Linda | 
01 31st, 2009| 
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Jan
31
Being as such we are all encased in the cold weather and are looking forward to spring, I thought I would give you something to make your heart jump with glee. It did me and would of loved to been...
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Jan
31
If you’re a long-tim reader of environmentastic!, you’ll know that I’m not big on memes in general, but recently Entrecard made some changes and announcements and asked for all of its members to post - at the end of January - links to the top ten blogs that “drop” their cards on their blogs.
Even though I am not a huge meme fan, I do think that Entrecard - even with its many flaws - has been a huge help to environmentastic! over the past year and a few months! And I realized that it wasn’t so much Entrecard that has helped environemntastic!, but the bloggers within Entrecard who consistently drop their cards and read my blog! So - even though Entrecard’s motives may not be entirely, 100% selfless (who’s are, really?), here is my list of the top ten “Entrecard dropping” blogs for environmentastic! Thanks to all of you.
- The Path to the Pegasus Letter - Described as “financial news dissected to the core in order to get the truth behind the news.”
- Oh, hey. - Newlywed Corrin from Chicago writes this blog, which is a personal blog as well as a bit of making money online (MMO). She doesn’t much talk about how to make money online - it’s more that she just does it a little with reviews and giveaways and such. I hope she’s doing better than me in the MMO department.
(Corrin: I’ve checked my grammar twice for this, so be nice) - Symphony of Love - A blog all about romance and love. Full of positive images and statements. Also offers a sign-up for daily love quotes to your email!
- Broke as a spoke - A newer blog, about the blogger’s quest to become debt free. (S?)He blatantly states that (s)he is here to learn, not teach, but I’m guessing you might pick up a few tidbits about how to increase your own financial well-being.
- Mr. Soleh’s Outburst - From the title, one would assume that blog writer Mr. Soleh is an angry gentleman who vents his frustrations through his blog. One would be about half right. Mr. Soleh is indeed the author, but he does not seem to be particularly angry. The blog is used as a way to help him perfect his English. He mostly posts about tech (wordpress and gmail are on his front page right now). Corrin: he’s always looking for grammar suggestions.
- Lady Coder - Another techie blog, this from a self-described “lover of code.” She’s from Las Vegas and is actively learning to create Wordpress themes.
- Sound of a Soft Breath - A Christian blog; the author Brad is a strong believer who uses the blog as a way to learn more about his beliefs for himself, but also to help others see how the Bible’s teachings apply to their own lives.
- Programming Made Easy - Imam Khalid writes this blog - once again a techie blog. Posts about asp, php, javascript, etc. The best way to learn is to teach is the only thing I can really say about this blog.
- Moshi & Kibo’s Dog Blog - All about dogs!
- Whatever Comes to My Mind - Merydith is a teacher who enjoys cross stitching, blogging and reading history books. She’s a stay at home mom and a self-proclaimed lover of life. She has a great personal blog.
So there you have it - top ten links for the top ten EC droppers on environmentastic!
Now that we have started with the memes, we might as well hit it hard. I may not follow through on passing the memes on, but I would like to thank the folks who passed the memes on to environmentastic!:
Thanks to I’m Beautiful Like Me, who awarded environmentastic! the “I <3 your blog” award!
Thanks to It Takes A Planet to Raise a Child for awarding environmentastic! the Sweet Home Blogger Award!
Thanks to Planet Thoughts and to Newton’s Ocean for awarding environmentastic! the Lemonade Award!
And last but not least: Thanks to Buddy’s Fitness News for awarding environmentastic! the Arte Y Pico award for the design of the blog - notice I have NOT changed it…
Jan
30
The stimulus package that passed in the House -- without a single GOP vote -- yesterday is not as forward thinking as it appears, despite what Nancy Pelosi said in a news conference.
"This is a bill about the future," Pelosi said. "It is a bill that will guarantee that we will create jobs, that there will be good paying green jobs that will transform our infrastructure, transform our energy and how we use it and our dependence on foreign oil."
According to the Natural Resources Defense Council's tally, outlined in the daily green, the StimPack accounts for:
* $3.4 billion for states for clean energy projects
* A grants program for technologies covered by the renewable energy tax incentives
* $6.2 billion for weatherization of low income homes
* $3.5 billion for the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant Program (supports clean energy projects primarily at the city and county levels)
* $2 billion for clean energy research & development
* $6 billion for increasing energy efficiency in federal buildings
* $12 billion for transit
* $2 billion for ready-to-go drinking water infrastructure projects
* $6 billion for ready-to-go sanitation infrastructure projects.
But the Bill doesn't go far enough, according to some critics, in support of public transportation, including light and high speed rail. Others, however, do point out that transit is one of the larger ticket items in the green portion of the package.
