New foreclosures rose to a seasonally adjusted 0.99 percent of all U.S. home loans, up from 0.83 percent in the fourth quarter, the Mortgage Bankers Association said in a report today. The total

Audio Slideshow: Subprime loans

Mon, 02 Jun 2008 14:59:10 -0400

While earning $9.25 an hour, Pedro Medellin struggles to pay a $103,500 high-interest loan for an often-vandalized house on Milwaukee's north side. The city assessed the property at a little more than half that amount.

Listen to Medellin talk about the day he showed his boss all of his paperwork and found out that he owned a home with a mortgage. Medellin also discusses what he said to real estate investor Randez Long - the man who got him into the deal - as well as why Medellin doesn't let the house go into foreclosure and where he would like to own a house someday. |

New comment - 'Critical Mass' Acts to Promote Urban Bicycle Transporation

Sun, 01 Jun 2008 19:30:53 -0400

riding a bike as a primary means of transportation is awesome if your physically fit, don't have to carry anything heavy, and don't have any physical disabilities. i think more people should ride bikes as a means of local transportation whenever possible. but if you want to get rid of oil-burning cars (which is the goal, isn't it?) bikes just aren't a good solution by themselves. what we really need is reliable, affordable, efficient, and fast public transportation. that said, critical mass rides are great fun and very empowering. for anyone out there who hasn't been on one, if you...

Oil IS Everything

Sat, 31 May 2008 09:14:51 -0400

Oil Is In Everything

*Sung to the tune of “Money Changes Everything” by Cyndi Lauper*

tell the Federal Reserve Board your opinion or a horror story about your credit card company’s practices!

Student loan â€œcrisisâ€ just an invention?

Fri, 23 May 2008 09:22:44 -0400

From Caveat Emptor, May 14
By AFFIL Campaign Manager, Sarah Byrnes

"If you were paying attention, you would probably think that students are facing difficulty getting loans these days. (You might also be concerned about the soaring cost of college, but that’s another can of worms.

But despite all the recent fuss, Loonin is clear in her post on the Consumer Law & Policy Blog that “...

Countrywide adds insult to injury

Fri, 23 May 2008 09:20:38 -0400

Countrywide e-mail snafu angers borrowers

Mortgage lender chairman Angelo Mozilo accidentally replies to floundering customer with disparaging e-mail.

CALABASAS, Calif. (AP) -- The chairman of beleaguered Countrywide Financial Corp. raised eyebrows and tempers with his snippy reply to an e-mail plea from a man who said he was in danger of losing his home.

"Disgusting," Angelo Mozilo wrote in his inadvertent reply to an e-mail from Daniel Bailey Jr. who had asked the company to modify terms of his adjustable-rate ...

Oprah Tries Veganism as a"Cleanse"

Wed, 21 May 2008 17:43:44 -0400

Pictured are Delectable

Vegan Chocolate Chunk Cookies

Baked by Yours Truly

Kathy Freston has a new book, Quantum Wellness, wherein she writes of the importance of "Conscious Eating," which sounds very much like part of

Going Green At The Banyan Resort

Mon, 12 May 2008 10:58:17 -0400

Eco tourism is increasingly gaining buzz as one of the hottest parts of ‘green-living.’ It sounds great - enjoy the benefits of a vacation away from the busy working life, and do it in a way that respects the environment during your escape! While the word ‘eco-tourism’ might make you think of roughing it in the great outdoors, thanks to some innovative social entrepreneurs, it is now possible to enjoy palm trees, exotic surroundings, and room service without doing what most of us do on vacation: take a break from the real world, and the stress we might feel ...

Current World View: Askew

Fri, 09 May 2008 09:47:35 -0400

A look at the Bush Administration and the long-reaching arm of globalization.

A few notes:
1) The watery picture is a shot of oil floating on the water after the Exxon Valdez spill.

2) Some people have asked me: why the pictures of Darfur and the protests against China? Well, our influence and our choices affect everyone. Africa is ripe for the plundering - both America and China want those resources badly. Civil war, genocide, and the destruction of autonomous states all help one or both nations get what they want. So while poor people in places like ...

GoGreen Expo Highlights

Mon, 05 May 2008 17:23:11 -0400

Highlights from the GoGreen Expo.

Beijing Must Curb Use of Illegally Logged Timber, Forestry Official Says

Fri, 02 May 2008 11:17:30 -0400

China's government must tighten its policies on buying illegally logged timber to set a good example for Chinese companies that largely use wood from unsustainable sources, a government forestry official said Wednesday.

Only 0.3 percent of Chinese forests, or about 1.48 million acres, are certified as sustainable according to international standards, said Lu Wenming, chief of international cooperation at the Chinese Academy of Forestry. Additionally, only 501 Chinese companies purchase their timber from internationally certified sources...

Not Your Average Lunch Lady

Wed, 30 Apr 2008 11:59:22 -0400

Here's a piece I wrote with Pamela Enz:

I’m a public school kid, a “Cement Baby,” Brooklyn born and raised. I was a late comer to school lunch though, always being sent off with a brown bag or more likely running home for lunch since I lived close to my school, could see it in fact from my bedroom window. It was that kind of neighborhood, a thorough network of moms, friends, front stoops and kitchen tables.

They warned us then, that if we did not stop plundering the Body of the Mother for her blood and vital fluids (gold, oil); if we did not stop breaking up her bones for fuel (coal); if we did not stop ripping away ...

Loan Industry Fighting Rules on Mortgages

Mon, 28 Apr 2008 12:15:53 -0400

WASHINGTON — The mortgage industry, facing the prospect of tougher regulations for its central role in the housing crisis, has begun an intensive campaign to fight back.

As the Federal Reserve completes work on rules to root out abuses by lenders, its plan has run into a buzz saw of criticism from bankers, mortgage brokers and other parts of the housing industry. One common industry criticism is that at a time of tight credit, tighter rules could make many mortgages more expensive by creating more paperwork and potentially exposing lenders to more lawsuits.

