Friday, July 27, 2007

Aquafina

Aquafina, one of the leading bottled water brands, is coming clean on their less then savory practices. It appears, as was reported today, that PepsiCo will begin printing on the label of the popular bottle, what it really is. Tap water. Yep. Tap water. I have a bottle in front of me right now, and it clearly states on the bottle, "Pure Water, Perfect taste, Purified drinking water". It appears, it is not pure, nor purified. Also appears that when enough bottles are emptied together, a stench begins to appear that rivals that of any compost pile.

And by no means is Coke and its popular Dasani let off the hook. They gather their water from public reservoirs as well. they report that they will post the quality process online in a month or so.

I see several lawsuits coming from this. It will be amazing if they survive this. I know I for one will not buy their water again. Nor am I likely to purchase any Pepsi products as my means of protest.

Thursday, July 26, 2007

Global warming

Wow, seems its always in the news. Some agree, some disagree but according to recent studies the earth has warmed up by a few degrees the last 100 years or so. Honestly, based on how careless we are with the environment, its a miracle we have a planet left. Is it part of a natural warming cycle? Is it due to the deforestation, pollution, and general disregard of the environment we have?

More then likely, it can be a combination of both. What then can be done to slow it down, stop it, or even possible reverse it?

As an individual, what can be accomplished is small, but as a nation, it can be huge. Little things that can be done to help the environment, conserve energy make a big difference in the big picture.

Lets start at home. Check your home, look at windows and doors. Do the seal properly? Do you have one or two windows cracked open while the AC is blasting? Close them! Seal the cracks around the window. If you need to get a new door or window, look around for energy saving ones. These seal better, and insulate better. Check your insulation. Is your home properly insulated? Temp control is another. If you don't already have a programmable thermostat, get one. Make sure when you are not home( if you have a normal work time) that you drop that temp down. No sense in the house staying 70 degrees all day while nobody is there. Drop it down to 76 or 80 even. Have it revert to your preferred temperature 30 minutes before you come home. Sign up for green power through your local utility. It may be a little more expensive, but you are still doing your part. Replace some light bulbs with more efficient light bulbs. Keep lights off in rooms you are not in. Plant some shade trees around your house.

What about the driving? Car pool when you can. As if gas prices are not incentives enough, carpooling is better for the environment. Keep you car tuned and up to date to reduce emissions as much as possible. When possible, roll down the window, take the convertible top down. Spare the AC on your car as much as you can. Take public transportation. Most public transportation uses some form of bio diesel, which is better for the environment.

Get involved with a group the helps the environment. Plant trees, take some time to go to a national park and see what we risk losing if things are not fixed. At your neighborhood home owners meeting, bring up the subject, get neighbors involved. Write your congressman and explain your concerns. Keep updated on legislation coming that address the issue. Be informed.

All we can do is our part at the moment. Until those in charge make sweeping fixes, or supply money for alternate fuel/energy, we the little people must lead by example.

Tuesday, July 24, 2007

Michael Vick: The disgrace

Absolutely pathetic. I do not know which is worse, his actions, or the NFL's. They finally prohibited him from attending training camp, but he should be out of the NFL. As should all the others who have used drugs, committed crimes, or acts of domestic violence.

Why in the world do we put these spoiled brats on such a pedestal. From the first time they show promise in a sport, they are pampered and forgiven. They get out of punishments, get slaps on the hand for crimes that would land the majority of the country in prison, and basically get worshipped. Regardless of whether or not they wish to be role models, by the very path they have taken, they become one.

Michael Vick has had a good career, albeit rather over rated in my opinion. Now, it should be over. Who wants to explain to their kids not to do something, when it is shown on tv that not only do celebrities do it, but they get away with it!

Dog fighting! Not only is it illegal, its immoral. Dogs are loving companions, and should be treated as such. Making any other sentient being fight for our enjoyment is wrong, disgusting and should be shunned.

Why do we pay these people millions of dollars a year, yet fail to pay police, firefighters and teachers the same? Are they not saving lives, and instructing our next generation? Who do we want our children idolizing? A teacher who taught them what they need to know? A policeman who risk his life daily for our protection? A firefighter who sweats and trains to save our kitten from a burning house? Or a rich entertainer who gets away with criminal acts?

I know my answer.

You tube-Cnn debate

Tough questions were asked, by people from all over the country. Using You tubes video, and CNN's broadcasting, the Democratic presidential candidates were spotlighted in yet another debate. The questions that were asked cut to issues the candidates had no answer for, or did not want to give answers for.

From questions ranging from reparations from slavery, to womens rights, a lot of topics were covered last night. None of the candidates would give a straight answer, they would merely briefly address it, then go into a long tirade about something else. Anderson Cooper had to remind them several times last night to stay on topic.

Going into the debate, Sen Clinton has the lead, with Sen Obama and Sen Edwards following.

Rep. Dennis Kucinich: Had a few good moments. He had the others squirming on the Iraq issue, by showing he had never ever supported the war. Personally, I havent checked this out yet, but doubt he would make this obvious of a lie in a debate.

Gov. Bill Richardson: He appeared weak and undecided for the most part, his biggest stand was on bringing the troops home by the end of 2007 with no exceptions. Guess he wants it cleaned up before he gets in office so he does not have to deal with it.

Sen. Joe Biden: He made a few enemies by indirectly supporting the war, and not wishing to bring the troops home immediately.

Sen. Chris Dodd : Not a big show either. He seems to be in the same boat as Biden and Gravel. Making a show to get his name out there, and people to remember his name for the next few years.

Sen. Mike Gravel : Absolutely butchered the minimum wage question. Lost points in my opinion.

Sen John Edwards: Had a few moments of nervous posture, especially during the gay marriage issue. Other then that, had a relatively strong showing.

Sen Hillary Clinton. Polished and smooth. A little too polished and smooth. She appeared afraid to smile at times. She was without a doubt the most polished speaker, but no emotion or passion, just speaking words.

Sen Barack Obama: In my opinion, came out on top of this debate. He spoke with confidence, stood with confidence, and had passion in his voice. It was close between him and Sen Clinton, but I think based on the passion, and some of the very tough questions he was asked, he gets the nod in this debate.

Republicans have their You tube-Cnn debate September 17th. Will be most interesting to see how they handle it, especially with one question on the mouth of most votes being, why do we want four more years of republican control?

This debate was a refreshing debate, a new style, a new format, and questions asked by real Americans, not professional journalist. For a link to the complete transcripts go to Cnn.com

Monday, July 23, 2007

Presidential Candidates

Its never too early to start sniffing, exploring and looking for information on these people. One of them will be the new president. The more that is known now, the better informed our decisions will be.

A few pet peeves I have. Don't make a decision based on one fact or stand. A lot of people make their decisions based on abortion or gun control. Hey, thats all well and good, but a candidate needs to be chosen based on overall stance and opinion.

Political party. Honestly, who cares anymore. Both parties cross party lines based on the issue. Both parties have their own agenda. Look to the person. Look for the person strong enough to unite both parties for the importance and preservation of the country.

Being ill informed. Honestly, this just raises my hackles. Who cares if their daddy was president, or senator, or their name sounds familiar. Investigate the person. Don't take anything for what is reported. All media has bias, all reports will be biased one way or the other. Check the source, check the information, verify it, and then look at the big picture.

Friday, July 20, 2007

President Bush surgery

Tomorrow, Dick Cheney will be in charge of the country for a few hours while Bush has a colonoscopy. I think the question on everybodies mind is, will he take anybody hunting? On a serious note, hopefully the procedure will be over with quickly, and he will be back in charge soon. Kinda the devil you know vs the devil you dont.