Green Manifesto

Video: Watch Flying Robots Build a 6-Meter Tower - IEEE Spectrum

2011-12-05T15:35:00.000-05:00

Amazing video, and inspiring architecture thought food: Video: Watch Flying Robots Build a 6-Meter Tower - IEEE Spectrum:

'via Blog this'

QR code

2011-10-25T13:34:00.001-04:00

Green energy in America: already gone or still growing?

2011-10-05T10:45:00.000-04:00

In an alarming statement, Cliff Stearns (House Energy and Commerce Sub-committee) declared defeat to China, echoing the failure of Solyndra. But Steven Chu disagrees, and so do I. We cannot, we must not, and we shall not give up. It would be un-American to do so. Check out this article at Inhabitat and follow the news. Then consider installing some American Made solar cells on your house!

Solar Decathalon

2011-10-03T14:01:00.000-04:00

Congrats to the University of Maryland for winning the 2011 Solar Decathlon. Very sweet entry, and some cool new technology including a heat powered dehumidifier. Very interesting tech that I can see finding it's way into many new and old buildings.

Happy New Year!

2011-09-28T12:35:00.000-04:00

I will be eating Green apples and honey this year! To bad the apples we've found here in The Big Apple haven't been as good as what we get in Oregon. I'm sure I'll find something good though! Here's to a great, green, new year.

Sustainable City - The Big Apple

2011-09-28T12:34:00.000-04:00

Reducing demand in a city of lights. How are we asking our selves to change? It is greener to turn off the lights if you live in a single family home, no question, but in a city that runs around the clock, around the calendar, and around the world (international markets trading on the same floor as our markets) it makes more sense to leave the lights on and just make them as efficient as possible.
This is the question that has been bugging me. Is it more efficient to live like this, dense, constant use, intense utilization of space and resource, or to thin out our impact over a larger area, and over a larger time.
The reason it's been bugging me is not something that can be explained with math, or perhaps even by analysis or any ~jectivity. The real question is what is best as human occupants of the earth. I will not debate the impact of humanity, or the base question of our existence and subsequent effect we have on the environment that made us; we are here, and I'd like that to continue. So the question becomes how will our impact create the best possible biosphere for our experience, and continuation.
This is a terraforming question, and all of the answers point to biodiversity, strong natural systems, and finding balance within those parameters. This framework has been casting my imaging of New York into certain relief. The contrasting aspects of low area usage per person (incredible density) that creates intense demand for those fewer square feet results in logisitical compacting. Opportunities for efficiency jump out, like mass transit (a clear win energy and carbon wise, but a possible disaster from a public health perspective), localized demand for power generation and distribution (but does having demand and supply nearby make sense or put more people at risk), and the concentration of information and thought multiplication.
If you have never arrived in New York City by air on a clear day, by road or by above ground rail, you haven't seen the grotesque machinery that pumps the life support systems into the machine for living that this city is. For the significant size of Manhattan herself there are 6 equal areas surrounding her dedicated solely to sustaining this fair city. Giant industrial fortresses and wastelands of shipping containers, rail lines and sadly, trucks choking the air with their groans of effort to bring food and material goods to the masses. It is scary to see it in such concentrated levels, and this is the nexus point: visibility.
New York shoves it in your face and herin lies her truth. There is no hiding the piles of garbage hauled out of the same way they came in, they grow every day, and are gone every night on the sidewalk in front of every building - there isn't any other place to put it! The trucks travel the same roads as the taxis, and unload there goods at the off peak hours. It is a hustle and play, coordinated out of necesity, and it is all right there for you to see.
Contrast this with my hometown Portland, Oregon. Portland is a small city, designed with space and systems to function in the background of life. There is no need to see all the push and pull because there is room enough to do it in a more seemly manor. But if you do the math (like I said I wouldn't) the truth of density and efficiency bubbles to the surface. New Yorkers use less, but feel every drop. And that is the truth of this question.
How are we asking ourselves to change? We are opening our eyes to what we do, to how we impact our biosphere, and to what we should do better.
If the world were to transform into a sustainable vision of humanity would the metropolis disapear? Would the towns be squashed together instead? No, because it takes both.

New Chapter

2011-08-11T23:06:00.000-04:00

Dear Reader,

I have started a new chapter, in my life, and in my blog. Yesterday I moved to New York City with my lovely and wonderful girlfriend, Rayna, and my stalwart companion, Tsuki the Dog. I'm moving here to try my hand at bringing the cutting edge green-ness of Portland to the Big Apple.

Brightworks, the sustainability consulting firm I worked with years ago (when I started this blog) and I have partnered again to expand the horizons of sustainability on the East Coast. I am very excited for this relationship because Brightworks has the resources, and thought leadership to get the big east coast markets moving. As much as Portland can lead the way, only markets like New York can generate the momentum to pull other markets along with them.

I'll be writing more, so keep reading! For now we're staying with our friend Justin Shear at his apartment on the upper west side and apartment hunting in Brooklyn.

Thanks for reading! Eli

Latest thoughts on green living and building Part 1

2010-07-30T20:59:00.001-04:00

I've been busy, and not with the good greening I so gennishly gravitate towards, no with getting my architecture license. It's a beast of burden, and I'll be riding it till it's done. Riding it hard.

But that doesn't mean my thoughts haven't been busy. I have ideas for two houses (specifically at the moment, there are about a gillion more tucked away in the folds of my favorite feature (noggin size, get it?)) and one is about as obviously green as it gets. I'll tell you about that one later, cause it's so awesome. The other is more conventional. It's modern, it's modular, it's prefabricatable, it's glassy and steely, and earthy and delicious, and simple and small! All in all it's pretty green, but for one thing - structural materials. I have ideas to make all the verticals the supports for wind turbines (check!) and they can be timber, or bamboo, or something totally salvaged or renewable, or whatever (hopefully grown on site and harvested!) it's all the other stuff. The spanning members, the decking, the insulation, the finishes, the waterproofing, the flashing. Is it really possible to build a fairly normal house without violating the 4 system conditions of The Natural Step? I want it to be, but so far, it's pretty impossible.

Do you know what flashing is made of? Mostly petroleum, or aluminium. Two very energy intensive products that are from the earth's crust. So maybe that means no flashing, and only crazy sweet wood window systems that a self flashing somehow. I don't know yet, but i'd love to have some input. I'll get these designs up here soonish, as soon as I take this next architecture test!

Wish me luck and keep the green growing.

Eli

Hi Rayna!

2010-07-30T16:14:00.001-04:00

Now i do!

Terra forming earth

2010-06-10T03:30:00.000-04:00

Climate change suggests we have recognized a superior climate condition and it is now apparent that the climate has changed and is changing from this ideal. Who gets to decide what is best for everyone? Can we choose something unique and unexperienced? Control climate extremes and enjoy sunny days.

I think we should and let us not be afraid of trying and daring to make the world a better place.

