Thursday, June 28, 2007
Wasting paper
I get cross when people say things like "use less paper - save a tree". Most folks know that our paper comes from 'farmed' trees, planted and harvested just like any other crop.
But some people seem to think using less paper is going to save the Amazon rainforest, it won't. It'll just reduce another farmer's income.
Most of our paper is produced from plantations grown for purpose in places like Scandinavia and Canada where it is their livelihood. Saying "save a tree" is a bit like saying "eat less chips - save a potato!"
PS if you do print out this post, please recycle the sheet of paper!
But some people seem to think using less paper is going to save the Amazon rainforest, it won't. It'll just reduce another farmer's income.
Most of our paper is produced from plantations grown for purpose in places like Scandinavia and Canada where it is their livelihood. Saying "save a tree" is a bit like saying "eat less chips - save a potato!"
PS if you do print out this post, please recycle the sheet of paper!
Monday, May 21, 2007
Great Briton?
In the run-up to ITV's Greatest Briton 2007 extravaganze (their words), some website ran a preview and poll for its visitors (probably offline by now, so I won't bother telling you where to find it)
I voted for, well, that's my business isn't it? But I was fully expecting my choice to be leading the results. But no, who was at the top of the pile? Who's the greatest Briton as far as this poll was concerned? Non other than world-renowned theoretical physicist (his words) Stephen Hawking.
OK, fine.
But I have a theory too.
I reckon Stephen Hawking is a fake. Look, he's written all this stuff that no-one can understand. I could do that.
Frequently do.
But if no-one can understand it, how do you know its right? Huh?
No-one can prove black holes actually exist, so how can someone dedicate most of their lives to telling us how they work?
Someone (Not SH) claims to have seen one. In the distance. Well at one unbelievably long distance. And in fact all they said was "I don't know what that is, I expect it's a black hole." (my words).
What if we go out to look at one and on closer inspection it turns out to be, say, very dark blue. What if you fall through it and just come out on the other side? What if it only radiates a feeling of well-being and bonhomie?
If we believe everything SH says, space travellers of the future may waste light years diverting around black holes only to find that, actually, they were a bit of a short-cut. And quite pretty.
Discuss.
And vote for David Beckham.
I voted for, well, that's my business isn't it? But I was fully expecting my choice to be leading the results. But no, who was at the top of the pile? Who's the greatest Briton as far as this poll was concerned? Non other than world-renowned theoretical physicist (his words) Stephen Hawking.
OK, fine.
But I have a theory too.
I reckon Stephen Hawking is a fake. Look, he's written all this stuff that no-one can understand. I could do that.
Frequently do.
But if no-one can understand it, how do you know its right? Huh?
No-one can prove black holes actually exist, so how can someone dedicate most of their lives to telling us how they work?
Someone (Not SH) claims to have seen one. In the distance. Well at one unbelievably long distance. And in fact all they said was "I don't know what that is, I expect it's a black hole." (my words).
What if we go out to look at one and on closer inspection it turns out to be, say, very dark blue. What if you fall through it and just come out on the other side? What if it only radiates a feeling of well-being and bonhomie?
If we believe everything SH says, space travellers of the future may waste light years diverting around black holes only to find that, actually, they were a bit of a short-cut. And quite pretty.
Discuss.
And vote for David Beckham.
Monday, October 23, 2006
I still don't like football!
Football (soccer if you live in the US) is a game revered by millions. The beautiful game, they call it. It is the topic of conversations in thousands of pubs, bars and clubs throughout the known universe. Star players become A-list celebs and cost millions of pounds.
If its so great, why don't I like it?
I don't watch it, I don't have a favouite team and I only know about David Beckham because he's an A-lister (see above).
I appreciate the quality of the modern game, its just the following I have a problem with. I'm sorry guys, I just don't get it.
I admit I watched a few of the world cup matches. To me, as a non-enthusiast, England never looked like the winners from day one. Is it good to play ten men in defence? I don't understand. But what do I know?
Watching some the teams reminded me why I really, really don't like football: footballers cheat.
There is nothing honourable about lying to claim advantage.
To simply fall over when an opposing player runs near you is pretty poor. To then writhe around on the ground clutching a patently uninjured ankle, shin, knee, thigh, groin, chest, arm, head, nose (delete as appropriate) until a free kick is awarded in your favour is more than just poor sportsmanship, it is CHEATING.
I'm sorry, but it is.
To then get up and imediately run halfway down the pitch and score a goal just leaves me speechless with disbelieve. It is so utterly indefensible that I just don't understand why mine seems to be the lone voice in the wilderness. Why are so many people so enthusistic about a game that is so morally corrupt?
Surely no other sport in the world allows such dishonesty
And what are referees doing about it? On Saturday, one of them booked two players for celebrating a goal by hugging supporters at the front of the crowd.
Why am I not impressed?
If its so great, why don't I like it?
I don't watch it, I don't have a favouite team and I only know about David Beckham because he's an A-lister (see above).
I appreciate the quality of the modern game, its just the following I have a problem with. I'm sorry guys, I just don't get it.
I admit I watched a few of the world cup matches. To me, as a non-enthusiast, England never looked like the winners from day one. Is it good to play ten men in defence? I don't understand. But what do I know?
Watching some the teams reminded me why I really, really don't like football: footballers cheat.
There is nothing honourable about lying to claim advantage.
To simply fall over when an opposing player runs near you is pretty poor. To then writhe around on the ground clutching a patently uninjured ankle, shin, knee, thigh, groin, chest, arm, head, nose (delete as appropriate) until a free kick is awarded in your favour is more than just poor sportsmanship, it is CHEATING.
I'm sorry, but it is.
To then get up and imediately run halfway down the pitch and score a goal just leaves me speechless with disbelieve. It is so utterly indefensible that I just don't understand why mine seems to be the lone voice in the wilderness. Why are so many people so enthusistic about a game that is so morally corrupt?
Surely no other sport in the world allows such dishonesty
And what are referees doing about it? On Saturday, one of them booked two players for celebrating a goal by hugging supporters at the front of the crowd.
Why am I not impressed?
