MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR

I would like to end the year by sharing this poem by Micahel Josephson entitled WHAT WILL MATTER.

Ready or not, some day it will come to an end.
There will be no more sunrises, no minutes, hours or days.
All the things you collected, whether treasured or forgotten, will pass to someone else.
Your wealth, fame and temporal power will shrivel to irrelevance.
It will not matter what you owned or what you were owed.
Your grudges, resentments, frustrations and jealousies will finally dissappear.
See too, your hopes, ambitions, plans and to do lists will expire.
The wins and losses that once seemed so important will fade away.
It won't matter where you came from or what side of the tracks you live on at the end.
It won't matter wheter you were beautiful or brilliant.
Even your gener and skin color will be irrelevant.
So what will matter. How will the value of your days be measured?
What will matter is not what you borught but what you built, not what you got but what you gave.
what will matter is not your success but your significance.
What will matter is not what you learned but what you taught.
What will matter is every act of integrity, compassion, courage or sacrifice that enriched, empowered or encouraged others to emulate your example.
What will matter is not your competence but your character.
What will matter is not how many people you knew, but how many will feel a lasting loss when you are gone.
What will matter is not your memories but the memories of those who loved you.
What will matter is how long you will be remembered, by whom and for what.

Living a life that matters does not happen by accident.
It is not a matter of circumstances but of choice.
Choose to live a life that matters.
And when it comes to a life that matters, I can't think of a better tribute than for it to be said:

This man or woman was a person of integrity.

but it all comes down to the choices we make. As someone aptly observed "If you have integrity, nothing else matters; if you don't have integrity, nothing else matters!"

The question I leave you to ponder is: How much does it matter to each and every one of you?

BLESSINGS AND HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!!

Living Smart's new season and the British Virgin Islands

What does Living Smart's new season have to do with the British Virgin Islands? Well, I had to take a vacation so I can prepare for a new challenging, fabulous, and interesting season. I am not much of a sailor but I have friends who are and I am very lucky every now and then they think of me and invite me to come along and wash the dishes and entertain (I can't cook or sail so I have to do something!) I had been to the British Virgin Islands once before and I must say they are my favorite in the Caribbean. First of all, there are not that many people there, only about 30,000 in all the islands. The British Virgin Islands consist of the main islands of Tortola, Virgin Gorda, Anegada and Jost Van Dyke, along with over fifty other smaller islands and cays. Approximately fifteen of the islands are inhabited. I love deserted islands so we visited a few. Somehow I feel like I am soon to be cast on survivor or lost. (That didn't happen)
It is amazing to live in paradise, but the locals tell me they don't see it that way. As soon as they have a few days off they want to get out of the islands! As the saying goes, it is always greener on the other side.
Many have asked me aren't you worried about the economic situation, how can you spend money on a vacation? the answer is yes I am worried and the more reason I need a vacation! However, somehow the fear and anxiety I feel has led me to try and enjoy life MORE not LESS. I am being responsible with my spending but somehow I find I must live life to the fullest now because I don't know what tomorrow will bring, which brings me to LIVING SMART.
We are taping our fifth season in January. We are also taping a town forum on Houston's growth and its challenges, a new season of Houston 8, a weekly issue driven show hosted by Ernie and Latina Voices which I am hosting with Minerva Perez and Sofia Adrogue. There is a lot going on in January and I am truly excited about the new season of Living Smart because I feel all the guests can help us in so many ways, especially while we go through the stress of uncertainty about the future. Here are my guests and topics.

501 Jeff Yeager (ultimate cheapskate) (Living Smart by surviving in tough economic times)
502 Ana Maria Martinez (Opera star) (Living Smart by appreciating the value of music)
503 501 Peter Bishop PhD ( Futurist) (Living Smart by preparing what is in store in the future)
504 Daryl Koehn PhD (Ethicist) (Living Smart by engaging making smart decisions and living a good life)
505 Dr. Bruce Perry M.D. (Child Development specialist) Living Smart by emphasising the importance of human connections )
506 Elizabeth Vallette (Microfinance advocate) (Living Smart by tackling poverty and empowering women )
507 David Thomas (Integrity expert)( Living Smart by living with integrity)
508 Dr. Mae Jemison M.D. (former Astronaut, entrepreneur) (Living Smart by motivating science and technology literacy)
509 Sr. Roselle Haas (Life Educator) (Living Smart by dealing effectively with prickly people)
510 Marilyn Mcnight (Mediator) (Living Smart through conflict resolution)
511 Mark Robinson (Green consultant) (Living Smart by living green)
512 Cassandra Dhanke (Civility expert) (Living Smart by engaging in civility)
513 Deborah Fry (Parenting expert) (Living smart by proper parenting)

As you can see we are tackling the economy, poverty, ethics, integrity, civility, conflict resolution, life issues, parenting and living green. I wanted this season to be truly relevant to what we are experiencing as a nation. I want us to feel hope that things will get better and that there are so many things we can do to create a better reality for ourselves. The series will not be airing until March or April of next year, but I can assure you it will be worth the wait.
In the mean time, have a wonderful holiday and don't stress about buying "stuff" Maybe make an effort to spend more time with your friends and loved ones instead of buying expensive gifts we don't need. The fact is we need each other..now more than ever. Happy Holidays!

The election and Ying and Yang

We say goodbye to the age of Bush and enter the age of Obama. Some of you may be celebrating this day for the unprecedented win of President elect Barak Obama, and others may feel despondent.

For those of you who feel sad, remember 8 years ago, those who didn't vote for president Bush felt the same way and they have survived so you can too.

To me, this election was unprecedented, historic, surprising and frankly gave me new hope in the American democratic system. It may take us a long time to realize we need changes and that goes for both parties. ( I would never sign up to be part of any political party, because I think most people in America are not "center right" as the right likes to claim, or "progressive" as the left claims, but IN THE MIDDLE !! I find myself part of that group and I don't claim to be right but this election proved among other things that Americans like balance, equilibrium, Ying and Yang. Americans tend to believe in the market system and capitalism but they also believe the government can be a force for good. They want to be ready if there is a war but they also would like some effective diplomacy. They want to help their fellow man but they want their fellow man to work hard and be responsible.

I have always preferred a government in balance, a republican president with a democratic congress or vice versa. Today what I want is an effective, bipartisan SMART government. I don't care who is in charge as long as they get the work done well. Here is what they have to do. Whether you like President Elect Obama or not, the man has his work cut out for him. In 4 years, I expect to see some grey hair.
He with his cabinet and working with the congress has to make sure our recession does not last too long. Businesses and people have to have access to credit.
He has to motivate the American people to tighten their belt and live a more sustainable life.
He has to make sure small businesses have what they need to create more jobs.
He has to give hope to those who have lost their jobs or and their homes that together we can overcome and that soon enough things will get better.
He has to end a war that seems endless and create new alliances that will help us battle terrorism.
He has to come up with a viable peace process in the middle east once and for all.
Finally Obama has to be a motivator. Great presidents who ruled through hard times remained calm, positive, and truthful. We can't afford lies, whether we like them or not. We need the truth so that we can make smart decisions about our lives.

I don't expect the government to solve the problems we have. We have to play a role, but as many millions of americans struggle, they have to know someone really does listen, cares and is willing to help. I hope those in our new government understand that, for our sake and for their sake as well.

Politics, financial chaos and what you can do

First as we get closer to the election, I invite you to participate in early voting. You will see more turnout this year than ever, so be smart and find out about early voting in your area. It is easy, no lines and it makes sense. Then I suggest you keep looking at the following websites. I got two more from a blog reader (Teresa) Besides http://www.factcheck.com/; go to http://www.newstrust.net/ and http://www.themoderatevoice.com/.



Both candidates will step up the personal attacks because they don't know how to win otherwise do they? How about sticking to the facts. Americans are worried, angry and scared. We need an optimist and someone brilliant who can choose the right team to get out of this mess.





The next topics for next season of Living Smart deal precicely with very timely topics. We will have experts on the future, integrity, ethics, civility. Does that interest you? Have we lost our way? We will also cover how to enjoy life more by spending less, the value of music in child development and how to raise healthy children. One of my favorite topics is how to deal with prickly people and keep a balanced spiritual life. I can't wait!



I would like to share with you some thoughts on how to deal with the financial meltdown. First of all keep calm. This will pass. We may face a recession but getting upset, frazzled and worried can't solve anything. We have to be smart. If you are young and have money in the stock market, talk to your financial advisor. I have heard it is best to wait it out but I am not an expert. If you are older, your options change. Is it smart to stay in cash now? In the first six days of October , Americans pulled more than 19 billion dollars out of mutal funds that investing US stocks. If you switch to cash now however, you are likely to lose money because inflation will probably eat up you after tax return you earn from saving or money market accounts.



The 700 bailout has not worked YET. We still have no idea how the stock market will do in the short or medium term (not good so far) but what is it you can do? Start looking at your own budget. What can you cut? Do you have to go to dinner every week? Can you wait on a new wardrobe? Find out what you spend on a single area of discretionary spending. What about restaurants, entertainment and shopping? Yesterday instead of eating at a restaurant. I got together with friends and had a picnic. WE saved money and enjoyed nature. Just consider that.



If start taking small steps with your finances, you will feel a bit more control. No one can really predict the future, but I have faith in America and what we are capable of doing once we work together. Remember a lot of the uncertainty in the markets is stricly psychological, based on what people think may or may not happen. In the mean time try to focus on what YOU can do yourself. For example, consider cutting up a couple of your extra credits cards you don't need.



