"Day of Manners."

Four times per year, our school embraces a “Day of Manners” when our students dress up in their “Dress Uniform” and where my seventh and eighth graders in particular review or learn proper etiquette. Our students are fortunate to have the guidance of our guest expert, Mrs. Marsh, previously an etiquette coach on the popular series Bridezilla, who covers topics such as how to make a good first impression, dining etiquette, and today how to initiate and partake in polite conversation. Mrs. Marsh, in addition to holding the rapt attention of thirty thirteen-year-olds, spoke eloquently about the simple ways we can improve our etiquette. I enjoy these quarterly reminders of what is expected of us all by our elders. I thought I’d share some of the common courtesies that we’d all appreciate experiencing on a daily basis that I know we often forget. (Complied by myself and my colleagues at lunch today.)

“Good manners open doors that the best education cannot.” –Clarence Thomas.

Cell Phone courtesies ‘Don’ts’:
1. Don’t text and drive: keep your phone in the trunk if you are guilty.
2. Don’t text (or use a phone) at an event, or movie theater, church, etc...
3. Don’t have a private conversation in a public place.
4. Don’t use a phone while having a conversation with someone else.
5. Don’t use a phone while standing in line for anything.

Driving courtesies we should remember:
1. Please use your turn signal (blinker).
2. Refrain from “cutting people off”.
3. Refrain from driving slowly in the left lane of the highway.
4. Refrain from “rubbernecking”(slowing down to look at an accident).
5. Refrain from tailgating.
6. Refrain from using a cell phone at all while driving.
7. Refrain from using headphones while driving (this is illegal).
8. Driving aggressively. (Weaving through lanes, speeding 20+ mph over speed limit).

Workplace Etiquette: There’s a great list of office etiquette here… 
1. Don’t take other people’s food/stuff.
2. Replace whatever you borrow.
3. Keep the toxic language rants to yourself.
4. Leave the space the way you found it.
5. Hitting "Reply All" to show off your amazing opinion: no one cares.

General Etiquette:
1. Knock on the door before you come into a room.
2. Don’t block an entryway, or hallway during a conversation.
3. Hold the door for someone behind you.
               View more proper mannerisms here…

“When a man points a finger at someone else,

he should remember that four of his fingers are pointing at himself.”

–Louis Nizer

So, I think we all have some work to do, myself included: but I think it’s important to relearn and remind ourselves about the difference between animals and humans: good manners.

Comments? Feedback? Post below! (No login required anymore.)

A Toast to Edgar Allen Poe

I remember following with enthusiasm the annual ritual surrounding the birthday of Edgar Allen Poe, admiring the annual tradition of the mysterious figure who would leave roses and a half a bottle of cognac at Poe's grave, for over seventy years. I can appreciate such a feat of a tradition in modern times, a tradition which began in the 1940's. It is a tradition so romantic and mysterious, I imagine every writer aspires to have such a devotion of followers, as Poe had.

It was with sadness that I encountered this article this afternoon: where it appears for the second year in a row, that the mysterious grave visitor has been missed again. From speculations of the death of the visitor or to a retirement of the tradition last year, being the 200th birthday of Poe being the end-all reason, it seems a beloved American tradition has lapsed after an impressive seventy years. In the spirit of Poe's own stories, I am left sitting here thoughful, melancholoy and wondering about my own worth to society.

"It is by no means an irrational fancy that, in a future existence,

we shall look upon what we think our present existence, as a dream."

-Edgar Allen Poe 



"The Supervolcano Survival Plan," by Aimee.

UPDATE: (1/30/2011) SEE VIDEO BELOW:

Due largely in part to the surprising popularity of my article "How to Survive an Ice Age" I have decided to extend this series of Apocalypse Survival Guide articles. Tonight's topic? "How to survive a super-volcano eruption."

As you probably already know, Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming, USA, is home to a "Volcanic Caldera" (a volcanic depression where previously magma existed, but after being expelled in the last eruption, has now been filled in with the mountain that was above.) The Yellowstone Caldera extends 34x35 miles into parts of Eastern Idaho and the last time it erupted it covered Washington, Oregon, Nevada, California, Idaho and Wyoming with lava and three quarters of the rest of our country in ash.

