Google's Crisis Map - Falling Short of the Mark

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    For those with interest in Google's offering for the masses for Hurricane Irene, go here. 

    Comment: In many ways this is a very nice, simple way to make a dynamic emergency situation, visually understandable.  However, as a geospatial tool being promoted by a "crisis response organization", it is sorely lacking in one very important feature, U.S. National Grid (USNG) capability - something that has been shown can be easily implemented within Google's mapping applications by much smaller organizations like the National Search and Rescue Committee and Florida's Division of Emergency Management.  Unfortunately, this oversight by the 10 million pound gorilla in the common man's world of maps means Google is missing out on an excellent opportunity to help build national awareness about this use of geospatial technology for emergency preparedness and response (unlike ESRI), as well as awareness about U.S. geospatial standards for crisis response (see page 119 of this document).  Google has done so many great things when it comes to bringing geospatial awareness to the world - for all our sakes, let's hope this is one area where they soon do the same.


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Bigfish premieres new folding bikes at Eurobike

    The NEXT GENERATION OF SIMPLE COMMUTING

    Simple usage and maximum mobility have always been at the core of Bigfish folding bikes. Now the popular existing model will get a significant technologicalupgrade and will be joined by a new addition, the Bigfish Line.

    The “original” Bigfish bike, known as the Bigfish Wave after its swooping frame shape,

    has been improved for 2012. The latest generation of Bigfish’s proprietary Smart Folding Technology (SFT) has been added to the front end to make the folding process

    even simpler. The new button releases make the fold quicker, cleaner and completely intuitive.

    The New Bigfish. The much-anticipated Bigfish Line (its name also coming from the frame shape) will be revealed at Eurobike. Though quite different in appearance, the

    Line includes all the same SFT features and also folds with complete simplicity.

    With a weight of around 12kg both Bigfish models are light, and when folded can be also wheeled with you as you walk. Both bikes have improved gear ratios (available

    with 1 or 3 speeds), to add power to the already-comfortable ride that comes from having the proportions of a full-size bike.

    PLUS - Bigfish goes electric! Bigfish will also get an “e-upgrade” using Sunstar’s S03 electric motor with torque sensor. A power unit can be fitted to any of the two frames, which adds 4kg to the total weight but greatly improves mobility.

    In 2010 Bigfish was also recognized by the (Bill) Clinton Global Initiative, that chose this bike as one of four products that can change the way we live. The former

    US president himself has even tried out the bike on the streets of New York City.

    Both Bigfish models and the e-bike will be on display at Eurobike on stand A3/703

    Source: Bigfish Bike

    www.bigfishbike.com

    This press release is presented without editing for your information only.

    Full Disclosure Statement: The GREEN (LIVING) REVIEW received no compensation for any component of this article.

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Washington Post: Martin Luther King had a profound impact on Christian conservatives

    MLK_webWith the unveiling of the new Martin Luther King, Jr. memorial in Washington this week, it’s important to take a moment to understand the profound impact Dr. King has on the Christian conservative movement, writes Jordan Sekulow in the Washington Post‘s On Faith section.

    “No one can question Dr. King’s commitment to fighting for the rights of the individual,” notes Sekulow. “His efforts are well documented in his quest to secure racial equality, to speak for those who did not have a voice. That’s the cornerstone of his legacy.

    It is the way he went about his work that is so inspiring. Controversial? Yes. Unorthodox? Yes. Effective? Definitely.

    When the Sekulow family moved to Atlanta some years ago, we saw first-hand the impact of his life and spent many hours at the Martin Luther King, Jr. Center for Nonviolent Social Change.

    Continue reading here

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First Navy Trainer Completes Biofuel Flight at Patuxent River

    PATUXENT RIVER, MD, August 2011 : The Navy’s alternative energy program expanded Aug. 24 when a T-45 training aircraft completed a successful biofuel flight at Naval Air Station (NAS) Patuxent River, Md.

    The “Salty Dogs” of Air Test and Evaluation Squadron (VX) 23 flew the high-performance jet trainer on a biofuel mixture of petroleum-based JP-5 jet fuel and plant-based camelina. The high oil content of the camelina seed makes it a valuable source of renewable and sustainable energy.

    “This successful test flight brings us a step closer to meeting the Navy’s energy security goals,” said Vice Adm. David Architzel, commander, Naval Air Systems Command. “My congratulations to the Navy fuels team here at NAVAIR for playing an instrumental role in proving the viability of biofuels to power naval aircraft.”

    U.S. Navy plane

    The “Salty Dogs” of Air Test and Evaluation Squadron 23 (VX-23) take to the skies testing the Navy's first jet trainer using a biofuel blend of JP-5 jet fuel and plant based camelina. The high oil content of the camelina seed makes it a valuable source of renewable and sustainable energy. (U.S. Navy Photo by Kelly Schindler)

    The T-45 “Goshawk” is a tandem-seat aircraft used by the Navy and Marine Corps to train pilots on carrier and tactical mission operations.

    This is the fifth aircraft successfully tested using biofuel at NAS Patuxent River and showcases the Navy’s commitment to achieve energy independence by reducing the need for foreign oil. Previous aircraft tested include the F/18 E/F, MH-60S, F/A-18 D, and most recently, the MV-22. Navy Secretary Ray Mabus’ goal is to cut the Navy’s oil usage in half by 2025.

    “This test of the T-45 with a 50/50 blend of biofuel represents another significant milestone in the long list of detailed flight test and demonstrations of the F-18 Super Hornet, the MH-60S, and the V-22,” said Rear Adm. Phil Cullom, Director of the Chief of Naval Operations Energy and Environmental Readiness Division. “Our commitment to the aggressive test schedule for drop-in replacement fuels for JP-5 and F-76 keep us on pace for the 2012 demonstration and 2016 deployment of the Great Green Fleet.”

    Three additional Navy aircraft are scheduled for biofuel test flights before the end of the year.

    This initiative is one of many throughout the Navy and Marine Corps which will enable the Department of the Navy to achieve Secretary Ray Mabus’ energy goals to improve our energy security and efficiency afloat and ashore, increase our energy independence, and help lead the nation toward a clean energy economy.

    For more news from Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division, Patuxent River, visit http://www.navy.mil/local/nawcadpr/.

    For more information on the Navy’s energy, environmental and climate change initiatives, please visit http://greenfleet.dodlive.mil/.

