SmogBlog

Ms. California has a fetish! CONFIRMED!

2009-05-05T09:57:00.002-05:00

So, when I last wrote, I jokingly posited that Ms. California has a foot fetish. That was the only rational explanation I could think of for the 3 feet stuck in her mouth over her bigoted comments on gay marriage. (NB: Ms. Prejean can't even say the word 'gay'; she calls it opposite marriage).

Well, as it turns out, maybe she really does have a foot fetish! See here:

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/30576251/

Ms. California has a fetish!

2009-04-22T10:04:00.003-05:00

So, I'm sure everyone had a good laugh, as did I, when we learned that apparently, the Miss USA pageant allows bigots amidst it midsts, but unintentionally, they also allow contestants with odd fetishes.

Here's what happened: Ms. California was asked what she thought of gay marriage. She answered something about her country, and she's opposed to it, blah, blah blah, no offense. See here: http://www.gaywired.com/Article.cfm?ID=22358

Afterwards, she was called out on her stupidity and responded with: 'I feel sorry for those who believe otherwise', and was happy that she has received tons of attention on Facebook. See here: http://www.baltimoresun.com/entertainment/news/bal-miss-california-0420,0,5665093.story

So, this raises an interesting observation, one that everyone has missed. Here goes. While the obvious view is that the Miss USA contest doesn't screen for bigots, and allowed this mindless entrant to espouse some hateful things, it appears that Ms. California is a foot fetishist! How else can we explain the number of feet she currently has inserted in her mouth?

I'm Speaking At SXSW2009!

2009-03-10T20:52:00.004-05:00

Just a quick post to let everyone know that I am speaking at SXSW this year. Here's the details:

--------------------------
GREEN TRACK #2: MAKING A GREEN ALBUM

Host: SXSW
Date: Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Time: 1:30pm - 2:45pm
Location: Austin Convention Center, Room 12AB
City/Town: Austin, TX

What does it take to make a truly earth-friendly record? Explore the process, from recording to the final product.

http://sxsw.com/music/talks/schedule?action=show&id=MP060545

SPEAKERS:

Frank Mauceri
Pres
Smog Veil Records
FRANK MAUCERI founded Smog Veil Records in 1991, focusing on underground, challenging, and bombastic music. Smog Veil's releases and touring acts have been featured in numerous worldwide publications including Billboard, Dwell, Wire, The New York Times, and CBS Sunday Morning. The label's office is a gold-level LEED certified Chicago building.

Stephen Glicken
COO/Pres
As an engineer, STEPHEN GLICKEN has worked with artists such as P.Diddy, Tony Braxton, NAS, De La Soul and was Ghostface Killah's main engineer on The Pretty Toney Album. As a music supervisor, he most recently finished working on Bobby Kennedy Jr.'s new film "Crimes Against Nature." Currently, Stephen is President of Green Owl Records, a sustainably run label.

Iliana Pena
National Audubon Society
ILIANA PENA is Director of Conservation Education for Audubon Texas. She is a committed environmental educator with degrees in wildlife ecology and management. She works with Audubon centers, staff, and chapters across the state to assess and align programs and messages with statewide goals.
----------------------------

Smog Veil only releases records packaged in 100% environmentally friendly digipaks, or as invisible downloads. We don't send any paper with our press kits. Instead, we embed the press materials on the promo CD. Our headquarters is a gold-level LEED certified building in Chicago.

If you have a free moment, please attend this event and find out how your band can do this or as a fan why this is important.

random winter thoughts

2009-02-23T10:29:00.004-06:00

So, now that we are deep in winter, stuck indoors for hours on end, I've solved most of the world's problems. Here's my solutions.

1. Major League Baseball needs to come clean. The Yankees have the largest payroll in the league, and the highest profile admitted steroid users. Yet, not one Yankee has served a days suspension. Perception has met reality: we all thought pro wrestling was fake, and the confirmation that it actually is just 'sports entertainment' told us what we already knew. Can the same be said for baseball? If the MLB doesn't act quickly, the conclusion is inescapable: the game is juiced and false.

2. I support President Obama, but we shouldn't bail out the automakers. If the government gives GM $20 billion, will that convince you to buy a gas guzzler? Of course not. Until the government forces the automakers to make a better, more fuel efficient product, no one will buy. It seems to me to be an easy trade for GM: retool and make better cars, keep the factories busy, and the money is yours. The President needs to make this clear.

3. The President also needs to make 2 things clear about our silly wars: bring the troops home from Iraq AND Afghanistan. There's nothing left to be accomplished in my view. It also seems that everyday Iraquis and Afghanis don't want us there anyways. Want to pay for the stimulus deals: end the war. Same goes for the American Gulag known as Guantanamo. It's just not the American way to imprison people without charge and without trial. If real criminals are there, and surely many of them are, try them and imprison them IF found guilty. If not, let them free.

4. lastly, I'm reading every book by Jean-Philippe Toussaint.

The Sunny Work Ahead

2009-01-21T09:53:00.003-06:00

I, like many people, witnessed a great thing yesterday. I lent special attention to what our new president had to say as this was President Obama's opportunity to let us know what his goals will be.

In my opinion, if we are to have an economic recovery, some new innovation will have to be well accepted into commerce and the lives of everyday people. The dot com craze didn't happen because everyone had a new web site. It happened because home computing become as accepted as television, making it possible to deliver web content to nearly every home.

So, I was overjoyed to hear that President Obama plans to make alternative energy a centerpiece of his economic recovery plan. If the government puts its full force and weight behind new alternative energy technologies, the price to produce electricity through solar and wind will be dramatically reduced. If the price is reduced, solar panels on roofs of houses will be as common as chimneys. That transformation may be our way out of this recession. Plus, it'll be a boom that will last, instead of busting. Imagine the economic benefit of reducing people's home energy costs by half or more.

Think about it and let me know what your thoughts are.

3 words and phrases to cross off your list for 2009

2008-12-09T06:18:00.003-06:00

It's the end of the year and everyone is publishing a list of favorite movies, music, television shows, what have you. Here's my list: 3 words and phrases you must stop using when the countdown reaches zero on December 31st.

The first is "bro" and variants "brau," "brat," and "bromine." It all started I think with an HBO show 'Generation Kill.' Now it's everywhere and out of hand. A soap opera that gets watched at lunch around here pushed it over the top. Every other word used was "bro" and "brat." The thing is, between male friends, the affectations are hardly ever used. I prefer "ace" or a friendly insult. But "bro?" C'mon wolf, let's go drink some reebs.

The second is "bailout." This misuse and call for non-use is rather simple. A "bailout" in my book requires someone to be in jail. While I have my opinions about CEOs who failed to recognize their fiduciary duty, none appear to be in handcuffs while standing before some congressional committee asking for money. "Handout" would seem to be more appropriate. I will allow one, and only one exception for the use of this word. If hawk is in fact locked up, then you can offer a "bailout."