Living Smart airs on Sundays at 3pm and Thursday nights at 10:30pm. My new show Latina Voices, I co host with executive producer/anchor Minerva Perez and super lawyer Sofia Adrogue airs on the municipal channel 16 on Tuesdays and Sundays at 10 am and 10pm.

The financial Crisis and a Speech by Joanne Herring

Let's face it. Many of us are feeling quite a bit of anxiety. For the past 4 years, I have been producing Living Smart to help our viewers with valuable information to make better decisions in life. I have had three wonderful financial consultants and advisors talk about social security, saving, getting out of debt, making smart decisions with their money and here we are finding our lives a bit out of control. I still believe we have to keep calm. We do have to revisit our investments and if we are in debt, figure out how to pay it quickly. There are several credit organizations that help with that. http://www.cccservices.com/ is a good website. Most importantly though, this crisis to me represents an opportunity to think about what is important in life. For instance I hardly go out to lunch anymore now. I eat at work and save money on gas and lunch. The great part of this is that I have more time to relax with my coworkers and improve my relationships at work. I am also spending more time with my family and friends. I realize conversation does not cost anything and it is a way to reconnect with people in a different way.
In America we work too hard and we worry too much. We must find ways to relax and keep ourselves sane. To do that we have to keep our thoughts positive and upbeat. We can create our own reality. If all we do is watch TV and hear how bad things are, that is what we will eventually spend time thinking.

I do beleive in America we have the sort of productivity and technological innovation that will get us out of the rut we are in. We are creative, innovative and optimistic. To succeed we must remain that way. I believe we got into the mess we are in because we were out of balance as a nation. There is no doubt the capitalistic system is the best economic system but only when it is balanced with social consciousness, and justice. We do need some limits to greed driven excesses.

Today I heard a speech by Joanne King Herring. She is played by Julie Roberts in the Charlie Wilson's War movie. She shared how Hollywood had made a caricature of who she really was. She said in real life she never cussed or slept around like in the movie, but that Hollywood didn't care about her real life. They just wanted to entertain, even if that meant ruining her reputation.

She is truly grounded in her faith and really wanted to help the USA by understanding what was really going on in the Middle East. She also shared that it upset her the movie didn't recognize how congressmen from both sides of the aisle really worked together to help in her mission to battle the Russians. I find it sad that Hollywood disrespects conservative values and that the right wing talk show hosts do the same with liberals. We are living in a world where people of different political views don't listen or respect anyone who disagrees with them. This is sad and has led us to where we are today. To avoid this we must know the truth. I insist we read www.factcheck.org to find out if what the candidates are saying is true and then making a decision based on that and not on what they are saying about each other. For instance not all republicans are to blame for this debacle, nor are all liberals responsible for the lack of morality in our society. It is not simple. It requires us to read and analyze and try to understand other people's views, even if we disagree. Joanne Herring worked hard with both sides to battle communism, because she was smart, understood that there is good in everyone no matter what their politics and the focus was in the cause, not "what is in it for me."
We need more people like her in our society. Let's begin to look at the big picture and choose candidates who truly do want to work with each other. Otherwise, our nation will suffer.

Blessings after IKE

Most people in Galveston, Houston, Chambers county still don't have power. Some people have lost their homes and businesses, some their pets, while others, their sanity. Please don't despair. The most precious gift of all is life and Most of us, millions of us are still here. Often when we face a tragedy, I like to find the blessings. Here is my list of blessings after Ike. This is not to take lightly the losses so many have suffered, but remember we are strong, faithful and hard working. We will get back up.

TEN BLESSINGS AFTER IKE

Many Marriages were rekindled. Couples actually had time to talk, without television, computers or lights. Candles became our companions for better communication and romance.
Many neighbors met and helped each other for the first time, years after living in the same neighborhood.
We were able to take out our dusty grills from the garage and actually USE THEM!
Many learned to camp and grill for the first time. How about those new recipes?
The generator industry made a lot of money!
We saved money on electricity. (lots of it)
The storm pushed out a lot of bad air pollution and we can breathe fresher air.
We saved money on gas!
We learned what it is like to live without TV.
Millions survived and many realized that by being alive we have a chance to replace what was lost. We realized we were, after all, very blessed because we had our lives!

Thank all the volunteers of Houston, Galveston, Chamber, Liberty and all the surrounding counties affected by the storm. Thank all the neighbors who helped those in need. Thank everyone who has done something to help. We are all better because you are on this planet making a difference! Thank you.

Hurricane Ike and the financial crisis

You will find that everyone's experience has been different in response to Hurricane Ike. Most Houstonians, 4 days after the storm still have no electricity or water. No one can deny there is a lot of fallen trees, and some damaged buildings but Galvestion faces the worst damage and it will take a long time for the island to recover. There is hardly any area untouched by the storm. With 110 mph winds and a 15 foot storm surge before coming to Houston, the island truly suffered the storm's devastating effects. There is no running water, no electricity, no sewage system and I was a bit dismayed when the city mayor and manager both said in a press conference "PLEASE LEAVE GALVESTON" Sad but true, it is best if people leave the island.

"It's going to take weeks and months to get this place cleaned up," City Manager Steve LeBlanc said.With thousands of people failing to heed mandatory evacuation orders ahead of the storm and mosquitoes seemingly everywhere, LeBlanc said, "Quite frankly, we are reaching a health crisis."

Right now the death toll is 40, but most outside the Texas gulf coast which I think is a sign of the good job our city and county leaders did in evacuating and warning people.

If you have a house on the beach, You will most likely not see it or find it reduced to story high piles of trash, steel and sand. Then there are the boats. The most shocking scene I saw on television was the sail and fishing boats on 45 south.

Many of the citizens who rode the storm in Galveston are shell shocked and rightly so. Mother nature was mad and in my opinion when she's mad she reminds us to think about our lives, what's important and the sort of attitude we need to have to survive and then thrive again.

As we see the news of the afteramth of Ike, we get some other news on the collapse of the financial markets. Yes, 3 of america's largest banks are going bankrupt. Once again our fearless, corrupt leaders did not REGULATE when they were supposed to. Congress did not OVERSEE the financial corruption. CEO's got greedy and engaged in risky behavior. Lobbysts kept them in their pocket and out of the way. Now we must pay. Taxpayers again will pay. I understand we can not survive this financial mess without helping some of these failed banks and institutions.
But I ask why is it we keep voting for these people? Why is it that many Americans still believe deregulation is the way. Why don't we have campaign finance reform to keep lobbysts in the pockets of our leaders and keep them from answering to the people and not the corporations? I don't believe deregulation is the only way. I believe in balance and that is what we don't have anymore. It is one extreme or the other. I believe this has happened in part due to the lack of bipartisanship in our government.

Before you vote in november, I say we demand more from our leaders in both parties. Please keep yourself involved and informed with www.factcheck.org to find out if what the presidential candidates are saying is true.

The fact is we are facing one of the worst financial crisis in our history. As a result, I will spend less, conserve more, watch less TV and read more. Oh and did I forget. I will pray and keep a positive attitude because I won't have to depend on ANYONE or ANYTHING to do that. Keep the faith.
Galveston residents and all those who have suffered major losses. You are in my prayers.

Politics and the TRUTH (factcheck.org)

During our political campaigns which by the way are just way too long in my opinion, we hear candidates "promise" one thing or another. What is the first casualty of political campaigns and war? THE TRUTH..yes folks, politicians will say whatever the can to get elected or to get people to approve their insane wars. Hear what Joseph Goebbels, the Nazi propaganda minister said during world war two, one of the worst world diseasters humankind has ever seen. Over 60 million people died in that war. They called that the last good war, but whatever your views are on that or any war, remember what happens when as Goebbel says you can just repeat a lie over and over until people believe it.





"If you tell a lie big enough and keep repeating it, people will eventually come to believe it. The lie can be maintained only for such time as the State can shield the people from the political, economic and/or military consequences of the lie. It thus becomes vitally important for the State to use all of its powers to repress dissent, for the truth is the mortal enemy of the lie, and thus by extension, the truth is the greatest enemy of the State."
- Joseph Goebbels, Nazi Propaganda Minister

We are at a crossroads in this country and I feel we have to take this election very seriously. We can't be apathetic because we will pay a very high price if we are so I feel strongly we need to know the truth. Ask yourself. Is this candidate telling people the truth? When they attack each other, are they being fair and accurate? When they talk about their accomplishments are they being completely accurate?

A friend sent me this non partisan web page that checks THE TRUTH about statements our candidates are making about EVERYTHING. I suggest you read it after you hear something about it.
http://www.factcheck.org/

For those of you who won't read it. Here are some of the latest statements they checked out about both candidates Obama and McCain

in factcheck.org

FactChecking McCain
September 5, 2008
He made some flubs in accepting the nomination.
Summary
We checked the accuracy of McCain’s speech accepting the Republican nomination and noted the following:
McCain claimed that Obama’s health care plan would "force small businesses to cut jobs" and would put "a bureaucrat ... between you and your doctor." In fact, the plan exempts small businesses, and those who have insurance now could keep the coverage they have.
McCain attacked Obama for voting for "corporate welfare" for oil companies. In fact, the bill Obama voted for raised taxes on oil companies by $300 million over 11 years while providing $5.8 billion in subsidies for renewable energy, energy efficiency and alternative fuels.
McCain said oil imports send "$700 billion a year to countries that don't like us very much." But the U.S. is on track to import a total of only $536 billion worth of oil at current prices, and close to a third of that comes from Canada, Mexico and the United Kingdom.
He promised to increase use of "wind, tide [and] solar" energy, though his actual energy plan contains no new money for renewable energy. He has said elsewhere that renewable sources won’t produce as much as people think.
He called for "reducing government spending and getting rid of failed programs," but as in the past failed to cite a single program that he would eliminate or reduce.
He said Obama would "close" markets to trade. In fact, Obama, though he once said he wanted to "renegotiate" the North American Free Trade Agreement, now says he simply wants to try to strengthen environmental and labor provisions in it.

