Encyclopedia of Life

Mom is always looking for fun science stuff and when she heard about this site, she asked me to share it with you.

The Encyclopedia of Life is a portal for all species of life on Earth. An online reference and database on all 1.8 million known species, this website will help the world better understand life on Earth.

According to their website, their goals are:
1. Create a constantly evolving encyclopedia that lives on the Internet, with contributions from scientists and amateurs alike.
2. Transform the science of biology, and inspire a new generation of scientists, by aggregating virtually all known data about every living species.
3. Engage a wide audience of schoolchildren, educators, citizen scientists, academics and those who are just curious about Earth's species.
4. Increase our collective understanding of life on Earth, and safeguard the richest possible spectrum of biodiversity.

The first version of the portal is up and running. It contains about 25 exemplar species pages. Each page has been authenticated by scientists. There are tens of thousands of additional species page, but these pages do not contain the extensive content that is found on the exemplar pages.

This project is a work in progress. The task of documenting everything on Earth is huge, but thankfully there are people who believe that this task is essential. Check out your favorite species at http://www.eol.org/.

Protect Sea Turtles From Fisheries

My mom received an email today from the Sea Turtle Restoration Project today. She asked me to get the word out to everyone to send a letter or email by August 12, 2008 to Alan Risenhoover, Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries to urge the National Marine Fisheries Service to withdraw its proposed rule regarding Magnuson-Stevens Act Environmental Review Procedures and develop a new rule that complies with National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) requirements. Click on this link to send an email http://salsa.democracyinaction.org/o/1723/t/6251/campaign.jsp?campaign_KEY=25271.

The proposed NEPA rule:

Invents a complicated new processto replace environmental impact statements, effectively discarding thirty years of established case law and practice by managers and the public.

Allows individuals with financial interests to control the environmental review and public participation process. The proposed rule enables the regional fishery management councils - a majority of whose appointed members have financial interests in the fisheries they manage - to control the environmental review and public participation process.

Enables fishery managers to circumvent environmental reviewwith new loopholes.

Permits significant reduction in public inputby allowing mangers to reduce the time periods for public comment well below the current required minimum with no outside oversight.

Sea turtles are protected from by-catch interactions with commercial fisheries such as longline swordfish and tuna fisheries under federal environmental laws. However, these protections are now under threat from proposed new, weaker regulations. Please do your part to help protect sea turtles.

Change The Margins

This is a simple, yet great idea. Change the Margins is a campaign to save the environment by changing paper margins.

This project is the brainchild of Tamara Krinsky, an aspiring actress and writer. She tried to save paper because she was poor, not because she was an environmentalist. Narrow margin settings = more text per page = less paper used = fewer $$. As her career progressed, she became more financially stable, but she still saved paper. With sustainability on the minds of everyone, saving paper doesn't just mean saving dollars anymore. It means saving the planet.

Tamara Krinsky's light bulb moment came when she asked herself "What if you could get people to adopt changing paper margins on a large scale?" This meant individuals as well as companies. She knew getting people to adopt this ideas would result in: less paper consumption = saving trees = less waster.

Check out the website at http://www.changethemargins.com/ to see the campaign goals, the targeted companies, and to learn how to change your margins. The number one goal is to convince Microsoft to change the default margin settings in Microsoft Word to .75 on all sides. You can even sign the Microsoft petition on the website.

As the website says "When it comes to environmental disaster, the margin for error is small. Here's one step we can all take..."

Good Stuff?

My mom is an information freak. She is constantly looking for new ideas, facts and figures, and just plain old cool stuff to pass along to everyone she knows. When she found this information, she knew that everyone needed to read it.

Good Stuff? - A Behind-the-Scenes Guide to the Things We Buy, is a handy guide from Worldwatch Institute. Founded in 1974, Worldwatch Institute is an independent research organization known around the world for its accessible, fact-based analysis of critical global issues. According to their website, their research is the gold-standard for sustainability analysis for decision makers in government, civil society, business, and academia. Basically, everyone.