Eli

This is really cool, but has nothing to do with sustainability really

2010-04-20T14:26:00.000-04:00

Off shore wind/tidal famrs

2010-04-20T14:10:00.000-04:00

I've just watched some video on the green tv podcast, and the imagery of a giant grid of wind turbines in the sea offshore from Europe spurred in my mind a recollection and an idea.

Recalled: Tidal energy generation systems that are a series of buoys connected together to form a grid, with hydraulic anchors whereby the up and down of the wave surge pumps hydraulic fluid through the anchor tethers, thereby spinning a turbine and generating energy.

Idea: What if the wind turbines offshore have buoys at their bases that travel up and down with the wave surge, adding that force to the wind energy. Put two turbines into one structure, and zero cost in connectivity as the wind turbines are already connected to the grid. Perhaps that's too mechanically complicated, so simply put the existing buoy technology in place between the turbines.

Thoughts?

Here are some links;

Podcast I saw
http://www.green.tv/!video.feed.rss/technologies

Tidal generation
http://www.alternative-energy-news.info/technology/hydro/wave-power/

Re: New website:

2010-01-15T22:22:00.001-05:00

Its a great website! Good idea, and I hope it brings much success!!

On Fri, Jan 15, 2010 at 5:08 PM, Eli Green Design <eli@eligreendesign.com> wrote:

Hello Everyone!

I just wanted to let you all know some exciting news!

My website just went live! It's designed by your's truly and therefore is nothing fancy or whatever, but I'm pretty excited about it. Please check it out and let me know what you think!

www.eligreendesign.com

All the best,

Eli

--
Jessica Bagwell
740 Eudora St
Denver, CO 80220
720.334.2414

New website:

2010-01-15T19:08:00.001-05:00

Hello Everyone!

I just wanted to let you all know some exciting news!

My website just went live! It's designed by your's truly and therefore is nothing fancy or whatever, but I'm pretty excited about it. Please check it out and let me know what you think!

www.eligreendesign.com

All the best,

Eli

Back at it!

2009-05-20T19:49:00.000-04:00

It's been a long time since I've been in front of a computer regularly enough to blog, but I've just read an amazing article about sensors in forests to alert firefighters about fires - powered by the trees themselves! If a tree falls in the forest and it can make a phone call, yes, you will know about it. So know about this too!

benicio

2009-01-08T17:53:00.000-05:00

The road to space

2008-12-19T20:30:00.000-05:00

The kindly government has just allowed Spaceport America the go ahead to build the first commercial spaceport! Check out this article about it, but trust me, this is amazing. It's the beginning of human expansion off the Earth, and it will carry great consequences. I'm so impressed with humanity (on this one little front) that I'll risk being left hanging by humanity and go for a high five!

GOP - Their strategy is to defeat democracy.

2008-10-22T19:18:00.001-04:00

Read this article.
http://www.rollingstone.com/politics/story/23638322/block_the_vote/print

Why I'm voting for Obama

2008-10-21T12:25:00.001-04:00

TOP 5 REASONS OBAMA SUPPORTERS SHOULDN'T REST EASY

1. The polls may be wrong. This is an unprecedented election. No one knows how racism may affect what voters tell pollsters—or what they do in the voting booth. And the polls are narrowing anyway. In the last few days, John McCain has gained ground in most national polls, as his campaign has gone even more negative.

2. Dirty tricks. Republicans are already illegally purging voters from the rolls in some states. They're whipping up hysteria over ACORN to justify more challenges to new voters. Misleading flyers about the voting process have started appearing in black neighborhoods. And of course, many counties still use unsecure voting machines.

3. October surprise. In politics, 15 days is a long time. The next McCain smear could dominate the news for a week. There could be a crisis with Iran, or Bin Laden could release another tape, or worse.

4. Those who forget history... In 2000, Al Gore won the popular vote after trailing by seven points in the final days of the race. In 1980, Reagan was eight points down in the polls in late October and came back to win. Races can shift—fast!

5. Landslide. Even with Barack Obama in the White House, passing universal health care and a new clean-energy policy is going to be hard. Insurance, drug and oil companies will fight us every step of the way. We need the kind of landslide that will give Barack a huge mandate.

If you agree that we shouldn't rest easy, please sign up to volunteer at your local Obama office by clicking here:

http://www.moveon.org/r?r=31260&id=14523-3849258-IPOOT5x&t=1

Electoral Vote is my favorite web site

2008-10-06T14:06:00.001-04:00

Bailout on the bailout

2008-09-29T17:38:00.001-04:00

This is a mass email. I don't do it much, but this one I had to send.

I'm worried about the economy. I'm worried about how what happens on Wall Street will affect the world. And I must do something about it. I read an article today that I think you all should read. And it's message is clear, we must tell our representatives and political candidates one thing: "Don't do it."

http://www.michaelmoore.com/words/message/index.php?id=235

Read this article if you like, I think it is very clear, and very important. If you aren't upset about what's going on then you probably haven't been paying attention. It's criminal.

Wishing you all the best, and the chance to make it so,

Eli

FOX can suck it too.

2008-09-05T16:53:00.000-04:00

Add fox to my list of things that can suck it (it stands at China, Japan, Iceland, and Norway currently). Watch this video to find out why.

Great Capoeira video

2008-08-25T13:56:00.001-04:00

Check this out (the first half is awesome capoeira, the second is music that I didn't listen to)

The Sad State of our Liberty

2008-08-01T10:44:00.001-04:00

Two very sad articles have come to my attention and both involve the police (thankfully not on our Left Coast, but still this is One Nation With Liberty and Justice for ALL)

The first involves a set up by narcotics officers who in disguise delivered a package (presumably filled with marijuana) to a house in Mayberry (in DC). They then raided the home and SHOT THE DOGS that live there! So sad. Those dogs are dead, and there is no way we can calculate a value for their lives. The trauma inflicted on the residents is also incalculable. What has happened to our police force? For whom are they working? To keep who safe? They have become terrorists.

The second takes place in New York during the Critical Mass event one week ago. A police officer apprehended and held, then arrested and is now charging a rider with disrupting traffic ("Purposefully making cars stop and turn abruptly"), trying to run down the same officer, and resisting arrest (the defendant was then held for 26 hours). Well it was caught on YouTube and the "Officer" will now be paying the price. You can see it here in video, or follow the link and read the article I read. It is clear that the cop singled out the rider, tracked him down (the way you would track down a tackle on the football field (the cop was once an offensive tackle), and took him out in mid pedal. The cyclist goes flying onto the concrete sidewalk and is then arrested and detained. What trauma, for the cyclist, and for OUR NATION!

People! Politicians! Police! Take back our country for the right reasons! Life! Liberty! The pursuit of happiness! Not this FASCIST, AUTHORITARIAN, NIGHTMARISH VIOLENCE AND TRAUMA WE ARE ALL STUCK IN NOW!