Is there a legitimate reason to be worried about the Yellowstone Caldera Super-volcano? I've done some research on the subject:  "Here's what we know. Back in 1995 satellite images began to show that the Yellowstone Caldera was rising. This was mostly likely due to a backup of molten rock miles below the surface. The good news is that the majority of the caldera sank again in 1997. However, the north rim continued to rise until 2003, and with it several geysers awoke along with holes emitting gas and steam. Once the rise stopped (in 2003) so did the majority of the strange activity."1

So, the chances are slim in the immediate future, but no one wants to make that call, and then be proven wrong. So the best thing we can do is to consider the eruption scenario, and the devastation that might be caused, and try to plan accordingly:

1. There is a possibility that the ash from the eruption could block out the sun's rays and kill a great deal (or all) plant life on our continent or the world. (If this happens please refer to the "Ice Age Survival Guide.")
 2. Anyone within 100km of the volcano would die from the explosion. 
 3. Three quarters (or more) of the U.S. could be under ash. This is bad because ash (super fine rock and mineral particles) are bad for pretty much everything: breathing, cars, electronics, plants, etc... Ash is abrasive to the eyes and can cement together and shut down your airways. (So add goggles and a gas/dust mask to your packing list, in addition to ziplock baggies for your electronics.)
 4. Migrate towards a part of the country that hasn't been covered in ash. This is fun! You can come here to Florida and chill with me.

The Super-Volcano Survival Guide Packing List:
-Gas/dust mask 
-goggles
-hiking boots (your car might break down in ash laden areas)
-maps
 -compass or GPS
-ziplocks for all electronic gear
-back pack
-first aid kit
-cleaning supplies (for gear/body)
-cash (in case the credit card systems are down nationwide)
-radio with batteries
-flashlight with batteries
-Did I miss anything? Comment below.

 Sources:
1. http://www.secretsofsurvival.com/survival/yellowstone_supervolcano.html

Generation Y: No McMansions for Millennials

...Not that we could afford them! According to a new article from The Wall Street Journal, Millennials are favoring the urban or urban-connected suburbs and are avoiding housing developments. Might I say it? Are millennials slimming down from even the American average 3BR/3Bath? The article raises some interesting points: "Here's what Generation Y doesn't want: formal living rooms, soaker bathtubs, dependence on a car."

Being in the middle of this generation, and at the precipice of buying a house in the next 2-4 years, I've spent a lot of time weighing size and utility of my dream house. With IKEA's strategies for organizing small spaces, I'm hoping our generation can be a generation of moderation and efficiency. Ever since I saw the floor layout plans of Lowe's Katrina Cottages (small units easily assembled, created in response to Hurricane Katrina for the Gulf Coast) I've imagined a 700-1100 square foot "Key West" style bungalow with cubbies and closets and cabinets everywhere. The bed lofted over a desk "college style." Simplicity and efficiency. However, my husband, in love with the Spanish Villa style prefers the 2200 square foot, second story open balcony over a courtyard style inner floor, with a three car (or more) garage. While the Villa obviously would match the stuccoed plaster and concrete houses of the Floridian lifestyle, I challenge him at every point over why on earth we would need so much space. (He blames the need for two floors of space on my cats. Point of contention.) I think our generation will be one of lofty whims and budgeted moderation, new electronics and utilities and energy efficiency. Although, I agree with WSJ, "The Great Recession and its effects on young people's wages will affect how much home they can buy or rent for years to come."

Apple Inc: The New Mac App Store

Because 42% of my readers use Safari as an Internet Browser (Firefox-24% and Int. Explorer- 20%) and 37% of my readers use Mac Operating Systems (54%-Windows), I thought some of you might appreciate an overview of the new Mac App store:

With a layout similar to iTunes, it's easy to navigate the "Top Free," "Top Paid," and "Top Grossing" right column lists, easy to search "Staff Favorites," "New & Noteworthy" and "What's Hot." Amongst these apps, be prepared for a software sticker price much above the $1.29 songs on iTunes. I've checked out some of what I think might be the most personable or useful apps: from Religious calendars, to Yoga positions, arcade games to GPS, finance to weight trackers, and language translators, it seems there's something useful for everyone.

