AliveAndKickN

Was John Lennon correct?

As I was heading down the turnpike, I noticed a huge banner saying "Don't Believe in God?  You're not Alone" (Maybe we can start a "banner debate" and raise enough money to replace the toll increase).  Rather than getting into the science versus creation debate (In Florida, the curriculum for teaching evolution is called the "scientific theory.") or try and look at thousands of years of human history, I decided to look into a few things on my own.  First, I consulted my trusty resource, Freakonomics, where they covered the abortion issue.  As the book suggests, Roe vs Wade went into effect in the early 1970s.  While it was a divisive issue, according to the book, crime began dropping significantly about fifteen years later (Rudy was a pro-abortion mayor who took credit for the crime drop - hmmm).  Could the 1.5 million unwanted pregnancies aborted each year be the major contributor to the drop in violent crime?  Then I checked another one of the books on my shelf, God isn't Great, which essentially blames religion for every extreme idea in history.  I would venture that extremism in any capacity - religion, congressional oversight into steroids, subprime mortgages, recreational sports is bad.  Then I took from my own experience of dealing with patients in nursing homes and how hundreds of thousands of patients annually are kept alive, with very little quality of life considered.  Is it God's will or God's "business" as thousands of dollars a month go to healthcare companies?  As I always ask - who wins and who loses by keeping people's beliefs divided?     

Later, as I crossed the Tappan Zee Bridge, I noticed the sign indicating that "Life was worth living" or something to that effect, I assume to discourage jumpers from committing suicide and screwing up traffic for hours.  Considering how many random gunmen seem to commit suicide after spraying bullets into crowded malls, maybe they should be allowed to do so ahead of time and save others some unnecessary agony.

With so many people supposedly shifting religions religiously, what do people want from their religion nowadays?   

 

If I could save time in a bottle...World Water Day

Every year since 1993, the UN has declared March 22 as World Water Day.  This year, in order to think about the billion people worldwide who do not have access to clean drinking water, and the 2 1/2 billion people without access to adequate sanitation, 2008 has been deemed the year of sanitation.  Still consider yourself a drop in an ocean?  Still drinking from the bottle instead of the tap, even when you're at home?  I've started noticing the Propel drinking water advertisements comparing their caloric count to Vitamin Water.  Even the Best Stuff on Earth now has its own type of water.  Today, I spent half a day performing an efficiency survey of a grocery distribution center outside of Manhattan.  All of those bottles of different waters and sodas being delivered individually.  If we really need the extra antioxidant/whole grain goodness of bottled water, can't we just buy some powder in bulk and add it to a glass/thermos on our own?  The NY Times today had a chart showing the human effect on the world's major water bodies.  Is the world just our toilet anyway?   

Yesterday, I was on a conference call regarding total building envelope studies for commercial/industrial buildings.  One of the easiest projects to install and get immediate payback is rainwater collection.  Simply collect the rain from the rooftop and use it for cleaning and other puposes, not necessarily drinking purposes. I am glad we have our sewage since I had half a bag of Terra chips and a block of dark Belgian chocolate after dinner.  Throw in Governor Corzine's budget numbers and look out!    

   

What if it didn't matter...The Quarterly Scorecard

Does activism exist if others aren't inspired to act (If a man is alone in the woods, is he still wrong?)  For the last few months, aside from my blog, you've probably been inundated with ways to make a difference.  So what have you done so far?  Have you contacted an elected official/campaigned about an issue?  Participated in a committee or volunteer?  Changed your consumption to include more local/organic and less high fructose corn syrup/hormones/chemicals?  Had your energy usage/head/colon examined?  Switched to canvas tote bags/compact fluorescent bulbs/hybrid?  Consuming less overall and recycling more?  Have you really gotten aggressive and looked into solar/growing your own food?  Something else? 

Doing nothing is easy.  Sacrifice is difficult.   Share your comments.  We're all family. 

Is less more, more or less?

