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Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Monday, June 1, 2009
Song: "I Hate the Ice Cream Man"
To the tune of the ice cream truck jingle:
(this is a work in progress)
(this is a work in progress)
I hate the ice cream, ice cream man.
I hate the ice cream man!
He drives down the street
And bring diabetes
I hate the ice cream man.
I hate the ice cream, ice cream man.
I hate the ice cream man!
He peddles high fructose,
Milk fat and sucrose.
I hate the ice cream man.
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
May Flowers
After months of not posting anything, I feel the urge to give a "Garden Update." This Spring has brought tons of surprises as we had no idea what would come up again this year in the garden.
Right now we have 2 trees that are flowering, with one more ready to bust out some yellow flowers. I have no idea what kind of trees they are, I just know they are gorgeous.
We have a huge bleeding heart behind our house. If this thing gets any bigger I don't know what we're going to do. It's enormous!
We had a few crocuses bloom in April, and one miniature tulips (not sure of the name but it was stinkin' cute).
The irises (my fave) are huge but not blooming yet. The lilies, tall phlox and hostas are already going gangbusters and I can't wait to see them blossom!
The pansies I started from seed are coming along but won't be ready until late June, I think. There are two pansies in the west boulevard - one dark purple and one a really pretty salmon pink. Now if I could just remember where the perennial snapdragons were last fall....
We are slowly killing/calming/bringing back to an acceptable level of sanity the front boulevard. It is so overgrown! The kids that wait for the bus outside our house everyday do tromp on stuff so it will be a delicate balance finding out what we keep and what we mulch over. The soil in that area is pretty bad too, so cardboard-weed-barrier-ing and mulching will do it some good. The areas where I did this last fall have really healthy-looking soil now.
The only plants I have purchased this year are: some blooming pansies for pots, and some new perennials for containers on the west boulevard: green Hens & Chicks; dark pink creeping phlox; and low, ground cover sedum - some with yellow flowers and some with pink flowers. I put the Hens & Chicks w/ yellow sedum in the biggest container near the corner, where last year I had some yellow mums and a weird red annual which was stolen. My hope is that most people will think the Hens & Chicks and sedum are too ugly to steal!
I love Bachman's. I love my garden. I love my pond. I wish I could just hang out in the garden all day and still somehow get paid every two weeks.....
Right now we have 2 trees that are flowering, with one more ready to bust out some yellow flowers. I have no idea what kind of trees they are, I just know they are gorgeous.
We have a huge bleeding heart behind our house. If this thing gets any bigger I don't know what we're going to do. It's enormous!
We had a few crocuses bloom in April, and one miniature tulips (not sure of the name but it was stinkin' cute).
The irises (my fave) are huge but not blooming yet. The lilies, tall phlox and hostas are already going gangbusters and I can't wait to see them blossom!
The pansies I started from seed are coming along but won't be ready until late June, I think. There are two pansies in the west boulevard - one dark purple and one a really pretty salmon pink. Now if I could just remember where the perennial snapdragons were last fall....
We are slowly killing/calming/bringing back to an acceptable level of sanity the front boulevard. It is so overgrown! The kids that wait for the bus outside our house everyday do tromp on stuff so it will be a delicate balance finding out what we keep and what we mulch over. The soil in that area is pretty bad too, so cardboard-weed-barrier-ing and mulching will do it some good. The areas where I did this last fall have really healthy-looking soil now.
The only plants I have purchased this year are: some blooming pansies for pots, and some new perennials for containers on the west boulevard: green Hens & Chicks; dark pink creeping phlox; and low, ground cover sedum - some with yellow flowers and some with pink flowers. I put the Hens & Chicks w/ yellow sedum in the biggest container near the corner, where last year I had some yellow mums and a weird red annual which was stolen. My hope is that most people will think the Hens & Chicks and sedum are too ugly to steal!
