Did you ever wonder who they were? The “they.” The “they” that tell us that low levels of radiation and E.coli are safe. Or that extraction industries boost the economy. Or that fracking and tar sands are the only way to solve the energy crisis. They tell us that we don’t need labeling on our food. They tell us that the upswing in adult diabetes is normal. Sometimes they are … [Read more...]
Kiss the hand that blows the leaf
I've never understood the benefit of a gasoline-powered leaf blower over a rake or a broom -- except to create an ear-splitting whir whose only possible satisfaction must be to make the tool-wielder feel more macho. But yesterday I came to realize that the leaf blower, whose antique two-stroke engine technology enables such a small tool to make such a big noise, is not … [Read more...]