Two Dirty Olives

You don't take a photograph. You ask, quietly, to borrow it.

2010-04-20T14:11:00.000-07:00

You don't take a photograph. You ask, quietly, to borrow it.

~Author Unknown

The above quote symbolizes my interpretation of Sustainable Development, while combining a joy in my life: photography. It reminds me to graciously honor all that surrounds me acknowledging and respecting the subtle motions that interconnect all things equally apart of this world. We all live on borrowed time, borrowing resources to sustain our existence, we have an obligation to respect what we borrow. To treat our planet not simply as a resource, but as an entity, maybe even like a corporation that possesses a legal right to freedoms. Treating the future equally as important as if it were the present. Borrowing a snapshot of time such as the quote suggests draws to mind our temporary existence, the way we tread this planet during that short existence shaping the beauty of future landscapes. As old photo albums suggest, our time on this earth may be short, however, much like photographs the patterns and effects of our ways live well beyond us. Capitalism is on an over two hundred year crash course that does not take in account the market failure of our environment, in particular carbon. An evolution of our economic system must occur so our species can fully develop to it’s potential in harmony with the Earth.

We as a generation must meet the needs of the present without compromising the future generations ability to meet their own needs. The quote reminds us to eliminate the notion of possession and replace it with the respect that it should be returned. Borrowing can be directly connected with development because we borrow the futures ability to borrow that same resource. Sustainable Development is borrowing as little of the futures resources as possible while maintaining a certain level of necessary growth. Our nation and our world have over-borrowed the future’s resources. History has shown microcosms throughout the world what over borrowing does, for example the overfishing of Atlantic Cod in the North Atlantic. Bridging the gap between the notion of ‘my’ existence to honoring the rights and freedoms of the next existence can be seen more clearly respecting our rights of reproduction. Coincidentally, I believe when someone has children a very significant shift in consciousness occurs.

Overpopulation of our planet and having children can be contradictory to sustainable development. If we simply replace ourselves and do not have a net gain from our family planning endeavors, it would be a great step in developing sustainably. An estimated 3 billion people will be added to the world population in the next 13 years. Adding numbers adds mouths, adding mouths subtracts resources. Our planet can hold only so many, and if we continue to grow as we are, we will eventually hit a population ceiling of our species. Increases in our civilizations population borrows time from the future of mankind.

I view our civilization as stewards of Mother Earth, harvesters of her bounty. The dominating masculine-conquering philosophy of property ownership needs to be infused with a feminine sharing value of borrowing. For example my dog Cassius, I do not own, but take responsibility for. Every species and people has a right to clean air, clean water, healthy food, shelter & happiness. In my humbled opinion, if one denies another of any of these things it is truly a travesty and breaks our planets natural law. Water has the right to flow with the tide, sea lions a right to ‘human’ beaches, a tree to grow where it wishes. Life is about balance. Species’ populations grow and shrink in response to other species populations. A boom in field mice population may easily correspond with a boom in owl populations. Both have equal right for life, but must also be in balance. Mother Earth naturally finds balance; it is of the most fluid path. Many native civilizations have existed in perfect harmonious balance with nature by honoring it with high respect.

The Iroquois Confederacy coined the term, “In our every deliberation, we must consider the impact of our decisions on the next seven generations”. Development is essential and natural to our species, but how we go about it is another matter. Since the Industrial Revolution, our species rapidly evolving in size and complexity, civilization has grown wastefully and irresponsibly. The Native people of our North American soil maintained a very different concept of development. Their societies, while not exploding in high growth rates of monetary value, sustained growth for tens of thousands of years. They held a large social safety net that provided for all, while giving room for overall growth of the society. They did this without any concept of ownership. Interwoven into the core of the Natives belief system was that all things are connected, physical goods only borrowed. Shamanism, the world’s oldest faith is overly coined into paganism and greatly miss-understood; it is a person’s spiritual connection and practice living in balance with the natural world. Deeply ingrained in most indigenous populations, valuable philosophies of respect for interconnectedness are held. A growing number of western minds have been developing an alternative mindset to our current spiritual and economic systems; one that combines western democracy & the agile rule of law with native principals. All concepts conspiring to create more efficient solutions, which not only provide prosperity but also, reduce waste in the resolution of our greatest problems.

As our national debt passes $12 trillion, we are borrowing from our futures right to equal freedom. Our children do not deserve to inherit such a debt of negligence. As we burn past peak oil, we borrow our futures right to cheap energy options for economic growth. As we pollute, we take the purity from the future. Humankind is faced with the grave task of repositioning the future of the human race. Changing the collective mindset from ownership to borrowing, while respecting inherently what is our legal system is the most prudent task we face.

When we save a couple of dollars each month, we provide for our children. When one progresses truly sustainably, a zero-sum gain will occur. Civilization must evolve to respect and honor responsibly the consequences of our actions. Photography is an analogy of our footprint on this earth; the photo being the material that lives thousands of years beyond us. A photograph is an encapsulation of a moment in the past. We must live our lives in knowing our actions will directly impact the landscape of our children’s children ability to stand before with pride and develop. The future of our species depends on our ability to develop sustainably. The current situation is example enough that a shift in consciousness, way of thinking, tried systems, must evolve. Evolution is essential to our growth and development. Learning from the outdated greed-based capitalistic model and transitioning into a community-based model of shared growth that works in harmony with our natural world is as inevitable as it is necessary. When a photograph inspires us, like a majestic landscape, it influences us to honor our ancestors, who enabled this moment, and their way of life.

and the Journey ends....

2010-03-30T18:31:00.000-07:00

24 days and 4,971 miles; we have finally landed at our destination! Sun shined in our faces as we made our descent from the snow packed Cascades onto the Puget Sound. Too many experiences to fully explain have filled our lives over the past month. We both are a changed people, having grown from shared experience. Now reality is setting in, rent, utilities, groceries, credit card bills, furnishing the new apartment, aigh. Something in both of us, as we opened the door to our new apartment, in the out-flowing of pure excitement seeing our new life, the question was asked "do you want to get back on the road?" We laughed, truly happy with our new home, the transient time we spent on the road will always stay with us, where ever our lives lead us to. Since Sedona, or trip has sped up a bit from the multiple month long anticipation of our new apartment neither of us has seen. Rented over the internet on craigslist, based off only blurry pictures of only parts of the place, we were in store for a treat. We were pleasantly surprised about what we found; The location, extra space, and a garage!
The final leg of our journey: Scottsdale, AZ: Much enjoyed time with Ed and Jackie at their home below Camelback Mountain.

