Did you know that a huge 34 litres of water has to be used to make ten grams of rice? This huge amount of water going into food growth draws down heavily on global water supplies.

Also, if you do not live in the country in which the rice is being grown in, you could effectively be causing a drought in another country, as their water goes into growing food to feed you, rather than to the people who are dying of thirst.

If you walk to the shops, you may think that you are significantly lowering your carbon footprint and the amount of oil that is being used to get your food from farm to plate. By walking you are lowering the amount of oil used, but unless you choose to buy locally grown food you are not really lowering the amount of oil much at all.

If you do walk to the shops please don’t start driving, and if you do drive, and could possibly walk please do so, but also consider where your food has come from. This is because if you buy a 100 gram pork chop, that has not been grown locally it could take around 70 ml of oil to get it to your home.

So next time you eat a meal, just take a moment to think about the process of how the food has got to your plate.

If you liked this article you may also like my D3O article which is also about applied technology.

Just to let you know, I have recently re-launched my technology blog on its new domain name: (http://www.technology.christopher-roberts.co.uk/) For more info on this please read my New Domain Name article.

Technology and its Part in Our Food is originally from: MattyBatty.co.uk

With so many resellers now choosing USB2U as their partner of choice we have decided to put in place a formal reseller programme. This programme is designed to formalise what we have been doing successfully since 2002 and now includes some additional features, which we believe will allow our resellers to win more business and generate more profits.

Marriott Twister Packaging

Resellers choose USB2U because we work with our partners to ensure they are successful. We give them the tools and prices they need to win business and we are incredibly respectful of the relationship they have with their client(s). We hold stock of blank memory sticks in the UK and we can turnaround orders for printed flash drives for our resellers and their customers in 48hrs. Coupled with this we have our own in-house design team which allows us to provide mock-ups, proofs and concepts within a matter of hours.

Above all we have an absolute passion about branded and promotional memory sticks that people find infectious. This passion translates into a focus on delivering great customer service to all of our resellers. Whilst we know price and margins are key we also know that we and our partners are judged on our collective ability to deliver on our promises and that just one failure can lead to the loss of the business and the relationship to a competitor.

The key features of the USB2U reseller program are:

• Named account manager who will look after you and get to understand your business and your requirements.
• Competitive and discounted pricing
• Turnover rebates based on each years business (minimum thresholds need to be achieved to qualify)
• 30-day trade terms (subject to credit application and approval)
• Free design support, mock-ups and creative consultancy on bespoke USB jobs
• Artwork optionally delivered embedded in your own branded PDF client approval documents.
• Free origination
• Free pantone matching on a wide range of memory sticks
• Free samples
• Free delivery to any UK address (mainland only – deliveries over water will be charged at cost)
• Discounted data loading service

If you’re interested in becoming a USB2U approved reseller then simply send an email to partners@usb2u.co.uk and we’ll get right back to you with details of how to get started.

Branded Memory Stick Resellers is originally from: MattyBatty.co.uk

Massive Theme Update is originally from: MattyBatty.co.uk

I’m back! After taking a rather long break from posting, I have decided to return. Hopefully I will get back into a routine and there will be some good quality posts in the next few days/weeks.

In the meantime, you can check out the official twitter page here. I hope you’re looking forward to some new posts. See you soon.

I’m Back! is originally from: MattyBatty.co.uk

What is D3O?
D3O (d3o not d30) is a newly developed silicon based plastic which is also a smart material. It is the coolest plastic I know of. It is very soft, and squishy and can be very easily moulded into any shape, the thing that makes it very special, is that on impact it goes rock solid. This means that you can put something in it, throw it, and the thing inside will still be intact – it is also bullet proof!

Who developed D3O?
D3O was developed in the UK by the British companyD3O lab.

How does D3O work?
The BBC television series Bang Goes the Theory included D3O in one of their programs, and I have included a sound snippet from the program, which explains how D3O works.

How D3O Works

What can D3O be used for?