Fed to hold public hearings on BofA-Countrywide deal

Mon, 28 Apr 2008 12:14:50 -0400

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Consumer advocates nervous about Bank of America Corp.'s proposed takeover of troubled mortgage lender Countrywide Financial Corp. are pressuring the bank to provide assurances that Countrywide borrowers facing foreclosure won't lose their homes.

The campaign is likely to intensify Monday as members of the Federal Reserve Board begin two days of public hearings on the proposed $4.1 billion stock deal.

Piling On: Borrowers Buried by Fees

Mon, 28 Apr 2008 12:14:03 -0400

By GRETCHEN MORGENSON

Published: April 20, 2008

SLOWLY but surely, a handful of public-minded bankruptcy court judges are drawing back the curtain on the mortgage servicing business, exposing, among other questionable practices, the sundry and onerous fees that big banks and financial companies levy on troubled borrowers.

New comment - Preventing Climate Destabilization: Three Obstacles

Thu, 24 Apr 2008 10:42:53 -0400

Dan: The economic doctrine really is like religious dogma, as you said. Another term I've heard used that is pretty descriptive is "market fundamentalism." The idea that if you just turn the markets loose all our problems will be solved is beyond absurd. Humans assign monetary values to things and resources that are not exploited are considered without value. Within this dogma, clean air, clean water, healthy oceans, and healthy forests have no intrinsic value except for the profits that can be wrung from them. Thanks for your comment!

New comment - Poverty Photo: The sound is lost in whispers

Fri, 18 Apr 2008 15:00:04 -0400

No I did not take this. I wish I remembered where I found it because I'm sure he/she has other great work! I'm glad to hear it touched you :)

New comment - 'Critical Mass' Acts to Promote Urban Bicycle Transporation

Mon, 07 Apr 2008 14:18:42 -0400

Sounds a great idea - not sure if in London it would work as it is too congested with no road built exclusively for the car. London only has one modern new road all the rest have always been there! here's a video - http://youtube.com/watch?v=a7-MxK8AvHI

New comment - Participatory Democracy? Step One: Stop Voting!

Wed, 02 Apr 2008 18:21:50 -0400

I have meditated upon this dilemma, as well. A boycott of the Election would be effective only in extremely large numbers and this would take a lot of organization - almost like sponsoring a candidate - and a lot of publicity. I had wanted to form a general strike among customer service employees in Key West to highlight the poor conditions most people work under, the ineffectiveness of wage legislation and the absence of worker's rights. Even though we were a small island with a small population, the effort needed to get enough people involved and willing to go through with a strike was...

Alliance Accepted! - ritodhi chakraborty

Tue, 25 Mar 2008 08:43:59 -0400

Alliance Accepted! - David Barrie

Wed, 12 Mar 2008 04:01:02 -0400

Alliance Accepted! - lucarseneault

Mon, 10 Mar 2008 19:46:18 -0400

Alliance Accepted! - Lee Purcell

Thu, 06 Mar 2008 00:11:55 -0500

New comment! - Biophilia or Biophobia? Let's fall in love with nature... again

Wed, 05 Mar 2008 19:54:39 -0500

As a child growing up in New Jersey, New Hampshire, and a small town on the Massachusetts coast, I spent many hours with friends (and often alone) exploring trails through the forest, tide pools, meadows, and other open spaces. Kids today, I fear, don't have the same opportunities--there are fewer open spaces and more fear about letting children do anything by themselves. There's a strong grain of truth in this well-written post. If you never experience nature fully, you can never truly appreciate it. More power to biophilia!

Alliance Accepted! - jill ettinger

Tue, 04 Mar 2008 10:06:12 -0500

New comment - My Culture Killed Lawrence King

Wed, 27 Feb 2008 01:26:12 -0500

When are people ever going to learn to watch how they act, watch what they say around children? The things we say in prejudice are absorbed by their impressionable young minds so easily! They are constantly under tremendous peer pressure as well. This is just so sad and so pointless. Maybe if people learn from this it won't be entirely in vain, but I'm not holding my breath!

New comment - Nonviolence: Practical or Practically a Fantasy?

Fri, 15 Feb 2008 02:46:41 -0500

After posting a comment to this thread I ran into an interesting passage from a biography about Albert Schweitzer by George Seaver:

"[T]here is another another more difficult problem to be solved. All life at the expense of other life: this is an obvious law of the natural world;and man--an ethical and spiritual being---is forced by the selfsame horrible and incomprehensible law to prey on other life, whether animal or vegetable, in order to maintain his own. No one has yet found the thought that will give the answer to this dark and inscrutable riddle of existence; but at least...

New comment - Nonviolence: Practical or Practically a Fantasy?

Thu, 14 Feb 2008 20:41:58 -0500

As a Christian who attended a Mennonite seminary and believes in nonviolence and nonviolent resistance, I have come to the conclusion that self defense to save your life or the life of others is a natural instinct. I was sexually abused as a child, and if someone attacked me I would fight back. However, I am opposed to the U.S. use of military might. I am opposed to war. How do I reconcile my two beliefs? I do not. I live with tension. In this world that is filled with beauty, love, hate, and ugliness I realize that sometimes two beliefs can be opposite and still both equally valid. Not...

New comment - Participatory Democracy? Step One: Stop Voting!

Mon, 11 Feb 2008 18:09:27 -0500

There should be the option to vote "None of the Above" on all ballots. This should include national elections down to any committee appointments on a community level. People should have the option to toss out all the candidates. This will help ensure parties, ideologies, corporate interests do not hijack the electoral process. Sometimes the best decision is not to make a decision at all. The cost of reholding an electrion is minimal compared to the mispending that may be done by a winning candidate who is merely the best of a bad lot. I have introduced this on several 'elections' w...

New comment - Nonviolence: Practical or Practically a Fantasy?

Sat, 09 Feb 2008 22:02:28 -0500

I have often said that I do not believe in violence, I never said I didn't like it . The issues you raise are tough ones but in most circumstances only theoretically tough because if you are a true student of martial arts then you know that the best defense is to avoid the fight in the first place. If you are following the Dharma and training your mind and body then you will become more and more skillful at avoiding confrontations so that the actual philosophical dilemma of 'What should a pacifist do when a loved one is threatened?' is very unlikely to be met in your lifetime. Theoretic...

