Wednesday, April 29, 2009

Share and Voice: Penn and Teller


So this past weekend I went to visit Paul, "my man"..as Sara J would call him ;) in Staples Mn, which is about 30 miles from Brainard (let me tell you it's a pretty exciting town..) He helps run a golf course out there. His boss was kind enough to let me work there this weekend (just to make a few dollars for my broke self as the school year is coming to an end) As I was helping to clean up all the garbage and pop bottles from the tables I was surprised to find out THEY HAD NO RECYCLING BINS?!? Of course I made a smart comment to Paul, he's always giving me grief about my rants on recycling, littering, etc. Then I went right to his boss and made a comment (friendly but honest) and asked why he didn't recycle. He simply answer "I don't believe in that crap"...I was speachless. Then he went on to ask if I'd ever seen the show "Bull Shit" (sorry thats the name) by Penn and Teller. I have seen that show and I actually like it. But that doesn't mean I change the way I live just because some magician tells me it's not true!? The show is based off mostly controversial topics that they "prove" to be one way or the other. It's a really interesting show, but if everyone believed everything they say there'd be no recycling, endangered species aren't real, and college is a scam..(the list could go on and on it's been aired since 2003). Basically I guess I was just looking for a better answer from him. I was hoping fees would have been an excuse, or the fact they are only open for a couple months, but no he didn't "believe" that recycling did anything?? It's my goal the next time I go back to bring back some proof for him..if you got any good ideas let me know :) I have a few that I've been looking into..I'll let you know how it goes.

Here is a link to the video..they swear a lot but if that doesn't offend you I think you should check it out and watch with an open mind..it's just 1/3 of the show because they're an hour long but if you have time check it out.

Tuesday, April 28, 2009

Advocacy Project: Letter to Public Officer

April 28, 2009

State Representative Melissa Hortman
377 State Office Building
100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.


I am writing to you in regards to an issue that has been brought to my attention. I am a citizen who is concerned about the future pollution of our state. I support H.F. No. 609 in hopes that you will as well. It is stating that Minnesota should adopt statewide vehicle emisions standards that are more protective than the federal standards. Beginning in 2012, the clean car stanards will require that all new cars and light-duty trucks sold or registered in MN will be manufactured in a way that results in a 30% reduction in emissions by 2016.

Reducing pollution from on-road vehicles in Minnesota is an important piece to the sollution. Why not join the 14 other states in adopting more protective vehicle emission standards. We have a lot to lose in Minnesota--10,000 plus lakes, rivers, animals, our health, and the list could continue on. The knowledge and technology is there to make these cars. It is up to us to put our foot down and take a stand against these auto industries to make them realize it's a win-win situation.

I ask for your support in passing H. F. No. 690. This bill will help to fight the global warming pollutions that can harm the future of what makes Minnesota so unique.

Please contact me for any additional information. Thank you for dedicating your time on this issue.


Sincerly,

Jayme Purkat
100 Environmental Blvd.
Duluth, Mn 55555