Grand Canyon National Park: What a big canyon. Our jaws dropped and we approached the rim. The sheer sight of the canyon puts life into perspective, one sees how little they are in the world. Exiting the chaos the grand canyon village is, we found a few great look-outs. That's me looking the wrong way.

Zion National Park: Great park. Another visit is in store for us. Absolutely majestic.

Provo, UT: Kelly's was born in Provo, so we thought a stop for the night was needed, to see her baby stomping grounds.

Great Salt Basin: Great 15 min stop to get out and run around. This is where they do speed tests. Endless tire track go off into the distance.

Boise, ID: Very clean, newly built, and surprisingly warm. This city surprised us both, I guess we had little to base any assumption off for it. Yakima, WA: This city looks like it is about to blossom. Washington is now the 2nd largest producer of Vino behind California. Yakima sits very close to the Columbia River Valley's explosion of new vineyard that I can say produce pretty darn good wine. 10 years ago the land that hold these new vines were simply wheat fields. Alki Beach, Seattle WA: Well, this is us now. View of Bainbridge Island, Vashon Island, Olympic National Park, and of course the Puget Sound. A hundred years ago this place was called New York Alke, ironic ending from where we started.

Thanks to all and let us know if you are in town! Kelly and Fraser

The Journey Begins

2010-03-07T21:07:00.000-08:00


New York to Seattle Washington by way of the southwest. We are in the middle of our journey about to pack up and head to our next destination. Sedona, AZ has been great to us and presented motivation to keep all friends and family up to date on our travels. The miles are adding up, almost at 3,000 so far. The road is a great place to be, we have been meeting some fascinating people and seeing some amazing sites. Only so much can be written. Our Driveabout so far: Richmond, VA: Debbi surprised us with some homemade Eggplant Parmigiana, yum. Went to Debbi & Ed's favorite little jazz place and experienced some great music. It was a quick stop, but so great to see Debbi & Ed, & the dogs. Crossing over the Blue Ridge Mountains was pretty spectacular. I think Kelly and I found a new love for the beauty in Virginia. Nashville, TN: Country Music and fried pickles. Only one is good, can you guess which? Memphis TN: Best Ribs on my life. No question. You can order the vacuum sealed seasoned spectacular. Charles Vergos' Rendezvous Charcoal Ribs. And well there is Elvis, we have never seen so many gold records in our lives (next to the carpet on the ceiling of course... Yes there is green carpet on his ceiling in his party room... Those of you who lived through the 70's probably aren't too surprised by that). If you didn't guess by now, this is Elvis's couch in the 'Jungle Room'. Hot Springs, AR: Dilapidated Victorian mansions show the reminisce of a once thriving oasis. Natural hot springs feed these beautiful bath houses, bringing the Roman bath to the early 20th century. Tucked away in Arkansas, a hidden gem. Amarillo, TX: Well, West Texas. We don't want to offend anyone, but it is West Texas. A free 72oz steak if you can eat it in under an hour (plus a couple of sides). We had the police chauffeur us in and out of the restaurant because the WWE was in town with crazy fans outside. We saw the wrestler Big Show, he literally sat on a chair and it collapsed! Santa Fe, NM: One of Kelly's favorites so far. It feels like the center of Native American Art. We got to see Jed's business, The Shiprock Trading Post, the most beautiful gallery we saw (we are NOT being biased). Not too dog friendly of a city, for we had animal control called on us when we tied Cassius up outside a restaurant for 15 min. We bought a great piece of Zuni Pueblo Pottery. Jackalope furniture, sat next to our Silver Saddle motel and held great pieces, we found a flawless deer skull. Tons of great Salsa and people. Gallop, NM: Quick stop. We stayed in the famous El Rancho Hotel, where old western movie stars frequented. The history was interesting, the food - not so much. Petrified Forest National Park: The sheer energy in that wood, wow. Every stop we made we had ancient Native Spirits in the insanely large crows, protecting each area like sentinels. Kelly is certain they were Chief Spirits.

Sedona, AZ: We have spent the past week on a spiritual retreat, soaking up the essence of what it means to be alive. So much personal and shared growth has occurred. The energy here is trans-formative. We both feel almost bombarded from it all, it will take us a good amount of time to fully digest.

Now off to the Grand Canyon, then Scottsdale, then who knows.... But eventually we will be in Seattle!

Our Industrial Food Complex: Oh, the taste of good pesticides' in the morning

2010-02-06T13:11:00.000-08:00

Food... How I love good food.

Whether it be pulled chicken & jalapeno tamales with guacamole, or a seaweed miso masterpiece. I love good food and hate crappy food. The problem is, unless you make it yourself (which I am finding is the only solution) good food is expensive, while bad food is cheap and everywhere. With age, I have come to learn and fully appreciate the differences of these opposites, it really hasn't been until recently that I have come to fully understand the complexity of locally grown organic food. I think my family's love of food, my green thumb, and a couple of documentaries & books have motivated a very earnest passion and desire for world change on the food-front.

While I haven't yet read Michael Pollan's first book, The Omnivore's Dilemma: A Natural History of Four Meals; his second, In Defense of Food: An Eater's Manifesto materialized fact to my already growing suspicions. His primary point is found in motivating the reader to really look at what they consume in their day and ask themselves "Is this really any good for me". Outside of the basic FDA nutritional guidelines (which Pollan pokes some serious holes in) we must as a civilization demand food that taste's good, is very nutritious, and is grown in a sustainable way with caring local hands & most importantly (and what is at greatest stake for humanity currently) is the ability and freedom to plant and grow ones own seed, -ones own crop- ones own nourishment for themselves. To identify the source of such a dilemma posed against humanity one must pull away the curtain that many multimillion dollar corporations would like never to be discovered. Behind which would be revealed a reality drenched with money-lust, laden with greed and week without power scenario that sounds more likely suited for a science fiction novel. The reality is grave, we as a people, united as a human race are faced with a war (most of which are unaware of even existing) of preventing imperialism over life itself. This nightmare scenario is made possible, by the patent law under the World Trade Organization agreement & US Law from which many conglomerate corporations are heeding the rights to own seeds through biotechnology and patenting. Such tools are being used by huge multinational corporations in their quest to control the global food supplies. There is so much that big corporations have blinded us to. What would our children's children say to us now if they had such an opportunity to change what is happening currently? Read an earlier post on: Monsanto to try and outlaw Organic Farming here.

