SU

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It is been only a few days since I escaped with a desire. I grabbed my adidas, sweat suit and camera. I found myself walking fast to Fenerbahçe seaside lane just only 10 minutes from me, on the Asian side. I have written about it before: Run, Run, Run

Final names check one by one at the desk. Wearing our Run For Water t-shirts. Some basic warming up before start. Together with a big group as follows, I attended the 6km running and walking dedicated for life's mother: Water (Turkish: SU)

*all of my photos are enlarging, pls click click*

Pics taken during my walking. It was not kind of my liking sunny day, terribly cloudy and gray. Luckily it did not rain. The lane where I often go for jogging, too. I could not manage to run because I was done in a hasty to be able to take photos for this article:) As planned, we all walked to the water past Sunday, Apr 18th, our running ended within 1-hour, at 11AM. However I was perfectly ready to run all day long, and I was not satisfied with this short-time running.

We can live without those.. tree, money, a piece of bread, internet, even no love... But we can not live without SU!

Bottled water is safer and cleaner than tap water not to me, but most of us Istanbulites. For the last 5 or 6 years, we left drinking tap water. Not clean the drinking water in Istanbul, and we have to pay for clean water. I think sales of bottled water in this city have increased seriously in recent years.

Tell me how do you drink water, bottled or tap?

Run Run Run

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I'm less than two-weeks from Apr 18th Dow Live Earth Run for Water! I will attend a 6 km running + walking at the Anatolian seaside -where I reside close by- with many others including Dow Turkey employees and environmentalists.


If you are not signed up yet, visit here to attend the Istanbul Run for Water :: Su İçin Koş event:

Sunday, Apr 18th, from 10:00AM to 11:00AM

Pazar, 18 Nisan 2010, saat: 10:00 - 11:00

Register here or simply click on above logo for the Run/Walk event in your town and join us wherever you are on the earth on Apr 18th, Sunday.

Every step counts! Invite your friends, family, colleagues to take place in this global environmental action to help solve the global water crisis.

Japanese Sun Came In

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Thursday (tomorrow) through Sunday my schedule is:

Mar 18~19
A Turkish-Japanese joint symposium for "Carbon materials for Today and Future". Organized by Istanbul Technical University and Isik University, to be held at Maslak Campus, Istanbul Technical Univ. Carbon has been the friendliest material in many activities of humankind over several millennia, including industrial applications of automotive, aerospace, steel, construction, chemistry etc. Visit here

Mar 19~20
Japan's Kageboushi Theather will present famous shadow puppet show, "Tale of Princess Kaguya" (a.k.a. Taketori Monogatari, or Kaguya hime no Monogatari) as a part of Year Japan in Turkey series of cultural events. It's considered as Japan's first and most beloved fairy tale. To be staged at CKM in Caddebostan (on Asian side).



Weekends
My private japanese classes will continue. I am a part-time japanese teacher, and have been managing my weekend classes in parallel with my worklife for a long long time. Rarely I can give it up depending on my busyness at work.

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I will be paying close attention to dates, timelines and my daily obligations but I will think more about the outside Spring sun shining strongly, really warm air, and tulip shoppers in front of street florists:)

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See you again in the beginning of next week...

Forma + Funzione = Innovative

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Today I am feeling like a spring flower! I noticed the blossoms on the trees, and they get me excited for the spring and summer. If it could be possible I would take my basket and go to the green fields...



Dinners. One of our most special times and a good reason to be together with our families. This idea was his start point, created a FLOWER. A dining table with chairs which look like a green petals, super cool! His interesting designs cover less area, trés classy, practical, and green+friendly. When not in use, you can wrap it up! Also this would be so functional and smart solution for small apartments.

View
more wonderful creations from
turkish industrial product designer
Fatih Can Sarioz
at his studio

Drop by drop the lake is formed. This famous turkish quote comes realistic in today's hard economic conditions:) These exquisitely handcrafted basketwoven mini purses that so called DIAMOND (above) and SQUARE (below), look to be a fun to bring spring taste during your every day jewelery or coin, making them an exceptional accesories that you could carry even for every season to come next. Aside from being a very practical purse, it is very convenient especially travel times. Previously lived in Oklahoma, US - currently back in Istanbul, my sweet friend Inci whom I know such a long time is the secret name behind these so lovely creations.

