In the beginning, God covered the earth with broccoli, cauliflower and spinach, combined with an abundance of green, yellow and red vegetables. He did this so that Man and Woman would live long and healthy lives.
Then, using God's bountiful gifts, Satan created Dairy Whip and Peter's Ice Cream. And Satan said: "You want hot fudge with that?" And Man said, "Yes!" And Woman said: "I'll have one too... with sprinkles." And lo and behold, they gained 10 pounds.
And so God created the healthful yogourt that Woman might keep the figure that Man found so fair. And Satan brought forth white flour from the wheat, and sugar from the cane, and combined them. And Woman went from size 8 to size 14.
So God said: "Try my fresh green garden salad." And Satan presented crumbled Blue Cheese dressing and garlic toast on the side. And Man and Woman unfastened their belts following the repast.
God then said: "I have sent you heart-healthy vegetables and olive oil in which to cook them." And Satan brought forth deep-fried squid rings, butter-dipped lobster chunks, and fried chicken so big it needed its own platter. And Man's cholesterol sharply increased.
Then God brought forth the potato, naturally low in fat and brimming with potassium and good nutrition. Then Satan peeled off the healthful skin, sliced the starchy centre into chips and deep-fried them in animal fats adding copious quantities of salt. And Man packed on more pounds.
God then brought forth running shoes so that his children might lose those extra pounds. And Satan introduced cable TV with remote control so Man would not have to toil changing the channels. And Man and Woman laughed and cried before the flickering light and started wearing stretchy lycra jogging suits.
God then gave lean beef so that Man might consume fewer calories and still satisfy his appetite. And Satan created McDonald's and the 99-cent double cheeseburger. Then Satan said: "You want fries with that?" And Man replied: "Yes! And super size them!" And Satan said, "It is good." And Man and Woman went into cardiac arrest.
God sighed... and created quadruple by-pass surgery. Satan chuckled and created the public health system.
All rights reserved by the Author. Reprinted with permission
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Friday, March 13, 2009
A Comment in the form of Questions
Are we moving too quickly with technology as it relates to media and communications? For example, the latest and the greatest in computer media presentations is requiring higher and higher demands of computer systems, effectively shutting out new ideas from individuals that can not keep up (by not having a system that can run the software fast enough or even enough memory to load it up).
This includes both financial and administrative resources to keep our personal systems up to date. Affordable needs to be a quality decision rather than a race by the suppliers to earn a profit on the backs of consumer demand for a product that is outrageously advanced. Management time to keep systems of the 'latest / greatest' status operational can simply be overwhelming for the above average individual and just a andother waste or money grab for the specialist, depending on whether compensation is being made for the time spent.
When does the designed obsolescence spiral end? When do we say that business doesn't need to upgrade just to have a 'better' set of tools than the next? Will brutal competition continue to dictate this trend? When do we allow the minds to be masterful of the current software rather than in a constant state of initial learning curve?
I would never suggest that we should stifle invention or progress but only to let the masses catch on and actually use products so the learning curve doesn't have to start over. Single board computers for dedicated tasks are becoming more popular in reliable roles rather than a single machine to do everything.
I wonder when someone will invent a single board controller for gateway services on the internet? I know, we already have one - called a digital cable TV box with TiVo. Food for thought.
This includes both financial and administrative resources to keep our personal systems up to date. Affordable needs to be a quality decision rather than a race by the suppliers to earn a profit on the backs of consumer demand for a product that is outrageously advanced. Management time to keep systems of the 'latest / greatest' status operational can simply be overwhelming for the above average individual and just a andother waste or money grab for the specialist, depending on whether compensation is being made for the time spent.
When does the designed obsolescence spiral end? When do we say that business doesn't need to upgrade just to have a 'better' set of tools than the next? Will brutal competition continue to dictate this trend? When do we allow the minds to be masterful of the current software rather than in a constant state of initial learning curve?
I would never suggest that we should stifle invention or progress but only to let the masses catch on and actually use products so the learning curve doesn't have to start over. Single board computers for dedicated tasks are becoming more popular in reliable roles rather than a single machine to do everything.
I wonder when someone will invent a single board controller for gateway services on the internet? I know, we already have one - called a digital cable TV box with TiVo. Food for thought.