    This press release is presented without editing for your information only.

    Full Disclosure Statement: The GREEN (LIVING) REVIEW received no compensation for any component of this article.

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Viejas Outlets and Computers 2 SD Kids Host eWaste Drop Off Event

    Help East County Families in Need and Receive a Free Voucher to Harvest Buffet at Viejas Casino

    SAN DIEGO, CA, August 2011: Viejas Outlets and Computers 2 SD Kids are hosting an eWaste recycling drop off event today, Saturday, August 27.

    When you make a donation, you’ll receive a free voucher to the award-winning Harvest Buffet at Viejas Casino.

    Computers 2 SD Kids is a growing local not-for-profit that has refurbished more than 12,000 computers and provided them to needy families all across San Diego County.

    Area residents can drop of eWaste at the Viejas Outlets on Saturday, August 27 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Look for drop off and distribution signs in the parking lot of the Viejas Outlets. Volunteers will be on hand to accept all working and non-working electronic items including computers, TVs, radios, phones, cords, printers, hardware, used ink/toner cartridges and software.

    C2SDK recycles and refurbishes used computers and delivers them to families in need across San Diego County. C2SDK also arranges for the families to receive training and technical support necessary to achieve success.  “We work closely with local community and social service agencies to identify families in need, and a growing number are located in East County,” said Cheri Pierre, Executive Director of C2SDK. “So this is a great opportunity for East County residents to help others in their own community and we appreciate the support from Viejas and the California Welcome Center.” C2SDK has partnered with local businesses such as Viejas and Barona Casinos, Sharp Hospital, Cox Communications and others, who agree to donate computers and peripherals that they no longer use.

    Computers 2 SD Kids wants all children and their families in San Diego, regardless of their economic status, to be computer literate and have equal access to technology and the crucial educational, occupational, and financial resources that technology can provide. Economic barriers to technology hinder the growth and development of low-income families and perpetuate poverty. C2SDK responds to this digital disparity and the real-world demand for computer literacy through its Technology Assistance Program that recycles and refurbishes used computers and delivers them to families in need. C2SDK also provides each recipient with education, training and technical support necessary to achieve success.

    For more information, visit www.C2SDK.org.

    Source: C2SDK.com & Viejas Public Relations

    This press release is presented without editing for your information only.

    Full Disclosure Statement: The GREEN (LIVING) REVIEW received no compensation for any component of this article.

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Less Is More with Innovative Roux Maison Laundry Detergents

    NASHVILLE, TN, August 2011: Households across America are constantly looking for new and more convenient ways to go green and make a difference. Efficient light bulbs, community recycling, and hybrid cars are now familiar reminders of the numerous ways people can protect their environment. Many other product categories are more elusive and make it harder to determine whether consumers are actually making the best and smartest choices.

    In this era of greenwashing, Roux Maison takes the guesswork out of these decisions.

    The company, founded in Nashville, Tennessee, by lawyer turned entrepreneur Deena Drummond, is introducing a line of cleaning products that protects your fine fabrics as well as the environment. “I was so frustrated with available laundry products. The scents were strong and overwhelming, and my clothes either didn’t seem clean enough or else they began to fray and fall apart. The numerous chemicals caused fabric deterioration as well as skin and eye irritation,” stated Deena. As she researched the various chemical ingredients in available detergents, she became more and more concerned and convinced there had to be a better way to keep clothing clean and intact while keeping homes and health safe.

    Roux Maison comprises a line of American-made, super-concentrated laundry products that contain only the highest-quality ingredients available. They save money on dry cleaning while also keeping you and your surroundings safe from allergens and irritants. The detergents come in compact 16-ounce bottles that clean 40 full loads of laundry. The line includes two delicious scents created exclusively with all-natural essential oils. Roux Maison’s products are also available in fragrance-free versions. Laundry smells fresh and clean without residual aromas or chemical odors, while fabric integrity is maintained, keeping everything in its best condition possible.

    Roux Maison crafted a line of fabric-specific products to suit all home laundering needs, thus eliminating the need for most dry cleaning – another source of highly toxic chemicals and premature clothing deterioration. The line currently includes Essential, Sport, Delicate and Swimwear detergents as well as a Stain Remover.

    www.rouxmaison.com

    Source: Roux Maison

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Global Action Plan launches world-first game to dry up water waste

    Global Action Plan, a leader in environmental behaviour change, today announces the launch of a world-first ‘EcoInteractive’ game – The Water Explorer

    August 23rd 2011 - Global Action Plan, a leader in environmental behaviour change, today announces the launch of a world-first ‘EcoInteractive’ game – The Water Explorer.

    • The Water Explorer will make its first appearance during World Water Week (21-27 August) at Highcross shopping centre in Leicester on Wednesday 24th August.

    • Only 1 in 5 people think they should personally be taking the lead in saving water

    Designed to engage users in conserving water, the Water Explorer is the first educational game to a give a personal water plan that users can take home. The quiz based game shows the value of cutting domestic water use by giving practical tips to help people make the link between water, climate change and everyday habits and products.

    According to a recent poll(1) by Global Action Plan, only 1 in 5 people think they should personally be taking the lead in saving water. Yet with 45% of the water used in the lifecycle of a pair of jeans(2) occurring during the wash-and-dry home care by the customer for example, it is clear that consumer engagement plays a key part in tackling the issue of water sustainability – but there is limited communication on the topic from manufacturers and retailers.

    “The rapid rise in living standards and population growth threatens the sustainability of water resources and the environment. The compound effect of making simple lifestyle changes, such as using water more efficiently in the home, or understanding which products are more water intensive than others, is significant, so we have commissioned the Water Explorer to get a positive and practical message across to make this behaviour change happen.” Says Trewin Restorick, CEO, Global Action Plan.

    The Water Explorer has three games with varying difficulty levels. A series of questions probe people who have to tap, pump or flush the amount of water that ordinary household tasks require. Users receive a personal water plan, find out how much water is hidden in the things you buy and how much water people in different countries use.

    The Water Explorer will make its first appearance during World Water Week (21-27 August) at Highcross shopping centre in Leicester on Wednesday 24th August. Shoppers can find us outside Levis who will be giving out a pair of their Water-Less jeans on the day. It will also be at the Start festival, Kew Gardens, on Friday 26 August.

