Biodynamic Wines
January 20th, 2007
For those wine snobs who feel the need to take it just one step further, it looks like biodynamic is the new black.
What exactly does it mean to be biodynamic? Biodynamic wines are those produced according to the principles of biodynamic agriculture — organics on steroids. According to Wine Anorak,
Biodynamics is in effect a supercharged system of organic farming. The key to biodynamics is considering the farm in its entirety as a living system. To this end, biodynamic farms are supposed to be closed, self-sustaining systems.
For a select list of biodynamic wine producers around the world, click here. And check out Frey Vineyards in Mendocino County, America’s oldest organic winery, for their award-winning biodynamic wine selection.
C’est Magnifique!
Yahoo! Autos Green Center
January 20th, 2007
Are you in the market for a new car in 2007? Check out Yahoo! Auto’s new Green Center.
If you, like me, are a bit overwhelmed by the subtle differences between hybrids, ethanol and biodiesel fuels, the Green Center can give you the inside scoop. Learn about the latest federal and state purchasing incentives. Or find an alternative fueling station near you!
And if you’re curious about what it might actually be like to run a Landcruiser on soybean-based biodiesel, check out Toni’s Garage for a first-hand account of a Silicon Valley entrepreneur’s venture into the world of alternative fuels!
Speak Out to Protect AIDS Funding
January 16th, 2007
World Vision recently sent this email expressing concern about the impending failure of Congress to fully fund its previous commitment to end global poverty and AIDS.
I wanted to reprint it for you and ask you to click the link to contact your elected representatives. Please let them know that they need to protect the funding aimed at helping the world’s most vulnerable people.
Dear Friend,
In 2006, World Vision and the ONE Campaign advocated for Congress to increase funding for the fight against extreme global poverty and AIDS. With the voices of citizen advocates, these groups secured a billion dollar increase in international poverty assistance funding for 2007.
But this critical funding increase may now be in jeopardy. We need your help!
In December 2006, the 109th Congress failed to pass this funding bill for 2007, and the new Congressional leaders of the 110th Congress have indicated that they are in favor of maintaining 2006 funding levels through 2007, not increasing them. Read more…
This would mean that Congress would not honor the increased funding to fight extreme poverty and assist orphans and vulnerable children affected by AIDS in 2007, as they had previously voted.
This is a vital opportunity for you to advocate for the world’s poor. Please take a moment to contact your members of Congress and the President. It will take three minutes for you to send your personal letter using our online system, which will identify your members of Congress. Ask them to protect the promised $1 billion in planned funding to fight extreme poverty and AIDS.
Please act now and encourage your friends to also take action.
Thank you for considering this request.
Yours Sincerely,
Rich Stearns
President, World Vision U.S.
Samaritan House: Neighbor Helping Neighbor
January 16th, 2007
According to a U.S. Census Bureau report issued in August 2006, the number of uninsured people in America is up to 46.6 million, including 400,000 more children than in the previous census.
For those without insurance, community health centers are a crucial lifeline. And in San Mateo County, Samaritan House is providing the essential health care and social services that many can’t afford to buy themselves.
According to their website,
Samaritan House has over 30 years of experience in providing a broad range of services and resources to low-income residents in San Mateo County. Services include case management, clothing, medical care, food, shelter, employment assistance, and food and toys for the holidays. All services are provided free of charge to low-income families.
But Samaritan House can’t do it alone. Volunteers are an important part of the process, and with proper supervision, even Junior Volunteers (under 18 years old) are welcome!
Even if Samaritan House isn’t in your backyard, check out the community health centers near you and get involved!
Cold Weather Pet Care
January 16th, 2007
In most years, those of us in California aren’t particularly concerned about putting our pets outside in January.
With the recent cold snap, however, I thought perhaps a few hints on cold weather pet care might be warranted!
The Partnership for Animal Welfare offers these and other tips for caring for your dogs and cats in the harsh weather conditions:
* Consider keeping a container of warm water and cloths by the door for use after walks. It is good to rinse the paws before you wipe them dry, because lime rock salt and calcium chloride salt can irritate the foot pads and cause vomiting and diarrhea when licked. Dunking in the water will also dissolve ice and remove mud.
* Upon returning home, wipe snow and ice off your dog’s feet, legs and belly. Little ice cubes can form in the sensitive spaces between the toes and toe-pads. Remove the ice carefully with your fingers since it may cling to the hairs between the paws. Wiping off your dog will remove any salt, antifreeze or other harmful chemicals that she could ingest them when licking her paws.
* Do not be tempted to let dogs off leash in snow or ice. Canines often lose their scent in cold weather and can become lost. Dogs also can panic in snow storms and run away. The decreased daylight does not help either. More dogs are reported lost during the winter than any other season, so always keep dogs on leash when outside a fully fenced yard and make sure yours always wears proper identification.
For more helpful hints, including tips on emergency pet care, check out their website!