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...

Lights Out for Sydney

It's getting easier to find new ideas and actions for the environment. Today a small news item on Yahoo! Homepage caught my eye.

It appears that Sydney (Australia) city officials decided to power down a non-essential lights in the city for one hour. They entitled it Earth Hour. The people made an event out of it, children counting down, others dining by candlelight.

Sydney has been rated one of the worst carbon emitting cities in the world due to its reliance on coal burning power stations. The government decided that holding an event and actually engaging their constituents that they would begin to take actions themselves, turning off unused electronics and lights, conserving energy. If all goes well, they can reduce the carbon emissions of the city by 5%, and any reduction is better than none.

Year One: Run and Done.

I wrote a quick post this afternoon, while I was still rocking an endorphin high fueled by a great sense of achievement as I reached a goal I set for myself 365 days ago, running every single day.

In the past year I have run a total of 1044 miles (2.86 miles daily average) in temperatures ranging from 0 to 95 degrees Fahrenheit and from 4:30am to 11:00pm. In that time I have run in paradise and in hail storms, blizzards and pouring rain. Recently I ran with a 101 degree fever (please don't tell my wife).

I also got married, found out I was going to be a dad, started a new job, and I still ran. I had bad days, where I went out angry only to feel worse because I couldn't enjoy myself. I realized that I needed the runs to calm my nerves, expend excess energy (still love alliteration), and celebrate to myself. I needed them to feel crazy and alive.

Throughout, I have had the support of my fantastic wife, who even though my running seemed like an obsession, still supported my eccentricity. Those days where she advised against it, she still let me go and was there when I got back with a smile and a cold glass of water.

I want to thank the individuals who joined me throughout the year and hope to run with all of them again. First and foremost, my wife, Zuzu and my brother, Rory. I also want to thank Scott, Tom, Tim, Carolyn, Steve, and Jeff for their company.

Tomorrow won't be any different, I will lace up my most important accessory, my New Balance's. Just about every day I wore a pair. I started with my 1023 and until I hit 200, rotated them with my all-time favorites, 751s. Eventually they had to be retired and I have shared the miles with a pair of Zips (8053?) And while I am happy to continue, I am sad to think that eventually my 1023s will have to be relegated to yard work.

I have never urged anyone to join me daily, for each his own. But I have hoped that more individuals will run. We can start the new Revolution!

0 days, x runs... Year Two begins...

Nervous Tension

Well, tomorrow, if all goes according to plan, I will have run 365 days in a row. The Irishman in me is nervous, as if Murphy's Law will come into play. The basic tenet: Anything that can go wrong, will go wrong.

But, I have made it this far, I think one more day will be okay. In fact, the Murphy's mentioned above is Sod's Law, Murphy's Law is Sod in action.

I can't dwell any longer, but why not make tomorrow your first day... join me on the roads.

1 day, 1 run...

Green Buildings... No, Really Green

Starting off with a tangent, The more I read Business 2.0, the happier I am. It is nice to see that green ideas are becoming a viable and valuable business practice. Each issue is filled with more articles about eco-friendly initiatives.

The one that really caught my eye was within the Future Vision section and entitled "Greening the Concrete Jungle." Several major cities in the United States have begun to maximize their surface space, covering the roofs with hardy plants, such as sedum and prairie grass.

And because of their efforts, heat and air conditioning costs are lower, rain runoff is reduced, and more oxygen is produced. There are another benefits, but from a business standpoint, the greatest comes from a 10% decrease in energy costs. The practice has been more widely adopted in Europe, but is taking root (pun?) in the States. Chicago has 2.5 million square feet of downtown roof space. And square footage is growing at 125% annually.

As the human population grows and consumes more natural resources, we have had to become more resourceful in our endeavors to preserve our way of life and the air we breathe. In that effort, the article talks about a Canadian company, G-Sky, who has begun to offer green walls for those who want to further maximize their space. Each square foot cost $1oo (not sure if that's Canadian or not) and puts less stress on the structure than it's roof counterpart. The founder of the Toronto-based industry association, Green Roofs for Healthy Cities, Steven Peck puts it perspective, "For every roof out there, there are four walls."

The article presents an interesting example, If a 10-story Los Angeles building were to cover its entire facade and roof in green plants. Its annual electric bill would decrease its annual electric bill by $80,000 dollars and increase the amount of carbon extracted from the air from 0 to 40 tons. Depending on the footprint of the building, the intitial cost would be over $144,000 (200'x200' footprint). This would mean it would take a couple years to recoup from the initial cost. However, the goal of green roofs and walls is long term and in my mind, well worth the cost now to allow for a healthier tomorrow.

Definitely worth further reading, check out G-Sky's website for further details on the benefits of green roofs.

2 days, 2 runs...

The New Blog on the Block: My Tazby

After much "cajoling" on my part, I finally convinced my wife to start a blog of her own. I couldn't understand how a news junkie (I use the term with the greatest affection) and The Nest lover could not want to join the new internet as she spends more time on the RSS highway.

And as my post from last week declared: We will be parents. I thought this was the perfect premise for a blog. She entitles it her "Diary of a Growing Belly." I am flattered by her kind words. But I know that she has been exceptional during our journey and has guided me gently despite her needs and cravings.

