"I love that you've brought this to attention. An extensive database of uncommon but resistant and hardy plants/foods could be developed and organized by climate. Ease of growth and processing should also be taken in to account. I will try to…"
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Matthew Collins's Blog (30)
Indigenous Knowledge
Here I have just gone for the warning against the problem of over grazing, represented in the drawings on this laminated piece of paper, which was laminated to preserve this knowledge, and will one day become an antique. The pictures show one cow with much grass around, then another with less grass. The 3 dots symbolise 'and so on' until there are only dead cattle and no grass. Simple... but effective.…
Added by Matthew Collins on May 6, 2010 at 6:49pm — No Comments
Manifesto for Evoke
"The Evoke network is a global organisation preoccupied solely with helping others through crises of varying sorts, and furthermore educating communities about how to avoid the occurrence of such crises through sustainable development and ideology shifting from individualistic to communal benefit thinking. Evoke is about learning, but more so its about ACTION, and being effective in solving the problem. Anyone can join, but who will be effective in helping us make the difference?".
Added by Matthew Collins on May 6, 2010 at 6:21pm — No Comments
Episode 1 - Botswana
Before I begin, I would like to say that I hope the evoke network ceases production of these silly and tedious cartoons.
Episode I
Episode I
EPISODE 1
BOTSWANA
"A flea could bite the bottom of the pope in Rome" - From the musical 'les Miserables'
PAGE 1
PANEL A
The Sunrise over african wheat fields. A farmer begins his day looking out at his wheat farm through the window, whilst sitting on the edge of his bed. He sits while a think bubble contains…
ContinueAdded by Matthew Collins on May 6, 2010 at 6:17pm — No Comments
Future Issues for Evoke
I would like it if the evoke network avoided the use of comics as a medium of introduction to each set of tasks. The information provided for each mission is enough to set users on the correct path, whilst the opening comic serves only to consume time, despite being an attempt to make the site fun and exciting. Linked to this, the pretext that Evoke is a game, instead of a purely educational and intellectual forum for ideas, takes away from the seriousness of the issues. By all means have… Continue
Added by Matthew Collins on May 6, 2010 at 5:47pm — No Comments
Riot Survival - My Dark Site
Added by Matthew Collins on May 2, 2010 at 5:18pm — No Comments
Delivery Organisers
During a pandemic, many people are stuck in their homes - infected and alone - and unable to get food for themselves. Thus, an online food delivery organising group could be used to help those infected specifically to organise delivery of healthy food and other important supplies, ensuring their stability and well being while they wait for appropriate medical care.
It would be simple enough to do, and wouldn't necessarily require many qualified people, just people willing to… Continue
It would be simple enough to do, and wouldn't necessarily require many qualified people, just people willing to… Continue
Added by Matthew Collins on May 2, 2010 at 4:04pm — No Comments
Outrage Management
I find the part about outrage management to be the most insightful and interesting. It is a funny thing to think that not being direct, and taking time over an issue (that is low in hazard) is the approach that is the most calming in effect.
I enjoyed this insight, as it highlights that one must understand the nature of people in the context at hand. Furthermore, this insight also highlights that a rushed, panicked approach is not the way to go. Rather, the solution should be reasoned… Continue
I enjoyed this insight, as it highlights that one must understand the nature of people in the context at hand. Furthermore, this insight also highlights that a rushed, panicked approach is not the way to go. Rather, the solution should be reasoned… Continue
Added by Matthew Collins on May 2, 2010 at 3:51pm — 1 Comment
My wisdom at 100 years old
My message of wisdom to the world would be:
"know that every action you commit is part of a causal chain, and whilst you may not see the ultimate effect, you are at least partially responsible for it".
To this I would also add, on a lighter note: "never trust someone who, when left alone in a room with a tea cosy, DOESN'T try it on".
"know that every action you commit is part of a causal chain, and whilst you may not see the ultimate effect, you are at least partially responsible for it".
To this I would also add, on a lighter note: "never trust someone who, when left alone in a room with a tea cosy, DOESN'T try it on".
Added by Matthew Collins on April 27, 2010 at 9:57am — No Comments
Old Concepts in New Designs
The case study in Egypt of the building designs involving domed roofs instead of flat ones is a story that I think shows the value of old concepts from old traditions in creating better designs.
In this case, new buildings were designed with the old domed roofs in mind. This was because of a variety of technological benefits, known long by the old traditions of the indigenous people but finally proven and formalised by modern architects and designers.
I think this is… Continue
In this case, new buildings were designed with the old domed roofs in mind. This was because of a variety of technological benefits, known long by the old traditions of the indigenous people but finally proven and formalised by modern architects and designers.
