Monday, December 17, 2007

Biofuels?

So we are consuming SO much energy creating these fuels based on crops (call it corn, soy, etc.). I'm not convinced this is good. Why?

Think about this....
For the ONE time you fill your tank with Biodiesel...
You could have fed yourself the equivalent quantity of food for an ENTIRE YEAR!

Think about this...
Our government subsidizes oil - probably near a buck a gallon (think of the price difference between here and Canada), BUT the feds place a tariff (tax) on "greener" biofuels coming from brazil sugar cane at 50 cents a gallon, rendering it ineffective.

What's more....
SO many farmers are turning their crops to biofuels creating shortages in food supplies and driving up food pricing.

Further....
this economic pressure is forcing other lands to cut down existing established crops to plan cheap, gmo, fast growing crops for biofuel.

The sun is our answer. Follow the sun.

Saturday, December 15, 2007

Lead or Get Out of the Way!

Have you watched what is happening in Bali? Of course not...because our media doesn't care. Well, read the BBC's pages and you'll see that there is a global environmental UN conference happening...maybe more meaningful than Kyoto because the USA isn't going to get away without doing something. US reps were using some lame excuse about the developing country regs not being tough enough (sure they aren't) and suggested they were not going to sign. Suddenly boos rang out from the delegation when the rep from New Guinea said..."you either lead or get out of the way!" Amen!

So...
I'm not sure if most of you know...BUT, Atlanta Georgia is running out of water. In fact, its now predicted that over 5 millions residents of this southeast region will be OUT OF WATER by FEBRUARY. No kids, I didn't say in 10 years or even 10 months....because most of us put those things out of our mind....I said 60 DAYS! So, how do you fix it? Some have suggested trucking in water. Hmmm. That would be economical? Talk about a carbon foot print that would exacerbate the new weather paradigm we currently feel. Do you recall the exodus from New Orleans? Can you imagine a bigger one? Can you say U-HAUL?

So how did this happen? Well....
Those Southeasterners love those big green lawns; they love their six toilet homes; they love their pools (and they aren't alone). Largely they have built sprawling development without any consideration for resources AND there is no consciousness in the population to do anything different. Further, the local political structure has known of the issues and stuck their head in the sand because they would appear "unpopular." Lead, or get out of the way!

Now what?
Well, just like in California and in Arizona this is going to be a fight for water rights to the rivers flowing south (think Mono Lake and Colorado River). Let's see...what is south of Georgia....hmmmm. FLORIDA!!!! Yes, let's steal the water from Florida, they aren't growing, they don't have water issues (in fact Georgia is now trying to secure more than its 16% share of this water).

My friends...
Water is now worth its weight in gold. So here is my real estate investment strategies for gaining extraordinary value in light of shrinking natural resources.

1. Live in an area with plentiful fresh running water (as close to the source) sorry Arizona.
2. If living in multi-level housing (hi-rise) - long term the ground floors are going to be worth more a) because water pressure can't push to upper levels AND b) the costs to run elevators via electricity will be too expensive thus stairs will become the predominate use (ok - extreme, but think about it);
3. Live in an area that still produces agriculture; access to local food is going to be critical as trucking costs increase and "clean" foods become more difficult to harvest. Have space for your own garden;
4. Make sure you have a bike and know how to ride it well, you'll be using it (and should be using it) more often.

Conclusion: Pacific Northwest is a pretty darn good place to be in light of the issues. We have hydro power, we much water (heck it falls from the sky) and there is good agriculture still produced around us.

Wednesday, December 05, 2007

Intuition

Intuition. Do you know what it is, how you (or someone else) use it? Webster's first definition is... "direct perception of truth, fact, etc., independent of any reasoning process; immediate apprehension."

I was recently told by an "intuitive," which Webster's has no definition for the nouns sense of this word (intuitive), BUT others define intuitive as someone who specializes in perceiving information concerning the individual energetically....any how this intuitive told me I have an deep feeling intuition that is very evolved. You know what? I totally can feel it!

Did you know that during the Tsunami in 2004 that not a single animal died yet over 45,000 people perished? Animal parks where trees were uprooted drowned by nearly 20 feet of water, animals were later found roaming as if they "knew" or shall I say perceived a reason to go to higher ground. A sixth sense?