    We are excited to launch the Water Explorer at Highcross shopping centre. There’s so much we can do to get shoppers to use water more sustainably and innovative communications like this are a brilliant way to reach people”. Nicola Duffy, Environmental Co-ordinator, Highcross shopping centre, Leicester.

    The Water Explorer is fun and easy way to get people thinking about water, it can be hired from Global Action Plan anywhere in the UK for corporate and public events.

    Demonstrations and test runs are available at Highcross shopping centre or at the Global Action Plan offices in Covent Garden, London

    www.globalactionplan.org.uk/

    References:

    1. 124 people took part an anonymous water poll undertaken by Global Action Plan in July 2011

    2. Source: Levi Strauss & Co.

    Source: Global Action Plan

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    Full Disclosure Statement: The GREEN (LIVING) REVIEW received no compensation for any component of this article.

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Reckitt Benckiser concerns: Nurofen Plus recall.

    It will be interesting to see if there is a short term impact to Reckitt Benckiser shares following the announcement of a recall of Nurofen plus following Seroquel XL 50mg being found in 3 packs.

    - "Seroquel XL is a prescription-only anti-psychotic drug used to treat several disorders including schizophrenia, mania and bipolar depression" 

    - "Thousands of 32-tablet packs are in the affected batches - numbered 13JJ, 57JJ and 49JJ."

    - "Each of the affected batches contains between 4,000 and 7,500 packs - around half a million in total. But it is known that not all the packs are affected." 

    - "..."serious investigations" were under way to establish how the mix-up occurred, especially as Seroquel XL is manufactured by another drug firm, AstraZeneca."

    As a consumer product company with potential access to new markets in China, India etc. Reckitt Benckiser is on my watchlist of candidates to add to the portfolio given the geographic shape of its current and potential sales; and its product portfolio of consumer and medicinal brands. The company has also maintained a progressive dividend policy to match its growth although, it has to said that this is historic and there have been recent doubts about future growth particularly given the recent loss of Bart Becht, the Chief Executive of the past 14 successful years.
    Hopefully, the pro-active approach will close out this issue without any consumer being affected or any damage to the Nurofen brand which to be fair is a victim given that tablets have been substituted rather than anything contained within the actual manufacturing process.

    As such, I will continue to watch for an opportunity to add it to the portfolio.


    Related article links:
    - www.bbc.co.uk: Investigations into the Nurofen Plus mix-up begin

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Boeing 737 update: upgrade annoucement due soon?

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Market reaction to Bernanke keynote speesh is just bizarre!

    FTSE 100 @ 5129.92, -1.18 (-0.02%)
    DJIA @ 11284.54, +134.72 (+1.21%)
    NASDAQ @ 2161.97, +53.76 (+2.55%)


    I see that global markets are increasingly irrational with a bounce earlier in the week on the back of hopes that the Chairman of the US Federal Reserve, Ben Bernanke would use a keynote speech on Friday to announce more economic stimulus as he did last year. Then running into yesterday (Thursday) those hopes faded and markets collapsed again helped by rumours that Germany would be downgraded ( http://www.citywire.co.uk: Global markets give up gains on Germany downgrade rumours).
    Markets continued down today (Friday) as Wall St opened down but then, bizarrely following Bernanke's speech and no announcement of the hoped for stimulus (any decision being put of until a September meeting), markets bounced again. Falling with no stimulus and then up when this is confirmed!

    I have always understood and tried to reinforce to myself the view that markets are not a one way street but this is just bizarre, seemingly irrational and impossible to predict.

    Related articles:
    - www.digitallook.com: US close: Investors seize on postives from Bernanke speech
    - http://www.citywire.co.uk: Global markets give up gains on Germany downgrade rumours

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The wild men of Borneo

    Conrad Anker: " Kinabalu...yeh..been there,done that and bought the T shirt'

    IT HAS at least 14 notable peaks on its western and eastern plateaus, plus massive, glacier-polished granite walls that make big wall climbers go gaga, and yet Sabah’s Mt Kinabalu is pretty much under the radar when it comes to rock-climbing.

    While there are various expeditions to descend Low’s Gully (the 1,800m-deep rift carved out by glacier 10,000 years ago), few climbers are ferreting out Mt Kinabalu’s technical walls.

    However, in 2009 an A-list bunch of climbers, including world-renowned alpinists Conrad Anker and Kevin Thaw, big wall expert Mark Synnott, adventure photographer Jimmy Chin and Alex Honnold (best known for his rope-free ascents of Yosemite’s walls) converged on Mt Kinabalu for their Borneo Big Wall Expedition.

    They rappelled down Low’s Gully and clawed their way up a 762m granite wall (1.5 times higher than Petronas Twin Towers) over a few weeks. Two years later, in June this year, Japanese climbing ace Yuji Hirayama decided to stamp his mark on the mountain.

    Hirayama first arrived in Sabah eight year earlier to film a travel programme for NHK (Japan Broadcasting Corporation) and did the requisite hike up Mt Kinabalu. At Laban Rata resthouse, he spotted a photo of Oyayubi Peak on the western plateau.

    “I was awestruck and I said to myself, ‘One day, I want to come back and make my line (to be the first to set a route and climb the wall) on Oyayubi peak,’” recalls Hirayama.

    His Japanese agent pitched the idea to the Sabah side. Eventually Sabah Tourism, Tourism Malaysia, Malaysia Airlines and Kinabalu-based Mountain Torq helped to make Hirayama’s trip possible.

    Hirayama based himself in Kinabalu’s Pendant Hut to scout out potential routes. Despite his impressive climbing résumé (having nailed many walls across the globe), he found Kinabalu posed its own set of challenges.

    “The weather changes so rapidly. When the fog arrives, everything gets soaking wet. But just as quickly, the sun comes out soon after. So after one week, I started to grasp the weather window,” says Hirayama who had only experienced his highest climb at 2,000m prior to Kinabalu. Setting his routes from the 3,976m- plateau, he had to acclimatise to the altitude fast.

    “Though I climbed slowly and deliberately, at times my heart was pounding fast. A couple of times, my hand went numb when I reached out for a handhold,” he adds, grinning. After a gruelling two weeks, Hirayama nailed four firsts ascents on Oyayubi and Donkey Ears peaks, with grades ranging from 5.11a (steep and difficult) to 5.14c/d (among the hardest in the world) and routes averaging 25-100m long.