View
her japanese inspired crafts that
each one show a very stylish and distinctive design,
at her etsy shop and her flickr

On Purpose Again: SimART

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If you ask me what is the buzzword in this day and age, I would say you Smart card without thinking.


Widely used smart cards (Turkish: Akıllı kart) are the key player performing the host of many electronic commercial transactions, and do a lot more using them as a credit card or a debit card. Let's think for a moment; we can not move out, shop, fly, even dining without having a smart card, no? So- smart card is an integral part of our lives in present times making our life much easier than it used to be before. Therefore two main topics, e-business and m-business (mobile) are often encountered in the media because smart cards has gained momentum (+popularity) with the use of internet and e-commerce, and become an extensively growing industry with their wide applicability that I'm fascinated very much -and I'd like to be employed in this sector.

Feeling their presence in almost every domain of my life, my eyes landed on a simcard around the house that I am no longer going to use for my cellular phone.


Pretty nice inspired by this sempatik kart:) Its smartness bonus! I was thinking the best time was now, and I wanted to create a fun fashion product that would be 99% re-purposed and allow me to show off that inspiration I had inside. My creativity added over it, with some minor alterations in a likable way, I gave my smart card a new look. Used a piece of black velvet rope and (not darkens) good quality gold colored pieces. In return it made a feel of having a new piece. A fair deal;)


Let you know the identification card of my new simARTcard bangle:

• Short run production (only 15 min)
• Easy to carry along
• Light
• Practical use
• Eco-friendly
• New
• Romantic feel (bits of red)
• And, timely done for fast approaching Walentimes:)

I'm pleased with the result making one-of-a-kind creation that I believe I can enjoy for a long time. Most importantly, I'm proud adding a new buzzword of my own within the sustainability movement that is re-purposed smartcard.


But all it means is with a little bit of creativity we can become intentional about repurposing as it's one the best ways to up-cycle and re-newed objects that inspire a greener world.

In our throwaway world I know there is an abundance of materials and countless way to reducing waste -if we want, if we lead. Let your trash become your art, or even someone's art. By reusing your possessions and putting your imagination power forward, you can do your part to salvage our environment.

Also worth noting

/\ Just an idea. Maybe also a good start thinking about digital repurposing,
/\ Good products are not killers; they are important resources,
/\ Technology powered marketing will stop solo-dimensional approach,
/\ Focus is on e-related purpose; interested eyes are about social web, network, connections,
/\ Our way of style is winning freedom, no more objects saved fashion but it's indeed empowered by technology.


Published for today's Corner View ''Repurposed''

Make A Difference

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Oh my! We are again in the season of gift wrapping. It's one of my most liking pleasures, and I have been having a lot of fun doing them so nicely and chic.

My empty boxes are ready to be fulfilled. Additionally, I handmade my felt christmas socks as you see:



This year my theme is recycling! Therefore I will use the magazine pages as packaging paper to wrap my gifts for these pretties, and colorful bows made from used book pages.

I have a few more in the works, but just wanted to share this one with all of you. Really very good than I supposed to be. I like very much my eco-wrapped-gift, and highly advice you all not to spend extra cents for fancy papers.

Just the time to save the nature as usual! Let's go green and think about future generations!





While I am trying to get everything done this weekend, I leave you with a cool music video of Istanbul, featured on two sides along Bosphorus strait . I think you will love watching it and also the fusion music which combines our traditional dynamics in rhythm and style:




istanbul





Source: Thanks to darling Rebecca in Seattle for sharing this video:) You can visit her at CulturaLinks USA to see their programs to Turkey and how Bridging Borders, East to West.

Thisember Question - Why Are You Online?

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Can you reply to this for me:

"What do you do with technology?" or "Why are you online?"



There's no difference. And, it is the same:

#1. Editorial experience
#2. Community building
#3. M a r k e t i n g

What's interesting to me is that many of us as bloggers today are loving with the space that we belong to, and each one of us looks more like a unique marketers.

A bit of passion, some work, willingness, openness to communication and focus on giving are a couple of req'ed tools, so you can potentially reach anyone who has that same access, then put the ideas out, and see what others think and how they may add their own thoughts.

