If we take the time,no matter how crazy
or troubled we feel,
we can find something
to be thankful for.
~Terry Lynn Taylor
Of Note: For some reason gratitude does not seem to come naturally to us. At times, it seems that the troubles and cares of the day compound like a heavy weight. Maybe that's why we have so many aches and pains around our shoulders and necks. Hard as it may be to believe, a joyous state is our natural set point as a human being. It's our divine legacy but can only be reached when we discover how to be grateful each and every day for the abundance showered upon us, rich and poor alike. The hard part is changing our views about what constitutes abundance. The Universe has much in store for anyone who cracks that nut.
Today's Weather Report: The northern tier of the USA thawed this weekend. That was good because we all needed a break. Apparently, January was one of the coldest months on record. But then, Jim and I had guessed that already. The temps are heading down again today though will not reach the minus 20's and 30's as before. We can be grateful for that.
Watch For Change Snippet: Once thought to be the panacea for future fuel shortages, biofuel has come under fire the last few years and for good reason. Turning food into ethanol doesn't make much sense, which is why a biofuel from a weed has the world talking. The weed tree in question is called jatropha, which produces seeds heavy in oil. This miracle oil is then refined into diesel fuel for trucks and manufacturing--up to an astonishing 1,600 gallons per acre! According to the alternative energy firm Clean Edge, the fuel emits negligible greenhouse gases while the weed captures 4 tons of carbon dioxide per acre. Because of this, growers might also be eligible for carbon credits on the global market.
Originally, jatropha was indigenous to the Caribbean before transport to India in the 1600's. Now, several countries have shown interest in the plant's production including New Zealand, Australia, Brazil and China. Setting aside 100 million acres for jatropha production, India expects to produce 20% of its diesel from this source by 2011! A company called My Dream Fuel led by two entrepreneurial brothers is leading the move into US markets. Since 2006, these visionaries have planted 900,000 jatropha trees in Florida, which grows in even marginal soil. What's more, as a way to give back, they have donated jatropha trees to energy-starved nations like Haiti. One of the brothers said plainly: "We want to make money with jatropha, but we also want to make a difference." Thanks to innovators like these men, the next wave of alternative fuel might be in reach of the world. For that, we can be thankful.
Today's Weather Report: The northern tier of the USA thawed this weekend. That was good because we all needed a break. Apparently, January was one of the coldest months on record. But then, Jim and I had guessed that already. The temps are heading down again today though will not reach the minus 20's and 30's as before. We can be grateful for that.
Watch For Change Snippet: Once thought to be the panacea for future fuel shortages, biofuel has come under fire the last few years and for good reason. Turning food into ethanol doesn't make much sense, which is why a biofuel from a weed has the world talking. The weed tree in question is called jatropha, which produces seeds heavy in oil. This miracle oil is then refined into diesel fuel for trucks and manufacturing--up to an astonishing 1,600 gallons per acre! According to the alternative energy firm Clean Edge, the fuel emits negligible greenhouse gases while the weed captures 4 tons of carbon dioxide per acre. Because of this, growers might also be eligible for carbon credits on the global market.
Originally, jatropha was indigenous to the Caribbean before transport to India in the 1600's. Now, several countries have shown interest in the plant's production including New Zealand, Australia, Brazil and China. Setting aside 100 million acres for jatropha production, India expects to produce 20% of its diesel from this source by 2011! A company called My Dream Fuel led by two entrepreneurial brothers is leading the move into US markets. Since 2006, these visionaries have planted 900,000 jatropha trees in Florida, which grows in even marginal soil. What's more, as a way to give back, they have donated jatropha trees to energy-starved nations like Haiti. One of the brothers said plainly: "We want to make money with jatropha, but we also want to make a difference." Thanks to innovators like these men, the next wave of alternative fuel might be in reach of the world. For that, we can be thankful.
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