FactChecking Obama
August 29, 2008
He stuck to the facts, except when he stretched them.
Summary
We checked the accuracy of Obama's speech accepting the Democratic nomination, and noted the following:
Obama said he could “pay for every dime” of his spending and tax cut proposals “by closing corporate loopholes and tax havens.” That’s wrong – his proposed tax increases on upper-income individuals are key components of paying for his program, as well. And his plan, like McCain’s, would leave the U.S. facing big budget deficits, according to independent experts.
He twisted McCain’s words about Afghanistan, saying, “When John McCain said we could just 'muddle through' in Afghanistan, I argued for more resources.” Actually, McCain said in 2003 we “may” muddle through, and he recently also called for more troops there.
He said McCain would fail to lower taxes for 100 million Americans while his own plan would cut taxes for 95 percent of “working” families. But an independent analysis puts the number who would see no benefit from McCain’s plan at 66 million and finds that Obama’s plan would benefit 81 percent of all households when retirees and those without children are figured in.
Obama asked why McCain would "define middle-class as someone making under five million dollars a year"? Actually, McCain meant that comment as a joke, getting a laugh and following up by saying, "But seriously ..."
Obama noted that McCain’s health care plan would "tax people’s benefits" but didn’t say that it also would provide up to a $5,000 tax credit for families.
He said McCain, far from being a maverick who’s "broken with his party," has voted to support Bush policies 90 percent of the time. True enough, but by the same measure Obama has voted with fellow Democrats in the Senate 97 percent of the time.
Obama said "average family income" went down $2,000 under Bush, which isn't correct. An aide said he was really talking only about "working" families and not retired couples. And – math teachers, please note – he meant median (or midpoint) and not really the mean or average. Median family income actually has inched up slightly under Bush.

As you can see reading a bit of this web site can make you a more informed voter, so that if your candidate does not win. At least you voted based on the truth and not some interesting lie that made your candidate sound better.

Here is how I vote. I want someone who reads, gets lots of points of view and the most intelligent non partisan, well read advisors they can find. Then he or she makes a decision based on facts, not ideology (of one party of the other) Both parties suffer from the IDEOLOGY disease.

I want someone who honors God, country, family and fellow men. What is that mean? Someone with true ethical values. (If you cheated on your wife, Iwill think twice about you, If you stole or you made a decision based on what God told you, I will doubt your Christian values. (I really doubt for instance that God tells you to go kill people because they did you wrong.) If you believe in protecting the powerful and disregarding the middle class, I will look at your record. If you lie over and over and over while the majority may believe what you say and you said it enough times, I will question WHY..Who benefits from this decision or this statement? Follow the money. It always works.

All I can tell you at this point is that I will vote and hope you will too. People have died to give us the vote. I live in the greatest country on the planet and I plan to do my part to keep it that way. SO VOTE..and help me out. I can't do it alone.

The olympics and political conventions

For two weeks, I was tired all the time. Why? I was glued to the TV set watching the olympics. I was so enamored with all the athletes and their skills and abilities. I felt a sense of comraderie and compassion for all of them, even the ones who won medals. I know the hours of work and the sweat, the tears, the injuries, not because I have ever been close to being an athlete of that caliber, but because I have interviewed many of them and understand the commitment and focus it takes to be a champion. I feel all the athletes that even make it to the olympics are champions.

I love it that the USA once again got the most medals in the olympics. I also know from talking to athletes around the world, wealthy countries who spend more money per capita on their athletes of course do better, so frankly I am also glad when I see the small countries get a medal.

I heard the American athletes were very upset the sprinters from Jamaica had won so many medals in an area where our runners excelled for a long time and I couldn't help but think this is probably the first olympic games were serious anti doping measures took place. This allows all athletes from all over the world, rich or not, to compete on a level playing field. I like that. For many years many East Europeans and even some Americans cheated by taking performance enhancing substances. It just robs the real meaning of being a true champion does it not?

As we wait to find out if the Chinese female gymnists were really too young to compete and thus medal, I can't help but think once again, it is not always the winners that are the heroes, but those who practiced, committed themselves to greatness, did everything in their power and used their god given talent to excell. The real winners have not always been the ones getting medals. Let's remember that.

As for the olympic inaguration in China. By far it was the best I have ever seen, and since 1972, I have seen all of them. Yes, I agree the chinese record on human rights leaves a lot to be desired but if I look at the ceremony itself, Hats off to all who participated. My mom who is 79 said we are watching history in the making! Who could top that ceremony? I feel sorry for London. The expectations will be very high.

Now on to the political conventions. I have always disliked the show anyone puts on and it gets worse every year. Did you see those politicians trying to read the teleprompter? the sign waving, the awful cheers and repetitive shots of people listening. I wish both parties would just be more authentic about their platforms and ideas. Those who spoke best were the ones who spoke from the heart. I wish all of them would learn to do so. All this after the real, authentic, exciting olympics. We still have next week. At least the Republicans tend to dress better!!

On a more serious note. I feel our nation is at a crossroads politically, economically and socially. This year we must vote. I pray we don't become apathetic one way or the other. I love my country and I want to see it thrive and prosper. Please do a favor to yourself and your children, vote this year. I am not telling you who to vote for, but I feel we must all wake up and get out and have our voice heard one way or the other. My grandfather used to say, a nation gets the government its people deserve. We can't complain or impact our future if we don't vote.

My trip to Colombia

The other day I was trying to figure out how many countries I had been to in my lifetime. Mind you, I love to travel and I have "ants in my pants." I have to move every few months or I feel like I am dying! I have counted 47 so far. My goal before I die is to hit 80. My latest adventure was to Colombia. I have so many great friends from there and I wanted to be part of an international project which will change the world. It sounds far fetched but I really believe in it. We work with bright youth to give them an opportunity for greatness. I visited Cartagena, Santa Marta, Bucaramanga and Bogota. The first few days I was a beach bum in Cartagena and Santa Marta. Cartagena's colonial walled city and fortress were designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984 along with Lima. I spend lots of time just walking around enjoying the city. There are not a lot of tourists in Colombia as you can imagine and that's a shame. Their political turmoil and civil conflicts have lasted decades but in the past 7 years under the leadership of a very popular president Alfonso Uribe, Colombians are now feeling free to walk around and enjoy their country. Interestingly enough, there are very few popular leaders in the world. Why did this man succeed? He focused on security and keeping democracy intact. He became even more popular after the rescue mission of Ingrid Betancourt, 3 American hostages and several military and police personnel. It does help the US gives the Colombian government quite a bit of funds for the war on drugs, but that is another story.
I say if he can keep up the security, more tourists should come here. Yes, I had to overpay some so called tourist packages but for the most part I felt safe and secure. I believe because they don't get too many international tourists, the vendors are a bit abnoxious and testy but I just wore my ipod and always looked ahead!
As a journalist nothing was more interesting than participating in an unprecedented march in Cartagena. The demonstration was to celebrate the release of hostages (a long term painful problem for Colombians) and a cry for peace and justice. I felt I was engaged in an event which made history. Millions of Colombians took to the streets to protest. I wish we would do more of that here, but I guess we take our democracy for granted sometimes.
Living Smart continues its run. We are airing season 4 again. This week Barbara Elliott talks about compassion and why it is important to care for other, SMARTLY..The week after that green architect LaVerne Williams reminds us how to save money at home by thinking green and focusing on sustainability. In October we'll launch a new News Analysis show.
This trip made me very grateful to be an American. We have so many blessings. I understand the economy is bad and I worry but we are not even close to what so many people around the world experience. We have to just "tighten our belts," many have no belts to tighten.

Why shield law is important

SHIELD LAW why it is important!
I understand some Americans get frustrated with the media. Generally people want to hear so called so called news that agree with their political inclinations. The truth is that no matter how you look at it, great investigative journalism is impossible without a proper shield law. I am talking about the type of journalism that goes after corruption, greed, inefficiency, stupidity and denial from the left or from the right. Please support this law if you can by contacting your senator. Read below an article describing why the shield law is important for our democracy.