[where: Portland, OR]

Ninja Bike Followup

2008-07-30T19:14:00.000-04:00

I have to mention specifically my experience here with Crosslake Sales. I had some trouble figuring out everything with my bike and the components. They consistently responded with lightning speed to every question and inquiry I had, they presented me with better options and have definitely made a return customer out of me! I definitely recommend their ebay store, and if you have any needs for bike supplies give them a click!

Happy hunting.

Ninja Bike

2008-07-30T17:02:00.000-04:00

With the incredible help of Jim Duthie, I have been steadily building over the past month my dreamy new Ninja Bike. It all started from an idea....

A bike that is:
Stealth (silent, black, capable of being safely reflected and running dark, nondescript, nimble)
Tough
Easily transported on my back
Light

It's a bike I can commute on and ride on secret missions (to my girlfriend's house for example), and a bike I can be sneaky on. Hence the bike took form with Jim's help and some easy imagination. It's a track bike, and it is a single speed. No clicking, no whirring, no jangling of spare bits and bells, no derailer to gum things up. Simple, straightforward, easy to mount and dismount, and easy to ride no handed (for those moments when you need to grab onto an overhead bar to flip up onto, duh).

I started buying parts about a month ago with the wheels. I was able to find an all black set, spokes, hubs, and rim (NON MACHINED - essential to remain all black) on ebay. The wheel set is great.. back wheel is set up for flip flop single speed and fixie!

Next was the frame and as this is a crucial part it was the hardest choice. I thought about going for a Mercier TT from bikesdirect, or just buying one from bikeIsland, but I found a great deal on ebay again from CrossLakes Sales. It's an aluminium frame, comes black with no stickers and a great price tag!

Yet another sad tale of misunderstanding

2008-07-17T12:17:00.000-04:00

You can just read this article on the BBC about the Dongria people in India being pushed off their land (unless the supreme court of India prevents it, which they might!) for development. But first let me sum up: Vedanta mining company has already taken some land and kicked off the people living there (which raises the question about land rights... if you and your ancestors have been living on a land longer than any government has existed but never wanted, needed, or taken legal right to the land, how can any one else claim the land? but they can! and they do all the time!!!) and now they want to mine the sacred mountain of the Dongria people.

Vedanta claims:

"They will be there where they are today. The only thing is that if that area develops they will get better living conditions, because we may develop some roads, some better infrastructure, better communications, better living conditions."

But here's the misunderstanding that leads to almost every one of these confrontations! "Better living conditions" means something different to every people and person, so who are they to say a road into their land is better or worse? Just as our pristine wild lands are disappearing to development, so are our pristine cultures. And I believe they deserve just as much protection as the land and animals we work so hard to save.

Republicans are LIARS (but they're not the only ones)

2008-07-17T11:45:00.000-04:00

Showing their absolute disregard for truth and the people who pay their salaries this crap they spread. How can ANYONE vote for this party? Maybe people just like being lied to.

Check it out: Officials spread false 'not a drop spilled after Katrina' talking point in support of offshore oil drilling

An important (and intelligent) speach by Obama

2008-07-16T18:03:00.001-04:00

Michael Pollan gets it right (again and again...)

2008-06-23T19:48:00.000-04:00

Check out this article he wrote. Yes, I know, it means reading. So hard for so many of us, but utterly worth it.

It made me think of two things immediately.

First is a new blog or photo pool online or something entitled "Thins I will miss when they are gone for good" featuring all the photos people want to include of the things that face extinction with the coming climate change. Birds, trees, nature, your house, an island, forests in California, the Amazon, maybe your cushy lifestyle, whatever! Look for it soon... maybe it already exists. I'll find out.

Second is a garden I am going to plant. In my FRONT YARD. With a sign explaining why, which you will already understand if you read the article. Read it. Seriously.

Peace, Love and ^5s (that's high fives for you not in the know yet (which is everyone but me and Theresa so far))

Yes. Operable Glazing on a Dome

2008-06-20T15:58:00.001-04:00

Norm, you've done it again.

Scary stuff

2008-06-19T19:06:00.001-04:00

Pregnancy pacts among teens. This is scary. The consequences are so far down the line, i just hope it remains an isolated incident, but right now it doesn't seem likely. I wonder if it's a reaction to the times. The world seems unstable. War clouds our vision and old wounds and fears are being brought to the surface. They say it's always darkest right before the dawn. I hope they are right.

NASA reveals plans for lunar base

2008-06-11T18:05:00.001-04:00

It is so on. I'm all over this. Creativity is spewing out my ears at this very moment. Tarek! Parth! Time to start our consulting agency!

Moon HO!

Perpetuation of myth

2008-06-04T13:27:00.001-04:00

We name ourselves after mythic heroes and villains in that way we play the roles through eternity, heroes, villains, struggle and path entwined on this course.

Interior Environmental Quality - Sustainability strikes home

2008-06-04T13:22:00.001-04:00

http://www.rawstory.com/news/mochila/Children_in_Katrina_trailers_may_fa_05272008_af.html

Scary as all get out

2008-05-22T13:13:00.001-04:00

http://articles.citypages.com/2008-05-21/news/moles-wanted/

My Next President

2008-05-21T16:11:00.001-04:00

Barak Obama

Don't Taze Me Dude!

2008-05-21T14:17:00.001-04:00

This article strikes fear into my heart (that is afflicted with the chronic condition WPW (which surgery can fix) and in danger of being exploded should a cop every try to non-lethally subdue me with a massive charge).

CFLs - Better than I thought

2008-05-15T15:05:00.001-04:00

From a cool site about Green Technology and living some facts about CFLs

A CFL contains about 5mg of mercury (and several manufacturers are working to lower that). In comparison, a watch battery contains around 25mg, the average mercury thermometer contains about 500 mg, and older mercury thermostats can contain 6-18 grams of mercury.
Regardless of the amount of mercury, CFLs, like other mercury-containing devices, can be disposed of safely.
The electricity produced to power an incandescent bulb from a coal-fired power plant will create 13.3 mg of mercury emissions (which is much more likely to end up in water, Mr. Tinsley).
Finally, there's never been a $2000 cleanup required for a CFL breaking… ENERGY STAR has clear guidelines for cleaning up a broken CFL. There's probably more danger of mercury poisoning from a tuna sandwich than from a broken CFL.

Personal Flight Realized

2008-05-15T12:32:00.001-04:00

I'll just link to TechEBlog's site because they have already done a good job blogging about this man who strapped a wing with rockets to his back and flew. God Speed Fusion Man!

A true hero

2008-05-12T13:13:00.001-04:00

I believe this article speaks for itself.

Cultural Awareness Foundation: Capoeira Regional

2008-05-09T18:13:00.000-04:00

www.culturalawarenessfoundation.com

MoveOn asked me nicely so..

2008-04-09T18:02:00.000-04:00

Hi-res map of CO2 emissions in the US

2008-04-08T20:30:00.001-04:00

I found this on io9.com the awesome sci-fi blog, and here's the link to the article itself. The image pretty much speaks for itself though.

