38 posts tagged “qotd”
issue on everyone’s mind - the environment.
I've noticed significant apathy, and in some cases, even antipathy toward environmental issues and those who champion them. I'd like to offer this perspective: Safeguarding the environment is perhaps the most self-interested 'charitable' action we can take. The environment is not an entity that derives benefit from our protection; we benefit. The earth existed long before us, and will exist long after we are nothing but a distant memory. The planet has no stake in our survival or extinction. Who stands to gain if we protect and maintain a hospitable environment that sustains human life? We do. Caring about the biosphere we inhabit and acting as a responsible steward is akin to maintaining a home; if we fail in this instance, however, we cannot simply move from our neglected and ramshackle lodgings and start fresh somewhere else.
The key to positive environmental change is for each individual to take action. Any action, no matter how small. It is easy to give up, to succumb to the belief that the challenges are too great and our contribution will be too small to make a difference. But rather than feeling paralyzed and impotent because we cannot do it all, we can take steps in the right direction. A CF bulb here, a walk to the market there, a thermostat turned down, a donation to an environmental cause, an item recycled - it all adds up.
What fictional creature do you wish were real?
Honest politicians. [grin]
"What game are you really good at?"
is a solitary pursuit and not a head-to-head competitive challenge.
Which new movies are you looking forward to seeing this fall?
This is the one I'm most anxiously anticipating. It looks wonderful.
The movie's official website is definitely worth a visit. Check it out.
Do you have a green thumb?
OMG, no! I'm cursed. Seriously. I've tried, at various times in my life, to grow vegetables, plants, and/or flowers, both indoors and out. I've yet to succeed. I think of myself as a 'black thumb' who can bring blight to the hardiest plants. For a long time now, I've simply flown the white flag of surrender. However, I think I've worked up the nerve to give it another go. I'm strongly considering ordering and planting this garden:
|
I was discussing this idea with Tall during dinner, and my darling Antic piped up with this:
"Whaaaaaat?! You're going to plant a garden, mom? Are you serious?"
"Well, I think so. It's supposed to be a very hardy and easy-care collection of plants. I thought I'd give it a try."
"Um, are they plastic flowers? Cuz, really, I think if they're not, you're gonna kill them."
Ah, the vote of confidence. Needless to say, I feel very encouraged. :0
What's the oldest thing in your fridge?
Yes, it's still in there...
At the time I wrote my bit o' the bubbly post, I was willing to pop the cork over something as simple as warm weather. Well, sheesh, we've certainly got that. {fanning myself} Only now it doesn't seem worth celebrating. I guess I'll hold out for something else. Like the lottery. LOL.
Did you see the Harry Potter movie this weekend? Are you going to read the new book?
I haven't seen the movie yet. I abhor crowds. I plan to see it sometime soon, though. In fact, catching a matinee would be a good way to escape the blasted heat for a couple of hours. As for the book, my copy is on order and I'm very much looking forward to reading it as soon as it arrives. It's a bittersweet event, though. In a way, I hate to see the series come to an end.
What are some charitable causes that you support or would like to support?
This is a brief introduction to a few of the charities I support. Please visit their websites for further information.
Oxfam America is a non-profit organization that works to end global poverty through saving lives, strengthening communities, and campaigning for change. While Oxfam employs a variety of strategies to achieve our mission, the goal in all our endeavors is the same: to enable poor people to exercise their right to manage their own lives. Oxfam America is one of the top charities rated by leading charitable watchdog organizations, including the American Institute of Philanthropy.
Mercy Corps exists to alleviate suffering, poverty and oppression by helping people build secure, productive and just communities. Mercy Corps works amid disasters, conflicts, chronic poverty and instability to unleash the potential of people who can win against nearly impossible odds. Since 1979, Mercy Corps has provided $1 billion in assistance to people in 94 nations. Over the last five years, more than 90% of resources were allocated directly to programs.
The ONE Campaign is an effort by Americans to rally Americans – one by one – to fight the emergency of global AIDS and extreme poverty. ONE derives its name from the belief that allocating an additional one percent of the U.S. budget toward providing basic needs like health, education, clean water and food would transform the futures and hopes of an entire generation in the world's poorest countries. We also call for debt cancellation, trade reform and anti–corruption measures in a comprehensive package to help Africa and the poorest nations beat AIDS and extreme poverty.
In your ultimate dream house, what does your favorite room look like?
My favorite room will have an entire wall composed of large, floor-to-ceiling glass panels that show off an ocean view. These cleverly designed panels will rotate 90 degrees on a vertical center axis, opening the room up to an outdoor patio complete with a spacious hammock on one side, and a group of comfy chaise lounges on the other.
Inside, you'll find a bamboo wood floor, and modern, functional furniture in warm shades with inviting, comfortable textures and fabrics. There will be plenty of stylish reading lamps scattered about, as this will be primarily a room for reading and relaxing. I'll have several bookcases, a fireplace to take the chill off when it's cool, and a nice audio system that will also provide music to the patio. The paint colors will be soft and soothing. If I had a room like this, I might never leave it.
When skimming a magazine (or book or newspaper) do you flip through the pages from front to back or back to front?
Submitted by enSue.
I've heard whispered rumors of the back-to-front perusers, but I've always filed them away with unicorns, the Loch Ness monster, honest politicians, and other things that seem too strange to be true.