1. Mémoires ($14.99) : an easy way to keep a journal on a Mac. Uses "Quick Draw" for your own sketches, writes like Text Editor, and integrates photos into entries easily. Cons: Expensive, easily replicated in Microsoft Word. Pros: Organizes posts easily. VERDICT: PASS.

2. Solitaire Greatest Hits (FREE): Looks just like the old Solitaire on Windows. 14 Solitaire card games for free, what's not to like? VERDICT: DOWNLOAD FOR FREE!

3. iPhoto '11 ($14.99): Worth buying for the update. Needs OS X to run. (Sorry Windows). The best photo editing/organizing software on the market. Very affordable. VERDICT: BUY.


4. iHomework ($2.99): For my middle/high school/college/Grad school readers: a great way to organize your homework assignments (in case you lost your planner) which can be run on your Mac, iPhone, iPad or iPod Touch! VERDICT: BUY.

5. Relax ($.99): Includes 80+ minutes of melody based relaxation programs and advice. VERDICT: Buy it if you don't have a "Relaxation" playlist on iTunes.

6. FaceTop ($.99): Downloads photos and entire albums of pictures from your facebook friends. Good if you have lots of family with pics online that you'd like to save/store. VERDICT: Buy if you have grandkids.


7. Vault ($8.99): Store files privately and securely. Password-protected and encrypted folders. VERDICT: Buy if you work for the FBI or Michael Weston, or if you're Dexter Morgan.


8. OldBooth ($4.99) : Upload your own photos to see what you'd look like in another era! Over 100 masks to play with. Rave reviews. VERDICT: Buy if you like to play around with Faceinhole.com.


9.  Ancestry.com's "Family Tree Maker for Mac" ($99.99): Incorporates documents, photos, audio & video into a intuitively organized family tree maker. BUY: If you're the family genealogist.


10. Desktop Poems (FREE): Think "Magnetic Poetry" for your desktop. Moveable words for the creatively inclined. BUY: If you're right brained. (Don't even bother if you're left brained, it can get messy easily.)

Road Trip 2011: Aimee & Rachel head out across America!

So Rachel and I have been planning a Cross-Country road trip since last November, and I've decided to share the route with the world, in case you have a traveling America story to share or know of a great place to stop, see and or eat! We begin the first week of June from Tampa and head out towards Seattle, WA on I-10 across the South: hitting New Orleans, Houston and Austin, TX, then up to Amarillo, TX and to Parker (Denver), CO, to the Grand Tetons and Yellowstone National Park, then a straight haul to Seattle and Forks, WA, a visit in southern WA, then we return to Tampa via Salt Lake City, UT straight across to Nashville, TN and then south to Tampa on I-75. We've planned 14-18 days for this trip. We plan to visit: Jake, Marina, Aunt Becca & Uncle Norman in Texas, Jess & Michael in Colorado, Uncle Doug in WA, and Alyssa & Tyler in Salt Lake City. Let me know what you think!


View Road Trip 2010 in a larger map

My top-ten "tried and true" de-tox foods & beverages:

In the sprit of the New Year, I'd like to share my top-ten detoxifying foods and beverages with the blogosphere:

1. Bolthouse's "Green Goodness" fruit/veggie smoothie: Tastes like kiwi, but with all of the veggies you need.


2. Think Thin bars:
 A great breakfast protein bar, with 0 sugar and delicious varieties, my favorites being: Chocolate covered Strawberries, Think Thin Crunch: chocolate covered nuts, and Think Green (a superfood bar).

3. Peter Rabbit's Orange, Mango and Banana Fruit Puree: Sold at Starbucks, these Puree Pouches aren't just for kids! A delicious and organic "pick me up" and a great alternative to a carb-loaded bakery item.

