I FEEL THE EARTH

Nino the Miniature Schnauzer - 10th birthday party

2011-02-11T15:31:00.000-05:00

MPHO: Running Up That Hill (HQ live performance)

2009-07-23T22:23:00.001-04:00

MPHO: Running Up That Hill (HQ live performance)

Shared via AddThis

2009-04-27T11:12:00.001-04:00

2009-04-06T23:00:00.001-04:00

Thriving_Ivory - Angels on the Moon
by jezekael12

2009-04-06T22:55:00.000-04:00

MTV Superstars - Give It 2 Me Twice More
by Calmucho

To Blog Or Not To Blog......

2008-05-31T08:14:00.007-04:00

Looking back to the very first day of this LIB 200 class, I can remember feeling very anxious because it was going to be a writing intensive class. Then Dr. X passed out the syllabus and I read that we were required to write 12 blogs, 1 every week for 12 weeks. My initial thought to myself was; I am going to fail this class.

What in the world is blogging anyway? I've heard the term here and there, and knew it had something to do with the internet and people posting comments and stuff, but never really knew exactly what it was.

As the class went over the syllabus, Dr. X explained what blogging was and what we were going to do with the blog assignments. I must say, I was hyperventilating at the thought. We were required to write about the environmental issues our world is facing today. Additionally, we were expected to write at least 250 words per blog assignment and comment on other classmate blogs. Geez, I don't even like writing short emails for God's sake and now Dr. X has me thinking and writing all this stuff. At the time, I had no clue how I was going to accomplish all that writing.

Once I created the profile for the blog and began writing my very first blog, I was pleasantly surprised. The writing just seemed to flow with some ease. I just sat at home in front of the computer and began writing stuff that was in my head. I did not panic like I normally would. I just relaxed and allowed my thoughts to take over. The end result was usually more than 250 words.

Blogging is definitely much easier than writing any college papers. For me, there seems to be less pressure. I'm not sure why. I just feel more comfortable writing on a blog versus writing a research paper, essay, etc. It's much more fun too. You get to add color, pictures, and videos to get your message across. As a result, the context becomes more interesting to read and also to write.

Writing the blogs by Sunday at 4am was not a problem for me at all. I tried to complete most of the blogs by the Friday before so that I can have my weekends free. It sometimes became a "cat and mouse chase" because many of my fellow classmates did not complete their blogs until very late on Sunday mornings. This made it difficult to complete the assignment of commenting to the other blogs.

Most students do not want to think about school work when the weekend comes and so, leave homework until the very last minute. In the future, it might be a better idea to have the deadline set for Friday by midnight. This will force students to complete assignments before the weekend starts.

The deadline is necessary because it allows the professor to read, comment, and grade them before the beginning of the next school week.

Reading the blogs was really interesting. Interesting because you can learn what a person feels on a particular subject or topic. It was funny, I could almost hear the blogger's voice in my head as I read their weekly blogs. Because we were in the same class, it was easy to connect the blog, voice, and their thoughts just by reading their blog. Many were very passionate on certain things and others we not so passionate. There were funny blogs, sad blogs, angry blogs, perssuasive blogs, etc. No matter what the topic was or what the emotion was, the blogs were always very interesting to read. Mostly because they were written by people you were getting to know every week for 12 weeks.

I enjoyed the experience of blogging very much. It's almost like having your own virtual platform for putting your thoughts out there. You can expose issues that concern you, and it allows you to expand on them and present them to the world. Blogging is also a great tool to communicate with others. There are really no restrictive rules as far as what you can say.

When I have a little, I plan on creating a family blog. A blog were members of my family can communicate with each other on anything and everything. I have a really big family and everyone is always sending emails with stories and pictures, recipes, rants and ravs, and everything in between. So I think it would be great if they all can just post stuff on a family blog and reduce so many emails. Plus, it's alot of fun.

Thanks to Dr. X for making this blogging stuff fun and for conducting an interesting class.

I Think I Can, I Think I Can

2008-05-24T18:41:00.009-04:00

Ranking little things I can do to help the planet. Highest being the easiest, lowest being the most difficult.

#5 Water

The absolute easiest thing for me to do, is to not let the water run when I shave or brush my teeth. I have become extremely aware of this and have been able to shut the water off when I am really not using it. What I do is brush first, then turn on the water and rinse. No more letting it just run while I am brushing.

