You’ve probably seen chatter going back and forth in the news about Obama’s new effort to jump start the economy. His stimulus package, formally called the “American Recovery and Reinvestment” Plan, aims to infuse over $500 billion into the economy as well as keep more cash in our pockets by cutting taxes. I most certainly [...]
Archive > January 2009
What is a Watt Worth?
I was flipping through my bills the other day when I paused to look over my electric bill. With all of this talk about energy, I realized that I didn’t know much about my own personal energy use.
I know how much I pay each month to Pacific Gas & Electric, but how much energy do [...]
Keep a Cool Head with a Living Roof
So far, I’ve written mostly about nifty new ways to create energy. But the supply side is just one half of the equation. The other side is the increasing demand for energy.
While great steps are being made to find new and cleaner sources of energy all around us, the exponential use of power necessitated by [...]
Natural Art in the Presidio
I grabbed my dog Lucy during a break in the rain the other day and headed out for our favorite city hike through the Presidio. I was crossing the road to one of the best parts when I noticed two things: 1) there were loads of people milling about, and 2) there was something large [...]
Cheeseburger, Pond Scum & a Side of Diesel
When you think of biodiesel (and I know you do), you probably think of a converted VW van with a 50 year old pony-tailed man leaving behind a pungent aroma of french fries. And while folks on the fringe have definitely been the vanguards of the movement, I’ve been seeing more and more biodiesel stories [...]
The Power of Poop
Today we’re going to talk about poop. Well, not just poop. I’ll also touch on rotting garbage and burps as well! Fasten your belts.
What do these three things have in common other than noxious smells and impolite company? They’re all emitters of methane gas. When folks talk about global warming, they typically talk about reducing [...]
Why Should We Care About Coal?
For me, the word “coal” conjures up images of hardened, black-faced men shoveling lumps into an ancient steam engine. Or perhaps corseted ladies in turn-of-the century England dusting black dust from their hems. “Why would we even talk about coal today?” I asked, “Who USES the stuff anymore? Didn’t we outgrow that along with [...]
I (heart) Roku
If Netflix were a man, I’d marry him. Seriously. Everything about this company is great! I went home at Christmas, and decided to switch my mailing address for a month - no problem. zip.zip. online and voila - all of the DVD’s start coming to my mom’s house. I got a new credit card. zip.zip. [...]
Posh Nosh
Thanks to my friend Tom for turning me onto this hilarious BBC cooking spoof. This episode is, I think, apropos for yours truly!
Going Green, one Gratin at a Time
I received my bi-weekly delivery of organic, locally-farmed veggies yesterday, and once again got an armload of leafy greens. Kale, Chard, and, if you can believe it, Collard Greens! Keep in mind that I’m a single gal already trying to work my way through the compostable materials that I’m foolhardy enough to buy and think [...]
