State of the World

Safe to say, I'm concerned.

This is a time in my life when I feel like I am constantly searching for intellectual stimulation.  Honestly, how can anyone ever be too smart?  I find myself reading everything, including ingredients on packaging.  Did you know that most Glucosamine (the vitamin supplement) is derived from shell fish, which means a lot of people are actually allergic to it?!  Yeah... so let me re-emphasize just how I feel that no one can be too smart.

Currently I am a full-time student and part-time employee.  I am working my rear off, and in the minimal down times that I find, I am still trying to stimulate my brain.  I hate not having something to keep me busy and something means educational.  I am currently reading two novels (I would be reading more, but thought it best to pace myself).  I also have three blogs of my own that I keep somewhat updated (yeah more than this one, but spare me).

So what I'm trying to say thus far is that I find it difficult to believe that there are people out there who are content with what they currently know and have no intention of picking up a book or even trying to expand their knowledge of anything.  Today I got the impression that America is certainly going to be the place where the zombie apocalypse takes place, and it's going to be of their own doing.  I'm almost ashamed to think of how other countries view Americans these days.

My word to the people is this:  If you don't start using your brains, you may as well be zombie food, or zombies yourselves.  Because honestly, what is the point of living without experiencing everything life has to offer?

The reason my thinking went this way today of all days, is because someone at work was raving about how excited they were that Paris Hilton is writing a book.  Then someone mentioned "I doubt she has ever read a book, she's probably having someone else write it for her."  The point of their story about Paris Hilton just got me to thinking about it all and I wanted to cry.  Paris Hilton is already famous, no one needs her to become more famous or make any more money off her stupidity, but here she goes.  Great.

Then I started thinking about how right now the most popular shows on television (even though I only know from hearing my college co-eds crack jokes about them) are shows like Jersey Shore and something called 'The Real Housewives'.  Are you kidding me?  Reality is the hottest thing on television, I can somewhat wrap my mind around that, however, in these particular reality shows there is no challenge to survive or outwit, actually it seems like the point of television these days is just the opposite of 'wit'.  It seems like Americans are becoming dumber by the programed hour.  I'm sad about it, but thankful that I don't have cable.

To be honest, my television preferences stopped at CSI, Bones, or Law & Order.  I enjoy watching shows where I can learn something, shows that are based on reality without the ignorance of reality that I have to deal with in person on a day to day basis.  This rant just brings me back to my teenage years and makes me wonder what ever happened to really smart shows, even teen dramas like Dawson's Creek were so much better than the pathetic shows produced today.

Again, I'm saddened and worried at where this dumbing down of our nation could possibly be heading.  I only hope that something changes soon.  

Is this Recyclable?

     I grew up on a farm.  I'm sure I've mentioned that in my blog before.  When I was younger, on the farm, my family was already recycling.  My mother (one year) saved the tv guides (when they were small magazine-like books) and then had my sister and I help her dog ear all the pages including front and back cover to mid-page then she took them outside and sprayed them down with green paint to make our own decorations for Christmas (in case you can't imagine, they looked like Christmas Trees).  It's at least one form of recycling and a fun family project as well.

     My parents also saved egg cartons.  We were never in short supply of egg cartons and re-used them when we would gather eggs from our very own chickens.  We also used egg cartons for other things as well, like Barbie shoe closets or paper clip separators.  My mother was always coming up with clever ideas of how to use things like that for arts & crafts.  In some ways, I'm jealous of all the ideas she came up with over the years.

     This post is about recycling, so how about I try to stay on topic.  :)  I cooked breakfast the other day and after using up the last two eggs in the carton, I tossed it into the recycle bin.  My boyfriend comes along and says "Honey, I'm sorry to tell you this, but this is not recyclable."  He took the carton out of our bin and threw it into the garbage and my heart sank.  I know he's correct, I know that there are certain things that while I believe they are or should be recyclable, simply just are not.  It really does break my heart.  I would much rather throw everything into the recycle bin and tell the people at the recycling place to "figure out a way to make it recyclable"!  But sadly that is not an option.

     I do believe, that given time more and more things will become recyclable.  I already know that I've been re-using things around the house more and more to keep from having as much garbage.  For example, an old water container with a spout is now my tea pitcher.  I use it to make sun tea.  Jars and other containers have found themselves cut in half and used as planters in the garden.  Even a cardboard drinking cup that has that fancy waxy coating has become a little planter for small items.  Lately I've also been purchasing more and more foods that come in reusable containers because it's nice to have them around and not have to feel bad about all the waste that I'm causing with the purchase of my food.

     Finally, an interesting photo to go along with the theme of this post.  Because I sincerely cannot wait for the day when EVERYTHING is recyclable, but for now... at least the list is longer than when I was a child.