Holiday Spreadsheets: Christmas Prep Points to Thanksgiving Gratitude

The Holiday gift giving spreadsheet came out today in our house today. On Excel, my spreadsheet gets a new tab, revisions are made to the people to shop for & the budget starts coming together.  I can see the number of years this annual tradition of mine has been in the works, and it does bring about the memories of Christmases past.

Yes, I know, it's not even Thanksgiving yet.  But, the spreadsheet usually comes out mid-November, along about the same time as the Christmas list making (and disseminating) begins.  Its the time the request of folks and family (who like to start early) start coming my way...mostly in order for people to take advantage of crazy shopping spree days, coupons, and online specials that are brewing for Black Friday.   It's a holiday tradition (and one that annually causes me to sigh).

Once the spreadsheet comes out, it seems Christmas is unavoidable at this point.  Don't get me wrong.  I like Christmas.  My children love Christmas!! But Christmas means that snow is probably somewhere close.  (But thankfully, not the 70 inches that New York got recently!!)  It's when the Christmas "To Do" list starts spinning on it's own accord at breakneck speed.  It's the "most wonderful time of the year," but a very busy time of the year.  It can take some gearing up, most certainly!

Given that, I was struck today when I ran across this picture on my Facebook feed from Momastery.

I like it.  Of course, given the hours I just put in organizing our family of 4's Christmas list, I see this would have been a far simpler approach indeed.

In looking at my kids' requests (most certainly not "needs"), I'm struck by how fortunate they truly are, and how difficult it becomes in this media-soaked era of gizmos, gadgets, store circulars, and commercials.  We certainly have become a very "commercial" society.  Charlie Brown knew that back in 1965 with his TV Christmas special.  Some messages still hold true, decades later, though I do think more intensified.

I know I'm part-driver in my home and could (and probably should) move more to a 4-point list like this...but I know doting aunts, uncles, generous friends, and grandparents would want more of a list than this.  I know it, because I've experienced it.  And I circle back (after envisioning my totally-toy basement and turkey-esque stuffed garage)--we truly need nothing.  There is a certain sense of gratitude in know we have enough--too much, which might be especially fresh of mind as we are approaching the Thanksgiving holiday.

But it causes me to think.  To slow down.  To reflect.  What are my gifts of which I have that I'm grateful for....and what are the gifts I can give myself (by way of time, patience, and simplification) this holiday season ahead?



Pictures from:
Christmas Spreadsheet from http://neenjames.com/how-to-articles/personal-productivity/holiday-productivity-tip-create-a-spreadsheet/
Thanksgiving Santa image from: http://www.leaderbird.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/tumblr_inline_mvjd3e9kyO1rdzepz.jpg 
Momastery Pic from  https://www.facebook.com/momastery/photos/a.213343589709.128680.178909129709/10152824107719710/?type=1&theater

The Perfect Gift: The Video of the Gift That We All Need!

We have entered that time of year when Halloween candy morphs into candy corn & feasting as Thanksgiving's not far off, which means Christmas will be here before you know it. The stores like to remind us of that, as you are getting those last bits for your Halloween costume in one aisle, while Christmas stockings (or heavens forbid, lighted Christmas trees) are up in the next one.

Given all of that, gift giving gets on your mind.  Well here, is a great tongue-in-cheek video short entitled "The Perfect Gift! Science Revealed."  For anyone who is a fan of "The Story of Stuff" and the need to declutter our lives of our "stuff," this video is for you!  Professor Gauntlett has a way of putting a smile on your face, while having you nod along, saying "yep!"





Image from http://www.dumpaday.com/random-pictures/funny-pictures/funny-pictures-of-the-day-70-pics-3/attachment/halloween-pictures-2/;  Video from http://youtu.be/0OnjcnAyZSo

Blast From the Past: November Green Team Gazette Newsletters

Here's a harvest of GTG Monthly newsletters from 2009 & 2010.  Is it good or bad that we are still current (with the exception of some new foodie DVD's out there)?

Green Team Gazette 3.3 November 2010 from Vicki Dabrowka

Green Team Gazette 2.3 November 09 from Vicki Dabrowka

Election Week: Stephen Colbert Takes on Climate Deniers

Political satire might just be at it's finest during election season.  With Tuesday's election, it's not new news that political commentary this week has been a tad topsy turvy.  Should be interesting how some of the political shifts should effect the environment & environmental protection.

