Recommended Reading: Has civilization passed its last exit?

There is one newspaper article we should all read today and it’s from yesterday:

‘The last exit for the Holocene’ by Gwynne Dyer.

We’ll learn, some for the first time, Holocene refers to an era in Earth’s history in which “human civilization was born and grew to its present size.”

Also, that we may unfortunately leave the Holocene because of our own doing and there will be dire consequences for many.

Because our carbon generation has passed a healthy amount (“we are already at 387 parts per million and rising fast”) Mr. Dyer believes we must fundamentally change the direction we are heading and work toward the number 350 ppm, at least.


["Last Exit": photo GAH]

While reading the article for the first time I asked aloud, Can we do it?

His last sentence held an answer.

[Click here to read an earlier post re carbon emissions.]

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The Age of Austerity and Freedom from Things Part 2

Most North Americans haven’t lived small or simply for decades.

I think a tip of the hat toward a specific event and a subsequent attitude (two of several factors) are in order:

WWll

The belief we can do just about anything if we work hard enough together

But the combination of oil at $140 per barrel, gasoline at $1.40 per litre and the worry that every other thing produced or related to oil will soon cost more (2,465,336.9 other things at last count) will affect the way we live and think.

Before going on a short vacation I asked these questions in the short post below:

“What will you shed? What will you gain in return?”


[Photo by GAH: Live Small and Prosper]

And upon my return (brilliant photos to follow) I read the following responses from 3 readers.

Barb said...

I am all for the smaller waistline, so I will first give up junk stuff that I don't need anyway. I am also for boosting the local economy so I will shop more farm markets.

Carmi said...

I'll be spending a lot more time on two wheels than four. I've always enjoyed the experience more, anyway.

And I'll push more ultra-distance rides than before. It's time to make trips to Grand Bend and Port Stanley more than once-a-year goals.

Heidi said...

I think I will focus more on shopping locally... and gain more of a sense of community. (What a cool trade-off that is!)

I listed the above comments for two reasons:

Turbulent times ahead won’t be a ‘WWlll’ but a real battle nonetheless.

There are always people - good thing too - who believe, when the going gets tough, we can do just about anything if we work hard enough together.

[Click here to read The Age of Austerity will have a bright side]

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The Age of Austerity and the Freedom from Encumbrances

Eric Margolis finished a recent article by saying:

“Most analysts believe oil will stay above $100 from now on. Meaning North Americans better get used to small cars, small portions, small homes and smaller waistlines.”

If oil hits $250 as soon as some analysts predict (6 - 8 months) the move toward smaller lifestyles should begin in earnest.

I agree with Mr. Margolis. We “better get used to small cars, small portions etc.”

However, I think items on his list will be among the hardest possessions to shed.


Something else will happen first.

1001 smaller consumables will disappear and as they do a certain freedom will return.

What will you shed? And what will you gain in return?

[Click here to read The Age of Austerity will have a bright side]

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Motorcycle Miles: I love to get away, then return to the next generation

A family reunion of sorts took place in Bayfield recently minus the chief chef.

We barely averted disaster.

The family member who usually loves to do the BBQing was ill and the spatula was handed to me after I returned from the beach.


[Bayfield, Ontario; From a bluff about half a mile from my sister's BBQ]

“Ok folks. How much carbon do you like on your meat?” was my first question. (I was soon provided with an able assistant.)

Though it is refreshing to talk, laugh, eat way too much food and play cards for quarters with my wife, brother and sisters I always enjoy pulling back into our own laneway to visit with one special member of the next generation of Harrison motorcyclists.


“Hey, Ollie. Let’s get the motor running and head out on the highway,” I like to say while his mother shakes her head.

At what age should I introduce my grandson to my Steppenwolf LPs and CDs?

Click here for photos from a recent bike ride

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I swear this is my last word re drive-thrus in London: It’s not even mine

This is a brilliant post and I can’t take credit.

A few weeks ago I wrote a few posts about drive-thrus.

