Really All or Nothing in Copenhagen

As usual, many observers of the talks in Copenhagen are listening in sound bites, rather than seeing the whole of the challenge.

It's simple, really.

If China doesn't sign on, the people of the United States can run on wind and sun and never drive a car again and we will still not make a dent in the climate change or much of anything else for that matter.

Although, those of us who are students of sustainable living scream full throated about going local we have to know that this has to be placed in context. Local living might be what it all comes down to for future generations- but we need our Chinese inhabitants on this earth to suffer gladly with us in order to achieve the long range changes that are almost inevitable.

For a full view of the talks in Copenhagen, take a look at the The Green Detective.

Copenhagen - The World is Waiting

Dear April,

I have arrived in Copenhagen, joining our Chairman, Al Gore, and a team from the Alliance for Climate Protection, for the historic United Nations Climate Change Conference.

The Copenhagen Conference is an important opportunity for America to assert a leadership role in the building of a global clean energy economy. And we want to make sure you are part of it.

To give you a firsthand, insider look at what's happening in Copenhagen, our team is posting updates and videos on our blog and the Repower Wall this week.

Click here to watch.

We are excited to be here because Copenhagen offers an unprecedented opportunity for the world to take bold and immediate action to combat the global climate crisis.

And with President Obama's attendance later this week, it's essential that we build on the momentum generated by the Conference to move America to a stronger commitment to leading the global clean energy race by supporting clean energy and climate policies.

Will you please join us on the Repower Wall? Tell world leaders that you are committed to bold action on climate in America and that we need it today.

http://acp.climateprotect.org/cop15

We look forward to speaking to you from Copenhagen and seeing you on The Wall.

Thanks,

Maggie L. Fox
President and CEO
The Alliance for Climate Protection

Becoming a Star on the Net

There are a ton of ways to get yourself, your cause or your business known on the Internet.

From article marketing, to email marketing, and blogging- to social networks and You
Tube- the ways to bring your news to market is astounding.

One of the first ways that most people will be advised to market their particular site is to get a directory submission.

There are a variety of directories online that are general or specific and getting your site listed in one of them can bring you to the attention of those who are interested in getting to know all about you better.

So, get online, set up business and get yourself listed. It is easy, usually fun, and one of the best ways to get out there.

Ghosts Are Probably Green

My guess is that ghosts are probably really into the green movement. AFter all, they don't need fossil fuels to move about, usually are pretty cold so would appreciate the concept of global warming- and I doubt very much that most ghosts are into paper wasting or cutting down giant trees. They don't eat, so the local food movement is of no concern to them- but I would imagine they do hang out at local Farmer's Markets. Lots of interesting people go there and I am sure many of them feel haunted by past indiscretions..

Next time you go to a farmer's market look at the person next to you and try to imagine their story. Could be interesting.

Yes, my guess is that ghosts are probably green- but the only way to really find out is to get a ghost whisperer!;-)

This Way OUT>

Recently, I have become a big fan of Ghost Whisperer. It might seems silly that this old, fat, and silly woman loves this show but it continues to be true. Jennifer Love Hewitt plays the part of the ghost whisperer wonderfully, and the cast which includes Camryn Manneheim- is a nice assembly.

However, it is the message of the program that holds me. Oh,not that I believe in ghosts, no- uh-uh-not me! But, I do love the idea of resolution and that is the message of this show.

I guess I think within all of us lies the need to know that we mattered, that we will be missed, that we can possibly make up for mistakes we made, and maybe even reap the rewards of love given freely- maybe in the idea of a ghost we still have the sense that our memory lingers even after we are gone. Who knows what our final exit signs have in store?


That - as an old priest used to tell me is one of the mysteries of life.

Truth is Six

My youngest grandson turned six on Saturday and he really got a haul. Chuck E. Cheese, a movie, a video game, toys galore, plus a cake, a party and more.

That kid has got it made! Plus, the fact that he is such a smart little guy. I am very biased and feel I have every right to be.

A Visit with my Heart Doc

About two weeks ago I had to go in and visit with my heart doctor so they could monitor my medication. At least that is why I thought I was going. As it turned out we changed some of the meds and their dosages and I was told I had an elevated cholesterol count(which I already knew).

