Massachusetts Technology Collaborative

I don't remember the show that I was watching at the time, but a commercial came on which caught my eye. The woman on screen was talking about how solar panels were being manufatured within the state of Massachusetts, making solar energy a great boon for the economy and the environment of the Commonwealth.

Since I started working in digital communications, I have focused more on the website at the end of the commercial. If I am really interested in what I saw or heard, I will go check it out. Granted I still live in an apartment, but solar options interest me for the future house. So I went to masstech.org, the website of the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative (MTC), the state's developmental agency for renewable energy innovation and economy.

The MTC operates several projects or subdivisions which invest time and money into renewable energy. Tht two main efforts, John Adams Innovation Institute and the Renewable Energy Trust. The John Adams institute is primarily focused on bringing technology into the state, be it an R&D facility or an innovative consumer product manufacturer, especially if their end product is hi-tech.

The Renewable Energy Trust has been established to educate and assist the Commonwealth's citizens with clean energy programs.

Since Gov. Patrick took office, the state has been strongly invested in both these endeavors as they are very forward thinking and collaborative, involving many.

Earth Day 2007

I've been busy this week and haven't had the chance or energy to write. But tomorrow is Earth Day and as someone who writes about environmental issues frequently I would be remiss not to make mention of the fact.

To be honest, I haven't celebrated the day in years. Not until recently as I have become more active in environmental efforts have I even realized that the day was here until it was too late. And while tomorrow is officially Earth Day, where a number of people will participate in events, we all can make a difference in small ways by recycling, reducing, and reusing.

Check out some links to Earth Day Resources:

• Earth Day Network
• Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Earth Day Section
• Nature Conservancy
  

2007 Marathon to Test Runners' Mettle

The wind has been whipping against my building all night and as I spent from 6-7am laying in bed, I got really excited about today's Boston Marathon. I know the conditions aren't ideal and to be honest, we've been spoiled in the city on Boston on Patriot's Day the last few years with gorgeous weather and the first true signs of Spring.

This year is different with a Nor'easter roaring through the course, and mostly in the face of the runners. As I've said a couple of days ago, I don't like bandits. And I'm curious to see who will back down today.... as this marathon is going to one of the toughest to date, even with the rain supposedly easing before the start.

About 10% of marathon entrants never start. After 18+ weeks of dedicated training and for those who are official, a qualifying marathon already under the belt, I applaud the effort. And while I realize that the weather is worse than most people are used to, I hope that all put in their grittiest efforts on the road today, showing the spectators how tough they are, even the bandits, because they most of all need to show that they deserve it.

Good luck to all runners who brave the wind, rain, and whatever else comes in your way. I will be joining you outside with laces tied, but not for the full 26.2. After my year+ of running (and years before that), these are the days I appreciate, the days when you don't want to go out there and when the chips seemed stacked against you. These are the days when the run transcends the pain and discomfort.

Go Boston Runners!

Sundance Channel's The Green

I have always had a problem with celebrities talking too much. From experience and observation, I realize that they hold incredible persuasive power. They are the "hitmakers" and "culture drivers" of the world.

But as the rest of the world has found a way to voice their own views and opinions, through the internet, I have seen celebrities become smarter or at least the dumb ones get drowned out. Donald and Rosie can battle each other all they want. People may find it entertaining but not persuasive, certainly not important in the grand scheme of things. And I have certainly become more reasonable and willing to learn from them.

Certainly Robert Redford appreciates this internet. Well, he was actually ahead of the times for celebrity environmentalists, starring in socially conscious roles and being a proponent for solar power since the mid-1970s. But, he must appreciate a medium which can spread the word about our world's situation and promote change. He has partnered with treehugger.com and this week premieres The Green.

On Tuesday, April 17, at 9:00pm, the first regular television series about green initiative will begin on Redford's Sundance channel. This channel was established in 1996 as an outlet for showing the works of independent filmmakers, who he has supported and been an advocate for since he founded his Sundance Institute in 1981.