New comment - Medium for Social Change or Channel for Mass Manipulation?

Sat, 09 Feb 2008 20:39:44 -0500

I think Alec is right that net neutrality is at the heart of our Internet communication freedom, but I don't think it's yet a done deal that the laws are going to change in favor of the telecoms. Act now and put the pressure on, through your legislators, to ensure that net neutrality remains intact. Otherwise, there is no guarantee that communication channels like Rethos will get the distribution they deserve.

New comment - Medium for Social Change or Channel for Mass Manipulation?

Sat, 09 Feb 2008 17:19:24 -0500

Very well written and argued! I was so suspicious I did a plagiarism's check using Google. Dan I totally disagree with you about the internet being a difficult medium to censor. As we speak, the forces of evil at telecoms around the country who are building the fiber-optic back bone soon to wire everywhere to everywhere are succeeding in getting permission to selectively filter these fiber-optic pathways. The rules which currently require the phone companies and cable companies to permit full internet access through DSL and Cable media are soon to be history. For example, AT&T would j...

New comment - Cellphones are the new cigarettes

Sat, 09 Feb 2008 10:52:07 -0500

In asia they lust after the latest phone. To them it represents wealth and modern living. Some people save for 2 years to buy a phone they do not need, which is almost criminal. It is very much like the cigarette marketing - but at least the phone has been proven to have a positve enconomic benifit to the society and no major health drawbacks.

Natural Building Internship

Thu, 07 Feb 2008 22:41:00 -0500

Community Rebuilds is an initiative to build affordable and energy efficient homes for the workforce in Moab, Utah. We assist families that own homes in disrepair (such as manufactured homes built prior to 1976) to recycle the existing structure and build a new home using green construction practices and products. <...

New comment - Nonviolence: Practical or Practically a Fantasy?

Thu, 07 Feb 2008 08:56:00 -0500

In response, the thing that comes to mind for me is this: We all have different philosophies or spiritual paths that we are traveling and striving in our lives... I think the main word is striving. That is why Buddha is Buddha, and we are all trying to self-actualize. I am certain (although I am not a Buddhist) that any Spiritual leader has had to deal with struggles similar or just as pulling as this one...and they too fail...then they hurry back on the path. So, I say keep struggling until it's not a struggle anymore and then you will have reached another level in this Spiritual p...

New comment - Nonviolence: Practical or Practically a Fantasy?

Wed, 06 Feb 2008 00:08:03 -0500

Oh, and this as well: Ishmael: "To differentiate the violence from the violent man, the sin from the sinner, is indeed often impossible. It has been my experience that after being beaten there is nothing left of the evil that possessed the guy, and all there is now is a poor soul wondering how it came to this. So may be we have to beat the devil out of the guy and stop beating the guywhen the devil has left him. The two are difficult as many have trouble beating anyone, and on the other hand many have trouble to stop beating every one."

New comment - Nonviolence: Practical or Practically a Fantasy?

Wed, 06 Feb 2008 00:04:38 -0500

Here are a few responses from friends of mine outside of rethos: Mariano: "Kill the f--k-r twice if possible. and don't look back... the attacker got himself in a situation I call "instant karma". -oh yeah- With love." Ishmael: "As soon as fear enters the mind, for personal protection or protection of another, then the reaction can only be violent, against the aggressor, against the other or even against one self. If fear is absent, not overcome or conquered as the military trains its men, because it is still present just subdued and waiting to rise again, as proven times and aga...

New comment! - Biophilia or Biophobia? Let's fall in love with nature... again

Tue, 05 Feb 2008 20:26:02 -0500

"Children are our best hope for rediscovering our love of nature. If we expose our children to untamed nature we can help them develop an affinity for it." This is the amazing truth...and a very passionate read. Thanks.

Alliance Accepted! - Jennifer Capo

Tue, 05 Feb 2008 20:02:58 -0500

New comment - Nonviolence: Practical or Practically a Fantasy?

Tue, 05 Feb 2008 17:21:57 -0500

Bill, As a student of a nonviolence, this is a question I continue to struggle with on a daily basis. I have come to no conclusions, but I think you are right to doubt whether nonviolence is always the most effective method. As I see it right now, the extent to which a person is willing to forgo violence in the face of aggression is contingent on his/her spiritual beliefs (whether there is a god of judgment, for example) and/or his/her ability to respond with violence. I don't know where I stand - I think I would have to fight back to the best of my ability if forced to confront the "rape ...

New comment - Medium for Social Change or Channel for Mass Manipulation?

Tue, 05 Feb 2008 16:28:01 -0500

Well written and very thoughtful piece Lee! I feel the same way about the dual potential of mass communication. I do think that provided the internet remains free and neutral, that is will remain a hotbed for discourse and democratic change. Lets hope...

Internship Opportunity - Tour Liaisons

Tue, 05 Feb 2008 12:51:37 -0500

Internship Opportunity—Tour Liaison
Otesha Cycling and Performing Tours
www.otesha.ca

The Otesha Project is seeking 14 dedicated, organized, fun-loving individuals, aged 18 to 30, to serve as Tour Liaisons for its 2008 cycling and performing tours. As part of a team of 15 to 20 performers, you will take care of all administrative and on-the-road logistics for the tour. Successful candidates will support team members as individuals, foster a positive team environment, support teams in achieving tour object...

New comment - Participatory Democracy? Step One: Stop Voting!

Thu, 31 Jan 2008 21:33:02 -0500

A very heavily boycotted election would not be recognized internationally as a valid election. The American system of voting (and government) would come under intense scrutiny and embarrassment. It could even cause a financial crisis, given the recent lack of confidence in the dollar and the US in general. I say not voting this election is a good idea if you also campaign widely for a mass boycott of the election.

Alliance Accepted! - Denise Day

Sun, 10 Feb 2008 21:50:54 -0500

New comment - Participatory Democracy? Step One: Stop Voting!