Even though the approaches and attitudes remain the same as above, the most interesting and creative thing that happened to m a r k e t i n g since it was invented is the digital media. To be fair, the questions I hear both in real life and digital platforms I'm in have all the usual suspects:

1) traditional or digital? is it the end of traditional media and advertising?
2) what's the next thing in digital world?
3) where's the creativity?
4) what type of agency would rule the world in 10 years?
5) what's the future of digital agency?
6) Ad budgets.. how many % of total Ad spending should be devoted to digital pie?
7)what's the impact of social media in branding?
8) how to use less money to be more effective?

Lots. Questions about the digital marketing challenge that are waiting to answered. And, in fact, it is about how to create more intelligent stuff!

With the prominent names in the marketing industry like Don Peppers, Steve Barnett, Joseph Pine, Jonas Ridderstrale,.... we will search for answers and it will be a crowded event for sure: 10th Marketing Conference & Exhibition to be held on Dec 10-11, in Istanbul Convention and Exhibition Center.

For more visit www.10pazarlamazirvesi.com




Effects of Kyoto protocols, efficient water and energy utility options, improving the quality of air and water in establishments, recycling,...

Secondly, Green thinkers will come together to talk about new trends and developments for a green future on a single platform at Green Institutions Conference on Dec 15, at Swissotel The Bosphorus Istanbul.

For more visit www.yesiltesislerkonferansi.com


So, I am thrilled to be joining both of them. Love of learning and how to cultivate in this month: December


What is in your agenda this month?

Green-Chic Ideas Cost Up To $2

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A very good summation of eco-and-green-chic ideas for our homes! I've been a fan of his work!

Danny Seo, green style guru and also author of the Simply Green book series shows us how to create one-of-a-kind items out of things you might consider disposable. So far so good. His blog is also worth to bookmark. I think you will be fascinated to see how his ideas helping recreate the green chicness at our homes:

You can find new purpose for mismatched dinnerware sets in the form of a tiered serving tray for hors d'oeuvres or desserts, or use as a catch-all jewelery, keys and other small knicknacks. But how?

1-Gather three plates and two cups.
2-Alternating between plates of descending size, using teacups as spacers between the tiers, glue the dishes together with a strong epoxy.
3-Allow the glue to dry overnight.

Cost ~$2 and here what you'll have: Tiered Tray



You can turn those winter scarves collecting dust in the back of your closet into one-of-a-kind blankets. But how?

1-Pair up six or seven scarves with complementary colors and a variety of textures.
2-Cut them to equal length and sew together, edge to edge. For extra warmth, you can sew on a fabric backing in a similar shade.

Cost ~$0 and here what you'll have: Scarf Quilt



You can melt down the dregs burned-out candles to make new ones in old flowerpots. But how?

1-Scrub the inside of the pot only, leaving the outside aged.
2-Use a coin to cover the drainage hole in.
3-Insert a ready-made stiff cotton wick, or make your own wick out of cotton twine. To hold the wick upright, tie one end loosely to a pencil laid across the top of the pot.
4-Melt chunks of old candles in a pot set over a low flame or in a double boiler. Pour the liquid wax into the flowerpots.
5-Let set overnight and then trim the wick.

Cost ~$2 and here what you'll have: Rustic Candles



Examples like these are quite valuable. Being a part of healthy eco-green system means that you will save today for a greener future, for a beautiful future. It made me happy to apply above three this past Sunday, I liked the ideas very much. You'll also never regret the time you put into it. Note that you can find other useful great ideas on eco-chic ideas

Our Future Starts Not Tomorrow. Today!

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What's all we need?
It is Love (and Sunshine)?

For having a healthy and merrily life
with our loved ones in the warmth of our homes,

For having fabulous, outdoor-filled weekends,

For smelling the splendid perfume of lilac acacias,

For taking our little cute guys* and his friends
to the woods, and enjoying to see them
when riding their toys, (*not mine:)

For being able to truly appreciate that
when beauty is there between hard rocks, and
O! Mother planet.. gives so much without asking us,

For not moving our dogs until morning
as he likes falling sleep as peacefully
on green bedsheets,

For pouring our love on the walls,
saying -in turkish- " Seviyorum Seni "
(English: I love you),

For showing our kind love as naturally as happily,
keeping our promise,
if there could be any better way?