During the Oklahoma bombing a mother who lost two children and her mother said that she had a "feeling" over and over again that she should get out of the building, leave, gather her children and head home. She ignored this "feeling."

My friends, pay attention to your feelings or intuition. They are there and they are a message. What is making me write this now??? Well, I "feel" a need to awaken all others to the notion that intuition is the loving voice of God operating in your heart. Listen to it! Moreover...as we evolve and mature spiritually, emotionally, physically, etc...we become self-regulating rather than are we controlled by those forces outside of us (others, work, stress, etc.).

Listen to your inner loving voice!
Mine says I feel strong and fast and light as a feather on my bike!
Oh...it says a few other things too.

Tuesday, December 04, 2007

Another Test

Some of you know...that every 3 months I see my doc. I get a test that would cause most to wince and run (no sprint) the other way. BUT after nearly 4 years (and yes, that would be TWELVE tests), I'm SO STRONG, HEALTHY. I've been using my new intuitive powers (okay call it software) to focus all healing/health/wellness. Basically I sit there visualizing then FEELING healthy, happy, dancing DNA. It works.

To that end, I'm working on a new resort/experience where people can heal their emotional soul through a series of modalities. I think its a little head of its time....but it will be a killer app.

If what I just wrote makes absolutely no sense....bookmark my text then read it in a couple of years.

Monday, December 03, 2007

SF Auto Show

I spent the weekend in SF. It was a cool upper 50's but no where near the snowy early winter weather Seattle had this weekend.

Well, while in SF I attended my first auto show ever. What was fascinating was the way the auto companies are marketing cars and the types of people that were drawn to particular cars. Clearly the auto shows had to promote less cleavage and more brains as the runway model women representing the cars were now covered head to toe in pinstripe suits, cuff links, etc; just tight enough to get the male consumer's interest, but tasteful enough to make a gesture to the female who actually makes 85% (or something close to it) of the financial decisions for the household. Thank GOD.

What's hot this year?
Hmmmm. Nothing.
Every car company was hyping fuel efficiency but had NO product to show for it. In fact VW left its TDI (diesel model) at home. Mercedes had a diesel that held the design left to inspire grandma (including the ruffled leather upholstery). American auto makers? Big, still big, dumb cars. Mini Cooper????....well they are going backwards as they now make a stupid looking extended cab that can work as a great car for a funeral parlor serving diminutive expirees.

Oh well....
The international bike show rocked.
You get the picture.

Thursday, November 22, 2007

Thanksgiving

What I'm thankful for everyday:
1. the abilities of my body;
2. my consciousness;
3. my dearest friends;
4. my abilities to make new friends;
5. my confidence;
6. my ability to confront fear;
7. my willingness to accept whatever happens as divine;

What I'm thankful for today (on thanksgiving);
1. being in Tucson with friends;
2. a deep winter tan;
3. the availability of mt lemmon and my bicycle;
4. the 2 hour thanksgiving yoga class at 10am;
5. the availability of good, wholesome food;
6. the availability of laughter and cheer;
7. technology to express gratitude to others that are not in AZ with me (email/phone);

Tuesday, November 20, 2007

Vitamin D

Some interesting facts I've recently discovered:
1. Heart disease is no longer the #1 killer of Americans; Cancer is winning as of this year;
2. The NIH says that 85% of all Cancers have emotional causes;
3. Insufficient Vitamin D is linked to 18 different types of Cancers;
4. UVB ray exposure (just 15 minutes a day in the Sun) provides your daily need of Vitamin D;
5. A person living in Boston or Seattle goes outside for the entire daylight hours in winter (November through February) does not get a single ray of UVB (no Vitamin D);
6. A 2.5 hour plane ride to Tucson to ride my bike in the sun makes me happy (positive emotions) and lots, tons of Sun (mega UVB)!!!

Did I mention I'm in Tucson getting lots, lots of Vitamin D? The last FOUR (4) days have been in the low 80's and not a single cloud in the sky. Yessssssssssssss! Oh...and I love my bike again.

Thursday, November 15, 2007

Uhmerhicans

I'm not someone who is overly political, sadly I focused more on financial markets and maybe have been a little apathetic (except for a few issues) the past couple of years. On my way to the airport today I was listening to NPR in the cab. There was a quote from our dear Mr. President....and it was something like this..."My friends....Americans are addicted to oil."

