99% perspiration

Image via WikipediaEdison would disagree with her statement that she's not a genius. And she's doing work in a vital area.

Could be called "Desperately Sought in Salem"

Perhaps our longings will be satiated . . . .

WORD: Why there's no money for the things Salem actually needs

It would be nice if Jeff Merkley had a talk with Ron Wyden, who remarried rich, about this article.

Salem Green+Solar Tour, this Saturday 10/2

Image by Steve Rhodes via Flickr

Salem Green + Solar Tour 2010
A tour of nine leading green-building projects in our area.

Salem Green + Solar Tour is part of a state-wide tour in 14 communities across Oregon, all happening on the same weekend. According to Solar Oregon, which oversees state-wide coordination, "the Oregon Green and Solar Tours are one of the biggest events of their kind in the nation" and "each tour reflects the unique interests of the community, yet all share a common goal: to educate the public about green and solar strategies."

You can also read about the National Solar Tour overseen by the American Solar Energy Society.

Saturday, October 2nd, 2010; 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

All new sites this year include:

• the first Passive House-certified home in the Pacific Northwest, so efficient it almost never needs mechanical heating or cooling;
  
  
• the first net-zero-energy small commercial building in Oregon, the LEED Platinum Painters Hall, a 1930s industrial building renovation;
  
  
• ABC Extreme Makeover’s newly-completed LEED Gold dormitory at Oregon School for the Deaf — get the personal tour before you watch it on TV Oct 31st!;
  
  
• downtown’s beautiful LEED Gold commercial-retail building, WaterPlace;
  
  
• a solar electric and hot water system integrated into an existing home at McNary Estates, compatible with the community CC&Rs;
  
  
• the first Solarize Salem Co-op’s solar PV installation, at $5.50 per watt, possibly one of the lowest costs in the nation;
  
  
• a modern, efficient & healthy home with natural materials, solar hot water, and a thermal mass “masonry heater” -- one small fire provides enough radiant heat for the entire day;
  
  
• the newly-renovated Gordon House designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, one of the original visionaries to integrate the built environmental with the natural;
  
  
• a 30-acre homestead owned by Master Gardeners, with solar hot water and electric, new construction, and fun, friendly animals!

To view preview photos and information. Tour sites are located throughout the area — West Salem, Keizer, downtown Salem, East Salem, and Silverton.

SCHEDULE
Architect Nathan Good will begin the tour at 9am with a preview of tour sites and a presentation on green building and design -- key terms, costs, features and benefits.

Project sites will be open from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., and will be hosted by the owner, architect and/or builder who will explain the green features, benefits, costs & lessons learned.

REGISTRATION & TICKETS

Tickets sold day-of beginning at 8:30 a.m. at Painters Hall, Pringle Creek Community, located off Madrona, Fairview Industrial Drive, and Lindburg Rd (formerly Strong Rd. SE). Click link for directions and a map.

Tour sites are located throughout the area — West Salem, Keizer, downtown, East Salem and Silverton.

COST: $10 per car, carpooling encouraged — bring your friends!
Bicyclists free! An organized group bike tour leaves from Pringle Creek at 10:15 a.m.

THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS
Pringle Creek Community, Marion County Public Works Environmental Services, Salem AIA (American Institute of Architects), Nathan Good Architect, Wild Pear, Friends of Straub Environmental Learning Center, Tanner Creek Energy, Zena Forest Products, Solarize Salem, BAM Agency, Inc., Lifesource Natural Foods, Barnwood Naturals, Mahonia Vineyards & Nursery, Bilyeu Homes, Spectra Construction, and City of Salem.

FOR MORE INFORMATION or call 503-315-1055 or email.

James Santana
Pringle Creek Community
3911 Village Center Dr SE
Salem, Oregon 97302
503-315-1055 office

Oregon Caves --- if you're heading South, don't miss

If work or the wandering spirit takes you South -- like way south, to Medford or surrounds, then make time to go to the Oregon Caves, a National Monument maintained and presented by the National Park Service. Seriously cool, and not just in temperature.

Alas, due to the decay of the nation's rail network, not that easy to access by train. When I'm Emperor, you'll be able to take a train to Cave Junction and then a shuttle to the fine old tour jumpoff point shown here.

Hopeful prognostication: Why the troops are coming home

Another superb TomGram.

Opportunity knocks at Salem City Hall, no one answers

Image by Jason McHuff via FlickrThere is an intense competition for groups who want to use the location across Liberty for banner ads for their events. The City Hall response is therefore . . . sad.