I love Bachman's. I love my garden. I love my pond. I wish I could just hang out in the garden all day and still somehow get paid every two weeks.....
Monday, March 9, 2009
Winter Storm Warning for Hennepin County, MN
THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN TWIN CITIES/CHANHASSEN HAS ISSUED A WINTER STORM WARNING FOR SNOW AND BLOWING SNOW... WHICH IS IN EFFECT FROM 7 AM TUESDAY TO 7 AM CDT WEDNESDAY. THE WINTER STORM WATCH IS NO LONGER IN EFFECT.
It's been upgraded from a "watch" to a "warning"
HEAVY SNOW WILL DEVELOP TUESDAY MORNING... AND LIKELY LAST INTO TUESDAY NIGHT ACROSS CENTRAL MINNESOTA. A MIX OF RAIN AND SNOW WILL ALSO BE POSSIBLE ON TUESDAY MORNING...
Oh yay. Ice and snow!
THE HEAVIEST SNOW WILL LIKELY FALL FROM LATE TUESDAY MORNING INTO THE EVENING. CURRENT INDICATIONS ARE THAT STORM TOTAL ACCUMULATIONS WILL RANGE FROM 6 TO 10 INCHES BY WEDNESDAY MORNING... IN ADDITION...
Oh wait, there's more??
...NORTHWEST WINDS WILL INCREASE TO AROUND 30 MPH WITH GUSTS TO 40 MPH TUESDAY AFTERNOON AND NIGHT... AND LIKELY LEAD TO SIGNIFICANTLY REDUCED VISIBILITIES... AND THE POTENTIAL FOR TEMPORARY BLIZZARD CONDITIONS. THIS WILL LEAD TO VERY TREACHEROUS TRAVEL...
Ok, I can handle a March blizzard.
IN ADDITION...
You're kidding me, right?
...RAPIDLY FALLING TEMPERATURES WILL OCCUR TUESDAY AFTERNOON IN WESTERN MINNESOTA AND ACROSS THE AREA TUESDAY NIGHT. WIND CHILLS TUESDAY NIGHT WILL RANGE FROM FROM 20 TO 25 BELOW ZERO ACROSS MUCH OF WEST CENTRAL AND CENTRAL MINNESOTA.
Oh dear.
ANYONE WITH TRAVEL PLANS ON TUESDAY INTO WEDNESDAY SHOULD STAY TUNED FOR LATER FORECAST AND WINTER WEATHER PRODUCT UPDATES ON THIS DEVELOPING STORM SITUATION.
Anyone with travel plans should head South immediately!
It's been upgraded from a "watch" to a "warning"
HEAVY SNOW WILL DEVELOP TUESDAY MORNING... AND LIKELY LAST INTO TUESDAY NIGHT ACROSS CENTRAL MINNESOTA. A MIX OF RAIN AND SNOW WILL ALSO BE POSSIBLE ON TUESDAY MORNING...
Oh yay. Ice and snow!
THE HEAVIEST SNOW WILL LIKELY FALL FROM LATE TUESDAY MORNING INTO THE EVENING. CURRENT INDICATIONS ARE THAT STORM TOTAL ACCUMULATIONS WILL RANGE FROM 6 TO 10 INCHES BY WEDNESDAY MORNING... IN ADDITION...
Oh wait, there's more??
...NORTHWEST WINDS WILL INCREASE TO AROUND 30 MPH WITH GUSTS TO 40 MPH TUESDAY AFTERNOON AND NIGHT... AND LIKELY LEAD TO SIGNIFICANTLY REDUCED VISIBILITIES... AND THE POTENTIAL FOR TEMPORARY BLIZZARD CONDITIONS. THIS WILL LEAD TO VERY TREACHEROUS TRAVEL...
Ok, I can handle a March blizzard.
IN ADDITION...
You're kidding me, right?
