A 6-year-old’s wisdom is contained in today’s Thursday Thought:
Archive for January 14, 2016
Cheaper Electric Cars
Although I’d love to switch from an environmentally harmful gas car, I’ve had several concerns. One is that there haven’t been any electric mini vans made (I need one to carry my handicap scooter), but that’s changing, according to this morning’s news. Another is the slow-moving plans for long-lasting batteries that can adequately be recycled once they die. Price, obviously, has been a factor, as well, although competition is starting to have some effect there. And my monthly electricity bill has been a deterrent–until I learned that gas would have to go down to a dollar a gallon to be as cheap as electric power for vehicles.
I look at old faithful–my 2004 Dodge Caravan–and know she won’t last forever. Maybe I’ll eventually replace her with an electric van. In may garage, at least, if not in my heart.
Pope Identifies God’s Name
You don’t have to be Catholic or another branch of Christianity to understand and accept Pope Francis’ short message:
The Pope clearly identifies the name accepted in all non-violent religions.
What do those Meat Labels Really Mean?
It’s confusing. What does “free range” mean? Or “organic” or “grass-fed”? If you want to buy meat from animals that have been treated humanely, you need to begin by understanding what the labels mean.
For an easy-to-understand (and enlightening) guide, go to http://www.humaneitarian.org/what-is-humanely-raised-meat/meat-labels/#.Vo7q4hUrKM8. It will give you an idea of how complicated eating humanely can be, and how our thinking is so often manipulated.
Stock Market Make-Believe
While listening to the news of the bad effects the weak stock markets are having on the major countries of the world and our own economy, I got to thinking: all it is is electronic messages zipping through the ether, trading make-believe money that appears only as figures in those messages and on reports. How is it that all this stuff that doesn’t really exist determines real people’s lives and causes so much anguish?
Just wondering….
Opinion vs. Empathy
THE THURSDAY THOUGHT QUOTE FOR TODAY TAKES A LOOK AT KNOWLEDGE…AND HOW TO UNDERSTAND OURSELVES.
Want to Rent? Where to Move
Rents vary greatly from state to state. Where does your state stand in comparison to others? Look at this map, which tells how much per hour a person must earn–working a 40-hour week and 52 weeks a year–to afford a two-bedroom rental unit and still not spend over 30% of their income. It’s an eye-opener. And something to check out if you’re thinking of moving.
Update: Politicians, Pits, and Deoderants
(Here’s an update of yesterday’s blog on politicians and pits. I received comments that I should publish my response to a comment, using it as a regular blog so more people see it. That’s what I’m doing today. I hope you enjoy it.)
Let’s see….Trump would go for Ban Deodorant. Hillary might go for Secret. Carson, who wants to apply his education to everything, might go for Degree. Rubio would give Suave a try. Sanders would fall back on the common man’s brand, Old Spice. Fiorina would buy Lady Speed Stick. Christie would use Arm and Hammer. Bush would use any brand his dad and brother don’t use. All Republicans would try Axe.
I don’t see anyone going for Dove.
Politics and Pits–American Slang
As we begin a new year of political mud-slinging, personal attacks, prejudicial statements against groups of people, half-truths, false accusations, and the like, I am reminded of an American slang term: it’s the pits, meaning a situation that’s really terrible.
It actually came from where you’d expect. In the 1950s, we began using “pits” as shorthand to refer to armpits. And, of course, people don’t exactly associate perfume and pleasant smells with armpits. It didn’t take long for the phrase “it’s the pits” to make it into everyday American speech.
That’s why I think the term is appropriate for our current Presidential race. Simply, it’s the pits!
Ways to Keep your Christmas Tree Out of the Trash*
It was so beautiful–all glittery and inviting and fragrant. Alas, it’s time to part with your memory-making Christmas tree. Of course, you can dump it unceremoniously out on the curb. But if you’re in a more creative mood, go to http://www.care2.com/greenliving/7-ways-to-keep-your-old-christmas-tree-out-of-the-trash.html to find some ways to keep your tree and truly make it part of your family.