I have been engrossed in the field of "Green Washing" with reusable shopping bags, but with food it is a different story. The best food for you doesn't have a label. There should be no marketing behind it, at most a farmer's hand making a sign. Today as one walks down the aisles of a super market, or even Whole Foods for that matter, we find claim after claim of how packed nutritionally the package food is. While Whole Foods does a good job of offering local food, they too have processed items packed with crap claiming to be good crap (because it is packed with Omega 3!). As the saying goes, we are what we eat- no wonder most Americans are obese.

Food, Inc. - Well, no more meat. That's about all I can say after this greatly executed film. I have been severely altered in my view of our meat in this country. I knew a lot about genetically altered plants, but Chickens, cows, pigs, etc. Arrgh. I love good meat too, which makes it even more troubling. I guess as long it is grass feed, holds no growth hormone, free range, and organic we could eat it. There is something about visually seeing what happens in our food systems around this country that sticks in one's head, unlike reading about it.

Since I can remember I have planted a little garden every spring (with the exception of some recent apartment-living years). Whether it be in a pot at my Long Beach house, or digging up my mom's entire backyard and scheming the crop rotation and needed ingredients for the compost - Soil and my own grown food have coated my hands. First because I simply liked digging, getting my hands dirty, and watching something grow. Now, I have come to really appreciate the harvest, no matter how small. It is the accumulation of countless hours of work, planting, watering, weeding and sweating. Life is about appreciating the small things- the fruits of one's hard work and as citizens of Mother Earth the freedom to grow. If we all spent a little more time appreciating our food I think we all would be a much happier people, un-needing of more stimulation of yet more wasteful material. Closer to complete satisfaction with ourselves and what we consume.

"During times of universal deceit, telling the truth is revolutionary."

- George Orwell -

Google & China

2010-01-15T07:43:00.000-08:00

Well, I just got motivated to get really political. Not in the red and blue sense (shortly my friends), but in the need to loudly speak out in what is going on with the Chinese government.

First, read the official Google's Blog statement about current events: New Approach to China

Next, listen to me. :)

I commend Google on their approach and position to this situation. The Chinese government is traveling down a path that is not sustainable in so many different ways. From the environment, over population, food shortages, to this obviously obscene act to control the minds of their citizens. It is one thing when the control is occurring in China, and another when they try to bring that controlling hand - through deceptive means outside of their own borders. Well I guess America does it militarily. protecting energy rights; China thorough the internet, controlling speech and the minds of 1.3 billion people. My largest problem is that it is not a hackers, or group of hackers, or some small anarchist movement; but it is the Chinese government hacking into some of the largest American companies in hope to secure intellectual property. Their mission is one of economic war, because the only way the ruling party will stay in power is if the continue a 9% growth rate per year. Having to fight opposing views. Otherwise, with no increased opportunity, China's citizens will begin to speak of democratic views. Demanding rights. Demanding more freedom. Demanding... voice.

I believe every person on this planet has an inherent right of speech, no matter where they are born. The right to breath, the right to eat, the right to drink and the right to speak.

Yéle Haiti & the Earthquake

2010-01-14T07:50:00.000-08:00

Haiti - Outside of the earthquake that just devastated the region, Haiti is real need for help. It is the poorest nation in the Western Hemisphere and is right in our backyard. An estimated 50,000 people have died so far, the entire nations infrastructure is in ruins. We can't land a full sized military cargo plan on their capitals runway to provide aid because it is too short. Haiti is in a trying time.

The short story that sums up Haiti problems is this:
Poverty is the source. Haitian citizens have deforested their country past the point of natural regrowth. Cutting down millions of trees over the past few years has caused serious issue in regards to the health of the topsoil in the region. Flooding is constant issue as is the lack of high crop yields. The citizens cut down these tree because any other heating/cooking method is too expensive. One cuts a tree to cook for their family. A million people follow suit. All the sudden there is no forest, no soil, no food. Now they have to rely on imports, very expensive. Mud cakes are routinely sold on the streets for food to the poor. They provide some mineral nourishment, but mostly help suffice the burn of appetite. Wyclef John born and raised in Haiti has been and is probably the most influential person in the country, supporting sustainable growth, replanting forest, offering monetary aid to the nation.

Yéle Haiti is a grassroots movement that builds global awareness for Haiti while helping to transform the country through programs in education, sports, the arts and environment. Yéle’s community service programs include food distribution and mobilizing emergency relief. Grammy-Award winning musician, humanitarian and Goodwill Ambassador to Haiti Wyclef Jean founded Yéle Haiti in 2005. For more information please go to www.yele.org

I invite you to assist Yéle Haiti as they begin to mobilize medical and emergency supplies for Haiti. You can donate via their website at www.yele.org or text “yele” to 501501 to donate $5 to the Yéle Haiti Earthquake Fund.

Happy Holidays!

2009-12-16T09:03:00.000-08:00

Twas the night before Christmas and all through the house, not a creature was stirring not even a mouse. The stockings were hung by the chimney with care, in hope that St. Nicholas soon would be there. The children were nestled all snug in their beds, while visions of sugar plums danced in their heads.

Happy Holidays!

Sugar Sand

2009-11-15T07:47:00.000-08:00

What is great about the Ocean is that it is always different. Anyone who has lived on or near the ocean will tell you that no two days are alike. This shot was taken in Gulf Shores, AL on what used to be called Baldwin Beach. Now it is simply known as West Beach. It is tucked right near the sand spit that opens to Mobile Bay. A beautiful area that in essence what sub-tropical Gulf of Mexico is. It is a very bountiful land with great fishing, 80 degree summer water, & endless 'sugar sand' beaches.