Whaaaaaaaat???
Really??????? Holy Cow!!!!! How did this happen? I demand to know!


The picture is real, and so are we. He also said in 2001 (and I quote), " In terms of the CO2 issue... we will not do anything that harms our economy. Because, first things first, are the people who live in America."

What first for me? Realizing that CO2 and our economy ARE connected and I'm not going to be so selfish as to say that my consumption comes first at the expense of the world. MY ELEMENT 6 MANIFESTO:

  1. Eat locally; no Chilean peaches in December. I will plant my yard with foods I eat.
  2. Reduce; i will never take a shopping bag from the store unless I bring one.
  3. Lower my food chain; select foods that are less intensive to bring to me and my market (no meats).
  4. Keep thermostat at 55 and wear a sweater (until my teeth chatter).
  5. Bike everywhere and anywhere (use scooter more often);

Thursday, November 01, 2007

30 days off the bike

Wow, its been a long time since I blogged. Maybe because I'm taking 30 days off my bike that I've not had things joggin' my mind, burning to be blogged. 30 days off the bike?!!?!! Yeah, I had a long racing season, an agro bike trip in Italia and plans for a strong and successful 2008 race season. So, I've been doing a ton of Yoga (sometime 2x per day), running (did a 10 mile trail run last sunday and thinking about the Seattle half marathon) and keeping busy (lots of work this past month). So...for 30 days, I'm off the bike. My 30 days ends in Tucson, AZ on November 16th, when my butt will once again feel my saddle up Mt Lemmon. Can't wait.

Thursday, October 11, 2007

Ultra Longevity

I discovered that Dr. Mark Liponis was discussing his new book at Town Hall last night (all the way from Lenox, MA). I gathered a few friends to view the Corporate Medical Director of Canyon Ranch (and dear friend of mine) where he talked about what accelerates aging, disease and the loss of health (he is really quite brilliant). WOW. His new book focuses on organizing (not boosting) the immune system to be in harmony with ourselves. Basically the immune system (white blood cells) contain quite an arsenal to attack disease, germs, stress, etc. This arsenal, if unleashed on our bodies (rather than infections, etc) when we don't engage in socialization/love (stress), poor breathing (stress), over eating (stress), not enough sleep (stress)...this system attacks us (leading to cancer, diabetes, etc.). This book is so ahead of its time....I highly recommend his new book as his last book (Ultra Prevention) was one of the most simplistic, yet comprehensive books on wellness and health I have EVER read (and I've read many). Buy it here!

Sunday, October 07, 2007

Invoke a Prayer

Carolyn Myss is a medical intuitive and an expert on energy medicine and she is brilliant. Dr. Sahni at Canyon Ranch sent me her 9 CD series on Energy Anatomy by Myss. I listened to the entire work on my plane ride home from Italy and it really caused me to change my thinking in life. One intentional prayer that Carolyn posted on her website (to say each morning) was the following...and I provide it here as a prayer for two very special friends (one here in Seattle and another in Toronto) that have close family members dealing with cancer:

I am committed to feeling a bond with each person I meet, to respecting my own integrity and honor, to living within the energy of love and compassion and returning to that energy when I don't feel it, to making wise and blessed choices with my will, to maintaining perceptions of wisdom and non-judgment, to release the need to know why things happen as they do, and not to project expectations over how I want this day to be and how I want others to be. And finally, my last prayer, 'to trust the Divine'. And with that I bless my day with gratitude and love.

Friday, October 05, 2007

Jet Laggard

So I came home last night, after just a half glass of wine, long day and and having managed to function on just 3-4 hours of sleep for the last 3 nights.

I was so tired, I opted to just rest my limbs on my bed for a second before I motivated to get into my jammies and brush my teeth. Well, I woke at 8am by the vibration of my cell phone that was under my bum, still fully clothed and with a black cat on my chest. I think someone could have done odd things to me last night and I would have never known.

Well...I hope I'm finally in this time zone.

Monday, October 01, 2007

YouTube Preview

Here is a preview of the video for this years trip; I had to do something with my insomnia!