I have had a high cholesterol count for over five years. Now, once I was told something I already knew and was given a prescription for yet another statin- I was also told I would need to get a nuclear cardiolite test. I have had this test done before and it is very tiresome.


Of course I was told all of this before I even got on any of the various exam tables in the room.

The nuclear cardiolite test takes about four hours, you get to have ink poured into your veins so the doc can see if there are any blockages in your ticker. At least that has always been my understanding. When I had the test before I came out clear as a bell.

I am going to have the test at the first of the new year. We will see what's ticking.

It's Christmas Time in the City

Today was our first snow day. Oh, the kids didn't get to stay home, but it was the first day where there was a good blanket of snow on the ground and of course there were the usual number of fender benders that go along with this annual occurrence.

Seems like lots of people don't know how to drive in the snow so they either end up in a ditch or run into their neighbor's car. Nice beginning to the Christmas season, whenever that truly is anymore.

I remember going to parking lots in the my early years and swinging my cars around the lots, purposely sliding to get the feel of the how to handle a car in the snow-at least that was my rationale- I really just loved the sliding around. So, happy first snow day everyone and watch the ice!

The Language - It is A'Changin'

My guess is that anyone who would read a good percentage of magazines written in the 1960's ( if they were born in the late seventies and eighties) would have a great deal of trouble following the message.

Especially in popular culture. Let's look at music- or rather think about the fact that in the sixties we didn't look at music up front and personal like we do today with the video world in overdrive. There were no videos. Sixties people got excited about Woodstock- a great big live concert in the mud and seeing the Beatles or David Cassidy live for the first time.

And, throw terms like 33's or 45's at a 20 year old and you will get that look that can only be described as perplexed on a good day or just plain -god, are you still alive, grandma- on another!

Now, we have ipods, the XBox- and an assortment of other entertainment machinations for the young and eager.

My 79 year old mother told me that when she reads the ads in the papers she doesn't know what most of the words mean. Kinda sad- but -hey-that's progress!

Happy ToFurkey Day!

Even a greenie like me finds her mouth beginning to water at the thought of roasted turkey, mashed potatoes and gravy, green bean casserole, pumpkin pie, and all the other goodies that go along with the traditional Thanksgiving feast.

I have made the rounds all over the net finding all kinds of ways to 'go green' on T-Day- but for me, tofu is really the limit. Now, I believe in good healthy foods and all that is fresh.

But, let us have one day that can continue to be traditional, lively, and fun- well maybe not for the turkey- but, oh, well- sorry animal rights activists!

I hear that a fabled turkey is on his way to the White House today to get the traditional pardon, while his cohorts count off their last seconds on earth. I remember with tears in my eyes the wonderful photo op of Sarah Palin in front of the poor turkey losing its head while she just gabbed away..ah..what a memory.

So for you and yours on Thanksgiving this year, give thanks, try some of these side dishes and lift a glass of cheer for our good earth!

Say Thanks to Our Troops W/ Help From Xerox

If you would like to say thanks to our troops this Christmas read on!

I Always Knew Chocolate Milk was #1

I have always loved chocolate milk - but gave it up some time ago, hoping this would help me lose some calories.

Guess what! I may be able to feed my love for chocolate milk again!

There is a study out proclaiming that chocolate milk just might be better than gatorade when it comes to athletic prowess.


Maybe it's time to hustle on down to Scott's and get a gallon of that wonderful stuff!

The Beginning of a New Me!

After seconds of soul searching I have decided to get myself motivated again, and return to tread.

Tread has always been there for me. Through all the ups and downs of my life, I could always depend on Tread to be there, waiting for me to step on him, run on him, and repeat over and over on him.

I never really had a destination with Tread. I never took any weight loss pills. He did help me to learn to eat better. And, my sweat was always better with him.

So, here's to you, Tread, I will be on your back tomorrow, huffing and puffing as hard as I can to keep that old ticker in shape, and that belly from becoming a larger than life imitation of a Halloween Pumpkin.

Soupy Sales Has Been Dead for Awhile!