When I shave, I try and fill the sink with enough water to rinse out the razor, instead of letting the water run as I am shaving. Not too difficult.

#4 Pet Beds and Pet Toys

These two are new to my “going green” knowledge but I see no reason why I could not comply with these two simple ways of saving the planet. My dogs are forever chewing up their toys, so,
needless to say, I am forever buying new ones. Now I know I can buy toys made from recycled materials.

As far as the beds are concerned, I will purchase ones that are made from recycled materials when it's time for Nino and Destiny to get a new one. This one is a "no brainer."

#3 Paint

Just this weekend, I decided to purchase the better quality Aura paint by Benjamin Moore. Although more expensive, it is certainly eco-friendly in comparison to other paints on the market. By purchasing the Aura paint, I can rest knowing that my home is bit safer and I am doing a little something to help the planet.

# 2 Paper Towels

This is going to be a more difficult challenge to conquer. I absolutely can and will not live without my Bounty paper towels. They are great for just about everything. They work for cleaning up messes, drying things up, wiping after a meals, etc.

I will say this……I will consider using recycled paper towels. My only beef with recycled paper towels is that they are twice as much in price as regular paper towels. If not, I will most definitely cut-down on my daily usage of Bounty.

# 1 Light Bulbs

No way, not now. The “environmentally safe” light bulbs that are on the market totally do not work for me. I have spent much money on them and I just cannot get used to the way they make me or my home look. The lighting color needs to change. The fluorescent look is not “the look," as far as I'm concerned.” Sorry world, that kind of lighting in a home (at least mine) does nothing for one’s mood.

I hope companies like General Electric or Sylvania will come up with an energy-efficient light bulb that mimics the lighting I have in my home today.

Peer Sharing

2008-05-16T15:49:00.008-04:00

The paper of choice to evaluate was produced by Lisa Morales.

1- Not sure exactly what the focus of the paper is. Is your paper targeting corporations,government etc. that are producing toxins and dumping in low income neighborhoods? Or is your paper on the effects of Environmental racisim, such as asthma?

2- I found the information on the bus depots in Harlem interesting. I do believe that all those buses could be doing damage to the environment and also to the people that live there. I honestly think you can do an entire paper just on that alone. On 125th street, there are literally hundreds of buses that travel up and down that street 24 hours a day. With all the people that shop on that street, gas emissions must be affecting some of them to say the least.

3- My first question as I began to read the paper was....What neighborhood does this take place in? or Where did you and your siblings grow up? If in New York, what part of New York? Another question is, "Harlem has the highest rate of asthma hospitalization for children 14 and younger compared to what? Where?

4- The paper does have a couple cited text.

5- Thus far, no fictional "human interest story."

6- Some commas would be useful in the text. A few run-on sentences. They would sound more comprehensive if they are cut into shorter sentences.

The paper assigned for me to evaluate was produced by Erlisa Koci.

1- I get the sense that this paper is concentrating on the subject of Global warming, its effects, and solutions. No clear thesis in text (not that I can see anyway).

2- I like the fact that Erlisa is giving her personal view on the issues but I feel she needs more clear statements of facts and some extended examples.

3- I am confused as to why she decided to go against Al Gore. Is he not trying to get the word out to the world about global warming, just as Erlisa?

4- Not much cited works in text just yet.

5- Thus far, no fictional "human interest story."

6- I would suggest reading the draft once more, there are some commas needed and some grammer that needs to be cleaned up.

2008-05-10T11:02:00.006-04:00

Myanmar: Climate Change or Global Warming?

Do you know the difference between climate change and global warming?

Honestly, I thought they meant the same thing. Turns out they are quite different.

Climate change is the long-term average region’s weather events lumped together. It tells us if there is a change to the long-termed weather patterns. They can become colder or warmer. Yearly amounts of rain or snow can increase or decrease.

For example, it’s very possible for the winter weather (climate) in Buffalo to be cold and snowy, while in New York it can be sunny and mild. This can indicate that Buffalo will most likely have a cold snowy winter climate while New York’s climate could be less of a normal winter climate.

Global warming basically means that the earth’s temperature is getting warmer. A warmer earth causes changes in the climate. We can expect more rainfall, higher sea levels which can have a major impact on plants, animals, and humans.

