POLES APART: REVIEW OF THE YEAR copying the look of one of its phones? That would be very amusing. Everyone’s been getting in on the lawsuit action: HTC against Apple, Apple against Samsung, Samsung against Apple and Nokia against... everyone. The real winners are the lawyers! Do we need changes in patent law or to call a truce? That would see money going to the right place – namely, developing more cool toys for all us Gurus. Shane Burgess
Image by kind permission of LIFESAVER Systems Ltd.
This year saw a great increase in the numbers of LIFESAVER water bottles in circulation. They look like sports drinks bottles but offer a solution that could save millions of lives. These bottles, which come in a variety of sizes, filter water and rid it of practically all bacteria, viruses and toxic substances – in
an instant. Using nanofilters, the bottles are not only cheap but also last several years. For me, LIFESAVER bottles could well be science’s finest hour – offering 2.5bn people access to clean water for the first time. So, come New Year, I’ll definitely be drinking to that! Dr Stu Science Guru
It has to be the death of Steve Jobs. No-one this year has had such a massive affect on the way that we live with technology. I’m not a writer, so I’ll say no more... James Green A look back on 2011 simply cannot go by without a mention of the Royal Wedding. Yes, the wedding of Wills and Kate in April showed that, when it comes to pomp and circumstance, no one can do a royal event quite like us Brits. Over 2bn viewers around the world watched and enjoyed the sight of full-grown trees in Westminster Abbey, some truly bizarre hats... and that bridesmaid’s dress. For one day, all eyes around the world were fixed firmly on the United Kingdom, and for the right reasons. Sadly, with the phonehacking nonsense and rioting that followed in the summer, it wasn’t the last time that the
UK was the centre of attention! Ben Veal Media Guru
I’m not hugely observant. I noticed a few changes in 2011; but chiefly that our local postman now has a van and a pram for his letters instead of a bike. Overall, 2011 for me was about ordinary life. World events occasionally barged in on the everyday: in March, visiting friends in Hong Kong, we wondered if it was still safe to eat Japanese food. In August, friends living in London braced themselves for the worst of the riots. This year brought birth, death, marriage, travel, highs and lows. When the stuff hit the fan, I tried to remember that it’s all part of life: just as valid and important as the times when things are going great. And on that vague and fuzzy note, bring on 2012...! Sarah Joy Design Guru
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