Let's call it a downsizing of the economy, not a recession (as the rest of the world kicks the crap out of us financially).  That being said, maybe we should look at the increased cost of everything (food and energy don't count as part of inflaction statistics) as an opportunity to reduce.  I've cut down on my more creative cooking (the kids usually eat something else anyway) and concentrate more on quality and sale items (thank goodness for PBJ).  Given the lack of incentives to increase consumption, maybe we should look at some options for reduction.  With the house expansion probably on the back-burner for a few decades, we are looking at more of an efficiency remodel, with emphasis on "Not so Big Solutions," as in Sarah Susanka's books.  On a bigger "scale," maybe the food pyramid could be changed as well.  Instead of 2-3 servings of 5-7 ounces of meat, maybe the pyramid could say 2 or even 1-2 servings of the original 4-6 ounces, as originally stated in the basic four guide instead.  Or how about a different shape altogher, say a trapezoid or or a rhombus, or something more representative of our society - pear shaped?  While the FTC is looking at misleading advertising for the first time in years (we need to address greenwashing), maybe we can re-address the issue of unhealthy food being targeted to children (Cookies as a balanced part of any nutritious breakfast?).  And of course unless you think the cost of energy is going down, there's always efficient appliances and lighting.  Grow your own food (plant now for indoor seeding, around St Patrick's Day for outdoor). 

As I always try to do, I thought of another way to solve multiple issues.  According to the National Horse Protection League, about 100,000 horses are slaughtered each year.  5% of all urban air pollution and 60% of fresh water is used to tend to our lawn care.  What if each township were to have a working farm, complete w/animals?  The Amish may have something!  Imagine horse-drawn buggies taking kids to and from school instead of SUVs.  During the day, ranchers and landscapers could move horses, cattle, sheep and goats from lawn to lawn, eating and pooping to their hearts content.  Less pollution, noise and fuel and more local milk.  Overalls could make a fashion comeback.            

Maybe I should lay off the CNN

Last night, I resisted the urge to watch the Spongebob marathon (I dig Patrick and I don't get the squirrel), and instead decided to settle in with CNN for the evening.  During the countdown to the debate, as I tried unsuccessfully to make creme brulee, I was overwhelmed with whogivesacrapitis as they focused on the McCain issue of the lobbyist who got too close.  Finally, I was relieved when the debate began and we could see some real action.  There were some tense moments as candidates Obama and Clinton contrasted their similar agendas, fueled by the ever-so-willing hosts (maybe we can have Howie Mandel next time?).  There was some substance, but once again, I was disappointed in the lack of discussion regarding the future of health care and our ability to afford the long term institutionalized care of so many who are sick, but still "young."  In addition, as Laurie David from stopglobalwarming.org pointed out in Huffington Post, there really was no mention of the environment, spefically coal's effect.  Clean coal and health care, two of my favorite oxymorons.  Once past the debate, the misses and I watched the CNN Broken Government segment in bed, and got to view the short-sidedness of the corn biofuel issue (remember my post from 12/29?).  It wasn't as arousing as Bill Maher's Real Time on HBO, but we did ok nonetheless (I slept like a baby for a good 3 hours).  Assuming the numbers are correct, even if corn covered the entire United States (a slight exaggeration), we still would only grow enough corn to fuel 7% of our huge need.  The rest would still come from fossil fuel.  Oh, and remember the clean coal $35million ad campaign?  Coal is being used to process the corn to become biodiesel, and unless I am mistaken, biofuel needs to be transported by truck as it corrodes the pipes.  To quote my favorite Guinness beer commercial - Brilliant!! 

As eight inches of snow fell today in New Jersey, it's hard to imagine global warming actually taking place.  I made a nice pot of pasta fagouli and tuna nicoise salad for everybody.  My wife and the kids ate Pringles and leftover spaghetti instead.  I think I'll watch some Jane Austen tonight.   