But Stephen Colbert this week does what he does well:  He adjusts the "perspective-cles" (think "spectacles that see with perspective") to read between the lines.  To read more on the environmental love affair with Stephen Colbert, check out the Grist's article from Nov. 7th .





"The Colbert Report" clip from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hcsst89EDXM; "Professor Not A Scientist" pic from http://newsbusters7.s3.amazonaws.com/images/Colbert%20Climate%20Change.JPG

Nature Is Speaking: Coral Reef

The final installment in our November  "Nature Is Speaking" series is Ian Somerhalder as "Coral Reef."

Click to view past Green Team Gazette posts spotlighting this Conservation International mini movie series

• Julia Roberts Is Mother Nature
• Harrison Ford is The Ocean
• Robert Redford is The Redwoods
• Edward Norton is The Soil
• Penelope Cruz is Water

I can't wait to see their upcoming project:  "Flower."  Let's hope all of these messages from nature open eyes, and help people to realize that "Nature doesn't need People.  People need Nature!"

Images & videos from http://natureisspeaking.org/

Nature Is Speaking: Water

For nearly a week now, it's been "Nature is Speaking" this November here at Green Team Gazette. Today is Penelope Cruz is Water.

Click to view past Green Team Gazette posts spotlighting this Conservation International mini movie series:

• Julia Roberts Is Mother Nature
• Harrison Ford is The Ocean
• Robert Redford is The Redwoods
• Edward Norton is The Soil

Images & videos from http://natureisspeaking.org/

Nature Is Speaking: The Soil

Edward Norton is next on the list this "Nature is Speaking" November.  Being the voice of "The Soil," he emphasizes the importance of not treating the soil "like dirt."

Click to view past Green Team Gazette posts spotlighting this Conservation International mini movie series:

• Julia Roberts Is Mother Nature
• Harrison Ford is The Ocean
• Robert Redford is The Redwoods

Images & video from http://natureisspeaking.org/

Nature is Speaking: The Redwood

As we continue forth this "Nature Is Speaking" November, it's fitting for environmental activist Robert Redford to be the voice of "The Redwood."  In it too is the voice of Lena Redford.  (I notice a commonality, there!)

Click to view past Green Team Gazette posts spotlighting this Conservation International mini movie series:

• Julia Roberts Is Mother Nature
• Harrison Ford is The Ocean

Images & Video from http://natureisspeaking.org/home.html#popup-gallery and http://natureisspeaking.org/

Nature is Speaking: The Rainforest

"Nature is Speaking" this November here at Green Team Gazette.  Today is brought to you by Kevin Spacey as "The Rainforest."

To view any of the previous posts this past week from Green Team Gazette spotlighting this Conservation International mini movie series, click through the listing below:

• Julia Roberts Is Mother Nature
• Harrison Ford is The Ocean

Images & video from http://natureisspeaking.org/

Nature Is Speaking: The Ocean

As mentioned in yesterday's post, I'm dedicating the first week in November to "Nature Is Speaking" "Humanifesto" mini movie series from Conservation International.  Yesterday, we started with "Julia Roberts is Mother Nature."  Today, we will see and hear nature speaking about human impact through Harrison Ford as "The Ocean."

Images & video  from http://natureisspeaking.org/ 

Nature Is Speaking: Mother Nature

According to Dictionary.com, a "manifesto" is a "public declaration of intentions, opinions, objectives, or motives, as one issued by a government, sovereign, or organization."

So what's a "humanifesto?"

According to Conservation International and NatureIsSpeaking.org, it starts like this:

But, it does not end there.  By Clicking the Nature Is Speaking link, you can scroll through to read more.  To see that nature will continue to evolve.  The question is:  will it continue with us?  If you're like me, you rather hope so.  But what "it" needs, is us, actively working to protect the many parts of the Earth we are working on depleting.  

Conservation International created 7 (with an 8th coming) videos, narrated by voices you'll know, with messages we need.  For the next 7 days, we're going to be sharing!  May this be a November where people are listening, since Nature Is Speaking!

To Start:  "Julia Roberts is Mother Nature."

Images & Video from http://natureisspeaking.org/

Tech Tidbits: Autumnal Events

In my role during my new day job this year, I am the Technology Specialist. Along with integrating technology in the classroom & curriculum (and troubleshooting), to the 3 year olds to the 5th graders, I am known as the iPad Lady. Everyone loves the iPad Lady, and the iPad Lady gets a lot of hugs from the li'l guys. Life is good!

So of course I had to capitalize on it this Halloween & go as "The Queen of iPads."

