Small Things Count

Those “How’s My Driving?” signs are there for a reason.  Contact trucking and cab companies whose vehicles disgorge black smoke.  That noxious smoke usually means their vehicles are not burning fuel completely, thereby costing them money and making our air harder to breathe.  Call the phone number on that sign.  Give them the date, time, location, and name on the vehicle and describe the choking, dirty mess it was spewing.

[For more easy, Eco-friendly tips, download a FREE copy of Green Riches: Help the Earth & Your Budget. Go to www.Smashwords.com/books/ view/7000, choose a format, and download to your computer or e-book device. Or download a free copy from your favorite e-tailer.]

One evening an old Cherokee told his grandson about a battle that goes on inside people.  He said, “My son, the battle is between two “wolves” inside us all. One is Evil.  It is anger, envy, jealousy, sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, self pity, guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies, false pride, superiority, and ego.  The other is Good.  It is joy, peace, love, hope, serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence, empathy, generosity, truth, compassion and faith.”

The grandson thought about it for a minute and then asked his grandfather, “Which wolf wins?”

The old Cherokee simply replied, “The one you feed.”

May every soul that touches mine — be it the slightest contact — get there from some good; some little grace; one kindly thought; one aspiration yet unfelt; one bit of courage for the darkening sky; one gleam of faith to brave the thickening ills of life; one glimpse of brighter skies beyond the gathering mists — to make this life worthwhile.  (George Eliot)

80% of the child abuse cases within the Boy Scouts of America between 1970 and 1991 went unreported. Churches (Catholic and Protestant and other faiths) have hidden cases involving their clergy, youth leaders, and other members of their staffs.  School administrations have quietly moved accused offenders to other schools and positions.  Coaches of youth teams carry on abuse in locker rooms while others look the other way. The perpetrators are not strangers.  In fact, more than 90% of the children who suffer sexual abuse know their abusers.

A report of child abuse is made every ten seconds.  What about all the other, unreported instances?

Why do so many people feel it’s okay to harm our vulnerable children?  Apparently, many people do feel this way, because there are so many abusers and so many people and organizations that cover it up.   When we hear about it, we act shocked, shake our heads in dismay, then go on with our lives.  In effect, those of us who do nothing to stop it are helping to perpetuate it.

Has this national shame become a national pastime, simply another tolerated violence like boxing and hunting?  I hope not.

If you haven’t registered to vote, do it the easy way.  You’re already on your computer, and you have a few spare minutes–otherwise you wouldn’t be reading this.  Click on https://rtv.sos.ca.gov/elections/register-to-vote, which will take you to the CA Secretary of State’s website page to begin the registration process.  All you need for identification is a CA driver’s license or state-issued I.D. card.  Answer a few questions, supply the number from the card, and submit your registration request.  They’ll verify your identity through your card.

It’s more than easy.  Time is short, though.  You must do this no later than midnight Oct. 22.

In other words, DO IT RIGHT NOW!

Have a cat?  Be choosy on your kitty-litter.  Buy litter made from corn cobs, wheat, sawdust, wood shavings and chips, peanut shells, recycled newspaper, orange peels, or other natural materials.  They tend to do a better job at controlling odor, last longer, and are totally biodegradable.

[For more easy, Eco-friendly tips, download a FREE copy of Green Riches: Help the Earth & Your Budget. Go to www.Smashwords.com/books/ view/7000, choose a format, and download to your computer or e-book device. Or download a free copy from your favorite e-tailer.]

Wonder about the status of a bill in Congress or who’s paying to push it through? Go to www.MapLight.com.  There you’ll find out about bills in the news recently and read a snippet of what they’re about.  Click on the “Interest Groups” or “Companies” tab to see a chart of contributors and amounts they’ve paid. The “Contributions” page lets you find out how much a particular group has contributed to a specific legislator.

There’s a wealth of information on this website.  It’s one all voters should take a look at, especially before the November elections.

Thought for the day: “Not until we can refuse to take without giving can we create a society in which the chief activity is the common welfare.” — Helen Keller

Cell phones—how does the Federal Government control them during meetings?  All committees should do what the President’s Cabinet does.  That is, a person must put his name on a sticky note and attach it to his phone—then leave it outside the room.  Now there’s a small thing that can really count when it comes to meeting-efficiency!

Plan for leftovers: Cook double recipes and freeze half for a quick, easy second meal later.  This uses less energy (PG&E and yours).  Besides, spaghetti sauce is always tastier the second time around.

[For more easy, Eco-friendly tips, download a FREE copy of Green Riches: Help the Earth & Your Budget. Go to www.Smashwords.com/books/ view/7000, choose a format, and download to your computer or e-book device. Or download a free copy from your favorite e-tailer.]