Ten weeks into this LIB 200 course, I think we all realize what the causes of global warming are.

So, do you think the disaster that occurred in Myanmar is a product of climate change or global warming?

My thoughts were that this world has seen many natural disasters over hundreds and hundreds of years, so why should I think any different from the Myanmar disaster? Why does it have to be a question of climate change versus global warming?

As I’m typing this in Microsoft Word, I went into Internet Explorer looking for answers. I came across an article published May 10, 2008 in The Guardian were Al Gore gave his answer to this very question, he said:

“We're seeing consequences that scientists have long predicted might be associated with continued global warming.” In other words, the warmer the seas, the stronger, more devastating the storms will be.

The natural disasters will always be with us. We can make them less intense then they have been by curbing or hopefully stopping global warming.

If you would like to help the people of Myanmar, the best way is to check out the UNICEF website.

Research Assignment Update

2008-05-03T00:13:00.007-04:00

My research report will cover the rapid melting of the glacier Chacaltaya.

Chacaltaya is located close to the city of La Paz in Boliva, South America. It is surrounded by approximately 2 million Indian natives.

The glacier has been melting at an alarming rate since 1980, and is on the verge of disappearing in about 2 years. My report will begin from 1980 and continue through 2008.

I am writing this research report to bring attention to the seriousness of this issue. The 2 million people that live in close proximity of Chacaltaya depend on the glacier for over 60 percent of their water supply. Something needs to be done before it melts completely.

Hopefully my research report will open the eyes of the Bolivian government and/or governments around the world to help the people of La Paz.

My sources include articles from The New York Times, BBC News, Science Daily, and LGGE – Laboratory of Glaciology and Geophysical Environment.

I am also using a 40 minute video report from CNN titled Bolivia Meltdown. I am in the process of looking for more information from the United Nations and the Bolivian government agencies.

My main point is this - The Chacaltaya glacier is going to disappear. It very well may be because of gas emissions in the air or because of climate change, no one really knows. Nonetheless, the people of La Paz had nothing to do with it and they are going to need our help.

Decisions, Decisions, Decisions

2008-04-24T23:34:00.007-04:00

Finally, I think I know what topic I want to pursue for the research paper.

I struggled about what topic to research. There are many issues here in America that I can inform about, but there are also other areas of this world that deserve our attention as well.

My research paper is going to be an attempt to inform the public and government in all countries around the world of the seriousness of my topic. The topic involves the rapid melting of the glaciers across Latin America and more specifically, the tropical glacier Chacaltaya in Bolivia.

I believe the information that will be provided in the research paper will make people aware of what really is happening. Who is being affected and what needs to be done before the glaciers are gone completely. The glacier of Chacaltaya is not there for its beauty and skiing alone. It is also a valuable source for thousands and thousands of natives.

My prediction is that there will be some people that will be concerned and want to do something to help and some that would think….we have issues in our own country to worry about, then the glaciers in Bolivia. As I see it, awareness about a topic so serious, can only help not hurt the problem.

LGGE - Laboratory of Glaciology and Geophysical Environment

This source will provide graphs and statistics on where the glaciers where back in the early 1900s and where it is today 2008. It will show how fast the glacier is disappearing and what will happen if it continues at the rate it has been going.

BBC News

This source will provide updated information on the rapid decline of the glaciers. It will also give plenty of information about who is being affected now and who will be affected in the future. It also provides interviews with people that work and live in the area of Chacaltaya.

Science Daily

Articles here will give information on how the melting of the Latin American glaciers are a serious issue. It also attempts to show the differences between glaciers in other areas of the world in comparison to the Latin American ones.

Earth Day Fair 2008

2008-04-22T09:28:00.014-04:00

My pal Nino and I at the Earth Day Fair

This is a great event if you are interested in finding out what companies and organizations are doing about saving the environment from further harm. The Earth Day Fair offers you things like: alternatives in heating and cooling our homes, many recycled goods (clothing, foot wear, etc), organic foods (no chemicals used) and many many other great ways to preserve the earth and its natural resources.

Something that I enjoyed very much, was the presence of animal organizations dedicated to saving animals from cruelty and at the same time, using chemical free foods, and chemical free products to treat and clean the animals, thereby, helping the environment as well.