Saturday, February 14, 2009
Too much said, not enough action
So much has been written about the Kyoto accord and what it represents to our earth, our home. So many scientific studies in agreement of the issues are continuing to promote unerstanding and support of the general populus. Going green isn't about buying the latest gadget or bamboo flooring, it is about making choices that are sustainable - period.
When will we as a collective conciousness actually change streams from filling up all the servers with opinion and suggestions to real personal accountibility in our actions.
All the issues distill down to this simple question. How do we make a significant change in our lifestyle that is sustainable rather than temporary? You can choose a life of denial, inconvenience or **** but will this lead to long lasting satisfaction? As the frustration over inconvenience rises, will you say 'to heck with this green facade, I want some convenience of my old lifestyle back'.
So, here are some suggestions of simple adjustments for a sustainable (and fulfilled) lifestyle.
1. Participate in a youth education programme regularly to understand the recycling initiatives within your own community. certain of these waste streams are profitable and must be maintained to offset the others that are not yet breaking even.
2. Educate youself clearly with regard to energy saving practices and products rather than just responsing to marketing hype. This will save you a ton of money in the long run (and save tons of energy from marginal manufacturing practices and incorrectly specified durable. For example, energy saving compact flourescent bulbs have a voltage and current rating printed right on the base (a requirement by local law). Simply multiply these two together to determine the actual wattage for rate of consumption of energy. This will be different to the equivelency to incandescent rating (usually higher).
3. Be aware of packaging - both content and abundance. Display and accesory containers should be of a recyclable nature so that they can be reclaimed, reused or remanufactured with a minimum amount of energy requirement. This means a reduction in polycarbonate plastics unless someone will take the initiative to determine other uses for the recycled or remanufactred material.
4. Adopt the 'cradle to cradle' attitude. Insist on products and packaging that can be infinitely reused or recycled. This is the TRUE simple definition of sustainable lifestyle. Find second 'life' for items that are in good shape by donating to a second hand shop or local artisans to be remanufactured.
5. Think carefully about buying a locally sourced product instead of an exotic sustainable item because it would have to be shipped to you still using non-renewable fossil fuels.
In a nutshell, consider all sources of products you use - the materials they are made from, where they were made, the fuel used to transport them to you, how long they will last, whether they can be reused for something else after their useful life has ended and how much energy it will take to recycle them.
Consider a commitment to lifelong education in conservation methods. The rewards will be realized by our children.
When will we as a collective conciousness actually change streams from filling up all the servers with opinion and suggestions to real personal accountibility in our actions.
All the issues distill down to this simple question. How do we make a significant change in our lifestyle that is sustainable rather than temporary? You can choose a life of denial, inconvenience or **** but will this lead to long lasting satisfaction? As the frustration over inconvenience rises, will you say 'to heck with this green facade, I want some convenience of my old lifestyle back'.
So, here are some suggestions of simple adjustments for a sustainable (and fulfilled) lifestyle.
1. Participate in a youth education programme regularly to understand the recycling initiatives within your own community. certain of these waste streams are profitable and must be maintained to offset the others that are not yet breaking even.
2. Educate youself clearly with regard to energy saving practices and products rather than just responsing to marketing hype. This will save you a ton of money in the long run (and save tons of energy from marginal manufacturing practices and incorrectly specified durable. For example, energy saving compact flourescent bulbs have a voltage and current rating printed right on the base (a requirement by local law). Simply multiply these two together to determine the actual wattage for rate of consumption of energy. This will be different to the equivelency to incandescent rating (usually higher).
3. Be aware of packaging - both content and abundance. Display and accesory containers should be of a recyclable nature so that they can be reclaimed, reused or remanufactured with a minimum amount of energy requirement. This means a reduction in polycarbonate plastics unless someone will take the initiative to determine other uses for the recycled or remanufactred material.
4. Adopt the 'cradle to cradle' attitude. Insist on products and packaging that can be infinitely reused or recycled. This is the TRUE simple definition of sustainable lifestyle. Find second 'life' for items that are in good shape by donating to a second hand shop or local artisans to be remanufactured.
5. Think carefully about buying a locally sourced product instead of an exotic sustainable item because it would have to be shipped to you still using non-renewable fossil fuels.