For not waiting until the danger knocks on our door,
but more understanding that we promise
no peaking in our madness to consume
because water independence is vital,

For providing our cats a soft green pillow,

For spending quality time with our friends
breathing fresh air and hearing chirpy birds,

For feeling ourselves lucky every each new day,
and welcoming gorgeous sunsets,

For these beauties said which have all of our hearts, we have to care for our Earth. Not love. Not sunshine we need, but first a place we can live.

And, it is never late even though my local flower time above was showing 2 o'clock in the afternoon when I was invited this superb sunny Sunday over for one of delicious Spring table:)

Enjoyed my tasteful menu, I walked around the Goztepe Ozgurluk Parki (English: Freedom Park) until my feet fall off in the sweet, so sweet sunshine that is close to my home. It was a quick Summer day. Believe, it was 24 degrees celcius (75F)! I foreseen lots of wonderful photo taking opportunities. Be delighted with todays and more will come along with next new articles.

Lets promise on more care. Lets celebrate as its day..


I think that for every problem there's a solution like as how we build our business on ideas. That anything can be done if we put our minds to it. With a bit of original thinking, Yes.

Take an example... Make coal burn as cleanly as gas? Turn gas to liquid? Maybe difficult but not impossible. Our creative mind is inevitable when thinking our planet Earth and accordingly future.

In the meantime, I join Susan's weekly activity at A Southern Daydreamer. For more inspiring outdoors as well as shared goal of overcoming our environmental challenges, either click the OW button or visit now 4/22 Outdoor Wednesday #15

Small is Beautiful

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~ Creativity is unknown language,
everyone understands. ~

Full responsibility for garbage falls on our shoulders if we are more aware of what we throw out, what we use and how. Have you ever thought about rain drops?

I can easily guess you are curious what I mean with it? Think for a while right now:

'' Autumn. Heavy raining outside. You are wet like your umbrella. Back to home. You can change your coat, but what to do with rain drops on your umbrella? ''

Oh wait, one minute: Do not waste them!

Something silly?

Absolutely no.

Maybe you are the one who loves flowers but forgets to water them regularly... Then you can create of your own small green garden, and take pride yourself:) Sit on your front porch in the morning, have your coffee and watch nature in front of your eyes: it is your creation. Sounds a lovely idea, no?

As seen above, it's the stylish and eco-conscious creative idea from from Kyouei Design: Umbrella Pot

WoW, I was obviously drawn to this smart design, I liked very much. It collects rain drops at the bottom of the pot, recycles them by a plant planted in a smaller pot at the bottom. Nihon sugoi ne!

Today's Tip: Japanese community goes zero waste even for rain drops! Please compost and recycle everything like rain drops for a more green world. We need to do so. I think every community should follow Japanese lead on this way.

To make your dream real, you need to place your order. There you can also browse other products.

True Blue Now

As CrossRoads, this month I fixed my path by taking up references from places and subjects all related in blue:)

www.truebluebeach.com

Having a distringuished style and concept with its design reminding a holiday beach, True Blue ''City Beach'' is one of my top favorite places in my home zone, Asian part of the City. I can not stop myself recalling it as 'Live Blue in Elegance'.

Late evening, True Blue - Fenerbahce, Istanbul

True Blue providing a seaside pleasure with its large seating section, bar and cabanas, also attracts attention with its innovations carried out in kitchen and menus. In addition to being sophisticated and luxurious, True Blue is quite warm and inviting place as it's successfully created design to increase communication. Yesterday we enjoyed our afternoon having cheery conversations with our healthy snacks and cold beverages. I love these kind of communicative places very much, and become easily addicted to things like it!

And, we came across an interesting subject; searching her soul for a fashion photographing in the beauty of True Blue. Unavoidably I was working there as an excentrique fashion-photographer;) Here are a few snapshots:

Is fashion on the side of permanence or
on the side of temporality?

Actually, the most powerful aspect of fashion is that it determines the trend of the present day. What matter most today is to consume resources consciously without giving any damage to the environment. On the other hand, I'm curious if it is going to be a pioneer once again as fashion is capable of creating habits?