Right outside Reno, Nevada on the Steamboat Trail.
Thank You & Grocery Store Gestapo
An interesting way of showing appreciation for environmental protection.
Conversation in the grocery store checkout line:
Oh, I’m good on the plastic bag.
“Oh sir, I just put it in there to keep it from spilling on the other items.”
It’s fine, that’s why I have plenty of extra cloth bags. Just put it one of the extras.
“Sir, we are required to put all meat and fish in a separate bag.”
Does it have to be plastic?
“That is my understanding, sir.”
No worries, I won’t tell anyone. I really don’t want that plastic bag.
“Sir, there are certain bacteria and things that can infect other foods. I should really put it in a secure plastic bag.”
You know, I’m just going to take it out at home and put in a refrigerator with a bunch of other things.
“Yes, but that is outside of our control.”
Your control? This is my food which I have now paid for and can choose to do what I want with it. I specifically bring cloth bags to the grocery store to avoid using plastic bags I don’t need. Please put my items in the cloth bags provided.
“Sir, there is no reason to overreact.”
Note: I am not against the use of plastic. Obviously, I depend on it every day for a variety of reasons. What I am against is the notion that uses and practices are absolute. Don’t use when you don’t have to, or when there is a more efficient alternative. Generally, a little effort to conserve isn’t really that much effort, and a little can go a long way. And finally, people need to get over this bizarre idea that those who seek to conserve are somehow hippies or anti-establishment. Stop getting bothered by conservation because you somehow feel that it is a direct threat to your rights as a human being to use whatever you want, whenever and wherever you want. And finally, if you feel that your actions have no influence on the course of this planet or the environment then, well, that is just sad.
Nevada: Viva Las Wilderness
There are so many beautiful and wild areas in the state of Nevada, and yet many Americans are not aware. Fortunately, there are people who are passionate about protecting these unique areas, despite significant challenges in the form of development, water rights, and numerous other interests.
Here’s a great video from the folks at Nevada Wilderness Project (NWP). A few memorable quotes from the video:
“Wilderness is a place for relaxation and sanity…a place where I have always gone to get my bearings.”
“I love politics, and I love sleeping in the dirt.”
“As Americans we have the right to petition our government for change.”
“When it is about protecting your backyard wilderness, and protecting what’s best about America, we feel like that is one of the finest kinds of patriotism around.”
May the force be with you, NWP!
Dichotomy
These two pictures were taken in the same day. Both are chasing and playing with something, but for different reasons.
A woman rides the wind at Sunset Beach just south of Tarpon Springs, Florida.
A Dolphin pursues a Jack along the battery of Bayshore Boulevard in Tampa, Florida.
Dragon Boat Races
Originating in China more than 2000 years ago, Dragon Boat Racing is one of mankind’s oldest organized sports. Each year there are competitions held in numerous locations around the world in celebration of the Duanwu Festival. In Tampa, there is actually a Dragon Boat Institute. They have a wonderful Vision, which among other things is – To be a model waterfront community.
I was rather surprised to see how many people came out to race and observe. Up and down the channel they went, blades cutting into the water in unison while one individual ruddered and another beat the skin of a drum to keep time. Meanwhile, the Asian Festival was underway on the square of the St Pete Times Forum, and choreographed dances and delicious food were a great complement to the competition.
When people ask me what I like most about Tampa I generally reply, the cultural diversity. Throughout the year there are numerous events surrounding the Cuban, Spanish, Italian, Indian, Greek, African, and American cultures that have shaped everything from the architecture to the events of Tampa Bay.
If you plan to go to next year’s races then stop in to the new Tampa Bay History Center where you will begin to unravel this rich past. What’s more, there is a Columbia Restaurant as part of the Center where you can sit on the deck adjacent to the water, watch the Dragon Boat Races, sip a Mojito, and enjoy Cuban food like they have been preparing since 1905.
In honor of the Dragon Boat Races, there was a fantastic metal statue placed on the promenade of Cotanchobee Fort Brooke Park. I just had to take a picture of it for my old whitewater rafting and kayaking friends, especially those that did and do paddle class V. After a little fun with Photoshop, I think it conveys that not-so-subtle feeling one can get above a must make move.