Wed, 30 Jan 2008 17:41:27 -0500

I understand your disenchantment with current politics and the people running for office, but I have to say that Iâ€™ve never understood the â€œdonâ€™t voteâ€ approach. It presupposes that politicians and the political parties will care that people arenâ€™t voting and I have yet to see that idea holding true. Politicians only care about those who vote â€“ itâ€™s why they can ignore so many issues that the younger generation cares about. Only when people start to vote do they, the politicians, start to listen.

Boycotting an election is very different from boycotting a company. ...

Alliance Accepted! - Matthew Aquilone

Wed, 23 Jan 2008 10:25:08 -0500

Want to coach young social entrepreneurs?

Sun, 13 Jan 2008 17:51:07 -0500

Are you a seasoned social innovator? Have experience that you would like to share? ....A burning love for social change?

Be a Conscious Lifestyle Liaison!

A Liaison serves as a mentor to new CL ventures, helping them with: â€¢ development and design â€¢ infrastructure and management â€¢ organizational growth â€¢ quality control â€¢ publicity/outreach

As a Conscious Lifestyle liaison, youâ€™ll get the opportunity to work with outstanding students leaders, help to cultivate the growing movement of â€œconscious livingâ€, be a part of a vibrant young up-s...

Get $1,000 for your Socially Innovative Idea

Sun, 13 Jan 2008 17:44:36 -0500

Are you passionate about making the world a better place? Have an idea about how to make your fellow students and your school more socially responsible? Want to turn that idea into a realityâ€¦?

Conscious Lifestyle is accepting applications for its venture program.

Submit an application for the chance to win:

Up to $1,000 in start-up funding
Web space on consciouslifestyle.org
Monthly skill-building workshops
Personalized support
Access to a network of social entrepreneurs

Alliance Accepted! - Simple Shoes

Sun, 13 Jan 2008 14:01:59 -0500

New comment - 'Critical Mass' Acts to Promote Urban Bicycle Transporation

Tue, 08 Jan 2008 14:24:33 -0500

Nathan, It really depends solely on your perspective. You say that CM is not fighting for equal rights. Why? People who support CM say they are doing just that: equal rights for bicycle riders who are forced alone to be subjected to “back of the bus” status. CM supporters believe that this an important right to fight for. They do not believe they are “implying that they are above the law” anymore than the busriders were so implying by breaking the law in Selma. Believe me, there are unfortuantely plenty of people who believe that the Selma bus riders felt they we...

Ally Request - MÃ©decins Sans FrontiÃ¨res

Fri, 21 Dec 2007 13:28:09 -0500

Otesha launches 2008 Cycling and Performing Tours

Tue, 18 Dec 2007 14:22:59 -0500

The Otesha Project has announced the routes for the 2008 Otesha Cycling and Performing Tours (Check out: www.otesha.ca/bike+tours/index.en.html). Applications are now being accepted for seven regional tours throughout Canada that will take more than 120 inspiring young change-makers on the journey of a lifetime. You could be one of them!

Tour members will share an incredible experience as they live as a mobile and sustainable community for two months. They will cycle from performance to performance, braving the elements, connecting with communities along the route, and explorin...

Alliance Accepted! - Elias Feghali

Tue, 08 Jan 2008 09:54:37 -0500

New comment - The Meat Industry and the Environment

Wed, 12 Dec 2007 16:49:54 -0500

Wow…I was a vegetarian for a while, but I stopped because I found it hard to get enough protein. I think I’ll stock up the cupboard with some extra peanut-butter and start vegging again. Thanks for the post, I had no idea little decision that I make could have so much impact on the earth!

Opportunity for Webmasters and Bloggers! FREE USE OF WEBSITES

Tue, 11 Dec 2007 18:32:14 -0500

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

My gift to you this season are some of the valuable Sustainability-related domains I’ve collected over the years.

All I ask in return is that you design a really cool site that gets people involved, spreads the Sustainability Symbol around the world and brings attention to at least one of the Climate Change related projects we’re working on (Like “STOP the GLOFs”) The rest will be up to you.

Almost one year ago we introduced the 3 Finger Sustainability Symbol (Peace Plus One) to the HK Environ...

New comment - 'Critical Mass' Acts to Promote Urban Bicycle Transporation

Tue, 11 Dec 2007 17:55:22 -0500

Hey Alec,

Thanks for the response.

While I understand the importance of civil disobediance, there are certain examples that you can give to support it, though many examples, especially nowadays, hardly do the tool of civil disobediance justice.

The selma bus riders were breaking a rule that in no way benefited society because it was founded on a belief system that upheld racial differences. Breaking rules such as our traffic light system? How is that going to make anybody want to invite more cyclists to the city?

In other words, the selma bus rid...

New comment! - The Shock Doctrine short film

Sun, 09 Dec 2007 21:47:16 -0500

You should also see “The Take” which is produced by Avi Lewis and Naomi Klein (http://www.thetake.org/).

Help us create a new space

Tue, 04 Dec 2007 17:25:26 -0500

In the new year, our organisation, Public Achievement are moving into new offices in Belfast’s City Centre – actually in the new ‘Cathedral Arts Quarter’ up-and-coming funky part of town. We are moving because our existing building is in a terrible state and the owner won’t get it fixed, but we are excited about the move.

Now what we are getting is just over 1500 square feet divided into two office spaces (600 and 900 square feet). The smaller part will be used as a meeting/workshop/studio space and includes an extremely basic ‘kitchen̵...

Alliance Accepted! - Evan

Sun, 02 Dec 2007 18:08:56 -0500

Alliance Accepted! - Meredith Gossland

Sun, 02 Dec 2007 02:43:46 -0500

New comment! - December 8th Demonstration: BEYOND KYOTO

Sat, 01 Dec 2007 22:36:08 -0500

Agreed. I am hopeful that there will be a big enough turnout worldwide that even the gas guzzlers will pause for a moment to consider the consequences of their actions.

I looked for a similar event being held in southern California but unfortunately there is none. Hmmm… why don’t you organize one? I know you only have 6 days but it would be great for your state to be represented!

Stand up for something, be counted, and together we can make a difference!