I took this photo on a common sunset stroll down the beach, on an uncommon clear sky of a night. Mobile Bay brews a many storms throughout the year. I am lucky though because where our house is, very often will not be hit by what the bay brews up. Unless of course a Hurricane is on its way. One can see purple electrical storms over the water all night, with only a brief drizzle over head. It is truly a remarkable place.

This shot was taken with a Canon Rebel XT, Aperture 5.6, ISO 200, 1/20 shutter speed. I think what came out is something majestic. Showing a calm night in a place that seems to never be calm.

Enjoy.

Peace

2009-10-09T14:41:00.000-07:00

After an surprising political win for Barack Obama, winning the Nobel Peace Prize. I felt obligated to write something after a month of silence...
Here it is: PEACE mon'.
I am switching between Bob Marley and Xavier Rudd while I write this to help set the mood.

Every other prize they honor someone who has contributed substantially to society similar to the Peace prize. The only difference with the peace prize is that viewed in current year, while the others are subject to the unspoken decade rule. It's funny to think to can evaluate the years worth of history in October, but that's how they do it.

Hopefully this win will give Obama the political clout that most news people have been claiming that he is lacking. He has been given the extraordinary tasks of Health Care & Energy. I know I am leaving out the war, but the moat important in regards to $moolah$ are these. Congress is debating a Cap & Trade piece of legislation this week, in addition rumors of a health care bill to emerge with enough support in the immediate horizon. This win by Barack will help him out dramatically. It would be political suicide to fight tooth and nail over outlandish propaganda from the coal or health care industry. Millions are spent every year to put off the formation of a cap-n-trade market scheme. It simply corrects a market failure that uneducated people still believe that excess carbon in the atmosphere created by human industry is a hoax. Well, European society used to think the world was flat, once reaching the edge you would fall off the world into some form of an underworld. A frightful end to nice trip on a boat I say!

I shared a good article about how the next decade's # isn't 2010-2020, but 350 titled: A New Number For a New Era: From 9/11 to 350. 350 parts per million of carbon in the atmosphere that is. While we currently hover at 390, and wonder how far we can push it; other countries are attempting at taking the lead in a new world order. The order of the green sustainable revolution. I have 2 syllables for you So-Lar. Oh the all mighty bounty of solar radiation. I blame Regan and Bush 1, for us not needing coal to power our homes today. They put solar research into the dark ages until Clinton was elected. Heck, Regan tore down the wall and tore down the solar water heater on the white house at the same time. With the veil of individual freedoms for all, we pocketed a few extra for crony capitalist instead of mindset of sustainable economic development. Sustainable economic development in my humble opinion relies 100% on vast amounts of clean, cheap, and accessible energy.

So what is our government going to do? Vote for 'clean coal' or photovoltaic research? Natural gas extraction from Pennsylvania or wind/tidal capture research?

oh compromises....

The Anatomy of Gumbo

2009-09-07T15:10:00.000-07:00

Speeding through the last few pages of my newest pleasure, In Defense of Food an Eater's Manefesto, I come bearing a few words of pleasure, habit, & truth. My beautiful wife is stirring up one of my greatest pleasures in food... Gumbo (mmmm, yes, that's right)! The traditional New Orleans fare is our current ambition to master. Good food, tradition and companionship is the most essential part of culture- Defining the core of what all of us value. Here is a link to Kelly's favorite online cookbook: 101 CookBooks, by Heidi Swanson (which Kel references multipul times a week for scrumptious homecooked vegetarian fare). Search for Vegetarian Gumbo Recipe and add some good turkey sausage and maybe a good Las Palomas cocktail and join us.

Michael Pollan's book, In Defense of Food an Eater's Manefesto; outlines much truth in our societies habits concerning food. While I dwell over the dubbed term 'The French Paradox' which brings light to the opposition between French and American eating habits; whereby the F'ies maintain (and have for hunderes of years) a high cost, high fat, small portion intake, with overall far higher health ratios comparitively. The Americans, in contrast, have come to maintain this kind of brian-washed ideal of cheap, chemically induced mass-produced food. When will we open our eyes to this inter-cultural reliance and acceptance of the spread of such conglomerates as Wal-Mart, Costco and all other mass production food chains which supports not only the concept of over- consumpumtion but over-conception? Each of which paralleling on the notion of living beyond our means, over-consumtion to such a level that is beyond what is both not good for us as indidividuals as much as it as not good for our earth (Monsanto cares nothing of our health or our earth).
In Pollan brings to light mind-numbing statistics such as Americans eating a fifth of all their meals in the car, or how Americans spend the least amount of their disposable income (9%) than any other industrial society while eating upward of 30% more than any other industrial society; I ponder. Anyone who has not read this alarmingly eye-opening piece by Pollan, needs to educate themselves on the effects of what our government has instilled in our mind. An Eater's Manifesto has given me a goal to maintain alongside my wife... to eat an entirely vegetable-based salad for every lunch I can. Reading this book has illuminated my vision on eating healthy, or should I say eating to preventing chronic disease named after what has been called 'The Western Diet'.

I challenge us all to get to know your farmer. Asking them how they grew the food we all consume and begin to understand the more we know, the more care in the thing we consume, the more we can truly appreciate ourselves. The 1st grade term of we are what we eat holds true, and it wasn't until I read this book did I really do some soul searching in understanding why what food I consume and how I consume it really effects my life. Enjoying a home cooked meal of locally grow produce with my beautiful wife, laughing over life's challenges and triumphs is the root of culture, & most importantly happiness. If we can't enjoy every bite with the ones we love; what are we spending our time doing. Eating a microwave dinner, with a can full of high-fructose corn syrup in front of a T.V. is not living, it's dieing. I apologize if I have offended anyone, but dig deep and think. I believe that a stronger connection to our food will only enhance life. The extra time spent eating, speaking, cooking will only grow our personal happiness.

I leave this entry with a painted picture. My best-friend, lover, & wife cooking up a tasty meal that originated in the city we got engaged (& spend our 1 yr anniversary) listing to some great music, drinking, eating, smiling, and laughing. It is what life is all about.

World Population to Hit 7 Billion by 2011, New Stats Show

2009-08-14T11:25:00.000-07:00

World Population to Hit 7 Billion by 2011, New Stats Show: "
Africa's population has now passed one billion and at current rates will double by 2050. School children in Central African Republic, photo: Pierre Holtz/UNICEF, Humanitarian and Development Partnership Team in CAR via flickr/Creative Commons.