This is a new position to my school, so I do a lot of inventing as I go along. Part of this led me to create a weekly email I call "Tuesday Tech Tidbits." In it, I address any tips or tricks we need to have on our radar at our school, but some of the more fun things I do is share resources. This week, I shared some of the upcoming events of Autumn. Here's a smattering here for you to peruse, use, choose, or refuse! ;-)

Fall & Fall Foliage

• BrainPopJr: Fall    [This is a subscription site.]
• Peak Foliage Dates (from the Farmer's Almanac): Listed by state; potential for mapping activity based on peak dates
• US Dept of Forestry: Fall Colors 2014: Includes 3 min. movie about why leaves change color, interactive maps, links to global fall pics
• Enchanted Learning: Fall Leaves (includes printables)    [This is a subscription site.]
• CybraryMan: Fall
• Chemistry of Color

Daylight saving: This weekend: Nov. 2, 2014
Spring Ahead, Fall back

• BrainPop: Daylight Saving Time    [This is a subscription site.]
• Enchanted Learning (includes printables)          [This is a subscription site.]
• Daylight Savings Time Explained: 6 minute powerpoint style movie of history, facts, & how technology & economics are related. Might make for interesting debates pro/against it for older students.
• Social Studies for Kids: informational read for older children on history and a link to other countries that observe it.
• CybraryMan: Daylight Saving (scroll down to the right spot)

Election Day: Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2014

• BrainPopJr: Rights & Responsibility [This is a subscription site.]
• Enchanted Learning: US Election Day (includes printables)          [This is a subscription site.]
• Election Day: CybraryMan

Veterans Day: Tuesday, Nov. 11, 2014

• Veteran's Day for Kids: Interview with a Tuskeegee Airman (5 min video)
• Enchanted Learning: US Military (includes several printables)          [This is a subscription site.]
• USA for Kids: Veteran's Day
• Cybraryman: Veterans' Day

Picture of me on Halloween from my calendar; Leaf image from http://images2.layoutsparks.com/1/175857/Fall-Leaves-beautiful-Autumn.jpg; Fall Back image from http://www.creationswap.com/artwork/12/7/52/16065/12752_16065_5.jpg; Election day from http://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/cleburnetimesreview.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/3/35/3350acde-3a02-5f46-a706-087e6145462f/53cf243914b2c.image.jpg, Veteran's Day http://veterans-day2014.com/veterans-day-clip-art-microsoft-vintage-christian/veterans-day-clip-art-christian/

Going Green At Halloween

Halloween is in the thick of the autumnal season.  The richness of the colors, the crispness of the leaves, the scampering of squirrels, and brightness of the pumpkins all shout out during this time of the year.  That, combined with the spookiness of the wind in the trees, the candlelit jack-o'lanterns, some wind-blown ghosts....Halloween has a lot of natural elements to it.

Given that, it's the perfect time to go green this Halloween:

• Check out 6 great tips from EarthShare.org's article "Celebrate Halloween & Make it Green."

• World Wildlife Fund's 10 Green Halloween Tips.

• Learn more about the non-profit, grassroots initiatives of the organization "Green Halloween," which started in 2007.  Their goal:  to make holidays more eco-friendly through positive, healthy, sustainable choices that maintains all the fun!

• Don't forget to check out our Archives of past GTG Halloween green scenes & routines.

Green Halloween Logo from http://greenhalloween.org/content.php?page=helpout; Green Jack-o'lantern from http://blog.wayspa.com/how-to-have-a-green-halloween/;  WWF pic from http://www.jumpintoabook.com/2013/10/weekend-links-halloween-prep-time/; GTG logo.

From "What's Possible" to "A World of Solutions"

Every great movie deserves a great sequel.

In my last post, I wrote about the short climate change video that was narrated by Morgan Freeman for the Sept. 23, 2014 United Nations Climate Summit.  That video, "What's Possible," painted a picture of world I think we'd all like to live in and a call to leaders to help us get there. Now, versus later.

In the sequel, "A World of Solutions," Morgan Freeman is back.  "Climate change" often has an air of "doom and gloom" associated with it.  Yes, it's a planetary problem that can be huge, overwhelming, and depressing.  But out of the peril of the problems rises a need for the buoyancy of change and a willingness to take action & make things happen.

I tell my students all the time: every good story needs a problem and a solution.  Morgan Freeman, director Louie Schwartzberg, producer Lyn Davis Lear, writer Andrew Dickson, the Moving Arts Studio, and the Lear Family Foundation are offering that solution in "A World of Solutions."