I have been meaning to write a sad goodbye to one of my childhood heroes, Soupy Sales, but just couldn't stop crying long enough to put into words my misery.


So, Say it with me, Goodbye Soupy.

Here's a pie in the eye for ya!

Is It Old AGE or Zits?

I don't know why but I still get zits, even at the worn out age of 56. Sometimes I think it might be rosacea or whatever the hell they call it-but they seem to feel and act a lot like the same old acne I had as a starry eyed teen drama queen.

So, what's a poor post menopausal to do?

Well, I suppose I could try a variety of acne treatment.

Or wash fervently every night with Noxema. Or maybe I could place heat pads on my face and burn them off.

The end resort, of course, is calling the doctor, where I will obtain high fees for being told that I have a skin problem that will require some sort of medication.

My god!

What is a post menopausal to do?

Eat Blue Diamond Almonds with Soysauce and Tabasco!

Just to let you all know, this is not a paid endorsement. It is just a fevered comment from someone who has tasted and now believes.

I once was lost, but now I am found- and what I have found sparks the tongue and slips into grateful oblivion in the tummy.


Each hot, spicy almond is a gift to the buds. Get a can and love 'em!

Is Twitter Green?

There are tons of green avatars on Twitter-but not in support of environmental causes-no-

To clarify, the green on Twitter that many are seeing is really all about support for Iran and freedom. Most of the people who might read this blog, might think that this is coming far too late in the game.

AFter all, wasn't the election in Iran a pretty long time ago?

Yeah, but there are still green avatars on Twitter and on the whole they are in support of Iran freedom.

There are some who are 'going green' and show that by using a green symbol. There are probably a few Irishman in the green mix as well.

And, as always as is the case with loose diamonds -there are some green avatars that are just there because they like the color green or their name is GReen!

But, let us not forget, that Twitter was the vehicle that brought us all the news about the Iranian election- so if you want to know if Twitter is green- that is your answer!

Circumstances Prevail

Whether we want to believe it or not we do not control our destinies. That guy who wrote that he was the captain of his ship probably went down with it.

Hard work does not always equal success. Illness, poor job outlooks, and a crummy beginning in life can all change the way your world might have been.

So, the next time you are ranting and raving about those who are looking for a handout, don't rant too loud- the next time you hear some yelling, they might just be yelling at you.

Look Out Your Window

It has been raining all day in ole Miss- at least that's what my sister who lives there tells me. But, it hasn't been much different here.

The funniest part of this time of year is that I really haven't noticed much climate change in the past 50 years.

Because Halloween has always been rainy and gloomy- and scary!!

But, for a change of pace it would be cool to be able to just take off on several orlando vacations or take a ride on a hot air balloon.

Or take a walk on the wild side with Zombie. Who knows, that might just be around the corner.

New BABY Giraffe at the Fort Wayne Children's Zoo

WFFT FOX Fort Wayne See the Fort Wayne Children's Zoo's newest addition, a baby giraffe, tonight on FOX Fort Wayne News, First at Ten.

Save Energy- Save Money

WE are entering the cold zone. Which means to those of us who live north that soon our heating bills will be sky high.

Now, if you have lived here for any amount of time, you have probably learned lots of ways to weatherize your house or apartment.

But, one thing to always remember is the timely replacement of furnace filters.

Insuring that this is done on a regular basis will help you and yours save those dollars you will need to buy local food at the neighborhood farmer's market during winter.

Save money, be healthy- and change your filter.

Walk the Bus

One of the coolest ideas I have found while researching green stuff is a concept known as Walk the Bus.

This program gets kids up and outside, so they no longer believe that the appropriate temperatures for their bodies should always be between 65 and 72. They get walking and develop a sense of community and parents get involved too.

I think it is one of the best ideas out there for a number of reasons and will be writing more on this subject in later posts

Time For a Trip to Anywhere!

Frankly, it's the time of year when I start to yearn to close off the rest of the year until after January 1st.

Just pack up my Eagle Creek luggage hop a train, and hustle off to Buffalo- to see Niagra or roll on down to Fort Myers, Florida to smell the fresh sea breeze, or ride over the bridge in Memphis over the ole Miss River and feel that old town's rhythm.