Shield law must pass to safeguard a free pressBy Clint BrewerPresident, Society of Professional Journalists


America’s democracy is built on a concept of checks and balances between the arms of government. The American people now need the U.S. Senate to provide a very appropriate check on the judicial and executive branches of the federal government to preserve a free press in this country.The Free Flow of Information Act, S. 2035, will likely come for a vote in the Senate before its members go home for the campaign season, perhaps as early as Monday. Senators hold in their collective hands a crucial decision about just how vast we as a country will allow our government’s powers to grow. With this vote, Senators have the ability to check the scope of government’s growing reach into American life, as well as to make a real policy statement about the importance of civil liberties in modern day America.The Free Flow of Information Act, or “shield bill” as it is known, protects the relationship between journalists and their sources by shielding journalists from overreaching judges and prosecutors who would force them to reveal the identity of their anonymous sources.The use of anonymous sources is a vital part of the reporting process, and the practice has been the only way some of the biggest stories about government corruption, neglect and corporate abuse have come to light at the hands of the American press. From Watergate to Enron to Walter Reed hospital, story after story shining a light on the ills and wrongs committed in the names of the American people would never have been published without journalists being able to protect anonymous sources.Now, the government and civil litigants alike are trying to use reporters as the first resort, rather than the last, to discover leaks of information about the workings of our government — much of it being information every citizen has the right to know. The result is that our country, which should be a beacon for human rights and democracy worldwide, is jailing and fining journalists for informing the public about the business of its government.If the feelings in the U.S. House of Representatives are any indication, the American people support this limiting of government’s powers coast to coast. In October, the House passed its version of the shield bill, H.R. 2102, by an overwhelming, bipartisan margin of 398 to 21. The shield bill is a concept that appeals to the logic of leaders in both parties.In addition, both parties’ presidential nominees, Sens. John McCain and Barack Obama, have publicly stated they support the shield bill. It speaks volumes that even during a hotly contested election, the standard bearers of both parties agree this legislation is the best thing for America.At the state level, there is nearly universal support for a shield law. State attorneys general from 41 states through the National Association of Attorneys General sent a letter to senators just before Independence Day, reiterating their support for the bill and encouraging Senate leadership to bring it to the floor for a vote. Some 49 states already have their own version of a shield law, either through codified law or judicial precedent.National security concerns have also been thoroughly addressed by the sponsors of the bill. The bill is not a free pass for the media, as the law would ensure reasonable ground rules in matters of national security and criminal acts. In such cases, reporters could be compelled in court to reveal their confidential sources.This legislation is necessary for the future health of American democracy. The citizenry’s right to monitor government and report on its actions is a cornerstone of this country. Passing this law is also a major step to keeping the size and scope of government’s powers firmly in check. Our elected officials in the U.S. Senate need to provide that balance by voting in favor of the Shield bill.(Clint Brewer is the national president of the Society of Professional Journalists, the largest broad-based association of media professionals in the country. He is also a newspaper editor in Nashville, Tenn.)
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The Story of Stuff, Trash in the pacific and what ...
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Town meeting on aging , Living smart changes in sc...
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Oprah Winfrey's ten commandments for success

I don't watch Oprah cause I don't have time, but I loved these commandments so I will share them with you.

1. Don't live your life to please others
(I admit I do this sometimes and catch myself)

2. Don't depend on forces outside yourself to get ahead.
(this is when I have to stop playing the "blame game")

3. Seek harmony and compassion in your business and personal life.
(I try but a couple of million in the bank would not hurt!)

4. Get rid of backstabbers-surround yourself only with people who will lift you higher.
(This is tough for me cause I get into negative talk and don't realize I am doing it!)

5. Be nice
(I try but sometimes I want to smack someone!)

6. Rid yourself of yoru addictions-whether they are food, alcohol, drugs or behavior habits.
(Tell me about it, I have to stop eating ice cream in the closet)

7. Surround yourself with people who are as smart or smarter than you.
(Not hard at all)

8. If money is your motivation, forget it.
(Sure easy for you to say..you are a billionare!)

9. Never hand over your power to someone else.
(Too late I gave it over to God and the IRS)

10. Be persistent in pursuing your dreams.
(I am still here aren't I?)

Hurricane Season: Funny response

I got this from a friend of mine and found it hilarious..Hurricanes are serious business but any chance I get to laugh, I like to share!!!! Here it goes

Any day now, you're going to turn on the TV and see a weather person pointing to some radar blob out in the Gulf of Mexico and making two basic meteorological points: (1) There is no need to panic. (2) We could all be killed.

Yes, hurricane season is an exciting time to be in Houston.

If you're new to the area, you're probably wondering what you need to do to prepare for the possibility that we'll get hit by 'the big one.” Based on our experiences, we recommend that you follow this simple three-step hurricane preparedness plan:

STEP 1. Buy enough food and bottled water to last your family for at least three days.
STEP 2. Put these supplies into your car.
STEP 3. Drive to Nebraska and remain there until Thanksgiving.

Unfortunately, statistics show that most people will not follow this sensible plan. Most people will foolishly stay here in Houston. Therefore, we'll start with one of the most important hurricane preparedness items:

HOMEOWNERS' INSURANCE:
If you own a home, you must have hurricane insurance. Fortunately, this insurance is cheap and easy to get, as long as your home meets two basic requirements: (1) It is reasonably well-built, and (2) It is located in Nebraska.

Unfortunately, if your home is located in Houston, or any other area that might actually be hit by a hurricane, most insurance companies would prefer not to sell you hurricane insurance, because then they might be required to pay YOU money, and that is certainly not why they got into the insurance business in the first place.

So you'll have to scrounge around for an insurance company, which will charge you an annual premium roughly equal to the replacement value of your house.

At any moment, this company can drop you like used dental floss. Since Hurricane Alicia, I have had an estimated 27 differenthome-insurance companies. This week, I'm covered by the Bob and Big Stan Insurance Company, under a policy which states that, in addition to my premium, Bob and Big Stan are entitled, on demand, to my kidneys.

SHUTTERS:
Your house should have hurricane shutters on all the windows, all the doors, and -- if it's a major hurricane -- all the toilets.

There are several types of shutters, with advantages and disadvantages:

Plywood shutters: The advantage is that, because you make them yourself, they're cheap. The disadvantage is that, because you make them yourself, they will fall off.

Sheet-metal shutters: The advantage is that these work well, once you get them all up. The disadvantage is that once you get them all up, your hands will be useless bleeding stumps, and it will be December.

Roll-down shutters: The advantages are that they're very easy to use, and will definitely protect your house. The disadvantage is that you will have to sell your house to pay for them.

'Hurricane-proof'' windows: These are the newest wrinkle in hurricane protection: They look like ordinary windows, but they can withstand hurricane winds! You can be sure of this, because the salesman says so. He lives in Nebraska.

'Hurricane Proofing Your Property: As the hurricane approaches, check your yard for movable objects like barbecue grills, planters, patio furniture, visiting relatives, etc. You should, as a precaution, throw these items into your swimming pool (if you don't have a swimming pool, you should have one built immediately). Otherwise, the hurricane winds will turn these objects into deadly missiles.

EVACUATION ROUTE:
If you live in a low-lying area, you should have an evacuation route planned out. (To determine whether you live in a low-lying area, look at your driver's license; if it says 'Houston' you live in a low-lying area.) The purpose of having an evacuation route is to avoid being trapped in your home when a major storm hits. Instead, you will be trapped in a gigantic traffic jam several miles from your home, along with two hundred thousand other evacuees. So, as a bonus, you will not be lonely.

HURRICANE SUPPLIES:
If you don't evacuate, you will need a mess of supplies. Do not buy them now! Houston tradition requires that you waituntil the last possible minute, then go to the supermarket and get into vicious fights with strangers over who gets the last can of SPAM.

In addition to food and water, you will need the following supplies:
· 23 flashlights.
· At least $167 worth of batteries that turn out, when the power goes out, to be the wrong size for the flashlights.
· Bleach. (No, I don't know what the bleach is for. NOBODY knows what the bleach is for. But it's traditional, so GET some!)
· A 55-gallon drum of underarm deodorant.
· A big knife that you can strap to your leg (This will be useless in a hurricane, but it looks cool.)
· A large quantity of raw chicken, to placate the alligators. (Ask anybody who went through Alicia; after the hurricane, there WILL be irate alligators.)
· $35,000 in cash or diamonds so that, after the hurricane passes, you can buy a generator from a man with no discernible teeth.

Of course these are just basic precautions. As the hurricane draws near, it is vitally important that you keep abreast of the situation by turning on your television and watching TV reporters in rain slickers stand right next to the ocean and tell you over and over how vitally important it is for everybody to stay away from the ocean.
Good luck and remember: It's great living in paradise! Those of you who aren't here yet, you should come.

Really

Balanced Politics/and why vacations are important

As I do research on topics for future shows on Ch. 8, I came upon a website called balancedPolitics.org. I found this fascinating, particularly because I get so tired of the rhetoric on both sides of the aisle and litte on factual information. When you open the site it says

...a website dedicated to balanced, non-partisan discussion of important societal issues.

"The significant problems we face cannot be solved at the same level of thinking we were at when we created them." --Albert Einstein


"Let us not seek the Republican answer nor the Democratic answer but the right answer." --John F. Kennedy"

As a rule we disbelieve all the facts and theories for which we have no use. A great many people think they are thinking when they are really rearranging their prejudices." --William James

Let's face it we all want OUR POINT OF VIEW to be heard and of course, we are certain it is the right one, but frankly issues are complex and we should make an effort to listen to all sides and share our point of view with people who are willing to listen, realizing that the discussion has to be conducted with respect and an open mind.
One of the aspects of any information is to ask what are the facts and where did you get the facts? As you know many corporations pay certain scientists or researchers to put out information that is beneficial to them. Generally speaking you have to turn to primary sources of information. I would also do searches on the BBC or NPR.

We live in interesting times. When people say we live in a global world, it means the more you understand how the world really works, the better you will navigate it. What has happened to me after living in different countries and travelling around the world is that I noticed how much we are alike and why we sometimes misunderstand each other. None of us like being out of our comfort zone, but in reality that is what allows us to grow and expand our knowledge. If we only hang out with people who agree with everything we think or do, we tend to want to protect what we believe and seldom experience the richness of humanity. We don't have to agree with other ideas or thoughts but we should be able to listen to others express them with respect and I often say, compassion.

I am going on vacation for the first time in a long time. I say that because the last few years I spent going on "vacation" to a hospital to visit my mother, who is now healthy and living here. I can't stress enough how important it is to focus on turning off your computers, cell phones, television sets and stop to listen to whatever is around you. I plan a few days in the beach and the mountains. I know that I will get my batteries recharged and once again find the proper gratitude for god's creation. If it wasn't for this time off, I would not be as productive in my work. I can assure you and it has been scientifically proven. People who take vacation time, do better in their work. Try it. You will like it! and don't tell me you don't have enough money. You can vacation in your own home. Turn everything off, and start to look at the flowers in your garen, or pet your cat or simply breathe deeply. Off I go.

