Sunday, November 23, 2008
The benefits of climate change...
I took this photo an hour ago - while paddling in a calm lake. It was cold out but not that cold. Usually by now we've had a good taste of winter. This fall, we've had many warm, sunny and gorgeous days.
The climate change in our micro area is that winter arrives later, has a great deal of snow, then departs earlier in the spring... and we have drier summers.
The bad news: more spring floods and more summer fires (and eco changes we're still understanding).
The good news: well, just look at the photo! And dry hot summers are not too hard to take.
Here's a link to a report that I was hired to produce - it shows the trends in the Columbia Basin in a whole range of ways. (Whoops, somehow I slipped from enjoying the beauty back into work... )
What's it like where you are?
The climate change in our micro area is that winter arrives later, has a great deal of snow, then departs earlier in the spring... and we have drier summers.
The bad news: more spring floods and more summer fires (and eco changes we're still understanding).
The good news: well, just look at the photo! And dry hot summers are not too hard to take.
Here's a link to a report that I was hired to produce - it shows the trends in the Columbia Basin in a whole range of ways. (Whoops, somehow I slipped from enjoying the beauty back into work... )
What's it like where you are?
Monday, November 17, 2008
The NY Times we need to see...
This is based on an elaborate spoof, yet is so inspiring that I think I need a pot of coffee and a few hours to explore it further. Have a peek and have fun. (The video pages is worth a look...)
NY Times - July 4, 2009
What do you think?
NY Times - July 4, 2009
What do you think?
Saturday, November 08, 2008
We can transcend...we can cross bridges...
I'm at a conference in Montreal - one of the keynote speakers was the CEO of the Africa Trust - a foundation doing some amazing work on that continent. When asked what he thought of President (elect) Obama's victory, he quoted a cab driver in Senegal on Wednesday morning: "He is Africa's gift to America ... and America's gift to the world." I like that.
For those who think 'hope' and 'change' and 'unity' are concepts short on tangible benefits. Think again. We've had enough of the market driving change, of cynicism and fear smothering hope and enough of separation through diversity. It has to start with what we believe. I think we're fortunate that Barack Obama may provide both - the vision... and the action.
Oh yeah, I almost forgot: "YIPPEE!!!"
Sunday, November 02, 2008
Some pre-voting fun
I'm back for a visit - literally, as in I'm in my own bed for a change and also to post something on my blog. Next week I'm in Montreal, for an interesting conference and an even more interesting rendezvous with my friend Anna. I love Montreal, so it will be fun all around.
You American cousins must be excited (and nervous) just now. It's so close to the election and there are so many indications that Barack Obama will be the next President and will lead a strong Democratic government. Yet, there has to be that little bit of doubt, worry about fickle voters, skewed polls and of course, the famous vote-stealing machinery here and there.
In case anyone wonders, the rest of the world would elect him by a landslide. There is only one country in the world where it's even close ... the U.S. Look at this summary of polls to see the international preferences. It's not simply a preference either... people around the world believe this is an extremely important elections - for all of us. I believe so too.
On a lighter note (well, unless you're really afraid McCain/Palin might win this week - in which case it may not be as funny) ... take a look at Sarah in the Oval Office - click wherever the cursor lets you and have some fun. (Some things can be clicked on several times...)
You American cousins must be excited (and nervous) just now. It's so close to the election and there are so many indications that Barack Obama will be the next President and will lead a strong Democratic government. Yet, there has to be that little bit of doubt, worry about fickle voters, skewed polls and of course, the famous vote-stealing machinery here and there.
In case anyone wonders, the rest of the world would elect him by a landslide. There is only one country in the world where it's even close ... the U.S. Look at this summary of polls to see the international preferences. It's not simply a preference either... people around the world believe this is an extremely important elections - for all of us. I believe so too.
On a lighter note (well, unless you're really afraid McCain/Palin might win this week - in which case it may not be as funny) ... take a look at Sarah in the Oval Office - click wherever the cursor lets you and have some fun. (Some things can be clicked on several times...)
