Time for new wheel(s)?

As you car owners out there are probably well aware, oil prices ascended to $100 a barrel this week. Now that the market has spoken, I guess its time for us to crack open our wallets and obey. Lucky for me, a Honda is still (and always will be) cheaper to fill up than a Hummer.

But there’s something out there that’s even cheaper. I found out about the vehicle in the photo–I call it a “walk in the park”–a few years ago.  Sure it has some downsides, but they’re probably all worth taking a park with you wherever you go.  Added benefits include exercise and vanished gas bills! (Your grocery bill, however, might go up.  But who doesn’t like a good meal?  Plus, I know where you can go for a picnic).

With oil prices (and obesity) constantly on the rise, a “walk in the park” looks better all the time.  Only now am I giving serious thought to ditching the (gas) pedal for the (grass) petal and perpetually strolling along a luscious green path to health and happiness.

Its the closest thing I can find to walking on sunshine. I bet it feels good.

Let’s have an Un-American Christmas…

Ok Folks…

Let’s think about Christmas for just a second. Most Americans head to Wal-Mart in the masses to buy junk in bulk for family and friends – stuff that inevitably ends up sitting in the attic, closet, or junkyard. This is the age of quantity over quality. The time of advertising, over-consumption, and general ridiculousness.

It doesn’t take an over-sized intellect to realize that the American economy is morally questionable at best. The impact our consumption patterns have on the environment, the less-fortunate members of the human race, and even our own well-being has been well-documented. Trust me.

I won’t go on a long diatribe for my first post – but all cynicism aside, please reconsider your gift ideas and the way you spend your time, money, and mental energy. There really are healthier, happier, and morally upright ways to enjoy the holidays. Merry Christmas!

-The Grinch.

The saddest thing I have ever heard…

By circletimessquare in Science:

For the last 12 years, a single solitary whale whose vocalizations match no known living species has been tracked across the Northeast Pacific. Its wanderings match no known migratory patterns of any living whale species. Its vocalizations have also subtly deepened over the years, indicating that the whale is maturing and ageing. And, during the entire 12 year span that it has been tracked, it has been calling out for contact from others of its own kind.

It has received no answer. Nor will it ever. [That last statement is a little harsh. Way to squelch all hope.]

If you want to listen to his cry… [Totally creepy, but awesome at the same time]

or if you want to read more…

Energy Bill Passes the House (235-181)!

And we thought they weren’t working. Just minutes ago, the House of Representatives passed a landmark bill that takes a few steps toward promoting clean, renewable energy.

The House Energy Bill contained several important provisions. Chief among them, however, were the renewable energy standard, which requires utilities to provide 15% of their electricity from clean, renewable sources by 2020, and an increase in CAFE (fuel economy) standards to 35 mpg. This is the first increase in fuel economy standards in my lifetime!

To see how your Representative voted, click here.

A strong energy bill is an important first step in helping us to reduce carbon dioxide emissions 80% by 2050, which is what scientists say we need to do to avert the worst of global warming.  This bill is expected to save us all money at the pump (by increasing fuel economy) and creating new jobs by promoting the development of clean, renewable electricity sources.

Up next: the Senate will vote on this bill in a few weeks. Then (if it passes the Senate), on to the President, who will definitely veto the bill. Isn’t politics fun, ya’ll?

Meet Global Warming Guy!