In a nutshell, consider all sources of products you use - the materials they are made from, where they were made, the fuel used to transport them to you, how long they will last, whether they can be reused for something else after their useful life has ended and how much energy it will take to recycle them.
Consider a commitment to lifelong education in conservation methods. The rewards will be realized by our children.
Saturday, January 24, 2009
Illumination - Fact or Fiction?
More green babbel still asking the question 'Are we being responsible in our use of natural resources?'. This is a simplified dicussion about technical specifications of compact flourescent lighting devices.
For the non-technical, we must depend upon a source that we trust. the government has produced guidelines about how we should live our lives and how to be responsible to our respective resources and communities. In this case the explanation is confusing at best.
the sci guy - Eric Berger writes:
Complete Article - November 17, 2008
Thanks Eric for your views on the initiatives by concerned individuals. But, The specifications on the products themselves are conflicting. (We have seen this kind of deception before. ... they told us smoking was good for you and the municipal water was safe ...)
Further to this, let's be practical. Compact fluorescent lightbulbs also offer some misdirection by being mislabeled. Without exception, if you will read the specifications on the base of each bulb, you will see the wattage, voltage and current (amperage) listed.
For example, a 13 watt unit is listed at 120 volts and 205 milli-amps (0.205 Amperes). By simple electrical calculation W = E * I (wattage = voltage times current). If you do the math 120 x .205 = 24.6w . That is almost 25 not 13.
This can be verified by using an electrician's induction type meter (amp clamp) for measuring the exact current on one lead of a 'pigtail' style socket on an extension cord.
When I questioned one manufacturers representatives, he stated
This is not the answer required by the conservation conscious individual.
Simple power savings is 25 watts rather than the power consumption of a 60 watt incandescent lightbulb.
The recent safety concerns that were raised about UV radiation because individuals were using these for hoddy wok lights, close reading lights, etc. The rule of thumb is to keep them away from your skin about 12 inches (30 cm) and the ultraviolet rays will ont adversely affect you. I would suggest further away and use a reflector to concentrate the lgiht if you need that kind of light intensity.
A huge caution - the mercury contained in flourescent produts is more toxic than the phosphor coating in the incandescent bulbs. A specific recycling proceedure needs to be put in place for the bulbs that no longer functon. If you break one of these when it is hot - ventilate. DON'T BREATHE the MERCURY VAPOUR! I'm not convinced that this 'green' product has been carefully thought through.
So please, manufacturers and legislators lets use this imposition of 'green consciousness' to support truth. Extend to us as consumers and common people the indication of intelligence and reality that we deserve rather than fiction that is continually perpetrated upon us. We will be able to experience more 'basics' in the standards to which we become educated rather than constant confusion.
I commend each individual that has taken personal initiative to be proactive in becoming green aware - one person at a time. I salute educators that tirelessly promote responsible behavior with the young and old alike. I identify with those that lead by example.
I believe that it is simply a matter of the classic light bulb joke.
Q: 'How many psychaiatrists does it take change a light bulb?
A: It really only takes one but - the lightbulb has got to WANT to change.
note: The author has over 25 years of direct experience in carefully specifying support equipment for modern 'off grid' installations for both residential and scientific communities where reliability and balanced load accuracy is paramount.
For the non-technical, we must depend upon a source that we trust. the government has produced guidelines about how we should live our lives and how to be responsible to our respective resources and communities. In this case the explanation is confusing at best.
the sci guy - Eric Berger writes:
"I guess this is no big deal, and I certainly applaud the message of trying to do right by the planet. And don't get me wrong, it is a good idea to switch to compact fluorescent lightbulbs and take other steps to reduce our consumption of energy. Make that a great idea."
Complete Article - November 17, 2008
Thanks Eric for your views on the initiatives by concerned individuals. But, The specifications on the products themselves are conflicting. (We have seen this kind of deception before. ... they told us smoking was good for you and the municipal water was safe ...)
Further to this, let's be practical. Compact fluorescent lightbulbs also offer some misdirection by being mislabeled. Without exception, if you will read the specifications on the base of each bulb, you will see the wattage, voltage and current (amperage) listed.
For example, a 13 watt unit is listed at 120 volts and 205 milli-amps (0.205 Amperes). By simple electrical calculation W = E * I (wattage = voltage times current). If you do the math 120 x .205 = 24.6w . That is almost 25 not 13.