Sad because Salem is so cash-strapped that it's cutting library services and hours, and it fails to recognize the golden opportunity here -- instead of a first-come, first-served deal, they should auction off the rights for the banners on eBay each month, a month in advance. The State uses eBay to great advantage for getting rid of state surplus furniture and odds and ends. The beauty of the auction system is it would maximize revenue for the city while ensuring that every group has an equal shot at the location, regardless of what time they wake up, and no group would pay more than they want to, because they'd only pay what they agreed to pay by setting a bid limit.

The cliche about "government should run more like a business" is rarely true on the buying end -- when government is the buyer, strict controls are needed that prevent government from doing it "like a business." But when government is the seller, a much more business-minded view is long overdue.

Cultivating Creativity Opening Reception -- Thursday 9/23, 5:30 - 7 p.m.

Image via WikipediaThe Willamette Heritage Center (fka "Mission Mill Museum" and "Marion County Historical Society" before they wed and formed WHC) is hosting a members-only reception on Thursday night to celebrate the new show at the Heritage Center. Hope to see you there!

Wait, what? You're not a member? Oh! How sad. You should be. We are so blessed to have access to so much of post-pioneer history here. Many peoples in many other countries (and states) would kill to have the kind of access to our past that the Heritage Center provides to us ... And it needs a little bit of support from all of us.

Go. Thursday night. No doubt they'll be glad to welcome your membership contribution on the spot and let you in to see the show, "Cultivating Creativity."

Very useful this time of year! Fruitfly Deathtrap

Image via WikipediaFrom "Cool Tools" newsletter, where I always find one or two things worth looking at. Maybe I'm the last to know about this one . . . but better late than never!

fly deathtrap
Apple Cider Vinegar + Dish Soap Fly Trap

Fruit flies can materialize in even the most spotless kitchens. Until recently, I had no idea that they could be dealt with in a safe, effective, and cheap manner using apple cider vinegar and dish soap.

By simply pouring apple cider vinegar into an open cup or bowl and adding a drop or two of dish detergent you can easily make an incredibly effective trap for ridding your kitchen of fruit flies. Place it near your fruit bowl or trash can and within a day you will have nipped the problem in the bud.


Apple cider vinegar works as an attractant because of its strong sweet odor while the dish detergent decreases the vinegar's surface tension so that when a fly touches the surface it immediately sinks and drowns. It's particularly satisfying to see the collection of flies you have dealt with at the bottom of the glass. This has to be one of the best house keeping tricks I have ever picked up.

-- Oliver Hulland

Whew! Your bodice-rippers are safe

Image by Stewf via FlickrYou won't go to jail for lending a kid a romance novel.

Petition to Stop Letting PGE Profit by Destroying Climate Stability

See the petition gadget to the right, and please sign it!

Fellow Oregonians,

The science is clear and unmistakable: it is no longer reasonable or prudent for PGE or any other utility to burn coal.

We need a change in law so that the Oregon Public Utility Commission is required, as a matter of law, to make that finding -- that coal burning is not reasonable or prudent -- and, therefore, to deny any recovery of costs from ratepayers for any spending on or capital connected with coal use. We need to force the Oregon PUC to refuse any cost recovery for any coal-burning power plants after 2014 and to prohibit Oregon utilities from making any profit on coal-derived power imported from anywhere else.

We also need to increase the rate of return on low-carbon investments so that private utilities have the greatest possible incentives to invest in development and use of these vital energy sources. In addition to requiring the Oregon PUC to refuse any recovery for money spent on anything having to do with the use of coal, the PUC should be mandated to create a bonus rate structure that rewards utilities for conservation investments and for low and carbon-free power that they deliver by giving them a higher rate of return on these sources.

Responding to the climate threat is not just an environmental issue -- future generations can't speak for themselves yet, but they will have to live with the consequences of our actions now, making climate stability the ultimate global human rights issue. Oregon is well-positioned to establish the principles and legal mechanisms for an effective response to this grave danger.

In response, Sen. Peter Courtney forwarded the following from State Treasurer Ted Wheeler:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: James Sinks
Sept. 20, 2010 503-508-0737 (cell)
James.Sinks@state.or.us


Treasurer Wheeler urges better regulation of coal ash to reduce health risks and lessen need for costly cleanups

As a major investor, Oregon supports responsible corporate practices and sensible regulations


SALEM - Oregon State Treasurer Ted Wheeler is asking the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to better regulate the disposal of toxic coal ash in order to reduce the likelihood of costly environmental and public health impacts.