The Sierra Club praised the House Bill, noting that clean energy spending is at $100 billion. But "the bill isn't all green," according to other critics, and the Senate is apparently putting $4.6 billion for coal and $50 billion for the nuclear industry.
Of course, that depends upon your shade of green. Among the coal provisions outlined in a news release and a committee statement issued by Sen. Robert C. Byrd, D-W.Va. are:
*$2 billion for "near-zero emissions" power plants designed to capture and sequester CO2
*$1 billion for the Department of Energy's Clean Coal Power Initiative, and
*$1.6 billion for carbon capture at industrial plants.
I'd like to see some investment in such R&D for coal, as it remains the most plentiful resource we've got domestically and comprises such a high percentage of our energy needs today. If we can figure out how to clean it, capture and store it or just reduce its impact, I'm all for it.
And, as for nuclear, I still maintain it needs to be part of the mix.
Another source of criticism of the House Bill may be remedied in the emerging Senate version, which would adjust the alternative minimum tax (ATM), thereby holding down many middle-class Americans' income taxes for 2009.
President Obama's administration has said it would ultimately accept an ATM provision, which may go a long way towards giving the Senate Bill legs. Compromise and consensus may be the key to the Obama presidency.
But with so many other programs stuffed into this StimPack, including many traditional Dem favorites, it's hard to see the future: so much in here looks like the past.
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"This is a bill about the future," Pelosi said. "It is a bill that will guarantee that we will create jobs, that there will be good paying green jobs that will transform our infrastructure, transform our energy and how we use it and our dependence on foreign oil."
According to the Natural Resources Defense Council's tally, outlined in the daily green, the StimPack accounts for:
* $3.4 billion for states for clean energy projects
* A grants program for technologies covered by the renewable energy tax incentives
* $6.2 billion for weatherization of low income homes
* $3.5 billion for the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant Program (supports clean energy projects primarily at the city and county levels)
* $2 billion for clean energy research & development
* $6 billion for increasing energy efficiency in federal buildings
* $12 billion for transit
* $2 billion for ready-to-go drinking water infrastructure projects
* $6 billion for ready-to-go sanitation infrastructure projects.
But the Bill doesn't go far enough, according to some critics, in support of public transportation, including light and high speed rail. Others, however, do point out that transit is one of the larger ticket items in the green portion of the package.
The Sierra Club praised the House Bill, noting that clean energy spending is at $100 billion. But "the bill isn't all green," according to other critics, and the Senate is apparently putting $4.6 billion for coal and $50 billion for the nuclear industry.
Of course, that depends upon your shade of green. Among the coal provisions outlined in a news release and a committee statement issued by Sen. Robert C. Byrd, D-W.Va. are:
*$2 billion for "near-zero emissions" power plants designed to capture and sequester CO2
*$1 billion for the Department of Energy's Clean Coal Power Initiative, and
*$1.6 billion for carbon capture at industrial plants.
I'd like to see some investment in such R&D for coal, as it remains the most plentiful resource we've got domestically and comprises such a high percentage of our energy needs today. If we can figure out how to clean it, capture and store it or just reduce its impact, I'm all for it.
And, as for nuclear, I still maintain it needs to be part of the mix.
Another source of criticism of the House Bill may be remedied in the emerging Senate version, which would adjust the alternative minimum tax (ATM), thereby holding down many middle-class Americans' income taxes for 2009.
President Obama's administration has said it would ultimately accept an ATM provision, which may go a long way towards giving the Senate Bill legs. Compromise and consensus may be the key to the Obama presidency.
But with so many other programs stuffed into this StimPack, including many traditional Dem favorites, it's hard to see the future: so much in here looks like the past.
Jan
30
January 30th's Tip
DVDs, CDs, Video Games: If you're anything like my husband and me, you have a big box full of old CDs sitting in a closet wasting space. We occasionally dig through the box and ... [visit site to read more]Random Posts
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Jan
30
Salt, an abundant mineral of which there are 14,000 known uses. The body contains about 75 grams of salt for a 110 pd (50 kg) human. We literally can not live without it.
Salt is composed mostly of...
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Jan
29
Web Prosperity
Tick…tock, the clock is ticking. In just under 24 hours, the most powerful, income generating Internet Business opportunity will be launched. Web Prosperity will be life changing.
Take action and take control of your life today. It will secure your position in the matrix. Sign-up today http://barbararae.webprosperity.com/, to create the life and prosperity you [...]
Jan
29
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Jan
29
WHAT…..
….Are Fuel Cells?
Unlike internal combustion engines, which are essentially a series of controlled explosionsof gasoline and oxygen, fuel cells use electrochemical reactions to...