All of these places would save me from the holidays -that so-called blissful time of the year when everyone gets more depressed, feels bad about spending money they don't have, and have to be around people they don't like.


Oooh! Just can't wait for Christmas!

The 'Green" Movement Should Not Be Political

Unfortunately, for our country many people believe and have target the 'green' or environmental movement as a political issue- stating that progressives, democrats, and dare I say it, "socialists' are green--

They go on to think (or are told to think) by windbags like Rush Logmouth, and others that real Americans are not greenies.

Well, Theodore Roosevelt believed in conserving our land. John McCain is known for his stance on environmental issues.

Green does not mean partisan politics as usual. It means conserving our nation, and our would and bolstering our sense of stewardship over our resources.

Think about not being so full of blarney when it comes to being green.

Who Loves Ya, BABY?

I have a confession. I haven't been eating properly. For the past two weeks I have eaten in fast food restaurants slobbering over Double Cheeseburgers, french fries and twisted frosties.

All in all, I would guess that my fast food intake is replacing my good food intake at an alarming rate.

All of this is just a confession, mind you!

It is not to be taken to the bank, laughed so hard to make you cry, or make you lose your social security disability.

No, it just means, I am just eating too much grease, and not enough brocoli. I feel kinda bad about it, but I think its the weather. Give me a little time and I will figure out something else to blame it all on.

Ciao!

Don't See Fido With Your Grandkids!

Yesterday, I was watching the boys and since it was close to Halloween, I thought why not let them see a good ole scary movie!! So, I began to surf through the KIDS scary shows, thinking they couldn't be too bad!

After all, they were made for kids, right?

Well, I finally found a program described in the following way.

"Watch Fido! A fun, scary movie about a 7 year old and his pet Zombie."

I really didn't think it would be too bad, how could it be?

WEll, I didn't think it was bad at all, I was laughing my head off when the old lady zombie began to devour one of the neighborhood children and then was killed by the sweet little 7 year old that had a pet zombie of his own.

But, my grandkids wer horrified and kept screaming, "Please turn off the TV, mawmaw!!!"


So, I did-- but will sneak back later to watch the exciting conclusion of FIDO!

Google Weight Loss

If you have a mind to, Google the words 'weight loss' and you will probably not be astounded to see 103,000,000 hits.

It is incredible the amount of verbage, images, languages, and just plain commentary there is on weight loss.

In every city from weight loss austin to weight loss in New Jersey there are a million and one ways to lose weight- and for many it all comes down to just learning how to eat right and walk around the block more than once a year.

But, that is not always the case, as I am here to admit. It is my sworn testimony that many people, me included are the victims of a vast fried chicken wing conspiracy to keep us fat, so we can keep losing weight.

Have you ever felt the same?

It's Good BEAR Day- & Happy Birthday Theodore Roosevelt!

Well, today is Good BEAR Day- and for those of you who didn't know, it is also Theodore Roosevelt's birthday.

For those of us who love the conservation of our national parks system, we owe a big thanks to him.

Roosevelt's love for the beauty of pristine American landmarks, such as Yellowstone National Park, and the Grand Canyon have enriched our American landscape.

My hat is off to you, President Roosevelt!

I Don't GET to Play with My Playstation

This was the lament of one of my grandsons when he told me he was being punished for not doing something or other.

It's an age old custom, you know-taking away playthings when kids don't behave. I like it. But, the fact of the matter is, I would prefer that these games, and TV shows, and the big WI with PS3 be taken away a whole lot longer.

In their place, a kid should go out and rake the lawn, take a walk or ride their bike. For even more enthusiastic fun they could use their imagination by conjuring up Halloween pranks to play on their siblings and parents. (No grandparent pranks) Frail hearts!

After awhile, they just might forget about their playstation. Could be or could be not!!

I am guessing---NOT!

Too Many Indoor Games for Grandkids

Both of my grandsons have asthma- which is probably something they inherited. Neither one like much physical activity unless, of course, it involves smacking the other brother.