Last, a phrase. "Person the profession" may never be used again. You know, "Joe The Pumber." The phrase was created under dubious circumstances to begin with. the actual (?) Joe The Plumber's name wasn't even Joe. He was a creation of some whacked-out PR person in the McCain campaign. We said no to that guy, and we should also say no to his phrase.

have any you think should be sworn off?

Deep Freeze

2008-11-17T06:28:00.001-06:00

The brain is in deep freeze these days. No real news to report on. We're in transition. No one really knows what will happen after the swearing in. I'll be celebrating the end of the Bush bizocracy police state. I'll be celebrating the beginning of what is hoped a new era in our country.

But, the fact is, no one knows what will happen. So, the news these days is full of pundits making guesses. I for one will not make a guess, except to say, who knows. There's so many issues President-elect Obama has to tackle, I'm not sure which one he will tackle first. It should be obvious to readers of this blog what I hope he does with the issues, but how and when is another story.

So, in the interim, while the current President phones it in, relax if you can, enjoy whatever entertains you, start a new hobby. Here 's a new project I've begun work on:

Who To Vote For

2008-10-29T07:59:00.003-05:00

With the election just a few days away, I thought it best to provide some support for my vote for Barack Obama.

THE WAR
The choice here is clear. John McCain represents the party of death. Shoot first and ask questions later. Barack Obama represents peace. Ask questions first to avoid shooting later.

ENERGY
The choice here is not so clear. I really wish Obama would stand firmly against oil and new drilling. John McCain says he supports alternative energy but what he means by that is drilling where we haven't in the past and nuclear energy. Clean coal is an oxymoronic joke. I think the best hope for a real alternative energy plan is with the Democrats. But, this is an issue we all must be vigilant on, no matter who wins.

TAXES
A moot point in my book. No matter what the tax plan is, people will complain. The reality is is that the Bush Administration has saddled us with an amazingly huge debt that we may never climb out of. Someday, everyone will have to pay more. I don't like it, but pay we must at some point.

EDUCATION
John McCain has said little on this point. I think as a goal, our country must move toward free public university-level education for all. Barack Obama offers the best hope for that goal.

HEALTH CARE
Same as education. John McCain simply wants to tax what you have and then use the money to pay your insurance company for the plan. Read that again if you must, because it does sure sound bizarre. Barack Obama has the most reasonable plan: insurance for all either from your employer or the government. Sounds like a better use of taxpayer money than say, a stupid war or a bailout for the banks.

These are the issues that are important to me, Whatever you decide, be sure to vote.

Assaulting the 1st Amendment

2008-09-19T08:03:00.004-05:00

You may have missed this one as it hasn't garnered much attention. Maybe rightly so. But it's an assault on free speech, and it impacts what you write and post on the web.

Apparently, the international law firm of Jones Day doesn't like the fact that a real estate web site mentioned the name of the firm and 2 attorneys that work there. In fact, Jones day was so outraged that it filed a lawsuit regarding the matter. See here: http://blog.cleveland.com/business/2008/09/jones_day_sues_web_site_for_us.html

As you may have heard, in the United States we have the right to free speech. During the last 8 years, this may have not been so obvious, with all the phone tapping, email snooping, and general disregard for this principle perpetrated by the Bush administration, but trust me, it's true. So, for example, if you want to write a blog, or publish an article, or do whatever you do on the web, and mention someone else by name, you generally have the right to do so.

And, you'd think that if you publish information found in public records, like the price paid for real estate, who bought it, and where it's located, well that would be kosher as well.

Not according to Jones Day. I guess this doesn't surprise me. When I was in law school, in Cleveland, the firm was both loved and hated by my fellow law students. Everyone wanted to work there, it was considered top of the heap in the Cleveland-area. But, those that did work there told horror stories of outrageous working conditions including 70+ hour work weeks, bosses who loved to humiliate, and otherwise Darth Vader-like stuff.

So, it doesn't surprise me that Jones Day would file the lawsuit. Gotta protect their own, right? Well, what's more important, the right to free expression or the right to shape one's own image?

You'll notice in the article mentioned above that the web site in question removed all mentions of Jones Day. That's a horrible outcome. People shouldn't be bullied like that by big corporations. Bullying chills otherwise legitimate and important discussions of issues. It chills otherwise free expression. It prevents information from being disseminated.

Protect your blogs people, write what you will, don't let anyone tell you 'no'.

Disappointment

2008-08-12T06:42:00.004-05:00

You may have read recently about the controversy surrounding drilling in protected areas in the Gulf of Mexico. I've written here against the policy and described an alternative to destroying our precious natural resources.

I figured that the Democrats would oppose the policy and put forward an alternative energy plan that would eliminate our dependence on oil, both foreign and domestic.

So, it is with great disappointment that Barack Obama now supports the policy, even if it is a compromised alternative energy policy that he has proposed. I read today that Nancy Pelosi now will allow a vote on a bill to allow the drilling. See here:

http://thehill.com/leading-the-news/pelosi-indicates-openness-to-offshore-drilling-vote-2008-08-11.html

I'm hoping that our legislators will see the illogic of the plan. It makes no sense, as I've written here before, to drill in protected areas. We need an alternative energy plan that eliminates the burning of fossil fuels. We can do it if someone in Washington will just take a moment to think about it. The Republicans won't be the ones. They'd drill in your backyard if they could. If they drill in the Gulf, the next stop is the Arctic:

http://www.reuters.com/article/topNews/idUSN1138192220080811?feedType=RSS&feedName=topNews&rpc=22&sp=true

Write your legislator, please, and let them know you oppose this insanity.

Couple More Miscellaneous Ramblings

2008-07-16T08:26:00.003-05:00

Here's 2 observations:

1. If the key as the President claims is to reduce the cost of gasoline by opening more areas to oil drilling, wouldn't the quickest solution be for the oil companies to spread some of their multi-billion dollar per quarter profits to the American people? Wouldn't a gas gift card, funded by the oil companies do the trick much quicker? All the oil companies need to do is decide that $5 billion per quarter in profits is acceptable, instead of $7 billion, and send the extra $2 billion out as gift cards. That'll work much faster than drilling for new oil, right? Also, did you catch the President refer to oil as the 'product?' That's the term used in the oil industry to refer to oil. Seems the President picked up on the lingo, or maybe he used it all along. Seems like he knows the oil game.

If it's going to take so long to get the new wells up and running as the President claims, why not spend the time and money developing new forms of energy that have nothing to do with oil? Isn't that the better solution?