6-Legged Robot Kicks Ass (from any direction)

2008-04-07T19:52:00.000-04:00

Algae

2008-04-01T16:49:00.001-04:00

One of my favorite ways to make biofuel that also sinks carbon, makes oxygen, and can clean water: Algae.

Thanks to Jojo for sending me this link on CNN no less about a new kind of vertical algae farm that increases the amount of surface area per acre tremendously! Keep it up Algae farmers!

For more information on Algae as a source for bio-fuel (specifically bio-diesel) check here. Worth of note in the article is an amazing bit about how different strains of algae can be selected to produce different types or grades of fuel. For example you can have a simple bio-diesel strain, and a jet fuel strain... i wonder when the Rocket Fuel strain will be discovered! Imagine this if you will...

A giant ship traveling the solar system with a huge array of Algae farms constantly growing and generating propellant, you'd just have to refuel on comet water every now and then or maybe swoop by Saturn or Jupiter to swallow up some ice from one of their moons.

The future of computing

2008-03-13T23:10:00.000-04:00

Disgusting: Bush spending US Tax Dollars to DESTABILIZE Democracies

2008-03-10T14:24:00.001-04:00

So, what's it called when the people elect a new leader for a specific term... and he holds the title President? Oh yea, Democracy! So in 2005 when the people of Bolivia elected Evo Morales (a Socialist, like let's say, Sweden's President) Democracy was celebrated by the majority of Bolivians. It was a heroic campaign, and a huge day of celebration as for the first time in Bolivian history the vast majority of the people felt like they had a leader that was one of them, not a representative or remnant from colonial powers. And now, one of the men I despise most, President Bush, is using our (your, my, every American's) tax dollars to unbalance, overthrow, and destabilize a successful democracy because he doesn't like the politics of the leader.

Read this article.

What is that called? Hypocrisy. Sin. Evil. Just straight up disgusting.

Oh my f-ing cool.

2008-03-08T18:10:00.001-05:00

The space shuttle is set to blast off again soon to take Dexter, the dexterous Canadian robot that will live on the ISS, and the first part of a Japanese science station into orbit. This robot is awesome. Man, look at it! Sensors, swiveling arms, rotating body parts... so cool.

Good job scientists of the world!

Nau Photo of the Year and Outdoor School!

2008-03-07T17:37:00.001-05:00

I love outdoor school. Jeeze, that was one of the most affirmative experiences of my life and hope you got to do something like it too. This looks like a great photo competition, and a great cause. I'll try to go to the gala. Thanks Tarek for the link!

Bolivia and UN Law

2008-03-05T13:30:00.001-05:00

I just read an article that gives me pause. It's about Coca, the plant that America turned into Cocaine. Because Western Culture has a problem with drugs and drug abuse, and thusly transformed the Coca plant into Cocaine, Western governments in association with the UN have decided that Coca must be eradicated. As with most problem the best way to eliminate a problem is be eliminating the source (plant) right? Wrong. The real problem is cultural and is Western culture's problems with drug abuse. The real root of the problem is the sociological foundation of drug abuse and the cultural mores that cause it to be allowed. Not a plant. I ask you is Corn responsible for our American obesity? Should we eradicate Corn because it has become the leading cause of death in America? Heart disease from ill health, often compounded by obesity, and oh yes, smoking, so we must eradicate the species Tobacco as well.

This is LUNACY. But back to the article... here's a quote that really got my goat:

"A 1961 UN treaty stipulates governments must gradually eliminate coca chewing and other traditional uses of the leaf as well as attempt to eradicate the plant."

Note that it says nothing about processing, smuggling, and distributing cocaine. And who wrote that treaty? Were the indigenous peoples of South America participants? NO! During the time when this treaty was written the governments of South America were still entirely run by the colonial powers that had usurped control of these lands. Since then through democratic struggles and mighty efforts the People of South America have elected new leaders that represent the native ideas, cultures, and traditions of their land. And Coca, as a plant, is part of that. Condemning Coca because of our abuse and misuse of that plant is akin to throwing the baby out with the bath water. This makes no sense. Coca leaf is a part of their culture in every way. And it is not a sinister device that hooks users and addicts innocents. There is no way for me to convince you of this if your mind is already made up, but I urge you to think about the logic of mandating that Coca be eradicated by our abuse, and one possible misuse of this plant.

Perhaps another example? Did you know that apple seeds contain trace amounts of Cyanide? Process enough and you have a deadly poison that can be used to kill! So we should stop growing and selling apples. And Tobacco kills thousands each year!

I declare that the UN law that demands Coca be eradicated be examined and re-written with the input of the people, not the colonial governments that subjugated the natives of these lands for countless generations.

To add another quote from the article just to show the bullheaded idiodicy of buracracy:

"Nobody doubts the medical value of coca, heroin or cocaine, just as nobody denies their illegality under the 1961 convention,'' Philip Emafo, the Nigerian president of the INCB, said in a telephone interview from Vienna. ``If the provisions of the convention are being breached, the board in its wisdom, or lack of wisdom, is obligated to act.''

and in appreciation to the willingness of the author to show both sides I would like to include another quote:

"Coca is as vital to the Andes as the Eucharist is to Catholics,'' said Davis, who is also a National Geographic Society explorer-in-residence. ``There's no evidence of toxicity or addiction in 4,000 years of use.''

Mondays food?

2008-03-03T01:47:00.000-05:00

I am going to try a raw diet for a couple of weeks. Looks pretty good,
doesn't it?

Extra Terrestrial Imperative: Countdown 1 billion years

2008-02-26T20:34:00.000-05:00

I just read a great article from an unusual source about the future prospects of the earth and how we can avoid our planet's demise from the life-cycle of the sun. An interesting angle is the use of a meteor to draw the Earth away from the sun as the sun expands... leads to a whole slew of interesting ideas among them the extrapolation of this form of celestial mechanics. Perhaps as the sun begins to decline (by first growing) we will decide to manipulate the sun itself, and not just our own orbit. Maybe we will even decide to dump Mercury into the sun for a little extra reaction mass? So many ideas, not enough time.

2008-02-25T13:57:00.000-05:00

A cool new tower in Moscow made me think... the shapes of the structures that have lasted the longest are all pyramids. Whether stepped or sloped they shape mimics nature, and the closer the shape matches the hills and mountains of the setting, the longer they will last (just a prediction). So this pyramid is nothing like the pyramids of antiquity, but it does take a cue from their lessons. Either way, it is cool looking but who knows how well it will ultimately work, or how long it will last. All of that depends on the care that is taken in it's design, construction, and maintenance. I can certainly imagine the solar opportunities on those long, even, sloping facades.

Also worthy of note is the structural advantage and stability of triangles and tripods. Good work Sir Foster, yet again.

This sorta thing makes me upset

2008-02-21T19:43:00.001-05:00

A company with a web site called Red Planet Land is selling land on Mars, or rather, what they are selling is an embossed linen piece of paper that says you own a specific piece of land on Mars. What this means to us, to the future, is more interesting and upsetting.

