Bikers

Most people hear that word and think of some heavily moustached, potbellied men in black, but this week the 'bikers' descended on our street. Well, that is what Jack kept calling them. Most people would call them cyclists, but we prefer Jack's term as it seems to imply that they are a gang who is up to something. Only this gang is up to all good. They are biking to the tarsands. The Sierra Youth Coalition is behind this craziness and this gang of youth is quite inspiring. They are blogging, filming and writing about their journey to uncover what Albertans think of the tar sands and the global warming crisis we now face and helped create. They are a mixed bag of nuts...some highly focused university students who will take leadership roles on the inside, some artists who will fight their fight in their own unique way, and some dudes who just like to bike. We look forward to following them on their journey and wanted to let you all know how you could follow them as well. So, check 'em out:

www.tothetarsands.ca

Leave them a note of encouragement and any offers of help along the way...I'm sure they would appreciate it. It was neat having them stay with us...

Toy Recall

So, I've been thinking about this massive toy recall lately. I mean any household I know has something Dora, Barbie, or Polly Pocket if they have a little girl. And, with this magnet issue, I am wondering if My Little Pet Shop will be affected eventually as well. We did have one of the little Dora toys, but, due to the date it was purchased, it was not a problem. Here's the thing. This is all our own fault. For a couple of reasons. First--and most importantly--we buy things made in China. Yes, I am aware that it is incredibly difficult not to and it becomes increasingly more so every passing day, but no one buys these things because they don't have a choice. They buy them because they are cheap. Price trumps all other things. I'm guilty of it as well...I mean you try avoiding these brand names with your kids. The reality is they might be cheaper than toys made here or in europe, but they are not cheap. We are paying for the brand name and the company who created that brand name is making most of the money. Not the workers or facilities in China. But, more importantly, after we have the toys made in China, they get sent here, and--apparently--no one follows up. When we(and by we I mean the government and industry in particular) are fully aware of the lack of standards in China, why aren't they more diligent in checking up on them. In this crazy world of capitalism there are always going to be externalities(in economics, an externality is a cost or benefit resulting from an economic transaction that is borne or received by parties not directly involved in the transaction). The environment is one of them. Now, our kids are another. We need a system to hold someone accountable for these externalities. The truth is scary though. Because if we did, nothing coming from China would be cheap. They'd be paying the cost to the environment, to the local communities suffering from their lack of stringent air quality controls and the destruction of their drinking water, and to the families who have been affected by this recall. Sheesh...what would happen to WalMart?

Pughs Save The World

Okay, okay...so I exaggerate a little. The other day while talking to a neighbour I learned that a fellow was swimming the North Pole to raise awareness of how bad global warming really is. Like we needed that--I mean, here on the prairies in the sweltering heat of this summer, I think we can all agree that global warming is bad. Anyways, I tucked that little tidbit in my 'to wikipedia' pocket and guess what? The guy's name is Lewis Gordon Pugh. Yes, you heard right. He is a full fledged member of Pughville. And, the strangest thing is, Bob's great grandfather was Lewis Pugh. Hmmm...makes you think. Anyways, thought I'd mention it to you all and give you the link to his website so you can see that us Pugh's really are saving the world! One polar swim at a time ;)

www.lewispugh.com