The ink isn't even dry yet

I participated in a conference today regarding the "greening" of the printing industry.  The printers have taken on tough times lately, and since they are mostly individual and local owner/operators, they deserve our compassion.  Apparently paper is the single largest consumer of water and the third largest producer of greenhouse gases.  Between power, water, chemicals, and paper usage, the printing industry has quite a bit of opportunity to "sink or green."  Thankfully, the consumers and the clients are dictating policy in this case.  15-20% of the country is supposedly willing to pay more for better quality, and the industry is changing rapidly.  Lights are being changed.  Low-Voc and non-toxic chemicals are being put into use.  FSC and elemental chlorine-free paper is being put into use more and more.  Raw material is being recycled.  Ironically, as I am typing this, I received an email from Office Depot announcing a limited time offer of lower prices on paper.  Unfortunately, as far as I could tell, the discount only applied to 10% recycled content or none at all.  As with the food industry, local continues to be better.  When you know your neighbor producing something, it tends to be good.  This is the case with the printing industry as well.  By purchasing paper and chemicals locally, there is control over quality.  Wal Mart is demanding a 5% in packaging from it's suppliers, and is switching all of their trucks to hybrid biodiesel. 

With Direct Mail a sore subject nowadays, organizations have sprung up targeting what they consider to be bad business practices, namely the creation and delivery of unsolicited "junk mail."  The more limited and targeted direct mail is causing a reduction in post office revenue.  However, due to continued sprawl, the post office continues to add infrastructure, which costs them more.  Ultimately, this costs the mailer more per piece.  Consumers, just beware of the Greenwashers out there.  BP is spending $200million in ad campaigns touting their greenness, yet their actions say otherwise, and by no means are they alone.   

So where is this going to lead?  While we lose an acre and a half of rainforest/second, equity and fund managers are pouring money into green projects and companies.  I still think the military would be best served keeping poachers out of the rainforests and waterways, protecting the environment and endangered, especially top-of-the-foodchain species.                        

Eco-Friendly "Chemicals"

As the cost of oil settles for the first time at over $100/barrel and the costs of everyday items rise almost weekly, we look to alternatives to spending money on chemical based items (what isn't nowadays?), such as cleansers in and around the household.  As you pace the aisles in the local supermarket, you may find it difficult to find eco-friendly chemicals.  There are some there, but you can also make your own or avoid chemicals altogether.  Books are even written about the subject (and other things), including ways to replace bleach and take out stains/dirt on a multitude of surfaces.

As a side note to my non-VOC chemicals, my monthly energy bill went down by almost $50 since I installed my front-load washing machine.  My neighbor's monthly electric bill went down by almost $100 since she installed compact fluorescent and dimmable compact fluorescent bulbs in her hi-hats.  It looks like my idea of coordinating a green fair in my area has been received positively by the head of the County Enviornmental services.  Be careful what you wish for.       

   

What goes in thankfully doesn't always come out

By now, you've probably seen the headlines about the beef recall and the video of the inhumane treatment of cattle at Westland/Hallmark Meat Company (How about this for a new spectator sport - take juiced up MLB pitchers and have them chuck fastballs at defenseless animals).  143 million pounds of beef, a third of which goes to schools seems like a huge business loss, except for the fact that most of it has already been consumed.  Don't worry, I think the rest went to the one-pound "angioplasty on a bun" sandwiches at the local drive-thrus.  I think the bigger issue is the oversight, or lack thereof, from USDA (who represents us at the USDA and FDA?).  Maybe now the Farm Animal Stewardship Purchasing Act will gain some traction in Congress (know how to reach any Congressmen - hint, hint).  Can a video and a recall start a new trend towards better treatment of animals and the environment, even if these animals only exist for our food supply?  66 processing plants were suspended in 2007.  I compare these treatments to the lengths we go to keep humans alive at all costs and all stages of life, and I have to wonder if there will be some sort of repercussion in the future from Mother Nature.

Thankfully the garbage that we put into our children doesn't always come out as garbage.  Consider this slideshow from Oxfam Amercia, depicting what children from around the world see as global climate change affecting them.  I guess these kids don't think climate change is a debate anymore.  I still think back to what we learned as children on the playground - Share with others, be nice, clean up after yourself, and leave the area as good as it was before you started.  At what age do these rules no longer apply?

   

What if...we were too informed

I received a letter from Senator Menendez today thanking me for my input on the Farm Bill of 2007 (I'm sure my fellow east coasters were following it), which unfortunately did not significantly reform much of the subsidy payment system from the 2002 bill.  I think the bigger disapppointing fact in the letter was the increase of Americans living in poverty from 31.5 million to 34.6 million over the last 5 years.  I thought we were somehow better than that as a society.

