Let's Call for a Clean Slate

The Sierra Club has created the Clean Slate Energy Agenda and is asking citizens to contact President-elect Obama to ask him to seriously consider the following actions to reduce global warming:

1. End the rush to build new coal plants by directing the EPA to require all new power plants to limit their global warming emissions.
2. Direct the EPA to approve plans by 15 states to require clean cars.
3. Direct the EPA to end mountaintop removal mining by stopping coal companies from dumping rock and waste into valleys and streams.
4. Restore America's international leadership in the fight to end global warming by publicly committing the US to cut its CO2 emissions at least 35% by 2020.

For more information or to send youyr message visit http://action.sierraclub.org/cleanslate. Send your message now. President-elect Obama needs to know that our government needs to take immediate action to slow down global warming.

Green Christmas

This is my first post after being AWOL during the end of the fall semester; I hope to post bit more during the coming weeks.

Bing had a White Christmas; Elvis had a Blue Christmas. This holiday season the staff of Syracuse University will be having a GREEN CHRISTMAS with an extended paid holiday break! In past years the University operated on a reduced schedule during the business days between Christmas and New Years Day. This year as an energy-saving measuer all non-essential offices will be closed during the period. The program is a pilot and will be evaulated after the holidays to determine if it should be implemented during future holidays. It's part of the University's ongoing committment to sustainability.

We'll have to wait and see if the break will add much to energy use reduction, but when the holiday extension was announced to the employees, the reaction was so positive one would have thought that Santa had landed on the Quad and was handing out bags of cash! It's possible that SU may not only reap energy savings, but could also experience a productivity increase among a happy staff that was given the opportunity to enjoy extra quality time with family and friends.

Happy Green Christmas to one and all!

I am a Marilyn!

You are a Marilyn -- "I am affectionate and skeptical."

Marilyns are responsible, trustworthy, and value loyalty to family, friends, groups, and causes. Their personalities range broadly from reserved and timid to outspoken and confrontative.

What I Like About Being a Marilyn

• * being committed and faithful to family and friends
• * being responsible and hardworking
• * being compassionate toward others
• * having intellect and wit
• * being a nonconformist
• * confronting danger bravely
• * being direct and assertive

What's Hard About Being a Marilyn

• * the constant push and pull involved in trying to make up my mind
• * procrastinating because of fear of failure; having little confidence in myself
• * fearing being abandoned or taken advantage of
• * exhausting myself by worrying and scanning for danger
• * wishing I had a rule book at work so I could do everything right
• * being too critical of myself when I haven't lived up to my expectations

I knew it. I knew I was a Marilyn all along. Here's the quiz.

Al Gore Web Cast Tonight

On Wednesday, Oct. 29 at 8:30 p.m. EST/5:30 p.m. PST, Al Gore will call upon youth around the country to help repower America this November. Watch the live address here.

Be there or be square!

Update on Me and Clean Fuel from Garbage

Sorry it's been a while since my last post. I knew my posting would slow down once classes started. this semester I'm taking Managment Principles for Information Technology Professionals. I was pretty busy last weekend installing my new iMac! It's a great machine, and the final puchase for my new revamped home office. (Although I may be shopping around for an area carpet when I get some spare cash.)


I'd like to pass along to you this interesting story about researchers from the State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry who are turning garbage from Syracuse University dining halls into biodiesel fuel.

Random Blog Visit 9
Wes in Europe

Ever want to spend your summer vacation in Europe? Yeah, well me, too. Not ever having the opportunity, this summer I lived vicariously through the adventures of a young man from the U.S. Mid-west named, you guessed it, Wes.

Wes's travels take him to Italy, The Alps, Berlin, Hamburg, Frankfurt and London. But don't think it's all leisure time for Wes, through the blog he documents his performing arts studies in Hamburg.

Wrong, Wrong, Wrong

While I try to avoid using my blog for political purposes, because I'm interested in environmental issues, I just can't let this one go. John McCain's choice of Alaskan Governor Sarah Palin is wrong on so many levels, but he's actually found a running-mate whose record on backing big oil over the environment is WORSE than President Bush's!!! The Governor actually argues that polar bears don't need protection!