I mentioned the positive benefits of waiting in line from Tim Horton’s point of view and their news that they had 40,000 signatures on a petition to support cars idling for as long as necessary.

In all fairness I added a few opposing thoughts from a letter to the editor of the Free Press.

Trust me - I believe in fairness. At an early age I learned it was absolutely essential, especially when picking sides for a game of scrub or shinny.

After mentioning a few points from each side of the issue I summarized one post by saying:

People who are addicted to the convenience of say, a 2 - 3 minute wait for a large double double vs the huge, unmanageable effort of brewing their own cup in 3 - 4 minutes at a fraction of the cost will sign just about anything after they take the time to go online and sing a petition.


Shortly thereafter I received the following reply, forever hereafter to be known as my last word, though not my own utterance-eth, I do solemnly swear:

What is with you and making your own coffee? I don't have too, I don't want too, and I wont.

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The Cutest Kid in the Universe: Try to prove me wrong

Oliver reached 19-months old a few days ago.

(No gifts or cards are required. However, I may be biking to Bayfield later this afternoon and anybody who slips me a fiver to help with higher fuel costs would be a real peach in my book.)

After a tough delivery Ollie started life with hip dysplasia, had to be in a corrective and stabilizing harness for several months, endure many check-ups and the parents worried about his future for some time.


The kid came through with flying colours and I’m as proud of him as anyone could be.

Because my wife and I care for him 3 - 4 days per week and he runs to my study first thing after he’s dropped off in the morning I’m reminded of his stellar health and positive attitude on a regular basis.

Today I officially declare that Oliver Michael is the Cutest Kid in the Universe.

Other proud parents and grandparents can try to prove me wrong if they’d like!

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$250 Oil isn’t Impossible: Supply and demand are now on different playing fields

Last week, when I heard an oil analyst (“Tastes like 10W40 to me, Bob”) say that oil could hit $250 per barrel “possibly by as early as next year” I said the following:

“What? Almost double the price in 6 - 8 months? Get outta here.”

And I meant it. I wanted all thoughts of $250 oil to leave the room.

Though I went on to say nothing is impossible and I agree that IF it happens our lives will significantly change on many levels I also said, “It just strikes me very funny that we wouldn’t change and live sustainably until almost every process and product is priced to the sky.”

Yesterday I received this comment from a Toronto realtor:

“Nice post Gord. I am also very skeptical about 250 dollars per barrel. I listened to some prestigious US economist on Econ Talk and according to his opinion it is just a result of supply and demand. And I think it is impossible that demand could be so much higher in 8 months.

And also supply is still higher. Producers are still introducing new places with huge resources of crude oil...” July 3, 5:18 a.m.

Four follow-up thoughts came to mind:

- Supply and demand is a tricky business. E.g., is Saudi Arabia et al willing to bump up supply when they can now charge the sky for what's under the ground?



- Will demand (not just in North America) steadily climb, even faster than supply, as China and India produce and then sell millions of cars at under $3,000 each to their new middle class?




- $250 oil? Nothing is impossible, unless we're talking getting back into my size 30 jeans now that I've stopped marathoning.


- Are people allowed to send comments at 5:18 in the morning? Shouldn’t people be sleeping?

[If you’re awake, with nothing to do, read more about $250 oil below]

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The New Age of Austerity: The hardy elderberry will make a comeback

As oil prices increase many people will learn to live small.

Meaning?

Columnist Eric Margolis recently shed some light:

““Most analysts believe oil will stay above $100 from now on. Meaning North Americans better get used to small cars, small portions, small homes and smaller waistlines.” [Click here for full story]

The four smaller items he mentions will be a step in the right direction don’t you think?

Live small also means (among many other things) we will not be able to rely on cheap transport to bring practical or exotic goods from around the world to our kitchen table.

We will learn to rely more on goods that are closer at hand.


[An elderberry bush: view in context]

Near my home are many fine elderberry plants invisible to those who don’t recognize their distinctive blooms in early summer and their fruit in the fall. (I’d tell you where they are but then I’d have to... you know the rest.)