The Catskill Animal Sanctuary was one of the organizations at the Earth Day Fair. A cool thing I found out, was that they are located just 15 minutes away from where my mom lives. A visit to the sanctuary is on my list of things to do this summer. Here you can interact with the many animals on the farm, take a tour of the grounds, listen to experts on animal rights, factory farming, nutrition, abuse, and many other issues. You can also sponsor an animal or adopt one.

This place is a safe haven for animals. A peaceful, happy place for animals, and a place where humans can learn about farming practices and the impact on animals. If you are concerned for the environment, then you have to be concerned for the animals.

Here are a few pictures of some of the animals.

Looking Back

2008-04-11T22:28:00.009-04:00

When I think about the first day of class, I think about how I really had no clue as to what this class was going to be about. Don't get me wrong, I new it was going to be writing intensive, but like all writing intensive classes, there is always a concentration of some sort.

Little did I know it was going to change me forever. This class and the subject of the environment has, without a doubt, changed my way of thinking about the future of the environment. What I need to continue doing to save it for future generations.

I now, not only talk the talk, but I walk the walk as well.

Watching Al Gore's An Inconvenient Truth, reading his book, building my own blog, and commenting to other blogs, also creating a PowerPoint presentation, have all contributed to my new expanded view on the environment.

When you start paying attention to issues like "saving the planet" or "going green" you realize how much you've ignored. Every since day one of this class, it seems like everywhere that I go, or every website I visit, there is something being done or said about the environment. Now that I am a little more active in saving the environment, it just seems like the reminder is everywhere. Indeed, this class has done that for me.

This is most likely the most effective course in terms of making a difference towards my future and bringing awareness to the environment.

Thank You (you know who you are) :)

GOT BEER?

2008-04-10T19:20:00.008-04:00

Was walking around the city on this beautiful Thursday afternoon and had to take a picture of this.....thought it was kinda funny.

Even the bars of New York City are getting into the "Save The Planet" game.

Courtesy of Tracy J's.. The Watering Hole...106 East 19th Street.

Cheers mate!

WE CAN SOLVE IT......

2008-04-08T20:34:00.006-04:00

Five Blogs to Make You Greener

2008-04-05T14:21:00.040-04:00

1- Sustainable Cities Blog

This blog was created by students and staff of the City University of New York.
It is an extention of the website: The Institute for Sustainable Cities.
The blog provides students and all New Yorkers with great information that will hopefully change the way people think about the environment. Changing the minds of New Yorkers is not such an easy task, but I think this blog does a great job of trying. The list of links provided takes you directly to many updated articles in The New York Times and updated news from web pages such as the BBC News on environmental concerns and innovations.

Personally, I believe this one is "a keeper". I'm going to add it to my laptop "favorites".

2- Gristmill

At first glance, this blog seems a bit boring and unattractive. It's not until you dig deep and click on to the links that you find yourself interested and surfing for more info. Many of the articles and information on Grist is done with humor even though it is talking about a very serious subject. This is always a good thing because it will keep us readers interested and coming back for more. It will also convince more people to do something for the planet. Something to make it better for future generations.

3- Green as a Thistle

Green as a Thistle is a very impressive and creative personal blog. Posting issues and concerns about going "green" or saving the environment everyday for a full year must have been gruelling, to say the least. I was extremely excited about reading this blog, it made me want to keep reading all night long. But I needed to get some sleep. Anyway, this blog can teach as well as inspire all of us to do what we can for the environment without feeling like it's not enough. The blogger tells you that it is going to take time to get used to being green. Also, that it is okay if you forget every now and then. Going green is a process and it's going to take time to learn and adjust to new ways.

Each day for a year, a new blog is posted on who, what, where, how, and why we need to go Green.

Thank you Vanessa for your enthusiam, humor and hard work to inform us of the simple things we can do to change this earth for the better.

4- No Impact Man

This blog has somewhat of the same feeling as the fourth blog above, Green as a Thistle. But one aspect of No Impact Man that is different, is in the way that it is written. The blogger gives us insight on going green and how difficult it was on daily basis to keep up with it, or change for that matter. He has much more concrete information. The blog goes into more details and seems a bit more intense than Green as a Thistle. Futhermore, it tells the story of how an urban family is dealing with the "yes and no's" of going green and being more aware of the environment.

