfied without further increases in consumption and hence pollution vs. in the situation suggested, held and reduced?

There is no such thing as a free lunch. What, honestly, is going to have to give? In terms a worker in a factory making stuff to sell and be consumed can relate to job wise, to the lifestyle-centric mind of a student with an eye on the latest iPhone or LCD TV from John Lewis (non-list) can relate to. For good or ill.

In committing all efforts and funds to avoiding/mitigating the potential consequences of (A)GW, has any thought been given to the possibility that it is (now/already, as claimed by some in high office) unavoidable (whatever the cause) and contingencies made to support best practice coping mechanisms?

Or are all bets on 'man' being the sole cause, and hence all efforts by our race should be committed to reversing our impacts?

In case this proves incorrect, and/or the efforts made prove ineffective/insufficient, what will be the consequences to this country?

I am hoping he might answer some, and the key ones, and not waffle. Or choose a distracting line.

I have tried to be careful to avoid any hint that my concern is on whether PMWNCC is happening as per any 'line' or fact to prevent the inevitable extreme artillery barrages. My interest is in what he and his merry crew have actually considered or, and equally important, not considered around the consequences of a 'warming' planet.

I just had a mate call me up in a rage. He took the now redundant RE:boxes to the bring site as his new green wheelie has arrived to improve things. They wouldn't take it and suggested he pop over the road and pop it in the landfill skip. Somewhere a box is binned and another is ticked or a target in one area is met that is not counted against one lost in another. And a planet weeps another tear.

But I will never stop trying to find tangible, practical, enviROI+ solutions wherever and whenever I can. Always have (wow, was it 5 years ago? And those boxes had years left in them yet). Always will. If I am able.

RE:PAIR - Want tips with that?

2009-11-09T16:13:00.002Z

Top 10 Clever Fixes for Your Broken Stuff

And if you ever need a place to go to find stuff to fix things with....