4. Yogi's Peach DeTox Tea: I've tried many DeTox teas. (Traditional Medicinal's "EveryDay Detox", Organic India's "Tulsi Tea") which all have the "peppery" taste of too many bitter herbal add-ins, but the best one I've found so far is Yogi's peach, which neutralizes the healing effects with the soothing and calm taste of peach.


5.  Kale Chips: Roast washed/dried kale at 400 degrees for about 8 minutes or until crispy (but before it gets burned.) Roast on tin foil with a bit of drizzled olive oil and sea salt. Besides the benefits of kale, these kale chips are amazing.

6. The Pomegranate: the best football snack you never knew about! Because it takes forever to eat a pomegranate, these super antioxidant fruits have become a football game staple for me, keeping me too busy to indulge in the traditional junk food fare.

7. Baby Spinach Salad: Let's face it. Blueberries, blackberries and raspberries can get so expensive. Another way to get a nutrient-rich superfood is to buy spinach. The easiest way to eat it? In a salad. The "Baby Spinach" variety makes for a delicious salad leaf, which I spice up with Makoto's Honey Ginger or Ginger salad dressings, and pecans or walnuts or almonds. While the benefits of spinach are also many,  once you start eating my spinach salad you'll be salivating over the thought of another one for weeks!

8. Carrot Juice, give it another try! Most people turn up their noses to carrot juice at some decades-old memory of a revolting sip. It's time to be brave and try it again! It did take some getting used to (mainly diluting with fresh apple juice) but you'll start craving it after you start drinking this again. (Your body, the traitor, knows what's good for it and will rebel against your brain's memories, haha.)

9. Green tea. Usually, mid-February when I've exhausted all Dunkin' Donut's coffee flavors, and gained 5 lbs from Starbucks' calorie-laden beverages I find it's time for a caffeine switch. I recommend the Jasemine Green Tea flavored varieties because they taste like heaven. Four or five house mugs (or 2-3 "travelers tall mug size") will keep you caffeinated and cleansed: as green tea washes the toxins out of your body and provides antioxidants.

On a budget? I recommend: Numi's Jasmine Green tea. Tea Connoisseur? Splurge on Teavana's Jasmine Dragon Phoenix Pearls at $6.00/oz.

10. Seeds & Nuts. Normally people choose a bean type- but let's face it. Some of us (0- blood types) can't process beans on account of the fact that we're hunter-gatherers. So seeds and nuts can do the same trick in a delicious snack way! My favorite detox nut is the almond (in moderation) but pumpkin seeds, pine nuts, pecans, walnuts, and sunflower seeds can be just as good! Watch the salt and preparation method.

Sleep-Deprived/Red Bull induced Headaches

I thought I'd do some research today on the after effects of Red Bull. (As I sit here with a pounding headache.)

According to a study at Men's Fitness, scientists at the Institute of Sports Medecine in Germany found that Red Bull boosted brain performance and physical performance: if you time ingestion of a can to thirty minutes (for the caffeine to kick in) before exercise. "The [Taurine in the] drink strengthened heart contractions and increased stroke volume, which is the amount of blood, oxygen and nutrients the heart can pump to the working muscles, a major determinant of how long you can keep on going and going and going." Never mind the crash later that comes with the 5-tbs of sugar in the original can.

However, I am skeptical of the health benefits connected to this beverage, especially when used by teens or with alcohol. The scary findings of Australian medical scientists in one study reveal even more for one to worry about. As reported by Rob Taylor, this article discusses the abnormal effects on the blood, making it "stickier" likened to a patient with cardiovascular disease, which leads to increased risk of heart attack or stroke. 

Other interesting facts: 

-Red Bull has actually been previously banned in France, Norway, Uruguay and Denmark and 11/16 states of Germany. (Although the bans have been overturned in France on legal grounds, and in Norway and Denmark as well.)

-Even Red Bull suggests limiting intake to two cans (or less) per day.

-In 2009, there were trace elements of cocaine discovered in batches of cans being shipped into Taiwan from Austria.