News bad for your health!

I don't know about you but lately, watching the news is really depressing me. I like to read news, not watch them. I read Newsweek, the Economist, blogs from the left and right, foreign policy news, CNN but I hardly watch news because I get all bent out of shape. Right now all I hear is how bad the economy is, rising gas prices, mortgage crisis, war, climate diasasters, starving children and serial killers. No wonder so many Americans are depressed.

I know we have to know what is going on but does it have to be negative all the time? Could they not just mix it up a bit? Today I was happy to watch the release of Ingrid Betancourt in Colombia, along with three Americans and a dozen colombian police and military personnel. I found it strange no one seemed to talk to the poor police and military guys. They had families who suffered too. I guess they weren't "considered" news. Anyways, I am afraid a lot of Americans are becoming addicted to bad news and it is affecting them. I know it affects me and that is why I limit how much I watch on TV.

My feeling is that we can create our own reality. I can convince myself that life is so awful, (based on the news) and that there is no hope or I can stay positive and believe things can get better and that I can have a postive impact on my life and the life of others.

Life is about balance, my need to know what is going on has to be balanced with how I interpret what is going on.

This Sunday the President and Chancellor of the University of Houston talks to me about her hopes and aspirations for the University. I really enjoyed talking to her. (Airdates are July 6th 5pm, July 11th at 8pm, July 31st 9:30pm.)
At 3pm this Sunday, Manisha Thakor gives very smart tips on how to manage your money during hard times. Learning from her will pay off in the long run!

Houston PBS giving trip away to Prague

HoustonPBS' popular on-line drawing is back for the month of July!

Donate Online to HoustonPBS.org

This Month and You Could Win One of these Fabulous Summer E-scapes:
A Rick Steves' Seven-Day City Tour of Prague for Two touring one of Europe's most romantic cities (Tour guide and accommodations courtesy of Rick Steves’ Travels).
A 42 inch flat screen LCD television set with built-in digital tuner.

If you had been thinking about becoming a member of HoustonPBS now is a great time!

Weekend at a Big Texas Ranch

I have been producing and hosting Living Smart shows since October 2005. Thanks to my wonderful guests, I have benefitted from "living smart tips" that have changed my life.
Some of the most important lessons I have learned I already knew, many I didn't, others were confirmed. For instance, why is it so important to spend time in nature. Why are good, stable and solid relationships more important for our well being than anything else. What is it about animals that enhances our lives? Why is eating a healthy balanced meal important for our mental and spiritual health? Why simple walking and hiking may be the best and cheapest excercise to do. Why do we need to save money and why the most wonderful things in life sometimes cost you nothing, such as watching a hummingbird at work, or seeing flowers bloom, or hearing the sound of water or simply listening or laughing with friends.
This past weekend I experienced all of it. Courtesy of a generous family, I spent three days at a wonderful 11,000 acres Texas ranch. Even though I am a Texan, (born at the Texas Medical center) and a big fan of the hill country, ( I have camped in most of the main state parks in Texas
I had never been to a real ranch.
We were seven women with different careers, interests, marital status, religions, etc. For three days, we hiked, laughed, even cried, talked about our problems and also shared our joys. We learned that no matter how busy you are, there is always time to share a laugh, a walk in the hill country will do wonders for your soul, a swim in a lake feels quite different than a chlorinated pool, animals that roam freely seem to enjoy life more and people who live surrouned by nature, seem less pretentious, complicated and a lot kinder.
For me, nature is the great healer. I miss camping, I used to do it more often but those three days reminded me how much nature is part of me and the price I pay for ignoring it.
I also miss sitting out on the porch with a wonderful view of the hills and the river, talking to my friends and playing my guitar.
For all of that I am grateful to the people who made this possible for me and to the friends who shared what I call the special moments, "the diamonds" of our lives that we only wear a few times because they are just too precious. Thank you creator for this gift, thank you friends for sharing and thank you nature for not getting mad at me for abusing you and allowing me to breathe you, smell and touch you with all my senses. What a wonderful gift you are!

Oil and Houston's future

Our next series of programs besides Living Smart will deal with the energy crisis we are facing and what to do about it. The first of the series will tackle the high gas prices and how Houstonians plan to resond. This is a controversial topic. We are the energy capital of the world. Some companies here and the thousands of employees who work there are doing very well. The consumers on the other hand are feeling the pinch of high gas and food prices. Our documentary will mostly deal with the impact of gas prices on transportation in Houston, what is in the price of oil, how did we get here and what we plan to do about it. Prior to high gas prices, most Houstonians opted for larger, less fuel efficient sport utility vehicles and full size vehicles. This obviously has changed very rapidly. There is now an ever increasing market for hybrid vehicles and diesel engine vehicles since they are more fuel efficient. The fact is this oil crisis has forced us to look at ourselves and our government's energy policy. Undoubtedly we won't be affected the same way as the rest of the country. Houston has always responded well to drastic changes. Look at how we diversified after the economic bust of the 80's. What will we do now?
Economists say this crisis will increase demand for alternate fossil fuels, such as coal, or liquefied natural gas and for renewable energies, such as solar poser, wind power and advnaced biofuels, but the question is when, how viable is it and how expensive?
Then there is the alternatives to daily commuting Houstonians will be looking at. Will more people now work at home? Will we substitute virtual travel for physical travel?
Change is in the air, and we plan to cover it. Share your ideas if you like. We would like to hear from you.

Renewable Energy in Texas

So gas prices keep going up. Please don't despair. I have always believed there is blessing behind all this turmoil. I chose not to drive anywhere this weekend. It was my way of protesting what is happening. We all want to blame SOMEONE, ANYONE..CAN YOU HEAR ME? Well, I have news for you. The best way I can handle this is blaming myself. I should have known better than trust people whose only motive is to make big profits. Don't you think our leaders and businesses dependent on oil knew about this way before we did? Are they really to blame though?
Let's face it, we all like to drive the big cars. It is the American way. Well now the American way or let's say the TEXAS WAY..is to focus on RENEWABLE ENERGY. I am here to cheer you up. Pay attention to this.

Texas has more renewable energy potential than any other state!!! That's right..we are number one and for something good (Don't ask about insuring children please!) Due to our size and diverse climate, we have tremendous potential to use clean, renewable energy sources such as wind, solar and biomass. These resources are so plentiful in Texas we can meet all of our state's needs. See? Don't despair..sooner or later we will rise up to the ocasion. In the mean time, drive 55 miles an hour (not 75) buy a bike and start riding to the store near you, carpool, buy a moped and figure out how to camp in your own back yard!!! Cheer up.

Story of Stuff and Media Literacy on Living Smart

As we confront gas prices going up to possibly $200 a barrell eventually, We are finally asking the tough questions. We are realizing that this may have been going on for a long time and that we have been living in a dream which has now turned into a nightmare. That is why I like to watch the story of stuff, so I can be enlightend. Click here www.storyofstuff.com

On their website you read "The Story of Stuff is a 20-minute, fast-paced, fact-filled look at the underside of our production and consumption patterns. The Story of Stuff exposes the connections between a huge number of environmental and social issues, and calls us together to create a more sustainable and just world. It'll teach you something, it'll make you laugh, and it just may change the way you look at all the stuff in your life forever."

I have to agree with what they say. I have been trying to change the way I live for a while now but it is difficult, but we have to start somewhere. Please watch it and tell me what you think.

This coming Sunday at 3pm (next thursday at 1pm on Ch. 8,) Professor Garth Jowett discusses why even though we have more information everywhere, we seem to know less. After the mainstream media did such a poor job covering the beginning of the war, I felt we needed to question why.
Why is it that we have networks who say they are fair and balanced and clearly they are not? Why is it the so called mainstream media did not tell us the truth about the war? Why was the Pentagon able to fund so called "pro war experts" and our media accepted it without asking questions. Why is it people on certain radio stations can still say Global Warming is a hoax and a large number of people believe them? Find out what media consolidation has done to our media and how we can make better choices when we get information on what is going on. My ultimate advise is follow the money. Who is making money by keeping us misinformed?

One of his suggestions is that you read from the right and the left. I try doing that and I also watch international news in other languages. I know that is not enough. The other problem we face is that there is way too much information as it is. I just want to figure out how to live smarter!

Oil prices/life will never be the same

I am sorry to say, sooner or later we will have to change our bad habits. I knew we would not do it on our own volition. We would have to be forced to do it and here we are. Gas prices at $120 dollars a barrel and rising, we are beginning to change our ways. At least I am.

I have always said Houston was built for cars, not pedestrians. We are after all, the energy capital of the world. We diversified our economy in the past two decades but we may have to be as agressive in the near future in diversifying our sources of energy. We may have to lead, as we have in the past in many areas in alternative sources of energy. We are number one in wind power in Texas and because we are a "can do" entrepeneurial society, we may be able to lead in other areas as well. Rice University has one of the top nanotechnology teams in the nation. We also have a pro active environmental mayor who may be leaving office soon but is leaving a legacy we can't deny.



The only way we can cease our addiction to oil is to stop consuming it. In Houston, we almost can't live without cars and lack of political will and vision on the part of our leaders in the past 50 years has created more freeways, bigger cars and homes and little in public transportation, bike trails or sidewalks for pedestrians. In my view those days are over. We will change our ways because we have to change.



The fact is the USA has some of the cheapest gas in the world. So we have not been forced like the Europeans to buys smaller cars or build an awesome public transportation system. (I lived in Europe several years without a car.)