2. John McCain claims he knows how to win a war better than Barack Obama. If that's the case, why didn't Mr. McCain apply that knowledge 4 years ago, or 3 years ago, or 2 years ago, or last year, or last month to win the war in Iraq and Afghanistan?

That's all folks, see you next month.

COUPLE MISCELLANEOUS RAMBLINGS

2008-06-22T10:46:00.005-05:00

It's summer, 2008, so my time is split fairly evenly between baseball, napping, and trying to get back to 10 mile runs. Consequently, blog posts during the summer are rather short. Here's a couple random thoughts on some interesting developments.

First, it's a laugher that the King George is blaming you for the high gas prices. Here's how it goes: you created a Democratic Congress, and the King has asked Congress to destroy natural habitats so he and his friend, King Abdullah can drill for more oil where instead you should be sport fishing. Congress won't do it, hopefully because they're busy developing a plan with promotes alternatives to fossil fuel use. See here: http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601103&sid=aOyqbSkFUs8g. I like the one about $4 a gallon gas not being enough incentive to allow this insanity. $4 a gallon gas should be an incentive to develop an alternative means of fueling cars, not finding a way to destroy what we love: peace and tranquility. (An aside: $4 a gallon shouldn't matter much to the average consumer because King George passed along a $600 tax rebate so you can top off you car, right?) And anyways, isn't what King George is asking for is permission to destroy your way of life so that he and King Abdullah can develop a new source of wealth, priced currently at about $140 a barrel?

Second, you're also being blamed for the high cost of everything because you prefer to put ethanol in your car instead of straight gas. I've argued here on a few occasions that ethanol is an interesting transitional fuel. It reduces our dependence on foreign oil, it's replenishable, and it's put some money into the pockets of American farmers. However, the oil companies seem to be running a PR campaign suggesting it's actually more expensive to produce ethanol and it's more damaging to the environment than petroleum and gasoline refining. The thing the oil companies don't want you to consider is the societal and human cost associated with petroleum. We're currently fighting a trillion dollar war to keep the oil flowing at the cost of thousands of precious human lives. Last I heard anyone got shot over corn was when the Hatfields and McCoys went at it. So King George prefers the company of King Abdullah over some corn farmers in Iowa?

Last, but not least, I read an interesting oped article in the Chicago Tribune today regarding the state of public transportation in Chicago and Los Angeles. I live in Chicago. When the CTA runs on time, it's just fine, but it's rare. Why more people aren't upset about the fact that our local government spent $213 million dollars to dig a big trench for a new high speed line, and then abandoned the project citing outdated technology is beyond me. Makes me wonder, did we really need that sales tax increase that'll make the rate here in Cook County the highest in the nation? And by the way, exactly what technology is outdated? The machines it took to dig the trench or the mindset that got us into this mess?

Just Who Is Appeasing The Dictators?

2008-05-16T07:21:00.005-05:00

I couldn't help but laugh when our President yesterday condemned Barack Obama for his desire to make diplomacy the chief tenet of his foreign policy plan, versus the trillion dollar boondoggle of a plan we are currently mired in.

Laugh because less than 24 hours after the President decided to make a fool of himself, he decides to meet with one of the most ruinous dictators around, King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia, whose forward thinking includes state controlled media, the complete denigration of women, and the fostering of most of the 9/11 hijackers.

What magic words could the President be sharing with King Abdullah? My guess is that it'll be just a little party for 2 very rich oil men, you know, patting each other on the back for a job well done.

2008-04-25T08:37:00.001-05:00

I’ve read and heard lately that we should avoid ethanol and buy pure gasoline. Ethanol has become the new demon. As I’ve written here in the past though, be wary of demons.

Let’s do a little deductive reasoning here. Farmers across America have figured out how to process corn into a fuel, that I think is an acceptable transition from oil fueled vehicles to non-oil fueld vehicles. They can even sell the stuff at a higher price than say, corn syrup. And the news has concluded from that, that oil prices have quintupled since the start of the Bush Administration because of a few American farmers.

That lest bit just doesn’t make sense. Think about. Oil traders bid up oil to nearly $120 a barrel because corn farmers cut into their monopoly? C’mon, are we that dumb?

And while I’m on the topic of oil, here’s one last thing. You may be getting a rebate check in the mail this week or in the next month or two. The president said today to use it to fill your gas tank. Don’t do that. Don’t give the oil companies one penny of the $168 billion the government is distributing. Have fun with it. Do whatever you please with it. Just don’t buy gas with it.

Super Stupid

2008-01-30T13:20:00.001-06:00

Watch if you want, but since I already know the outcome, I’m not going to join you.

The Patriots are cheaters. They videotaped opposing teams signals and play calling from the opposing sideline. They got caught, but the damage is done. Who knows what they have. Teams are forced to either change their offenses or risk going with what they have knowing full well the Patriots know what’s coming.

Commercials will range from dull to intentionally stupid to head scratching inane, and will interrupt any momentum the teams may build. Someone will try something perceived as controversial. That ad will be all over the news on Monday.

The pre-game will go on forever. The announced kick off time will be missed by at least 28 minutes. Las Vegas should take action on the actual start time.

Half time will be an exercise in largesse and excess. Dancers will cover the field. Tom Petty will lip synch his heart out. Fireworks will leave a haze in the stadium.

The Patriots will win handily, and the game be out of reach for the Giants by half. Nevertheless, whoever is calling the game will make it seem close so people don’t turn off. Tom Brady will win the MVP. Everyone will gush how he overcame such great odds with the sprained ankle and all. He’ll play like nothing ever happened to it, as nothing has happened to it.

For 2008, this will be the greatest show on earth. They used to say that about a circus. At least the guy who ran that circus also is famous for quipping that a sucker is born every day.

Missing, Presumed Destroyed

2007-12-17T18:24:00.000-06:00

This ain’t such old news, in fact, we don’t know yet the extent of this news. But we know where it starts: the federal government is destroying valuable evidence of the war on terror, and of our government’s own heinous acts.

Here’s where it start, but I’m not sure where it ends: the CIA recently admitted that it destroyed a video recording of an interrogation it conducted of a suspected terrorist. I say that’s where the story starts, and let me say we don’t know where the story ends.

We don’t know where it ends, because with all stories like this in the war on terror, we really don’t know the extent of the federal government’s destruction of valuable evidence. We may learn in the days that come that the extent of evidence destruction is greater than what has already been revealed. Precedent for this story expansion abounds in the news for the last few years. Remember the phone tap fiasco that at first was described as eavesdropping on foreign incoming suspected terrorist calls, and later was revealed to include most phone calls, done in cooperation with many of the leading telephone calls?

But that’s only one small aspect of the story. The most troubling part of this story is the actual destruction itself. The CIA justifies it for a number of reasons, all ridiculous: the identity of the CIA interrogators would be revealed, our interrogation methods would be revealed, and the tapes would be used as terrorist propaganda. Here’s why these reasons just don’t make sense.

