In the event, all that agonising was unnecessary. We read all the articles again and decided that they were not only informative and relevant, but actually interesting, dammit. They unveiled breakthrough automotive and domestic technologies, showcased examples of sustainable energy solutions on small and industrial scales, dispelled a few common myths, and generally made a good case for “green” advocacy.

To put it all into perspective, we slipped in a thoroughly detailed article titled “Why you should care about global warming”. This deserves a special mention – primarily because we’d hate anyone to think we had lapsed into annoying lecture mode, complete with admonitory finger. Based on the research of some of the smartest people we know, it’s an unemotional, easily absorbed account of what’s happening to the planet we call home. Read it, retain it, and the next time someone tells you that global warming is an unscientific myth, you’ll know what to do.

On a somewhat lighter note, we present our tribute to Braai4Heritage Day, kicking off with a slightly unusual angle (see “The science of braais” on page 82). Did you know that the aroma of beef on a braai can have as many as 600 components? And how about the complex chemical changes that occur during ageing, making the meat tender? In keeping with the theme of this issue, we provide some practical hints on organising an eco-friendly braai, then proceed to ruin the effect by stating that paraffin-impregnated firelighters are the “weapon of choice” for starting recalcitrant fires. (Hey, no one likes a zealot.)

PM Inventors Conference
With our second annual PM Inventors Conference just weeks away, we take pleasure in introducing an impressive line-up of presenters who will cover a broad swathe of subjects close to your hearts (for the latest updates and to sign up now, |click here|).

We cover everything from intellectual property protection to industrial design, from entrepreneurial skills to funding strategies, both in the private and government sectors – and lots in between. Acknowledging the appeal for more question time after last year’s conference, we have invited IP specialists from top legal firms to field your inquiries.

Now that you’ve invented a gadget that will change the world, what’s your next move? Can you protect your intellectual property without pillaging your retirement fund? And will you retire a billionaire? Our conference is designed to give you a wake-up call without denting your passion for invention.

See you in Cape Town!

Email the editor:
aland@ramsaymedia.co.za