The first episode of Big Ideas for A Small Planet will look at the Fuel situation. What are the cleaner alternatives, such as biodiesel or ethanol. But like any endeavor, the first step is the key. Hopefully people will tune in and make it a success, at least at educating.

Big Fat Awesome House Party!

So for the better part of a year now I have been playing an online game entitled Big Fat Awesome House Party. The game is simple, you become a member of the house, an imaginary avatar to control, do chores, explore, and earn credits to go on crazy adventures with Bloo. With that you unlock arcade games and other bonuses. If you want something to do on a rainy Sunday, sign up and play around.

Who's Bloo? The game comes from Foster's Home for Imaginary Friends, one of my all time favorite shows, in the top 3 with M*A*S*H and Smallville. I've talked about the show before here, and in some ways, the very title of this blog comes from Foster's. One of my favorite episodes is "The Trouble with Scribbles".

For those who do play, i'll give you a cheat. Type "create" in the secret code tab of Notey. You'll unlock Craig McCracken, Foster's creator, as a buddy.

Love the game and I hope they keep expanding the environment...

...This is a mindless fun weekend.

April 14, 2007: Step It Up!

My wife and I went to the John Hancock Sports & Fitness Expo. And while I was underwhelmed by the offering. Orange & black just isn't my color combo. I was hoping to see something great and spoil myself.

We walked down Newbury St. afterwards. In a number of the stores, especially Patagonia and North Face, I saw stickers and signs for Step It Up 2007. And while I was lax prior to today, I am excited to return home and see that it was a popular cross-country event to raise awareness and drive Congress to act.

What does Congress need to do? Cut Carbon 80% by 2050. This goal is very feasible. A 2% reduction each year will achieve it. And while many individuals are already on there way to contributing, many others need to change the way they live. And Congress can drive the country even further by enacting legislation to cause more rapid and grandiose initiatives for the environment.

I hope that many of you were able to participate in the actions, I wish I had known sooner.

Boston Marathon: I Won't Be A Bandit.

Monday is Patriot's Day, a Massachusetts holiday which means my taxes are due a day later and that a ridiculous amount of runners will pass the apartment in their quests to conquer 26.2 miles in the 111th running of the Boston Marathon.

And in my own spirited fashion, I am participating. I have the day off to watch the television coverage and cheer the competitors. I am not running, despite being asked on a almost daily basis. My reason is simple. I will not run Boston as a bandit.

Anyone reading this who doesn't know what a bandit is, the definition is basic. It is any runner who runs the race without an official number. Boston offers official numbers to those individuals who qualified by meeting time standards or through charitable organizations who are allotted numbers to give to members and contributors. The time standards can be found on the Boston Athletic Association website or by clinking this link. The size of the field is limited to 22,500 runners, although many more will hoof it from Hopkinton to Boylston St.

Despite predictions of bad weather this year, the event will still be a big deal. Almost half a million people will line the streets to watch and the various colleges will celebrate in their own fashions, a different marathon of sorts.

BIG NEWS: Tazby's A Girl!!

My wife and I spent most of the morning in a waiting room, and had I known it was going to be a long wait, I would have brought a book. Aside from the wait, the news was great. My scribble is going to be full of sugar, spice, and everything nice.

My wife and I are having a girl!

We couldn't be happier. I was really hoping for a little girl and for the last 18 weeks, Lisa would slip and call our bundle "she" so I knew where her mind was. The entire process was a little crazy, as tazby (what we have named our prenatal daughter, we have to keep one ace in the hole... a surprise for September) was uncooperative and kicking. I haven't decided if she takes after her mother or me. But after 45 minutes or so of anxiously watching all the movement and being shown the bones and organs that have developed to this point, we really wanted to know: Boy or Girl?