Sierra Club Executive Director, Carl Pope says, "With the pick of Alaska Governor Sarah Palin for his running mate, John McCain's race towards the Bush administration's failed energy policy is now complete." Furthermore Palin over stepped her authority as governor to advocate against a clean water initiative.

I just don't understand how someone like Palin, who identifies so strongly with being a "mom" can justify selling out her homeland's future to big oil and mining interests.

Random Blog Visit 8:
A Good Idea Ahead of Its Time?

Recently I had the opportunity to ask Jim Anderson, technology entreprenuer and founder of StandardID if there was one thing concerning his business that he wished he could do over again. He told me that there was one product that he wished he could reintroduce to the market, because it was too far ahead of its time; the market wasn't ready for it.

Pay by Touch seems to have suffered the same fate.

My Hometown's Mayor Gets Award from EPA

Mayor Matt Driscoll received a leadership certificate for environmental stewardship from the Environmental Protection Agency, but I'm so proud to say that my good friend, Carolyn King was in part responsible for the efforts that earned that award. Details.

Carolyn also highly recommends visiting Sustainable Thompkins.

What Can I Do Without?

This is the question that Juneau residents were forced to answer when their electricity supply was severly curtailed due to an avalanche last spring. The story recently broadcast on NPR sproves that people can react positively in the face of adversity. Unfortunately now with power restored, usage has begun to increase again. Perhaps rising energy costs may motivate the citizens of Juneau back to conserving again.

Guest Posting on Out of the Past
Last Sunday I attended Capitolfest, a classic film festival held at the Capitol Theatre in Rome, N.Y. You can read my guest posting on Out of the Past: A Classic Flim Blog.

Take the Energy Quiz

How savvy are you when it comes to understanding America's energy usage? Take the quiz.

Solving Big Problems with Small Actions

I'm a bit upset over John McCain's belittling of Barack Obama's suggestion of keeping your automobile tires inflated to the proper air pressure as a means to save energy. This is not directly related to global warming, either. It speaks volumes about the two men running for President and their concepts concerning efforts to change our nation.

OK, keeping your automobile tires inflated won't do much to save energy, if you're the only one with properly inflated tires. But what happens when you keep your tires properly inflated, and so does everyone in your neighborhood, and everyone in your city, and everyone in your state? Can you start to see the big picture? I believe, and I think that Barack Obama does as well, that we can solve big problems with small actions-- IF WE ALL WORK TOGETHER. A quote from Barack Obama's web site reads,"I'm asking you to believe not just in my ability to bring about real change in Washington...I'm asking you to believe in yours." McCain on the other hand, doesn't seem to see the value in small sacrifices. No, he'd rather maindate a solution from a large oil company.

I continue to see the United States as a nation of individual citizens not mega-corporations, and if we're going to solve the massive problems ahead of us, then we'll need to take the responsibilty to solve these problems. We'll also require a leader who gets this idea, and has the force of personality to encourage each and everyone of us to get involved. It's still our country let's work together, and take it back!

My New Office

My husband and I spent a large chunk of our vacation last week reorganizing our home office. It was in dire need of an upgrade/upheaval. Not that I haven't been productive in my graduate studies, but at least now I can be both productive and comfortable! The chair pictured here is on its way out. I've got a new ergonomic one on order. I'm hoping it will arrive by the weekend. Also not pictured is a new bookshelf that my wonderful husbnad assembled for me during the Fourth of July weekend.

Now the office is almost ready for our newest arrival -- a brand new iMac! Once that's installed I'll never leave the office!

Random Blog Visit 7

Alisa Terry's Happy Place features information pertaining to attachment parenting and natural family living, with an off beat humorous bent. But Alisa's tone gets downright serious when bringing attention to potential dangers to her children (and yours), covering topics like vaccine safety and the use of sugar derived from genetically engineered sugar beets.

Alisa's blog is not solely dedicated to parenting. She writes about poetry and human rights as well. Escape to My Happy Place is very well written and organized. While Alisa is passionate about her family and attachment parenting, she doesn't mandate it for everyone. It works for her family, so she wants to get the word out to others so that they may consider it as an option worth giving some serious thought to.