First, if Jerry Springer and MTV can obscure peoples faces, logos, seemingly offending stuff, and bleep out cuss words, then I would assume our own government could use the same technology to conceal the identity of CIA interrogators.

Second, everyone apparently knows that the tape contains an interrogation done while ‘waterboarding’. Waterboarding is a torture technique whereby a person is made to gag while drowning is simulated. Everyone knows it, so why do we need to hide what is on the tape. Maybe the tape contains other torture techniques our government doesn’t want anyone to know about. Hmmm, follow where this story leads….

Third, the only propaganda value is if the video shows some form of torture, which our government denies. Does it in fact show torture?

The last I point I want to make of this tape is that it’s destruction, in my opinion, actually damages our war on terror. I’m an attorney. If I walked into a courtroom and found out evidence regarding my client had been destroyed by the prosecution, I’d have a field day. Imagine standing in front of a jury to say if the government destroyed this key piece of evidence, what else was destroyed? Plus, for the prosecution side, wouldn’t you want the tape intact? Sure, a transcript is nice, but the tape can show nuances you wouldn’t find in a tape alone. Hand gestures, changes in demeanor, and eye contact/non-contact are all things that can be caught o video that will be missing in a transcript.

So, what's the real story? Stay tuned!

John McCain Has Found A Running Mate

2007-11-23T11:25:00.000-06:00

This is old news, but I have a new take.

Here’s the old news: John McCain held a town hall-style meeting in South Carolina, and a supporter of Mr. McCain’s referred to Hillary Clinton in a hateful and disparaging way. John and his followers all laughed. A couple Republican senators later basically reiterated the insult. See http://www.nypost.com/seven/11152007/news/nationalnews/mccain_getting_bitch_slapped_805355.htm.

The other bit of old news is my blog I wrote regarding the racist Don Imus. Here’s an update, also a bit old. Starting December 3, 2007, Imus will join a few other bigots at WABC to ‘enlighten’ the masses as to why women and minorities should be further debased and humiliated.

So, here’s my new take: Since John thinks Don is just the bees knees (see: http://www.nydailynews.com/news/2007/04/11/2007-04-11_rudy_mccain_say_they_forgive_and_support-2.html), it appears John has found his perfect running mate! Just think of the possibilities and speaking engagements these two are in for. The Ku Klux Klan endorsements. Heck, they’d even be welcome with open arms in Taliban country. The straight talk express, women and minorities to the back of the bus please.

Immunize the 51st State

2007-11-05T16:09:00.000-06:00

In case you missed it, our government recently granted immunity from prosecution for some Blackwater cowboys who, while in Iraq, decided to clear the way, using machine guns, for some motorcade or donut run, or something really important. So important in fact, that nearly 20 Iraqi citizens are dead.

Iraq is supposed to be a sovereign nation. Remember, we wrote their constitution, and a horde of purple-thumbed citizens voted in the first real election right after Saddam was overthrown. However, the country’s sovereignty apparently ends where US interests begin.

That’s the only explanation I can think of. That Iraq is really a puppet state, the 51st state in our country. I mean heck, we plan on spending 2.4 trillion dollars there before it’s all over. That’s a cool $21000 per household. You need to get a second (fourth?) job just to pay the bills over there:

http://www.topnews.in/us-wars-could-cost-2-4-trillion-dollars-2017-24403

So, how is it that we can grant immunity for something that happened in a foreign country? I suppose that’s what 2.4 trillion will buy you, the right to do whatever you want in a new place to call home.

Mr. Chertoff, tear down that wall!

2007-10-02T05:24:00.000-05:00

I’ve heard some wacky rationalizations for racism. Now it seems, the United States wants to keep Latinos from entering the country because they apparently litter. Don’t believe me? Read on.

Michael Chertoff, Homeland Security Chief wants us all to believe we need a fence between us and Mexico because without it, people who enter the country will discard whatever trash they carry along. Wacky, but true, see: http://www.breitbart.com/article.php?id=D8S0MJG00&show_article=1.

Assuming for a moment that this illogical argument has some logic to it, maybe we should apply Mr. Chertoff’s reasoning to environmental issues existing in this country without the assistance of immigrants.

A fence around nuclear power plants and mercury-spewing coal burning factories? Right on. Landfills that poison water supplies? Fence it. Every household in the United States not practicing at least some form of recycling and reuse. You got it, roll out the chain link.

As with all silly and nonsensical rationalizations for bigoted acts, this stuff is not to be believed. The United States is building a fence along the border for one simple reason. Our government has determined it doesn’t appreciate people coming to this country to live the American dream. Sorry, save it for the white people already here.

The New Dirtiest Word

2007-08-23T11:58:00.000-05:00

I’ve noticed lately that we have a word now so apparently dangerous that the President can’t bring himself to utter it. Neither can his appointees, generals, and advisors.

The President recently gave a speech regarding the surge in Iraq (see: http://www.guardian.co.uk/Iraq/Story/0,,2154354,00.html), in which he stated that the U.S. military won’t be leaving any time soon. It seems every day, the President has to find a way to convince the American people that we are winning the war in Iraq, and if we don’t leave, the terrorists will somehow follow the troops home. The President went as far in the reported speech as to quote a work of fiction to support his misguided war, while unwittingly admitting that the war in Iraq parallels the terrible tragedy our country created in Vietnam.

That same article I mentioned above quotes a former Bush advisor as saying “victory” is the only option in Iraq. Not sure what is meant by “victory”, but I have a clue. It’s either convince every terrorist in Iraq that they should accept the American (Iraqi?) way, or suffer death or confinement (genocide?).

The point here is that none of our leaders have put forth a plan that involves the idea embodied by this word. No one is advocating this solution. No one can even utter the word.

I took a look at the much talked about benchmarks that the surge is trying to accomplish. Funny that the word doesn’t appear in the plan at all. A benchmark that people stop killing each other only appears as number 13 on the list. You’d think that would be the first thing we’d want to accomplish. Of course, securing the free flow of oil (and money into the coffers of the President’s friends) appears well above that as benchmark number 3. Whoever made this list should be ashamed of themselves, no matter who it is. Take a look here for details: http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2007/07/20070712.html

Why can’t our leaders utter this word? What makes this word and the idea of it so controversial, so utterly dangerous, that it seems no one in authority will say it.

Ok, want to know what I’m talking about? Steady yourself now, because this word apparently has become the word so opposite of what our leaders stand for that it cannot be uttered. Use of the word may subject you to scorn and abject derision. Here goes:

PEACE.

That's a sweet iPhone, Mr. Bin Laden

2007-07-30T07:01:00.000-05:00

Last week, the President said the al Qaida in Iraq reports directly to Osama Bin Laden. If that’s the case, then why can’t I get a reliable cell phone service in America?

