Economic Indicators

As we know, the poor and working poor consume the most fast food out of all of the socioeconomic classes.  However, it was reported on "Marketplace" today that fast food consumption has risen across all socioeconomic classes, which indicates a sinking economy.  Instead of eating out at casual restaurants like TGI Fridays and Applebee's, people are going through drive-thrus at McDonald's and Burger King. 

It was also reported that the fast food industry is marketing their food to the middle class by advertising "healthy" meal options and use clever wording in messages to ease the stigmatization of eating fast food.  And it's working!

I'm not surprised by this report, but I would have imagined that people would be spending more at the grocery store to pinch their pennies.

"Fast Food Takes Off During Rough Times"

Driving and Sociology

On my way home today, I heard a segment on NPR's program "Fresh Air" about how our driving behavior reflects our personality and why people drive they way they do.  I personally found this segment so interesting because it deconstructs behavior and also because I spend 2 hours a day driving to and from work.  

Merging late is one behavior discussed and something I tend to do regularly.  At first I felt bad about cutting people off who have waited in a long line for their turn or for the traffic to slowly creep forward.  I no longer feel bad because, as I suspected and it was confirmed on the program, the people who merge late actually help traffic move 15% faster.  Ha!  I no longer feel bad.

Navigating the Science (and Sociology) of 'Traffic'

Good Friends and Fun

I met up with two very good friends today.  We spent the day catching up and having fun.  My one friend brought her daughter along.  Below are some pictures taken on the playground.  She's too cute!

 

Some Much Needed Rain

The weather has been nice the last couple of days - warm and sunny.  A few thunderstorms rolled through a few days ago, which was very much needed and enjoyed.

One Lucky Guy...

A local radio station (wmmr) held a contest for local musicians to send in one song with a video  in order to be entered to win a chance to open up for Coldplay this Friday.  The contestants only had a week to submit their work but according to the radio dj, there were over 100 submissions... wow!  They narrowed it down to 15 and then 3 finalists.  The three finalists were viewed and the winner was selected by Coldplay themselves!  

The artist selected is Jonah Delso and his song is "Elevator."  I think he sounds like Jack Johnson.  Who knows... he may be the next big solo musician in the music world.  Check out his single "Elevator" below - it's catchy and the message is interesting.

Hot, Humid, and Sticky...

The PA area has been dealing with some nasty temperatures in the 90s for about a week. The air is thick with lots of humidity and makes living on the 4th floor of an apartment building unbearable! I am now trying to think of things to do at ground level or in places with air conditioning.  We spend a lot of time on our balcony in the summer, usually to escape the heat inside.

Our balcony has been progressing nicely over the summer because of Tom's diligent botanical efforts. Earlier this summer, we had planted Gerber Daisies and then transitioned those hanging pots into Petunias. Last night Tom planted Morning Glories (creepers) in two long pots and weaved wire around the railing slats for the plants to grow. It all looks very nice and  I'm appreciating the art of horticulture more and more.

Recessions and Knitting

I listened to "Marketplace" on NPR today on my way home from work.  I really like this program because it gives a relatable approach to financial, economic, and investment topics that are difficult to understand.  There was a segment on how several knitting shops are closing around the country because yarn and other knitting material is being increasingly purchased on the Internet.  This isn't surprising, as this has been a trend for the past few years with other hobbies and products like movies, music, and books.  The interesting part of the knitting shops closing is the analysis of when and why the hobby boomed in order for numerous shops to open.  The program stated that after 9/11 and the recession in 2001 became a reality, people started knitting more to calm nerves, worries, etc.  It was also said that there has been a trend with people spending on hobbies during recessions, which is the interesting sociological perspective I enjoyed about this story.  I like finding out why people do the things they do... and, I'm a knitter!

Here is the link to the story in case you're interested in taking a listen'

Lazy Weekend in the Country

We enjoyed our weekend by spending time in the country with my family. Escaping the heat was another story though. Ivy, Carter, and I went to the swimming pool on Saturday to have some fun in the water. To cool off on Sunday, which seemed to be the most humid, we packed up and went to the creek. Unfortunately, I don't have any pictures of Carter's new scraps and scratches, but he took a wicked fall off of his bike on the way down to the creek. I'm sure he'll always remember that tumble.

Carter playing army games with tree bark

Ivy getting splashed by Mike and Carter simultaneously

Ben fishing

Mike and Ivy

Tom and Hercules - Other people with a bunch of dogs also came to the creek to cool off. Hercules is 4 months old and full of energy. Tom and Hercules became fast friends.

Tom picked some berries

Sue!

Hercules

Water and Eco Footprints

I listen to NPR a lot, especially while driving to work in the mornings. This morning there was a segment about awareness of our individual and national water footprint. A water footprint examines how much fresh water is used within and outside your perspective country to produce products we use. An example used on the main page of the organization's website displays that 1,600 liters of water are used to produce 1 kg of beef. That's amazing! The publications posted to the site state, obviously, that grains and beans use the least amount of water to produce. As you might have guessed, countries like China have a smaller water footprint than the United States. Recent studies have also looked at consumption of water on an individual basis.

I have listed a few websites below that discuss water and eco footprints, and ways to be more green and cost-effective. Also, there are calculators within these sites that measures personal footprints. I'll also place these links on the right-hand side of the page for future reference.

1. http://www.waterfootprint.org/index.php?page=files/home
2. http://www.footprintnetwork.org/gfn_sub.php?content=footprint_overview
3. http://frugaldad.com/2008/06/16/75-tips-to-survive-a-down-economy/

Summer Fun on MV

My family (minus Ben - who was missed tremendously) stayed on Martha's Vineyard for a week in June.   We loved every minute of it and had great time soaking it all up.

The Swans - Tom's dear feathered friends.  He lured them within arm distance by quietly and slowly feeding them bread.  It was friendship at first sight!

Zoe's best swan impression - she's too funny!

Lighthouse

Carter learns the joys of capitalism by desperately trying to sell cool drinks to motorists and pedestrians.

Ferry docking in Vineyard Haven

Not-so-happy lobster

Love, Love, Love Coldplay!

I really enjoy their new hit "Viva La Vida" from their latest album. It has a great beat and catchy lyrics.

Trip to Louisville, Kentucky

We visited Louisville, KY last weekend for a friend's wedding. While we were there, we toured the city by foot and enjoyed the sights. It's "easy livin'."

Thomas and I on the street in downtown Louisville

Alie with her parents walking down the aisle

This limo was covered with marbles!

Our breakfast we had at a local cafe in Old Louisville. Food was very affordable compared to PA

After brunch on Sunday: Greg, Alie, Thomas, Melissa, Bud, Sherry, Jason and Jill