Random Blog Visit 6:
God Bless Monty & Susan

Earlier in my random blog visits I posted about "Ruminations on the Meaning of Life?" a blog where Trey Tomes' ruminates about his beliefs, two ordained ministers, however, Monty and Susan are actually living out their faith. The msmission blog documents Monty and Susan's life journey as they aid disaster victims: first in Mississippi and Lousiana after Hurricane Katrina and now more recently assisting Mid-west flood victims in Columbus, Indiana.

There aren't enough selfless heroes out there like Susan and Monty, and I truly encourage you to visit their blog. If you'd like to help out, or for more information please visit The Convoy of Hope.

Random Blog Visit 5

Despite it's unusual title City Data Stone Park Recovery York is really not that unique. It looks like a personal site that seems to concentrate on pop music, although annoyingly most music posts turn out to be ads for a product called SuperMedia Downloader Suite, and extremely ugly eBay tables displaying auction items related to the associated artists. I'm suspecting what reviews are on this blog were co-opted from other sites, as all the music videos were scarfed directly from YouTube.

City Data Stone Park also features a few product reviews; there's one for a Garmin nvi 350 3.5-Inch Portable GPS Navigator with loads of links to eBay and Amazon in case you are just so bowled over by the review you need to purchase one immediately!

City Data Stone Park is pretty much a waste of time. For all his/her efforts I hope the "creator" of this blog is making some money from SuperMedia Downloader Suite, eBay, Amazon, and Google AdSense. Hey, did we miss anyone here?

Random Blog Visit 4

Got Inspiration? How could one avoid a blog called "Ruminations on the Meaning of Life?" Trey Tomes offers inspiration and his thoughts on various Bible readings along with his comments on wisdom and patient endurance. The blog's serene blue design adds to a sense of calm and peacefulness. If you're feeling a bit overwhelmed, this could provide you with an uplifting online "time-out."

More Metropolis Footage Found!!!

First, I offer a sincere apology to Ibetolis, creator of the Film for the Soul blog, I metioned here last week. He wrote to tell me that he IS the author of the "Pat Garrett and Billy the Kid" review. Sorry, I misread what he had posted on his blog.

As Ibetolis continues on his mission to view the greatest 1000 films of all time, perhaps he may be fortunate enough to view Fritz Lang's masterpiece "Metropolis" with more than 20 minutes of extra footage that was recently discovered at the Museo del Cine in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Listen to the npr story.

Read a related article.

Another Deathlok-Inspired Quiz

I saw this quiz posted on the Teremity of High Maintenence and just had to try it myself. I discovered two things: 1. Deathlok really is a bigger lush than I am. 2. I know a lot more about alcohol than I thought I did.

88%DRUNKARD

Created by OnePlusYou

Carbon-free in 10 years!

Former Vice-President Al Gore announced yesterday his challenge to the U.S. "to produce all of its electricity from renewable and carbon-free sources in 10 years." According to Gore, "The survival of the United States of America as we know it is at risk."

An ambitious goal, maybe, but aren't we suposed to be the greatest country on earth? If so shouldn't we be the leading the effort to reducing greenhouse gases and control global warming? Ten years from now, my niece, Gabriella, will be a junior in college. It wouldn't it be great if she and her friends could start out their lives in a healthier environment and not have dependency on foreign energy sources hanging over their heads?

Fortunately both Presidential candidates seem to take the issue of global warming more seriously than Mr. Bush does. If we truly desire to unite our country, perhaps with strong and couragous leadership this could be the issue that brings us all together.

Not-so-random Blog Visit

While I was surfing around I found a blog that may be of interest to my fellow film buffs, Film for the Soul.

There is an extensiveand quite excellent review of Peckinpaw's Pat Garrett and Billy the Kid, however it's borrowed from another film blog. I, did, however enjoy Ibetolis' post asking his readers to choose which film he should watch again. Besides, anyone who uses a still of Takashi Shimura in the final scene of Ikiru as his blog header can't be all bad, can he?

Use Your Fridge to Save the Planet!

The fight against global warming may seem daunting at times, but if everyone did something small everyday it could add up to a big difference. Did you know thart you can help save the planet by just changing a few small things in the way you use your refrigerator? These tips come courtesy of the dailygreen.com.

