Shanghai was so overwhelming, I'm still getting re-established on Western terra firma while gradually processing the experience. Mini films of sights seen, run through my head at random times of the day since our return; the brain's attempt to process prior input at a speed that won't over amp and damage the mind with TMI !!

The first thing to share here is that Fran Mitchell, Director of the Consumer Action Center, is the BARGAINATOR EXTRAODINAIRE of all time. She and I were able to summarize this during a separate broadcast upon our return Feb. 8th.

Lately the news is full of the problems with making ethanol out of corn.
One official mentioned the cultivation of pine trees as a possible solution.

Clark's site is full of valuable info on this and other energy topics,
with ongoing updates.

Meanwhile, I've been wondering about the feasibility of harvesting only pine beetle damaged trees - and using wild growing invasive species to make bio fuel..... Kudzu, Asian Privet, and the blight of Ailanthus altissima (Tree-of-Heaven). I used to live on old farm land INFESTED with all of it and came to understand just how pervasive, aggressive and insidious these alien species are. Truly Satan's botanical minions. So if devouring them as biofuel worked out, we'd get fuel AND restore landscapes to their original glory. It seems so logical -- a Win Win!!
A quick google reveals there's concern that some biofuel crops will
BECOME invasive species. http://www.terradaily.com/reports/Biofuels_As_Invasive_Species_999.html
So why not just use the ones we already have?

Having long relied on liquid foundation....and eye liner to be counted among the living, I googled the topic and the revelations are disturbing.

So is it worth your time to become familiar with complicated chemical terminology and strain to read the mice type ingredients lists on all your personal care products? Definitely.

While we all have appreciated the "better living through chemistry" life we've enjoyed the past century, as with most things, it seems the law of diminishing returns has reared its ugly head.

It is reasonable and intuitive to make a connection between harmful chemical substances in our air, water, food, cleaning and grooming products, and the increased incidence of various cancers, thyroid and hormonal imbalances, and autoimmune disorders, striking at increasingly younger ages.

I hate commercials - those soul sucking interruptions in my favorite soul sucking, addictive shows, ads aimed at sucking all the remaining life out of my thin blue wallet. I hate them so much, I've used DVR to play back and vivisect them on occasion. What can I say. It relaxes me - a way to reclaim a modicum of control while being brainwashed.

For starters, it's distressing in the midst of our collective green awakening to see that manufacturers of household cleaning products have re-invented the mop and dust rag to convince you to purchase disposable refills of both!!