The State Treasurer, representing the Oregon Public Employees Retirement Fund, is part of a coalition of institutional investors that collectively manage more than $240 billion in assets and jointly submitted testimony asking the environmental agency to enact stronger rules regarding disposal of coal ash, and better reporting about those methods.

Oregon has one coal-fired power plant and coal ash landfill site, at Boardman in Morrow County. The facility is operated by Portland General Electric, which has announced plans to stop burning coal at the plant by 2020, which would be 20 years ahead of schedule.

"Every corporation and utility should act in a responsible way, especially when they are dealing with toxic wastes," Treasurer Wheeler said. "PGE is taking the right steps for their company, for their shareholders and for Oregon. Wherever coal is burned, investors and the public will be better protected by stronger rules, because doing too little can lead to major costs later."

Coal ash is a by-product of burning coal and contains heavy metals such as arsenic, mercury, lead and other toxins, and is left in landfills or ponds. However, those ponds and landfills are subject to less consistent regulation than landfills accepting household trash.

National attention to coal ash disposal was raised after a pond breach in Tennessee in 2008. That disaster sent millions of gallons of contaminated sludge and water into the Emory River and destroyed three houses.

In its testimony, the investors' coalition highlights the financial assurance requirement in the proposed regulations, saying that provision will help shareholders to understand financial risks associated with coal ash and to evaluate which companies are financially prepared to manage the costs of decommissioning coal ash sludge ponds or dealing with other coal ash-related impacts.

The Oregon State Treasury, which manages the Oregon Public Employees Retirement Fund, directly interacts with companies in an attempt to improve corporate responsibility and to enhance shareholder say in issues such as CEO salaries and reporting of environmental safeguards and risks.

In addition to internal communications and proxy vote actions, Oregon also seeks more accountability from Wall Street and corporations through lawsuits, when companies have failed to act in shareholders' best financial interests.

Good corporate governance is a system of checks and balances that fosters transparency, responsibility, accountability and market integrity - and as a result, adds value to public investments.

Other signatories to the letter to the EPA include the Connecticut State Treasurer's Office and New York State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli.

The Oregon State Treasury protects public assets and saves Oregonians money through its investment, banking, and debt management functions. The office also promotes public outreach and education to help Oregonians learn strategies to save money, invest for college and make smart financial choices.

###

In honor of today's Rail Now! convention in Salem

Good piece on the logic of making our EXISTING rail system a top priority. Hope the Rail Now! convention spends about 9 times more energy and attention on rebuilding the existing system as the attendees do on pie-in-the-sky high-speed rail ideas. Nothing wrong with the dreamy visions -- unless they divert money from Job 1, which is maintaining and expanding the system we have now, so that, with luck and hard work, we can someday again have a system as good as we had in 1910.

Countries that make makers take back their products are winning

Image by vikisuzan via Flickr

Friedman's column emphasizes the multiple benefits, both predictable and less so, that flow from passing extended producer responsibility (EPR) laws. No reason these laws can't start in Oregon, one of the "laboratories of democracy."

. . . . This is a great opportunity for U.S. clean-tech firms — if we nurture them. "While the U.S. is known for radical innovation, China is better at tweak-ovation." said Liu. Chinese companies are good at making a billion widgets at a penny each but not good at complex system integration or customer service.

We (sort of) have those capabilities. At the World Economic Forum meeting here, I met Mike Biddle, founder of MBA Polymers, which has invented processes for separating plastic from piles of junked computers, appliances and cars and then recycling it into pellets to make new plastic using less than 10 percent of the energy required to make virgin plastic from crude oil. Biddle calls it "above-ground mining." In the last three years, his company has mined 100 million pounds of new plastic from old plastic.

Biddle's seed money was provided mostly by U.S. taxpayers through federal research grants, yet today only his tiny headquarters are in the U.S. His factories are in Austria, China and Britain. "I employ 25 people in California and 250 overseas," he says. His dream is to have a factory in America that would repay all those research grants, but that would require a smart U.S. energy bill. Why?