Keep a Pitcher of Water in Your Fridge
A pitcher full of water will help your refrigerator keep your food cool more efficiently

Fill the Fridge
Keeping your refrigerator full, but not to the point of overstuffing, will allow it to run at max capacity.

Check the Temperature in Your Fridge and Freezer
The EPA recommends keeping refrigerators at 37 degrees F and freezers at 3 degrees,

Buy an Energy Star Refrigerator
New Energy Star models use 40% less electricity than typical units sold in 2001. That means you could easily save over $50 a year by upgrading to an Energy Star fridge.

Remember: Refrigerators and freezers account for about a sixth of all electricity use in a typical American home, and they use more electricity than any other single household appliance.

(Photo credit: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Refrigerator)

50 by 2050

The Group of Eight, or as we called them in my our telecom policy course, "The Rich Countries Club" have agreed to meet again and further discuss the possibility of reducing the output of greenhouse gases by half. Gee, how nice of them! Of course, not many of us will even be around by 2050 to see how successful this so called initiative may turn out.

Read Andrew C. Revkin's article.

Random Blog Visit 3

Streamsters - Tribal Tech blog bills itself as, "Tribal Tech Multimedia Electronics Reviews!" I guess that's a little something for everyone. Recent articles inlcude How to Find Auto Parts, Finding the Perfect Guitar Tone, and one on the good old water-engine.

Streamsters is maintained by someone named "Minley," but he only posts; the articles are submitted or borrowed from others. Apparently this is one of several blogs Minley maintains each with a different topic. Minley participates in Google Ad Sense and also features a wealth of links to other "Related Themes and Partner Sites."

While Minley is making (or trying to make) a profit off of his blogs this doesn't take away from the quality of the articles. He's put a bit of time and thought into what to include in his blogs. Being a designer found Domen Lombergar's interesting article on the "History of Digital Art" espcecially interesting.

The Green Prince

Prince Charles is now joining forces in the war against global warming. He would like to go down in history for his efforts to save the environment. His efforts to reduce his carbon footprint include using vehicles that run on biodiesel, including a classic Aston Martin that runs on wine! (Whoa, that's still a bit too rich for me, but the way gas prices are rising perhaps soon it could be cheaper to fuel your car with wine.) Charles is also cutting back on travel and asking his staff to consider commuting by bicycle.

However, not all of Prince Charles' "green" activites are being applauded. Controversy exists concerning use of his luxury yacht, which Charles claims is less harmful to the environment that an airliner. Whether or not his actions are truly contributing to reducing global warming, the fact that Charles has chosen to make this "his issue" will contribute greatly to getting the message out to an international audience, and I admire him for that.

Random Blog Visit 2

I don't know jack about poker -- online or offline, but Bullet Boy does. He's a professional poker player whose blog "Online Texas Hold Em-Play Great Online" states, "Are you ready to start winning at hold em? I'm going to show you how." The blogs also says, "This blog is for entertainment purposes only. It is meant to provide information relating to the game of hold em in its legal and non-gambling applications." then it goes on, "Online Poker can be profitable, but be sure to choose the right table!" --Whatever.

Bullet Boy's writing style is clear and direct. He's not instructing you on how to play Texas Hold Em. He assumes you, unlike myself, already know how, but are looking for tips on how to play online. He suggests what to look for on different poker sites. Here's some sample advice:

"You'll probably never see a player again but if you find anyone who is horrible, take a note and especially when you find the good players, make a note. It could save you your stack later."

Bullet Boy loves playing Texas Hold Em online, and is doing a pretty good job of spreading the love. My one criticism of the blog is that it appears a bit cluttered, and the white text on a black background lends itself to eye-strain.

Random Blog Visit 1

I'm trying a little experiment here. If you have a blog on blogger.com, like I do, you've seen the little widget blogger sign in. I'm clicking on random sites that appear there and commenting on the more intersting ones I find.

For The Love of Herbs is "For beginners and established enthusiasts alike to share our passion and understanding of herbs." The site belongs to Wendy Evensen Stokesdale of North Carolina, who's currently working on a book of the same title. The blog has a fresh, attractive look and features recipes like Tilapia with Lemon Herb Zucchini and Garlic Cheddar Chicken. There's something there for everyone; I'm sure even Deathlok and my husband would chow down the Quick and Easy Herb and Cheese Oven Fries! All recipes are illustrated by mouth-watering photos. in addition to her recipes, Ms. Evensen shares expert herb gardening information as well. If you're interested in herbs or just looking for a new resource for recipes, be sure to check this one out soon.