Thinking of having kids guys? Think about this:

2008-02-19T13:27:00.000-05:00

It turns out men's reproductive health is critical for the health of an offspring just like a womans! Drinking, doing drugs, being exposed to toxins (in your air, water, food, beer... etc) harm your sperm! Check out this article and note the last line (quoted below)...

The good news for men is that sperm is produced continuously in a 74-day cycle, so the body does clean itself over time.

So a three month cleanse and healthy lifestyle can help your kids out for generations down the line... seems worth it to me.

Fukuoka Prefectural International Hall

2008-02-18T18:46:00.000-05:00

Wow, this is an incredible building. It's been around for the better part of a decade now, but it illustrates some amazing ideas. The foremost being a continuous connection of ecosystems (however in the detailing, this is not truly achieved. For more images check out the architect's site directly (or better this link to the page about this project).

iPhone I luv you

2008-02-13T18:18:00.000-05:00

So, I waited a year. And then I pounced. About a week and a half ago Apple introudced the 16gb iPhone to it's lineup and I decided the wait was over. So I went to the Apple Store in Pioneer Place and inquired about this new device. They didn't have any! But the knowledgeable employee told me that the AT&T store across the street had plenty. So off I went and lo and behold they had them in stock. After a moment's prependerence I decided to take the plunge.

During my purchase I asked a few questions and this is where the heart of the matter resides. I am a T-Mobile customer, still on contract, and very happy with their service. Especially their Customer Service. So my inquiries were pointed regarding using the iPhone w/out service (impossible so don't even try) and having AT&T buy me out of my contract with T-MO. No can do.

So I bought it anyway. And I banked on the rumors I have heard that I will be able to unlock the iPhone at a later date. It sat in my drawer at work for a week before I even took it out to show my co-worker. I signed up for Google alerts for the term "iphone unlock" and started reading the forums. I found a ton of very useful and confusing material. I was beginning to think about either giving it a go on my own, to unlock this expensive and totally foreign (to me) device or returning the iphone and waiting to see how the unlocks for the new firmware would be.

Then my very smart co-worker suggested hiring someone who knew wtf they were doing to do the unlock. My first search "iphone unlock Portland" hit on a Craigslist ad for just that service for $40. Turns out it is this guy, Adam Baker.

But how do you trust someone off of Craigslist with your $500 iPhone? And what, am I supposed to leave it with him and just walk away? Am I to show up at some random place and step out of the car with said device just hoping I'm not about to get mugged? This is one of the dilemmas of our modern world. And here's how I propose you go about it. Find a trustworthy source that will recommend a service. ServiceMagic.com does this for your more traditional services, but this is a one off wacky sorta deal. So here's my solution for you. Trust me.

I've had this blog for over 3 years, and I am writing to tell you that if you live in Portland, and want an unlocked iPhone, go buy one and then pay Adam $40 to unlock it. And keep his address handy for any updates or whatever you need because he is a trustworthy, efficient, and friendly guy who just made my iPhone work. You can wait there, at his house, while he unlocks your phone and he can explain all the ins and outs of what you can expect and do with your new unlocked iphone (which is just about everything an iphone is capable of, minus visual voice mail which is AT&T specific). He also hooked me up with some awesome knowledge to get me online and surfing as fast as possible.

Now that it's over and done with it seems like a no brainer, but I'll tell you what, I was worried that first moment getting out of my car. But it's good to know now that I have a safe and trustwor

Verticle Wind Generators - Better?

2008-01-30T12:20:00.000-05:00

An interesting article here from The Guardian about a new type of wind turbine proposed for off shore use in the UK, also mentioned is a type developed here in the US. I like the picture much, and the engineering principals seem very sound. They have identified the problems with traditional turbines (Don Quixote your story may need some updating) with rotors on a horizontal axis at the top of a tall tower, and instead of re-engineering those problems, they removed the problem with a new solution. That is my favorite operandi: instead of solving problems, remove the problem.

Ranchers protecting Cougars

2008-01-28T13:22:00.000-05:00

This is a great article about Cougars being protected in Oregon.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Wildlife Services did not examine all the adverse environmental impacts of their decision to kill cougars on behalf of the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, in violation of the National Environmental Policy Act.

It appears that the USDA ordered the Oregon DFW to issue the slaughter of 2,000 Cougars. And ranchers and wildlife protection organizations stood up and filed a suit. This is where my money goes. To protecting life, diversity, and the chance, our one chance, to live in a beautiful and balanced ecology.

A great graph from my friend's status line

2008-01-17T17:52:00.000-05:00

A graph of our national debt rate of increase.

It's amazing what we create

2008-01-17T12:38:00.001-05:00

Japan: Suck It.

2008-01-16T16:22:00.001-05:00

Japan is being a major douche bag lately, launching whaling vessels under the pretense of "scientific research" to slaughter 1,000 of the leviathans. The meat ends up on the douchebags plates, and they eat those beautiful beasts. Read this article about the heroics of these two gents in the face of their own safety and freedom. Go Sea Shepard and Greenpeace!

Utterly Insane and Stupid

2008-01-11T18:47:00.001-05:00

Have you heard the news? Former Olympic champion Marion Jones was sentenced today to 6 months in prison for taking steroids. How much time will the Bush administration have to serve for lying on the record and taking us to war? And this lady gets six months. For this. Where are our priorities? What has our legal system come to?

Awesome new technology

2008-01-04T14:36:00.000-05:00

So we all agree that the Aptera is awesome, but check this out! A car that runs on compressed air, and you can refill it at home or at special stations (which means almost anywhere). So cool!

http://rawstory.com/news/2007/Air_car_runs_on_compressed_air_0104_af.html

http://www.theaircar.com/

What a scumbag

2008-01-04T14:34:00.000-05:00

I just read an article about Ed Rollins who says "he loves to go negative." And that "South Carolina is a more negative place." In my experience the world is what we make it, so I would say to you Mr. Rollins get the hell out. And keep your negativity to yourself.

Online Calendars

2007-12-31T17:51:00.000-05:00

I am sure most of you out there who read things on the web are already well familiar with online calendars, or a localized outlook or iCal electronic calendar. The whole world uses them to schedule their lives. It is enormously useful. I have been using them for years now, I used mine to organize my interview process including when to send a follow-up, thank you or reminder. I use them all the time to arrange dates, to mark social events, to track histories of any organization (including fictional!), and to remind myself of people's birthdays.

And this is where it gets interesting. Because all of them come equipped with a "recurring" date feature, by which you can tell your calendar to add the same event on a daily, weekly, monthly (including abstracts like the second Thursday at 5 pm) and annually. So, for all my dear friends, you are dates on my calendar, marking your birth date and in so being reminded, I remember your birthday, and usually make good on letting you know in some way I want you to be happy all day. This is easy, this is common sense.

But we cannot remark and remember birth without also marking death. I have not considered adding dates of people's deaths to my calendar, rather, I wonder only now how it will feel to have a birthday reminder pop up for someone who has passed.