Here's a sobering thought for your Friday morning: Mongabay reports a new study by the Population Reference Bureau shows that by 2011 ...Read the full story on TreeHugger

The Importance of Topsoil, Water, & Food

2009-07-02T04:38:00.000-07:00

I have begun the growing in significance topic of water scarcity. Combine that concept with severe top soil erosion around the world and what do you get? Food scarcity.

I didn't write in this blog to scare, intimidate, and have no intention to neglect other very important issues. For me, the most fundamental thing to all our lives is water, wood, and shelter.

Water: We are tapping our groundwater and snow pack reserves at alarming rates around the world. As the world population continues to grow it will use more water. As countries continue to develop in developing regions such as Africa, and Asia the pressure on their water resources will continue to increase. This is not just a African or Asian problem where huge populations are growing at alarming rates, but also an American problem. Given I am writing this from the New York City area and we have basically spent the last 30 days under water, the largest problem lies in the west. From extensive irrigation in California, arid land city population rise such as in Phoenix, and continued and extensive water waste in infrastructure and agricultural use; we driving ourselves off a cliff. I just read an interesting article in the December 2008 issue of National Geographic which highlighted the issue of damming up the rivers in Northern California and southern Oregon and its effect on Chinook Salmon populations. We recently had a "30,000" salmon die off from 1 river valley (Klamath River) alone. Environmentalist are trying to remove the dams and farmer's are asking for more water. Both have very valid points, but I wish to point out the one big flaw in the farmer's point. Most farm in the US and world are huge centers of waste regarding water. Farming techniques have developed over the past few years and most significantly Israel, the land of little water developed the drip irrigation system. The most efficient way to water a crop, providing enough water to the roots to optimal growth. Our great American farms mostly use significantly more water than they need, so why fight for the overuse of water when the market (price) should force you to become more efficient.

Topsoil: What is better than digging in a garden, planting a variety of crops watching and waiting while you watch the mature? Better? Well how about being gone for a week to find that all your beans have been eaten by an animal. Very annoying. But seriously, Top soil erosion & fertile soil aeration is becoming an increasing problem in areas with very larger population such as China and India. China I believe is seeing the largest problems regarding this. The Gobi Desert is growing, fast. Hillside farming through unsustainable practices and eroding, fast.

What this means for food: Less water + less soil + larger appetite = ??? You don't have to be a scientist to figure this one out. My greatest concern is what happens when China cannot feed it's population anymore? There will be political unrest, death, and I hate to say it but political conflict. I don't mean to single out the Chinese, but there is a list of countries that face severe problems. Haiti has some of poorest individual in the world, that lack basic freedom of water and food. Why? For a period of 5 or 10 years the population grew with the market or government offering a sustainable method of energy and heat. Haitians went into their forests and cut down almost every tree in the country. Since then soil erosion has been a huge issue, without any trees and a hurricane coming how will the soil stay in place? Soil erosion turned into water scarcity because the trees and soil held in the water to be release slowly in rivers. Which meant severe flooding and famine.

No more doom and gloom from me. The tools are at our disposal to correct the inefficiencies in the world. What is lacking is education. I hope this post made 1 person interested in learning more (not from a grammatical point of view though :) )

Water Shortage

2009-05-16T05:58:00.000-07:00

Water scarcity will be a problem well before global warming, oil, energy, will be. Water and our food system go hand in hand. Right now in California, they are in the 3rd year of drought. Bad enough that farmer's are cutting down orchards and letting the land go baron. On average a farmer in the central valley is receiving 30% less water than they were 5 years ago. With the lower of water tables all over the west, pumping it yourself is now not becoming an option.

Treehugger.com recently published a article titled: Water Shortages Rising Across the Globe, But Especially India showing how and why Water shortages are occurring all over the globe. Aside from our western states, China, India, and Africa are being hit really hard. "By 2025, India, China and select countries in Europe and Africa will face water scarcity if adequate and sustainable water management initiatives are not implemented, and an estimated 3 Billion people will be living below the water stress threshold".

There is an inevitable wall about to be hit. Population growth & pollution are growing so fast, that I believe sooner than later we will be having serious water issues. In the article, they say "By 2050, per capita water availability in India is expected to drop by about 44% due to growing populations and higher demand, as well as higher pollution levels". This is scary.

Pick up the movie or book titled: Blue Gold. Both a great source of information concerning water issues.

A great resource to avoid using plastic disposable water bottles is getting a reusable water bottle at ECOBAGS.COM. There are many styles to choose from.

Top 50 Green Energy Purchasers

2009-04-27T17:56:00.000-07:00

I am as shocked as you probably are. The E.P.A. announced it Top 50 green energy purchasers HERE. Of the top 5 companies I owned 4 of their stocks and didn't even realize it. It obviously makes me feel better with new realization of the information. I think the most shocking must be that Whole Foods(#5) purchases 100% of energy from renewable resources and Wal-Mart(#15)purchases 8%. That sheer volume of difference is exacerbating the 'Wal-Mart' effect. Whole Foods, while they are progressive only throw a drop in the bucket of what Wal-Mart has the capability to complete. Next most shocking, City of Oil (I mean Houston) right up there as the largest city purchaser of renewable energy. As I continue to read I have to retract my previous statements because Kohl's Department Store is # 3. Kohl's. I connect Kohl's with cheesy 30-60 year old woman's clothing. And now this. Wow.

This was as shocking as is was enlightening. I suggest for all to amuse and educate yourselves.

Earth Day 2009

2009-04-24T05:00:00.000-07:00

A few days late, but the meaning is the same. The day is meant for people to be more aware and celebrate environmentalism and the plant's health. This is something I am concerned about everyday. I heard a report stating that 'Corporate ad's concerning greening their brand occur on average 4% of total ads played, and on Earth Day they account for 10%'. What does this say to you? For me it means that 'greening' has no real meaning at all. Brands who push popular ideas as they come week to week are just trying to jump on the tips of the tongues on customers. Brands that push sustainability in their business and not just their Earth Day message are exactly the brands we should be buying from.