Americans recycle about 25 percent of their plastic bottles. Most of the rest ends up in landfills or gets shipped to China to be recycled here. Getting people to recycle regularly is a hassle. To overcome that, the European Union, Japan, Taiwan and South Korea — and next year, China — have enacted producer-responsibility laws requiring that anything with a cord or battery — from an electric toothbrush to a laptop to a washing machine — has to be collected and recycled at the manufacturers' cost. That gives Biddle the assured source of raw material he needs at a reasonable price. (Because recyclers now compete in these countries for junk, the cost to the manufacturers for collecting it is steadily falling.)

"I am in the E.U. and China because the above-ground plastic mines are there or are being created there," said Biddle, who just won The Economist magazine's 2010 Innovation Award for energy/environment. "I am not in the U.S. because there aren't sufficient mines."

Biddle had enough money to hire one lobbyist to try to persuade the U.S. Congress to copy the recycling regulations of Europe, Japan and China in our energy bill, but, in the end, there was no bill. So we educated him, we paid for his tech breakthroughs — and now Chinese and European workers will harvest his fruit. Aren't we clever?

Recognizing libraries as necessities

http://irjci.blogspot.com/2010/09/public-libraries-should-be-necessities.html

. . . This is why the funding of American libraries should be a matter of national security.  Keeping libraries open, giving access to all children to all books is vital to our nation's sovereignty.  For nearly 85 percent of kids living in rural areas, the only place where they have access to technology or books outside the schoolroom is in a public library.  For many urban kids, the only safe haven they have to study or do homework is the public library. Librarians are soldiers in the battle for our place in the world, and in many cases they are getting the least amount of support our communities can offer.

We need to shift our national view of libraries not as luxuries, but as necessities.  When tragedy strikes in other nations, Americans are generous, but our libraries are being hit with a tsunami and there has been no call to action.  Staffs are being fired.  Hours are being cut. Doors are being closed. Buildings are being razed.  Kids are being left behind.  Futures are being destroyed.

Libraries are the backbone of our educational infrastructure, and they are being slowly broken by bankrupt municipalities and apathetic politicians. As voters and taxpayers, we have to demand that our local governments properly prioritize libraries.  As charitable citizens, we must invest in our library down the street so that the generations serviced by that library grow up to be adults who contribute to not just their local communities, but to the world. . . . 

Sadly, Salem is not bucking this trend, with libraries coming well after pavement in terms of funding.  As the Long Emergency continues the unwinding of the middle class, we're likely to discover that cities and towns that don't support libraries are soon run by people who don't use libraries and soon after that by people who don't understand why that matters, and quickly thereafter by the bunko artists who inevitably prey on people who don't understand how important libraries are.

Libraries are the escape valve for the students facing mediocre teachers and test-crazed administrators; the lifeline for the poor who want better for themselves and their children; for the teen who thinks that no one in the history of the universe has ever been so little understood or appreciated; for the unemployed workers who need to start a business and can't afford the advisors to tell them what the rules are; for the homeless who want some stability and a place where they can use the internet to try and keep their connection to the normal world from fraying even further, and, ultimately, libraries are treasure houses for the well-fed, well-employed, well-housed, and well-educated too, because these are exactly the people who use the library the most and who get the most value from the tiny slice of tax revenue that supports it.

Most Fervent Unsolicited Plug yet: SunWize

Today we signed a deal with SunWize to put 4338 watts of solar panels on the south-facing roof here at LOVESalem HQ. Gross cost $5.48/watt; net installed cost after Energy Trust of Oregon rebates and federal and state tax credits = $1.29/watt, The (conservative) estimate is that the system will provide for 85% of our electric power on an annual basis. I actually expect better because 2009-10 usage included use of two powered devices that we're done with.

I called a bunch of SunWize customers to check them out and every single one really raved about SunWize and the performance they've attained on their systems. Given the upcoming budget issues at both the state and federal level making continuation of these incentives more doubtful every day, this would be a good time to look into solar if you've got the right spot -- contact Matthew Henderson (503.881.7346) and he'll come out and check out your solar resource potential and system possibilities with no pressure.

"Micmacs" at Salem Cinema: A joyous way to kick off MyPeace month

Image via WikipediaDon't miss it -- a charming, joyous, exhilarating movie that is, above all, loads of fun.

September 17 - 23
Micmacs
In French with English Subtitles.