Will I keep the annual event in my calendar as a means to always remember their life and my love, or will I instead remove their birthday as a way of absolving the past and moving on with my life? Has it become in fact that we will live on in dates and times recorded on pop up reminders that trigger cascading emotional response in our loved ones who succeed us? Is eternity a Google calendar blip, large for a day and small for the month, destined to disappear the following month, only to re-arise like some digital gizmodic phoenix year upon year till finally those calendars too pass into a world much less speculated, yet as poignant and particular as our own misty afters.

About the coolest thing ever

2007-12-04T19:06:00.001-05:00

An online graphing website that documents trends in human populations and parameters. Check it out. It is mind boggling.

The Gap Minder

GRAVEL 2008! The only real candidate

2007-11-29T15:14:00.001-05:00

Amazing how computers allow us to better visualize the universe.

2007-11-21T17:19:00.000-05:00

My new favorite web site (thanks Jojo!)

2007-11-21T14:21:00.001-05:00

http://www.thinkythings.org/odd-things/verbnames.html

This Man Died for our Sins

2007-11-19T12:58:00.001-05:00

And I honor him. What will become of his story? Will his life and death be in vain? I hope not. He will serve as a reminder to me of why we fight. I hope his memory lives on and that you click on this text and read his story.

What's wrong with Civilization?

2007-11-15T18:26:00.001-05:00

http://rawstory.com/news/afp/Santas_warned_ho_ho_ho_offensive_to_11142007_af.html

America the Beautiful

2007-11-14T20:06:00.001-05:00

What can be said about America that speaks to the truth of this land more than this - America The Beautiful. This country reaches across a great curve of our earth, it is merely a piece of an incredible globe and it is indeed beautiful. And I ask you now dear reader, have we made it more or less beautiful?

I know it is possible for humans to make the earth more beautiful, to work with her natural wonders. Have you ever been to a small hillside town, or an ancient village in a magical agricultural land. A city built with care and human conditions considered in every street? Have you ever wandered in a wild area and seen the vastness of nature spread out beyond your horizons? This is what I see for America. Something better than what we have now. Something cleaner, and richer, something greener and more robust. A happy place where people love each other and shake each other's hands.

I love America, and I want her to be better.

Green Living 01

2007-11-14T12:29:00.001-05:00

Green Living tip of the day: Garbage Resistance Front

Instead of paying to have your garbage picked up weekly, which requires generating huge amounts of garbage (garbage = waste) try not having a garbage pickup at all. Institute a carry in carry out garbage policy for all your guests to drive home the waste impact they (and you) have! Unfortunately recycling is generally grouped with garbage removal services so you have to do your recycling yourself. I go to Far West Fibers about once a month with a whole bunch of recycling which is really fun and great because ... drum roll please... they accept a myriad of things that curbside recyclers do not! From plastic clamshells (the remnants of most street cart vendor meals) to Styrofoam. So I can recycle much more than I would ordinarily be able to.

On the flip side the garbage my household does generate amounts to about a plastic shopping bag's worth per month, which gets hand delivered to a can with some room to spare. I mix it up around the neighborhood so as to spread out my impact. No one suffers, and I pay less, and guess what? I recycle more and more every time.

NOTE: To reduce your garbage this much you must also compost. For a good resource on composting in Portland check this site.

Nothing is sacred in the Police State

2007-11-05T12:46:00.000-05:00

Freedom. It is my mantra and my guiding light. Liberal is a word to describe someone who loves liberty and therefore freedom. The cycle of a police state always begins in freedom. The freedom allowed becomes a corrupting force for some, and a guiding light for others. Corruption is a virulent psychosis of the human species and always leads to suffering. And when the balance of power shifts to those corrupted by the desire for power the police state forms. First to protect us all, second to protect our valued interests, and third to perpetrate a permanent grip on that power, thereby removing the original reason and mode that the power was available in the first place. Yet the struggle for freedom will always remain, and I believe always prevail. It is an endless pendulum of balance, and the ignorance and stupidity that blinds the greedy seems to always keep the pendulum swinging wildly, never settling for long in a peaceful balanced state.

So I submit to you this article about High School students in Chicago that performed a completely non-violent sit in for peace. An act of blessing directly descended from the very idol of the Christian faith which is purported to be the dominant religion in this country. Has our nation's faith flown so far from it's teachings that we can no longer recognize peace for what it is?

In so defending liberty we destroy it!!!!

Acts against the constitution, acts against free speech. McCarthy has returned as Homeland Security who's mission is noble but who's authority has corrupted even it's simple charge: defend us all from threat. Our leaders have failed us in the glint of opportunity to power. It is up to us, as citizens, as free people to remind the government of this. I call for more non-violent protest, I call upon every citizen to take charge in this. Police, Army, Navy, Government officers, you are citizens who have sworn your life's work to protect this nation and guide her, what does your heart tell you? Is sacrifice of freedom any way to protect it? Is freedom more safe if it is LOCKED UP in a cage?

We have come very close to the edge. If we can turn back will we ever be able to recover what we have lost? If we must, we shall plummet over the edge into a void of renewal and chaos. Of course this is what the founding father's intended to a degree, that the tree of liberty be renewed with the blood of patriots. That blood has already begun spilling; our brave soldiers overseas, the victims of terror at home and abroad, the futures of the students in the article above, and the fear in the hearts of every red blooded American who knows what freedom should be.

Eli Green, LEED AP

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The beginning...

2007-11-02T14:30:00.001-04:00

I am a serial optimist. It is my mode of thought, and a way of life. I will always be so, and I will always fight to thrive. It is the nature of people to fight for survival, and this is what brings me to my point. A town in Tennessee has run out of water. They are making do, but the sheriff makes a great point at the end of the article: what happens when a town of 145 people runs of water is very different than when a city of 4.5 million people runs out of water. It will be a riot, a fight for survival, a glimpse of what can happen if we find ourselves on a world out of balance. We cannot rely on the good will of people to do make the transition smoothly, we must avoid that transition. Incremental change is our only option. Change now, from a centralized source, for the good of the people. Because people have shown over and over that we cannot do it on our own. That is not how survival works. It is an every person for themselves mentality. This is not the best way to survive! We know that! Yet fight or flight is not about knowing, it is about doing. And what we do when the oceans rise, and the fresh water disappears will mark this era in human evolution more than anything we have ever done in the past.

Get ready. The change is coming.

Blogger Buzz: Environmental Blog Roundup

2007-10-25T17:29:00.000-04:00

Blogger Buzz: Environmental Blog Roundup
A very cool blog that links some environmental blogs that Trav.is sent me. ThanSave as Draftks Trav!