And while motorcycling to Fenelon Falls last year I passed through the centre of the elderberry universe on Highway 48, north and east of Newmarket.

I saw millions of dollars worth of beautiful pies hanging from long rows of healthy elderberry bushes.

Fortunately, by some fluke they hadn’t been cut down or buried under a parking lot.

Hundreds of other hardy and hearty native plants await our rediscovery.

Can you name three more?

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$250 Oil and Austerity: Fewer big box stores and less mango in my Jello

Oil at 200 bucks per barrel, 210, 220, 230, 240 and 250 will change our lives in significant ways - in many cases for the better.

Though I’ll miss my mango. (Yeh, I’ve been spoiled.)

In a recent article (by Tamsyn Burgmann, The Canadian Press) entitled ‘$250 a barrel would change life’ I read the following quote by David Foot, co-author of Boom, Bust and Echo:

“Outrageous oil prices would finally push Canadians into truly more sustainable practices [e.g. “we’d value our agricultural lands and not pave them over”], as the gains from global trade are reversed and society turns back to local production.”

I think it’s a good thing we stop burying prime land under Wal-Mart Superstores (etc.) the size of 18 football fields and driving across town to buy a huge assortment of cheaply produced goods from faraway lands.

It’s also a good thing we stop covering acres of highly valuable land under poisonous, petroleum-based pavement.

Though it’s regrettable Canadians need to be pushed to practice sustainable land-use habits (and I may never see mango in my Jello again) I think I’ll be able to survive with locally grown cherries, strawberries, raspberries and apples.

Heck, if we can find a way to remove toxic petroleum residue from millions of acres of arable land now used as parking pads maybe the hardy elderberry - my personal favourite - will make a comeback.


Click here to read - The New Age of Austerity will have a bright side

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Look up... look way up: The theme for photos is sky

Carmi (local journalist, photographer) at Written Inc. has created a unique challenge with this week’s offering of Thematic Photographic 5.


[View from the motorcycle on Crossley-Hunter Line]

The theme he has chosen this week for photographs is ‘sky’ - that large open space over our heads.


[The sky above Dyers Bay, Bruce Peninsula]

Grab your camera.


[Over the top of Aylmer Sales Arena]

Click here to see a few other recent photos.

If you’re still here click again.

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It Strikes Me Funny: The New Age of Austerity will have a bright side

As higher oil prices become the norm and we realize the Lone Ranger isn’t going to ride over the hill and lead us toward an unending supply of cheap fossil fuels our lives will change on many levels.

And for the better.

In a recent article (by Tamsyn Burgmann, The Canadian Press) entitled ‘$250 a barrel would change life’ I read the following good news:

“the value of country homes would depreciate as people moved to a more compact European model of living. The local pub would be a social hub in a neighbourhood-oriented society, while smaller homes would become commonplace - all of them built on a more environmentally sound footing.”

That’s three things right off the top.

Compact living vs wasteful sprawl

Local pub vs dry entertainment on TV (And if the pub is like the one on Coronation St. - brilliant!)


[Make the pub just like the one on C St.: see context]

And three - smaller, more environmentally sound homes vs large spaces in uninhabitable places

Why, more people might even learn how to say “wanna share a ride?” resulting in a higher number of participants in carpools.

The numbers of drive-thru ATMs, coffee-shops, fast food restaurants and 15 minute idling times might decrease as individuals and families drive less and become more self-reliant.

The list could become quite long. Any ideas??

[Click here to discover one reason why the price of oil is so high. Hint: the 15 minute idle]

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Live Small and Prosper: I declare, the New Age of Austerity officially begins

Gentlemen, turn off your engines.

It’s July 1, 2008, a beautiful day, Simon and Garfunkel are singing ‘Bye Bye Love’ on my old radio, somebody has to say it and it might as well be me.

The New Age of Austerity in North America begins today.

Write it down.

(I was going to call the new era the Age of Reason, Restraint, Rations and Restrictions but just try saying that 3 times fast or putting it into a song title.)

