Do Not Turn Back and Do Not Falter.

How could I not spare a moment to blog about what I just witnessed?

It is clear that The United States of America lived up to it's name today. And they are joined by citizens of countless nations who follow their achievements with envy. Four years ago I watched the inauguration in a state of disbelief and despair. Today as I listen to President Obama speak, I can not stop nodding. Yes, yes, yes...

I envy you America. Really I do. It is now the responsibility of the UK to similarly unite under a system of government which can bravely promise so much and inspire such faith. I do not know where we will find it, but we must.

The world will, of course, be no less troubled today than yesterday but it's hard to deny it is, now, a world more full of hope. Surely a significant and worthy achievement in itself.

Earth Awards Round Up

Monday night's Gala Award Ceremony for The Earth Awards was a star studded affair to be sure, NY Socialites and Press were out in force mingling with the judges, us finalists and a series of distinguished guests ranging from Celebrities through to Politicians & Royalty.

Despite not winning the coveted top spot, we spoke with several interested parties regarding potential investment, faired well under the charm of Charlie Rose and made some amazing new business contacts and friends (and in a pleasing number of cases, both)

The winner was announced as MIT fellow Neri Oxman.

Images of the event can be found on gettyimages.

There'll be more to follow, but for now here's what's being said about the event here in NYC:

Vanity Fair: Getting Green
“The real prize here, though, is the opportunity for bringing these ideas to the marketplace and in front of venture capitalists,”

Existing Visual
"As master of ceremonies, Charlie Rose made his rounds in the famed pool room of Philip Johnson’s iconic Four Seasons Restaurant to briefly interview all ten finalists before the winner was named."

Eco Chic Honours
"The theme was green, but the attire was black tie at the Earth Awards Gala at the Four Seasons last night."

Go Green or Go Home
"The Earth Awards Gala was held Monday night at the Four Seasons in New York City recognizing those who think green with “future-crucial designs” in the worlds of architecture, fashion, food, alternative energy, and product design."

Cityfile New York: The Tuesday Party Report
"The Earth Awards, honoring innovations in sustainable design, held a gala at the Four Seasons last night"

New York Observer: Lean and Green
"This is a nice event," Mr. Niccolini concluded, surveying the room. "Lots of attractive people."

Earth Awards Announced Tonight!

The winner of The Earth Awards is due to be announced in just under 12 hours, this evening at around 11:15 EST. (4:15am UK - but you'll wait up, right?)

At the briefing this morning we learnt that only one of our team need be interrogated interviewed live, on camera, this evening, by Emmy award winning journalist Charlie Rose...* We met the daughter of the Malaysian Prime Minster, and met the Editor of Wallpaper Magazine. We had our details and a photo taken for their blog and (fingers crossed) maybe we'll even get something in print. We'll be meeting the other political guests along with the selection committee, esteemed New York glitterati and press, at the VIP Champagne Reception this evening.

But (more importantly?) this briefing was also our first opportunity to meet our fellow finalists, a set of genuinely intriguing individuals with truly engaging projects, many of whom I will, doubtlessly, promote on this blog in due course.

I'll be twittering throughout, if you want up-to-the-second info, otherwise wish us luck & we'll profile the winner tomorrow.

*Yes, it'll be me and no I am not at all scared to be interviewed about US politics by a guy who has famously interviewed President-elect Obama. Honest.

Sent from my BlackBerry® wireless device

NYC Update

Now that we're safely in NYC (despite the best efforts of terrible British weather, delays, missed connections and the like!) We're beginning to get excited about what tomorrow has in store for us!

All 10 finalists are to be interviewed on stage during the black-tie dinner tomorrow, infront of a prestigious audience of designers, financiers, innovators and world-leaders (including, apparently, H.R.H Tunku Naquiyuddin, the crown prince of Malaysia!) before the winner is announced at the end of the night. In true American award ceremony style we have been issued with briefing packs including a list of the questions we shall be asked so that we may prepare our answers. But in all honesty, as the only UK representitives at a US award ceremony (again!) I'm beginning to feel the pressure.

Questions include the following:

- How does sustainable design and innovation benefit both the CEO’s bottom line and the consumer’s daily life?

- What are your thoughts on the new US presidential administration and its environmental policies?

- How do you begin to change a legacy largely marked by inefficiency and wastefulness?

I guess i should navigate away from the NY City Ballet's box office site and start swotting up on US politics.


Thanks to James for the photograph above, of the breathtaking view from the hotel's 9th floor, floor-to-ceiling bedroom windows!

New York Bound: Earth Awards Press Release

"On January 12, 2009, ten of the world's most gifted young designers will convene in New York for The Earth Awards, a global search for products and concepts that are sustainable, innovative and — for many — essential to improving basic quality of life.

The evening will award a significant cash prize for the best new design, chosen by an esteemed, international Selection Committee, and will be presented before an audience of high profile environmentalists, venture capitalists, sustainable designers and media. Each design or concept was judged by its potential to sustain the planet and the people who inhabit it."

For more information about the Earth Awards, please contact Nadine Johnson at 212-228-5555 or earth.awards@nadinejohnson.com

We will of course keep blogging during our time stateside so stay tuned for vital updates!

Meanwhile, we'll be staying at the Standard Hotel NY who have cunningly placed a webcam in a building opposite so take a peek for 24 hour views of life inside the hotel & the NY weather (we're expecting snow!)

A Thought For The New Year

2009 has landed, bringing with it not just the obligatory hangover but yet another wave of companies falling into administration, fresh concerns for so many formerly stable business sectors and a sizeable chunk of the country's workforce fearing for their jobs. In fact Flybe has picked up on the extent of our insecurity announcing, this morning, that they will be offering insurance to customers allowing them to claim a full refund on their travel costs if they lose their jobs.

With the economy so out of kilter there has probably been no better time to develop your skills. Take that night course you've been talking about for so many months, buy that Language DVD, start working on that brilliant business idea you had in the pub over the holidays, put yourself forward for that first aid course or an advanced industry qualification.
Make yourself indispensable in 2009

I am always doing that which I can not do, in order that I may learn how to do it.
- Pablo Picasso

I hope each of you have a happy, peaceful and successful 2009.