Apparently, Al Qaida terrorists operating in Iraq are text messaging, emailing, phoning, and otherwise communicating on a regular basis with Mr. Bin Laden. How we know this, I have no idea. You’d think the whole network of bad guys was armed with iPhone’s the way the President talks. If that’s the case, that explains why you can’t buy one here in America.

I’m ignoring for a moment that flaws in the President’s speech delivered July 24, 2007 at Charleston Air Force Base, the transcript of which can be found here: http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2007/07/20070724-3.html.

For example, the flaw that we weren’t in Iraq on September 11. Ever heard of the no fly zone? Or the flaw that we didn’t cause this problem in Iraq.

The thing is, if we know these guys are in Iraq, and we know they text messaging like crazy, and we can even name them, why don’t we just arrest them or eliminate them or do whatever it is we do?

It seems that we have a never ending litany of problems in Iraq. First it was WMDs. Than it was Saddam. Last month it was meeting the political goals. This month Al Qaida springs up. In fact, the real problem is making sure the oil flows. At $75 a barrel. So the President and his friends can make lots of money. To paraphrase the President, sort of, in his aw, shucks way: at. Your. Expense. In. Iraq.

Since we’re footing the bill, Mr. President, can you at least ask the bad guys in this cowboys and Indians farce you are perpetrating, just how did they get such good cell phone service?

Dracula Lives In Northern Indiana

2007-07-17T09:50:00.000-05:00

Be careful of corporate smiles. Those smiles may hide fangs.

Ever see those cute television ads that British Petroleum (BP) is running? You know, the ones where you’re supposed to feel real earthy about buying gas at $3.50 a gallon, seeing as that BP is your cute little friend, working tirelessly behind the scenes to keep things, well, cute.

But, as I said, beware the fangs. The Chicago Tribune ran a story this past weekend, it’s on the front page of the July 15, 2007 edition, detailing some not so cute things. For instance, BP has worked out a sweetheart deal with the State of Indiana whereby BP gets exempted from environmental standards and will be allowed to dump more ammonia and heavy metal sludge into Lake Michigan. Wow, that’s make for same tasty fish frys and interesting water sports.

What can you do? Well, write your elected representative, especially if you live in Indiana, and ask how a company that’ll make a few billion dollars this year gets to destroy a precious natural resource. My guess is that the representative may not listen or will respond with a form letter about how BP is so cute and will add a few jobs. Don’t take no for an answer. Instead, don’t buy gas or anything else at BP. That’ll turn that corporate smile into a frown, and may expose those fangs for everyone to see.

The interesting observation here though is that corporate America is really trying hard these days to make itself appear more friendly, and in many cases, more green. Any big company actually doing something sincerely should be applauded. No one’s perfect, but trying to be better and actually making a difference should be recognized as a positive step forward in helping the environment and making business more efficient.

On the other hand, companies like BP may never be trusted. The damage they’ve inflicted is too great, and their potential for future damage is overwhelming. So, no matter what the slick ads and marketing campaigns may say, just remember that the real motivation is to refine oil into gasoline without regard for the environmental harm that will follow, and then sell it to you at an outrageous price.

Don’t be fooled, remember the fangs.

The New Racism

2007-06-20T06:08:00.000-05:00

It’s been awhile since I’ve reported to this blog. It’s not for lack of trying. We are working day and night to complete our green live/workspace, leaving little time to write. However, I’ve been wanting to write about a very important issue that all should be aware of.

It seems that institutional racism is back in vogue in this country. Anyone desiring to immigrate to this country is the target. This is wrong for so many reasons.

Cities across the country, some 40 or more as I write, are passing new laws making it illegal for immigrants to rent a home, work a job, get a license for whatever activity they want to participate in, and do things that citizens in this country do every day. Fortunately, courts are striking down these laws almost as fast as they appear. But, their appearance is an ugly and horrible thing.

In this age when America is hated worldwide, we should be accepting immigrants as fast as we can. These are people who want to be part of America. These are people who love this country and want to contribute. Immigrants want what citizens want—to live the American dream.

I’ve heard all the arguments against accepting more immigrants into our society. All are laughable, and lead to one conclusion. The real reason to turn people away is racism and bigotry. Immigrants don’t look like us, so they must be sent away.

It can’t be that immigrants are a burden on our society. No one crosses the border and heads straight for the welfare office. It can’t be that immigrants represent a new army of terrorists. To the best of my knowledge, we’ve never suffered a terrorist attack from Canada, Mexico, or Eastern Europe. It can’t be that immigrants take jobs away from everyday Americans. Our country's unemployment numbers at the time of this writing are incredibly low.

Racism is the only reason that makes any (non)sense. This is a terrible thing for many reason, but I’ll just highlight one.

Immigrants come to this country because they want to be Americans and make a better life for themselves. Want to make another American-hating foreigner? Arrest an immigrant and deport the person and see whether they’d like to be American or hate this country.

Which brings me to the only solution that will work in my view. Unconditional amnesty. Grant citizenship to the millions of immigrants residing in our country and contributing to it economically and culturally every day. Give these people what they deserve and we’ll all benefit.

I've Gone to the Dogs

2007-05-29T06:34:00.000-05:00

I’ve read recently that The San Francisco Giants and Colorado Rockies are making efforts to green their baseball parks. Solar panels are going up in both places, and I hope this is the start of something comprehensive.

I’m writing today though about something different. I’m a lifelong baseball fan, and stadium food connoisseur. Today, this blog goes to the dogs.

I haven’t eaten a hot dog in every major league park. But, I’ve had a few in a cross section of the dogopolis. I’ve supped in spring training facilities and various home run houses in this country and abroad. The best and worst? Read on.

While neither the best or worst, the Cubs and White Sox offer an interesting dilemma. South Side or North Sider? Doesn’t matter. What’s important here is that although you can find a tasty treat in both parks, the hallowed Chicago dog cannot be found in either place. Sacrilege? You bet! For the uninitiated, a Chicago-styled dog is a hot dog served with tomatoes, onion, a pickle spear, sport peppers, mustard, celery salt and relish. Although I pass on the relish, it’s a work of art. Want one at a Chicago baseball game? Forget about it!

The weirdest dog was most decidedly the concoction served at the Tokyo Dome. Billing itself as the first place in Japan to serve hot dogs, I’m not quite sure what it was I ate there. Sure, it resembled a dog. Yes, the game was enjoyable. Japanese baseball fans are the wildest anywhere and the game was well played. But the dog? Stick to the novelty of baseball sushi I say.

Of all places, I prefer the food at Oakland. Wide variety, great execution. Wednesday provides the best deal in Major League Baseball: $2.00 tickets and $1.00 hot dogs, limit 20. I once ate four prior to the first pitch!