In a recent article I read in Money magazine, it stated that out of 155 countries surveyed, U.S. gas prices were the 45th cheapest, according to a recent study from AIRINC, a research firm that tracks cost of living data.


The difference is staggering. As of late March, U.S. gas prices averaged $3.45 a gallon. That compares to over $8 a gallon across much of Europe, $12.03 in Aruba and $18.42 in Sierra Leone.



No one is feeling sorry for us I presume, because we have been living the myth that cheap oil is forever. There are so many reasons they are giving us for the rise in oil prices. I have interviewed several experts and they all have different answers. The falling dollar, speculation in the market, rebels in Nigeria, storms everywhere, the ever unstable middle east, problems with refineries, greedy oil companies etc.



The bottom line is that we had a chance to change our ways with the oil embargo in the 70's but lo and behold we didn't! Instead we subsidized SUV's and Hummers just a few years ago!!!



The bottom line is that we can' be this dependent on oil forever simply because, is is a finite resource and if that is not true (some disagree with me) global warming begs us to look into alternative sources of energy that won't contaminate the air.



This is what I plan to do in the next few years. I plan to buy a new hybrid when my car falls apart. In the mean time, I will keep my tires in shape, I will change my air filter every 3000 miles, and I will drive 55 miles an hour..not more.



Then I plan to work at home as much as I can so I don't have to drive. If I can move closer to my job I will and maybe I will move into a smaller apartment. Finally I will try to car pool and if I have the guts, ride a bycicle to work!


This way, I won't get tired of people telling me we are living in a recession, prices will keep going up and the future doesn't look good. My experience tells me there is always a silver lining in any challenge or tragedy we face. Here is the silver lining I find in this. We can't keep destroying the environment. We can't keep living a lie. We can't have more than we can afford. Now that's living Smart!
.

Lap Band surgery in Juarez and the plight of its women

This past weekend I ended up in a five star hotel/hospital Angeles in Juarez. A friend was having the lap band surgery and she had come upon the information on the internet after several years of research.
Travelling to another country to have surgery is known as "medical tourism" I actually felt like a tourist. The hospital arranges everything. Your pickup at the airport, your hotel after surgery and anything else you need. I would call them medical travel agents!
How is this possible? Well when you can pay 70 dollars for an MRI like I did in Argentina a few years ago compared to 1200 dollars in the USA. You do the math. The lap band surgery in Mexico is 50 to 60 percent cheaper than in the United States. The doctors who performed this apparently simple and quick surgery.( It takes 45 minutes,) usually work in both countries.
My opinion is that the doctors and the hospital were first class. The nursing staff didn't speak that much English but they did a decent job.

Did you know that hundreds of Americans visit Mexico for lap band surgery every month?
A lap band surgery in Houston is around 16,000, while in Mexico it cost 8,000.
My friend was walking 2 hours after surgery and her biggest complaint was pain, but they had that under control every two hours as well.

My view is that eventually this surgery needs to be covered by our insurance companies. Good luck though. If our medical system continues to be in the profit business. Watch out. Business is Business here or Mexico and right now, many Americans are choosing to go down the border for a quick fix to their obesity problem and businessmen will benefit from that. (The hospital where we stayed is apparently a business venture of Carlos Slim, the second richest man in the planet.)

I say quick fix because in reality, having this surgery is no cake walk. It takes little time, it is reversible and it has worked wonders for thousands of people, however, You can only drink liquids for at least two weeks and you will be eating very small portions for the rest of your life.

If I were obese I would probably do it, but it did make me think twice about portion control. For some reason, this weekend I felt I had to eat a lot less than I usually do.

While I was in Juarez I also asked about the women dissappearing. Since 1993, nearly 300 women have been murderd by what authorities say are serial killers. One was killed while we were there. They usually work in assembly plants, or maquilas. Most are discovered mutilated with evidence of sexual abuse. I heard all kinds of comments from the Mexicans living in Juarez. Some were upset Ciudad Juarez gets a very bad rap for these murders. Others were angry the women were not protected because the funds the corporations were giving to the government for security, "dissappeared" as well. Frankly, I don't know who is responsible for this but as long as humans are not seen as important as the almighty dollar or peso. The human race will continue to commit these atrocities.

As medical tourists however, we felt safe driving directly from the airport to the hospital which is only 20 minutes away from El Paso. Our driver told us. How many women were killed in your city since 1993? I couldn't answer but no city has a monopoly on safety I replied. The fact is I am glad people around the world are concerned about the Juarez women. The only way to stop these crimes is to keep the pressure on the authorities.

Classic Hikes of the World book review

I am not a book critic, but I am a hiker, not a very good one mind you, but one nevertheless. I looked at Peter Potterfield's 23 breathtaking treks book and I just had to get it. Here is why. Nothing has changed my life more than three treks I have made in my life. The Machu Pichu trail, Torres del Paine and one that is not featured in the book, the Camino de Santiago in Spain.
If you are a hiker you know that to do these walks, you have to train or do it all the time. I live in Houston so I hardly walk. I trained by going up and down the stairs of the high rise where I live. That was not enough! Trekking is serious business. Now I want to go to to the Everest Base Camp Trek and Potterfield has some great info on that. It is a 35 mile hike. He suggests it is difficult but you will have plenty of time to think, meditate and reflect. It will be a risky endeavor since the altitude unexpectedly can surprise you with extreme weather changes, lack of oxygen, and he says "cultural disorientation." What I like about this book is the different questions you get answered about logistics and strategy, hazards, seasons to go, the route you will take and what it will be like and finally the guides you'll need so you won't make a dumb mistake that could cost you your life.
I also like the fact that most of the trails he covers are in North America. Eleven are in fact featured. His top three are the John Muir trail in southern california, the Grand Canyon in Arizona, which I have flown but not hiked, and Chesler Park in Southern Utah. Come to think of it. I will stay in America first before I try going as far as Nepal. Yes...maybe I should train here and then go there! I better not wait too long. This book designed for trekkers of all abilities is not designed for trekkers who hardly walk or train, yours truly. I start going up and down the stairs this weekend! Yeah right.

Illegal immigration on April 24th 7pm on HoustonPBS

What concerns you about illegal immigration? I will be moderating a live town meeting at Ch. 8 on April 24th at 7pm. This topic makes the headlines in waves. I have noticed in my lifetime how it upsets people on both sides of the fence and those like me who see and understand it is a very complicated topic, surrounded by myths, misundertandings, anger and lots of rhetoric.

There is no doubt we are living in a time of crisis. As a nation we may feel insecure about the future. I have always felt our government and business leaders have done little to really tackle the problem of illegal immigration. Therefore, some gain and some suffer but the problem continues to be unresolved. Please fell free to share how you feel about it here and let me share some of the questions people have asked about immigration in the past few weeks that may incite more dialogue. Please feel free to answer if you wish.

1. In a special report by the Texas Comptroller of Public account they concluded
"The absence of the estimated 1.4 undocumented immigrants in Texas in fiscal 2005 would have been a loss to our gorss state product of 17.7 billion. Tey produced 1.58 billion in state revenues which exceeded the 1.16 billion in state services they received. HOWEVER, local govrnemnets bore the burden of $1.44 billion of uncompensated health care costs and local law enforcement costs not paid for by the state."

If in fact immigrants who are here illegaly contribute to our economy why haven't political and business leaders found an effective way to legalize them?

2. Why are the undocumented educated freely and allowed to use medical services if they are here illegally?

3. The social security administration estimates that about 3/4 of illegal workers pay taxes that contribute to the overall solvency of social security and medicare. How is it they can pay taxes if they are here illegally? What happens to the 1/4 who don't pay taxes.

4. If we build a border fence, will that take care of the labor shortage problem? and those who overstay their tourist visas?


5. Do the uncodumented here illegally really help the economy by filling low wage jobs or are they just taking jobs from Americans?

6. Don't these immigrants also revitalize neighborhoods and create jobs by creating new industries within the nation? or are they just a drain on the local economy?

7. How do these immigrants help local businesses? How much money do they save them, since they don't have to pay insurance or social security? How do they help the american consumer keep prices low?

8. Why can't we make English the official language? Are these immigrants invading the nation and changing its culture?

9. Why can't they respect our laws? or wait in line like legal immigrants do?

10. If there are in fact no legal way for these low wage earners who come here illegally to work, is it fair to ask them to wait in line if there is no line?


11. If you could not feed your family, would you enter another country illegally to feed your children?

12. These immigrants came here illegally so they are criminals and many of them break the law with fake ID's, loan fraud, human trafficking, gangs etc.


13. These immigrants are the cause of overcrowded schools, traffic jams, gangs, fatal accidents etc.

14. They don't want to speak English and because of them it is no longer the official language.

15. We should not give them amnesty. They broke the law.

16. We should give them amnesty because we can't deport all 12 million of them.

There are many more comments and questions and you are welcome to share your view and watch our program which will also have a web component and will allow you to share your views and ideas and solutions on the topic.