Because of its amazing properties D3O can be used for many things, from body armour (currently being developed by the British Army) and mobile phone cases to mountain biking gloves to tennis rackets. It really is an amazing substance.

From what I have read and heard about D3O it seems likely that is is going to be a material that changes the our world.

I rate D3O 9/10 – the only downfall to it is that it is a plastic, and that means that it isn’t a renewable resource and probably not biodegradable.

Please feel free to comment and give any feedback. Any personal feedback should be sent to me via my website or blog.

Thanks for reading!

A post by Christopher Roberts

Christopher on D3O is originally from: MattyBatty.co.uk

Its the same with 35 negatives – once neatly stored with the photographs they relate to but typically over time “stuffed” in a box never to see the light of day again.

Well as technology moves on there now a pretty simple and easy way to breathe new life back into your slides and negatives. USB Slide and Negative scanners allow you to capture your images and store them digitally on your PC and of course from there you can email them to friends and family, post them on FaceBook, burn them to DVD’s or simply print them out in a size and format that suits.

USB slide scanners are getting better all the time and the latest versions don’t even need to be connected to a computer to be used, Instead they have a built in screen (viewer) and the images can be captured digitally and stored on a memory card (this card can then simply be plugged into your PC or plugged into a card reader connected to your PC and the images transferred onto the computer. Easy!. It really is.

The beauty of the USB Slide and Negative Scanners is that once you have captured your images and stored them on your PC then manipulating the images is easy, saving them for future use is easy and showing them off is a doddle!. With the growth in the use of Digital Photo Frames any old photo can now be displayed/shown off easily.

The Veho FilmScan35 USB Negative & Slide scanner is we believe the best of the bunch in the market at the moment. Its also known as the ION Film2SD – but it is exactly the same product in a different colour and with a different name.

USB Negative & 35mm Slide Scanner is originally from: MattyBatty.co.uk

1. Choose the right stick – There is nothing better than a product that looks like it has been designed for purpose and nothing worse than one than one that is not fit for purpose. Material, shape and colour options are the fundamentals to consider.
2. Choose the right capacity – There is a delicate balance between choosing the correct capacity and the budget available for your Branded USB Memory Sticks. The cheapest sticks are normally the lowest capacities and these are often used as promotional give-aways. If you want to add company data to your branded USB, it is important to make sure that there is sufficient space, not only for this data, but also enough space remaining to make the stick functional for the user. Its all about balance – there’s no point paying for memory that you don’t necessarily need to promote your product or company effectively.
3. Choose the right logo – This may seem strange considering that you would normally use your corporate branding but how you apply this logo to the memory stick is vitally important. The size, positioning and colour combination within the logo can improve the effectiveness of its visual impact.
4. Choose the right imprint option – Spot printing is not the only option.  Logos with colour blending can now be printed using digital print technology. Laser engraving on metal-cased sticks is a professional looking, long lasting option and embossing on leather USBs are a couple of other ideas that more and more people are starting to use.
5. Choose the right artwork – Providing the artwork in the correct format is essential to ensure that the quality of the branding on the finished article is of the highest quality. Vector shape logos are by far the best quality and never lose any sharpness irrespective of how big or small you make the logo. These logos are normally found in EPS or AI format.
6. Choose the right packaging – If you USB Memory Stick is a “corporate gift” then it will look more impressive in a great looking box or tin. If its simply a promotional give-away then as a general rule you don’t need to go to the additional expense of packaging.
7. Choose the right accessory – Key rings, karabiners and lanyards are always great ways of enhancing your branded product by making it more functional and easier to carry. In the case of the lanyard, this too can be branded to increase your marketing potential.
8. Choose the right time-frame – Please, please, please leave your self enough time when considering a purchase of Branded USB memory sticks. They are not produced overnight and in the majority of cases they are manufactured in the Far East. This means you need to allow at least 14 days from the approval of a graphic proof to the production and delivery of your final product. However in some cases, suppliers will hold blank stock, which can be printed but be prepared to pay more to have them branded locally.
9. Choose the right price – Surely the cheapest price is always the right one. This is not the case and there are certain factors to be consider when investigating prices for your branded USB memory sticks. Firstly, is the chipset in the USB brand new, don’t be afraid to ask. Secondly, does the price include a warranty, if so how comprehensive is it? Finally, does the price include all of the costs, i.e. Artwork setup, production and delivery?
10. Choose the right company – Last but certainly not the least important is choosing the right company to supply you with your Branded USB memory sticks. It is of utmost importance that you choose a reputable company that has an established reputation in the marketplace. There are far too many people trying to make a ‘quick buck’ from unsuspecting customers so don’t be afraid to ask for testimonials from companies they have supplied to. Pre and post sales support from designated account managers will help to ensure that whole process runs smoothly and you are provided with the correct information from the outset.