New comment! - December 8th Demonstration: BEYOND KYOTO

Sat, 01 Dec 2007 19:30:37 -0500

Although government support is certainly important I think here in America it is the people of the nation who need to take it seriously. I live in Southern California were there is one gas guzzling SUV for every 3 cars and of those cars maybe 5% are hybrids or remotely fuel efficient. I think change needs to be everyone’s responsibility not just the governments. But that is not to say that this demonstration is not important!!!!! I would go if I could…..but for those of us who are concerned I think we should make it our focus to educate our friends f...

Alliance Accepted! - Fernando

Sun, 09 Dec 2007 21:14:20 -0500

New comment! - The Corporation (Another must see film)

Sun, 25 Nov 2007 18:42:09 -0500

This movie is amazing I was surprised to see Bolivia’s War of Water there. This historical fact was one of the first victories that let to the election of the first indigenous president Evo Morales.

What did happen in Bolivia in 2000?

The privatization of the public service of drinking water in Cochabamba and the authorization to raise tariffs in an order from 40% to 300%.

The attempt to expropriate hundreds of small suburban system of drinking water in order to assure the monopoly to the big Corporation.

The intention to give to the transnat...

New comment - 'Critical Mass' Acts to Promote Urban Bicycle Transporation

Fri, 23 Nov 2007 22:55:56 -0500

blushing

New comment - 'Critical Mass' Acts to Promote Urban Bicycle Transporation

Fri, 23 Nov 2007 13:47:33 -0500

Alec: As usual your writing inspires me – your purposeful prose is so highly intelligent, yet so wonderfully readable. Its as if your words choose you, lending themselves to your literary pursuits. I am as always enviously in awe. You inspire me greatly. Congratulations on participating in such a wonderful ride. I will look forward to hearing more of your friday night biking escapades.

New comment - The Meat Industry and the Environment

Tue, 20 Nov 2007 16:58:46 -0500

I’m not a vegan, and I do eat some fish, though I understand how this taxes the environment. So here’s me being hypocritical to some degree and just saying that there is no such thing as sustainable meat, from my point of view. Thought I don’t believe everything he says, I reccommend reading Daniel Quinn. We need to figure out some kind of nouveau agricultural idea, because the way we do it now just isn’t working. One more thing I often consider is how many billion people there are in the world. First world countries eat more meat, because people residing the...

Alliance Accepted! - lynx

Tue, 20 Nov 2007 20:02:44 -0500

New comment - The Meat Industry and the Environment

Mon, 19 Nov 2007 19:20:48 -0500

Bottom line is no matter how it is produced meat requires the suffering and killing of a sentient being. Cows, pigs etc have as much emotion and sensation as any house pet. The free-range definition is a deceiving one. many free frange animals are slaughtered in the same facilities used by factory farms, and often the conditions on free range farms, while “cageless” are just as inhumane. Check peta.org for the scoop

Alliance Accepted! - Hannah

Mon, 19 Nov 2007 20:49:41 -0500

Ally Request - Nelly Bassily

Mon, 19 Nov 2007 00:07:16 -0500

New comment! - Documentary film: Who killed the electric car?

Sun, 18 Nov 2007 13:02:52 -0500

I found the funeral a bad way to start but the whole documentary is really well done. Is a serious work and worth it to watch.

A few weeks after a watched this movie I found rechargeIT, a Google initiative that shows that electric cars are possible.

If car manufacturers and oil companies don’t want this to happen. Is good to see companies like Google that use their money to make it by them selves.

check out http://www.google.org/recharge/

New comment - what is the real potential of hemp? anybody?

Sat, 17 Nov 2007 19:39:13 -0500

Really? I thought the all knowing, invisible hand of the market always did what was good for the people…

That was a joke.

New comment - 'Critical Mass' Acts to Promote Urban Bicycle Transporation

Thu, 15 Nov 2007 10:29:11 -0500

Sorry! I meant “desegregation” not “segregation”.

New comment - 'Critical Mass' Acts to Promote Urban Bicycle Transporation

Thu, 15 Nov 2007 10:26:30 -0500

Nathan, Thanks for the input. As I state in the article, Critical Mass has come under fire for some of its tactics. I have so far only taken the one ride with them but the thing that struck me as quite odd was the fact that motorists everywhere seemed to encounter us with a totally positive attitude even when some people were “corking” intersections.

Your comment is a restatement of an age old debate about civil disobedience: does one work within the existing parameters to try to effect change or does one intentionally violate those parameters to force change in a j...

Ally Request - manifesto_old

Thu, 15 Nov 2007 09:15:26 -0500

New comment - The Meat Industry and the Environment

Wed, 14 Nov 2007 16:10:24 -0500

Yea yea, nice nit-picking Christopher.

You could make twice the contribution by investing in a bicycle. It also will do a number on your health too, believe it or not.

Meat is good for you, and the fact that people are suggesting we exchange diets for the sake of the environment is ridiculous. Stop driving, it’s unnecessary.

New comment - 'Critical Mass' Acts to Promote Urban Bicycle Transporation

Wed, 14 Nov 2007 16:04:48 -0500

I’m as big a cycling enthusiast as anyone. I ride my bike everywhere (work, school, service endeavors, and for travel means) and rely on it as my primary means of physical fitness, as competitive cycling and triathlons crown my list of passions. However, though Critical Mass is theoretically a great idea, some of the things that you describe in your first critical mass ride are exactly why legislators and city officials fail to support movements for bike-friendliness in major cities such as my hometown of Pittsburgh.

Whenever you join together hundreds of cyclists at on...

New comment - 'Critical Mass' Acts to Promote Urban Bicycle Transporation

Wed, 14 Nov 2007 15:34:50 -0500

Living in Urban Denver…to bike is green, and green is cool! Great article!

New comment - The Meat Industry and the Environment

Mon, 12 Nov 2007 10:54:19 -0500

I hear these facts about livestock production. I did not realize the amounts of wastage that occurs in this industry.

As for going veggie, I have my reservations. for starters, I CANNOT live without meat for a single day! I mean I could have it with vegetables, but I need my meat. I do not yet understand the moral aspect of consuming meat. The plants and crops that we feed on are also living beings.

New comment - what is the real potential of hemp? anybody?