BY THE WAY NEXT TWO SUNDAYS 3pm AND THURSDAYS 1pm ON LIVING SMART
Green Architecture which can save you money!!! LaVerne Williams
Learn how shame impacts all other emotions and how you can heal it!! Dr. Brene Brown

John Alexander at the MFA and why caring is important

Today I went to check out the new exhibit at the MFA Houston. The John Alexander, a retrospective exhibit was impressive. I am not an art critic, so let's start with that. My art experience is based on some studies in college and a visit to some of the great museums in the world, including el prado, the louvre and the Smithsonian, but I have to admit, I think I know good art when I see it.
Alexander was born in Texas. He says he began seriously painting when he moved to New York from Houston. In the past 4 decades, he's spent time chronicling the world around him. What I loved most about his work was his passionate stand on social, political and environmental issues. Like me, this artist hates hypocrisy and greed. The wonderful talent I found in this artist is his capacity to paint landscapes, animals and people brilliantly with a powerful message. To get the message you'll have to see the art. My favorite painting was called three little pigs. It is a satire about our politicians today. The other one I loved was high cotton. Alexander is adamant about reminding people the horrors of racism. This painting of the beautiful, aesthetic plant barely hides the chains which represent the horror of slavery.
John Alexander must be a complex, sensible and passionate man. I love artists who take a stand so if you ask me what I think. I will tell you. I like the guy. Go see his work if you have a chance in this great, awesome museum of ours, The museum of Fine Arts. His work will be there until June 22nd.
DON'T FORGET TO WATCH LIVING SMART THIS SUNDAY AT 3PM. Learn why it pays to be compassionate!

Compassion and why it matters

On April 13th at 3pm (repeats thursday April 17th at 1pm) Barbara Elliott will talk about compassion on Living Smart. I decided to do a show with her because I loved her book "Street Saints." It focused on people around the country who are doing "compassion" work. (I call it that) and often don't get the credit or the funds they need to continue their work. The strange circumstance is that I had featured two of the people in her book in other Living Smart shows without knowing there was a book written about them. These two people, John Sage and Marilyn Gambrell had not even told me they had been featured in a book, that's how selfless and extraordinary these two street saints are. Here are the two shows.

Marilyn Gambrell works with kids whose parents are incarcerated.
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=555909220741570562

and John Sage created Bridges to life which reunites victim families with criminal inmates so they can learn from each other's pain and despair.
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=5669884262139741535

Barbara Elliott, a journalist, and author had made a decision to cover those who work in the trenches because she wanted to help them continue their work . She herself is a street saint. A few years ago she founded the working connection which helps people in transition from homelessness, drug addiction, prison and layoffs and people down in their luck who made the wrong decisions.

Americans are some of the most compassionate people on the planet but how do we make the right decisions on who and how to give? Elliott gives advise on this and reminds us we can make a difference, a great difference in other people's lives. She herself walks the talk. Once a week she mentors a child and knows full well, that child will benefit from her wisdom, her presence and her unconditional love. Compassion does not have to be someone else's job. It can be our job every day.

Jungian psychology and why climate change is not a hoax

This Sunday at 3pm and next thursday april 10th at 1pm James Hollis shares his incredible
erudite knowledge of why life can be so confusing and what to do about it!! I am really excited about this show because I am in my mid life and I ask the mid life crisis questions all the time? Why am I here? What am I doing? Does my life have a purpose? Why can't I get what I want and always fought for? His answer. Life is not easy and let me tell you why...I love it and hope you'll watch.


Have you read articles on global warming lately written by so called non profit organizations that in reality represent the oil industry? They supposedly do research and have successfully led us to beleive for years we really didn't have a problem and Al Gore and the majority of scientists around the world are crazy and don't know what they are talking about. So to them and many who believe them GLOBAL WARMING IS A HOAX!
Here are some facts for you
The Facts About Climate Change
FACT: Average global temperatures increased by about 1 degree Fahrenheit over the 20th century.
FACT: The United States contains only 5 percent of the world’s population, but contributes 22 percent of the world’s carbon emissions.
FACT: Between 20 and 25 percent of carbon emissions come from deforestation and land use change.
FACT: The Golden Toad (Bufo periglenes) is thought to be the first species to go extinct because of climate change.
FACT: Personal cars and trucks in the United States emit 20 percent of the United States' carbon emissions.
FACT: Air conditioning and heating account for almost half of electricity use in the average American home.
FACT: Climate change is linked to stronger hurricanes, more drought and increased coral deaths from bleaching.
FACT: Climate change is linked to an increase in disease-carrying pests that lead to the increased spread of diseases such as dengue fever, malaria, lyme disease and West Nile virus

Okay let's say global warming was not a problem. My question would be. Even if I am wrong, wouldn't I want to take a stand and drive less(remember gas prices) use alternative fuels (less wars) quit deforestation of our planet? Even if it wasn't true which I am certain it is a problem for us and the next generation, there are things we must become more consicous of. Diana Petrochelli shares some alarming facts about global warming in our Living Smart program that will air some time in June.

A letter to the New President and New Congress

I found this and thought I would publish it

A letter to the new president and Congress

I want my country back. I want America back. I don’t care which party or candidate wins as long as you do the following.

Please bring back the system of checks and balances. There is a reason for it to be there. The Legislative, Executive and Judicial branch are there for a reason. Don’t undo it. We won’t allow it. No more secrets please.

The media is no longer the fourth power in America. Don’t privatize the internet. The truth will eventually set us free. The corporations which own our so called mainstream media can do as they like. The people will eventually find the truth. It will just take longer.

Get rid of torture in any form. It does not work and it trashes our American values.

When you want to win the war on terror, besides weapons you must use soft diplomacy. Let me remind you what the Marshall plan did for American and the world in World War 2. Bring it back. Hatred breeds more hatred. We are not safer. We need allies and we need to understand why people do what they do besides a simplistic “They hate us because we are free”

I don’t care how you figure it out. We need access to health care. We need for people to become responsible for their own health as well. Quit pandering to the pharmaceutical, insurance companies and hospital corporations. Let’s focus on health, not medicine, Prevention, not treatment once and for all.

Global warming is not a HOAX. It is real . Let’s do something about it. Commit to alternative fuels that don’t hurt the environment either. Build rail. Make fuel efficient cars. Sign international treaties that hold everyone accountable, including China and India. We are all interconnected.

We need immigrants and we also need a safe border. We can stop scapegoating by comprehensive reform. Come up with a bipartisan plan. They would not be here if we didn’t have jobs for them.

Why are you allowing our banks to trick consumers into getting more credit cards than they need or loans they can’t pay? Wake up and then wake us up!

In the past 30 years, the gap between rich and poor has gotten bigger and bigger. No great country can thrive without a middle class. Figure out how to close that gap or we’ll become a second rate country.

Move away from an economy based on war. We don’t want it and we can’t afford it.


We the people are the government too and eventually we wake up and we’ll kick you out if you keep messing up our nation.

Quit using fear to do whatever you want. What we have to fear is fear itself. This worked for a while but we are tired of it. Don’t use it anymore.

Quit lying. Tell the truth. Sooner or later we’ll find out. We just don’t want millions of people dead in the process. Don’t forget. We don’t want any more secrets, lies, and fear in your speeches. We want the truth as painful as it is because it will set us free.

The only way American can get back on her feet again is to unite, among party lines, racial lines, cultural lines. We are Americans and we are a great nation because when we finally get fed up. We act. We are fed up. Wake up Mr. President and Congress. Wake up.


ANONYMOUS

Living Smart music on "You Tube"/Spitzer scandal

We can finally hear it and see it on You Tube click here:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=STafkoKUWTc
We shot this at the ARTERY an incredible art space you should check out to expand your soul and horizons.
www.arteryhouston.org
Mark Larsen runs the place and it is the most incredible greek theatre in town. They host musicians and artists from all ethnic backgrounds and music genres. I am proud to have performed there on the last concert of at least, last year!
I am still working on Season 4 of Living Smart and remember it launches on April 6th at 3pm with one of my favorite Jungian analysts (if not the best in the nation) James Hollis PhD who discusses how we create a life worth living and worthy of our soul. He's a genius and I love learning from him.
On to current news. It is all over the news, the tintillating prostitution story about the Governor of New York Elliot Spitzer and who we now know, the siren prostitute Kristen! I don't want to waste my time on this because everyone will talk it to death. I do want to share this. I think we must all think about his family, have compassion for them. He has two teenage daughters and a wife who are suffering silently in the limelight. I don't point fingers because I am not God but I wish the media didn't plaster the images of the call girl all over the place. It also made me think about what tends to happen in our society a lot and we seldom take into consideration in the media and in our lives. It has to do with having affairs, or starting new marriages or relationships even while we are married. Have you noticed at least for celebrities that the ex wife, or ex husband or "ex" children dissappear from their lives, as if they didn't exist? It is as if all that counts is the present. What I want to leave you with is this. Any time you start a new relationship, think how it will affect who you left behind and bless them for they too were an important part of your life and forgetting all about it will not make it right. "ex"'s need love too!!!