The Only Good Use for a Yankee Cap

This weekend marks the last Subway Series to be played at Shea Stadium, so it only seemed appropriate to share an image that one of my husband's former co-workers sent along to him.

Global Warming = Security Risk

Yesterday intelligence officials reported to a congressional committee regarding the links between global warming and potential increased political unrest and terrorism. It makes sense to me. We only have one planet, and we need to share it with everyone else living here.

You can download Dr. Thomas Fingar's report here:

http://media.npr.org/documents/2008/jun/warming_intelligence.pdf

Related news stories:
New York Times

National Public Radio

Another interesting article:
Reports: Energy Thirst Still Topping Climate Risks

I Knew it!!!

So all this time and effort I've been spending on a Masters Degree in Information Systems Management has been a terrific waste! Great!

You Should Get a JD (Juris Doctor)

You're logical, driven, and ruthless. You'd make a mighty fine lawyer.

What Advanced Degree Should You Get?

You Tube Goes Indie

If you're tiring of You Tube's usual fare of dancing toddlers, inane teenage pranksters, Star Wars parodies, and homemade political campaign commercials then it's newest offering "The Screening Room" might be what you're looking for.

"The Screening Room" presents independent short films from all over the world to internet users. Every 2 weeks 4 new short films are added. It's like a mini-film festival. So far I've only watched one, very charming Danish animated film called "The Danish Poet" narrated by Liv Ullman. Other films introduced this week include "Love and War" a Swedish production billed as "the world's first animated opera," and "Are You the Favorite Person of Anybody?" featuring John C. Reilly asking passersby that intriguing question.

For more info:

http://ytscreeningroom.googlepages.com/home

http://arstechnica.com/news.ars/post/20080619-youtube-raises-curtain-on-indie-film-screening-room.html

No More Bottled Water!!!

Did you know:

• Production of bottled water in the U.S. requires roughly more than 17 million barrels of oil!


• More energy is then needed to trasport those bottles from the bottling plant to warehouses and stores.


• Municipal water takes only the energy needed to pump the water to our homes.

No, I didn't make this up; these facts are according to the Pacific Institute. And a very easy way to reduce your carbon footrprint is to just say "No" to bottled water.

• Is the quality of your tap water not very good? Install a water filter on your tap with the money you'll save from not buying bottled water.


• Do you need to take water with you on the go? Drink from reusable metal or glass containers when travelling.


• Urge your favorite restaurants to stop offering bottled water.

For more info visit the Sierra Club's Website.

Get the Sierra Club Bottled Water brochure.

Visit the Pacific Institute's Website.

For more info on the world's water situation go to worldwater.org.

Who Says Great Minds Don't Think Alike?

Token Asian recently posted this article on her site.

Watch This Movie NOW

I'm really ashamed to say that it took me this long to finally see "An Inconvenient Truth." But I did seeit, and I'm urging you to see it, if you haven't already -- especially if you have children. Put this DVD at the top of your Netflix list or better yet, buy it.

It's important. We can't wait around to save the planet.

Also please visit these sites:

http://www.climatecrisis.net/

http://www.stopglobalwarming.org/

Well I did it!

I entered the Strawberry fun run/walk at Syracuse University's Strawberry Festival yesterday. Unlike most of the University's events that are targetted at students, the Strawberry Festival is for faculty and staff. The big draw is the strawberry shortcakes and sundaes, but there are other events going on in conjunction with it. I participated in fun run/walk. I, of course, doing the walking, not the running. Unfortunately the temperature was around 77 degrees with close to 100% humidity. Yuck. I did however, finish the two mile walk. My time was 35:49. That's a little on the slow side for me; I can usually walk a mile at a little under 15 minutes. I blame my slower time on the humidity, and the gravel path on the second half of the course. I also wasn't the last person to finish. There were a bunch of folks who finished after I did.

