NY Mayor Calls for Creative Energy Solutions
Author: Drink Deep 
In a recent speech at the 2008 National Clean Energy summit, New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg announced that the city is searching for innovative new methods of generating power for the city. Citing the strained power grid that left NYC dark in 2003, Bloomberg emphasized the need for the U.S. to be more proactive in building a strong and sustainable energy production infrastructure.
To guide NYC’s plan for a greener future, PlaNYC calls for energy conservation and investment in long term energy solutions. Bloomberg is currently seeking out creative solutions – perhaps hydroelectric, rooftop solar, offshore windfarms, or turbines on bridges will power the NYC of the future. He suggests that energy costs should include a green tax which would make clean energy comparatively affordable to old-school pollution-spewing options.
Creative energy solutions are something that we need across the U.S. We could all conserve energy by taking the bus more often or turning off the computer at night. For businesses, there’s a lot of wasted space on top of buildings that could be full of solar panels, or the expansive grassy lawn of many homes and businesses could include a small wind turbine. It’s time that we all put a little extra thought into how we can use our local green resources to provide the (hopefully reduced) energy that we need.
Category: Uncategorized
Political Debate Fueled With Yerba Mate?
Author: Durango WalkerHere we go again… My family, friends and me debating politics. The hard part about this process is we are all very well informed on the issues. We quote stuff. We care.
Last night we had a lively debate about tax policy and social responsibility. Surely this is happening (I hope) around many 
kitchen tables and living rooms. Especially with the Democratic convention going on, the issues are right up front. The speeches from the convention are moving and powerful. The ammunition to debate on the issues important to all of us is right there, but you need a little pick-me-up for this kind of conversation.
During our debate last night, we paused for a sip of mate. Why? Well, to me, it was a good moment to take a mental break. What’s more, I wanted all to think deeply for a minute; to check our passions. The break was perfect. We all settled down (you know how these debates go) and we paused. The zing from the mate then created an openness that was not there before.
To me, mate should be a necessary part of the political process. Perhaps I’ll give the candidates a call and inform them of the good, green mate. If it worked to make us all think a little more, then maybe others might benefit too.
The message here: FUEL YOUR DEBATE WITH MATE!
Category: Uncategorized
Running to support the Accelerated Cure Project for Multiple Sclerosis
Author: Drink Deep
As I mentioned in a recent post, Pixie Maté is supporting Brad Feld’s efforts to run 50 marathons by his 50th birthday while raising money for a great cause.With every step he takes, Brad is getting closer to his goal of 50 races and $100,000 raised. You can watch Brad’s progress on both goals at the special marathon section of his blog. He’ll be tackling the great potato state of Idaho at the Mesa Falls Marathon on August 23rd.
The money that Brad raises from sponsors like Pixie Maté supports the Accelerated Cure Project for Multiple Sclerosis which is dedicated to curing MS by finding its root causes. The organization serves as a central repository for biological samples from people with MS. These samples are then shared with researchers who are studying MS. The organization’s goal is to encourage the sharing of MS research and gather all research into a central database so that results from separate experiments can be compared, hopefully resulting in an accelerated path to a cure.
Stay tuned for continuing updates on Brad’s journey and how you too can make your own personal 50 by 50 goal.
Category: Uncategorized
Crossing the Sleep/Wake Chasm
Author: Durango WalkerThere is a special time for mate’ people. Morning! That first brew is nothing short of spectacular. Many of us have a routine. As for me, I work in software, so I start up the computers. Then, I turn on the burners and wait for the boiling screams from my tea kettle. The deep, rich mate’ blend smell that I’m fond of almost supplies me with the energy I need. However, I’m fond of the zing I get from a good cup of mate. I drink. I enjoy.
Miles Davis sums it up perfectly for me…
I’m always thinking about creating. My future starts when I wake up every morning… Every day I find something creative to do with my life.
Miles Davis
Miles had the “mate morning mind” where ideas and possibilities are fresh. The aroma of potential is all around a mate’ morning mind. BUT, do coffee drinkers have the same feeling? What’s more, how long does it take them to “get there” like we do with mate’? I set out to answer this question from a fellow coffee drinkers. What I found was a difference in the state between being awake and asleep. I call it the sleep/wake chasm.
Many of you have probably heard of the technology chasm. You know, the early adopters to the laggards; those that will adopt technology and the far behind. I’m sure you’ve met people in both classes. The early adopter installed the iPhone 2.0 software and knows how to use it thoroughly. The laggards still cling to bag phones. The chasm is the space between the early adopters and everyone else. The author Geoffrey Moore coined the term and it fits here too.
After speaking to my coffee friends, I’m convinced that mate’ drinkers cross the sleep/wake chasm earlier than coffee drinkers (see the chart). I asked a simple question: “when do you feel awake after drinking coffee?” Statements like these from my friends were not uncommon:
“I have to drink a whole pot to wake up, even after a good night’s sleep”
“I ‘feel’ awake about mid morning, even early afternoon”
“Dude, what other option do we have other than coffee” - ps: I think I turned this guy to mate’…
My theory is that mate’ freshens the mind with zing and creates the feeling of awake much more effectively than coffee. In other words, you can cross the sleep/wake chasm much quicker with mate’. Don’t believe me? Well interview your friends and post a comment on this blog and share…
Category: Eco
Life on the Fringe
Author: Drink Deep
12 days – 70 artists – 14 venues
Join the fun August 14-25th at the Boulder International Fringe Festival. The event features a thrilling array of performances – from live theatre to circus art, music to puppetry, and much, much more!
The lucky local and international artists that get to participate were chosen by lottery at the Laughing Goat coffee shop on February 21st. This unjuried format allows any artist with ideas and an application the chance to perform. A sample of this year’s local talent includes musical artists Free Range String Quartet and 66 Rising and theater and dance groups Waking Circus Productions, ballerina eight, The Octopus League, and The Schiff Dance Collective. Check out the BIFF website for more info on who, how, when, and where.
Attendees get to rate the performances of the shows they see. This encourages involvement and helps other attendees know what shows are best –the top rated shows get an extra performance on the last day of the show. Artists determine the admittance price for each show – from free to $15 – so the festival is affordable for all.
Come join us in Boulder for the Fringe festival. Heck, there’s so much great stuff going on here, bring your tent and stay the summer!
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Recent Posts
- NY Mayor Calls for Creative Energy Solutions
- Political Debate Fueled With Yerba Mate?
- Running to support the Accelerated Cure Project for Multiple Sclerosis
- Crossing the Sleep/Wake Chasm
- Life on the Fringe
- Keep the Cairns coming!
- Not A Coffee Break, A Maté Break
- Playing Nicely with your Planet
- Great Maté Stops - #4
- Pixie Maté to Fuel Local VC’s 50 by 50 Marathon Goal
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