The Verdict: The risks outweigh the benefits. Obviously large quantities of this beverage can cause severe heath problems and even death. While most of the ingredients in Red Bull are unhealthy for a human body, people, including myself, will continue to use this product, (hopefully only infrequently) for the benefits of staying alert and energized. Having spent two weeks in hell two years ago detoxing from a Sugar Free Red Bull addiction, I still shudder to think about drinking that bitter, carbonated liquid, and my current headache from withdrawal keeps me convinced that it will be a while before I'll be drinking this drink again...

Teenage Wisdom

So: I'm sitting at 1:15 A.M. with seven teenage girls and my best friend Rachel (also a teacher) in the computer room at our school at a Girl's Overnight Leadership Development event and I've asked the girls to share some things with you.

Abby: "When in doubt, just chuck it!"
Ali: "I believe that 'YES' is the only thing." (quoting e e cummings)
Alexis: "Love everyone."
Talia: "Violence might be the answer." (Ms. Nadow: "WHAT?!") Talia: "People always say violence isn't the answer except for the two times in your life that it is the answer."
Jenna: "Hold on."
Kelley: "Be yourself and follow your heart."
Maria: "Boys are dumb."
Rachel: (under her breath) "Beer is proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy." (quoting Benjamin Franklin)

Thought you'd enjoy these!

"10 Simple Truths Smart People Forget" by Marc.

"10 Simple Truths Smart People Forget. " An article by Marc of marcandangel.com.

Some of the smartest people I know continuously struggle to get ahead because they forget to address a few simple truths that collectively govern our potential to make progress.  So here’s a quick reminder:

#1 – Education and intelligence accomplish nothing without action.

It doesn’t matter if you have a genius IQ and a PhD in Quantum Physics, you can’t change anything or make any sort of real-world progress without taking action.  There’s a huge difference between knowing how to do something and actually doing it.  Knowledge and intelligence are both useless without action.  It’s as simple as that.  For some practical guidance on taking action, I highly recommend The Now Habit.

#2 – Happiness and success are two different things.

I know an extremely savvy businesswoman who made almost a million dollars online last year. Every entrepreneur I know considers her to be wildly successful.  But guess what?  A few days ago, out of the blue, she told me that she’s depressed.  Why?  “I’m burnt out and lonely.  I just haven’t taken enough time for myself lately,” she said.  “Wow!” I thought.  “One of the most successful people I know isn’t happy.”

I also know a surfer who surfs almost all day, every day on the beach in front of our condo complex in San Diego.  He’s one of the most lighthearted, optimistic guys I’ve ever met – always smiling from ear to ear.  But he sleeps in a van he co-owns with another surfer and they both frequently panhandle tourists for money.  So while I can’t deny that this man seems happy, I wouldn’t classify his life as a success story.

“What will make me happy?” and “What will make me successful?” are two of the most important questions you can ask yourself.  But they are two different questions.

#3 – Everyone runs their own business.

No matter how you make a living or who you think you work for, you only work for one person, yourself.  The big question is:  What are you selling, and to whom?  Even when you have a full-time, salaried, ‘Corporate America’ position, you are still running your own business.  You are selling one unit of your existence (an hour of your life) at a set price (the associated fraction of your salary) to a customer (your employer).

So how can you simultaneously save your time and increase your profit?  The answer is slightly different for everyone.  But it’s an answer you should be seeking.  The 4-Hour Workweek is a good read on this topic.

Read the rest here...

60 Ways to Make Life Simple Again...

I stumbled across this article tonight: "60 Ways to Make Life Simple Again," by Marc.  There is a plethora of wisdom here, as well as a "Hot Posts" list of other awesome articles on the right hand side of the page. This will keep me busy for a few days! :)

Detroit's Road to Recovery, 2011

Update: 1/26/2011: Yahoo just published the "Top Cars for Generation Y," today...

