The celebration of Earth Day was commemorated on Wednesday, but the entire month of April is often overwhelmingly focused on "going green." Sure, it fits, it's Spring. Nevertheless, in my way of contribution, I will spend a few moments on a couple of "green" ideas that might be worth exploring in the world today.
I do believe it's important for the human race to care for the Earth that we've been put charge over. But I think that it is in our best interest to do so creatively and with proper research. Ironically, what I observe is that many Americans in particular take up a cause without ever really bothering to look into what it is that they say they are for or against when it comes to the environment. Rather they take what they are handed and live with a perception that may not be entirely correct or perhaps it is acceptance out of fear. That leads me to my first "green" idea:
**I want to knock out nuclear, b/c the more I learn about it, the more I'm convinced it is a viable solution for any immediate problems or needs concerning the "energy crisis."- Nuclear energy is not as dangerous as some think. One of the things that I've come to learn is that you can take medals, coal, stone or other substances and refine and refine them to the point where they become toxic or threatening- just as much as you can with nuclear power. But the truth is all substances come from the ground, and all of them give off radiation- even you- and of course nuclear power- which means fueling our economy on it- while it may have risks like any other method, isn't such a bad idea. Some of you may remember in a previous blog, I mentioned that 76% of energy in France comes from nuclear plants.The nuclear energy can not only be reused/recycled, but once it is no longer useful- buried into the ground, right back where it came from. Too Risky? So is the sun you stand in everyday. So are mines, coal plants etc. But with the proper precautions and a REALISTIC standards in relation to exposure, nuclear plants would be safer than driving by a coal one on the way to work everyday. I recommend you read THIS article from JUNK Science for continued thoughts. I am definitely NOT opposed to continuing research on Solar energy or water for that matter, however, I do think that this might be a good solution in more immediate days.
**On a lighter note: part of going green this year is also about saving money. We could always use a few extra bucks and there are certainly ways to do both. One of the ones I keep coming across is the use of tap water. We all grew up on it and did just fine. So there's no harm in eliminating water bottles. While it's great that companies will take recycled bottles and other products in order to turn them into other useful products...(such a carpets or t shirts), the waste itself is unnecessary. If you're worried about the taste, but a filter for the faucet or even a Brita water jug that you slip into the fridge. I have one at home and it makes getting my water for the day much more convenient. Not only that- but if you need to take water to work, but a reusable water bottle at Walmart or other local store and put it in your dishwasher when you're through. This is certainly and idea worth spending a little time on b/c it's amazing how much garbage we might improve on by one simple switch to tap water.
While I've only discussed two ideas today- one on the heavier side of the issue, one on the easier/lighter side of the issues, I think it's important to maintain the simple fact that small, simple and creative ideas are the way to go. Ranting about it without facts or knowledge of the "green" earth doesn't get anyone anywhere- I'm not a fan of events like "Live Earth" concerts, or paying thousands for earthy conferences or even going "all organic"- mostly b/c I think they are unnecessary, but also because they don't actually accomplish anything. I came across this TED talk and I think it's worth listening to . The gentleman giving the three and half minute speech calls for creativity - and even shows how he's done it on his site: Doing the Green Thing .
Happy Earth week or something like that, they say....
These were a couple of the objects right in front of me on the beach, too bad they make for great photography. It was a perfect day, a little wind, warm sun....perfect.
While the color scheme of the picture doesn't accent the first, I found it rather picturesque. These chairs over looked the ocean from our balcony...they made it inviting.
"It is important to emphasize the guerrilla warfare is a war of the masses, a war of the people...why does the guerrilla fighter fight? we must come to the inevitable conclusion that the guerrilla is a social reformer, that he takes up arms responding to the angry protest of the people...he fights in order to change the social system." -Che
For each community and in each generation, certainly there are social changes that must take place for the improvement of the people. I am almost certain- despite the controversy that surrounded Che- that he had a belief in his people, and in those who shared frustrated sentiments against tyrannical rule, or at least, what he and bandits considered so. It makes me wonder; in today's generation- what is it that we hope to change? And will we take the steps to revolt against the expectation to change it? Lofty ideals? Perhaps, but I wonder if the generation of the 1960s wasn't onto something when they made this man an icon (or at the very least his ideas).