At the end of March, NYC chain restaurants will be obligated to list their caloric content next to each item on the menu, theoretically enabling those "overinformed" to make a decision.  The Seattle area already has it, and some 21 other national locales are considering similar legislation.  Unfortunately according the NY Times, the soon-to-be president of the Obesity Society is concerned that the poor people will pass the 2700 calorie fried onion or 1500 calorie triple cheeseburger with bacon at the counter, only to go home and make their own 2500 calorie artichoke dip, or worse.  Oh, the NY Restaurant Association and Coca-Cola apparently contribute to his research, and he has also been an advisor to Kraft and Frito-Lay.  Wolf guarding the chickens?  For all we know, ConAgra, Monsanto and Cargill run the FDA.   

From my perspective, I'd like to see the other less important facts that don't go into the menu.  I'd like to see the true cost of producing the food.  That $6 extra value meal costs significantly more.  You just don't realize it because it is subsidized.  The rest is all marketing (especially to our kids), packaging and transportation.  A few months ago, our Governor Corzine proposed a significant increase on tolls to offset budget shortfalls.  In response, I offered a solution by adding a tax on takeout.  Maybe by charging "true" costs on fast food, we might reduce consumption and thereby slow down the negative repercussions that come with it.  So far, the only response has been that "poor people eat fast food."  Who wins and who loses by maintaining the status quo? 

So what's an EcoMom/EcoDad to do?  Since this is a vacation week and there were no sports on the agenda, I decided to make some meals for the next few days to have on hand.  I made some multigrain rolls, an apricot/goat cheese tart and some carmelized onion/blue cheese mini-pizzas.  In response, my kids decided to microwave some frozen macaroni and cheese.  My wife had coffee ice cream with chocolate syrup.   

I think I may need to see an ecopsychologist for my ecoanxiety.      

Are we doing all we can (expect)?

On behalf of my town, I attended the New Jersey Conference of Mayors this morning to discuss the concept of a Greener Garden State.  Up until today, I was expecting most of the conversation to be about the upcoming June utility price increases (12-15% a year for the past 3 years).  Instead however, there was a civil discussion given by a very good panel with a diverse set of views of the same topic.  Aside from "sales pitches" by one panelist and a few members of the audience during Q&A, the topics hit on most of the energy points.  It didn't hit on the tie-in with buying local and/or agriculture, but it did discuss land use (based upon the statistics, apparently we are developing 3x as much land as we need as a population, which creates infrastructure issues, etc).  It really didn't touch on the landfill aspect (although there appears to be several types of energy harnessing techniques for landfill gases) or the political aspect either (which is probably just as well given the reception Governor Corzine's plans have received).  I was surprised to hear that supposedly 70% of commuters to NYC take mass transit.  I learned some new acronyms today - the LULU and NOPEs, and how sometimes their voices take away from the ability to do positive things locally, which is the best was, as efficiencies are typically lost in transit.  On February 18, supposedly the Energy Efficiency Coalition, made up of several prominent city mayors, public utilities, environmental groups, and more will vote to increase the IEEC (International Energy Efficiency Coalition) standards by another 30% over 2006 standards.  Individual mayors are welcome to sign on as well.   

Based upon today's discussion, it appears that the simplest answer is a self-sustaining town/city, where people can walk to and from work and everything else they need.  All of the energy needed will be from wind or solar, and no one will need cars.  My wife doesn't think it will happen anytime soon, but I think she's a NIMBY.

Anyway, a good starting point for anybody/any business is an energy audit (like seeing the doctor if you don't feel well).  Starting hopefully sometime before the summer, a good percentage of the cost of the energy audit will be at no cost to the consumer as part of the Governor's plan.  If you think about it, the savings of $50-80 for an audit is small compared to the amount you can save just by knowing how, but wait if you must.  There are grants and rebates and tax incentives available to those who are trying do projects already.

Of course if you don't want to see the energy auditor, there's always a different doctor, the proctologist.  The cost will come from somewhere eventually.       