After my depressingly malevolent forecast about the narcissistic tendencies of (my) Generation Y earlier, I've decided to fight back against the stereotypes building in the murky waters of a post-Recession America by finding some proof that we're not just selfish pleasure seekers. There is hope for us yet! Let's take a look at Generation Y's influence on the recovery of the Auto Industry. In the words from PRNewswire's article published today from Detroit: "When it comes to brand loyalty Generation Y will make automotive manufacturer's work for it, [their loyalty] from design all the way through the sale." So, in addition to wanting greener, meaner, modern cars for the 21st century: we will demand better customer service, sales and repairs. This might seem like a pretty demanding challenge, but I see great success with cars such as the "Top Ten Best Selling Cars and Trucks" in America of 2010. I should note that Japan sold 316,000 Prius' in its home market last year (the top selling car in Japan last year). Also interesting to note are the cars that died this year, including the Ford Explorer, the PT Crusier, AND best of all: the hideously ugly Honda Element (finally...see picture below).


And how's this for savvy?

"Compared to Gen X and baby boomers, Gen Y consumers are most likely to influence others, but are also susceptible to being influenced by their peers. Roughly 70 percent of the Gen Y respondents said they're likely to sway a friend's vehicle purchase; only 60 percent of Gen X and 50 percent of baby boomers claimed the same. In particular, Gen Y has a large amount of influence over their parents – slightly more than 61 percent say they directly influence their parents final purchase decision. On the flip side, 88.7 percent ask friends for their opinions about a brand or model before buying a car, and 79.6 percent of these respondents say that their friends have a big influence on their purchase decision as well. Deloitte's survey found that Gen Y consumers are very influential overall and will actively promote a brand, even if they don't buy the car."

As the pickiest and most demanding market: American Automakers will need to cast aside previous products in favor of technological innovation, cost, mpg, power and design. Or, as my husband puts it so eloquently: "Get some ******* engineers in there to design some **** and get rid of these ****** accountants that just want to make cheap cars. Enough of the boring ****...I'm looking at you Toyota...bring back the Supra!"

Check out the article summarizing the survey by Michigan State of Baby Boomers, Generation X and Y and the Auto Industry here: U.S. Auto Industry Continues on the Road to Recovery with Generation Y Firmly in the Driver's Seat: Deloitte Survey.

A Challenge to Generation Y:

I read this article with horror the other day, created by two women as a special to CNN: "4 Online Services to Satisfy Your Vanity." (Although I was more interested in how these women FELT about these superfluous and conceited services.)

I won't waste your time reviewing them here. I would just like to challenge my Generation to report on some more selfless and inspiring products, such as: Seventh Generation.

"How to Survive an Ice Age." by Aimee.

“How to Survive an Ice Age.” By Aimee.

With 2012 approaching, my slightly comical yet morbid "Apocalyptic Betting Book" is open:

1:2 The next ICE AGE (Greenland or North Pole melt, ocean belts stop, deep freeze in 8 years or less.)
1:3 A Monster Plague. H1-N2 anyone?
1:4 Super volcanoes erupt, blocking out the sun, killing everything.
1:5 Nuclear Holocaust.
1:6 A combination of any of 1-10.
1:7 Mutant/Zombie/Robot Invasion.
1:8 Deep Fried Earth: The Greenhouse Effect.
1:9 Alien Invasion. (I am still shuddering from Signs.)
1:10 A Doomsday Asteriod or Comet. (Sorry Bruce Willis- not this time.)

With the next ICE AGE leading the pack of possibilities: I’ve decided to create a “Packing List” of gear that will help one survive being buried under a mile or so of snow. Firstly, I’m assuming the next ice age will come upon us gradually, over the course of eight or so years, as the ocean conveyor belts shut down much sooner than its counterpart “the Greenhouse effect” can totally deep fry us. I’m going to call the 8-year (or so) period between anything the size of Rhode Island melting and mile-deep our “Grace period.” With eight years to plan, we should get started soon!

1. Base & Outer Clothing: I would recommend the First Ascent brand from Eddie Bauer as this was the first gear to be worn by an American up Mt. Everest (and since that's where we'll be heading for altitude) for base layers, and down layers. There are better "Everest Gear Lists" here... and here...