Congrats Bettini

So I have returned from Italia just last night. Yup, I was up at 1am and still going strong here now that its 7am. I suspect in about 5 hours I'll be down for the count. So...I was getting txt message updates on the world cycling championships in Stuttgart from Mr. Guy Tucker, who was (reportedly) sitting on a plane (First Class mind you) in Frankfurt while I had 12" of leg room on my Air France Flight from Paris to Seattle. So...I found the picture of the world champ on his victory yesterday in Germany...and this picture of Guy. I ask only one question....
Have you ever seen them together? I mean Guy says he's never been to Italy before this trip...and he did hurry off yesterday morning for a flight to Germany....coincidence? I don't think so.

Wednesday, September 26, 2007

Friday, September 07, 2007

CAbi

Last night I went to my first CAbi party. I called it a Tupperware party of the next millennium. Ya see...the gals all get together, single moms, moms, professional women, retired, kids of those mom's (you get the picture) and they gawk over clothing that is all well made and well styled. Instead of buying things for the home (aka Tupperware Party) that will make "HIM" happy....you buy a BUTT LOAD of clothes that make "YOU" happy.

Another interesting dynamic (and brilliance of the clothing maker/marketer) is that we all see our skinny and fat friends (okay no one was fat at this party) try on stuff and it all looks good because a lot of wine flowed and your friends can talk you into anything! Not to mention the size deflation (could fit into the 2's). Needless to say I filled out EVERY line of the purchase order....THEN had to stop. It all arrives in a week....and I'll look stellar (I hope).

Thursday, September 06, 2007

New Classroom Next Year (CAT 3)

Do you remember what it was like to start school after summer? I do; The butterflies of the new year, next grade level; will I survive/make it, will I excel? I most remember going from Elementary School to Middle, then Middle to High, then High to College....oh yeah then there was Grad School, (which took all the other experiences and put them on EPO).

In a parallel story.... I got notice from USA Cycling this week that next year I'll be racing with the big girls (you know the fast ones). I'm officially a CAT 3 racer. The notice brought excitement...then in about 10 seconds (or less) fear that I wouldn't be able to keep up/excel/compete/etc. Yeah, some of my fellow racers are moving to the next grade with me...but there are all those women who have raced those distances at a much faster pace for several years. This whole entire thought process brought me back to the transitions we faced each fall of our growing years. I can remember that I always got a new set of clothes to make me feel more powerful in the situation (you know all that back to school shopping). I really think the entire thrust of retailing in the fall is just therapy or positive pyschology for kids feeling a little less powerful in the next year of school (in the face of change). Maybe this year's racing season I'll splurge for the full skin suit...then I'll feel REALLY fast! Come to think of it....I could use some new clothes now.

Saturday, August 25, 2007

Not Me!

See, it wasn't me that missed that sprint! It was only Kris! Ha, Ha, Ha...

State Hill Climb TT

So it wasn't what I wanted to happen. The plan was to get 1st and have Eden fall somewhere below 9th so I could win the BARR (State Title). Well, that was a HUGE long shot, because Eden was riding really strong the last few races AND it wasn't likely that even 7 WSBA licenced racers would show. Sure enough, it was game over before the race started. I vowed to at least take the TT.

Having been sick for 4 solid days since the TTT and feeling better Friday afternoon, I arrived bright and early this morning at the Base of Crystal Mountain turn off and highway 410 for the annual 6 mile climb up to Crystal Mountain Ski Area (oh yeah baby). I did a practice run and it was no Mount Lemmon (as that Arizona mountain is tougher, steeper, longer, higher). IF I could just keep a HARD pace to mile 3 and could spin a strong gear to the finish, I'd do well. Good intentions...but I saw Eden (who was racing just ahead of me) start 30 second before me gradually slip away. Argh........I dug deeper. Glancing up after that 30 second HARD effort....she was even further away. My chest heavy, my breath labored....my legs??? Heck, they felt good. Passing one woman, then another....it wasn't enough as my lungs didn't have enough for the day. I was 4th with a pretty weak time of 34 minutes. Next Year!!!!

Thursday, August 23, 2007

Classic Photo

Okay, found this shot on Amara's website and I had to purchase it. My friend Kris and I did all the work on this Carnation Road Race and this image at the sprint finish says it all...yup, that is Kris and me looking at each other saying...wow, that was a fun race, how come we didn't catch that train to the finish. Beth says I should use it to post in front of my trainer for next year. Hilarious (be sure to click on the image and get the full detail).