Thomas Friedman’s documentary on the Discovery Channel which aired last Saturday was simply astounding. I really enjoyed learning a lot more about alternatives to fossil fuels in detail and getting the chance to “go” to places like Brazil and Montana to see how pioneers in energy alternatives are putting their big ideas into action. The special also went inside one of the new green Wal-Marts which actually heats itself using oil they use to fry their chickens in the store . If you didn’t get a chance to see the documentary – I think the Discovery Channel is airing it again, although I’ve looked on their website and can’t find any info on the repeat broadcast. When I find it, I’ll post it. It was a special everyone should see. One stat I remember Friedman stating was that in order to combat the global energy crisis, we’ll need to find a way to save the amount of energy we currently consume. Staggering – but Friedman and a lot of other crusaders think we can – and will. I like to hear that.
Europe Versus Us, No-brainer March 10, 2007
The European’s just passing an aggressive mandate on emissions reduction and the continent’s reliance on fossil fuels, don’t get me wrong, is wonderful. Unfortunately for those of us in this nation still permitted to virtually rest on our laurels with regard to global warming, this is just another embarrassing development, underlining the Bush administration’s joke of a plan. Here’s how we measure up internationally, now that Europe is committing to reduce emissions by 20% from levels in 1990, by the year 2020. Basically we’ve only very timidly announced that we’ll “work on” reducing our reliance on foreign oil and fossil fuels, and that we’ll continue to make sure that emissions rates increase at a slower rate than the economy. Maybe I’m missing something, but how does this actually help us fight global warming? What makes the Bush Administration think this should be acceptable, with our rate of emissions barely beneath the economy growth rate? Please, let us be the ambitious ones on this issue! Otherwise, it just won’t be enough. The Europeans get it, and they’re not even the biggest contributors to the problem. We are, yet we apparently just can’t recognize it or maybe, just can’t take responsibility for our own actions.
To sum it up, just compare these two headlines:
Ten Friends by March 21st March 4, 2007
Al Gore is asking that those who truly want to see Congress take ACTION on global warming to get ten friends to write a letter to Congress via his website. I just did it, and it took less than ten minutes. On March 21st, Al Gore will be hand-delivering these letters when he testifies at congressional hearings on the issue. I know I’m gonna do my best to try and get ten friends to do it. If you can, please do so as well. This is so important and takes so little time. Thanks in advance to anyone who participates. Also if you want to forward the URL to your friends, it is: http://www.algore.com/cards.html.
Groundhogs Up Earlier this Year? February 1, 2007
This headline takes the cake. “Global Warming Wakes Groundhogs Earlier.” It’s a serious article, and although the title might sound comical, it’s based on scientific findings!
Family Inspiration February 1, 2007
It’s been a while since I’ve posted here. In short, life got in the way. My Grandparents have been so kind as to travel to Cleveland to help me solve some unexpected and difficult home maintenance problems. They truly are “super-human” and unbelievably service-oriented people, really an inspiration. As such they’ve made many a trip here from western Kentucky to help me out when times get extra tough. This time the downstairs toilet went kaputz (and was deemed relatively inoperable by the plumber I’d called), as did the ice maker and several previously working doors in the house. I’m sure that’s more information than you want to know, but I just thought I’d share the reason I haven’t been around for a while. Back to the main subject of this blog, one of the frequent topics of conversation during my Grandparents visit was their noting the change in the contents of our food pantry and refridgerator. My Grandmother asked me whether I’d started shopping at the health food stores, and I said, “yes.” And she said, “well isn’t it much more expensive”? I replied that yes, it was but if you make a list and get just what you need, it’s still doable on a budget. Especially if you shop at one of the larger eco-friendly stores like Wild Oats or Whole Foods versus the family owned grocery that also stocks organics. The more established chains can afford to have a sale once in a while. My Grandmother seemed to be ok with that rationale, and that made me happy – because her opinion counts an awful lot!
