Wednesday, April 22, 2009

Also sweet! (Must be the Earth Day)

A rooftop CSA! Putting what is normally dead space atop urban buildings to better use.

Sweet! A guide to gas-free travel

OptimalRide!

Hugely important behavioral study

Crucial study here. If this finding can be generalized---and I see no reason that it should not be---then this is a vital challenge to those of us who are interested in fostering sustainable behavior in Salem (or anywhere else, for that matter). Hat tip to Sightline Institute's blog "The Daily Score:"
Yes, I'd Like Fries With That
New study shows we're our own worst enemy.
ERIC HESS

Monday, April 20, 2009

"Sprawling from Grace, Driven to Madness" -- free viewing from 1,000 Friends


A New Documentary: Sprawling From Grace
In honor of Earth Day, in partnership with Cinema Libre Studio and Grapeflix, we would like to offer you the opportunity to view David M. Edwards' powerful new documentary, Sprawling From Grace: The Consequences of Suburbanization, online for free!

The film features Bill Clinton, former governor Michael Dukakis and many other leaders on the issues of suburban sprawl and the need for better public transportation, centralized planning and renewable energy.
For a preview, visit www.sprawlingfromgrace.com

Or check it out on Facebook.

So check it out -it's free- and once you've viewed the film, we ask that you consider making a secure donation for at least the same amount it might cost you to see the film in a movie theatre! The filmmaker and distribution company are allowing all donations to come directly to us so we can continue our important work.

The free online access starts Monday, April 20 beginning at 8:00am ET through Wednesday, April 22 at 11:59 PT and can be viewed at any time during that period.

So start watching it now – it's easy!
Go to http://www.grapeflix.com/Category/frmCategoryDisplay.aspx?CategoryID=3591
Click on the green "Play Online" button
Register for Grapeflix VOD (video on demand)

Test your system to make sure you meet the minimum requirements to view the film online. (After the test is complete, click 'Continue' to watch the film. If you get taken back to the Grapeflix homepage, just click on the link in step #1 of these instructions and then click "Play Online".)

A window will pop-up with the embedded video player

The film is viewable in full screen by clicking the full screen button on the video player or by double-clicking the video player in Firefox. To ensure you will not have difficulties viewing the film please –
Disable all pop-up blockers. (Enable Active X)
Use Internet Explorer
Upgrade Windows Media Player to version 11
Confirm that you have a stable high speed internet connection.
Allow time for the film to buffer after the video player pops up.
*Please note: the Grapeflix system work best with a Windows operating system and Windows Media Player 11.

Further help with Grapeflix can be found here: http://www.grapeflix.com/Index/frmPlayerHelp.aspx?QID=49#answers
Contact Grapeflix here: http://www.grapeflix.com/Index/frmContactUs.aspx

If you enjoyed the film, click on the orange button on the Grapeflix page to tell your friends about it.

The film will be available on DVD this week at Cinema Libre Store, online at Grapeflix and through other major retailers.

We hope you enjoy it and find it as enlightening and inspiring as we do. Again, please consider making a tax-deductible donation to our organization by clicking here.

Enjoy!

The Team at 1000 Friends of Oregon

Transition Initiatives in the NY Times

The NY Times Magazine profiles the Transition Initiatives movement -- like the one just beginning to STIR in Salem -- the Salem Transition Initiative for Relocalization.

Friday, April 17, 2009

Stupidest corporation of the century so far

Robodialing the people on your "Do Not Call" list -- to tell them that you can't call them so they're missing great offers!

Truly, where are the Darwin Awards for corporations? Should we call them Schumpeter Awards?

(Hat tip to Oregon Media Insiders blog.)

A life and death reminder






















Your support means so much!

Thanks to you and your generous blood donations, our community will be able to help our victims of tragedy and ill health.

You are someone who cares enough about our community to give life-giving blood. Our neighbors depend on us for life... and we depend on you for continued loyalty. Your continued support is greatly appreciated by us as well as the many people you help with your donations. Have a good day!

Visit our website or call 1-800-GIVE LIFE (448-3543) for more information.

We look forward to hearing from you.

The American Red Cross
Pacific Northwest Blood Services Region
3131 N. Vancouver Avenue
Portland, OR 97227
(503) 284-1234

Happens every year. Weather improves. Sun-starved Salemites seek sensuous, salubrious solar sensations. So they get outdoors. :^)

But accidents go up. While blood donations go down. :^(

It's important: if you are eligible to give blood -- and most people are -- do it. The life you save may be someone you know. And, even if not, it's someone important to someone.

Backyard hens gaining ground

Everywhere but here. Yet.

Thursday, April 16, 2009

Starts Tomorrow! Be there, aloha!


click on image for link to Festival schedule, descriptions, etc.