Friday 6:00 8:40
Saturday (*12:30) (*3:15) 6:00
Sunday (*12:30) 6:00
Monday (*12:30) 7:40
Tuesday 7:40
Wednesday/Thursday (*5:20)
(*Bargain Shows)

MyPeace Month starts in the city named for Peace

Image by Adele McAlear via FlickrQuite a lineup of activities and brainfood events for Oregon Peaceworks' "MyPeace" month:

John Perkins' talk launches the MyPeace Project, a month of events in October featuring artistic visions of peace and sustainability by Oregonians that includes display art, performances, music, dance, poetry-prose, films, lectures, green living classes and tours, ending with a "Peace Shindig" celebration. For schedule of events: (503) 585-2767 or www.mypeaceproject.org.

Here is the full calendar of MyPeace events. Take a moment to enter them into your calendar now! All events are free unless otherwise noted.

• Sun, Sept. 19: Kites 4 Peace at Bush Park 2-4 pm.
• Tues, Sept. 21: John Perkins Lecture, Smith Auditorium, WU 7:30 pm.
• All September-October: "Whirled Peas" Quilts, Greenbaum's.

OCTOBER:

• 1st, Fri: Art and Mayoral Proclamation, Ladd & Bush Bank Lobby, 12-3 pm.
• 1st, Fri: Display Art, Coffee House Cafe Gallery 7-10 pm.
• 2nd, Sat: Solar & Green House Tour at Pringle Creek Community.
• 6th,Weds: 1st Wednesday: Doors 2 Peace display and Free Hugs downtown.
• 7th, Thurs: Dances of Universal Peace, Unitarian Universalist Church, 7 pm.
• 7th: M.C. Mehta, Global Climate Change, Willamette U. law school, 7 pm
• 8th, Fri: M.C. Mehta, "Ethical and Spiritual Considerations of Going Green," Marco Polo Restaurant. Buffet dinner at 6:30 pm. $30.
• 8th: Tom Rawson, folksinger, Capitol Manor Comm Ctr, 7 pm. $10-20
• 9th, Sat: "Living Peacefully," Written Performance Art, Coffee House Café.
• 9th: Arts for advocating peace in the public arena workshops, Capital Manor, 9 am - 3 pm.
• 10th, Sun: Performance Art Presentations - Grand Theatre 2-5 pm.
• 13th, Weds: Thich Nhat Hanh Mindfulness Peace Celebration, Woodland Chapel at 7 pm.
• 14th, Thurs: Salem Progressive Film Series: "Soldiers of Peace" - Grand Theater, 7 pm. $3/Students $2.
• 16th, Thurs: Yoga event, Pringle Creek Community, 8-9:30 am.
• 16th: "Promoting Peace Through Green Living," Pringle Creek Community, Sustainability Workshops, 9:30-11 am and Bike Clinic 1-5 pm.
• 21st, Tues: Salem Peace Lecture featuring Fr. John Dear. Mary Stuart Rogers Music Center, Hudson Hall, Willamette University. No charge. 7:30 pm.
• 22nd, Weds: Dancing with Conflict, Pt. I: Interfaith panel and Peace Visioning exercise, 7 pm, Putnam Center, Willamette University. No charge.
• 23rd, Thurs: Dancing with Conflict Pt. II: Conflict Resolution skill-building, 8:30 am - 4 pm, Putnam Center, Willamette University, Registration: $10-25 sliding scale.
• 24th, Fri: Peace Kite Flying on Make a Difference Day, 2-4 pm, Riverfront Park. Music & food provided.
• 30th, Sat: Peace Shindig, West Salem Masonic Lodge 7-10 pm. (Admission: Adult - $10 or $7 w/ 3 canned goods; Children - $7 or $5 w/ 3 canned goods All canned goods will be donated to Marion-Polk Food Share.)

For more information on any of these events, visit www.bit.ly/mpschedule.
Information is changing daily so if you don't find what you need, please check back in a day or two or call Oregon PeaceWorks at 503-585-2767.

Wrong direction in a hurry

As times get harder, access to health care is going to be tougher and tougher to provide. One of the best things you can do for yourself and your loved ones is to be the exception to this scary trend.

Rally against the banksters that broke America

Image by seiuhealthcare775nw via Flickr

Please come and support the action, led locally by SEIU, to stand up against Big Bank Greed: for example, high rates of foreclosures in Oregon, exorbitant fees, lost pension funds, all contributed to triggering a downward spiral in our economy and our state budget. This has hurt the lower income individuals most severely and it is time for everyone to stand up to the big banks.

DAY - September 17th Friday

WHERE - Bank of America office, 390 High Street, Salem at corner of Center & High

TIME - 12:00 to 1:00 pm

Join your friends and neighbors in saying "Shame On You" to big banks!