2. Shelter: It's important to have mobile shelter: so I'd recommend an expedition tent that can be packed easily. Save your pennies, North Face's Expedition Tent costs a cool $5,000.00.

3. Transportation: After perusing an Alaskan blog about the best types of truck for extreme colds, I've narrowed my selection down to trucks, yes, and most likely a F-350 Dually. Since my Aunt and Uncle have one in Austin, TX and it can pull a 10-horse trailer, I'm heading there as soon as I get the word about melting ice in the north pole.

4. Destination: South of the Border? Will it matter? Most of the population will be heading to the equator, so I'd rather head to the upper elevations of the Rockies and make a safe house, with lots of food storage at higher elevations. (2.5 miles above sea level.)

Thoughts?

Jay: Don't forget: vitamins to barter, and birth control, leather working tools.

Sea Colonization...

Saw this awesome article on Dennis Chamberlain, who is starting to colonize the sea with human underwater living habitats in Key Largo! Sign me up!
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The Sovereignity of Google

Good morning Blogosphere. Today's topic? The "sovereignity" of Google, up for debate. I've been a enjoying a Facebook Debate on my wall over this post:

Aimée M Nadow: What an english teacher thinks is interesting: 'grey' (2M hits on google) VS. 'gray' (1.7M hits). GREY wins. Dan, Sean, and Christy like this. 

• Eric Did Grey win because of the Grey's Anatomy or Earl Grey tea?  
•  
  

  Christy but at the same time... i have always wondered which spelling people use more... i just never thought to google it!
•  
  

  Sarah1 Hum, Eric, you are on to something..Were the numbers really reflective of people looking up how to spell the word? Ew..I am thinking about variations and reasons for standard deviation and probability...And I don't even teach MATH!
•  
  

  Sarah2 Yes!!! I've always prefered grey!

So there we go, this raises some questions to ponder! Is it now standard to "trust" Google, because of its speed, even when clearly it is not a primary source? What does that say about our society and our willingness to trade accuracy for speed? What DO the numbers reflect? INTERESTING...

UPDATED: 1/12: 8:54 P.M:

• Jay What about the colorful side of gray/grey? I never saw battleship grey, and Lady Jane Grey would never do in English Lit, and as I type this, my spell check says grey is misspelled. Clearly it is not a black or white issue, but in a very grey/gray area.
• 
  

  Jason  well not to sound like the tech guy, but........why dont you do a boolean search and search for [grey NOT"grey's anatomy" NOT "Earl Grey Tea"] and see if that changes the search. This was a lesson I used to teach in boolean searches. The numbers can change, but not sure if the subject of Grey/Gray will change all that much.
  

FUEL trailer

Fuel: The Film.  "Eleven years in the making, FUEL is the in-depth personal journey of filmmaker and eco-evangelist Josh Tickell, who takes us on a hip, fast-paced road trip into America’s dependence on foreign oil. Combining a history lesson of the US auto and petroleum industries and interviews with a wide range of policy makers, educators, and activists such as Woody Harrelson, Sheryl Crow, Neil Young and Willie Nelson. Animated by powerful graphics, FUEL looks into our future offering hope via a wide-range of renewable energy and bio-fuels. Winner of the Sundance Audience Award. " -www.thefuelfilm.com 

NYTimes Bestsellers from YOUR birthdate!

Click this link to see the book "bestsellers" from your birthday!


@tednesi: Thanks for the link, Ted! :)

What is this blog about? The clouds give greater prominence to words that appear more frequently in the source text.

Guerilla Gardening (I wish I had known about this when I was a kid!)

I read about this today on the environmental blogosphere and literally laughed out loud: GUERILLA GARDENING. This is where environmental activists throw handfuls of seeds and plant wildlife in ugly or vacant lots in order to "use the land" or make a space more aesthetically pleasing. I can just imagine my younger self, dressing up in full ninja stealth with my brother Nate, and replanting all of my dad's prize flora all over the neighborhood...

You can check it out here: http://www.theenvironmentalblog.org/2009/07/guerrilla-gardening/

The Better World Shopping Guide

The Better World Shopping Guide.

