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I've said it before and I'll say it again.
I LOVE THE INTERNET!
Researching this blog has given me a renewed hope. More and more people and companies are turning Green. Things are becoming economical that used to be out of reach for the average person. 2o years ago I was a poor, environmentally conscious person who dreamed of living off the grid, eating food I grew myself and living in harmony with my environment. I did what I could which wasn't as much as I wanted to. Why, you ask? Because all the cool, off grid gadgets were prohibitively expensive!
Now, people are putting wind turbines and solar panels on their houses. Tax incentives take the sting away but we need more. The technology of energy is becoming wildly futuristic. I read about photo voltaic paint! Can you imagine that? Your whole house can generate electricity. Groovy!
Wind turbines come in so may different styles and even become functional art.
http://peswiki.com/index.php/Main_Page
These links are only a few. I invite anyone reading this blog to research more.
http://www.earth4energy.com/?hop=makeasplas
I am amazed at humanity's inventiveness. We can do so many wonderful things.
http://www.jetsongreen.com/wind_energy/page/2/
And this is an old favorite.
http://www.realgoods.com/
Oh, dear.. my evil twin is having a fit..
Yeah, humanity is very inventive.. When it comes to ways of killing each other!
Most of the technological advances we have come to enjoy came from the military.
http://www.army-technology.com/
Just take a look and see what wonderful things await us.
Then, I want you to wrap your brain around this little bit of madness.
http://www.genocide.org/
Can you imagine the population problem if we weren't so efficient and enthusiastic in killing each other?
We're smart mammals. We should be able to balance things out.. if we could all agree on a few things. Like, sharing is good. Fundamentalism is bad and we all need a world, dance party once a year at least!
I'm not as evil as some people say I am. Just a blunt, harsh realist.
When the weather finally begins to cool off and the blanket gets put on the bed... It's time to fire up the oven and BAKE, STEW and ROAST!
Right now, I have a beef shank simmering in a pot with barley. Soon, carrots, onions, celery, cabbage and.. Oh, Damn! I need to get some dark beer. Not for me silly.. well, maybe a little. I like to flavor my stew with a little beer. It's delicious.
I'm teaching my son how to cook and bake. Skills that seem to be fading in this day and age.
I once knew a woman who was actually proud of the fact that she couldn't cook. As if it were beneath her to do something so... What is the word I'm looking for? I can't wrap my head around the concept of NOT enjoying the magic of creating edible delights. It's one of my favorite ways of showing affection and friendship.
Sit in my kitchen, have a drink and let me cook for you. We can also go out back and admire my budding garden and flourishing herbs. What do you think gives my food that extra special YUM?
I wish my camera wasn't broken in the car wreck. I'd love to post pictures of my little darlings.
*Sigh* Such is life. I survived but my camera didn't. Fair trade I'd say. No complaints from me.
Back to channeling Betty Crocker.. Tis the season my friends. Nothing says "I love you" quite like a batch of cookies or bread, cupcakes, fudge, even something canned like pickles or jam.
http://www.grouprecipes.com/flavor/wholesome
And for those who want to share in a broader sense.
http://feedingamerica.org/
Don't forget to donate to your local food bank. I've been the recipient of charity before and boy, was I grateful! It's simple enough to do. One of the places I shop has a collection bin right by the door. It doesn't take much to add a few extra things to my cart and share with those who need it.
Now, back to to the recipes!
I know there are those of you, who like me create a long list of goodies they plan on making for holiday gifts. As time passes, the list gets shorter. But never give up. I aim to overachieve every year! I collect recipes and plan to make something new every year.. Most of the time I make one new thing and stick to my tried and true yummies that are always appreciated.
http://allrecipes.com/
So get those ovens fired up, recipes out and the aprons on.
Don't forget. Always cook and bake with love.
Researching the internet is so wonderful!
When I watch the news. I get discouraged. Then, I listen to http://www.democracynow.org/
Watch PBS or wade through the internet. I love how more and more people are taking things into their own hands and changing the world.
I dream that we're not too late.
Urban Mining! Wrap your head around that concept my friends. Then look into these sites and maybe more.
http://www.coolbusinessideas.com/archives/urban_mining.html
http://www.treehugger.com/files/2008/08/urban-mining-rare-metals.php
http://www.naddum.com/
Now, in some places dumpster diving is illegal. Liability is an issue. What is wrong with this country!?
I read about how an old landfill was opened up and they found whole newspapers from the fifties! Someone thought it would be good to mine landfills but what I read said these landfills are composting and the heat and lethal gases that would escape make mining too dangerous.
Eww! So what does that say about what is being leached into the ground?
Leave it to Humans to dig something out of the ground, process it, mix other natural materials and then transmute this blend into poison.
I hate gadgets. I do not apologize for being a low tech, barefoot, made from scratch, baking, writes on paper type person. I had to recycle two cell phones this year. If you research the politics of the materials that are in cell phones and computers you'd probably think twice about trading in your phone for a new one every six months.
http://www.thestandard.com/article/0,1902,26784,00.html
I wanted to write a blog that was positive and hopeful.
So lets get on that.
Meditating for world peace.. Dreaming a new reality, Dancing for global change.
ORGANIZE!
I doubt it matters to the Divine how the message is sent. We need to remember we are part of the Divine and reconnect with ourselves.
http://www.meditatepeace.com/
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lrukVaWn5ak
So, keep the faith and stay hopeful. I am.
Oh, mercy me! It's coming.. Run, hide, swim down the river of denial but you can't escape it.
Holidaze!
You're wondering what I'm ranting about. Aren't you?
Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Yule, Winter Solstice, Annual gift giving day..
Whatever you want to call it. However you want to celebrate it.
It's in our face and I'm sure most of us cringe at the thought of the coming, consumer frenzy.
This year, it's going to be interesting. The world's economy is spiraling down like a flushed turd. Ewwww! You have a better euphemism?
Winter holidays. Holy days to most. To the atheists out there.. I still love you and have a plate of goodies for you too.
I'll give recipes next blog.
But what about the gifting part!? You don't have the time, desire or skills to cook, bake or even concoct a home made liquor? No worries my friends. I have kindly solutions for the shopaholic with a conscience.
First.. A word from out non sponsors.
http://www.adbusters.org/
Alright, now that I have you good and scared. How about buying things for your loved ones that also benefits others? Does that sound like a win, win situation or what?
Not only that, these gifts are unique and thoughtful. I love the internet! We can do so much good and be slightly selfish, save fuel and shop in our underwear!
This site has some very cool stuff and it helps feed people. Pretty, basic need.
http://www.thehungersite.com/clickToGive/home.faces?siteId=1
Want more choices?
http://www.charityguide.org/volunteer/fifteen/charity-shopping-portals.htm
How about something for that person who has everything already?
http://www.oxfamamericaunwrapped.com/home.php?xid=abe99d41add169c7b4f38fa90487e094
http://www.heifer.org/
Are we having fun yet? I'm not a big fan of malls or fighting crowds for stuff no one wants anyway. I like to bake, have friends over for a cozy visit and make gifts. On occasion, I do find something that screams to be given to someone I know. Then, why wait for a "special occasion."
Every day is special and who doesn't like a spontaneous gift once in a while?
Alright, I know there are card carrying, shop till you drop people out there who see shopping as a sport. Try this site out and let me know how you like it.
http://worldofgood.ebay.com/home
My own dad is an ebay junky.
Alright America, lets get shopping and not just to stimulate the economy. Lets give gifts with heart, meaning and thoughtfulness.
Keep within your budget or I'm telling your mom!!