For me, these types of blogs would be great if one could go through it on a daily basis from the start. Checking the blog daily as the blogger is posting.

Nevertheless, I find it very resourceful and enlightening and you will too.

5- Eco Geek

The Eco Geek blog shares updated information about the latest innovations that will eventually help save our planet. The blog lists major corporations, domestically as well as internationally, and the new innovative products ("green products") they are creating that will contribute to cleaning up the environment. Anyone interested in new electronics, cars, or energy saving gadgets, should consider checking out Eco Geek. A very cool blog with lots of terrific creative ideas on saving our planet.

Commented on Green as a Thistle - The Final Post

Click On: The Animals Save The Planet

It Is Not Yours To Ruin

2008-03-27T17:36:00.007-04:00

"Everything in the universe belongs to the Lord. Therefore, take only what you need, that is set aside for you. Do not take anything else, for you know to whom it belongs".

God said in Genesis when He made man that we were to have dominion over all the earth.

We have been given all authority, power and dominion to protect and make this world a better place, not to destroy it.

Did we know what to do in regards to this earth all along? Did God create man with the knowledge and wisdom to care for this great earth?

I don't think he did. My belief is that he wants us to make mistakes. But he also wants us to fix our mistakes.

The destruction of our forests, the melting of the ice in Antarctica, the allergies and diseases, are all his ways of telling us that we need to fix/change things. God is opening our eyes and letting us know that what we have been doing is also destroying our sacred land.

It's always good to advance in technology and such, but it should not be at the expense of the earth. The most precious of creations (humans, animals, and earth) will be destroyed if we continue to waste and advance in technology without thinking about the consequences.

SAVE THE ANIMALS, SAVE THE EARTH.....Saving the earth and animals starts with the very young. This musical CD will connect to important thematic units on the environment. Songs will help children to become responsible for the Earth by learning facts. Children will develop an awareness of recycling, conservation the ozone layer and more.

The Use of Passion and Education to Save the Earth

2008-03-23T01:57:00.006-04:00

It will definitely be a challenge to compete with all the accomplishments and 40 years of education and passion Al Gore has invested in trying to help make changes to the global climate and the enviornment.

Although Mr.Gore has many years educating the world on global warming, I have learned early in this LIB 200 course, that it is never too late to start making a difference. Everything we do in our daily lives can either contribute to making this earth a better place to live, or it can damage the earth even more. This is why education is key.

The choice in selecting LaGuardia Community College, was to enroll in the only Veterinarian Technology program in New York City. As a result, the education obtained through courses such as; Animal Nursing, Animal Research, as well as many others, will allow me to combine my passion for animals and helping the enviornment to make this earth better for both humans and animals alike.

The best way to start to make this a better place is by educating myself and thereby educating others (clients). As an animal care provider, it will be my responsibility to introduce pet owners to eco-friendly alternatives. For example, using biodegradable poop bags made out of corn or soy, like those from PoopBags or BioBag
These bags break down in a matter of months versus years with other regular plastic bags. Buying large bags of pet food or pet food in bulk versus buying many small bags every so often. The ratio of trash to food is decreased, meaning less overall waste.

These are just a couple of things that I can do with my education and my passion for animals in order to help save this earth and the living creatures that live on it.

You don't need to have the power of Al Gore to make a difference, just the passion to do so.

Treehugger.com is a great site for those interested in learning about everything "Green". This site is great for a first-timmer. It's a colorful site that educates in a fun way. I believe it is a site that many young students would like and be able to relate to. Topics range from transportation to fashion, all in relation to helping the enviornment. Check it out.
It can only help you and the earth you live in.

Plant A Tree, It's Free!!!

2008-03-21T09:09:00.006-04:00

Help save the enviornment by planting a tree. You can plant it yourself or have
MillionTreesNYC do it for you at "no cost to you". And by planting trees you will increase the quality of life and the enviornment for future generations. So get off the couch and plant a tree, you will feel good that you did something extra to improve this earth.

Melissa Etheridge - I Need To Wake Up

2008-03-17T19:42:00.000-04:00

Maybe Less Really Is More...............