Since the price of oil is going nowhere but up and almost everything we do and drive is touched by oil’s dirty little hand we should start cutting back as Eric Margolis concluded in a recent, well-written column:

“Most analysts believe oil will stay above $100 from now on. Meaning North Americans better get used to small cars, small portions, small homes and smaller waistlines.”


["Live small, prosper, make room for others" GAH]

Though it the last sentence sounds like our long road trip is coming to an end I believe we can ‘live small and prosper’ and enjoy productive, healthy and purposeful lives.

Because austerity and creativity often go hand in hand.

[Click here to read a bit about austerity and self-reliance.]

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My Point of View: London's drive-thru debate could lead to a Guinness World Record

I know. I should be on the front porch with my second cup of coffee and not sitting here thinking about drive-thrus.

Whether you see pros and cons, lean toward ban or no ban or limited ban or a higher price for drive-thru coffee, want to restrict them or revere them, one thing is likely.

If we keep the debate going for just a few more days London, Ontario will forever be remembered in the Guinness World Book of Records - The City that Couldn’t Decide.

New ideas just keep on a-comin’.

Why just the other day Jay Brodie sent a letter to the editor of the Free Press saying:

“Don’t ban or limit (them), rather force the owners... to maintain a certain speed of service.”

By golly, could ‘force’ work? Could waiting times at airports, hospitals and Midas Muffler shops soon be a thing of the past?

I’m not sure but something else Jay said made me anxious to try it.

“Not only will this make all the environmentally concerned people happy, but patrons such as myself won’t have to wait 15 minutes for a single coffee.”


People actually wait 15 minutes for coffee? Most people, environmentally concerned or not, can make their own - plus a refill - in less than half the time and a quarter of the cost and that’s not even close to the World Record.

May the force be with you, Jay.

(Now, back to the porch.)

Click here to read another post with My (brilliant) Point of View

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My Point of View: We’re putting a lot of miles on the drive-thru issue Part 2

Shortly after Nick Javor (Senior VP, Tim Hortons, Oakville) reminded Londoners that drive-thrus “are a great benefit to the disabled, senior citizens, people with mobility challenges, parents with young children and customers who prefer to remain in their vehicles in unfamiliar neighbourhoods or bad weather” (June 24, Letter to the Editor, London Free Press) Warren Mackenzie wrote a few words that, from my point of view, are closer to the truth and are therefore... better.

He said:

“Sounds like Tim Horton's created the drive-through concept as a great service aimed at solving all these people's problems, and had nothing to do with just "how can we sell more coffee? Come on guys, you do what you do to increase sales and profit, and for no other reason.” [Zap this for entire letter.]

Tim Hortons may indeed pour coffee for senior citizens who like someone else to make their coffee and cakes while they socialize with their friends.

But Timmies only do so because HIGH TRAFFIC VOLUME (cars, SUVs, trucks, camper vans, etc.) informs management there's a buck to me made - on this corner or that corner.


[Honk here to see lotsa traffic in context]

As fuel prices rise and traffic volume slowly decreases (along with closely related carbon emissions) so will the number of drive-thrus.

And some folks will have to kiss their social hour good-bye.

(Or stay out of unfamiliar territory during a storm).

Zap this to read My Point of View: We’re putting a lot of miles on the drive-thru issue Part 1

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The Theme is Wood: It starts at the tree

I took the day off.

After coffee I warmed up the Virago and biked 75 km. to Thedford, then another easy 5 km. to Lake Huron.

I sat down at a familiar picnic bench under a few trees 100 metres from the shore.


I scribbled a few ideas for future posts and snapped a dozen pictures while enjoying a breeze that made me forget London's humidity.


Click here for a few more pictures related to the theme of wood.


And here.

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My Point of View: We’re putting a lot of miles on the drive-thru issue

Shortly after Nick Javor (Senior VP, Tim Hortons, Oakville) reminded Londoners of the many valuable benefits of drive-thrus (June 24, Letter to the Editor, London Free Press) Warren Mackenzie wrote a reply that, from my point of view, was not only more succinct but simply... better.