 

       

What if...Electricity was on steroids

Everyone has been focusing their attention on oil prices lately and for good reason!  But what has gone unnoticed is the price of coal.  While most understand that high per barrel oil prices drive up prices at the pump, few think about the relationship between coal and the kilowatt/hour (kWhr) price of electricity.  About 50% of the electricity generated in the U.S. is derived by burning coal.  A recent article in the WSJ discussed the rising price of coal and there were several staggering facts.  The first is that coal in the last 6 months has almost doubled in price and is 3 times higher than a year and a half ago.  The second is what is causing this increase in price, China's growing economy!  Five years ago China exported 83 million tons of coal, but last year that number fell to 3 million, an 80 million ton net loss which equates to about 12% of the world market.  More importantly China is expected to become a net importer of coal to the tune of 15 million tons next year!  What do you think that is going to do to the price of coal and electricity in this country?  What is good for the coal producers in the US is not necessarily good for electric consumers!  As an example, NJ electricity prices are scheduled to increase another 11-17% as of June 1.  Prices in NY went up as of February 1.

Every year, Wal Mart (and other concerned discount retailers) plants a gazillion trees and sells a gazillion compact fluorescent bulbs.  But every time another coal burning plant goes up in China, it negates the benefits of all that work.  But in order to meet the pricing standards of the US consumer, US companies send their manufacturing to China.  Quite a quagmire, wouldn't you say?  Does anybody remember the Energy Bill, which only pushed for biofuels as an alternative?  Look what that's done.  Forests globally are being razed to make room for corn and other fuel producing crops.  And with the price of corn (and wheat) going through the roof, the price of food is going right with it.

      

So with energy and food prices increasing, and with the potential for up to 5 million people about to lose their homes in the subprime debacle, today, our Congressional officials spent several grueling hours trying to get to the bottom of one of the biggest issues our country currently faces, steroids in the WWE, I mean Major League Baseball.  So, to all of my peers and player parents who consider me grumpy when I discuss worldly issues, I apologize.  All's well, remain calm!!

I still haven't found the signficant downside to solar and wind power, except the upfront cost.  Remember, as part of the stimulus package, small businesses can spend almost twice as much on new equipment (up to $250,000) and get the 50% bonus deduction, so invest in efficiency.  For those who want to spend their rebates, think local and small business as well.  They benefit the most and directly. 

By the way, my wife's beagle Sadie was very pleased with the Westminster Kennel Club outcome.  Supposedly a beagle won for the first time ever.  It just goes to show that persistence pays off and sometimes the "underdog" can win after all.                  

A sustainable valentine (and I don't mean Viagara)

With my favorite unofficial holiday coming up, I thought you'd like to know some options for making Valentine's Day a sustainable memory.  Besides the usual Jane Austen moviewatching, you could get your honey some cool music from 107.1 the Peak and raise some money for the Westchester Food Bank.  Maybe you want to give the gift of coffee and support the Institute for Agricultural and Trade Policy.  Or if you want to indulge in some vino, there's the Millbrook Winery in Dutchess, NY, where you can get something fruity and full-bodied (no comments please).  Of course, there's always chocolate, and nothing says love more than Sweetriot and their selection of little goodies.  SlowfoodNJ is doing a chocolate evening later on this month as well. 

On a similar note to sweet things, watch for the results of NAFTA's latest fatality, sugar.  Tariffs on sugar are no longer binding (to or from Mexico).  According to the stats, sugar is the largest remaining Mexican crop (remember when Mexicans grew corn?).  As US corn syrup invades Mexico and supplants the more expensive Mexican sugar, watch for more illegals to start the northward migration.  I'm curious to see how long it takes to make the campaign trail if a solution isn't provided soon.

On a tastefully different note, I received an email response from Senator Lautenberg regarding the Agricultural and Prosperity Act of 2007 (I know all of you had written as well).  Believe it or not, manure would not be considered a hazardous substance, pollutant or contaminant.  This policy is essentially giving large factory farms the ability to pollute our surface waters and I don't think it would be very good for the environment.   

Anybody going to "Greener Garden State" dialogue on the 15th at Bergen Community College?  It's free to Bergen County business owners.      