...RAPIDLY FALLING TEMPERATURES WILL OCCUR TUESDAY AFTERNOON IN WESTERN MINNESOTA AND ACROSS THE AREA TUESDAY NIGHT. WIND CHILLS TUESDAY NIGHT WILL RANGE FROM FROM 20 TO 25 BELOW ZERO ACROSS MUCH OF WEST CENTRAL AND CENTRAL MINNESOTA.
Oh dear.
ANYONE WITH TRAVEL PLANS ON TUESDAY INTO WEDNESDAY SHOULD STAY TUNED FOR LATER FORECAST AND WINTER WEATHER PRODUCT UPDATES ON THIS DEVELOPING STORM SITUATION.
Anyone with travel plans should head South immediately!
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Scott Adams gets Dilbert fired
I just listened to part of an interview with Scott Adams, creator of the comic strip icon Dilbert on PRI/BBC/WBGH's The World. I am not a regular comic strip reader but I met Scott Adams once, in Bloomington. It was during the winter of 1996-1997, long enough ago that there was a "Media Play" superstore at the Southtown Mall. He was promoting his new book, I think it was The Dilbert Principle, and I was going to get his autograph for my friend Jess.
The event was so popular that line wrapped all the way around the perimeter of the enormous store (as big as a Best Buy or Barnes & Noble)! Fortunately for me the folks in line were hilarious and polite, kind of like I imagined the celebrity author would be. My new friends and I were chit chatting and laughing when a rumor came "down the line" that Media Play had run out of the book! They had sent employees to run out and buy out the surrounding book stores' stock. Which they did, and at least an hour later I had made my way around the mega-size media store and approached Scott Adams. He looked completely overwhelmed and rather than saying "Hello," he kind of grunted in exhaustion. I said something like, "Great turnout, ha ha!"
At that moment I thought he needed a stretch break—you know, to work out any cramps he was certain to have/had/be getting. Which is why I extended my right hand. There was a pen embedded in his right hand that required a kind of shake to get out. When his hand firmly grasped mine it seemed to be saying, I'm so tired and I have to draw later! Within the same moment I realized how cool it was to meet him, secured the autograph and got the heck out of there. Today—over ten years later—his popularity is so solid that my prime time public radio show interviewed him and... I learned that Dilbert got fired a few weeks ago! If this is news to you too, follow this link to the Jan 19 strip and catch up.
I know too many people who are unemployed right now and I am not making light of the current economic situation. Earlier today I told myself that I need to stop reading news on the internet because it's increasingly depressing. And hearing the words "current economic situation" make my stomach twinge. I am torn between ceasing all spending and hiding cash under the mattress—and taking all of my savings and giving it to the food shelves. While I try to find a happy medium, I'll be taking on some Dilbert therapy.
http://www.dilbert.com/strips/comic/2009-01-19/
The event was so popular that line wrapped all the way around the perimeter of the enormous store (as big as a Best Buy or Barnes & Noble)! Fortunately for me the folks in line were hilarious and polite, kind of like I imagined the celebrity author would be. My new friends and I were chit chatting and laughing when a rumor came "down the line" that Media Play had run out of the book! They had sent employees to run out and buy out the surrounding book stores' stock. Which they did, and at least an hour later I had made my way around the mega-size media store and approached Scott Adams. He looked completely overwhelmed and rather than saying "Hello," he kind of grunted in exhaustion. I said something like, "Great turnout, ha ha!"
At that moment I thought he needed a stretch break—you know, to work out any cramps he was certain to have/had/be getting. Which is why I extended my right hand. There was a pen embedded in his right hand that required a kind of shake to get out. When his hand firmly grasped mine it seemed to be saying, I'm so tired and I have to draw later! Within the same moment I realized how cool it was to meet him, secured the autograph and got the heck out of there. Today—over ten years later—his popularity is so solid that my prime time public radio show interviewed him and... I learned that Dilbert got fired a few weeks ago! If this is news to you too, follow this link to the Jan 19 strip and catch up.