Sun, 11 Nov 2007 22:15:32 -0500

please understand that im trying to open up the debate. discount the alien refrence i think he’s just joking. also other plants do have signs showing if it is male or female. so even though it is not totally empiracly accurate i do know that much of this info is factual.

i bought a container oof hempseed before and it had 7grams of protein for two tablespoons on the nutrition guide sticker. and i know a hemp farmer with 600 acres dedicated to its growth and it does produce the quantity of material its rumored to produce. so im convinced that hemp can live up to its reput...

New comment - what is the real potential of hemp? anybody?

Sun, 11 Nov 2007 21:37:02 -0500

What can be the benefits of this plant?

as far as i know the plant can:

- grow to the size of a 40 year old tree in one harvest(3 to 6 months). - produce paper (any quality from painting canvas to glossy printer paper). - produce wood equivalent to plywood that can be used to build shelter. - can be processed for fibers that can be manufactured into clothing. - produce edible seeds packed with protein (7 grams in two table spoons of hempseed), along with essential fatty acids (the good kind of fat), and helpful enzymes.

to me this translates as:

- ...

New comment - The Meat Industry and the Environment

Sat, 10 Nov 2007 09:35:27 -0500

truely a tatamount problem.

however there is a perfectly viable alternative out there. coming soon. hopefully.

with your support.

New comment! - Documentary film: Who killed the electric car?

Fri, 09 Nov 2007 17:16:52 -0500

Truly an amazing film, one would say an eye-opener…

For those who like informative documentaries check out a film called Obsession

New comment! - Documentary film: Who killed the electric car?

Thu, 08 Nov 2007 14:45:23 -0500

Wisconsin Passes Neighborhood Electric Vehicles Bill… now if other states could follow suit!

http://badgerherald.com/news/2007/11/07/legislators_hybrid_v.php

Alliance Accepted! - Polina Malamud

Wed, 07 Nov 2007 22:40:01 -0500

Alliance Accepted! - Paul Hughes

Sun, 04 Nov 2007 09:36:46 -0500

Alliance Accepted! - spinnydave

Sun, 04 Nov 2007 09:36:57 -0500

Alliance Accepted! - Thomas Defler

Sun, 04 Nov 2007 09:36:50 -0500

New comment! - Documentary film: Who killed the electric car?

Fri, 02 Nov 2007 03:55:17 -0400

This is a truly eye-opening film. It shows how top-down government legislation can enact huge change rapidly (as it was the case when California passed a law that required that a percentage of all new cars sold by companies in that state had to be zero emission vehicles) and how commercial pressure on government can revert good laws. I don’t know of many videos that show a better example of how corporate lobbying can make a legislative body overturn a good law in the books. The stated law was forcing the big car manufacturers to innovate and develop electric powered cars and lea...

Alliance Accepted! - Li Li Parsons

Thu, 01 Nov 2007 00:22:38 -0400

New comment! - Enron the smartest guys in the room (Documentary Film)

Fri, 12 Oct 2007 01:34:38 -0400

My first cousin, Alex Gibney, is the film maker. He was nominated for an Oscar for this film and I think he did a great job! Please go see his latest film: Taxi to the Dark Side; a documentary about US torture in Afgahnistan.

New comment! - Enron the smartest guys in the room (Documentary Film)

Fri, 12 Oct 2007 01:31:42 -0400

Please come to Los angeles for Darfur Rally

Wed, 10 Oct 2007 21:07:10 -0400

Monday October 15 in Downtown LA 12 noon!!!

Help to stop American Investment in Darfur! Join me in downtown Los Angeles for a rally!

Click here to sign up

Write/Draw for rethos!

Tue, 09 Oct 2007 18:39:28 -0400

Friends, We are in the process of starting a new project at rethos dedicated to citizen journalism and creative expression. We want rethos to become a organic media channel with a focus on promoting positive social change throughout the world. If you are interested in learning more about this new venture, please send an email to eli@rethos.com. We need people who are ready to start doing freelance work right away, so please take advantage of this unique opportunity!

Eli http://www.rethos.com/eli

Alliance Accepted! - Frank Miller

Tue, 09 Oct 2007 18:56:54 -0400

Alliance Accepted! - Ryan Garrett

Mon, 08 Oct 2007 17:00:22 -0400

New comment - The Meat Industry and the Environment

Fri, 05 Oct 2007 22:59:51 -0400

Thanks everyone for all of your great comments. I was not expecting a debate to kick off here.

The soybean issue is also bothering me. I do not feel like we should need to choose between animals and trees. Someone obviously needs a kick in the balls. No one should be messing with our rain forests. They are already more than half eliminated… I’m sure there is a more sustainable way to go about growing the damn beans.

Alliance Accepted! - Jesse Smale

Mon, 08 Oct 2007 17:00:30 -0400

Alliance Accepted! - guts

Fri, 05 Oct 2007 15:55:30 -0400

Alliance Accepted! - Alisa

Thu, 04 Oct 2007 15:27:34 -0400

Alliance Accepted! - Americans for Fairness in Lending

Thu, 04 Oct 2007 15:47:37 -0400

Alliance Accepted! - Alec Henderson

Thu, 04 Oct 2007 11:37:28 -0400

Alliance Accepted! - Enrique Garcia

Wed, 03 Oct 2007 11:52:21 -0400

Alliance Accepted! - Bill Landis

Tue, 02 Oct 2007 20:36:10 -0400

Ally Request - Zoe Salzman

Tue, 02 Oct 2007 17:51:31 -0400

New comment - The Meat Industry and the Environment

Sun, 30 Sep 2007 12:01:05 -0400

” Diet for a New America” by John Robbins … was that mentioned ? Also, as a veggie I must say one of the things u never want to face as a carnivore is the suffering u cause another sentient being. It honestly & simply takes a certain level of dishonesty & detachment to be a carnivore. If you were truly honest with yourself you could no longer eat meat. I believe it was Shaw who said it best: Until we stop being the graves for dead animals we as a species shall never live in Peace. (major paraphrasing!)