I think this is… Continue
Added by Matthew Collins on April 27, 2010 at 9:27am — No Comments
Green Grahamstown 2020
http://maps.google.co.za/maps?hl=en&ie=UTF8&ll=-33.29531,26.531296&spn=0.051511,0.077162&z=14
In my google map is shown a designated area for the farming of the kind of wild and edible greens (as well as more common crops). This can be farmed by the community, and anyone who works the fields will receive a share of the harvested food, as well as a… Continue
In my google map is shown a designated area for the farming of the kind of wild and edible greens (as well as more common crops). This can be farmed by the community, and anyone who works the fields will receive a share of the harvested food, as well as a… Continue
Added by Matthew Collins on April 15, 2010 at 4:57pm — No Comments
Grahamstown's Community Greening
There is a massive poverty issue in Grahamstown. The majority of people are poor, and street children are commonly seen almost everywhere begging mostly for money but often food as well. However, in light of this, some members of the community have learnt how to grow cheap edible foods. In an essay (which can be found at:
"http://sci-links.com/files/From_Risk_to_Resilience-Community_Greening_and_Civic_Ecology_in_Cities-Social_Learning.pdf")
Grahamstown is mentioned as having… Continue
"http://sci-links.com/files/From_Risk_to_Resilience-Community_Greening_and_Civic_Ecology_in_Cities-Social_Learning.pdf")
Grahamstown is mentioned as having… Continue
Added by Matthew Collins on April 15, 2010 at 4:29pm — No Comments
Coping with worker's strikes
I think the Ushahidi system could be best used in our country for the various strikes that render some towns and cities sometimes inoperable.
For example, even in the small town of Grahamstown (where I study) there are often disposal worker strikes, which usually involve them dumping rubbish in the middle of the road or outside the court house in protest. Ushahidi could be used to let everyone know, to get-first hand reports of where rubbish has been purposefully dumped, and task… Continue
For example, even in the small town of Grahamstown (where I study) there are often disposal worker strikes, which usually involve them dumping rubbish in the middle of the road or outside the court house in protest. Ushahidi could be used to let everyone know, to get-first hand reports of where rubbish has been purposefully dumped, and task… Continue
Added by Matthew Collins on April 15, 2010 at 4:16pm — No Comments
AIDS Treatment and Counselling for Women in South Africa - 2020
In 2020, the women helped by the counseling and education on prevention and treatment will be either AIDS free, or will be managing their illness with the right treatment owing to their knowledge of how the treatment is applied and how it works. If the exact same fund is supported just once a year (which is a relatively small amount), that means that up to 450 women would have received this vital education. They may spread their knowledge themselves, reaching more people, and saving more lives.… Continue
Added by Matthew Collins on April 12, 2010 at 12:30pm — No Comments
AIDS Treatment and Counselling for Women in South Africa
Living in residence, I have many of my friends close at hand. We also have a bar in our res, which many people come to on Friday evenings. We will set aside a charity evening (or two, if necessary) this term, and attempt to raise $80 (roughly R 580 rand) through donations. This should not be too difficult, as two Fridays probably sees over a hundred people pass through the bar, and if each of them put an average of R5 each in, we'll already be close.
This will be so that 45 women here… Continue
This will be so that 45 women here… Continue
Added by Matthew Collins on April 12, 2010 at 12:18pm — No Comments
Empowerment through Sport
Being the sports fan that I am, and believing very strongly in all of its social benefits, I chose the story about what's being done in Afghanistan for young women and sport.
Hockey, volleyball and football teams have been founded and developed for girls in Afghanistan by UNICEF and the YICC as part of their gender equality campaigns. These two organisations organized a workshop to train the girls on the various teams as young advocates for preventing domestic violence against women.… Continue
Hockey, volleyball and football teams have been founded and developed for girls in Afghanistan by UNICEF and the YICC as part of their gender equality campaigns. These two organisations organized a workshop to train the girls on the various teams as young advocates for preventing domestic violence against women.… Continue
Added by Matthew Collins on April 12, 2010 at 11:59am — No Comments
Comm-Net
A new community bank by the name of "Comm-Net" has just opened in several communities across Africa as well as some parts of southern Asia. Letis Hulpemall describes the purpose and concept of Comm-Net as follows: "It is both a financial safety net for the individual and a networking tool for small communities to supply each other with goods and services that might otherwise be provided by exploitative large corporations. This stimulates economic activity both within and between small… Continue
Added by Matthew Collins on April 2, 2010 at 10:26am — No Comments
I Bartered Skills with someone
Given that I posted my learn mission on bartering credit, I figured I'd try put some similar idea into practice for the act mission.