Why you should vote today? March 5th 2008

Believe it or not. I am an independent voter. I have voted for Republicans and Democrats alike because I vote for the person, not the party. Iam constantly stereotyped as a liberal because I work for PBS but that is just too simplitic. I am like most Americans, IN THE MIDDLE. I don't believe in absolutes. I call myself a politcal cynic. After leaving a country for political reasons (Argentina) I don't believe in politicians generally speaking. There are exceptions. I think Bill White has done a good job in Houston but nationally, I don't like the job Congress or the President have done in the past 8 years.
I feel strongly that as Americans we are at a crossroad. We can either continue the path we have been on or we can demand real change. (I don't mean the rhetorical change we hear from all candidates) I mean real change. I have my opinion about what real change means.
I would like to see an economy that is market driven but socially just. This means we hold banks, mortgage companies, financial advisors etc. accountable and we take responsability for bad decisions ourselves. For instance, if you don't have the money don't buy it. period. Seventy percent of Americans are in debt. I don't think spending money and just consuming is the solution. Let's look at the future of this country. Would it be smarter to stop spending on a war that seems to have no end? Should we leave or Stay in Iraq until the situation is stable? Should we not change the way we consume oil? If the war was in fact fought for oil, what behaviors have we as Americans changed to stop our eternal dependence on oil?
What about health care? Can our politicians really break away from the pharmaceutical, hospital and insurance lobbysts? Do you realize, our politicians depend on their money to win elections? Do we understand that we need campaign finance reform to change a system that depends on big money to get elected? What is our responsability for our health? Do you realize food manufacturers may be advertising food that is just plain and simple toxic? Why don't we focus on prevention as a nation, because it is not a smart business decision? Please. Let's not forget, in my view, people are more important than the almighty dollar. We have to learn about nutrition so that when we get older, we won't get diabetes, or heart disease or high blood pressure.
Finally another issue is of course immigration. I will be doing a town meeting on April 24th on the subject here at HoustonPBS at 7pm. If this is an issue that really concerns us, then let's look at a comprehensive immigration reform. Getting emotional about the issue does not lead to solutions. Deporting people who have been living here for years is not the answer. What is economically, socially feasible? Every candidate has his or her views on all these subjects. Listen to them, ask questions and then VOTE..If you don't vote this election, you can't complain. We have to start standing up for what we believe without fear. We have to have the courage to cast a vote and hanle the consequences. We can no longer be an apathetic nation. If we are to be a great nation. WE MUST VOTE!!!

The law of attraction

If you have not heard about this law of attraction. Read up on the "Secret" movie. Everyone was excited about it and it was all over the news. I find it a bit funny since I have always read in the the bible " ask and you shall receive." We all hear about this, why don't we believe it?
I have been engaged in creative manifesting for a while. That is, I ask for something, usually write it down and believe it will become true if I am in aligment with the divine. In other words if I am asking for something that is for everyone's benefit, including my own.
Some people find this hoakie and silly. I find it has changed my thought patterns and way of life.
I have especially used it for very important things such as my mother's health when she was in a coma, or something simple like passing an exam, or avoiding an illness! My take on this is I would rather live my life asking for what I want and believing I am going to get it than using my own negative conscious mind telling me I can't have it or I shouldn't or it's impossible etc. You know what I mean. We all have that pestering little voice inside, usually a negative voice, tearing us apart, destroying our dreams and denying us happiness.
Why am I writing about this? Well my friend producer Connie Hill just won the independent film Spirit Award. This is like an Oscar but for independent films. Connie gave up her full time job to shoot this film for 5 weeks in Gonzalez Texas (just feel the HEAT) When she first started working on this film which she did for FREE, she had no idea one day she would be getting an award from Meg Ryan but that is exactly what she got. Connie wasn't so sure that she could win as producer for the film. By the way look out for it. It is called "August Evening" so I kept telling her to manifest it. Imagine going up on stage, getting the award and what you are going to say. It was hard work for me to convince her but I told her. What have you got to lose? Imagine the best, picture it and it will happen. I have told you before I believe in miracles. You do understand that winning anything like an Oscar and major national Emmys is very difficult and almost karmic. It depends on so many factors you don't have much control over. For instance, what other movies you are competing with, whether that subject matter is chic or the new actor on the scene is attractive..etc. etc..It does not take away from how real talented you are or your film is but frankly winning one of these unless you are Meryl Streep. IS HARD.
The fact that she won makes me believe in dreams. She had a dream and she went after it. I will do the same. I will manifest and believe my dream will come true. I will attract what I want. Do I believe in the law of attraction? you better believe it!!!

The story of stuff, Trash in the pacific and what you can do

I would like to invite you to view the video http://www.storyofstuff.com/

It's only 20 minutes and what it can teach you can change your life. I learned about it while I was at the Rothko Chapel event with Diana Petrochelli who spoke about sustainability and what's wrong with the way we are living.



By the way , the turnout was great and we learned a lot. Rothko chapel and the United Nations Houston chapter helpes us organize it along with many environmental community groups.



I also got some information that really upset me. It has to do with trash in the pacific ocean the size of a continent. This is true and don't let anyone deny it.

http://www.commondreams.org/archive/2008/02/05/6856/



so being a person who wants to find solutions. I decided to share with you this info from the story of stuff website.



WHAT CAN WE DO? LITTE AND BIG THINGS YOU CAN DO

1. Power down! A great deal of the resources we use and the waste we create is in the energy we consume. Look for opportunities in your life to significantly reduce energy use: drive less, fly less, turn off lights, buy local seasonal food (food takes energy to grow, package, store and transport), wear a sweater instead of turning up the heat, use a clothesline instead of a dryer, vacation closer to home, buy used or borrow things before buying new, recycle. All these things save energy and save you money. And, if you can switch to alternative energy by supporting a company that sells green energy to the grid or by installing solar panels on your home, bravo!
Waste less. Per capita waste production in the U.S. just keeps growing. There are hundreds of opportunities each day to nurture a Zero Waste culture in your home, school, workplace, church, community. This takes developing new habits which soon become second nature. Use both sides of the paper, carry your own mugs and shopping bags, get printer cartridges refilled instead of replaced, compost food scraps, avoid bottled water and other over packaged products, upgrade computers rather than buying new ones, repair and mend rather than replace….the list is endless! The more we visibly engage in re-use over wasting, the more we cultivate a new cultural norm, or actually, reclaim an old one!



2. Talk to everyone about these issues. At school, your neighbors, in line at the supermarket, on the bus…A student once asked Cesar Chavez how he organized. He said, “First, I talk to one person. Then I talk to another person.” “No,” said the student, “how do you organize?” Chavez answered, “First I talk to one person. Then I talk to another person.” You get the point. Talking about these issues raises awareness, builds community and can inspire others to action.
Make Your Voice Heard. Write letters to the editor and submit articles to local press. In the last two years, and especially with Al Gore winning the Nobel Peace Prize, the media has been forced to write about Climate Change. As individuals, we can influence the media to better represent other important issues as well. Letters to the editor are a great way to help newspaper readers make connections they might not make without your help. Also local papers are often willing to print book and film reviews, interviews and articles by community members. Let’s get the issues we care about in the news.



3. DeTox your body, DeTox your home, and DeTox the Economy. Many of today’s consumer products – from children’s pajamas to lipstick – contain toxic chemical additives that simply aren’t necessary. Research online (for example, http://www.cosmeticsdatabase.com/) before you buy to be sure you’re not inadvertently introducing toxics into your home and body. Then tell your friends about toxics in consumer products. Together, ask the businesses why they’re using toxic chemicals without any warning labels. And ask your elected officials why they are permitting this practice. The European Union has adopted strong policies that require toxics to be removed from many products. So, while our electronic gadgets and cosmetics have toxics in them, people in Europe can buy the same things toxics-free. Let’s demand the same thing here. Getting the toxics out of production at the source is the best way to ensure they don’t get into any home and body.



4. Unplug (the TV and internet) and Plug In (the community). The average person in the U.S. watches T.V. over 4 hours a day. Four hours per day filled with messages about stuff we should buy. That is four hours a day that could be spent with family, friends and in our community. On-line activism is a good start, but spending time in face-to-face civic or community activities strengthens the community and many studies show that a stronger community is a source of social and logistical support, greater security and happiness. A strong community is also critical to having a strong, active democracy.



5.Park your car and walk…and when necessary MARCH! Car-centric land use policies and life styles lead to more greenhouse gas emissions, fossil fuel extraction, conversion of agricultural and wildlands to roads and parking lots. Driving less and walking more is good for the climate, the planet, your health, and your wallet. But sometimes we don’t have an option to leave the car home because of inadequate bike lanes or public transportation options. Then, we may need to march, to join with others to demand sustainable transportation options. Throughout U.S. history, peaceful non-violent marches have played a powerful role in raising awareness about issues, mobilizing people, and sending messages to decision makers.



6. Change your lightbulbs…and then, change your paradigm. Changing lightbulbs is quick and easy. Energy efficient lightbulbs use 75% less energy and last 10 times longer than conventional ones. That’s a no-brainer. But changing lightbulbs is just tinkering at the margins of a fundamentally flawed system unless we also change our paradigm. A paradigm is a collection of assumptions, concepts, beliefs and values that together make up a community’s way of viewing reality. Our current paradigm dictates that more stuff is better, that infinite economic growth is desirable and possible, and that pollution is the price of progress. To really turn things around, we need to nurture a different paradigm based on the values of sustainability, justice, health, and community.



7.Recycle your trash…and, recycle your elected officials. Recycling saves energy and reduces both waste and the pressure to harvest and mine new stuff. Unfortunately, many cities still don’t have adequate recycling systems in place. In that case you can usually find some recycling options in the phone book to start recycling while you’re pressuring your local government to support recycling city-wide. Also, many products – for example, most electronics - are designed not to be recycled or contain toxics so recycling is hazardous. In these cases, we need to lobby government to prohibit toxics in consumer products and to enact Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) laws, as is happening in Europe. EPR is a policy which holds producers responsible for the entire lifecycle of their products, so that electronics company who use toxics in their products, have to take them back. That is a great incentive for them to get the toxics out!



8. Buy Green, Buy Fair, Buy Local, Buy Used, and most importantly, Buy Less. Shopping is not the solution to the environmental problems we currently face because the real changes we need just aren’t for sale in even the greenest shop. But, when we do shop, we should ensure our dollars support businesses that protect the environment and worker rights. Look beyond vague claims on packages like “all natural” to find hard facts. Is it organic? Is it free of super-toxic PVC plastic? When you can, buy local products from local stores, which keeps more of our hard earned money in the community. Buying used items keeps them out of the trash and avoids the upstream waste created during extraction and production. But, buying less may be the best option of all. Less pollution. Less Waste. Less time working to pay for the stuff. Sometimes, less really is more.