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Koch Brothers and who funds the Tea Party

Thursday, September 2, 2010 11:05:58 PM PDT

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The New Yorker published an article last week by contributor Jane Mayer which should be required reading for anyone wanting to understand why capitalism has truly run amok. The Koch brothers run the 2nd largest empire in the worlds largest economy. The economic knife which they can wield for influence is enormous and unfortunately the outcomes are frightening. The largest funder of anti-global warming propaganda, tea party movement and limiting taxation and environmental responsibility for corporations. Reading this article will make clear why companies like Google have a mission statement of 'Do no Evil'. The Google founders were aware of the potential when power is amassed on such an enormous scale and goes unchecked. Please Read This and pass on to friends.

0 Comments | Posted in Sustainable Living & Lifestyle By Will Johnston

Pressures on Planet Earth

Thursday, September 2, 2010 10:56:45 PM PDT

Another important TED talk. The pressures facing planet earth and the opportunities inherent.


0 Comments | Posted in Sustainable Living & Lifestyle By Will Johnston

A living legend

Wednesday, September 1, 2010 8:52:39 PM PDT

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Terry Gross interviews Willie Nelson in this recording. It's always after a legend is gone that we recognize their genius and incredible timeless gifts. Willie Nelson is still with us and in this interview Terry captures much of what makes this man so amazing. Give it a listen

0 Comments | Posted in Sustainable Living & Lifestyle By Will Johnston

Make Your Own Clothes Drying Rack

Tuesday, August 31, 2010 11:21:53 AM PDT

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Learn how to make your own clothes drying rack at home and begin to lower your energy costs and carbon footprint. Contributing editor Kristina Strain lays out everything involved and shows you how.Learn How Now

0 Comments | Posted in Make Your Own By Will Johnston

Temple Grandin

Monday, August 30, 2010 9:58:22 PM PDT

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HBO has produced another excellent biographical portrait with it's recently released Temple Grandin story. Clare Danes is excellent as the autistic young woman who overcomes all the obstacles to become a college professor and expert on autism and animal husbandry. HBO should be acknowledged as the leader in producing this quality of much needed public awareness and educational programming as demonstrated by 'You Don't Know Jack', the story of Jack Kevorkian and Temple Grandin. http://www.hbo.com/movies/temple-grandin/index.html

0 Comments | Posted in Sustainable Living & Lifestyle By Will Johnston

It's time to BAN-THE-BAG

Monday, August 30, 2010 6:28:56 PM PDT

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It's time to Ban the Bag. In Portland we will celebrate the new year with a $0.20 charge every time you "need" a plastic bag when shopping. I heard a clerk the other day expressing her excitement for this new law and how infuriating it is for a person buying a package of batteries requiring a double-bag for an item that will fit in their pocket. Find out what your state or city is doing to Ban the Bag!


0 Comments | Posted in Sustainable Living & Lifestyle By Will Johnston

Getting Started with Canning: How to make pickles at home

Monday, August 30, 2010 11:03:45 AM PDT

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0 Comments | Posted in Make Your Own By Will Johnston

Intro to Canning Video: Equipment & Safety

Tuesday, August 24, 2010 1:46:51 PM PDT

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We've just released this video on getting started with canning. We cover the equipment and safety concerns.

0 Comments | Posted in Sustainable Living & Lifestyle By Will Johnston

Canning & Preserve Supplies

Tuesday, August 24, 2010 10:06:57 AM PDT

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We've added a large selection of canning supplies to help you to preserve your harvest. This is a great time of year to start canning. Check out all canning supplies.

0 Comments | Posted in Sustainable Living & Lifestyle By Will Johnston

A wonderful message for everyone

Monday, August 23, 2010 11:12:06 PM PDT

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No words can describe the powerful message provided by this man. Just watch this and then share it with others.

0 Comments | Posted in Sustainable Living & Lifestyle By Will Johnston

Air Conditioning Run Amok

Saturday, August 21, 2010 5:53:18 AM PDT

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Apparently in New York City there are countless apartments where the occupants utility costs are built into their monthly rent or dues. This leads to many people leaving their heat or AC on when they travel, so that they can return to a comfortable apartment. I can't imagine anyone in their right mind doing this if they were paying for it or if they gave a damn about the carbon footprint for their self-indulgence. The New York Times has a detailed story


Another thing that I hope people will consider when going on vacation or planning a business meeting is to steer clear of Las Vegas. The city is anything but sustainable.All the food, electricity, water and raw materials are brought in from elsewhere. It's also in the middle of desert, which means every building and room is air conditioned 24/7/365. Las Vegas is truly the least sustainable place in America.