Most importantly, our future daughter appears healthy and has a strong heartbeat (future runner? maybe...). For a better perspective, read my wife's blog.

My First Steps to Responsibility

I'm not as immortal as I wish I was.

Ricky Bobby: Wow. I feel like I'm in Highlander!
Jean Girard: (chuckles, confused) What is the Highlander?
Ricky: It's a movie. It won an Academy Award.
Jean: Oh, for what?
Ricky: Best movie ever made.
-From Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby

And while I realize that Ricky was a little off, I have felt like I was in the Highlander at points in my life. Especially when the adrenaline & endorphins are flowing through my bloodstream.

Today I took a small step in reality, but a big step mentally. I purchased a running ID. I realized that I run every single day and more often than not, I have no identification on me (probably 5 out of 370 times).

Like so many individuals out there, I have never thought of the potential risks as happening to me. Luckily, I haven't had any serious incidents, aside from breaking my ankle on a trail run two years ago. But with cars flying around curves and narrow shoulders, the risk is there.

I ordered mine online at roadID.com for $20. It was a small cost for safety. I know Lisa is happier knowing that this father-to-be will be around to be a dad. Not to be pessimistic, but unless I am like Harold Crick, i don't think a wrist accessory will keep me that safe, but better than nothing.

As I wrap this up, I realize that I filled this post with a lot of Will Ferrell references. Which is ironic, as one of his most famous movie roles had him running down a street drunk with nothing on at all. But he has run a couple of Marathons.

Supreme Court thinks Green

Yesterday, the Supreme Court came down with a landmark decision. In its first decision on climate change, the court declared that carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases are air pollutants under the Clean Air Act.

While it wasn't a resounding landslide... the majority ruled at 5-4. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) now has the authority to regulate the emissions from new automobiles and its previous inaction is no longer acceptable.

While I am in no wat a judicial or political expert, this mean big changes to come. Congress will now feel it has the ability to enact legislation to reduce global warming. Car Companies will have to push their E85 or hybrid options. And again the EPA needs to step up their act.

Being Green at Home

In a lot of my posts about sustainability I write about commercial endeavors in the environmental arena. Not something I or any other average joe can hope to achieve right now. At least not without a ton of cash or an advanced degree in engineering or physics.

But this post is about a new web site, Low Impact Living, which promotes simple at home options to lower carbon emissions, reduce global warming, and hopefully improve your way of life. They suggest a variety of products that can help you, from reduced energy appliances to recyled tableware.

Beyond products, they offer a impact calculator which will help you understand what the average home in your area consumes and wastes. And with what you learn, check out the tab Green Projects, an area where they offer eco-friendly advice based on the room your in.

Like anything, there isn't a one size fits all solution, but adopting even one or two suggestions from this site might help you and the enivronment. You might save some green, and the earth will get one more day.

Spend some time surfing around, or check some of the other sites listed in the green links on the right. Do your part.

Solitary Sidewalks No More...

Spring is here...

And with that, all the would be runners and treadmill trotters start to emerge from their cocoons. This development puts me in quite the quandary. As an avid runner, I encourage others to start, but at the same time, I get a little bitter. Where were all these people when winter was here?

I go through this same cycle every year and despite the fact that I know my attitude is irrational it still irks me. How can you truly run, experience the wonder of the run when you are bottled inside, your scenery never changing. The risks are removed, the pleasures limited, and the climate controlled. Many of these same people will return indoors in three months, when it is too hot for them and air conditioned gyms make it easier.

And yet right now these fair weather runners are clogging the trails and walkways. I know longer can get to my meditative state as I dodge these newcomers, immersing myself in the quiet splendor of a good sweat as the wind bites my face.

And with all that said, I know I have more bark than bite. I still urge people to get out there and run, but I add that you should make it more than just a nice weather activity. Run within yourself, but remember that a challenge leads to great ideas, inspires others, and pushes the limits of the body.

Thanks for listen, sometimes you just need to rant...