Monsanto to try and outlaw Organic Farming

2009-03-25T07:57:00.000-07:00

I couldn't even make this one up. H.R. 875 PLEASE Read.

Main backer and lobbyist is Monsanto – chemical and genetic engineering giant corporation (and Cargill, ADM, and about 35 other related agri-giants). This bill will require organic farms to use specific fertilizers and poisonous insect sprays dictated by the newly formed agency to "make sure there is no danger to the public food supply". This will include backyard gardens that grow food only for a family and not for sales.

The Purpose of this bill is to

(1) the safety of the food supply of the United States is vital to the public health, to public confidence in the food supply, and to the success of the food sector of the Nation’s economy;
(2) lapses in the protection of the food supply and loss of public confidence in food safety are damaging to consumers and the food industry, and place a burden on interstate commerce and international trade;
(3) recent ongoing events demonstrate that the food safety program at the Food and Drug Administration is not effective in controlling hazards in food coming from farms and factories in the United States and food and food ingredients coming from foreign countries, and these events have adversely affected consumer confidence;
(4) the safety and security of the food supply require a systemwide approach to prevent food-borne illness involving the integrated efforts of Federal, State and local agencies; a thorough, broad-based, and coordinated approach to basic and applied science; and intensive, effective, and efficient management of the Nation’s food safety program;

There are in total 12 purposes. This seems to be right out of the documentary: The Future of Food. To all that have not watched this movie, please put it on your netflix queue. It will change the way you think about food, inherently we are what we eat. Monsanto is estimated to own 11,000 patents on different seeds; 11,000

How can we as a society mess with the genetic diversity of the very foundation on civilization, food? I hope that this entry, movie and bill will motivate you to go to you farmer's market and support local farming. If not, you didn't watch the movie. This is the same fear marketing that the Bush Administration 'patented' so well. If the USA passes this bill, we will have regressed in the advancement of human civilization. I fear that these large seed bank pockets are too large to divert our politicians.

ECOBAGS For Good

2009-03-23T17:03:00.000-07:00

Instead of fundraising with obesity ridden candies, or wasteful & moronic magazines, why not try using a company like ECOBAGS.COM reusable products as options for fundraising. They are both socially and environmentally responsible products, something all products should be in this world. If you or anyone has a need for something like this check out ECOBAGS for Good. ECOBAGS.COM is doing a lot to change our Collective Thought Process and will be beginning to shape the world we live in by incorporating cradle to cradle ideas in our everyday products. Check out the website: ECOBAGS.COM - Enjoy.

Stem Cell Research & Morality

2009-03-10T15:00:00.000-07:00

Large movements in the administration have occurred. This isn't your basic and overwhelming supported decision. This, I am sure, slices down the vein of morality. Whether or not you believe in the morality of the absence of restriction on stem cell research, one must agree that our scientific communities walls have been brought down. Freedom to investigate the human building blocks have be released. Whether or not the morality effects you, one must understand that only medical progression will come from the investigation of the unknown.

Morality- I understand the opposition, and in some regards I agree with it. But the greater meaning and point is that life will be given to people who are in need of this research. To opposite life, in thought to unborn life, I believe is wrong. Some choose to argue that what will can ruin our society. I say what will, will give the chance to thousands of people- life.

Will anyone else comment besides Garrett's intelligent additions to this conversation? If not, at least check out his blog, where he is documenting his trek through Appalachia HERE.

Another Bailout... It's the economy stupid

2009-02-18T16:19:00.000-08:00

Well the skeptics and sinners have been thinking this week. Some hard nose republicans are touting after a few week in office that Obama is back to the democratic ticket of spending as usual. They claim their strength to fiscal conservativeness, yet the executive branch of California is faced with a how many billion dollar debt? 30? 40? more? BILLION dollars! Well, I believe the politics of old should and are ready to be thrown out the door. Whether it is republican or democrat, tax cuts or infrastructure spending, too much of either doesn't work. It takes a nice and balance combination of the two. Give cuts to those whom need it to encourage spending while having the government spend on infrastructure will grow the economy no matter what the situation.

Will Obama's Stimulus Package Work?

Well I hope so. I believe that 95% of the stimulus package will stimulate the economy for short and long term growth. Focusing on infrastructure, energy, and education you really can't go wrong. Each sector needs as much attention and money it can get. All focus on long term sustainable potential output for our economy. I challenge all who oppose to suggest something better that won't take years to implement.

So much for Bailouts. Let the companies whom managed their business fail so others can take their place. It is natural selection, thinning of the herd. The billions (outside of the financial system) spent on bailing out companies should have been added to the investment in the starving renewable energy sector. That is and will be the largest growth area in our economy, and has the potential to become the very core or our economic system. Much like oil has for the past years.

A misson for guacamole with ironic and dissapointing outcomes

2009-02-14T10:00:00.000-08:00

After a long drive to our most enjoyable Mexican fare on the east coast we found ironic hardship. Waking up to plan our day of a large afternoon meal revolving around great margaritas and killer guacamole, we both were excited. With the large yellow building in sight, saliva glands hitting on all cylinders I thought out loud and said 'What if it is closed, what would we do?'. We pulled into the parking lot to find the windows and doors boarded up. Damn, we just drove 45 minutes of anticipation and it looks like the building is abandoned. Kelly points out to look at the roof, Black. A kitchen fire has struck the building. It was very disappointing. After a glance over my left shoulder I noticed that across the street there was a fully operational fire station.

Are you serious? How could this happen.

What do we end up with? 'Sante Fe restaurant', believe me there was nothing 'Santa Fe' about it at all. Note to all- don't get between a man and his guac!

The Power of the Avocado:

First of all- The word "avocado" comes from the Nahuatl word āhuacatl ("testicle", a reference to the shape of the fruit). Native Americans looked up to this tasty fruit hanging in the trees and this is the name they came up with?

High avocado intake has been shown to have an impact on blood serum cholesterol levels. Specifically, after a seven day diet rich in avocados, hypercholesterolemia patients showed a 17% decrease in total serum cholesterol levels. These subjects also showed a 22% decrease in both LDL (bad cholesterol) and triglyceride levels and 11% increase in HDL (good cholesterol) levels. Source

That is enough for me to eat at least a few avocados a week!