So what kind of information is in this guide? Well, first of all there's lots of good stuff (pun intended). This guide basically answers questions you may have about where everyday things come from, how good something is or isn't for you, and how to recycle certain items. The guide also contains facts and figures (great for my mom), and links that will help make you a more informed consumer.

But maybe you've never asked yourself any of these questions. Well, you should! The environmental and social impacts of products and goods you use everyday should be at the forefront of your mind. Remember, we are all in this together.

Visit Worldwatch Institute and download the Good Stuff? pdf at http://www.worldwatch.org/taxonomy/term/44. If you don't want to or can't download the entire guide, you can link to specific topics from this page and read the information online. There is even a section on shrimp - please read this if nothing else.

Mexico Finds Dozens of Dead Sea Turtles

This just came in over the AP wires. My mom worked with Olive Ridleys on the Osa Peninsula of Costa Rica back in 2004. She was very sad to read this report and wanted me to tell you to please, please stop eating seafood.

ACAPULCO, Mexico (AP) -- Environmental officials in Mexico say dozens of dead sea turtles apparently killed in fishing nets have washed up on beaches in recent days.

Authorities say 59 Olive Ridley turtles have been found on beaches in and around the resort of Acapulco.

Environmental protection officer Manuel de Jesus Solis says his agency found 12 dead turtles bearing marks apparently caused by fishing nets. It was unclear which fishing boats were involved.

Victor Berdejo says another 47 dead turtles were found by personnel at a turtle-protection area he supervises.

The sea turtles, once hunted in Mexico for their meat and eggs, were declared a protected species in 1990. Fishermen are required to include turtle escape devices in their nets.

No Way Home

Mom started reading this book the other day. No Way Home is about the decline of the world's great animal migrations. I know what you are thinking - another sad book. Sad yes, but hopeful as well.

The first part of the book deals with animals in the skies - birds and insects. Mom loves birds, so this part is right up her alley. She told me that she learned lots of things that she didn't know.

The second part of the book deals with animals on the land - wildebeest and bison. She is still reading this part, but says that she hopes one day to visit the Seregenti and witness the migration (if the animals are still there) for herself. This is yet another trip that I will not be taking, thank you.

The third part of the book deals with animals in the water - sea turtles and whales. I think you know how this part is going to turn out. You know mom and her crazy sea turtles. Her good friend Carole is crazy about sea turtles and whales, so this is a must read for Carole, too.

Seriously though, this book is not only informational but inspirational. I highly recommend that everyone putting this on their summer reading list even though mom's zoo friend Helen thinks it will be another depressing book. Like my mom always says - if Jane Goodall still has hope, then so do I.

Wednesday Wag Out!

Reusable Bags

The name says it all. Reusablebags.com sells bags and a whole lot more. Their message is clear right on their home page - billions of plastic bags are choking our planet. The costs of all these bags is staggering, not only in terms of dollars, but also in terms of the environmental impact they create. According to their website, they have been a major force providing facts and news on the global push to reduce plastic and paper consumption. In addition to the great bags they offer, they have lots of products that are designed to help everyone consumer less, preserve natural resources, and of course save money. Keep spreading the word about the plastic problem. And be a role model when you shop - bring your own bags and hopefully people will notice and join in the anti plastic movement. Vist resuablebags.som at http://www.reusablebags.com/.

Shea Terra Organics

This company sells body products that are good for the body and for the soul. According to their website, Shea Terra Organics has culminated a formula for sustainability and fair trade. Instead of exploit the wonderful resources of Africa, they not only respect the native peoples and their environment, but they believe that Africans have the right to determine their own destinies and to profit and control their own resources. By partnering with individuals, and cooperatives while working closely with NGOs to ensure that native trades people, farmers and harvesters not only get 'fair' prices for their commodities, but that they receive prices that they themselves set. These guys are doing great work and setting an example for others to follow. It is possible to do the right thing, provide great products, and make a profit. You will feel great, smell great, and support several great causes by shopping at http://www.sheaterraorganics.com/.