    “I hope to come back in September to set more routes,” says Hirayama before he left Sabah.

    Since he posted his climbs on his blog, he has seen twice the number of hits he usually gets. “I will talk more about the Kinabalu and see how the climbing world will react,” he says.

    Founder of Mt Kinabalu-based Mountain Torq, South-East’s Asia’s first mountaineering training centre and the world’s highest via ferrata, Wilfred Tok, concurs that Kinabalu has great potential to be a world-class rock climbing destination.

    “Excluding Low’s Peak, the other peaks on Kinabalu requires technical rock climbing,” explains Tok who has more than 20 years’ experience leading rock-climbing and mountaineering expeditions internationally.

    The lengths of the climbing routes, starting from the summit plateau, range from 25m to 400m. And climbers need to be equipped with both sport and traditional rock climbing skills in an alpine environment.

    “However, to become a successful climbing destination, Kinabalu needs the support from various stakeholders since it will require, among other things, access to emergency evacuation and medical aid, and continuous education, training and promotion,” points out Tok.

    The Star

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Hurricane Irene Geospatial Information Page Is Available

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    EPC SPECIAL NOTICE

    In support of Minnesota corporations that may need geospatial information for their operations along the U.S. East Coast during, and after Hurricane Irene, a special information page devoted to the event is now available.

    Look for it by clicking on the "Available GIS for Disasters" link in the right side bar.  Then click on "Hurricane Irene" in the left side bar of the site's Home page.  Alternately, click here to proceed directly.

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Farewell to Everest and Kanchenjunga veteran-George Band

    Photo-Peter Dench

    George Band, who made the first ascent of Kanchenjunga and was on the 1953 Everest expedition, died earlier today at his home in Hampshire.Born in Taiwan, He was educated at Eltham College, London and Cambridge and London Universities,At Cambridge he was President of the University Mountaineering Club. He completed his National Service in the Royal Corps of Signals.

    George Band was the was the youngest climber on the 1953 Everest expedition led by John Hunt, which saw Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay make the first ascent. Two years later he went to Kanchenjunga on an expedition led by Charles Evans, and with Joe Brown, made the first ascent of the mountain. Further expeditions to the Alps, the Caucasus, Peru and the Karakoram followed.

    In 1957, he began an international career with the Royal Dutch / Shell Group. In 1983 he returned to the UK to become Director General of the UK Offshore Operators’ Association, which represents the oil and gas companies operating on the UK Continental Shelf. During this period he took on the Presidency of the Alpine Club which he held from 1987 to 1990.

    After retiriement,George was able to spend more time climbing and trekking, as well lecturing and writing. In 2003, to mark the Everest Jubilee he wrote Everest: 50 Years on Top of the World, and this was followed in 2007 by Summit: 150 Years of the Alpine Club which celebrated the of founding of the world’s oldest mountaineering club . George also became Chairman of the Himalayan Trust UK in 2003. He served in a number of other positions including: Chairman of the Mount Everest Foundation; Member of the Council of the Royal Geographical Society and; Appeal Patron for BSES Expeditions.

    He served as President of the BMC from 1996 to 1999 and most recently attended the 2011 Annual Dinner at Plas y Brenin to present the newly created George Band Award for voluntary contribution to the BMC’s work. George’s contribution to the BMC and the mountaineering community was also recognised at the dinner with an announcement that George had been appointed a Patron of the BMC.

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National Grid adds biomethane to grid expertise and insight to four EBEC conference sessions

    London, UK, August 18, 2011: EBEC (European Bioenergy Expo and Conference), the UK’s largest dedicated bioenergy event, announces that National Grid will participate in four of its conference sessions to share knowledge and insight for delegates with respect to the biomethane business opportunities now appearing in the UK. Over the two day event, the company will outline the energy challenges in getting to a low carbon economy, explain National Grid’s vision for biomethane, highlight the key role for biomethane in decarbonising heat, provide an update on gas to grid developments and explain how to connect biomethane plants to the gas network. Full details of the conference sessions will be published on the EBEC
    website.

    "Biomethane has the potential to cost effectively contribute to global carbon reduction targets. It has the added benefits of increasing security of energy supplies and helping to deal with organic waste products. I am proud that National Grid is taking a lead role to bring this sustainable energy source to market," says John Pettigrew, Chief Operating Officer, Gas Distribution and Metering for National Grid.    

    Lucy Pitt, Group Marketing Manager of Closer2 Media, the company organising EBEC, adds: “We’re very pleased to see National Grid participating so fully in EBEC this year. Their expertise in biomethane to grid is unrivalled and delegates have a great opportunity to learn from the company’s in-depth knowledge of the exciting opportunities presented by this emerging technology.”

    Two other free-to-enter energy related exhibitions, Microgen and Nextgen, are running alongside EBEC this year. Microgen brings together manufacturers, distributors, installers and consumers of micro renewable technologies including wind and solar. Nextgen focuses on emerging technologies such as fuel cells, advanced gasification and pyrolysis.

    For more information, please visit www.ebec.co.uk

    National Grid is an international electricity and gas company and one of the largest investor-owned energy companies in the world. We play a vital role in delivering gas and electricity to millions of people across Great Britain and northeastern US in an efficient, reliable and safe manner. We believe the power of action can play a major role in safeguarding our global environment for future generations and tackling the effects of climate change, providing all our customers with the highest standards of service through network investment and through our talented, diverse workforce.

    National Grid owns the high-voltage electricity transmission network in England and Wales and operates the system across Great Britain. It also owns and operates the high-pressure gas transmission system in Britain and its distribution business delivers gas to 11 million homes and businesses. For more information, please visit http://www.nationalgrid.com

    EBEC (European Bioenergy Expo and Conference) 2011 is organised by CloserStill Media. The event will be held on 5-6 October 2011 at Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire. Now in its sixth year, EBEC is the largest dedicated bioenergy expo in the UK. It provides a unique opportunity for those involved in the production of bioenergy to make direct contact with each other and visitors who are interested in harnessing energy derived from biological sources within their organisation. The 2011 event will highlight many bioenergy solutions such as biogas, biodiesel, biofuel and biowaste. The two-day event includes a free conference programme which offers delegates the chance to debate, learn and network with industry peers. For more information, please visit http://www.ebec.co.uk

    Source: EBEC & TechnoPR

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Nextgen set to unveil Land Rover equipped with Atmos technology to heat homes

    TESSA_Freelander_web London, UK, August 2011: ‘TESSA’, the first car using stored heat from the engine to produce heat energy that can be used in homes for hot water and central heating, will be on show for the first time at Nextgen – a major international environmental trade show being hosted later this year.