To this day, Cleveland has the finest mustard. Brown and somewhat tangy, the stuff comes from two competing makers. It’s been so long since I’ve attended a game in Cleveland, so I’m not sure if the official house offering is Bertman’s or Stadium Mustard. Can someone report back to me on this?

Buddy, Can You Spare A Dime?

2007-05-20T12:26:00.000-05:00

Eric Zorn today wrote a seriously misinformed opinion, appearing in the Chicago Tribune, regarding the price of digital downloads (see http://blogs.chicagotribune.com/news_columnists_ezorn/2007/05/my_two_bits_on_.html#comments). Eric believes that downloads should cost no more than a quarter, and quite frankly, he’s way off. At a quarter, he reckons, people will buy more music.

I run a tiny independent record label and here's the harsh reality. Music is incredibly cheap even at one dollar per song. Most people think nothing of paying nearly $100.00 per month for cable and high speed internet, or ten dollars a pop to sit in a movie theater and annoy others with their cell phones. A dollar a song? I paid more than that at the local Woolworth's in 1976 for a top single.

Twenty fine cents? C'mon. Of that, we may see half in gross revenue as the seller, be that Amazon or iTunes, takes a cut. For the sake of argument, I'll make it an even 15 cents in my pocket. From that, I must pay the writer and publishers a mechanical royalty at the current statutory rate, currently $0.091 per song under five minutes in length. That leaves about six cents net profit to split between the label and the artists. Assume a profit split deal, typical in independent circles, and maybe we'll make three or four cents. From that, we and the bands need to pay ourselves, our employees, the utility bills, advertise and market, and of course the cost to produce the music in the first place. Does the United States issue coinage in fractions of a penny? That's we make in the end of the day. Multiply that by four for one dollar singles, and I've earned almost enough to pay for my round of pinball at the local bar.

Maybe the lower price will increase sales. However, in my view, even million sellers won't generate enough to cover the electric bill. Do the math: a million downloads at 16 cents gross for the label and artists generates $160,000.00. Subtract out the costs I mentioned above, and all of a sudden Beyonce is going by CTA, not by a Bentley.

Here's a better idea: on Sundays, the Trib should be free. Think the editors will conclude that'll sell more papers on Mondays?

Ethanol's Triple Benefit

2007-05-07T06:27:00.000-05:00

Corn prices are rising because of the increased use of ethanol (see: http://www.technologyreview.com/Energy/18173/). In my view the price spike is good for our economy and great for the environment.

I think here’s how it goes. Reducing the amount of driving will curtail global warming. But if driving is a must, the use of domestically produced ethanol fortified gasoline reduces the dependence on foreign oil. Lower the demand for foreign oil and we don’t need a war for oil. That alone is a great reason to use ethanol based fuels. So what if it corn costs more because of its use to produce ethanol? If the increased cost means no more war, I’m for it.

Second, increased corn prices mean American corn farmers may not have to depend on government subsidies to survive. Before the proliferation of ethanol, corn was grown mainly as feed for livestock. Livestock feed is cheap. So cheap, farmers can’t cover their costs to produce corn. So, the government provides a subsidy, your tax dollars by the way, so that McDonald’s can have a steady supply of beef for it’s deathburgers. With ethanol in such great demand, corn is suddenly a hot commodity. Two benefits here: corn farmers don’t need the subsidy anymore because corn is suddenly profitable. Second, livestock producers may have to find an alternative—say, grass feeding. Grass fed livestock is healthier anyways. Grass fed beef may cost the consumer more, but that means less will be consumed. Reducing ret meat consumption (and increasing consumption of fruits and vegetables) is a healthier lifestyle. I’m not about to give up my ribeyes, I’ll just savor them less often and eat more asparagus.

Last, the increased cost of corn means corn byproducts used in food will be more expensive. The end result—the unhealthiest food in the market costs more. Corn is used in the most heavily processed and unhealthiest foods available. High Fructose corn syrup is used as a sweetener in everything from colas to cereal. Feed that crap to a rat, and the rat’s liver looks the same as that of an alcoholic. Increase the cost of the junk, and the products high fructose corn syrup end up in will cost more. Increase the cost of bad foods and the bad foods will be consumed less. Consume less garbage, and overall health will improve.

So, am I right about this or do I just have corn growing out of my ears?

The Most Underrappreciated Job On The Planet

2007-04-21T18:01:00.000-05:00

Google announced this week that it earned record profits, about $1 billion, in the first quarter, 2007. If you’re a musician or band with content posted on YouTube without your permission, you may be wondering, where’s my big payday? You may be wondering, is this the most underappreciated job on this planet?

Unless you’ve been hiding under a rock, Google owns a site called YouTube. YouTube allows users to post videos, oftentimes of content the user doesn’t own. In turn, when you visit YouTube to see the pirated content, Google hopes you’ll click on one or more of the banner ads, thereby generating huge money for the parent owner. Google even figures out what you like to look at and displays banner ads based upon those views.

The problem is, all those clicks equal big money for Google because advertisers pay based upon the number of times their banner ad is displayed and clicked on. Of course, that’s all invisible to you, you just go to YouTube to watch videos. And, although the site is a great way to while away a few hours, no one is really there because of the ads, but because we are all curious to see just what Freddie King really sounded and looked like live in Sweden in 1973.

Too bad Freddie’s surviving wife and children will never see a dime of all that Google ad money. Back in the early 1960s, the story goes, they had to beg for royalties just to make a down payment on a house in Texas. I bet the people that started and run Google don’t have to beg to make the mortgage payments.

I guess that’s the way musicians get treated today anyways. Singles cost no more than 99 cents these days. I paid 40 cents more than that in the late 1970s at the local Woolworth’s. Most peole don’t pay anything. Pirated music is easily obtained, for free, usually by online means. People think nothing of spending 10 dollars to sit in a movie theater and talk on a cell phone, yet won’t pony up a few measly cents to hear their favorite song.

The solution? Federal law allows a pirated musician to notify YouTube in writing of a pirated use. YouTube is then obligated to remove the content, but not on an ongoing basis. A bootlegger can just report, forcing a musician to participate in an endless string of notifications. You’d think a company making a billion dollars a quarter can figure out a way to filter out the offending content. My guess is that Google probably doesn’t want to figure out a way, preferring instead to attract users at Freddie’s expense.

A simple royalty scheme would solve the problem, although I’m sure Google would oppose this. Why would they agree to add an expense to an otherwise foolproof business model of obtaining content for free? Hopefully Viacom’s recent lawsuit versus Google over this issue will sort the matter out. I’m guessing though that Google will delay the case until the last possible moment and then buy its way out of expensive litigation, well before any court weighs in on the matter.

So, what’s Freddie to do?