A Walk in the Forest

My wife and I finally were able to take that weekend in the Berkshires which we had originally booked before my surgery.  During a break in the snowfall, I was able to get out and take a 4 mile hike on the Burbank trail by Olivia's Overlook in West Stockbridge.  It was nice to have such quiet from reality (just me and the hawks and owls), but unfortunately, I had read the newspaper over the weekend, so I had plenty of alone time to dwell on what I had read.  One article talked about how the US Olympic Committee was bringing a gazillion tons of food to the olympics in China due to the substandard quality of food there (I thought to myself - if a lefty pitcher or a boxer from Cuba defects, is it considered amnesty for an illegal alien?).  Of course, in the same article, they mentioned a chicken breast sample they found in Colorado that was so big and full of steroids, that it could have fed 8 people (sounds like a built-in excuse for the sprinters who look more like American Gladiators).  Then I read an article about how suburban sprawl has essentially created much of the environmental issues we face now, but because of local ordinances and general predispositions, the odds of changes are difficult.  Who wants a bunch of foliage on the front lawn, and laundry hanging in the back yard?  Are we really that shallow? 

The so-called experts say that the twenty-something generation will be the first generation to have a shorter lifespan and a worse quality of life than the generation before it.  It's no wonder the younger primary vote turnout has been huge.  On a lighter note, the economic stimulus passed, so eventually we will all get some money that we must spend immediately (unlike college endowments).  But what will we spend it on?  According to Nat'l Geographic TV, we eat 3 cheeseburgers/week per person in the US.  Will it be spent on junk or on efficient bulbs, upgrading to more efficient appliances, or planting a garden? 

Before we left the Berkshires, we stopped at Pittsfield Rye, where the multi-grain bread was fresh and delicious, and the efficient lighting was just as good.  I admired the high school along the highway that had a simple statement on its exterior sign - "We recycle!"  We also stopped at an organic farm, Moon in the Pond, and stocked up on eggs and more for the upcoming weeks.  Quite a weekend.       

Make Friends with the Hose

Last week, Aetna announced that as of April 1, they will no longer cover the cost of an anesthesiologist or an anesthetist (try saying that 3 times fast) administering deep sedation for average patients during scopes.  Wellpoint did the same in 2006.  With colorectal cancer the second leading cancer killer in America, I hope this does not deter potential patients from getting screened early and often.  Personally, as someone who has had more scopes over the last 12 years than many have in a lifetime, I find conscious sedation to be a bit of a gas (pun intended).  I do my own narration, usually with one-liners like "hey, that doesn't look like me at all, or doc - you using the whole fist?."  Usually, I'm the butt of most jokes however, as my GI doctor is typically more conscious than me and therefore quicker on his feet (I'm not usually on my feet until later).

On a better note, NJ and CT are ranked as top states when it comes to insurance legislation ensuring coverage for colon cancer screening.  Of course, this is all based upon the "average" patient being screened after age 50.  Just imagine if I had waited until I turned 50. 

By the way, Earl Butz passed away this week.  As Secretary of Agriculture under President Nixon, Mr. Butz urged farmers to "plant from fence row to fence row."  Enter the CAFO, subsidized processed food and everything that came with it.  And in case anyone is in the market for a new refrigerator, Kitchenaid is offering rebates on Energy Star appliances until April 2008.  I did the calculations on my garage refrigerator and I can save over $100/year in energy, based upon today's 14-16 cent electricity rates. 

What's in the chowda?

It's certainly been a strange week for New Englanders (if Connecticut doesn't count, I apologize).  First, the eighteen and oh my gosh Patriots lose to the Giants in the Super Bowl, showing that anyone can overcome any obstacle if they believe in themselves.  Then, on Super duper Tuesday, Barack Obama wins Connecticut when the rest of the northeast went for Hilary Clinton.  Then, Danbury decided to crack down on illegal aliens (there's only 10,000 supposedly).  Then, former MA Governor Mitt Romney decides to suspend his quest for the Presidential nomination for the "good of the party."  Wasn't he just uphalled when McCain campaigned in Boston?  That gazillion dollars spent just to pander in front of the microphone could have gone to a much better use.  Anyway, New Englanders take hope.  You still have gardeners supply in VT and  green demolitions.  When you're ready to remodel or build that McMansion, there are 3 locations (NY, PA, and CT) ready to supply you with a brand spanking "pre-owned" kitchen of your dreams.  Me, I'm in the market for some planters made from cow poop.