The Week of Love

2009-02-02T10:54:00.000-08:00

While most of my entries have been regarding my frustration with people and topics about the economy. I been given the strong desire to share joy. The joy of happiness, the joy of not having hardship and the joy of having a beautiful & caring wife. I have designated this week to be the week of love. Every day leading up to Saturday I have made a commitment to be positive while things in my surroundings are negative (economy), and to show the one I love how much good she brings out in me. I ask for all who read this blog to do the same, no matter how stressful, painful, and bleak life is- Simply be genuinely positive with your outlook. See what happens and what becomes of you.

I met my wife, Kelly, when I first received a taste of true happiness. She has filled my life with complete and utter joy. There isn't a moment that passes that I don't wish to spend more time with her, and give her all that wants, needs, and desires.

Below is a piece of our Grecian Honeymoon to help all understand the power & grandness of love.

This picture was taken on a catamaran traveling inside the volcano of Santorini. We arrived to this romantic island by water ferry from the island of MyKonos. This Island holds a few small town on top of it's volcanic crest 5000 feet or so up. The volcanic hill sides are covered in homes that are literally dug into the hill. It is majestic how the white washed Greek home roll across the crest of this volcano.

The day after our arrival and new introduction to a terrific Grecian fare, Santorini Tomato Fritters, we headed to the opposite side of the island to meet our private boat and crew for a afternoon of swimming, boating and dining. After meeting our new friendly Aussy Captain and deck hand we set sail for 3 beaches. Santorini is the only place in the world that has 3 different type of sand beaches, a white, a red, and black sand beach that are literally a couple of miles apart. Quite remarkable really. Truth be told, we 'forgot' our swim suits thinking this was simply a dinner cruise so when we were given our itinerary we were a little shocked. We decided that we would probably not be swimming. We pulled into the first stop, a cascading slope of bleached white sand cliff side flowing into a seemingly abandoned beach area. Kelly and I looked at each other with nobody in sight for miles (except our crew) and tore or clothes off and jumped into the 70+ degree Aegean Sea. After floating for a period of time and having explored rock formations in utter bliss, we headed back to our floating romantic vessel. Off we went, being served terrific Sauvignon Blanc, we laughed at the carefree spirit for which we just partaken in.

Shortly after our laugh we pulled into the black sand beach. Well, holding nothing back in this post- we dropped our towels for another dip into Poseidon's front porch. Diving down to grasp handfuls of black volcanic sand we couldn't help but have a grin from ear to ear, amazed by the vastness of our isolation. Back to the boat we went, for another glass of wine and off we went to beach number 3, the red sand beach. At the Red sand beach we decided to pass on the dip and instead had another glass of vino.

Our last leg of our water journey took a little detour to the center of Santorini's volcano. There is a little island of newer bedrock that holds a sulfur hot spring bubbling up 100+ degree sulfur. Sulfur is known to be very good for your skin no matter how bad it tastes. To get to the center of the spring it was about a 1/4 mile swim. This small island was deep black basalt, coated with sulfur and with hundreds of names cut into the rock. The deeper back, the less names appeared. 'Did we come all the way across the world to pass on the opportunity to feel the center of the world?' Hell no. I dove in head first to see how much sulfur I could handle. It was a once in a lifetime experience, to feel so much raw power coating your body and gliding deeper to the source with the one you love. It was at the heart of things, so delicate and entrancing. A sense of exuberance filled both of our minds with not only excitement, but also a dash of fear.

After our swim back and shower, (sulfur is VERY potent) our lovely crew had fresh squid and pork on the grill for us. We dined the night away basking in our love for each other. This what life is about, sharing such once in a lifetime experiences with the one you love and realizing that love. Feeling such strong and differing emotions, only to have pure content and happiness with your best friend. It has a profound effect on the mind, body and soul.

Changing the Collective Thought Process

2009-01-24T09:03:00.000-08:00

After my dad pulled to my attention an article in the New York Times (January 23rd 2009 issue) titled: Environmental Issues Slide in Poll of Public Concern. The findings said that because of our economic situation the environment has become dramatically less of a concern to Americans. I found it unbearable to hold back and not try to shed light into what I call 'The Collective Thought Process'.

The World is ONE system. Our economic and environmental health are sub systems of the larger biosphere. Our natural environment provides humans with food, shelter, fuel, and many other natural resources which feed our economic system. One can only harvest enough resources to allow the natural ecosystem to grow back for the following years harvest. If one harvests too much, not enough will grow back the following year. Instead of focusing in the exact volume to consume in a given year or its capabilities, one should focus in on efficiency. Getting more from less.

Our society consumes more than is needed to sustain and grow, inadvertently waste is produced. Recently, due to the economic situation Americans has begun curbing their buying habits. Focusing their dollar spent on more useful and lasting purchases.

Global warming: It is happening, but is not the main topic of environmental concerns. Our global temperature has increased over the past few decades, believed by the majority of the scientific community. This is not my biggest global environmental concern.

Global climate change: Seattle is getting wetter & drier, New York warming in the winter but some years colder, hurricane larger & disappear for seasons, desertification growing along with the monsoons in India. Our climate is changing around us. So fast that we are beginning to not to see it. Two days ago I was working at the New York International Gift Fair, while selling a great company's mission in ECOBAGS.COM; I met a middle aged woman. She came up to me, she being from the south and said 'boy is it cold out there!' I concurred with her. It was very cold out there approaching the teens for god know how many consecutive days. Compared to last year which was very mild with little snow, this year New York City has been hit with a lot of cold, snow and in particular ice. The change from last to this, has been very dramatic. That volatility is what the majority of educated scientist and intellectuals call global climate change. So I turned to this lady and said 'your right it is very cold, but our warming planet doesn't mean that winters will be warmer, summers hotter and every cold front that much more bearable'. She looked at me in confusion and smiled and kept on walking. Our collective thought process has been brain washed on the word 'warming'.

I don't fear the heat (unless I live near an expanding desert) but I fear in my and chilren's life time the increases rainfall, floods, topsoil erosion, loss of farming capability, desertification, and all the rest that a warming planet does to our climate. Our collective and ignorant thought process connects global warming with simply heating and whether it is hot or cold outside.

If some believe it is as simple as this, let them attempt to live their lives in bliss.