I know too many people who are unemployed right now and I am not making light of the current economic situation. Earlier today I told myself that I need to stop reading news on the internet because it's increasingly depressing. And hearing the words "current economic situation" make my stomach twinge. I am torn between ceasing all spending and hiding cash under the mattress—and taking all of my savings and giving it to the food shelves. While I try to find a happy medium, I'll be taking on some Dilbert therapy.
http://www.dilbert.com/strips/comic/2009-01-19/
Friday, November 7, 2008
Sacrifice
Some post-election analysis I have read has been asking if President-Elect Obama will really ask Americans to sacrifice for their nation, in terms of energy conservation and sustainability. When I hear the word "sacrifice," I think of young women in my grandmother's day, making dresses out of flour sack and working on the farm instead of attending school.
I don't think it is asking the nation to "sacrifice" anything if an Obama Energy Plan or Environmental Policy asks us all to fix leaky faucets, insulate properly and monitor efficiency. I also do not think it is sacrifice to ask us to buy organic cotton—one of the best ways consumers can walk-the-walk of living green—or to use alternatives to cement—one of the largest greenhouse-gas emitting industries. Encouraging participation in public transit is not encouraging sacrifice in my eyes—like democracy it works best when everyone participates and has a voice in its evolution.
I don't think it is asking the nation to "sacrifice" anything if an Obama Energy Plan or Environmental Policy asks us all to fix leaky faucets, insulate properly and monitor efficiency. I also do not think it is sacrifice to ask us to buy organic cotton—one of the best ways consumers can walk-the-walk of living green—or to use alternatives to cement—one of the largest greenhouse-gas emitting industries. Encouraging participation in public transit is not encouraging sacrifice in my eyes—like democracy it works best when everyone participates and has a voice in its evolution.
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
Book Review: The Two-Income Trap
The Two-Income Trap: Why Middle-Class Mothers and Fathers Are Going Broke by Elizabeth WarrenMy review
rating: 5 of 5 stars
Absolutely everyone should read this book!
It provides valuable insight in uneasy economic times. I highly recommend this book. It is important information and I wish I had read it sooner.
View all my reviews.
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Thursday, July 3, 2008
Numbers of the bottoms of plastic containers
Hennepin County (MN) has a nice page describing the Resin Identification Code (or little recycling numbers on the bottoms of plastic containers) If the link is still good, it lists examples of common items and their recyclability.
Are you aware that #3, #4, #5, #6 and #7 have no recycling opportunties available and should be thrown out with solid waste? Only #1 and #2 bottles with a neck are commonly accepted for for recycling in Minnesota.
http://www.hennepinatoz.org/azguide/item/plastic-resin-identification-codes.html
According to the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA), Minnesota's recycling rate is second-best in the nation, with about 41% of our trash being recycled.* The "Recycle MORE Minnesota" media campaign is trying to educate residents as to why there is value in recycling.
*A May 9, 2008 AP story on wcco.com also state that the state's recycling rate hasn't increased significantly for the past 10 years. http://wcco.com/local/statewide.push.groups.2.720325.html
Are you aware that #3, #4, #5, #6 and #7 have no recycling opportunties available and should be thrown out with solid waste? Only #1 and #2 bottles with a neck are commonly accepted for for recycling in Minnesota.
http://www.hennepinatoz.org/azguide/item/plastic-resin-identification-codes.html
According to the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA), Minnesota's recycling rate is second-best in the nation, with about 41% of our trash being recycled.* The "Recycle MORE Minnesota" media campaign is trying to educate residents as to why there is value in recycling.
*A May 9, 2008 AP story on wcco.com also state that the state's recycling rate hasn't increased significantly for the past 10 years. http://wcco.com/local/statewide.push.groups.2.720325.html
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
Recycling Plastics in Minneapolis
I would like to know more about what the numbers on the bottom of plastic food containers mean, but I don't want to take chemistry class. I have read enough to know that they all are made from or contain chemicals that have reasonably unstudied effects on the human body. Let alone the landfills. So I was very surprised and happy to learn today that there is currently a pilot program for food container recycling in NE Mpls.