Together, we can make it happen:  "through actions large, and small."




Video from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rm5DxojGAEI ; image from https://vimeo.com/68328395 & http://tippytoediet.com/2013/08/whats-your-problem/

What's Possible?

Anything, especially if Morgan Freeman is involved.  (But, that could just be my own personal opinion!!)

The last time I wrote, I was pondering the planetary population, here as it is on the cusp of 7. 3 billion people.  As you sit and ponder about 8 million people by 2025 & how 7 million more people will fit in a mere 11 years here on Earth, you begin to worry a bit.  But through worry, you also look at the flip side of the coin.  With hope and faith, you wonder "what's possible."

Luckily narrator Morgan Freeman, director Louie Schwartzberg, writer Scott Z. Burns, producer Lyn Davis Lear, & Moving Arts Studio also have pondered "What's Possible."  in the new short video of the same name.  Created for New York's 2014 United Nations Climate Summit, the video presents that climate change is conquerable, but we can't be slow about it.  The time is now.  When you watch the video, you do get the feeling that it is possible due to determination, activism, technology, and momentum.

The bigger question might not be "What's Possible," but rather, what's delaying us from doing what we need to do!!



To learn more about the September 23, 2014 UN Climate Summit 2014, be sure to check out the UN Climate Summit webpage and webcast archives.



Video from http://www.takepart.com/video/2014/09/17/whats-possible-un-climate-summit-opening-film; image from http://www.un.org/climatechange/summit/

7.2+ Billion & Counting

Nearly 2 years ago (almost to the swiftly approaching day) on October 31, 2011 it was projected that we reached 7 billion people planet-wide. Here's an anticipated infographic from that time period 2 years ago.

Where are we now--just 2 years later?  A good 265,000,000 more people and counting...by the second!!  That rounds up 7,300,000,000 people! That's 7-point-3 BILLION people. To see exactly where we are, population-wise, the Worldometers website can show you how swiftly it changes by the second.  In the time it took me to write this piece, the population jumped well over 2000 people.

According to the UN World Population Report, here in 2014, we are only 11 years from a predicted 8 billion by the year 2025.  Future plans?  If current trends continue:  9 billion by 2050.  10 billion around 2081,  And 11 billion by 2100.  Now, while I won't live to see 2100, that's only 86 years from where I'm sitting.  My children might not see it, but my unborn grandkids probably will.  So 2 generations from now, we'll be on the rise of over 3 billion people (which is just under half of our current human population of 7.265 billion people right now).

I don't know about you, and I don't know about my unborn grandkids, but I suspect none of us (or them) will want to live like sardines.  How will we fit?  What will the impacts be on our resources and the environment.  How are we going to generate that much "stuff" with all our material desires for "stuff" in just 86 year.  Houston, we have a problem here.  We are only one planet of one size.  What's it going to take to stop it, and slow down that Worldometer clock?!?!

And given what we are doing currently to our planet (with refusal to truly address global issues of pollution, deforestation, marine debris, climate change, energy consumption, and more), what will the planet we have created look like, 86 years from now?

Images:  In 5 minutes: 7 Billion People from http://allinfographics.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/population-in-5-minutes-infographic.jpg;  Worldometers logo from http://www.worldometers.info/img/logo-en12.gif, 7 billion people:  ipad app:  http://ngm.nationalgeographic.com/7-billion

Blast From the Past: October Green Team Gazette Newsletters

It's hard to believe that 2010 & 2009 were 4 and 5 years ago.  Here's a TBT: Throw Back Thursday to Green Team Gaette when it was in its newsletter infancy (aka: pre-blog!)

Green Team Gazette 3.2 October 2010 from Vicki Dabrowka

Green Team Gazette 2.2 October 09 from Vicki Dabrowka

Columbus Day, 1492, and Do I Celebrate or Am I Blue?

On the path of full disclosure:

I had Columbus Day off today, and I loved it. I really did. 3 days are the size that every weekend should be.  Especially here as I begin a new year, and a new job.

I. Love. 3 Day Weekends.

Yes, this is spoken as only a teacher can speak!

BUT....

Did I toast good ole CC?

Did I raise a glass to the Nina, the Pinta, and the Santa Maria?

Do I think Chris C is awesome to end all awesomeness?

Do I post a flag and take over a native community--much like he did, back in 1492?

No.