Doesn't Matter If We're Wrong

2007-04-15T15:00:00.000-05:00

In my opinion, global warming is real and man made. I’ve seen both the anecdotal photos, video, and reports and have read some of the scientific reports. I believe it is undisputable. But, what if I’m wrong? Are we doing something for nothing?

If global warming is not a man made phenomena, or if it is a natural occurrence for which society can do nothing to stop, I still believe that making an effort to create a greener sustainable world is an effort we should undertake nonetheless. Here’s two reasons.

First, we’ll create more efficiency in our lives and business. Waste equals inefficiency. It’s expensive to throw stuff away. If you buy things you don’t need or can’t use you’ve wasted your money. If what was previously meant for the garbage can ends up not being thrown away, you’ve put that resource to use some other way. That’s efficiency—getting the most out of what you consume. That’s true for both business and everyday life. The answer to avoid the waste heap? Recycle and reuse.

Actually, I think reuse is a much better efficient use of resources than recycling. Don’t get me wrong, recycling, for the 33% of the people in the United States, is a great thing. Recycling reduces the need for expensive landfill space, and it eventually puts a resource to use again. But, recycling takes energy. The waste has to be transported from the discarding point to wherever it is to be transformed into something else. And the transformation uses energy, most often electricity.

Reusing avoids that. No need to transport an item you plan to use for another purpose, no need to use energy to transform it. For example, at Smog Veil, we get tons of demos, magazines, and promotional items sent to us every day. We could throw away or recycle the packaging used to get the stuff to us. Instead, we gather the mailers and use them to process mailorders or shred the stuff by hand and use it in place of Styrofoam peanuts. The process saves us money and avoids the recycling conundrum. Now, that’s efficiency as I described above.

Second, you make the earth a cleaner, greener place to live. Take a look at my previous post where I listed ten things anyone can do for free to take part in the environmental movement. If global warming doesn’t exist or isn’t man made and can’t be stopped, you’ll still benefit from doing one or more of those ten activities. For example, you could buy your food at the mega grocery and help clog our freeways with exhaust spewing trucks, or you can grow a garden or buy at a local farmer’s market and rediscover what strawberries taste like. Continue smoking and driving cars every day for simple errands and feel sick in the end of the day or take a walk, smell the flowers, listen to the birds, and breathe a little easier.

Get the picture? It doesn’t matter if the environmental movement is a fool’s errand because we’ll all benefit anyways from just a little effort.

America's Favorite Bigot

2007-04-11T21:55:00.000-05:00

Every so often, we become so enamored in this country with personalities, that they become immune to criticism. They can do no wrong. They can insult and demean without fear of retribution. They can debase our society and cheapen our way of life knowing that most people will look the other way. Now and then, America loves a bigot.

Recently, Don Imus, of radio and cable network fame, figuratively removed his trademark cowboy hat and replaced it with a hood of a whiter shade, and uttered such demeaning racial slurs while on the air, that I will not honor them with repeating them here. I have seen the transcript of the broadcast, and this was no slip of the tongue. This was a paragraph long conversation with his on-air producer wherein certain accomplished members of our society were completely humiliated.

The initial penalty: 2 weeks suspension from on-air duties, timed to return just at the peak of ratings season. Now, MSNBC has pulled the plug on the television simulcast. CBS Radio and Westwood Radio, the syndicaters of the program have to date failed to act further.

A little background on Mr. Imus is in order. Mr. Imus courts the powerful Washington elite, Republicans and Democrats alike, who benefit from the radio show’s high ratings. Apparently a bit of a firebrand, Mr. Imus takes great joy in offending and trash talking, while politician guests smile and chuckle along.

Mr. Imus is of course free to speak his mind whenever he pleases in whatever manner he pleases. We have a law in this country, a basic principle of our existence, that allows for free speech. But, hate speech?

Don Imus has gone to far. The only way to rectify this matter is for CBS and Westwood to remove him from the airwaves. Never fear, Imus will find an outlet somewhere as I’m sure the white supremecist movement has a radio program that needs a host.

To continue to honor this guy with listenership, advertising, air-time, and politician guests is absurd. No one deserves the insults Imus hurled at the Rutger’s women’s basketball team. No one in our country deserves to be relegated to the garbage heap. No one should be the target of bigots. Incidents like these are what makes the practice of law and civil liberties an honorable profession.

But hey, America sometimes loves a bigot, and MSNBC really loved this guy. Heck, this is the network that lovingly honored America’s favorite child rapist, Mary Kay Letourneau with a soft focus, softball interview smack in the middle of ratings season, without an inkling of the terrible harm of her crime, and with the requisite dose of sexual perverse innuendo.

I’ve heard it said that since rappers use the same exact crude language that Imus used, that Imus should get a pass. Well, two wrongs never made a right.. If CBS and Westwood want to continue this absurd charade, then the way to honor that is by boycott. Corporate America, full of obscene profits, need not continue the obscene humiliations imposed by Mr. Imus. Wake up people.

DIY taken to an (il)logical extreme

2007-03-27T06:09:00.000-05:00

The funniest program on TV today, check that, ever, is ‘American Idol’. Every year and every week, the comedians they roll out have me in stitches. The producers of the program must have access to an endless supply of talent. But before handing out medals, let me tell you that the endless supply may be a problem.

I’ve really just started watching the last 3 seasons. Wow, have they brought on the laughs. William Hung, forget about it. I don’t know where he learned his craft, but anyone with guts enough to (not) sing the way he does deserves a big hand. And, that self-assured humble bravado. Whoa, I think my heart just skipped a beat. That guy and Jerry Lewis would have been big stars anywhere, not just France and a Macau casino showroom. Which, (un?)fortunately, is probably where William hangs out these days as he now bills himself as the Hong Kong Ricky Martin. I couldn’t make that up if I tried.

Often, the laughs are unintentional, but just as big. Last year, rampant rumors spread that Katherine McPhee was pregnant. Later, she revealed that she actually suffered from an eating disorder, marking the first time in television history, no, history in general, that anyone with an eating disorder has been confused with a mother-to-be.

To top that, we get singers who can’t sing. Last season, a seemingly forever constipated gray haired 20-something who couldn’t stand up straight was declared the winner. He tried to pull off a Joe Cocker inspired shtick, but really succeeded in just making us all cockeyed. But hey, at least the guy had a shtick, and each and every week I checked in to chuckle along.

This year, we are graced with a contestant whose talent is spitting (he even spat on Peter Noone) between monotonous recitations of whatever lyric he’s been assigned. Topping that is a singer whose delivery is so off-key and non-melodic, that to call it screaming would be like awarding a Chopin piano prize to Eddie Van Halen for ‘Jump.’ Well, at least Sanjaya has nice hair, as did Moe Howard, and believe me, you’ll swear off the Three Stooges as hacks after catching a little American Idol.