Alliance Accepted! - JAM

Tue, 02 Oct 2007 17:22:05 -0400

New comment! - Deep integration (Also known as Security and Prosperity partnership or SPP)

Fri, 28 Sep 2007 11:36:22 -0400

This is deeply important information. It needs to be shared with the public. Thank you for addressing this increasingly important issue.

New comment - The Meat Industry and the Environment

Thu, 27 Sep 2007 17:57:54 -0400

Hey chirrens!

Firstoffly, let me say that I love this post. Sometimes a firm statistical slap in the face is just enough to make someone consider a- how shall I put it- greener diet. Its what made me go Vegan.

Now before some of you carnos out there cringe, I have no bad feelings towards you. Everyone I know is a carno, save for my flat-mate. And I know that â€˜veganâ€™ looks like some sort of contraction between â€˜vegetarianâ€™ and â€˜crazy personâ€™ to some of you, but Its my environmental views that drove me to that point.

The fact is, that if you consum...

Alliance Accepted! - Margaret Anne McHugh

Wed, 26 Sep 2007 16:27:48 -0400

Alliance Accepted! - Paul

Wed, 26 Sep 2007 00:56:41 -0400

New comment - The Meat Industry and the Environment

Tue, 25 Sep 2007 05:24:55 -0400

I study Chinese Medicine, nutrition, herbology, and general health sciences. If anybody needs help on learning to eat a healthy vegetarian diet that your body can stick with message me.

Alliance Accepted! - Mary Martin

Tue, 25 Sep 2007 07:25:53 -0400

Alliance Accepted! - Theresa

Mon, 24 Sep 2007 20:52:45 -0400

New comment - The Meat Industry and the Environment

Mon, 24 Sep 2007 09:16:51 -0400

I understand that many (myself included) learned about “Animal Rights” from Peter Singer, but he is a utilitarian and not actually opposed to using animals. If you want to learn about abolition (which is what AR used to be before it was co-opted by animal welfare), read Professor Gary Francione’s work. His website, www.abolitionistapproach.com, has very accessible flash presentations that explain the differences between animal rights and animal welfare, what animal rights actually is (contrary to what PETA might say), and why property rights ar...

New comment - The Meat Industry and the Environment

Mon, 24 Sep 2007 08:05:03 -0400

It’s nice when people seek to ignite a debate, and one actually ensues, rather than everyone just confirming their original beliefs. I think I’m going to like rethos.

I’m with Krista et al at the moment; I think that what is needed from an ecological perspective is a fundamental change to food culture, but not necessarily one that cuts out meat. It’s similar (but not directly linked) to the kind of change which one has affect in one’s diet when changing to full vegetarianism, engaging in a whole new approach to food, recipes and ingredients rather ...

New comment - The Meat Industry and the Environment

Mon, 24 Sep 2007 00:53:11 -0400

thank you for posting the info. realizing the effect that our food choices have on the environment is crucial. becoming a vegetarian is one of the easiest things a person can do to decrease the impact they have on the environment as well as decrease the amount of suffering that farm animals are subjected to. i have been a vegetarian for over four years and really cant imagine eating meet again, but lately i have struggled with whether or not my choices really are the least impactful on the environment. in the january 2007 issue of national geographic there is an article attributing the ...

Alliance Accepted! - Richard Treadwell

Sun, 23 Sep 2007 00:19:09 -0400

New comment - The Meat Industry and the Environment

Fri, 21 Sep 2007 17:09:51 -0400

Honestly, I am having such an authentically difficult time responding to this. I was a vegeterian for about five years and then transitional (fish and poultry) for another two years (approx.). I can feel how fired up people get regarding this subject. I did too. Then I studied further and lived out some of my education at several sustainable ag. projects. Even gardening for a site leased by the old administrator of the Findhorn Garden. Get real, All of us. There is no short cut solution to this whole thing. If everyone is not on board, the boat isn’t gonna float. I feel healthier a...

New comment - The Meat Industry and the Environment

Fri, 21 Sep 2007 17:08:39 -0400

Honestly, I am having such an authentically difficult time responding to this. I was a vegeterian for about five years and then transitional (fish and poultry) for another two years (approx.). I can feel how fired up people get regarding this subject. I did too. Then I studied further and lived out some of my education at several sustainable ag. projects. Even gardening for a site leased by the old administrator of the Findhorn Garden. Get real, All of us. There is no short cut solution to this whole thing. If everyone is not on board, the boat isn’t gonna float. I feel healthier a...

Alliance Accepted! - Jason Boyer

Fri, 21 Sep 2007 15:15:37 -0400

Alliance Accepted! - Hannah

Wed, 19 Sep 2007 10:00:21 -0400

New comment! - The Future of Food (Documentary Film)

Tue, 18 Sep 2007 20:47:56 -0400

We showed this documentary at our progressive film festival at my university last year. It is amazing and a must-see for anyone concerned about where their food is coming from, the misdeeds of agribusiness, and the state of the future society.

Alliance Accepted! - Philip McMaster

Tue, 18 Sep 2007 18:46:49 -0400

New comment! - The Future of Food (Documentary Film)

Tue, 18 Sep 2007 15:20:03 -0400

It needs to be pointed out that the Bt toxin is the only pesticide certified for use in organic farming, and that the alternative to Bt corn is application of organophosphates, many of which are known to be acutely toxic.

And their claim that prior to roundup ready crops, herbicide application was rare…? Can anyone substantiate that? Can THEY?

Alliance Accepted! - Will

Tue, 18 Sep 2007 11:15:14 -0400

Alliance Accepted! - Christopher Fox

Tue, 18 Sep 2007 08:43:41 -0400

Alliance Accepted! - Technology For People Group Inc.

Mon, 17 Sep 2007 00:17:54 -0400

Alliance Accepted! - Rainforest Alliance

Mon, 17 Sep 2007 10:12:37 -0400

New comment - The Meat Industry and the Environment

Sun, 16 Sep 2007 17:07:51 -0400

Wacks Krista with a bushel of chard!!