I am a girl who enjoys a teacher day off, but I am also a girl who has taught a half dozen years in Florida.  Good ole Chris Columbus is not revered in Florida.  Good ole Chris Columbus isn't revered many places.  In MOST places.  Chris Columbus was a greedy you-know-what.  Especially here in the aftermath of his true creds being outted and his reputation for being a not-so-nice-guy brought to the fore-front.  The Vikings even beat him too it by 500 years.  And you know what kind of guys those Vikings were!

Yes, it is still a federal holiday for some.  In fact, as of last year, 23 states AND DC did give their working folk the day off. 

As a way of combatting the CC'conundrum, some people go the opposite direction, like Seattle, and declare the day "Indiginous People Day." (Check out the video!)

One of my favorite Christopher Columbus classroom traditions is to read the Jane Yolen book, "Encounter."  It tells the tale of CC's acquisition by way of takeover of the Tainos people.  It doesn't paint a pretty picture.  Every year, I have students comment on how wretched and evil good ole Chris looks.  This book trailer does a nice job of summing up the book.



But no one can quite do the anti-PC-holiday quite like John Oliver.
Take note:  it's not kid-friendly!



Christopher Columbus pic with stamp from http://usa.greekreporter.com/files/2011/10/Christopher-Columbus-Greek.jpg; Columbus Day map from http://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2013/10/14/working-on-columbus-day-it-depends-on-where-you-live/; video from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eKEwL-10s7E

Calling all Kindle Books: FREE!

Books are the way to your heart, the way to your soul, the way to everything about you!

Given that....in this eWorld, books are also on the digital platform.

Here's a pretty nifty link that takes you to a multitude of free iBooks and eReads.  Be sure to check it out:   Free Kindle Books For Your Kids


Pic from http://benandme.com/2012/01/free-kindle-books-for-your-kids.html

SciStarter

So....

You like science.

You consider yourself a scientist at heart.

You feel the planets would be in line if all the people in the world were out there, doing something, about SCIENCE!

SciStarter is for you!

It houses a database of citizen science projects that are easy to approach, easy to attain, and draw you right in on the scientific level!  Students, teachers, scientists, and more can all be at the same place at the same time!  You can go right in and find projects that might be suited for you, your students, and all of a sudden.... you are there, making a difference!!

And sometimes you get there by way of a little F-U-N!

If you are looking for some fun AND scientific projects to do with your students, then Citizen Scientist is the way to go.  Once you are in on the website, it's only a matter of clicking along the parameters, and you are knee deep in a project you want to be in!  And you are making scientific news, collecting data as you go!  Search projects by free/low cost, featured projects, projects suitable for students or children, projects you can do by outdoors, do--it-yourself projects, or ones where it list available teaching materials.


Citizen Science pics:  http://gnomemag.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/citizen-science-picture.jpg, http://www.citizensciencecenter.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/Citizen_Science_Center_Infographic2.png

Book Clubs in the Great Outdoors

Stephen King may have said it perfectly.  Just check out the "photo quote-o!"  Books can transport you like nothing else can. In the busy world of back to school, I don't read nearly enough!

Hence, probably why I fell in love with this idea from Stephanie Burn's August 13th, 2014 Forbes article, "A New Twist on Book Clubs."

In the article, Stephanie interviews Jill Hinton regarding her Outdoor Book Club.  The concept:  travel, women, adventure, and books.  It's camping and characters, rolled into one.  It's outdoor exploits meets literary essays and bestsellers.  Ecotourism meets living room book clubs.

Pretty darn cool.  Makes you want to curl up in your sleeping bag and tent with a good book.

To learn more and "discover your inner heroine," check out Stephanie Burn's article (see link above), or go straight to Jill Hinton's source:  Outdoor Book Club.

I love her page:  Is this for you:

Her schedule for workshops for the next six months or so looks pretty darn cool!

Be sure to check it out over at Facebook, Pinterest, and Twitter as well.

And, if you can't make any of her upcoming adventures...at least go outside....or read a book...or do both!!!


Stephen King quote from http://www.imagesbuddy.com/images/157/books-are-a-uniquely-portable-magic.jpg ;  screenshot of "Is this for you?" from http://www.outdoorbookclub.org/is-this-you.html
Outdoor Book Club pic from https://plus.google.com/+OutdoorbookclubOrg

A Post-March Continuation of Climate Change

You know it's the beginning of the school year when the only thing you can do with interesting articles is stockpile them in your own email box, to be read later.  With the Climate Change March last weekend, much of what's been filling my email box has been in that department.

Here are a handful of 4 links to share the wealth.