    TESSA, which stands for Thermal Energy Storage and Saving Automobile, is a Land Rover Freelander fitted with a prototype thermal energy storage and transfer system developed by UK based heating supplier Atmos Heating Systems.

    "We are delighted to be able to demonstrate the energy and carbon saving benefits TESSA offers at Nextgen. We have developed and patented a means of storing waste heat on board the vehicle, and a practical means of transferring the stored heat into a building for use as hot water and/or space heating," said John Thomason, General Manager of Atmos Heating Systems.

    Focusing on emerging environmental technologies, Nextgen will be held at Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire, on 5-6 October. More than 150 international exhibitors and over 3,000 visitors are expected to take advantage of free admission during both days.

    The show is co-located with two other events which cover different aspects of renewable energy: the flagship show EBEC looking at innovations within bio-energy and Microgen which will bring together manufacturers, distributors, installers and consumers of micro renewable technologies such as solar, wind and hydro power generation.

    “It is great that Atmos with the technical support of Jaguar Land Rover are presenting this important prototype technology aboard the Freelander at Nextgen. As the name suggests, our environmental event aims to promote the next generation of technological innovations and this project is certainly one to watch in the future," added Lucy Pitt, Group Marketing Manager of Closer2 Media, the company organising Nextgen.

    According to Atmos, the internal combustion engine remains the power unit of choice for our road vehicles. Despite numerous advances in engine efficiency, however, this still only manages a mechanical power efficiency averaging around 30%. The remaining 70% is dissipated as heat, through the radiator coolant system and the exhaust. Although some of the coolant system energy is used to heat the interior of the vehicle, the rest is simply lost into the atmosphere.

    “In other industries such horrendous waste would not be tolerated, and with the transport sector responsible for 40% of carbon emissions, this must not be left to continue. Whilst our technology does not reduce CO2 emissions from the vehicle, it utilises heat that is otherwise wasted, resulting in lower fossil fuel consumption in the home and thereby an overall net benefit to the environment,” explained Mr Thomason.

    The technology developed by Atmos can be integrated with other renewable technologies in the home such as solar thermal and heat pumps. It can also be deployed into vehicles using biofuels instead of petrol and diesel fuels to ensure additional environmental benefits.

    For more information, please visit http://www.nextgenexpo.co.uk

    Source: Nextgen & TechnoPR

    This press release is presented without editing for your information only.

    Full Disclosure Statement: The GREEN (LIVING) REVIEW received no compensation for any component of this article.

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Household & office items made with repurposed materials

    Some great DIY transformations you will just love – I hope…

    By Michael Smith (Veshengro)

    Here are couple – well more than just two – of great projects made with repurposed items. Hopefully these clever ideas will inspire you to try similar projects. Be creative! What can you make today?

    Pencil bin from tin can. This is an easy to make pencil bin and a great deal cheaper – as it is FREE – than the recycled steel ones that you can buy for way too much money. Aside from the fact that it is free it also does not look out of place on any desk and thus why bother spending money on something that you can so easily make and which is free. Then again, theoretically, you have paid for it when you bought the product that was in the tin and therefore why would you want to throw that, against no return, into the recycling?

    Making such a pencil bin is as simple as putting the clean can that you have had intended to toss into the recycling bin onto your desk and adding pens and pencils.

    CD coasters: This must be, along with the above, one of the simplest DIY recycling project for home and office as it is just as simple as use. Nowadays we don't actually have as many useless CDs anymore as we used to when the Internet was in its infancy and when everyone was giving away the free connection CDs for dial up Internet connections but, I am sure, you will still find old CDs that can be used in this way. I find those much better than any bought ones and no loss when they, finally, give up their ghost.

    Making those coasters is as simple as using them as they are ready to roll as they are.

    Colander Lamp: This easy to make lamp, or more precise, lamp shade, once a kitchen colander, is the perfect accent for a breakfast nook. It is also quite suitable in other locations, I am sure, and properly made can look very good indeed. You could even go very funky and paint it red or green or even polka dot.

    In order to make such as lamp (shade) you will need, and that should be obvious, one old colander. You then need a tool to cut a hole into the bottom of the colander where the bulb holder goes. Once that is done all you need to do is to put it onto such a bulb holder hanging from the ceiling and – viola – one funky lamp.

    Cork Noticeboard: Collect some bottle corks, even plastic corks can be used for this, and arrange them in an old picture frame with the glass removed. Ensure the frame has a solid back, such as hardboard, and not cardboard. Glue the corks to the backboard of the frame in alternating pairs, ensuring a good grip, let dry and when finished you have a cork pin board to which to affix notes.

    Water Bottle: Create a reusable water bottle from a Snapple lemonade bottle or other such kind of container as container for your tap water. There is no need to reinvent the wheel and buy a recycled glass bottle for this purpose. While the bottle may not be toughened glass it is cheap though.

    Storage Jars: Many folks will go out, in the same way as those buying a pencil bin instead of repurposing a tin can for this purpose, and buy a set of recycled glass storage jars for somewhere in the region of $18, when they could simply use the glass jars that they toss regularly into the recycling bin. Our parents and grandparents and great-grandparents used glass jars for many purposes, from keeping leftovers for a day in a cool place, to storing dry goods, such as legumes, rice, sugar, tea, etc., as well as buttons, nails and screws, and so on. There is no need to buy storage jars while you have some that you keep tossing out.

    This is just a very small selection of ideas and I am sure that every reader can, theoretically, add some of their own ideas.

    © 2011

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Save The World Using a GIS - In Your Browser!!!!

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Peregrine falcons amongst species targeted by poisoners.


    POLICE have today revealed they are hunting criminals who used a banned industrial grade poison to kill two peregrine falcons.
    The birds of prey were found dead at a quarry in the West Lothian town of Kirknewton after being subject to the lethal pesticide aldicarb.

    Specialist wildlife investigators believe the killings were clearly deliberate and one of the peregrine's heads had been severed to be kept as a "trophy".

    The investigation only came to light when a government report into pesticide deaths was published yesterday and police insisted they will keep the case open until someone is caught.