Wonder Tablitz

This company has created products that are a step in the green direction. The concept is simple and hopefully other companies will follow suit. Their cleaning products come with an empty bottle and three tablets. Simply place one of the tablets in the bottle, fill with water, and clean away. One bottle of Wonder Tablitz is equivalent to 3 bottles of traditional cleaners. One bottle means less waste - less waste in terms of plastic, fuel to transport the bottles, and packaging to ensure safe delivery. The products do not contain phosphates, are non-flammable, and are safe to use. Sound great? Do your own cleaning test at home after shopping at http://www.wondertablitz.com/.

Ten Thousand Villages

Ten Thousand Villages may be on of the most recognized fair trade stores on the web. They also have over 160 brick/mortar stores in North America, with the closest to us in Grayslake. Of course I can't go in the store, but I can shop online (okay on mom's lap). They don't sell anything for dogs, but they sell stuff that you can use or give as gifts.

Mom loves the story behind the name. The name was inspired by a Mahatma Gandhi quote: ...India is not to be found in its few cities but in the 700,000 villages...we have hardly ever paused to inquire if these folks get sufficient to eat and clothe themselves with." Wow! What a powerful message. To the people at Ten Thousand Villages, each village in the world represents a unique, distinctive people who offer extraordianary products born of their rich cultures and traditions.

Ten Thousand Villages has been in business since 1946. According to their site, they work with more than 100 artisan groups, purchase fine pieces from craftspeople with whom they have longstanding, nuturing relationships.

The logo represents their values. The continuous line of rooftops reminds us we are all linked together as we live on this earth. The light in the doors and windows reminds us of homes of people with whom we work in many villages. The warm red color and hand-etched edge represent the materials and methods used to make the quality handicrafts we sell. Multiply the village idea by ten thousand and it represents the world we’re working to build. This should be everyones message, everywhere.

Now that you know their stories, understand their values, and are excited about being a part of something great, get shopping! Visit them online at http://www.tenthousandvillages.com/, or stop by one of their stores. But please, whatever you do, don't buy anything for my mom. She has enough stuff!

IzzitGreen?

Mom loved this website from the get go. She is constantly questioning the "greenness" of businesses. This is one of those ideas that makes you shake your head and ask yourself "Now why didn't I think of that?"

According to their website, IzzitGreen is a rating and review website that compels people to ask "Is it good?" and "IzzitGreen?" They enable you to review any business (not just the green ones) for good and for green. This interactive dialogue between community members, allows them to share information about favorite restaurants (do they recycle?), favorite dry cleaners (are they taking steps to reduce toxins), etc. The list of possibilities is endless.

By gathering all this information, IzzitGreen.com spotlights truly green businesses and encourages other businesses to get on board.

In addition to the reviews of businesses, there are great columns on green information, in addition to a "buzz from the community" blog-like section. Their little mascot Izzit, looks like a mini Jolly Green Giant. He is the gatekeeper of green and a true spokesperson for his cause.

This is a great website that is currently available for the Boston region only. I'm sure it will be a huge success and that it will roll out to major markets everywhere, including my hometown of Chicago. Visit the Boston beta at http://www.izzitgreen.com/.

Story of Stuff

My mom is obsessed with garbage. She is always talking about how much garbage everyone produces and how people don't realize what happens to garbage. I don't produce as much garbage as a human (thankfully) so I don't get the lecture. But I hear it when people come over and I understand the importance of spreading the message.

The Story of Stuff is all about stuff and how stuff affects our lives in ways we aren't fully aware of. According to the website, from its extraction through sale, use and disposal, all the stuff in our lives affects communities at home and abroad, yet most of this is hidden from view. 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.

What does stuff have to do with garbage? Everything! The more you consume, the more is produced. More production means more waste. We are a consumer driven society that believes that we must have more, more, more. We don't need more; we are just conditioned to believe that we do. Live with less for a while and you will be surprised how much stuff you really don't need.

Please go to http://www.storyofstuff.com/ and watch the video. The messages are simple and easy to understand. I hope you will begin to make changes in your life as a result of what you learn in the video. And please pass this on to everyone you know - Mother Earth will love you for it.

Wednesday Wag Out!