2008-03-15T10:48:00.001-04:00

Have I traveled to other countries you ask? The answer to that question is, yes I sure have. Before deciding to enroll at LaGuardia, I spent 17 years working in the corporate travel industry as a corporate travel consultant. Working as a corporate travel agent, one of my duties was to travel to other countries and check out the area where we were thinking about sending my clients. It was my job to make sure that the area was centrally located. That it was within a short distance of restaurants, shops, and attractions. The area also needed to contain hotels of many types (4 stars, 3 stars, etc). One of the best aspects of this job I have to admit was, not only did I get to travel on business, but I was able to incorporate some leisure time on company expense. Most often if you travel and stay over a weekend, the entire trip, including hotel is much cheaper. Lucky for me, this happened over and over again throughout the 17 years that I was in the business.

Here are just a few places I traveled to:

Germany, England, France, Italy, Spain, Canada, Hawaii, Brazil, Colombia, Venezuela, Mexico, Costa Rica, Panama, Aruba, Puerto Rico, Bermuda, Dominican Republic, Haiti, Barbados, Jamaica, St. Martin, Martinique, St. Thomas, The Bahamas, and many states throughout the United States.

Although I’ve traveled to many different places, my most favorite without any doubt, has to be Costa Rica. This is a country that as soon as you get off the plane, you feel like you’re in a totally different world. The lush greenery that surrounds you is amazing and so beautiful. Just like any other place in the world, Costa Rica has a capital (San Jose) like many others that are congested with many people, lots of traffic, and noise. Even so, it does not compare to most cities we are familiar with. The differences are very obvious. Less pollution in the air, less waste and garbage being thrown out, much less electricity being used, and less advertisements throughout the entire country. And if you travel just 10 minutes out of the city via one of the many public vans and buses, you enter a world of lush tropical rain forests and postcard-like beautiful beaches. In Costa Rica you don’t see many factories producing waste into the air. Many of the local products made there are packaged using very simple packaging. You will not fi nd many franchise businesses here as in many other places. No McDonalds, Starbucks, Staples, or Banks on every corner. The people of this beautiful country grow many of the fruits and vegetables that are consumed. The housing architecture is simple using many natural resources and products.
If I ever hit the lottery, I am going to buy a Bed and Breakfast on one of the many beautiful beaches of Costa Rica and live happily ever after.

As they say in Costa Rica..........Pura Vida!!!

Spring 2008 Electronics Recycling & Clothing Donation Events

2008-03-14T19:42:00.001-04:00

Drop off your unwanted electronics for recycling.
computers, laptops, monitors, tvs, vcrs, cell phones, etc

Drop off your gently used clothing and linens for donation.
pants, dresses, shirts, sweaters, shoes, handbags, belts,
blankets, towels, sheets, curtains, tablecloths, etc.

Call 311 for any questions on what is accepted. This will be held rain or shine.

Manhattan - Sunday March 16, 2008. 8am - 2pm Union Square at
17th Street

Queens - Saturday May 3, 2008. St John's University,
Alumni Hall Parking Lot

Bronx - Saturday April 5 and Sunday April 6, 2008.
Soundview Composting Site, Randal Ave.

Brooklyn - Sunday May 18, 2008.
Prospect Park, next to the Carousel.

Staten Island - Saturday April 12 and Sunday April 13, 2008. Fresh Kills Composting Site

The Enviornment and Me

2008-03-08T10:47:00.001-05:00

I'm thinking that by using running water to take a shower and to brush my teeth, the enviornment is being affected in a negative way. Harmful chemicals that come from the soap and the toothpaste being used is somehow having a damaging affect on this earth and its enviornment. The chemicals quite possibly end up in other bodies of water that we potentially may use, or they end up entering the land soil and damage plants, flowers, and farm crops. One way that I care for our enviornment is by recycling as much as is possible. Not only is it required by law, but the building in which I reside in is very adament about recycling paper, plastic, metal, and glass products. Additionally, I make it my business to use a canvas bag to pack my grocery shopping items instead of using many plastic bags supplied by the supermarket. Something that really concerns me about the enviornment is that there are many people in this world that just will not care for it. Many people tend to believe that it will not affect them while they are still living. They seem to think it will take hundreds of years before any real damage is done to the earth. I strongly believe that everything we do, or not do, affects our enviornment.