    The incident last year was among the worst detailed in the Science and Advice for Scottish Agriculture report, which also listed a series of incidents in Bathgate last October where cats were poisoned with antifreeze.

    Police have described the incredible lengths to which the culprits would have to go to poison a peregrine.

    PC Ruaraidh Hamilton, wildlife crime co-ordinator for Lothian and Borders Police, told the Evening News: "Peregrines are a species that feed only on other birds, so it's very tricky and unusual to find they have been poisoned. They don't eat carrion or animals on the ground. Someone would have to have put poison on a bird that they know peregrines hunt and then wait for them to make contact with that bird for this pesticide to be passed on.

    "It takes a lot of specialist knowledge to poison a bird that hunts in the sky."

    PC Hamilton said it was possible the culprits were collectors of pigeons who have taken issue with the peregrines, who are feared hunters.

    The dead peregrines were found in April and May last year and so far police have not identified any suspects.

    PC Hamilton said that the kind of poison used is so strong, it could easily be passed between animals, and could potentially affect humans if they came into contact with it.

    He added: "This is a pair of birds that could have raised three to four young a year. We will not close this case until someone is caught and we need the public's help in reporting any more incidents of this nature."

    Bob Elliot, head of investigations for RSPB Scotland, said every year the conservation body was seeing peregrines killed in attacks.

    He said: "This is a pattern I'm afraid to say we're seeing every year now, not just poisoned but shot peregrines as well.
    "We've had incidents before with people interested in pigeon racing, being convicted of egg theft for collections, stealing chicks that would be laundered abroad.

    "Peregrines are of great importance and are a litmus test for many problems with the environment, which become apparent by examining their behaviour.

    "They are a fabulous species."

    The Scotsman

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Apple update 2: Steve Jobs to step down.

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Koreans Sue Apple Over iPhone Tracking

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    From PC World:
    27,000 South Koreans Sue Apple Over iPhone Privacy Violations

    The class-action suit against Apple stems from the revelations that the iPhone tracks and stores data about users' movements and sends the anonymous information to Apple servers.
    By Eric Mack, PCWorld    Aug 17, 2011 12:31 pm

    "The flap over iPhone location tracking led to some grandstanding in Congress and a few lawsuits by users in the United States over privacy concerns, but now nearly 27,000 South Koreans are suing Apple for privacy violations."  Read more.

    Reminder: Next EPC meeting - September 8th at 2:00 PM.  Event details and sign up is here.

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Apple update: Steve Jobs to step down.

    Apple @ $375.8, +£2.20 (+0.59%) 


    Well the expected and long awaited announcement that Steve Jobs is to step down as CEO of "his" company finally came through last night. 
    And, although Apple shares closed slightly up at $375.8, the various overnight news reports on the topic are suggesting that Apple was down around 5% in "after hours" trading.

    So despite his seemingly frail nature and long reported health problems the expected was perhaps unexpected for some.
    As expected though, it looks like he will be succeeded by Tim Cook, the company's Chief Operating Officer, who has deputised during Job's current leave of absence.


    Obviously the fear is that the company could be losing its visionary and, as a result lose direction and its ability to design and produce industry defining products. Hopefully this is a little short sighted given that Jobs looks set to take up the Chairman's position; Cook is a long established Apple senior (joining in 1998); and the company is surely not working with an empty pipeline of new products, strategies; and developments to existing products (like iPhone 5!). 
    Given his history, coming back to rescue the near defunct company he co-founded as a 21 year old (whilst fighting his illnesses), I can't see Jobs leaving a sinking ship that is so closely intertwined with him. To many he is Apple.


    Reports suggest that analysts are in support of Cook although there must be still be some concern (me too) that, without the messianic Jobs, the company could slowly melt back into being another consumer electronics company losing the conceptual design and lifestyle appeal that it has today.
    In the last decade or so its been very difficult to tell if the brand is Apple or Jobs. 
    The task now is to bring the cool white "Apple" brand out from under the deep shadows of its charismatic founder whilst maintaining its niche concept design position outside of the "establishment". 
    Looking back, there are many examples of previously successful growth machines in the technology sector which have had pseudo monopolies but eventually become part of the establishment which, in the eyes of the next generation, flips the uncool switch.


    But, as it stands today, the current horizon of growth forecasts should be intact which puts Apple on an undemanding 13.7 times price:earnings for the current year. 
    I guess its the forecast growth thats the demanding part but this is based upon iPhone and iPad sales, which still seem to be going from strength to strength, and its pipeline of evolutionary and, dare we hope, revolutionary new products.

    Can we still dare to dream that the cool white machine will continue on!


    Related article links:
    - www.telegraph.co.uk: Apple chief executive Steve Jobs resigns

    Earlier posts:
    - Shares update: Apple's third quarter results.
    - Apple 2nd quarter update - profits up 95%!
    - Apple update: Ipad 2!   
    - Is Android a reason to invest in Google?
    - Globally Diversified Technology, Growth, and Hedge portfolio!!!

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Shower in cold water for your health and that of the Planet

    By Michael Smith (Veshengro)

    coldshower1 Health benefits of a cold shower have been known for many years, or at least they have been assumed to be this and that for many years. Kneipp based cures around cold water and they seem to have worked.

    Everyone has their morning routine and showers are, hopefully, a part of it and while you may think it is going to be tough it is not that bad at all. Here are a few very good reasons why you should switch to cold showering.

    There are a number of benefits arising from taking cold showers, for yourself and the Planet.

    Cold water does a fabulous job at waking up the body so, if you are having a tough time getting going in the morning, taking shower of cold water can perk you right up. This helps jump start both your mood and motivation for the day. It also helps you quickly finish bathing, which helps save water and that is also always a good thing, especially if you pay by the amount of water that you use.

    I do not just, I have to say, shower cold in the beginning of the day. I shower cold 99% of the time. Using Fairy Liquid – a liquid dish soap as a shampoo and soap, which works out cheaper and also seems to be better for skin and hair – I wash hair also in cold.

    Yes, it does take getting a little used to but I found that my hair seems to be in better condition and my skin does not dry as much as when using warm/hot water.

    Showing in cold water also does not dry your skin from the use of soap as does using hot water and using cold water is thus better for you and your body.

    According to Alexa Fleckenstein, M.D., author of Health20, a cold shower helps train and improve your circulation. Cold water brings blood to the capillaries, boosting the circulatory system and releasing tight muscles. The improved circulation will actually help boost your mood and relieve physical and mental stress.