To say these people can’t sing is an obvious cliché. It’s really not about the singing, of course. It’s about the entertaining. It’s about keeping us on the edge of our seats. It’s about making us believe that the little girl in the audience who cried while Sanjaya warbled was really crying, not wincing. Above all, it’s about making us text message vote for our favorites, and then following through with a CD or download purchase, and/or concert ticket.

And feeding all that commerce is that endless supply of talent. Love it and laugh along. Hate it, and maybe you should hate yourself. Why, because if it wasn’t for the d.i.y. movement, American Idol wouldn’t even exist.

You see, it seems that the whole country is under the misguided impression that they possess some talent at entertaining the masses. Is that bad? I’m not sure and I’m hoping someone will comment here to set me straight. If I have to decide right now, I’ll vote for bad. I’d much rather have rock’n;’roll remain some almost unattainable mystique. I’d rather have the music and scene be almost hidden, a secret society. I don’t want it to be something anyone can walk up and do. What do you think?

And, where do we go from here if it is a bad thing? I don’t have all the answers, but I do like David Thomas’s call that music should be left to the professionals. If you have never been in a band before, the wrong time to enter the business is at an American Idol audition. Lug amps around for awhile, and maybe college won’t seem so daunting. Play a few gigs for pennies, and realize that plumbing can pay the bills. Sing at the top of your lungs ‘Happy Birthday’ to your kid or spouse, and have a great time. Have a good laugh at whatever they call music today, just don’t fool yourself into thinking that you can have fans hanging (themselves) on every note like William Hung can.

A Call to Arms

2007-03-21T07:31:00.000-05:00

Last year, my friend, Jim Lanza, held a series of gigs in Cleveland where old punk rock bands with reformed and played one last time. I was asked to write something for a fanzine to be distributed at the gigs. I wrote, to paraphrase, that in 1983 and 1984, we walked around like conquering heroes. We all started, contributed to, participated in, and/or associated with a musical movement that revolutionized the business as it has never been before. But, those times are over, punk rock has been co-opted by big business, and it’s time to find a new cause.

I run Smog Veil Records, a tiny husband-wife imprint that has released nearly 100 records since 1991. Maybe you’ve heard of it, maybe not. A few years ago, we took a look at the business and decided that we could do things better and cheaper by going green. We decided we could make a difference and more money by taking on a new cause, that, by the way, isn’t so new but seems to be very popular these days. Within the next few months, you’ll hear more about our green initiative, the cornerstone of which is the first green, LEEDS certified live/work space in the country generating its own electricity through the use of solar panels and wind turbines, and heating and cooling the place with geothermal wells.

So, I was thrilled when asked to speak at the 2007 South By Southwest Music Conference on a panel tackling the Greening of the Music Industry. Some very cool people spoke on the panel: Arnt Olaf Andersen who runs a green music fest in Norway; Una Johnston, SXSW’s environmental consultant; Paul Diaz, proprietor of a green studio, Tree Sound, in Atlanta; and Perry Farrell whose work to save the rain forest is inspiring and beneficial.

For my bit, I talked about the benefits for bands and music industry people of going green. I think though that these benefits apply to just about anyone. Among others, I cite four:

1. becoming active in the environmental movement will garner respect for yourself and your efforts from the community-at-large;

2. the powers that be at the various environmental organizations and institutions like having young, well-spoken people at the forefront of their campaigns, heck, you may even get paid for your efforts;

3. you’ll create efficiency in your business, household, or band, thereby saving money in the long run and creating a more sustainable lifestyle; and

4. you’ll improve the environment and make the world a better and cleaner place to live.

Audience questions were posed at the panel and I think the most important question posed was: ‘what can I do to become involved?’ I think this was the most important question raised, and here’s a list of 10 things (plus an eleventh bonus) you can do that won’t cost you a dime:

1. Start recycling or recycle more. Only 32% of the people in the United States recycle (source: EPA national recycling rates chart, copied at: http://www.zerowasteamerica.org/Statistics.htm). Imagine the difference if only a small fraction of the remaining 68% did just a small part. Imagine if half of the remainder recycled. Already recycling? Find creative ways to do more. Try reusing if you’re recuycling to the max. Smog Veil collects up all the shipping and packing materials we get and reuses it to complete our mailorders. Better than recycling I say.

2. Pay your bills online and have e-bills emailed to you. Look at all the junk that ends up in your mailbox. Eliminate it!

3. Drive less. Take a walk or ride a bike. You’ll not only save some gas money, but may lose a few pounds and feel more healthful.

4. Shop at an organic farmer’s market. You’re already buying groceries, so consider buying from the farmer nearest you. That’ll save energy consumed by the corporate farming and grocery business, plus, you’ll rediscover what strawberries really taste like. As an alternative, plant a garden or a tree in your yard.

5. Change your lightbulbs from standard incandescent to new fangled fluorescent bulbs. Do this when your old bulbs burn out and you won’t pay any extra to get the job done. The new bulbs will last longer saving you money in the long run.

6. Start a compost pile. You’ll accomplish 2 things here: reduce the amount of garbage entering the waste stream, and you’ll make free fertilizer for that garden mentioned above.

7. Use recycled products, especially paper, whenever possible. Our friends at Dogwood Alliance have tons of tips to help make this happen:

Dogwood Alliance link

8. Buy a digital download instead of a CD in a jewel case. The cost is the same, maybe cheaper. Plus, just like the organic farmer’s market, you’ll eliminate the energy consumption needed to produce the product and ship it to your hands.

9. Vote for the candidates that have the best green agenda. Not one in your area? Then become one or find one somewhere else that could use your support.

10. Stop smoking. Sorry, but this is a pet peeve of mine. It’s no good for your health and the health of those standing near you, and the health of our economy and planet. Plus, it’s expensive. Save some money and save your life.

That’s just 10. The cool thing about the environmental movement is that it’s ripe for innovation. Just like the music industry in the late 70’s and early 80’s, anyone with a good idea right now is going to be front and center. For example, Smog Veil's first 15 releases were all vinyl, and we’ve done a number of vinyl releases since then. Our warehouse is full of records, some of which no longer sell. So, instead of recycling them to make room for other stuff, we crushed them, with great effort by the way, using sledge hammers and a couple used blenders purchased at the local thrift store. We used the resulting stuff as an aggregate in the poured concrete floors in the new Smog Veil live/work space. Cool, eh? Now it’s your turn, think of something.

BONUS TIP: Encourage a friend to do something or join a local or national organization committed to some green cause. Remember that movement I wrote of above? Well, the only reason it got so big was that people invited their friends in to check it out. Do the same for this cause, and I can almost guarantee that within 5 years, we’ll be walking around like conquering heroes again.