This can be verified by using an electrician's induction type meter (amp clamp) for measuring the exact current on one lead of a 'pigtail' style socket on an extension cord.
When I questioned one manufacturers representatives, he stated
"... this is a luminousity equivalency rating for full size and compact flourescent tubes
and not the real output rating (of the unit) ...".
This is not the answer required by the conservation conscious individual.
Simple power savings is 25 watts rather than the power consumption of a 60 watt incandescent lightbulb.
The recent safety concerns that were raised about UV radiation because individuals were using these for hoddy wok lights, close reading lights, etc. The rule of thumb is to keep them away from your skin about 12 inches (30 cm) and the ultraviolet rays will ont adversely affect you. I would suggest further away and use a reflector to concentrate the lgiht if you need that kind of light intensity.
A huge caution - the mercury contained in flourescent produts is more toxic than the phosphor coating in the incandescent bulbs. A specific recycling proceedure needs to be put in place for the bulbs that no longer functon. If you break one of these when it is hot - ventilate. DON'T BREATHE the MERCURY VAPOUR! I'm not convinced that this 'green' product has been carefully thought through.
So please, manufacturers and legislators lets use this imposition of 'green consciousness' to support truth. Extend to us as consumers and common people the indication of intelligence and reality that we deserve rather than fiction that is continually perpetrated upon us. We will be able to experience more 'basics' in the standards to which we become educated rather than constant confusion.
I commend each individual that has taken personal initiative to be proactive in becoming green aware - one person at a time. I salute educators that tirelessly promote responsible behavior with the young and old alike. I identify with those that lead by example.
I believe that it is simply a matter of the classic light bulb joke.
Q: 'How many psychaiatrists does it take change a light bulb?
A: It really only takes one but - the lightbulb has got to WANT to change.
note: The author has over 25 years of direct experience in carefully specifying support equipment for modern 'off grid' installations for both residential and scientific communities where reliability and balanced load accuracy is paramount.
Saturday, January 3, 2009
Resolve to pay attention in 2009
The top 10 New Years Resolutions:
SPEND MORE TIME WITH FAMILY AND FRIENDS: I do my best to make my schedule as flexible as possible to accomodate activities - even last minute ones.
FIT IN FITNESS: I still walk everywhere. The jeep stays parked unless a road trip is required.
TAME THE BULGE: How can one preach moderation when excess is such an enjoyment? I suppose I could trim the 20 pound off my mass change from when I was 18 years old.
QUIT SMOKING: A hundred points, I don't smoke.
ENJOY LIFE MORE: This has never been a problem. I still have over a hundred items on my 'lifetime list of things I will do before I die' list.
QUIT DRINKING: Why quit anything? Why start in the first place? I make beer - my friends drink it. I really don't drink.
GET OUT OF DEBT: Logical, if I had any.
LEARN SOMETHING NEW: If you're not learning something new every day, its not worth getting out of bed.
GET ORGANIZED: Space is the final frontier, (I know it's already been used) but let's face it - like the late George Carlin said '... your house is just a place to keep your stuff ...'.
Happy New Year everyone. Resolve to keep up the awareness to protect yourself by reading the ingredient list.
Cheers
SPEND MORE TIME WITH FAMILY AND FRIENDS: I do my best to make my schedule as flexible as possible to accomodate activities - even last minute ones.
FIT IN FITNESS: I still walk everywhere. The jeep stays parked unless a road trip is required.
TAME THE BULGE: How can one preach moderation when excess is such an enjoyment? I suppose I could trim the 20 pound off my mass change from when I was 18 years old.
QUIT SMOKING: A hundred points, I don't smoke.
ENJOY LIFE MORE: This has never been a problem. I still have over a hundred items on my 'lifetime list of things I will do before I die' list.
QUIT DRINKING: Why quit anything? Why start in the first place? I make beer - my friends drink it. I really don't drink.
GET OUT OF DEBT: Logical, if I had any.
LEARN SOMETHING NEW: If you're not learning something new every day, its not worth getting out of bed.
GET ORGANIZED: Space is the final frontier, (I know it's already been used) but let's face it - like the late George Carlin said '... your house is just a place to keep your stuff ...'.
Happy New Year everyone. Resolve to keep up the awareness to protect yourself by reading the ingredient list.
Cheers
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