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Jan
28
Wal-Mart Americas to ... [visit site to read more]
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Jan
28
Ok….but, don’t get overly excited. Planet Green doesn’t start running the new episodes until May. In the meantime………..
Just to show you how much Greensburg is...
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Jan
28
Take in the light and airy feeling, like you are floating on top of the world…then take a deep breath and see if you feel energized. I know I did!
Jan
28
The Snowy Owl is being hunted illegally for their eyes and feet, which are traded in Asian markets.
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Jan
27
The following is a guest post from James O'Shea
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Jan
27
The Orbiting Carbon Observatory (OCO), is NASA’s first spacecraft dedicated to making space-based observations of atmospheric carbon dioxide, the principal human-produced driver of climate change....
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Jan
27
What is the Chinook salmon to do as humans destroy their habitat? Humans scientists tell us that over the past few years the number of Chinook salmon leaving the rivers in the Pacific Northwest have dropped. The Chinook salmon could be extinct by 2016.
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Jan
27
Investing books run the gamut from bad to Mad and from the solipsistic to the sophomoric. Most are wasting your time with hackneyed investing tips ("buy low; sell high") or the author's idea of the latest hot stocks. Such books seem designed to get you to watch the author's nightly TV show or to buy their next book.
In short, creating noise.
"Noise is the investor's worst enemy," Howard Lindzon says to open his book, The Wallstrip Edge: Using Trends to Make Money -- Find Them, Ride Them and Get Off. "It leads to fear, anxiety, and countless investing mistakes."
Lindzon tells his readers to turn off the TV, stop reading the financial headlines, and to ignore hot tips from friends, family, or your neighbor's dog. Rather, Lindzon, creator of Wallstrip.com the web-based video program that mashed pop culture and the stock market, offers an alternative approach.
It's a simple premise: stocks that have hit an all-time high and are showing signs of growth are likely to go up before they go down. For many, this is counter-intuitive: how can what appears to be an expensive stock be a good bet for an investment? Why don't I just buy a lower priced stock so I can buy more shares?
Lindzon suggests that jumping on a trend on the way up, riding it until it begins to show signs of slipping, and managing your price threshold can lead to greater success than traditional approaches to stock market investing.
He's a good writer, as readers of his popular blog are aware. And he has as much fun at his own expense as a stand-up comedian. But don't let the class clown image fool you, Lindzon is a smart investor and business man with a string of successes, Wallstrip and Golf.com among them.
His latest venture, StockTwits, builds on his own advice to connect to and leverage a network of people you trust to help you stay on top of trends, creating conversation rather than noise.
And staying on top of trends is important in today's rapidly changing investing landscape. The trouble with many investing books is that things are changing so fast that what is a high-flying stock when the author is writing may have tanked by the time of publication.
Certainly you can point to some of the stocks Howard Lindzon discusses in The Wallstrip Edge and say the same thing. Actually, even Wallstrip is no more; CBS, which bought the property from Lindzon in 2007, recently pulled the plug on the program.
But Lindzon suggests it's not about individual stocks, but the opportunity and, if you stay focused on the all-time high list, you'll always find an opportunity. The glass is half full and new trends always emerge. You simply need to pay attention.
Sound advice from a seasoned pro. And worth the price, which by the way costs about as much as a share of $CBS stock at its 52-week high.
(Disclosure: I am Long Howard Lindzon and StockTwits.)
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Jan
27
Did you know it only takes 40 kwh to light your home? What if you could do it with a motor that is as simple as that of a hairdryer?
A 42 year old Seattle man, Chad Maglaque, is very hopeful that he will win Google’s Good Idea Contest. The winner will be announced tomorrow. [...]
Jan
26
It's so cold, you're stuck in the house, but don't use that as an excuse to pack on the pounds and weaken your heart and immune system. Might as well try something new and healthy! PassionateGreen's Food Series continues with this list of new "green" foods. All products are vegan or vegetarian and come from companies that practice sustainability.
Fork in the Road Foods Offers an assortment of vegan cookies such as Pumpkin Chocolate Chip and Lemon-Lavender, newly available at Whole Foods Markets and online. This socially responsible company does tasting parties and catering as well, with an emphasize on local and organic foods.
[me] & goji Recently we introduced you to a create-your-own energy bar company. Now there is a custom cereal company too! Choose from over 30 different natural and organic ingredients to create your own favorite mix, then have it shipped to your door.
Muffin Physics Introducing muffins that "taste just like the real thing and are not dry/crumbly or void of nutritional value like other gluten-free products." At Whole Foods Markets and other health food stores in Southern California; nationwide availability coming this Spring.