2009 Inauguration & Martin Luther King Jr.

2009-01-20T05:49:00.000-08:00

There is so much to speak about today. This is a great day. The significance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day yesterday to 41 years after he made the speech 'I Have a Dream' a African-American Man was sworn-in as president. Dr. King spoke of his vision that within 40 years he believed a African-American would be elected president (he also said his hope was 25 years though). He was pretty darn close in his estimate, and it shows the capacity of his vision. Heck, if he lived a little longer maybe it would have been 25 years.

My hope is that Barack Obama uses all the political power he has collected over the past few months to focus on core economic issues. If he does not lead us out of economic turmoil, every other initiative he wants to address will not happen.

He is calling for all of us to sacrifice for the greater good of society. No one, since FDR has had the political resources and momentum to call on so much from Americans. FDR called for the 'New Deal', and Obama is calling for his 'Deal' which will involve many of the strikingly similar concepts as FDR's plan in 1933. Click here to view more about FDR's 'New Deal'. Both involved a lot of government spending, and many argue the only reason we got out of The Great Depression was because we were building up to fight the Second Great War (WWII). It is my belief that what will pull us out of this 'depression' will be the need to conquer 'The First Great Energy Crisis'. It will be as, if not more significant than WWII was on its generation.

What are Americans willing to sacrifice?
So far it has been their jobs, houses, and savings (not that funny). I think it will be peoples time. Spending a couple of days a year doing community service of some sort to help those in need. For young adults a excellent resource to help connect you to a cause in your local community is Dosomething.org. They will take your cell number and within minutes text you the location of a place to volunteer your time in your local community.

I am willing to sacrifice the convenience of eating non-organic & non-local food. Every time you buy food, spend the extra pennies on food that is coming from your local community. It will allow you to contribute to your local community and allow you to feel good about what you are putting into your body. Again, you are what you eat- The age old slogan taught in kindergarten is true! How about extending this commitment to: Make a goal to recycle every can, bottle, jug, newspaper, & piece of cardboard (to start); it is very simple. While you might not see the entire effect of the effort, feel good that what you did will help the next generation. These two (volunteer) services are something little you can do. You know, the 'simple' things. If everybody did the simple things we would be better off.

Australia's leap in front of expectations: Wind Energy

2009-01-17T07:47:00.000-08:00

I came across an article that sums up a much larger position on our own direction with energy. It turns out that Australia has met it's prime ministers goal of producing at least 20% of the countries energy from renewables by 2020; after the completion of a 47 turbine wind farm. Read the article HERE. South Australia can now boast that 60% of the entire countries renewables come from the southern region. The 47 turbines installed are believed to produce enough power for 70,000 homes! Don't give all the credit to the Aussie's, it turns out the Kiwi's provided all the construction and design. Trust Power of New Zealand, also operates Australia's largest wind farm. This is a story of the people who demanded of themselves to be better.

First of all, this is terrific to hear, a country rising to the vision of it's leader and producing a clean energy resource WAY ahead of schedule. To me that sounds like the resident's, contractor's, and leader's all really cared about what was going on within their country. As we turn to a new day in America I can only hope that Americans can rise to such an occasion. We have the leader to guide us, we have the money allocated, and we have the national pride & desire to systematically move forward to our sustainable goal. The goal again, is to leave the planet in a better shape for our children than it was during our time spent on it. Making use of the abundant natural resource (wind) to power our homes is only logical in the sustainable developmental path we are headed. I hope Barack Obama drives this fact home into all of us. I hope he demands more of us. Of the $850 BILLION- allocated to development, I hope most of all- it is given to projects that include energy efficiency, clean energy development, and restructuring inefficient transportation systems. All of which will create new jobs, reduce carbon in the atmosphere, and provide the necessary building blocks for sustained growth.

Does anyone have any information on what other countries are doing?

Department of Energy: Steven Chu

2009-01-14T17:08:00.000-08:00

Steven Chu has been nominated and looks to become the Secretary of Energy. This is a very significant role within the US government. He will have the final say on the single largest budget which could be devoted to alternative clean energy research. It is the governments largest influence on energy outside of legislation. Lack of funding / legislation are the only hurdles to spur such a large amount of technological innovation only comparable to the computing boom of the 90's. Most people don't realize, but the US is being out spent on clean energy research by the Chinese and a lot of other countries around the world. If American's are not the innovator's who will be?

Who is Steven Chu?

Long story short: He is an educated man whom looks at our energy portfolio as a system, for which vast improvement can be made in the areas of efficiency and using more of what is really abundant and free- The Sun, Wind, & Tide. I have high hopes for him to make the tough decisions and upset senators from coal producing states. To simply regain America's standing as the leader in research. High order for Steve Chu right? well he has the support of the most iconic & morally powerful man since John Kennedy or FDR.

While I fundamentally believe that the US has setup itself to seize leadership regarding clean energy, energy efficiency and energy independence; we must systematically go through all policies and funding to direct our efforts. What shall our underlying principal be? How about: Our planet is 1 single system that can't get any bigger. The economy is a subsystem of that planet. There is x amount of resources available to sustain life and grow the standards of others which will only last x years. Why not use what is clean, abundant, relatively free (if carbon had a price) and just morally good for society to make our children future better than ours? Well, almost every generation believed this notion except the previous. I don't hold it against them, by any means. The previous generation setup all which is good today, while using a form of energy(oil) as a cheap form of growth. Which it was and still is. We only recently fully understand that the complexity of global climate problem. Heck, 10 years ago we didn't the computer power to comprehend civilizations impact. And when you build a civilization over 100+ years reliant on a cheap form of energy to sustain life, it will be difficult to change that. I do not wish to state a laundry list of facts on how and why global climate change is occurring, it would take way to long. I will let you look at the world's foremost independent expert on the state of the planet: IPCC REPORT. The previous link will send you to their home page, scroll down to view last years report. Over arching principal: Human civilization is causing our planet to heat rapidly which is disrupting numerous systems on this planet.

I really didn't want to go in that direction, but the plug was needed.
Point of this rant- Steven Chu is a good candidate, and any progression that happens in our economy & society will inadvertently go through him. This is because: what one thing do we use that affects every part of our life.
Answer: Energy.