Recently in Miscellaneous Category

PROPERLY EQUIPPED, A BICYCLE CAN BE REMARKABLY UTILITARIAN

I've never heard of cargo bikes before. I've seen people riding bicycles with baskets that they can put a bag of groceries in, or a bunch of flowers, or pulling a child behind in a colorful weatherproof 'capsule'. But the idea of being able to accomplish most of your errands, including hauling a boat (if you have one), wall paneling, or whatever, never crossed my mind. 

I STILL LOVE THIS MAGAZINE

John and Jane Shuttleworth started Mother Earth News with a budget of $1500, and published their first issue from their home in January of 1970. The magazine "embraced the revived interest in the

"Approaching environmental problems from a down-to-earth, practical, how-to standpoint, Mother Earth News has been a pioneer in the promotion of renewable energy, recycling, family farms, saner agricultural practices, better eating habits, medical self-care, more meaningful education, affordable housing, and, in the process, offered a platform for some of the most far-thinking minds of the day".

As interest in back-to-the-land ideas waned in the mid 1980's, so did the interest in the magazine, which was then sold to a major publisher. It has had several owners since then. Despite all the changes, and hefty competition (in a future blog posting) Mother Earth News continues to deliver valuable information for these times, and lots of it.

While you can subscribe to the magazine, you can also get their free email newsletters which come about three times a week. They are loaded with ideas and resources covering many topics and interests.

Here's their homepage: http://www.motherearthnews.com/

COAL IS THE #1 FUEL FOR GENERATING ELECTRICITY IN THE U.S. 

I was taken by surprise to learn that coal represents 48.6% of the mix of fuels used to generate electricity! I thought it was something from days gone by, used infrequently, and in places where there weren't alternatives. I didn't realize that it is still the most predominantly used fuel for electricity generation, with natural gas at 21.4%, nuclear 19.4%, and hydropower, fuel oil, and non-hydro renewables making up the remaining 11%.

Visit this website. It's fascinating and interactive. You can see the pie charts showing the specirfic breakdown of fuel mix, but interestingly you can click on any state on the U.S. map and get the pie chart of fuel mix specific to that state. I think you'll be surprised at the differences for each state. For example, did you know that Washington use 75% hydropower and 8.6% nuclear? New Mexico uses 86% coal? Vermont 75% nuclear? You can also learn about each fuel source and developing technologies for the future.

Here's the link: http://www.getenergyactive.org/fuel/mix.htm

Be well! Be happy!

Louise

At a special awards breakfast on May 16, General Lowenberg presented Washington Emergency Management Division's 49-member Human Services Team with the coveted state Extra Mile Award from the Washington State Productivity Board as part of the Public Service Recognition Week.  

The team operated between Dec. 13, 2007, and Feb. 28, 2008, as part of the Presidential disaster declaration DR 1714 for the floods and windstorms of December 2007 in Washington.

The Extra Mile Award is given to an individual or group of public employees who surpass expectations for exemplary public service by demonstrating at least one of the following attributes:   

• Execute an innovative solution.
• Improve efficiency.
• Exhibit visionary thinking.
• Overcome great odds or disadvantages.
• Demonstrate personal valor or bravery.         

"The team selflessly provided exceptional, timely and record setting service to a highly traumatized segment of state citizens at the worst moment in their lives." the award stated.

Team members assisted individuals who were forced out of their homes or suffered uninsured personal property losses. The award said team members worked right through the holidays, logging 12 plus hours a day, seven days a week, for weeks on end providing qualitative services at a record pace

  The team's record was as follows:

·         conducted preliminary damage assessments in 11 counties leading to a federal declaration in 10 counties;

·         performed community relations operations in 10 counties in less than 60 days garnering over 10,600 registrations;

·         co-managed 10 Disaster Recovery Centers serving 6,139 disaster victims;

·         managed two different state help lines handling approximately 5,000 calls;

·         processed 4,330 Other Needs Assistance grant cases awarding approximately $2.8 million to disaster applicants for personal property losses;

·         helped 272 individuals/families find assistance for their disaster related needs not met through federal assistance in the largest flood disaster in the state in more than a decade.

Team members "should take great pride in being recognized for the quality and quantity of the work you have done to help others in this event.  It is one thing to excel as an individual, and yet another to excel as a team, Go Team!" stated Team Leader John Vollmer, deputy state coordinating officer--human services for DR 1714.

 Photos from Space-So Grand and Inspiring

OKAY LET'S TRY THIS AGAIN