Daddy Cakes Pancake and waffle mixes in nine healthy, yummy flavors. Convenient, too: the mixes are packaged in pre-portioned sizes inside a cute tin, with the tin lid doubling as a measuring cup for adding liquid.
Jack’s Harvest Frozen organic baby food handmade using organic produce and quickly frozen to capture nature's fresh flavor, vibrant color, rich texture and essential nutrients. Organic baby food is getting easier to find these days, but it can still present a challenge in some areas. Available at health food stores all over Georgia and at Amazon.com.
Navitas Naturals Long considered a "super food," cocoa beans in their original form are full of powerful antioxidants, fiber, magnesium, iron, and other minerals. New Sweet Cacao Nibs are rolled in raw cacao liquor and mixed with organic sugar cane juice for a delicious, healthy snack. Navitas Naturals also offers a variety of powders such as acai, flax, hemp, and much more to give an amazing boost to smoothies and other foods and drinks; recipes can be found on their website.
Manitoba Harvest Hemp Foods Organic hemp seeds, oil, butter, powder, flour, and now milk from Manitoba Harvest can add major amounts of protein, fiber, and essential fatty acids to your recipes. Remember, hemp is NOT marijuana. It's a different breed of plant and will only give you a headache if you try to smoke it! Hemp is just an extremely nutritious and sustainable plant that makes what has been described as nature's perfect oil.
Allison's Gourmet Finally, we bring you the latest treats from this award-winning company whose desserts you will not believe are vegan. This Valentine's Day, or anytime, consider a gift of Allison's 2-piece vegan chocolate gift boxes in Hazelnut Truffle, Almond Truffle, Mocha Truffle, Peanut Caramel, Pecan Caramel, or Chocolate Caramel. Also, be sure to check out the Fudge of the Month Club - what a perfect gift.
If you aren't hungry by now, you haven't been paying attention. Enjoy! :)
Fork in the Road Foods Offers an assortment of vegan cookies such as Pumpkin Chocolate Chip and Lemon-Lavender, newly available at Whole Foods Markets and online. This socially responsible company does tasting parties and catering as well, with an emphasize on local and organic foods.
[me] & goji Recently we introduced you to a create-your-own energy bar company. Now there is a custom cereal company too! Choose from over 30 different natural and organic ingredients to create your own favorite mix, then have it shipped to your door.
Muffin Physics Introducing muffins that "taste just like the real thing and are not dry/crumbly or void of nutritional value like other gluten-free products." At Whole Foods Markets and other health food stores in Southern California; nationwide availability coming this Spring.
Daddy Cakes Pancake and waffle mixes in nine healthy, yummy flavors. Convenient, too: the mixes are packaged in pre-portioned sizes inside a cute tin, with the tin lid doubling as a measuring cup for adding liquid.Jack’s Harvest Frozen organic baby food handmade using organic produce and quickly frozen to capture nature's fresh flavor, vibrant color, rich texture and essential nutrients. Organic baby food is getting easier to find these days, but it can still present a challenge in some areas. Available at health food stores all over Georgia and at Amazon.com.
Navitas Naturals Long considered a "super food," cocoa beans in their original form are full of powerful antioxidants, fiber, magnesium, iron, and other minerals. New Sweet Cacao Nibs are rolled in raw cacao liquor and mixed with organic sugar cane juice for a delicious, healthy snack. Navitas Naturals also offers a variety of powders such as acai, flax, hemp, and much more to give an amazing boost to smoothies and other foods and drinks; recipes can be found on their website.
Manitoba Harvest Hemp Foods Organic hemp seeds, oil, butter, powder, flour, and now milk from Manitoba Harvest can add major amounts of protein, fiber, and essential fatty acids to your recipes. Remember, hemp is NOT marijuana. It's a different breed of plant and will only give you a headache if you try to smoke it! Hemp is just an extremely nutritious and sustainable plant that makes what has been described as nature's perfect oil.
Allison's Gourmet Finally, we bring you the latest treats from this award-winning company whose desserts you will not believe are vegan. This Valentine's Day, or anytime, consider a gift of Allison's 2-piece vegan chocolate gift boxes in Hazelnut Truffle, Almond Truffle, Mocha Truffle, Peanut Caramel, Pecan Caramel, or Chocolate Caramel. Also, be sure to check out the Fudge of the Month Club - what a perfect gift.
If you aren't hungry by now, you haven't been paying attention. Enjoy! :)
Jan
26
Welcome to the January 19th, 2009 edition of All Things Eco.
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Jan
26
WOW! —– SUN-TRACKING DEVICE
A team of three MIT students have designed a system that will allow solar power panels to track the sun without motors or control systems.The student team,...
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