Their favorite pastimes are video games, play station, and WI. When I was a child at this time of year all we thought about was how many bags we could load up full of candy as we knocked on neighborhood doors, walking without parents. Best holiday of the year.

There are also too many cartoons on every day of the week. It used to be that Saturday was cartoon day. Of course, then there were only 3 network stations. Now there are a million or so- with whole blocks of stations just dedicated to the cartoon in you.

No wonder kids are victims of obesity. They hardly ever move!

Be A Real Health CARE Worker

Several years ago I read a report that stated that more than half of the health care costs in America were due to administrative costs rather than those of the real doctoring, nursing and testing that actually takes place with a real live patient.

How would you define healthcare jobs ?

In my estimation true health care jobs are done by those who are helping our mothers, fathers, sons and daughters, and sisters and brothers get well and stay well.

Not those who decide whether or not we get health care, fill out claim forms, and send out inadequate billing statements.


Health care jobs will always be a necessity, but it's important to define the term.

The Christmas Locovore is Coming!

If you really want to find out about christmas locovore....read on!

Do You Send Christmas Cards?

Sending Christmas Cards used to be a time honored tradition with me. But, as my life became more hectic, the cost of sending them went up, and I became more eco-conscious I began to question the tradition.

I also began to realize that I was not the only one with a question- which is saying that not as many people were sending christmas cards at the holly jolly time of year.

However, that doesn't mean all is lost.

I still look forward to getting those cards from my insurance agent, apartment rental office, and my health insurance company who can well afford to send them.

Look up!

Is that a christmas card falling from heaven?

It's Hard to Be a Locovore

If you are really going to commit to becoming a locovore ( a person who only eats foods produced within 100 miles of their home), then there will be challenges in front of you if you live in certain areas.

For example, I find it really tough to get a great garden tomatoes in December in Fort Wayne, but then again, I have been finding it tougher and tougher to get a good garden tomatoe anyway.

So, what is a good locovore to do?

Start off easy, by getting to know your local farmers markets in town. Make menus that coincide with the food in season, and if you happen to fall off the local wagon on occasion at least give yourself credit for trying.

Let's Get Buried By Kayak

We are all going green these days and wouldn't it be cool to drop dead into an ECOPAD?

What is an Ecopad? Pray tell?

Well, it is a coffin shaped in the form of a kayak. And, for a tidy sum you can get buried in style - drifting (pun intended) to infinity- all natural..


Of course, my guess is that is would cost a little more than a cheap term life insurance retails. But, who cares when you can die knowing that you have contributed to a good cause like going green in a box.

And, if all you can afford is a cheap life insurance, then there is always our ever faithful old pine box. Organic pine, of course!

The Ultimate Prescription Drug Disposal Program

A little over a year ago I wrote an article about P2D2- The Ultimate Prescription Drug Disposal Program.

This program is spreading like wildfire in Illinos, and has recently been recognized by that state's governor, Pat Quinn. Fort Wayne would benefit from a program like P2D2 because we have no central program that would bring our community together to prevent these drugs from being disposed of improperly.

It's a thought.

Where Have all the Water Bottles Gone? Landfill, Anyone?

Plastic bottles are out and we all know it. Irresponsible people still use them for their water, but it has been proven over and over again that tap is as good as bottled water- and guess what?

It doesn't cost 2 dollars for 8 ozs, either!

So, the next time you are getting ready to zip on down to the Y for your daily sweat, open up your bar faucet get that water and fill up your great water bottle that can be recycled that you bought at Walmart and forget about that old plastic container.

Drop that water bottle in your nearest recycling bin!

Oh,and while you're at it, read up on the latest studies about water consumption and the recent prescription drug trace amounts that are being found in our water suppy.

Forget Flying!

My sister who lives in ole' Miss had thought about flying up to the Fort for the holidays, but after checking airline prices that idea was shelved. Prices are way too high, and they charge for everything they can name!

I read recently, somewhere that when oil prices hit the triple digit mark air travel will become a luxury rather than an everyday way to get from point A to point B.

It's something to think about.

FAST FOOD Lane

Why is it that on every corner in most cities this country caters to fast food lanes?