    Dr. Fleckenstein goes on to mention that cold showers also enhance immunity, decreasing the likelihood of infections and even cancer. It does this by improving one’s lymphatic circulation. Additionally, in a study done by the Thrombosis Research Institute in England, taking cold showers correlated with an increase in the number of viruses fighting white blood cells.

    It also reckoned to have the effect of strengthening your mucous membranes, helping your body combat allergies, colds, and hay fever.

    Even though I, basically, only take cold showers and have ever since childhood (and cold baths) I still suffer from hay fever and that badly at times.

    Using cold water not only gets you out of the shower quicker, saving water, but it also saves energy needed to warm the water. Changing to taking cold showers thus boost the health of the environment. It also should boot you financial health in that you will also be saving money on water and energy.

    A total win-win situation are cold showers.

    © 2011

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Someone asked the Dalai Lama what surprises him most… here is his answer

    DalaiLamaAnswer Personally, I think that says it about all about the human race.

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Geospatial Tech's Impact on Government's Emergency Response Efforts

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    Click on the link below to proceed to the article as published in Government Computer News:

    Virtual USA: How Geospatial Tech Is Changing Government
    By Patrick Marshall
    Aug 10, 2011

    Here's the pitch: "A geospatial framework emerges for emergency response coordination among federal, state and local governments."

    Comment: This article is actually the lead piece in an interlocking series on the same subject that can be found by clicking links in the "Related coverage" window, middle of the first page.  Correspondingly, even more articles can be found by using the "Related coverage" links in those follow on pieces.   As you are reading these articles that focus primarily on the power of technology, remember there are three pieces that must be in place to make a Common Operating Picture (Virtual USA) approach work: technology, people and policies.  Without those last two, the effort will fall far short of what is technologically possible.  Go here to read more on that point (shameless plug).

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IG trading update and market volatility.

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Wild Law – A Manifesto for Earth Justice – Book Review

    Review by Michael Smith (Veshengro)

    WILD LAW
    wild_law_cover_webA manifesto for Earth Justice
    Second Edition
    Cormac Cullinan with a Foreword by Thomas Berry
    Published by Green Books (26th May 2011)
    ISBN 978 1 900322 90 4
    Paperback, 208 pages
    Price: £12.95

    Contents:
    PART 1 - Rethinking Governance
    • Anthills & Aardvarks
    PART 2 - The World as we know it
    •The illusion of independence
    • The myth of the master species
    • Why law and jurisprudence matter
    • The conceit of law
    PART 3 - Earth Governance
    •Respecting the great law
    • Remembering who we are • The
    question of rights • Elements of Earth
    governance
    PART 4 - The journey into
    wilderness
    •Seeking Earth jurisprudence • The
    rhythms of life • The law of the land  •
    A communion of communities
    • Transforming law and governance
    PART 5 - The terrain ahead
    •The mountain path

    “This book of Cormac Cullinan explains with great clarity how we can change our entire approach to governance so that we can continue life on a liveable planet. In its basic outlines this book is one of the finest contributions to the entire field of jurisprudence in recent times.” – Thomas Berry, author of The Dream of the Earth, The Universe Story and The Great Work.

    Wild Law fuses politics, legal theory, quantum physics and ancient wisdom into a fascinating story. It has been seminal in informing and inspiring the global movement to recognise rights for Nature – a movement destined to shape the twenty-first century as significantly as the human rights movements shaped the twentieth century. This revised edition includes a new preface, postscript and the Universal Declaration of the Rights of Mother Earth proclaimed on 22nd April 2010.

    Wild Law presents a vision of how we could transform the systems that structure and order industrialised societies to enable us to rediscover a viable role for our species within the Earth community. It reveals how the governance systems of today legitimise and promote the disastrous exploitation and destruction of Earth. The author explains how to begin transforming these systems to ensure that the pursuit of human well-being enhances the beauty, health and diversity of Earth instead of diminishing it.

    Wild Law describes an Earth-centred approach to ordering human societies (Earth jurisprudence), how to apply it, and its emerging role as a common manifesto for promoting social and environmental justice, the conservation of biological and cultural diversity, animal rights and welfare, and green spirituality.

    Cormac Cullinan is a practising environmental attorney, governance expert and author based in Cape Town who has worked in many countries in Africa, Europe, North and South America, and Asia. In 2008 he was included in Planet Savers: 301 Extraordinary Environmentalists, a book that profiles leading environmentalists throughout history. He led the drafting of the 2010 Universal Declaration of the Rights of Mother Earth.

    Wild Law is a most interesting and timely book, though the first edition has been out a for a long time already, and the issues and solutions speak to the reader – they did to me – and make sense.

    However, the serious lack of proofreading of the book detracts and at times makes it very difficult to read some sections as, due to typos, spelling and syntax errors, they do not make sense until one goes over them again and realized that it does not read right due to an error or three.

    Many errors are typos where the sense is wrong or where the noun was turned into a verb, others are syntax errors or the wrong though a proper word being use. Spellcheck programs have a great deal to answer for; I am talking from personal experience.

    Rating four out of five and the drop by the one point is simply due to proofreading issue or better the lack of it.

    © 2011

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Is Democracy Overrated?

    By Michael Smith (Veshengro)

    It more than likely is and we must remember that Hitler was elected in a democratic election and by popular vote.

    Democracy does not equal immediately and always Freedom, despite the fact that those two words seems to be always mentioned in almost the same breath.

    Despite all the claims democracy, aside from, theoretically, being “mob rule”, doe not exist.

    The USA, basically, elects a king by all but name, in a process similar to that of electing a Pope in the Roma Catholic Church, via a conclave in all but name, who could, should he choose to, rule by decree via executive order(s).

    Does your vote in the presidential election in the USA make any difference? The answer is no, for you do not elect the POTUS. The electoral college does and they do not have to take any notice, in principle, theory and practice, of the results of the votes cast in any of the States of the Union.

    In a local council election for a parish council or such your vote may count and, in fact, does, more or less, but in a much larger ballot it hardly matters and in addition to that the people do not elect the government either, not in the USA, not in Britain and neither in places such as Germany or France.