I have been reading Guerrilla Warfare by Ernesto "Che" Guevara at a steady pace and I'm intrigued. Granted, this particular work focuses on the tactics of warfare and how a "band" must prepare and conduct themselves in order to win their war. BUT- he seems to tackle the smallest details, even down to how much weight each man should carry, what guns are good or bad, and even discusses that each community must decide what is the age minimum or maximum- as if he cares rather than a generic mandate. His writing is simplistic- and it definitely interests me to look into his other works in the future.
However, in getting back to the initial idea of revolution itself- social change, and warfare: is it really the war of the masses- or in representation of the masses- and what is consider "mass?" There are countries and people groups now that often rally behind protests and posters to shout their demands at their government. Certainly many of those, such as human rights or economic mishaps are worth the protest. But are they worth a fight- with weapons and force? If so- who would do it- you?
Nevertheless, negotiation seems to be on the mind of the U.S. President Obama, but I often wonder if it takes more than a few "proposed" resolutions or amendments to make the necessary changes- political, social, etc. Today's generation wants something more. But the cost, too, is something of consideration. No no, I don't mean we should all run off and join the military to find something worth fighting for or pick up pitchforks and storm the castle or even just sit by or contend with posters and messages. But then again- all these things are worth doing, investigating and change will come when we take action toward it.
The book is an interesting study and certainly has my mind on the revolutionary generation of today....thoughts?
Perhaps you have a "case of the Mondays"- for the simple fact that this past weekend was fabulous! Either way- here's a few things to get you jump started.
-The Thorn is an incredible passion play that just finished two weeks of performances, with 70 thousand viewers in 3 cities. I took time to visit South Carolina on Thursday night and it was amazing. Some of the pictures from the performances can be seen HERE.
-There are some that think that the raw passion play "misses the point" - an op ed piece for the Slate.com talks about how such staged plays take on the epic movie or add too much flair. I personally disagree- why? I think my generation is looking for something whole heatedly real, I think performances, such as The Thorn offer that- what really happened during Christ's crucifixion is no light matter and really was a dramatic experience for him- people want to know. But hey, it may not be for everyone.
-Have you met Susan Boyle yet? She looks like an unlikely star. But once again, on Britain's Got Talent, Ms. Boyle has inspired, shocked and touched so many- and it's only her first performance for the show! She's amazing...and terribly cute! I LOVE this! I hope she wins the whole thing!
-Finally, travels to SCarolina proved to be fruitful. It was a 24 hour trip but it was great to get-a-way and re-organize my thoughts. Here are a couple of shots from the weekend and the beautiful beach:
On our way to The Thorn
Richie After The Thorn (Looks like he's praying- wink)
Our two hours on the beach made my nose a bit red, but it was worth it!
It's been a little while- but here we are, at the start of April. I don't know about where you live, but we, in Atlanta, have had our share of spring showers. Though I'm ready for sun & warmth. But in the meantime, while you're cozied in on a rainy day; here are some links around the web to keep you occupied. Enjoy!
**Going Green -Barack Obama recently held a town-hall forum that was intended to answer the top internet questions. An overwhelming majority wanted to know about the legalization of marijuana. His answer? Well rather- his dismissal frustrated his audience.
--Motorola has come out with the first eco-friendly phone: the W233. It's quite a pretty phone if you ask me. TMobile is the carrier and the phone is fully designed with recycled products- with 9 hours of talk time and the claim that it's "carbon free." Creative idea, in my personal opinion. I wonder, is it worth the $60?
--Green Guide magazine listed the top 25 'green' cities in the United States. I was surprised by a few and so might you.