More info on ways to move your money so that you're not investing in the third-worlding of America. Credit unions are your best bet, and Salem is blessed with some good ones.

Another must read: Bob Hirsch interview

Image via WikipediaGuest Post by Steve Andrews

Robert L. Hirsch, Roger Bezdek and Robert Wendling have coauthored a new publication, this time a book called “The Impending World Energy Mess: What It Is and What It Means to You,” a book to be released by publisher Apogee Prime late this month.

Andrews: In your earlier work dating back at least five years, you resisted forecasting a time frame for peak oil. There seems to be a bit of a change on that front in your book. Care to comment on that?

Bob Hirsch: In years past, there was considerable uncertainty in my mind about when the decline of world oil production might begin. Recently it became clear to me that it’s going to be sooner rather than later. I believe that the onset of the decline of world oil production is likely in the next two to five years. And when I say “oil,” I mean all liquid fuels.

Andrews: You say that once declining oil supplies hits, we’re likely to experience deepening worldwide economic damage. How is that likely to unfold? What is your most likely scenario?

Hirsch: Our thinking is that what happened in the two sudden oil shocks of 1973 and 1979 is very likely to be repeated when oil decline sets in. Those were two real world examples of oil shocks surprising people and causing panic. We believe that the same kind of thing is going to happen again, except that the problem is going to last much, much longer because, unlike before, there will be no unused oil supply valves to turn on this time.

While economies have changed since the 1970s, the dependence on and importance of liquid fuels has not. And human nature hasn’t changed. People panic when they get suddenly frightened. Even though -peak oil‖ is recognized by a number of people, it is yet to be realized on a wide scale.

In the book we avoided consideration of such things as anarchy, wars, and other catastrophes that are conceivable. We see very little chance that things will be any better than what we describe, but things could easily be worse.

By the same token, we have faith that humankind is not going to collapse because of the oil decline problem. The world is in for considerable pain for a long time. Nevertheless, we have great faith in human resilience. People will come around, get very pragmatic, dig in and do what’s necessary to meet the challenges. As a result, when we get through all of this-which is going to take longer than a decade-the societies that emerge are going to be much stronger and much more pragmatic than they are today.

Andrews: You note that there will be no quick fixes. What mix of crash programs are you currently recommending as the focus of any accelerated policy efforts today?

Hirsch: We sketch practical, physical mitigation options for the world. They are the ones we described in 2005, plus or minus a few changes due to our being a little smarter now in some areas. In the book, we added what we call “administrative mitigation,” such as forced carpooling, forced telecommuting, and rationing. There is benefit to be gained from those options, but their implementation will not be simple.

For instance, rationing seems like a relatively simple concept but after one considers the details, it is incredibly complicated due to decisions that have to be made, the bureaucracies that have to be built, and the enforcement that has to be implemented. Understanding the complexities is necessary for practical decision-making. . . .

Robert L. Hirsch, Roger Bezdek and Robert Wendling have coauthored a new publication, this time a book called “The Impending World Energy Mess: What It Is and What It Means to You,” a book to be released by publisher Apogee Prime late this month. Hirsch will present material from his upcoming book at the October 7-9 ASPO-USA conference. Please see the full agenda for details at aspousa.org. He has spent his entire career working in the energy realm, from the oil sector to numerous forms of electric power generation. In 2005, this team published “The Peaking of World Oil Production: Impacts, Mitigation & Risk Management.” Steve Andrews caught up with Bob Hirsch last week for Steve’s last interview and final work with the Peak Oil Review. (Steve co-established the Peak Oil Review the Tom Whipple some 243 issues ago in January 2006 and has both enjoyed and enormously appreciated a very close collaboration with Tom for nearly five years; Steve is now moving on to other endeavors.)

To try: Juice from Crazy Neighbor's Aronia ("Chokeberry")

Image by Fluffymuppet via FlickrSupposedly a superfood. And this one single bush is absolutely LOADED with berries -- so we'll see how much juice we can get. I'm planning to mix it with blueberry juice rather than apple, in part because I like blueberries plenty but also because we've got so many blueberries planted here that, if it goes well, it's possible to imagine making a super-local juice every year. My idea is to make the juice, freeze it in icecube trays, and then use it in smoothies. We'll let you know.

The One Picture that every American should see before voting this year

Crucial.

Or, as the saying goes, "We all do better when we ALL do better."