Egg Boilers
I just love this idea. This product is called EIKO and is one of the best ideas I have seen in a long time. Simply hang the egg cups containing the eggs over the edge of a pot of boiling water, use the colours to differentiate cooking times, remove the eggs by grasping the cool handle, run under cool water, and carry to the table where EIKO functions as an egg cup. The best part about this product is that it enables you to multi-task. You can hang EIKO over any pot of boiling water, even when you are boiling water for pasta. Check EIKO out at http://www.vesselinc.com/prod_table_eiko.html.

Twist and Spout
This product has my mom's name written all over it. Twist & Spout fits virtually any soda or water bottle with a screw-on cap. Use it to create an instant watering can. This is a great way to recycle your bottles. This would make a great gift (hint, hint), so expect to see it under your Christmas tree this holiday season. If you can't wait until Christmas, order one today at http://www.popdeluxe.net/twistspout.html.

Librarian Chick

My good buddy Tony sent this link to mom. Tony and mom are library and book junkies.

According to its website, Librarian Chick is a collection of links to the best of the Internet's free resources for those with big brains and small pocketbooks. This site is like a huge web portal - like one stop shopping! It will take you hours just to scroll through all the cool links.

The links are organized in the following categories:

Books/Audio Books
Class Management/Worksheets
Collaboration/Social Networking
College/Student Loans
Computers and Technology
Culture, Arts and Music
Dictionary/Thesaurus
Foreign Language
GPA Calulators
Graphs/Printables/Presentation
Highlighters/Web Annotation
History/Geography
Home Library
Kids/Young Adult
Lectures/Speeches
Mathematics/Calculators
Memorization
Notes/Writing
Online Learning
Open Source/OpenCourseWare
Organization/Brainstorming
Poetry/Quotes
Reference/Research
Sciences/Space
Test Taking/Prep
Video Tutorials

Wow! That's a lot of categories. There are some familiar links scattered here and there, but there are definitely some that I am sure you've never heard of. I was happy to see librarything.com on there (I had a post about them last month), but I was surprised that bookcrossing.com was not represented. Hmmm, mom is going to have to talk to her buddy Scott Sorochak about that.

Visit Librarian Chick at www.librarianchick.com/.

Freerice.com

What is it and where can I get some? No silly it's not for you. This was the dialogue when mom told me about this website. I admit that I am not a fan of rice, but I do like to eat and I was hungry.

Freerice.com is a website in which you play a vocabulary game and for every right answer you get, 20 grains of rice is donated to the United Nations World Food Program. Sounds simple, right? It is simple, fun, and for a good cause.

FreeRice has two goals:

Provide English vocabulary to everyone for free.
Help end world hunger by providing rice to hungry people for free.
This is made possible by the generosity of the sponsors who advertise on their site.

Here's how you play:

When you go to the website, a word with four meanings is shown. Click on the answer that best defines the word. If you get it right, you get a harder word. If wrong, you get an easier word. Not only do your right answers donate much needed food to people in need, but you grow your vocabulary.

According to the website, learning new vocabulary has tremendous benefits. It can help you:

Formulate your ideas better
Write better papers, emails and business letters
Speak more precisely and persuasively
Comprehend more of what you read
Read faster because you comprehend better
Get better grades in high school, college and graduate school
Score higher on tests like the SAT, GRE, LSAT and GMAT
Perform better at job interviews and conferences
Sell yourself, your services, and your products better
Be more effective and successful at your job

After you have done FreeRice for a couple of days, you may notice an odd phenomenon. Words that you have never consciously used before will begin to pop into your head while you are speaking or writing. You will feel yourself using and knowing more words.

So far over 38 billion grains of rice have been donated. But there is one warning: this game is addictive. This is a good thing because the more you play, the more rice is donated. This is a win-win for everyone involved.

Love My New Collar!

A big pug shout out thanks to Laura at LewAllen & LewAllen Jewelry. Mom and dad were in Santa Fe, NM at the end of May and ordered this collar for me. When it arrived in June, it was a tad too small. They sent it back and Laura redid it. Don't I look quite stylish?