The world as we know it is over

2007-10-23T15:00:00.001-04:00

Apocalypse is upon is. No. just kidding. It's close though, especially when you understand that word to mean the end of the world as we know it. Which it is. People's lives are valued over the survival of the ecosystem, speciation, and a healthy globe. And with that almighty constant reigning supreme in the equation we are unable to reach a balance. Actually the word equation denotes equality, as both sides of the equals sign must be equal (that's why it's called an equals sign). So when news like this reaches my brain I know that our growth means conflict and death for all other species. Including our own. We will evolve, we will struggle, and we might make it. I give us 1/20 odds. Not good. But not altogether bad. Problem is, we don't know how much we need every other species out there, or if there is a threshold where we have killed too many off. Only one way to find out, right? Cross the threshold, then we'll know. And WE WILL ALL BE DEAD. That is why we must be progressive, why we cannot wait! Why we must start doing something NOW! It's called being progressive and I know that scares the crap out of Republicans and Conservatives (and many Democrats and Liberals as well) but it's our only choice.... or Goodbye.

So, knowing the track record of humanity. This is an early goodbye. I've loved you world, and I won't give up, but it's not going to last forever at this rate. You don't give up either ok? We can solve this. Just don't hold your breath.

On old idea taking flight

2007-10-11T19:28:00.001-04:00

Automated pods whizzing between destinations are an idea that has been around for a long time. Imagined as a safer alternative to humans operating vehicles (an idea I heartily endorse) they have been attempted for decades and are rarely successful. Well, this article from the guardian describes a new system going in at Heathrow Airport in London, England. That's very shagadellic isn't it? The article mentions a fee for the service, but it is unclear whether that is for the airport project or the proposed systems going into other cities. Either way, the future is here, and robot pilots are awesome. Give it a try next time you fly!

Uh Oh

2007-09-26T21:36:00.001-04:00

Well, according to this article germs get way more potent in zero g. Maybe we'll figure out how to get to the moon without bringing any of these nasty buggers with us, but it could be a big problem. Just another chance for a cool solution I guess!

2007-09-24T13:42:00.001-04:00

I love you rawstory for having this, and I love you Family Guy for drawing this, and I also think this is hilariously awesomely funny and hilarious. Thank god there are people out there with the skills to get paid to make this kind of stuff. Because I have to go draw a building.

2007-09-24T13:13:00.001-04:00

Amazing, and equally as powerful as the original. Oden, we all support you and hope you get well soon. Let me know if there's anything I can do to help you get to know Portland better. From a long time Blazer fan to our new hope.

Election Reform: the single most important issue of the moment

2007-09-18T19:52:00.001-04:00

http://www.getitstraightby2008.org

Our Fascist State

2007-09-18T13:20:00.001-04:00

If you doubt in the slightest that we have not crossed the border between democracy and Fascism read this article and watch all three videos, each is short, and all are equally revolting, and all three are of the same thing. This is not a joke, or a farce, this is recent news; an event that is a sad sad commentary on the state of our rights as Americans. I hope this event turns into a lawsuit that goes on to affect the rights of police in action, severely limiting their protection in cases of civil rights violations. That is what this is about. Race, gender, orientation, religion - are not factors in civil rights violations. These police offices need to be dismissed and prosecuted for brutally attacking an unarmed civilian acting within their rights.

But beyond this event, and the irreparable damage done to this individual, our nation, and the international view of this country what does this mean to you? How will you feel next time you want to speak up to express your rights? Or ask a question? Or disagree with an authority figure? Aren't these our rights? Isn't that the FOUNDATION of this democracy? I say it is too late already. And we hover in the no man's land between capitulation and revolution. Bloody and violent. Sad and worse - a clear sign that this great experiment has failed, and despite the best efforts of millions we have been unable to create a safe, just, and reasonable society that can peacefully defend individual rights, and national values.

I know where I stand, and I can be but one thing; the change I desire.

Right up my alley

2007-09-13T19:17:00.001-04:00

Thank you Google

A new fuel: Saltwater (but is burning things necessary?)

2007-09-11T17:15:00.001-04:00

Just check out this web page about a man's new invention of a technique to use radio waves to break down the salt in salt-water which releases hydrogen that is then ignited. Wow. His last line about being willing to sell his invention is a truly sad cap to this story. But it does make for an interesting new way we might be able to drive industry. Shoot, if I could get this for my home, I'd be stoked!

Actually, just check out the video here:

My kind of architecture

2007-09-06T12:40:00.000-04:00

Man I wish I could have been the one to get this commission, but the timing is off... give me about 30 more years I guess. Check out the article and enjoy the photo... we live in a very interesting world and at a very interesting time. The first commercial space port, soon to follow, the first commercial space structure, and then, as it were, the first commercial moon base, and you had better believe I'll be there with a hammer and a low G grin.

Wow, now this is how I'd like to get around.

2007-09-04T20:12:00.001-04:00

Please, check out this article about a Mini that's been turned into an amaizng hybrid, far beyond the capacities of current available hybrids. The trick is an old idea wherein each wheel has a motor inside, eliminating the need for drive train, engine, brakes, etc.

Truly the wave of the future.

A good use of the web

2007-08-31T12:27:00.001-04:00

Just a simple kudos to the Seattle Examiner for including map content in their news article. Now maybe American's will be able to find our own country on a map, and not react like this poor girl (who just plain got nervous, but clearly could use a little work on her public speaking and maybe a little less on her image.

Greenwashing the world brown

2007-08-21T14:26:00.000-04:00

Inescapable: the fate of man to thwart ourselves and lead the world to ruin, with a bright eye, and torch held high, we face the future without contempt. Buy woa will be upon our brow when the future's falling failing furrow heeds no life from ground. Profit turns our daily clocks, wound with gears and springs clamoring for more resources, industry, blood, sweat, and tears.

In years far from now, people will not wonder why we went so wrong, it will be visible in the records, the recipts and tax histories. Written plainly for all to see: GREED. I do not ask for forgiveness, because we do not deserve it.

Greed in the Amazon

don't worry, the list will continue...

Moving in: Critical Paths

2007-08-16T19:28:00.000-04:00

Prepare to be updated: I have now moved in. With the unprecedented help of 6 awesome friends I was able to move in to my house in one day, leaving only a few remaining trips of odds and ends. This is how the critical path to moving in went;

Get keys on July 20th. got them at around 11 am in front of my office from my awesome realtor Jesse Knight. I was so ecstatic, I had to wander around for a few moments before going back to work to smile at everyone. That night was also the release of Harry Potter 7, which is awesome so I didn't even go to my house to try out the new keys, I went to happy hour first with a bunch of buddies, then to Powell's till I had the book. I decided to go to my parent's house afterwards because I had forgotten to bring my sleeping gear in the car that day.