    The USA claims to have a government of the people, by the people, for the people but I would suggest that that is not so in any way, shape or form, and neither does Britain nor the majority of other counties. Ordinary people find it hard to get into politics if they do not have the money to run the expensive campaigns, even on a local level. That's it in a nutshell.

    So-called democracy is but a pretence to keep the plebes quiet, that is all.

    © 2011

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Gerlinde Kaltenbrunner bags the magic 8000m


    Vienna - Austrian climber Gerlinde Kaltenbrunner became the first woman to scale the world's 14 highest mountains without using extra oxygen Tuesday, when she reached the peak of the K2 in the Himalayas, her spokeswoman said.

    Her method sets her apart from South Korea's Oh Eun Sun and Spain's Edurne Pasaban, who conquered all 14 peaks before Kaltenbrunner last year, but used oxygen supplies on some of their climbs.

    The 40-year-old Austrian athlete conquered the 8,611-metre K2 peak - the world's second-tallest after Mount Everest - on the China-Pakistan border on her seventh attempt.

    'The weather is perfect,' her spokeswoman Kathrin Furtner told the German Press Agency dpa.

    The record-setting efforts were overshadowed by tragedy in August 2010, when her friend and fellow-climber Fredrik Ericsson from Sweden plunged to his death on the K2.

    Kaltenbrunner is a trained nurse who started climbing in her youth. She lives in the German state of Baden-Wuerttemberg with her husband.

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99 Cents Gets You the U.S. National Grid on Your iPhone

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    MilGPS Version 1.1

    There are more than a few of these U.S. National Grid (USNG)/Military Gird Reference System (MGRS)applications out there floating around.  Big pluses for this system:
    • SIMPLE - straightforward readout of your location in grid coordinates

    • Florida USNG Efforts - managed to get the developer to lean forward and anticipate a Next Generation 9-1-1 requirement.  The app allows for the, "easy transfer of coordinate to any other application to include text messaging."  Just think of the possibilities.....no requirement to tell a 911 call center an ADDRESS during the stress of an emergency - instead they could get a text message with precise USNG coordinates.........  All for a mere 99 cents!

    iPhone Screenshot 1

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Mallory's childhood Cheshire home under threat.


    A MOBBERLEY woman fears the former home of mountaineering legend George Mallory could be left to ‘wrack and ruin’. Anne Shipton and her husband Paul lived at Hobcroft House in Hobcroft Lane for eight years, but moved out on Friday due to uncertainty about the building’s future.

    George Mallory was the first to attempt to climb Mount Everest in 1924, but died on the mountain. As a young boy, he honed his climbing skills by scaling the chimney tops at Hobcroft House. However it is a very different scene today.

    The four-storey house is under the take-off and landing zone of Manchester Airport’s runway two, and was bought as a compulsory purchase. Countless Knutsford and Mobberley families living in the runway’s flight path have fought for compensation from the airport. Former Hobcroft House tenant Anne was never bothered by the noise. But in January she was told that the airport intended to sell the house.

     A spokesman for Manchester Airport said this has now been extended until April. But the uncertainty led to Anne and Paul making the decision to move out anyway.  “They can’t make up their minds what they want to do with it,” said Anne. “We loved it here, but it didn’t feel like we knew if we would be here from one month to the next.” Because planes fly in and out so close to the property, some by less than 100 metres, there are major maintenance issues.

    Manchester Airport has paid around £5,000 towards fixing the roof and chimney and on internal works.But Anne says there has not been a regular schedule of maintenance, and is concerned that the historic house could gradually fall into disrepair or be vulnerable to thieves.

    Hobcroft House was home to George Mallory’s father, The Rev Herbert Leigh Mallory, the former rector of Mobberley, and there is a date stone on the property with his initials dated 1890. George’s younger brother Trafford Leigh Mallory also grew up in Hobcroft House before becoming a senior commander in the Royal Air Force and fought in both World Wars. “It’s a shame to see a bit of history rot away,” Anne said. “Although it’s big, it’s tucked away, and a lot of people won’t know about it. “You read about lost houses, and if we’re not careful this will be ‘the lost house of Mobberley’.“Historically we should preserve it as a place of value. “Its connections to famous people seems to be ignored.

    “It needs somebody to move in to keep it secure. Otherwise it will be boarded up and left to wrack and ruin.” A Manchester Airport spokesman said: “Hobcroft House is a distinctive residence with an important history. “Our letting agents have maintained dialogue with the current tenants, who have recently indicated they will be vacating the property and our agent is actively seeking new tenants.

    “The property has the potential to be a substantial home, and in the medium to long-term we will be looking to offer it for sale – hopefully coinciding with the recovery of the housing market.

    “As is the case for any business, we would not allow an asset such as this to reduce in value.”

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Latham's Yard: Taylor Wimpey breach planning control

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    Back in March we posted a blog about Taylor Wimpey applying to build more apartments on the Latham's Yard site (see Latham's Yard). It submitted two applications for:- 

    2011/0569: Waterfront House, Harry Zeital Way, Hackney, London E5 9RQ: Change of use of part of the ground floor part of the first floor from restaurant to 6 residential units. 

    2011/0566: Bock 5 Lathams Yard Theydon Road Hackney E5 9BQ: Construction of a part three, part four storey building consisting of retail/financial and professional services/cafe and restaurant floor space on part ground and part first floor; light industrial/office floor space on part ground, part first and part second floor and 10 residential units on part second and third floor.





    In June, Taylor Wimpey advised Latham's Yard residents that the two applications had been approved by LB Hackney and that this included enabling the Sales office on Mount Pleasant Hill (that had been left empty for months with kids dangerously climbing onto the flat roof to play) to re-open.

    Later that month, when we queried this with LB Hackney, we were advised no planning application had been granted. A few days later, Taylor Wimpey decided to withdraw both applications, indicating it would re-submit sometime soon.

    Since then we have raised the issue of the empty Sales Office with both Taylor Wimpey and LB Hackney. Permission for this was given on a temporary basis which expired in January. 

    The plans that were approved for the site indicated this area would then become a green space. We think it is time this happened and wrote to LB Hackney's enforcement team last month to complain about the breach of planning consent.  The enforcment team have confirmed a planning enforcement investigation has been opened to seek to remedy this breach of planning control. We'll keep you informed of developments. 





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Latham's Yard: Taylor Wimpey breach planning control


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https://national-grid-news.blogspot.com/2011/08/latham-yard-taylor-wimpey-breach.html


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