Alliance Accepted! - Benjamin Silver

Sun, 16 Sep 2007 13:39:43 -0400

Alliance Accepted! - Arthur Cohene

Tue, 18 Sep 2007 11:54:17 -0400

Alliance Accepted! - Krista White

Sat, 15 Sep 2007 13:36:32 -0400

Alliance Accepted! - Benjamin Ackerman

Fri, 14 Sep 2007 21:20:33 -0400

New comment - The Meat Industry and the Environment

Fri, 14 Sep 2007 16:32:35 -0400

Hmm… well I think essentially we agree. You see, my scenario never – ever – included eating anything, from McDonald’s. Because I would like to point out that not all of us who eat meat are guilty of patronizing McDonalds.

Certainly, I agree that that kind of meat consumption is completely unsustainable. I was thinking more along the lines of eat what you, or your neighbour, can grow.

When I lived in England pretty much all of my friends and neighbours had their own chickens. Even a friend who lived in a terraced house in the middle of the c...

Alliance Accepted! - Christine

Fri, 14 Sep 2007 10:05:20 -0400

New comment - The Meat Industry and the Environment

Thu, 13 Sep 2007 21:17:59 -0400

Ok, before you whack me with the spinach too (and by the way, chard would make a much more useful weapon) I would like to make one suggestion for those considering vegetarianism.

Leaving ethical reasons out of it, it is possible to eat meat fairly sustainably. The environmental detriment comes from commercial livestock production, not the existence of the animals (ruminants and their pesky methane excepted), or the consumption of them.

Switching our meat consumption to free range or wild game, and getting it locally can mitigate just about all of the ecological footp...

Alliance Accepted! - Jennifer Mannion

Fri, 14 Sep 2007 10:05:22 -0400

New comment - The Meat Industry and the Environment

Sat, 08 Sep 2007 10:15:00 -0400

Attacks you with a spinach salad

Alliance Accepted! - Christopher

Fri, 14 Sep 2007 10:05:33 -0400

Alliance Accepted! - Pascal

Fri, 12 Oct 2007 15:23:54 -0400

Alliance Accepted! - steph

Wed, 05 Sep 2007 10:58:46 -0400

Alliance Accepted! - Pablo Salzman

Tue, 04 Sep 2007 13:49:33 -0400

Alliance Accepted! - Alex

Tue, 04 Sep 2007 20:05:34 -0400

Alliance Accepted! - Chris Advansun

Wed, 05 Sep 2007 14:51:34 -0400

Rethos.com - danrose's Global Feed

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War on the middle class

Shoes for a Happy Planet - The Simple Shoes story

What Will Mac ’n’ Mae Cost You and Me?

That Student Loan, So Hard to Shake

Avoiding College's Plastic Hangover

Opportunity for Bloggers - A New Book By Huffington Post

Ally Request - Common Good Finance

Senators Caught in Mortgage Fallout

Foreclosure Filings Jump, and Fall Is Forecast as Peak

McCain has lots on credit cards

Teachings of the Elder Brothers: Spirit Walking in the World

Help End Unfair and Abusive Credit Card Tricks and Traps!

Shrinking Lines of Credit

Home by home, crisis engulfs nation

Who's to blame? Everyone, say the experts, from homeowners to regulators.

About 1 in 11 Mortgageholders Face Loan Problems

Treehuggers to descend on Montreal

U.S. Mortgage Delinquencies, Foreclosures at Record

Coakley sues subprime lender Option One for racial discrimination

The Other Subprime Loans: The Same Team That Cooked Up Subprime Mortgages Also Thought of Auto Loans

Color of money: Lenders more likely to give minorities costly loans

Quebec and Ontario showing leadership with cap-and-trade program

Easy Ways You Can Help Conserve Rainforests

Insider Car Report

Trap is sprung in the Buckeye State!

Choosing Bankruptcy to Stay Afloat

Why Do Card Companies Almost Always Win?

Woman Loses Home Over $68 Dental Bill

Audio Slideshow: Subprime loans

New comment - 'Critical Mass' Acts to Promote Urban Bicycle Transporation

Oil IS Everything

Student loan â€œcrisisâ€ just an invention?

Countrywide adds insult to injury

Countrywide e-mail snafu angers borrowers

Mortgage lender chairman Angelo Mozilo accidentally replies to floundering customer with disparaging e-mail.

Oprah Tries Veganism as a"Cleanse"

Going Green At The Banyan Resort

Current World View: Askew

GoGreen Expo Highlights

Beijing Must Curb Use of Illegally Logged Timber, Forestry Official Says

Not Your Average Lunch Lady

Loan Industry Fighting Rules on Mortgages

Fed to hold public hearings on BofA-Countrywide deal

Piling On: Borrowers Buried by Fees

New comment - Preventing Climate Destabilization: Three Obstacles

New comment - Poverty Photo: The sound is lost in whispers

New comment - 'Critical Mass' Acts to Promote Urban Bicycle Transporation

New comment - Participatory Democracy? Step One: Stop Voting!

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New comment! - Biophilia or Biophobia? Let's fall in love with nature... again

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New comment - My Culture Killed Lawrence King

New comment - Nonviolence: Practical or Practically a Fantasy?

New comment - Nonviolence: Practical or Practically a Fantasy?

New comment - Participatory Democracy? Step One: Stop Voting!

New comment - Nonviolence: Practical or Practically a Fantasy?

New comment - Medium for Social Change or Channel for Mass Manipulation?

New comment - Medium for Social Change or Channel for Mass Manipulation?

New comment - Cellphones are the new cigarettes

Natural Building Internship

New comment - Nonviolence: Practical or Practically a Fantasy?

New comment - Nonviolence: Practical or Practically a Fantasy?

New comment - Nonviolence: Practical or Practically a Fantasy?

New comment! - Biophilia or Biophobia? Let's fall in love with nature... again

Alliance Accepted! - Jennifer Capo

New comment - Nonviolence: Practical or Practically a Fantasy?

New comment - Medium for Social Change or Channel for Mass Manipulation?

Internship Opportunity - Tour Liaisons

New comment - Participatory Democracy? Step One: Stop Voting!

Alliance Accepted! - Denise Day

New comment - Participatory Democracy? Step One: Stop Voting!

Alliance Accepted! - Matthew Aquilone

Student loan â€œcrisisâ€ just an invention?