I'm also making good progress on my diet, too. I didn't partake of the goodies at the strawberry festival. And so far I've lost 7 pounds. I told myself that I wasn't buying any new clothes until I lost some weight so, I went earlier today online and bought $50 in new summer stuff!

One Book

I got "meme'd" by Deathlok. Is that the right terminology? Amyway I'm not sure how these things go, but here's the meme:

"Books are scarce in the world. They are illegal in some provinces. They are not easily replaced, if not impossible to replace if lost in many if not most circumstances. If you can replace a book or buy one, it is usually through the black market at astronomical costs that you cannot afford. Yet you have been able to maintain one of the best collections in the world. If your entire library was about to burn up and you could only have one* book to take with you other than the Bible, what would that be and why?"

Unfortunately I can't tell you what the name of the book is because it is in Japanese. It is an absolutely gorgeous book of Japanese prints. It's not the only book of Japanese prints I own, but the book secreted anyway from a friend's father's library. She was playing at being a literary "Robin Hood." Knowing her father didn't really appreciate the book, she decided to send it along to a more deserving home. Her thought was so sweet, and the book so lovely, I couldn't bear to part with it - even over my over my signed Bill Griffith Zippy books!

Sorry, I can't tag anyone. None of my friends have blogs. (Deathok's already mem'd the ones who do.)

I Know It's Only May But...

As a Red Sox fan you've got to love it!!!

Oh Well....

It's a bit too late for me now...

You Will Be a Cool Parent

You seem to naturally know a lot about parenting, and you know what kids need. You can tell when it's time to let kids off the hook, and when it's time to lay down the law. While your parenting is modern and hip, it's not over the top. You know that there's nothing cool about a parent who acts like a teenager... or a drill sergeant!

Would You Be a Cool Parent?

I love the line, "You seem to naturally know a lot about parenting." Does anyone really know jack about parenting? I'd actually be more likely to survive 190 days locked in my house than 2 days as somebody's mom.

Interesting, Captain

I saw the link to this quiz posted on a friend's blog, and was intrigued.

OnePlusYou Quizzes and Widgets

Most web quizzes ask what dessert are you or what Star Wars character you want to be This one hasa decidedly darker bent. I think I'd base my survival time on the fact that I am so practical, and my husband works for a large foodservice distributor.

Wow! That was Fast!

Despite CNN's Lou Dobbs continually telling everyone how our government is broken, at least one part of the State Department is working. I had heard all kinds of horror stories about long waits for passport renewals, so with all the best intentions to get my renewal in the mail after the first of the year, I finally managed to mail it out three weeks ago. The lady at the post office told me to send it certified with signature confirmation. I did that on April 19, and a week ago last Wednesday, April 30 I got that little green confirmation postcard to let me know that the processing center got the old passport. Yesterday I received my new passport with a really cool patriotic eagle illustration on the inside cover to boot! I thought it would take months, but it was really about 10 business days if you don't count the time in transit.

Well, maybe like they say on the weight-loss aid advertisements: "results may not be typical." But, hey it worked for me. Now, if I only had some foreign country to travel to.

Hollywood of the Northeast?

As the Syracuse International Film and Video Festival is winding down this week, a huge announcement was made concerning the establishment of a Film Center right here in Syracuse, NY!!! I'm currently reading a fascinating book, History of the American Film Industry: From Its Beginnings to 1931 by Benjamin B. Hampton. Hampton had first-hand experience of the film industry during its fascinating formative days. In one chapter, Hampton explains why movie production moved from the east coast to California, and why Los Angeles, not San Francisco, eventually became home to the industry.

This leads me to wonder why Syracuse? Can the city succeed as an entertainment production center? Will technology changing entertainment business models, and ever-rising production costs create a network of many smaller entertainment production centers instead of a one central location in Hollywood. With many more outlets online and off for smaller independent productions, this could be the case. If so, Syracuse could succeed.

Time will tell, and of course, I'll post updates.

I'mmmm Baaaaack

Yes, I'm back, but I can't say for how long. This year's been an absolutely crazy one for me. I got a new job, and I'm still going to school part-time. The big news is I earned my Cerificate of Advanced Studies in Information Systemes Management this past December. I also got accepted to the Masters program. Oh, three MORE years of hell ahead. What have I done???