This program runs from May until September in the Eastside Food Co-op parking lot. 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Thursdays and 9 a.m to 4:30 p.m. Fridays.
2551 Central Ave. NE
Minneapolis, MN 55418
-- SAVE -- RINSE -- SORT --
For this pilot to be successful, the following MUST happen:
* Plastics MUST be sorted according to numbers #1 thru #6
* Plastics must be free of food waste. Please rinse out your containers before bringing them to the collection bins.
* Participation must be high
* NO "Styrofoam"
#1 PET
#2 HDPE
#3 PVC
#4 LDPE
#5 PP
#6 PS
Check for the recycling triangle on your plastics - #1 thry #6 are acceptable for the pilot program.
-- SAVE -- RINSE -- SORT --
This program runs from May until September in the Eastside Food Co-op parking lot. 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Thursdays and 9 a.m to 4:30 p.m. Fridays.
2551 Central Ave. NE
Minneapolis, MN 55418
-- SAVE -- RINSE -- SORT --
For this pilot to be successful, the following MUST happen:
* Plastics MUST be sorted according to numbers #1 thru #6
* Plastics must be free of food waste. Please rinse out your containers before bringing them to the collection bins.
* Participation must be high
* NO "Styrofoam"
#1 PET
#2 HDPE
#3 PVC
#4 LDPE
#5 PP
#6 PS
Check for the recycling triangle on your plastics - #1 thry #6 are acceptable for the pilot program.
-- SAVE -- RINSE -- SORT --
Thursday, May 29, 2008
Serenity
I titled this blog Serenity Jen for one reason. 'Serenity' is one of my favorite words. It is even prettier en Francais: Sérénité. The reason I have brought you here is to offer a outlet of peace and quiet on the blogosphere.
This is an exercise of my own serenity as well. If I can share an idea that saves you money or time (and time is money after all) I can share something you hadn't thought about before or didn't know. If I can save you some money or time (and time is money after all), while promoting green and simple living then I will have accomplished what I'm setting out to do.
Namaste
This is an exercise of my own serenity as well. If I can share an idea that saves you money or time (and time is money after all) I can share something you hadn't thought about before or didn't know. If I can save you some money or time (and time is money after all), while promoting green and simple living then I will have accomplished what I'm setting out to do.
Namaste
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
The 10-second rule
I see it all the time - drivers parked in grocery store parking lots with the engine idling, while talking on a cell phone. Or a driver waiting to pick someone up, engine idling. Ever wondered how long does a modern car have to idle before it makes more sense to turn it off? The surprising answer: only 10 seconds! Here is an interesting article describing "The 10-second rule."
http://www.slate.com/id/2192187/
http://www.slate.com/id/2192187/
Thursday, May 15, 2008
How I lowered my electricity bill by over 10%
Simply by plugging my appliances into power strips and turning them off every night, I have reduced my electricity bill by over 10%! I have a surge-protecting power strip in the following rooms, supporting electronics that would otherwise drain power constantly even while turned off.
Kitchen
Microwave, electic hot water kettle, coffee maker.
Office
Computers, printer, router, lamp, paper shredder.
Living Room
TV, VHS/DVD player, stereo receiver, aromatherapy diffuser.
National Geographic has a video on these "Voltage Vampires." Make this simple change in your habits and save money while reduing your carbon footprint.
http://video.nationalgeographic.com/video/player/environment/green-guide/low-carbon-diet/voltage-vampires-env.html
Kitchen
Microwave, electic hot water kettle, coffee maker.
Office
Computers, printer, router, lamp, paper shredder.
Living Room
TV, VHS/DVD player, stereo receiver, aromatherapy diffuser.