I am clearly biased, but for any readers out there who are in a similar situation, expecting a child, check it out. Maybe she'll let me contribute!

Mytazby

3 days, 3 runs...

Discovery Channel's Planet Earth

Currently watching an amazing show on the Discovery Channel: Planet Earth. The 11-part series is a breathtaking documentary which spans the globe capturing video of wildlife and the environment.

I am amazed at the scenes being narrated by Sigourney Weaver. In the first hour, as we stare at a herd of caribou migrating, her voice smoothly describes the arduous journey. The herd numbers in the thousands and looks as if created in CGI. But, there before you lies the truth.

Take the time to watch. Right now, my attention is drawn to the television, but visit the site as well. The visuals have left me speechless!

4 days, 4 runs...

BIG NEWS: Baby's First Book: The Lorax

The Free Scribbles family is about to add one more member...

...My wife and I are expecting our first child.

We told our families Sunday night at a nice dinner and presented them each with a children's book and a sonogram picture. We tried to choose a symbolic book that we hope they can share with our soon to be bundle of joy.

But while we were at the book store I wanted to pick up a book for myself. And so to meld my interest in green initiatives and my love of Dr. Suess, an author and artist who made such an impression on my life, I chose the Lorax.

His story so long ago captured the importance of protecting the environment and realizing that greed will not make one happy.

And while I knew the story well from the movie, I had never actually read the book. So after our meal, I sat down and read it aloud, hoping that my child will begin to know me and the value of sustainability. The Lorax' last word rings in the ear. "Unless"...

We all can take creed in the simplest form, aware that our actions can make great strides.

And with all that said, my own little scribble is well on the way!

9 days, 9 runs...

The Long Strange Trip: My Bad Travels

Finally back from Texas... and I can't say that it was the best trip. There were some fun points in the middle, but the ends were pretty bad. I still haven't gotten my luggage yet.

I was flying from my familiar (and comfortable) Northeast into the heart of the south, Texas. I had always wanted to go there, would have preferred if my wife had joined me, but not like this.

My "adventure" started on Monday, where upon my arrival in Houston, my connecting flight to Corpus Christi was cancelled. To avoid the uncertainty of standby, my work associate and I opted to drive the 4 hours south. I got to see more of Texas than I expected. Corpus' weather was nice, warm, sunny, a little humid and I had a running partner throughout the week.

I even broke my no fast food rule and gorged on Whataburger after a Reckless Kelly show on my last night. We all knew that Friday's weather in Boston could cause a problem for us. I prayed that I would luck out and get home.

And it didn't seem too bad. My flight from CC to Houston was delayed an hour, but I would still make my connection. They boarded us quickly to try and beat the weather...

Needless to say that didn't quite work out. The turbulence at points closer to home was scary, I have never had a plane shake like that. And as we began our descent into Logan the passengers were overjoyed. We could see the land, could see the runway, and then suddenly we were gaining altitude. WHAT!?!

The captain gets on the PA and announces that there was a plane at the end of the runway which would prevent us from landing. All this took place at 6:28pm. Logan closed at 6:30pm.

However, the tower was going to try and clear the runway and let us try again in 30 minutes, but there was no guaruntee. We didn't have the fuel for that, so we were going to divert to Burlington, VT to refuel and try again. 20 miles from the airport, once again the captain's voice fills the plane. We are being diverted to Montreal.

Upon arrival on Canadian soil, we are not allowed to disembark due to regulations which state that passengers on a domestic flight can only get off the plane on US soil. Therefore we waited, and waited, until once again the captain's voice is heard. His voice would become a depressing notice of unfulfilled expectations and hopes. We would be heading to Cleveland, a Contintental Airline hub, where we would have to spend the night.

At the gate we were greeted by an announcement that we would be on a 10:30am flight to Boston on Saturday and that they had reserved a block of rooms 40 minutes away, which we would have to pay for ourselves. The reason: our inconvenience was caused by the weather and Continental was not liable. God bless CYA, right?

4 other travellers and myself banded together and reserved rooms closer. My agency will be getting the bill. As I laid down in my bed for the night, i anxiously waited for morning to come. I missed Boston, I missed my normal life, and even though I pack running clothes in my carry-on, I was not prepared for 23 degrees and snow. Get me home I need my daily run!

Logan was a nightmare, we landed and I just needed this "adventure" to end. the luggage carousel spun and spun, my bag never appeared. I'm still waiting...

Lesson learned, travelling is hell, and I should have left earlier.

11 days, 11 runs...

The Streak hits 350

I realized that I hadn't tallied up how many runs left I had until I hit the year mark, and as I did, I realized that today is my 350th day of consecutive running.

The milestone came upon me without me even knowing it. To celebrate the occassion, I will give my top five tips to dressing for the run.

1. Clean socks are softer and make your feet feel much better.
   
2. Running shoes only last so long, treat them and your feet right.
3. Dress for halfway through the run. You will be cold at first, but that's better than sweating through a sweatsuit, it will only get heavier and freeze. (If the temperature gets there)
4. On a hot day, a sweatband is a great addition to the arm, clear the eyes out.
5. Don't go naked.

I may be a streaker, but I haven't streaked!

Get out there and start running, the weather in the North is getting there. I am currently in Texas, so it feels pretty nice here.

15 days, 15 runs...