Top 10 Tips For Buying Branded USB Memory Sticks is originally from: MattyBatty.co.uk

Of course, if you do not have a slim line television that is capable of being hung from a wall, that particular type of bracket or mount may not be of as much use to you. Many people, due to the layout of their rooms, may choose to buy a corner television. This requires being placed in the corner of a room to be viewed in the best manner. If you are a sociable person who has a number of people coming round to visit, maximising space and taking into account different viewing angles can be very important. Making the most of your television set is now even more important than it was at any time before and a lot of this is due to the fact that the current economic crisis that is facing the world. The economic downturn has led to more people staying at home and having an enjoyable evening in with friends and family members, therefore television sets can play a massive role in the amount of enjoyment and pleasures gained by people whilst staying at home. Whether it is through playing the latest range of console games, watching Blue-Ray or DVD films or just normal television, the use of a Vesa TV bracket should ensure that your TV is secure no matter where in the room it is placed.

This is a fun way to spend an evening and great fun can be had by all staying at home, It may seem important to ensure that there are enough snacks and drink for everyone to enjoy but it is just as important to ensure that the TV is secure and positioned for maximum enjoyment with regards to being watched. One of the best ways to guarantee this enjoyment and comfort comes from using a Vesa TV bracket as no matter the choice of TV you have, the holes should be of a recommended standard to ensure that they secure the TV fully.

Vesa TV Brackets Meet the Standard is originally from: MattyBatty.co.uk

I could start off way back, right at the beginning of the two companies, but I’m not going to, as there would be too much to put into one article. However I will tell you a bit of background to the current situation, and what this means for: Google; Microsoft; Yahoo; and you, the computer user.

Microsoft’s Story

It all started for Microsoft back in 1975 when the company was founded by Bill Gates and Paul Allen. At the time of the birth of Microsoft, there were already other computing companies out there, so if you thought they founded the computer market, you were wrong. Microsoft introduced a cheap, affordable computer. This took off, and soon the PC (personal computer) dominated the global computing market. In 2006 Microsoft owned approximately 97% of the computing market. It would appear that it would be impossible to take down this global giant. In 1998 Microsoft launched its own search engine called MSN search. They hoped that this would be a major player in the search engine market. It wasn’t. At the time, Yahoo was probably the most popular search engine, with most people using it. Google had only been founded two years in 1998, so it wasn’t a major player then.
MSN search didn’t go the way Microsoft wanted it too, so Microsoft launched a new search engine called Live Search. At this time, Google owned the largest share of the search market.  Live Search also failed – it would appear that there may be a weakness in Microsoft after all. It appeared that Microsoft were not able to conquer the search market.
In 2009 Microsoft scrapped Live Search and introduced Bing, in another attempt to take over the search market. To try and boost their chances, they approached Yahoo, and made a 10 year deal with Yahoo, to join forces and take on Google. As Yahoo are currently also losing their stake in the search market, they accepted.