Speaking of current events, did anyone see the Business Section of the NY Times today?  The front talks about how newspapers are losing money.  The back talks about how Waste Management is spending money to advertise their recycling program.  Here's a thought - How about Waste Management advertising in the newspapers and offering discounted recycled paper to print on?  I know, too simple.      

Labels (#4 of many)

In honor of Super Tuesday, I had breakfast with my father-in-law to discuss politics.  One of us would be considered liberal and the other would be considered conservative.  We agreed on several policy issues, and really only disagreed on one, foreign policy (especially as it pertains to the Middle East).  Essentially, here is some of what we agreed upon - Line item veto to reduce pork that gets put into the budget at the last minute without debate, Flat Tax without loopholes to make it even for everybody, Removal of automatic subsidies for crops and oil companies, Additional emphasis on non-polluting energy such as wind and solar, Election reform to include a shorter timeframe and make it "free" to candidates and get away from interest groups.  One of us had pancakes with blueberries and bananas and coffee.  One of us had eggs benedict and OJ.  One of us went to vote for Obama.  One went to vote for McCain. 

Obviously the details need to be worked out, but we're pretty sure it will pass....someday.  Don't forget to vote today.  If you don't, you have no right to complain about the outcome.   

Heckuva 24 hours in Jersey

The Giants win the Super Bowl over a heavily favored New England Patriot team.  Barack Obama, Chelsea Clinton, and John McCain all campaign in our little state the day before Super Tuesday.  It's also one day closer to my paper recycling day, and as always, I can't wait to empty my garage.

  Now, I'm going to watch the Science Channel's show about earthship homes "completely off the grid."  

Such a thing as a common cause?

The other day, I attended the Mayors Committee for a Green Future, where discussions took place about how to help each other's municipalities become greener.  Much of the presentation centered around the mayor of Maplewood, who has done a wonderful job of creating an "environment" of helping for the common good.  Group purchasing of efficient products, community-wide initiatives, and general selflessness seemed to resonate from the Maplewood example.  Reducing would seem to be good for everybody, but sometimes a few (or more) will argue anyway.  As I sat in the audience, I could only think of my small town in Bergen County, and all of the internal squabbling that takes place both locally and on a countywide basis, mostly unnecessarily.  As I am fond of telling my kids - "In the amount of time it takes to complain about it, it could be done."  As an example, my three smaller adjoining towns have gotten together to form a competitive soccer program to compete against some of the bigger towns.  Unfortunately, this has encroached on some individuals of authority, and coaches have been labeled as baseball or soccer "guys."  From an environmental standpoint, I agree with the concept of playing one sport per season (the average soccer mom/dad spends 17 days/year driving to/from games), but this seems rediculous.  If an excellent volunteer coach gets ostricized for trying to do the right thing for a larger group of kids, how can I expect to pull my town into an environment of cooperation with the towns nearby?  And if as the newspapers seem to indicate, the local political organizations are similarly divided, how can one expect cooperation there either?  Every day, I deal with issues of leasees versus building owners regarding efficiency projects.  Where there is little cooperation, little gets done. 

Will local environmental initiatives get labeled as electricity, gas, wind, solar, recycling, agricultural, smart car, or philanthropic "guys"?  Could you imagine a green fair where no one shows up?  PSEG is having a green fair in Jersey City sometime in April, so start to mark your calendars.  Maybe individuals or kids will be better if they do it on their own, or in their schools.      

Not exactly the same as marching with Dr. King

Today, I went door to door canvassing to remind people to get out and vote in the upcoming primary, and of course the general election.  For several hours, in driving sleet, I walked with two somewhat elderly black women (with more spunk than most people I know), from one apartment to another in some of the poorer areas nearby.  It was amazing to see the enthusiasm towards something most of us take for granted.  It's also easy to see how it would be difficult for many to care about recycling, living organic or the environment, especially when it's hard to find rent money.   

Of course, once I was done, I had the luxury of hopping into my nice car, driving into my dry garage, and walking into my warm kitchen for something hot to eat and drink.  Two worlds apart, just a few minutes apart.