Vote carefully this November. I yield to no one in my disappointment with Democratic timidity and spinelessness, but at least they ooze in the direction of progress when they are able to move at all. The gangsters that have risen to the top of the dungpile that is the 21st Century GOP are all-too-eager to prove that "Government is the Problem" --- by making sure of it.

UPDATE: Helen says it so well.

Urban Farming Expo - Portland, 9/18

Image via WikipediaCool. How-To information on Chick Basics (12:30), Life with Chickens (1:20), Fall & Winter Vegetable Gardening (3:00), Beekeeping (all day), Homestead Cheesemaking (2:45), Worm Composting (10:10), Whole Grain Breadmaking (10:10), Magic of Sweet Spreads (jams, preserves, conserves, marmalades; 1:30). Check it out!

Maybe the most important post of 2010 so far

Grist's David Roberts provides some context to why the Right has become so anti-science. Very much worth a read.

See, this is why we can't have nice things (the good news/bad news version)

A capital city without an independent general interest bookstore might as well be a bunch of mud shacks. Image via WikipediaOK, the good news is that we get a reminder of how important it is to support our local businesses like Salem Cinema, Cascade Baking Company, Saffron Hardware (so old school that they don't even have a website), Cooke Stationery, etc.

The bad news is that we get this reminder the hard way, through the exit of one of those key building blocks of community, the local independent bookstore:

Tigress Books is on the Move!

Big news! The shop will be moving to Monmouth by the end of the month!

I have accepted a great offer to relocate the shop, and to work with some really fabulous people, right in the heart of Monmouth, between the university and the downtown. The Monmouth business community has been very welcoming, and I feel confident that this will be a good move. I will continue to be a general interest bookstore, with new and selected used books, plus an eclectic array of gifts.

The shop will be located in the carriage house adjacent to MaMere's Bed & Breakfast , one of the most charming places to stay in the Willamette Valley. I'll also be partnering with Marissa Mayer, an acupuncurist and healer, with the intention of developing a healing center, having an active schedule of workshops and retreats. This was part of my original vision for the shop here in Salem, and it looks like that dream will come true - just shifted 16 miles west.

I have had a great time in Salem, but the local and national economies have not been kind. I would love to maintain a presence here in Salem, but the current finances do not allow that. However, I am open to miracles and creative problem solving, so if anyone wishes to offer help or ideas, contact me privately.

On a practical note, yes there WILL be a Moving Sale, starting this weekend, and running through the last day here, which is most likely going to be September 25th. Everything will be 20% off, with a good number of items either marked down or at a deeper discount. It's an excellent time to do a little early Christmas shopping!

Thank you to everyone who has supported me in the past, and who supports me in the present. Everyone is invited to visit and shop in Monmouth - we would LOVE to see you!

Namaste,

JoAnne Kohler
Tigress Books

Move Date:
We will be out of the Salem location by 9/25, and in our new location on or around October 1st. More info as it becomes available!
New Address: Tigress Books, 220 Knox St, Monmouth, OR 97361
Until the move: 420 Ferry St SE, Salem, OR 97301, 503-990-6471
Also see us at Merchant Works Public Market, 170 Main St W, Monmouth

LOVESalem's Shameless Commerce Division momentarily seizes blog

The cute little hot tub that formerly resided at LOVESalem HQ has gone to a better place -- but it left a big box full of chemical potions and accessories. LOVESalem's Shameless Commerce Division urges you to let anyone you know who has a hot tub or spa about this Craigslist ad.

Understanding your audience

Cover via AmazonA LOVESalem foreign (upstate NY) correspondent, a former public HS math and science teacher, read this cheerful item that I sent out. His comment speaks volumes about both his sly wit and the deep understanding of our national priorities that teachers perforce acquire these days:

I guess it's nice that someone stepped in to help, but I am shocked and depressed that it was necessary.

I mean, if we don't fund education, who's going to design the bombs of tomorrow?

If there was ever a phrase that should go on a bumper sticker, it's that one.

By the way

Try this: Make a point to give blood on your birthday, to commemorate the gift of life by sharing and expanding it with others, and then just repeat that six times before your next birthday. You'll feel great, and tuck into your birthday supper feeling grateful for yet another reminder that, if you've got health, you're pretty darn well off. And remembering that is one of the best gifts you can give yourself. Acting on it and sharing that gift with people with acute trauma or battling serious illness is one of the best gifts you can give everyone else.