**Sciencey Things --Dr. Oz stated on Oprah, and in the presence of Michael J. Fox that the stem cell debate is over. He says embryonic stem cells will not cure Parkinsin's Disease and others. In fact, skin cells will be more reliable. His explination makes sense. But will the scientific/medical world listen? Should they still test embryos for the proof? Interesting times.
--An article in Psychology Today recently talked about why so many Americans keep going back to for scientific volunteer opportunities. Whether it's money or chronic problems or a disparaged mentaility, people are making it a habit to be guinea pigs.
**'Bout the Web --Did you know that if you take time to browse the web freely at work, you may be up to 9% more effective than your co-workers? I know you've been looking for an excuse anyway.
--Apparently certain "conservative" critics were offended at the showing of the full blue anatomy on Dr. Manhattan- in the graphic novel film, Watchmen. I think they're a bit absurd .
--The Escaptist, typically a video game reviewer, did a hilarious rendition review of 50 Cent's latest album. It's worth checking out.
**Blogs --Joseph Thompson recently wrote a great piece on the 400 years b/t the Old Testament and the New Testament of the Bible. They weren't as silent as you might think.
--Tyler of Man of Depravity wrote an interesting perspective on why he thinks pastors should get in touch w/ the web generation.
**Finally This week is "Holy Week." Sunday marks Easter- and celebrating the weekend is an amazing one. I leave you with this:
President Barack Obama gave a speech early Sunday morning in Prague. It is a city that 20 years ago revolted against its mother government. Through peaceful protest; the Velvet Revolution became a grand stand against communism and birthed a new and free nation.
So, seemingly appropriate it was the first stop of the President's official European tour and in light of the North Korean rocket launch; he proceeded to introduce an anti-nuclear world. (If you missed it, you can view it HERE) But is a world without nuclear weapons and usage possible?
Noble idea, right? He even used his ol' campaign slogan to support his hope, "yes we can." Obama mentioned that countries without the tools to build a nuclear program will not receive them, countries with them will be told to begin disarmament, and all will have ability to access nuclear energy. He said that there would be rules- and that there would be "consequences" for those that broke the rules. He talked about North Korea fatal mistake in launching a rocket amid warnings from the international community. Obama mentioned that the "Cold War mindset" needed to change. He talked about talks and sanctions. Yes, it's true that he said he's not naive to think such a thing could happen quickly, however. But he still thinks "we can."
I don't think it's as possible as we'd like it to be. Why? Because a country w/ nuclear capabilities takes pride in it's sovereignty. And can you really allow a country to have nuclear capability for all use but weapons? North Korea is a prime example of countries that will ignore any international rules laid out for nuclear usage. And Obama did not propose what those punishments would be for ignoring sanctions and resolutions.
Then again, it's not impossible. Of course the question I have for Mr. President is: when will the U.S. start using nuclear energy? France runs it's country on 76% nuclear energy and the research has been shown that it's plausible.
Obama has entered the White House and gone gray faster than we can say "cottage cheese." He stayed silent on Israel before he entered Capitol Hill in December, faced a severely cracked world economy, emphasized putting troops back into Afghanistan and faced his own whiff of opposition in London this past week at the G20 Summit. CNN International's Ralitsa Vassileva wrote an interesting blog on Obama trying to close the Atlantic gap b/t the U.S. and European countries.
The news anchor notes that Obama's foreign support in Afghanistan is growing weaker. She also stated that the U.S. relationship with Russia is tense. And in order to continue moving forward with Afghanistan, since getting through Pakistani border is dangerous, -will basically take an act of truce with Moscow. Yet Russia seems to have it's own power struggle as Medvedev is trying to rise as the true leader of the country as Putin still sits with a grip on the government's practices and policies. Of course, there is also the state of the Czech Republic and the Ukraine. Their grievances cannot go ignored.
Vassileva said, "President Obama's foreign policy is helping restore America's image around the world, but the U.S. will still have to rely more on self-help than it's allies..." If the latter is the case then, is the former still true? And what of the protests in London and across Europe last week? Ultimately, what do you think?