National Geographic has a video on these "Voltage Vampires." Make this simple change in your habits and save money while reduing your carbon footprint.
http://video.nationalgeographic.com/video/player/environment/green-guide/low-carbon-diet/voltage-vampires-env.html
Friday, May 2, 2008
The best commute is free
With escalating gas prices and complex schedules, many commuters would like to car pool but find it challenging. Family events, errands, and unexpected work hours can keep many from exploring carpooling or vanpooling because it can seem daunting. Carpooling once or twice a week can not only cut your carbon emissions, you may even have the opportuntiy to relax and enjoy the ride once in awhile. Here are a few tips to make the transition - and a free program to keep you from worrying about what you would do if a transportation emergency should arise.
Sources for carpool partners
Ask around at work to see if anyone lives in your area, and ask your neighbors around home where they work. Consider meeting at a park-and-ride a few times per week or alternating picking each other up at home. Going a few miles out of your way one day to pick someone up will be ultimately cheaper and more efficient than two seperate vehicles driving every single day. Take turns driving and you can take turns not having to stress out in traffic.
Your employer can coordinate a company-wide Commuter Challenge. If you work for a smaller company, contact neighborhing business and see if they have a carpool program that you can join in on. If you and your carpool partner plan well, you could even combine errands on the way home from work once a week or every-other week to save you both time, fuel and money.
Guaranteed Ride Home
If you live in the Twin Cities of Minneapolis-St. Paul area, and you ride the bus or train, carpool, vanpool, bicycle or walk at least three days a week to work or school - you are eligible for the Guaranteed Ride Home program. This free program is administered by Metro Transit, A service of the Metropolitan Council.
If something unexpected should arise on a day you have carpooled, for example you have to work late, or leave early unexpectedly, the Guaranteed Ride Home makes sure you have a ride. This program can help alieveate some of the fears a person may have about carpooling. Go to www.metrotransit.org to register. In the mail you will receive two coupons every six months good for free emergency bus or train fare, or taxi cab fare reimbursement up to $25.
The bus will take the coupon instead of paying the regular fare. With the train, you will have to purchase a ticket and then send it along with your coupon in for reimbursement. The reimbursement policy also pertains to taxis - simply get a receipt from the driver and then mail it, along with a coupon, in and you will get your money back. From personal experience - the Guaranteed Ride Home program works!
Sources for carpool partners
Ask around at work to see if anyone lives in your area, and ask your neighbors around home where they work. Consider meeting at a park-and-ride a few times per week or alternating picking each other up at home. Going a few miles out of your way one day to pick someone up will be ultimately cheaper and more efficient than two seperate vehicles driving every single day. Take turns driving and you can take turns not having to stress out in traffic.
Your employer can coordinate a company-wide Commuter Challenge. If you work for a smaller company, contact neighborhing business and see if they have a carpool program that you can join in on. If you and your carpool partner plan well, you could even combine errands on the way home from work once a week or every-other week to save you both time, fuel and money.
Guaranteed Ride Home
If you live in the Twin Cities of Minneapolis-St. Paul area, and you ride the bus or train, carpool, vanpool, bicycle or walk at least three days a week to work or school - you are eligible for the Guaranteed Ride Home program. This free program is administered by Metro Transit, A service of the Metropolitan Council.
If something unexpected should arise on a day you have carpooled, for example you have to work late, or leave early unexpectedly, the Guaranteed Ride Home makes sure you have a ride. This program can help alieveate some of the fears a person may have about carpooling. Go to www.metrotransit.org to register. In the mail you will receive two coupons every six months good for free emergency bus or train fare, or taxi cab fare reimbursement up to $25.
The bus will take the coupon instead of paying the regular fare. With the train, you will have to purchase a ticket and then send it along with your coupon in for reimbursement. The reimbursement policy also pertains to taxis - simply get a receipt from the driver and then mail it, along with a coupon, in and you will get your money back. From personal experience - the Guaranteed Ride Home program works!
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