(P.S. We're in a blood shortage now. So don't wait until your birthday if it's been more than 56 days since you last gave.)

Good reminder: Library Card Sign Up Month -- don't be left out

Image via Wikipedia

The humble library, a valuable resource

When Ben Franklin founded the first public lending library in America in 1731, he probably had no idea what he would inspire. There is no better bargain than a library card, and what better time to sign up for one than September, library card sign-up month.

Studies show that children who use the library tend to perform better in school. They are also more likely to continue learning and exploring throughout their lives. . . . "Your library is an incredible source of business content," says Sam Richter, award-winning author and founder of the "Know More" business improvement program. "Even better, you can access most of these databases at no charge via your home or office computer, as long as you have a library card." . . .

And as you know, a library card is still great for checking out books! Haven't read any good books lately? There's no time like the present to start. I love the convenience of my Kindle, but the feel of a real book in my hands is unmatched. You can even check out an audio book for your commute.

Book-club guidance, computer classes, periodicals, story time for the kids -- all through the doors of your library. And one of the most amazing features I like best: live technical help when I need it. Your library card is your ticket to the past and to the future.

Mackay's Moral: The library is a truly amazing resource -- check it out.

A must-read for Salem residents

Image via Wikipedia

From: Rachel Dixon <rdixon@cityofsalem.net>
Date: Thu, Sep 2, 2010 at 12:31 PM
Subject: New Land Use and Board Member Guides
To: Rachel Dixon

I am pleased to announce that the Guide to Salem Land Use Procedures has been completely overhauled to reflect the changes brought about by the new Procedures Ordinance (SRC Chapter 300), and to make it more user-friendly. The electronic version of this guide is in an [Adobe PDF] document with links (underlined in blue) that allow you to navigate easily around the document as well as visit related websites. The Guide is online HERE.

If you would like a paper copy of the Guide, those are also available. Just let me know!

Confessed Soldier of Empire to speak in Salem on International Peace Day

Image via WikipediaJohn Perkins Free Lecture

Sponsored by Oregon PeaceWorks, John Perkins comes to Salem for a free lecture. Hear Perkins speak talk about his history and his mission to inspire people toward new consciousness about our interconnected world -- economically and ecologically-- so we can create an economy that supports a sustainable, just and peaceful world.

Perkins is bestselling author of:

-Confessions of an Economic Hit Man
-Hoodwinked
-The Secret History of the American Empire

Tuesday, September 21, 7:30pm at Smith Auditorium, Willamette University

September 21 is International Peace Day. Perkins' talk launches the Mypeace Project, a month of events in October featuring artistic visions of peace and sustainability by Oregonians that includes artwork, performances, music, dance, poetry-prose, films, lectures, green living classes and tours, ending with a "Peace Shindig" celebration. Complete schedule of events.

MORE INFO

For your calendar planning: Friends of Straub Environmental Learning Center

Don't plan your fall schedule without checking here first.

Totally wrong, but cute anyway

The intent here is good, but the message -- that individuals making small changes in daily activities can reverse the climate catastrophe that we've unleashed (and that is gaining in momentum daily) -- is totally wrong.

The bottom line is that our only hope of stemming a sharp tilt to a radically different climate in our lifetimes (and for thousands of years to come) is to stop bringing eons of stored carbon up out of the ground and putting it into the atmosphere. Most importantly, this means we must leave the coal in the ground, or it will put us in the ground. And stopping coal means political action on a societal scale, not carrying little reusable shopping bags with you. Not that there's anything wrong with that.

But so long as Oregon's top climate destroyer -- Portland General Electric (PGE) -- chooses to burn coal, then we will have no chance of persuading people in other countries (people who are much poorer than us, who use much less energy than we do, and who have contributed essentially nothing to the current problems we face) that they shouldn't burn coal either, so we'll all go, literally, to hell together.

But still a cute video.

Very sweet indeed -- Stolen Sweets!

Stolen Sweets

Three-part harmonies drawing from the crisp and saucy era
of 1920s and 1930s jazz

7 p.m. Friday, October 1, Loucks Auditorium
Tickets: $5 in advance/$7 at the door

On sale now at all library circulation desks

This group had a sold-out show in last year that was GREAT.
They do vocal jazz arrangements inspired by New Orleans
favorites, The Boswell Sisters, one of the hottest girl groups of the 1930s. Singers Jen Bernard, Lara Michell, and Erin Sutherland backed by Keith Brush, Pete Krebs, and David Langenes.