Archive for 'Politics'
The Story of Stuff
June 28, 2008 by Binary Blonde, under Movies & Music, Politics.
“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 first watched The Story of Stuff when I was working at my long-term temp job back in California. The job was excruciatingly boring and I didn’t have access to the internet.
Thankfully, my wonderful husband, Kevin, bought me an iPod Nano (ironic that I watched it on one of the very products she talks about) for our anniversary last year and I was able to download podcasts and video casts to watch while working (the job was mindless).
One of the first video casts I downloaded was The Story of Stuff and I was mesmerized by how interesting it was. Plus, it taught me a lot about all the stuff we buy that I never really knew. I came home that day a little depressed, but with determination to lessen the amount of stuff we buy and really take a close look at the stuff we already had.
So, Kevin and I sat down and really thought about doing a serious decluttering and worked out an agreement for buying less stuff overall.
The best tip I ever read about training yourself to buy less is to ask yourself two questions:
- Do I need this?
- Do I love this?
If the answer to either question is “yes”, then go ahead and get the item. If you’re unsure or the answer is “no”, then it’s probably not something you want to spend your hard-earned money on. 
I personally use this and it works like a charm. Most of the time I end up putting the item back and, truthfully, never even give it a second thought.
Kevin and I still hold true to our discussion that day and we rarely, if ever, buy something without really mulling it over and asking ourselves those two questions. The questions also work for when it comes time for purging yourself of clutter or if you feel overwhelmed by your stuff.
The Story of Stuff doesn’t go into these kind of tips, but it will surely teach you something you didn’t know and get you motivated to take action. I highly recommend watching the quick 20-minute video!
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Free Money!
April 30, 2008 by Binary Blonde, under Politics.
Heehee - not quite!
Q. What is an Economic Stimulus Payment?
A. It is money that the federal government will send to taxpayers.
Q. Where will the government get this money?
A. From taxpayers.
Q. So the government is giving me back my own money?
A. Only a smidgen.
Q. What is the purpose of this payment?
A. The plan is that you will use the money to purchase a high-definition TV set, thus stimulating the economy.
Q. But isn’t that stimulating the economy of China?
A. Shut up.
7 Comments
Super Tuesday
February 5, 2008 by Binary Blonde, under Politics.
Kevin took one look at this photo and told me to disclose the following:
My wonky thumb is like that because I am double-jointed and I can’t help the freakish angles at which my joints bend sometimes. 
But, hey, wonky thumb or not - my vote counts!
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Attention: Californians Who Love Animals
December 26, 2007 by Binary Blonde, under Animals, Politics.
If you are at least 18 years old or older, are registered to vote in California and love animals, please take a moment to visit the Californians for Humane Farms website.
There, you can learn more on how you can help animals this holiday season by signing up to gather some signatures, among other things!
I’ve already signed up with them and received my packet in the mail. I plan to gather signatures at a local community college campus in a few days. Through the website, you can even find someone nearby to partner with to gather signatures, if you feel uncomfortable going alone.
A special thanks go to Brita for alerting me to this great cause! Brita is a good friend I met in Louisiana while doing pet rescue after Hurricane Katrina. In addition to being a wonderful person, she was a devoted volunteer to the cats that came through Celebration Station and when she returned home, she adopted two kitties (Mimi who is FIV+ and FeLeuk+, and Nancy who is FIV+) to bring back to spoil. I am glad to know her.
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Blog Day for The MOTHERS Act
October 24, 2007 by Binary Blonde, under Food & Health, Politics.
Today is Blog Day for The MOTHERS Act! It is a day to raise awareness about a serious disease that affects up to 20% of new mothers, as much as 800,000 American women each year, a disease called postpartum depression. It is also an important day to act!
Right now, as you read this, a life saving legislative initiative, which will help to end the suffering of thousands of mothers, infants and families, while offering education, research and training to those who are charged with their care, is awaiting U.S. Senate sponsorship and support. The Moms Opportunity to Access Help, Education, Research and Support for Postpartum Depression Act, or MOTHERS Act is that initiative. And it needs your voice to become federal law!
Before you click away, let me remind you of something. All of us today, reading this, have something in common; we all have mothers. What I ask of you is so very simple to do and it only requires you to make one quick phone call.
Here is all you need to do:
First, find your U.S. Senator from this list.
Second, pick up the phone and call! If the line is busy, call back or leave your message.
Third, use this script, if you need an idea of what to say:
“Hello this is (your name), one of Senator (Senator’s name) constituents from (your town). I am calling to ask the Senator to co-sponsor The MOTHERS Act bill number S. 1375, sponsored by Senator Menendez, which will provide funding for research, education, screening and treatment of postpartum depression.”
That’s it! Your state Senator is there to hear what you have to say, and act upon, what you want to see happen in our country. He or she will appreciate your phone call on what is important to YOU.
To learn more about the MOTHERS Act and postpartum depression, please visit Postpartum Support International and BlogHer.