As an American, a teacher, and a consumer: I swear by this book. If you've ever wondered about the ethical business practices of companies in the USA and around the world, this is a must read. I gave them as gifts to a friend and Aunt who are concerned with buying from environmentally and socially responsible companies:

"The only comprehensive guide for socially and environmentally responsible consumers available, this book ranks every product on the shelf from A to F so you can quickly tell the “good guys” from the “bad guys” — turning your grocery list into a powerful tool to change the world. Representing over 15 years of distilled research, data is organized into the most common product categories including coffee, energy bars, computers, gasoline, clothing, banks, cars, water and more.

Also included is a summary of the essential information about particular product categories, profiles of the best and worst companies, practical buying tips and the most useful online resources available. Whether you believe in environmental sustainability, human rights, animal protection, community involvement or social justice, you'll want this book.

Small enough [4"x6"] to fit in a back pocket or small purse and organized in a shopping-friendly format, The Better World Shopping Guide will help you change the world as you shop! For just 10 bucks, how can you NOT get one?" -http://betterworldshopper.com/book.html

2011: New Pathways...

“The Road goes ever on and on down from the door where it began. Now far ahead the Road has gone, and I must follow, if I can, pursuing it with eager feet, until it joins some larger way where many paths and errands meet. And whither then? I cannot say.”

-J.R.R Tolkien

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                        -Ms. Nadow

Weekly CO2 Capture: A Blog about Inspirational articles/videos/media.

DVD feature: The Beautiful Truth Watch the trailer...

Hailing from a small town in Alaska, 15-year-old Garrett sets out to investigate the direct link between diet and disease, and in the process he learns about world's simplest cure for cancer. An inspirational journey of a boy who learns about the dangers of the toxic materials that surround us, THE BEAUTIFUL TRUTH, written and directed by Steve Kroschel.

Growing up on an Alaskan animal reserve, Garrett?s father recognized his son's interest in the dietary habits of their animals. After the accidental and tragic death of his mother, 15-year old Garrett began spiraling downward and fast. His father withdrew him from school to prevent him from flunking out, after which he was home-taught. His father assigned a book written by Dr. Max Gerson, which maintains that there is a direct link between diet and a cure for cancer. Fascinated and curious, Garrett embarks on a cross-country road trip to investigate the merits of the Gerson Therapy. He meets with scientists, doctors and cancer survivors who reveal how the multi-billion dollar medical industry has made it their mission to dismiss the notion of alternative and natural cures.

Garrett's travels introduce him to Dr. David Kennedy, the past president of the International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology and an expert on mercury in amalgam fillings; Dr. John Olney, a renowned neuroscientist, founder of the field of science known as "excitotoxicity" and leading researcher on the links between aspartame, MSG (monosodium glutamate) and brain cancer; and Dr. Hal Huggins, a former licensed dentist who now is a pioneer in identifying toxic dental materials, balancing body chemistry and exposing the dangers of fluoride.

As chronic disease rates soar in this country, THE BEAUTIFUL TRUTH shines a light on a little-known but a much-reviled (by the American Medical Association) cure for cancer known as Gerson Therapy. In 1928, Gerson, a German Jew, discovered a therapy based on eliminating toxins that are ingested from air, water and food by consuming an all natural diet that boosts the immune system. With its whole-body approach to healing, the Gerson Therapy cites over 200 articles in respected medical literature and scientific documentation about thousands of people cured of their "incurable" diseases through the therapy program over the last 60 years. Dr. Albert Schweitzer said of Gerson, "I see in Gerson one of the most eminent medical geniuses to ever walk among us." Despite the dismissal by the pharmaceutical and medical industries, the Gerson Therapy has proven to be effective and his legacy is carried on by his daughter Charlotte Gerson, who is also featured in the film.

This is the first feature length documentary for Director Kroschel, who is also an avalanche expert, wildlife expert, widowed father and a natural history filmmaker for over 20 years. Garrett, the young man featured in the film, is his son.

(From a press release. Please visit the website...)