Google’s Story

It all started for Google in 1996 when the company was founded by Larry Page. Google started out as a search engine, but it is now so much more. Google posed no real threat to Microsoft in the first few years of its life, it is only when it superseded Microsoft MSN search, that the two really became rivals.
Throughout the years Google had been building up its empire, adding more and more tools for the computer user to make use of. Google has destroyed Hotmail with its Gmail; MSN has been significantly damaged by Google Talk; Microsoft Office is now under threat from Google Apps and Docs. Internet Explorer is also under major threat from Google Chrome. Basically, Google had slowly been taking bits of Microsoft’s empire, making a better version of them and then giving it to the public.  Google now has all the programs and software needed to go into an operating system. So guess what it is planning on making, Google OS (Operating System).
Google OS is why I think Microsoft have joined forces with Yahoo to try and take down Google, as Microsoft knows that in everything Google has tried to takeover, it has succeeded. I think Microsoft fear that Google will one day own its share of the computing market, and so to try and stop that, they are trying to damage Google, using another search engine. This may work, Yahoo and Microsoft may bring down the giant; it may distract Google for a while, whilst Microsoft think of a new plan, but what I think will happen is that Microsoft are going to go down, and they are going to drag Yahoo with them.  I will leave you to form your own opinion on what is going to happen.

How It Effects You
By Microsoft and Yahoo joining forces it limits the amount of choice you have on where you search.
By Google and Microsoft “going to war” it means that everyone who has a Microsoft computer is under threat, as we may have to change to Google OS if Google wins.  By the rivalry in applications – ie. Google trying to do its own brand of aplications – it gives you more choice on who you go to for your programs.  I will let you make up your mind on who you to win, and what you want to happen.

Please feel free to comment and give any feedback. Any personal feedback should be sent to me via my website or blog. I have just got back from a holiday in Normandy France. If you wish to find out more there is a 7 day diary of my Normandy holiday available now, on my blog.

Thanks for reading!

A post by Christopher Roberts

Microsoft Vs Google is originally from: MattyBatty.co.uk

Printed or engraved memory sticks that reflect your brand/logo, ideally in a complimentary colour and style can look fantastic and they do make a real impact. But, creating a custom shaped USB memory stick takes you into another league.

Custom USB memory sticks that take their design influence and styling from your logo, products or the market you operate in never fail to have an impact way beyond standard USB products. Done well they become real talking points and can be a fundamental part of any advertising or promotional campaign. This novelty factor and appeal can be important in ensuring your hard spent marketing cash is not simply thrown away or tossed into a drawer.

Up until recently custom USB memory sticks were only financially viable if you were looking to order them in huge quantities and even then the initial set up and tooling costs were high and prohibitive for most. But with increased competition, few customers and improvements in the manufacturing process all this has changed.

Today, its possible to provide an economic alternative to the standard USB memory sticks for orders of 100 pieces or more. Custom USB shapes can be manufactured from a variety of recycled and recyclable materials such as PVC, ABS, Silicon and PET. By using these materials the factories have been able to drive down the set-up and production costs without any compromise on quality.

In particular, PVC offers a great feel as well as fantastic detail and makes production of 2D and 3D custom shaped USB sticks cost effective. The challenge is really down to the customer to come up with the idea and concept.

The lead-time for a custom USB stick is a little longer than for standard USB sticks that are just going to be printed or engraved so be sure to allow for this. The extra few days (and it should add no more than 1 week to the whole process) will be worth it in terms of impact and “wow” factor.

Recent examples of custom USB memory sticks done well include:

• USB Brides – to promote a bridal wear catalogue
• USB Tyres – used at a press launch to promote a new tyre design
• USB Fork Lift Trucks – to distribute information at a trade show
• USB Football Crest – for an English Premiership Clubs sponsors
• USB Guitar – promoted the launch of a Disney game

So, if you are considering a USB memory stick as part of any communication or marketing activity why not go that one little step extra and get some quotes for custom USB sticks.

Why Choose a Custom USB Memory Stick? is originally from: MattyBatty.co.uk