I have also been looking to upgrade my computer, but I'm useless when it comes to installing hardware. So my friend put me in touch with this other student friend of his who not only had the part I needed (a dvd drive), but who used to work in a computer shop installing various things for people. Now this guy admitted to being useless when it came to… Continue
I have also been looking to upgrade my computer, but I'm useless when it comes to installing hardware. So my friend put me in touch with this other student friend of his who not only had the part I needed (a dvd drive), but who used to work in a computer shop installing various things for people. Now this guy admitted to being useless when it came to… Continue
Added by Matthew Collins on April 2, 2010 at 9:21am — No Comments
Bartering Credit
I think its possible that we will see more forms of credit being used where that credit is obtained through providing the same service one would for money. That credit can then be spent buying services or products from people or companies registered with the same credit provider system. Essentially, because one essentially pays for other goods/services with credit exclusively obtained from the sale one's own goods/services, it comes very close to the old bartering system. There is no interest,… Continue
Added by Matthew Collins on April 2, 2010 at 8:55am — No Comments
Reid Harvey
I have chosen Reid Harvey as my visionary.
He is promoting the reasonably priced pottery that, using silver and heat, purifies water. I am in the process of getting hold of him, to find out how I can potentially get this pottery sold where it needs to be sold here in South Africa (and at an affordable price). I am hoping to give him advice on how he can get the word out to more potential buyers who need this simple but effective technology.
He is promoting the reasonably priced pottery that, using silver and heat, purifies water. I am in the process of getting hold of him, to find out how I can potentially get this pottery sold where it needs to be sold here in South Africa (and at an affordable price). I am hoping to give him advice on how he can get the word out to more potential buyers who need this simple but effective technology.
Added by Matthew Collins on March 29, 2010 at 10:32am — No Comments
Water Awareness Event 2010
One thing I'm sure about regarding the world in 10 years time is that, no matter what form it takes, there will still be music.
If there is music it will have a following and if it has a following a message can be sent to its followers.
So I'm thinking a massive, all-day benefit concert, with as many major artists as possible who want to help, very similar to the 46664 concerts we have here in South Africa. Its simple, but people have taken notice of musicians before, and I… Continue
If there is music it will have a following and if it has a following a message can be sent to its followers.
So I'm thinking a massive, all-day benefit concert, with as many major artists as possible who want to help, very similar to the 46664 concerts we have here in South Africa. Its simple, but people have taken notice of musicians before, and I… Continue
Added by Matthew Collins on March 29, 2010 at 10:02am — No Comments
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Fourth of July on the Lake
This past weekend was the annual celebration at the lake house in Connecticut. It is amazing that the lake is still so clear and beautiful after all these years. The watershed association has done a wonderful job protecting these waters from the damaging effects of development.The wood grill was finally ready to cook on, so we didn't miss the propane tank fueled grill anymore. The food actually tasted fresher than in the past and was easy to keep fueled.Dad was very proud of the solar hybrid…See More
Stinging Nettle
In this blog post I will focus on a plant that is abundant in our nature, and which is immensely nutritious. It's of course the Stinging Nettle. Let's start with the chemical constituents of this plant:37 % Non-Nitrogen-Extracts19 - 29 % Ash9 - 21 % Fiber4 % Fat22 % ProteinOnce the leaves are drid, their protein content can reach an astounding 40 %, which is much higher than beef, which even under the best of circ**stances can never exceed 31 % protein. In addition the Stinging Nettle consists…See More
The meal
It is 7'oclock, I was late home from work due to an assignment that i wanted to get ahead on. By the time I get home I am feeling extremley tired and I cannot be bothered to make a proper meal. I walk to the fridge and open it to see what there is for me to eat. All of the out of date foodstuffs have been automaticaly thrown away by the fridge, they will be recycled tomorrow as animal feed or something. I see i have organic local eggs and some local cheese. Foods are vacc** sealded for easy…See More
Future
FutureToday is 2020/1/1. It is just like yesterday. The war is still continuing. It has started since 2010. In 2010, that year was a horrible year. Almost every energy ran out. Every country’s governments were crushed down at the same time. There were riots everywhere. All of the big company’s bosses were killed xdeadx in the riots. Troops fought each other everywhere. Food was bought up xawayx at once. There were no more food supplies in any shops. The economy was all crushed down. All the…See More
public servants
The exchange works directly for state and public workers and servants. It gives them credit in exchange for the amount of public work they contribute to the community. The more constructive they are based off a base rate the more credit they recieve.
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