0 Comments | Posted in Sustainable Living & Lifestyle By Will Johnston

Green Universities and Students on Science Friday

Friday, August 20, 2010 1:18:55 PM PDT

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On today's Science Friday there is a discussion regarding which Universities are embracing sustainability and how students are also becoming more environmentally responsible. Give it a listen

0 Comments | Posted in Sustainable Living & Lifestyle By Will Johnston

Are the terrorists winning?

Thursday, August 19, 2010 8:26:10 AM PDT

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I believe that the U.S. telling the world we won't tolerate a muslim cultural center a few blocks from ground zero is exactly what Al Queda would like to hear from us. The more we limit our freedoms the more power we give to terrorists. I think mayor Bloomberg sums it up well.


Whatever you may think of the proposed mosque and community center, lost in the heat of the debate has been a basic question – should government attempt to deny private citizens the right to build a house of worship on private property based on their particular religion? That may happen in other countries, but we should never allow it to happen here. This nation was founded on the principle that the government must never choose between religions, or favor one over another. "The World Trade Center Site will forever hold a special place in our City, in our hearts. But we would be untrue to the best part of ourselves – and who we are as New Yorkers and Americans – if we said 'no' to a mosque in Lower Manhattan. "Let us not forget that Muslims were among those murdered on 9/11 and that our Muslim neighbors grieved with us as New Yorkers and as Americans. We would betray our values – and play into our enemies' hands – if we were to treat Muslims differently than anyone else. In fact, to cave to popular sentiment would be to hand a victory to the terrorists – and we should not stand for that. "For that reason, I believe that this is an important test of the separation of church and state as we may see in our lifetime – as important a test – and it is critically important that we get it right. Michael Bloomberg

0 Comments | Posted in Sustainable Living & Lifestyle By Will Johnston

Loss after Katrina on Fresh Air

Wednesday, August 18, 2010 5:38:48 PM PDT

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Today's Fresh Air has Terry Gross interviewing Pulitzer Prize poet Natasha Trethewey on her experiences of loss after Katrina. I didn't really think it would be that compelling or powerful when I first started listening, but half way through I was riveted. The story of loss for her family is an enormous tragedy and a reminder of the legacy which Katrina has left.

0 Comments | Posted in Sustainable Living & Lifestyle By Will Johnston

How Smart is Smart Water?

Wednesday, August 18, 2010 5:18:03 PM PDT

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Lately you may have noticed a new product in stores and in advertising called 'Smart Water'. It's basically bottled water with some supplemental vitamins and minerals. I want to call this out as not so smart, since it is basically just as bad for the environment and more expensive than bottled water. Additionally, most studies on supplemental vitamins have found that they are often not absorbed by the body. So, if you really want to drink Smart Water, please remember to drink tap water from a stainless steel or reusable water bottle. Also, consider making some home made sun brewed tea and putting it in the refrigerator. If it's made with green tea and some medicinal herbs, you'll have truly Smart Water and it tastes great too.

0 Comments | Posted in Sustainable Living & Lifestyle By Will Johnston

How to Build a Cold Frame

Tuesday, August 17, 2010 12:17:12 PM PDT

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Now that Summer is winding down it's a good time to consider planning for some how to garden the rest of the year. A cold frame provides a great way to create starts and grow vegetables in colder weather and with shorter days. This article tells you how to make your own cold frame and you can learn the benefits.

0 Comments | Posted in Make Your Own By Will Johnston

Hybrid and Human Powered

Monday, August 16, 2010 2:05:14 PM PDT

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Check out the human powered car. I'm sure we'll be seeing more products like this in the future.

0 Comments | Posted in Sustainable Living & Lifestyle By Will Johnston

White House Baker Recipe: Fruit & Oat Bars

Thursday, August 12, 2010 7:34:54 PM PDT

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This recipe for a tasty and nutritious treat from the White House baker looks tasty. Check out the recipe.

0 Comments | Posted in Sustainable Living & Lifestyle By Will Johnston

The Story of Cosmetics

Thursday, August 12, 2010 10:42:47 AM PDT

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Did you know that the average American woman uses 12 personal care products every day? Did you know that, unlike for food, there's no independent regulatory agency making sure cosmetics and hygiene products are safe? Furthermore, did you know that less than 20% of the ingredients in cosmetics have even been assessed for safety? Watch this video to learn more!

0 Comments | Posted in Sustainable Living & Lifestyle By Kristina Strain

Home Made Recycling Center

Thursday, August 12, 2010 9:55:02 AM PDT

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Here's a great way to get your home recycling organized. Our contributing editor Kristina Strain has written an article on how to make a home recycling center from a discarded filing cabinet. Perfect way to re-purpose a filing cabinet and manage your recyclables. Read how now

0 Comments | Posted in Make Your Own By Will Johnston