In response to Tim Hortons claims that they collected over 40,000 signatures on a petition ‘opposing drive-thru bans’ Warren wrote:

“When the city proposed a 'no smoking' ban to apply to restaurants and bars, there was another great outpouring of condemnation, but of course, only from diehard smokers, so what else could be expected when Tim Hortons asks its staunchest allies -- Timmy addicts, to sign petitions to support it?”

I think Warren’s right.

People who are addicted to the convenience of say, a 2 - 3 minute wait for a large double double vs the huge, unmanageable effort of brewing their own cup in 3 - 4 minutes at a fraction of the cost will sign just about anything related to their cuppa java - after they take the time to go online.

I know - it begs the question:


“How could 40,000 people find the extra 2 - 3 minutes in their busy day to sign an online petition?”

But, come on. Let’s not put more miles on this issue.

Click here for a more relevant and closely related issue.

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The Theme is Wood: One more photo from the workshop

Carmi (local journalist, photographer, stirrer of pots) at Written Inc. has created a unique challenge with this week’s offering at Thematic Photographic.

This week’s theme: Wood.


Things from trees.

Grab your camera.

Click here to see a few other rough-edged pix.

You’re still here? Click here for more photos.

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The Theme is Wood: I like it when things come from trees

I take it back.

Last week I said I love it when things come in threes, then added - Not trees. I’m too short - for a bit of comic relief (a very small bit).

However, Carmi (journalist, photographer, stirrer of pots) at Written Inc. has created a unique challenge with this week’s offering at Thematic Photographic.

This week’s theme: Wood.


Get your camera.


Things from trees.


Click here to see a few other rough-edged pix.

You’re still here? Click here for more photos.

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It Strikes Me Funny: Only high oil prices will lead to sustainable practices?

I’m not going to say I agree with the head of the world’s largest utility when he forecasts the price of oil could eventually hit $250US - “possibly by as early as next year.”

What? Almost double the price in 6 - 8 months? Get outta here.

And a one and a two...

Okay, it’s not impossible. Stranger things have happened.

People have crossed Canada in a Smartcar. A group of friends have written close to 1,000 posts in less than 18 months at Four Mugs and a Crock - without a Crock for many months. The Crock is now in Papua New Guinea. G. W. Bush became President of the USA. After six weeks in the bottle my home brew now tastes better than conventional beer.

But I’m not willing to say - today - that oil will go that high. (The last 3 barrels? Maybe.)

I am willing to agree, however, with experts and observers who say that our lives will change on nearly every level IF... IF... oil reaches $250 per barrel (pb).

(E.g. Richard Worzel, financial analyst, author and futurist says, “You can pick any aspect of our lives and it (i.e. oil at $250 pb) would change it significantly.")

It just strikes me very funny that we wouldn’t change and live sustainably until almost every process and product is priced to the sky.


[My home brew does taste better than conventional beer. How did I not know this?]

For example:

Worzel said that fresh produce in the winter would be costly and difficult to come by.

So, it never occurred to anyone in the past while poking a tomato from Florida, California or Guatemala - as tough as a scuffed up rugby ball - that its long trip on a gas guzzling truck wasn’t worth the price? By half?

And it never dawned on anyone that supporting local produce growers was a whole lot better for us in the long run?

No?

I don’t agree with that either.

(Stay tuned for more $250 questions.)

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Postcards and Prose From the Side of the Road

A picture is worth a thousand words is it not?

[Sometimes a True Canadian lyric is too.]

Shortly after stepping off my bike, camera in hand, at the edge of County Rd. 74 south of Mapleton on Sunday I discovered the batteries were dead.

No postcards today, I thought.

But the scene was worth remembering so I made a few notes while sitting at the New Sarum Diner. (Cheeseburgers are up to $3.55 now.)


[Mud swallow from another Sunday ride]

a rolling field of winter wheat
tossed beneath the wind’s hand.
I knelt low beside its edge
to catch the smell of earth and soil.
at the sound of my shuffling boots
a swallow darted from the shifting green
then watched me from a wire.

Click here for more Postcards From the Side of the Road

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