Saturday morning arrived and I read HP in bed till about noon. It is amazing. Had some breakfast with my mom, packed my camping gear and headed over to my house. My home. All I brought was my pack and a laundry basket with my favorite Persian rug. My buddy Adam Friedman (of Ovenlight) and his beautiful wife met me at my house and helped me make a grand entrance. It was a great occasion. Oh! I forgot to mention the other thing I brought over - beer. We drank some. Shannon left to run an errand and Adam and I chilled out and checked the place out. Turning all the knobs, opening all the drawers, checking all the nooks and crannies. It was great fun, and when Shannon returned, she brought a wonderful gift of my first new house plant. Thank you Shannon! The left soon after (Shannon is pregnant, and couldn't stay longer as I had NO furniture in my house upon which to rest) and I was left to reading. I rolled out my rug, inflated my camp mattress and unfurled my sleeping bag and read in the middle of the living room floor to my heart's content. Jamie and Senna came by later and we had a similar time, rooting through all the mysteries a new house presents.

Once left to my foibles again, I read and read all through the night, with a quick stop at my friend Lloyd's house for a little backyard party. It was awesome. Thank you Lloyd! Back home I read some more. That was it, the first night in my new house, sleeping on the living room floor on my rug, reading Harry Potter 7. A suitable transition I believe. I then began the process of making my house mine, and ready for me to move in.

Monday, July 30th Nhance Flooring came by to refinish my original 1926 top-nailed hardwoods. This was an absolutely generous gift from my father, to whom I am extraordinarily grateful. Thank you Dad!!! It takes a day for the floors to dry so you can walk on them, but a week before you can move furniture onto them. Not to worry, I was headed to Florida for a long weekend on Thursday, and the days passed quickly. Before I knew it I was back on August 7th and ready to move in.

Saturday the 11th was moving day, and like I said above, it was easy and fun with the help of these awesome people: Jamie Pinney, you rock buddy, thanks for showing up early, helping, motivating and coming back later to end the night with me. Alex Huang, an amazing man, manager and father. You rock too, and I am thankful to have known both Jamie and Alex for over half my life now. Curtis Johnson and Adam Friedman showed up and showed some serious muscle and with their help we got the couch, dresser, boxes and more all moved into Attila and the other cars and were off moving before I knew it. Thank you both my friends, you rock three. Kelln and Lindsay showed up later at my house and kicked ass by helping me go get two huge book cases from my office (thanks to Cujo too!) and cooking the first meal in my house which was amazing, and so suitable as it was a communal meal, shared by all, and enjoyed especially by myself. YOU ALL ROCK!

Thank you all!

Yesterday, the 15th of August, Jamie Minkus met me at Ikea and we consumed their brand of delightfully quirky European design like voracious beasts and I now have a bed, a table, another table, some chairs and all the kitchen good I will need. Thank you Jamie!

Now the fun really begins. All the rest of the modifications, alterations, preservations, conservations, and discoverations are ready to go. See you all soon, back here with more updates and soon to follow PICTURES!

Despicable, corporate belligerency

2007-08-13T14:10:00.001-04:00

In this article, Johnson & Johnson is revealed as the corporation they are, with one single thing on their minds: money. They are suing the Red Cross for using the logo of a red cross. And yet, like so many typical corporate mindsets, they are ultimately decreasing their profitability. By following the law that was set up (and citied in the article above) to allow J & J to share with the Red Cross the logo they have in common more people are exposed to the corporate image, creating better product recognition! What a shame. And for a for-profit corporation to sue a humanitarian organization at all is just nasty and revealing. I just can't believe someone thought this was a good idea. I am now boycotting Johnson & Johnson.

Join me in expressing your disgust by boycotting their products as well.

Green Living: A Home

2007-08-09T12:20:00.000-04:00

I decided to buy a house as soon as I had a job, and that was back in November of 2006. Well I found one, and I made the offer the day it went on the market, days before I was to leave for France for a week. The offer was accepted and my excellent realtor Jesse Knight made the whole deal so easy, I was a little nervous it was too good to be true.

We had the inspection and sewer scope done within days, and the first hitch hit: During the inspection, under normal investigative measures a leak formed in a pipe leading to an external hose bib. The leak was due to corroded connections between copper and steel pipes.

LESSON #1 Copper and Steel plus water = corrosion. Do NOT mix copper and steel. If you have to, there are special connectors you must use.

The situation was resolved with some difficulty because the realtors of the owner were very nasty. But resolved it was, and the sale moved forward. On July 11th I closed and signed all the papers.

On July 20th I got my keys. Ecstatic is the only word I can think of. I bought a beautiful gem of a small house in SE Portland built in 1926, and retaining all the charm and qualities of that era. Location was very key to my house hunt and I believe I have the perfect location. I am right on a great bus line (not a major line, a great line that serves a very specific area, and isn't too fast or slow), very close to two major bus lines, and walking distance to a coffee shop, co-op, New Seasons Market, The Clinton St. Theater, a Burgerville, restaurants, and much much more. This is South East Portland at is best, and on top of all that I am 4 blocks from my capoeira studio; Capoeira Regional.

There are a few issues with the house that I plan on addressing as time goes on. First and foremost is the fact that there is no exterior window in the bathroom, and it is on an exterior wall. The tub is a cheap-o unit and may have been installed over an existing window! I will find out soon enough. The second issue is the vinyl siding. The house looks like it was frosted in petro chemicals, but I have seen through the facade and the original siding is intact underneath. Phew.

It is a great little house! And it is mine! Hooray!

Just a pretty picture

2007-07-28T15:55:00.001-04:00

from NASA

Portland: Greener and greener

2007-07-23T13:41:00.000-04:00

Check out this page listing the top 15 Greenest Cities in the world, and please, notice if you will number 2.

Keep it up homies, and know I'm doing my best too, and if anyone out there has any questions on how they can do better, feel free to ask away. I may not have the answers you are looking for, but I might have the resources you can use to figure it out.

A great quote

2007-07-05T13:10:00.000-04:00

"I know the people of Washington state didn't want lawyers and judges and prosecutors arguing about little piddly details like this," Hiatt said. "Is the person sick? Yes. Are they using it with a doctor's permission? Yes. Then leave them alone." From this article.

Amazing site

2007-07-02T17:33:00.000-04:00

Talk about science, this is amazing. Or don't talk about it and just read about it instead, since you don't know what you are talking about. Yet.

Realestate speculation: positive

2007-06-27T17:39:00.001-04:00

Look for the neighborhoods along the dotted line to blow up. I'm talking renaissance. Property values through the roof. Milwaukie; the next N Mississippi? I found this information here from a site that aggregates blogs based on location. Pretty sweet stuff! Thanks again to Tarek for being the source of all cool information.

Ethanol

2007-06-27T13:47:00.000-04:00

The grain required to fill a 25 gallon gas tank with ethanol would feed one person for a year. Every time you fill your tank, think about biking, walking, mass transit or just relaxing at home. Live simply so that others may live.

Ethanol is an interesting idea, and I plan to go over the pros and cons in this blog over the next few weeks, but bear with me, as I will be researching and writing at the same time so look out for corrections.
First blush must consider the corn industry in the US and it's own problems. For instance, if we stop using corn to feed animals that were never intended to eat corn because it becomes too expensive is that a bad thing? I think not. Cows put back to pasture, and Americans eating less meat? Sounds too good to be true. We'll see.