What with their Big Macs, Whoppers, and Double Cheeseburgers, all of us are clogging our arteries day in and day out with absent trans fat pies.

However, I still love all that junk. We continue to eat this stuff even when we know how bad it is for us. It is quick, it tastes good, and the kiddies love it.

I remember in the sixties, coming home for a homecooked meal each night. We were never taken out to eat. Of course, MacDonald's hadn't sold over 99 billion in those days.

Things were different, life was different, food was different.

Get me an apidexin

Hardy's Farmers Market

Listed in many websites and newspapers are those farmers markets that seem to be getting a lot of attention these days.

But, one has been a staple in Fort Wayne and surrounding areas for over twenty years and -although, a little out of the way, it is well worth the trip.


♦Hardy’s Farm Market, 4525 Knoll Road (between Smith and Ardmore roads). Opens around the second week in July until Oct. 31. Hours: 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Saturday. The Hardy family grows sweet corn, green beans, melons, tomatoes, peppers and flowers. They also sell fall decorations and pumpkins in the fall. This family-owned and operated market has been in business 20 years.

Remember, since Hardy's closes on Oct 31, you need to hurry to get those fall decorations, pumpkins, and gourds. Happy Harvest!

Lifting Weights When Sedentary

If you are recuperating from surgery, are confined to a wheelchair, or just don't have the time or inclination to get off your butt and move, there are still ways to lose weight.

And not just with effective weight loss pills either.


One is resistance training. While sitting lift weights from your chair. Get a weight that is comfortable but challenging, swing your arms out wide, and do repetitive weight lifts.

Resistance training is just one way to conquer weight loss from a chair. Not eating all those Big Macs is another!

Walking Ain't Crowded by Don Diehm Sr.

Fort Wayne may not always be in the midst of the newest trends, but now our city is coming around to preparing our community for inevitable changes that will take place in the future.

In the past year, Mayor Henry issued a bicycle survey which resulted in a Bike Summit, and several other initiatives by the city to ease cyclists onto the road in a safe manner.

Now the City of Fort Wayne is placing a sidewalk survey in all city utility bills in order to get an idea of changes that need to be made in that category.

It's great to see that Fort Wayne government is putting forth the effort to get resident to involve themselves in alternative transportation methods- like walking.

The Treadmill is at the YMCA

I was going crazy during the summer. I exercised at least 4-5 times a week, was eating all the right foods (well, mostly) and was running after my grandsons. This started to work on my weight loss challenge and then---

Fall came in Indiana- and,

I went back to school where I had to sit and drive and park, and sunny days became few, and I lost my motivation.

Now, I would say in the last two weeks I have probably been to the gym three times. Nowhere near the amount of exercise I was pumping less than two months ago.

Perhaps, I need to try some slimming pills

Olympia Snow Just Said NO!

As I approach my golden years I have to say that there is nothing that is more aggravating than the constant health care debate that has taken place in this country for the past 40-odd years.

Beginning with Teddy Roosevelt, shortstopped by Truman, given oxygen by LBJ, and then zipped with a razor by the Clinton's our health care debate in this country is a symbol of capitalism gone bad.

So, when you heard Olympia Snow of Maine just say no to a public option no matter what kind of opt out was included what you really heard was the Republican Party and big business (the health insurance business) just say no to good, quality health care for all Americans, not just those who have golden pockets.

College Desks Not Made for Adults

When I decided to go back to school on-campus out at IPFW I had no idea what I was in for. I had accomplished the majority of my second degree online and was advised by many people who were supposed to be in the know that it would help me to go on campus to learn math.

Nothing could be further from the truth.

First of all, the gas that is wasted going back and forth to class is ridiculous- the extra money that is spent taking an online course is easily made up in the gas expense.

The parking at IPFW has long been a joke, and now it is preposterous with never enough places to park and crazy drivers in force.

So, just getting to the class is a challenge- and then:

Inside the classroom, the desks are reminiscent of preschool furniture. There is not enough room for all the students and never enough room for your books and learning supplies. And, frankly, the distraction of listening to a bunch of fellow students giggle about their latest text message is not conducive to better learning.

Me, next semester, I am back online!