October 22nd, 2009
America is a consumption-oriented society… it is partly associated with our high standards of living. We can still maintain our high standard of living, while trying to minimize impacts on the world’s resources and environment.
Actions to consider:
Buy durable items, avoid “disposable quality” items : Whenever possible, avoid buying items that are inferior quality. Such items seems to be better value, but because the manufacturer may cut corners, the durability may not be there. The item may fail or break prematurely, only to force you to buy another item. Such items cause waste of resources. It is better to buy a product that will last. The trick is, knowing which items to avoid. That is why a little research would go a long way. Want to be green, buy things that serve its purpose forever.
Return unused items to the store: Have you ever bought a pair of shoes that you never used? Take it back to the store and get your money back. Not only would this save money, your action would save the environment by not wasting resources. If the return period is over, at least donate the item to charity (Goodwill, your local church thrift shop) or hold a garage sale. Don’t forget to always combine trips to save time and the environment.
Green Renovation: what an oxymoron? Have you heard about the movie stars who are living green after spending millions to renovate their house? That’s just blow my mind! What do they think would happen to all the discarded functioning materials they changed out? All these items go to the dump. Would it be better to use whatever you have until it can not perform before changing out over time? Why talk about being green when your carbon footprint is more than 10 times others, like VP Al Gore?
Reuse and Repurpose: What do you do with the water after washing your vegetable in a big bowl? Dump it on your plant. After shredding your papers, use it for packing. Please write to us what you do to save the environment.
Posted in News & Current Events | No Comments »
October 22nd, 2009
Real estate market has been dropping significantly in Florida, and on Tuesday I got this news from my brother about the real estate market expected to dip some more before 2011. What do you all think out there? This article has valid points and would it deter buyers from entering the market. http://finance.yahoo.com/news/Homes-About-to-get-much-cnnm-699910894.html?x=0
Posted in Economy | No Comments »
October 22nd, 2009
One of the great freedoms that America provides is the freedom of speech. Our Founding Fathers had the foresight to incorporate this freedom into our constitution. Over the years, countless of American soldiers lost their lives to protect our freedom and our freedom of speech.
The media is expected to be responsible in its reporting. It is called journalistic integrity. It is sad, however, that some major media outlets are abusing their powers for their own gain.
What can we do? As Americans, we need to check our facts. Do not believe everything you read. Do not believe everything you see on TV. Try watching news from a different perspective. Try the Fox News channel. Try foxnews.com. Try watching political news from several different news networks, and try to pick up on their biases and viewpoints.
During the the past year’s Presidential election, it was clear which major TV networks support which presidential candidate. The bias was clear. The attacks were unethical. The media’s role is to report the unbiased and objective truth. Too often, the media reported convenient half truths to support its political agenda. Instead of reporting the news, they pass editorials as news.
It is the role of the American people to decide for ourselves. When watching the news, we cannot watch mindlessly without our critical thinking caps on. If we are not questioning the media’s objectivity, by default we are allowing their agenda to shape our opinion and perception. We need to check our facts and decide for ourselves. If you find that the media is inserting its opinion and agenda, chances are they are not reporting news, but rather running their own propaganda. Decide for yourself, and if needed, change the channel and watch another media outlet.
Finally, encourage and challenge others to evaluate the media’s objectiveness on their own.
Posted in News & Current Events, Politics | No Comments »
October 17th, 2009
This is a blog about the unraveling of America, our government, our economy, our home finances, our environment, our health, and our society. The intent to share an alternative viewpoint and concerns, and as it makes sense, call readers to action.
Posted in Economy, Environment, Health, News & Current Events, Personal Finance, Politics, Society | No Comments »
October 17th, 2009
There is a pill to treat everything. We no longer allow the time for our bodies to heal itself, in a “go go” society, where there is no time to slow down.
- need the body to build up its immune system for the specific infection. Fever works to help your body so taking medication too soon will not allow the fever to drive the virus out.
- outbreak of virus against a society with weak immune systems would be catatrophic
- some parents want it easy, a pill to make their kids feel better
- if your body aches, it is a sign it needs to rest. Kids on medication will continue to stay up and play thus not allowing the body to boost its immune system to kill off the germs on its own.
Posted in Health | No Comments »
October 16th, 2009
I am hoping the government would not extend the first time home buyer tax credit. Primary home buyers will purchase when they have the funds and the expense of owning the home is cheaper than renting. Let the free market take care of itself. Government encouraging buying with this tax credit may create a small wave of this financial crisis we faced right now. For example, a buyer is making $ if he goes out and buy a house for $100K with only a 3% down ($3K) or sometimes without any down payment at all. By the end of the year, he gets $8K tax credit back. If he only makes one payment, he can live there probably for almost 2 years without paying mortgage and other fees. They are making at least $5K up front without any financial tie to a house that could lose value in the next year. Read this article: http://finance.yahoo.com/news/Homes-About-to-get-much-cnnm-699910894.html?x=0. We not only have to subsidize mortgage bailout with our tax dollars, we are also subsidizing in non-paying homeowner association dues because these people are not responsible. I don’t care what excuse them from not paying, the bottom line is these people feel entitle and the government are spoon feeding them. Tell me what you think or convince me otherwise.
Posted in Economy | No Comments »