9 Inspiring Posters from the People's Climate March

9 great visuals speak a million words over at Treehugger with Margaret Badore's 9/22/2014 photo collection. My favorite (credited to Ms. Badore):  

Ben & Jerry's:  "The People's Climate March"

Ben & Jerry, over in their ice cream world, are big believers in both our environment and the ill-effects of climate change.  On their Sept. 2nd blog, they posted their promotion of the Sept. 21st Climate Change March.  My favorite quote of theirs:

"The goal is to show the world that the time to act on climate change is now if we hope to preserve our globe. Because just like ice cream, if it’s melted, it’s ruined."

Even better:  their video.

This Cheat Sheet Will Make You Win Every Argument
This oldie but goodie from Mother Jones (by James West from 3/4/2013) has circled back due to the Climate Change March from last weekend.

Climate Change & The Chesapeake Bay
NPR's September 15th, 2014 report by Pamela D'Angela investigates the effects of warming waters on our Chesapeake champions:  blue crabs and striped bass.  The bay's warming will cause holes in the food web, which is never good for biodiversity.  Bottom line:  big unknowns.  I do know that my friends who go crabbing have had a very bad year this year!  The 3+ minute report will be especially appreciated by fellow Marylanders, anglers, and environmentalists who are concerned by the health of the Bay.

Images:
Climate Change photo from http://www.treehugger.com/slideshows/climate-change/9-inspiring-posters-peoples-climate-march/page/6/#slide-top;  Ben & Jerry's video from http://youtu.be/as5Lcm3cUd8;
Cheat sheet from http://m.motherjones.com/blue-marble/2013/03/chart-how-win-climate-argument;
Ben & Jerry's melting ice cream cone:  http://www.benjerry.com/whats-new/peoples-climate-march;
Ecosystem connections picture: http://www.mdsg.umd.edu/sites/default/files/images/00-web-intro(1).jpg

Jon Stewart Sums Up Climate Change As Only He Can!!

"Smart Television" is often a phrase that is seen as an oxymoron.  Yet, in the arena of political satire, Jon Stewart, John Oliver, and Stephen Colbert definitely make for smart television.

This week, Jon Stewart proved that point with his "Burn Noticed" commentary on "The Daily Show" regarding this past weekend's Climate Change March.  So glad to find this gem on the Sept 23rd Grist Article by Ted Alvarez:  "To Watch Jon Stewart Burn House Climate Deniers is to Fall in Love All Over Again."


Just a heads up.  This is Comedy Central, peeps.  Therefore, the language might not be suitable to all... but definitely a great way to bring smiles to those of us adults who know what apparently the United States House of Representatives Committee on Science, Space, & Technology does not.


Video from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lPgZfhnCAdI#t=193 .

Climate Change Rally 2014

September is a killer month for teachers:  back to school, back to business, business:  busy, busy, busy.

Add in, I'm a new teacher at a new school....it doesn't matter how many years you have been teaching, when it's all new, it's all CRAZY busy!!

But today, September 21st, needed a post.  It's International Peace Day, and it was the 2014 Climate Change Rally.

It's what's called a "demonstration for the planet."

Ben & Jerry's is a major environmental supporter, as they have been in favor of climate change help for over 8 years.  Here's a good video that sums it up, in a yummy, ice creamy sory of way;

s

As the pictures of the rally start to surface today, I think these sign-headlines are great:

"There is no Planet B."

"Forestn's Aren't for Sale"

"Jobs, Justice, Clean Energy."

And here's word from my favorite children's author:  Dan Gutman.

Dan Gutman

September 19 · Edited

Join me at 86th street and Central Park West on Sunday at 11:30am. 
One person won't make much of a difference, but ALL of us can.

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But rumor on the street is that 310,000 people were behind it today. 

Way to go people!!
This is where we need to be.

Other good articles:

Kaylin Richarson:  To Protech the Future, We Must Make Our Voices Heard.

4 Animations That Show What is Going On With Our Climate.

'Largest-ever' climate-change march rolls through NYC

For a great photo montage slide show of NYC's rally, check this out.


Images from:  International peace day pcic from http://www.un.org/en/events/peaceday/.;  Climate change pic from http://www.commondreams.org/news/2014/06/03/poll-huge-majority-americans-willing-pay-price-fight-global-warming , and https://www.facebook.com/DavidSuzuki/photos/a.80953228873.76577.5794733873/10152722272153874/?type=1&theater

Book Book

I love this new gem from IKEA!  Just goes to show you how techy we have become (and how those traditional "book things" take us by tail and can almost turn us upside down here in the technological age!!)