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From the website : The Department of Economics and the Center for Economic Research & Policy Analysis at Appalachian State University will hold the 2018 Appalachian Experimental and Environmental Economics Workshop on April 27-28, 2018 at the BRAHM in Blowing Rock NC. MORE
Facing constant rejection from job applications, I was at a particularly low point emotionally, in relationships and personally, and was tired of finding out that the “bottom” in “hitting rock bottom” kept moving lower and lower. I needed a change and since my apartment was the only collateral I had, I figured I’d use it. Apprentice Thesis Arts Enlightened Society Right Livelihood apartment swapping holiday right livelihood swap writer writing MORE
World Earth Day was on 22 April. This year the world aims to “End Plastic Pollution” and also create a global support to stop the use of single-use plastic. Plastic is now deeply integrated into our lives. Sadly, most of the plastic ends in the world’s oceans. This results in killing many marine animals and heavily disturbing marine and terrestrial biodiversity. According to the Earth Policy Institute , nearly one trillion plastic bags are used worldwide every year. MORE
According to eBird , I have been entering checklists since December 23, 2009, and I find it an incredibly useful way to maintain my lists, plan birding travel, and keep up on my favorite hotspots. eBird automatically organizes my observations by country, state, and county, and keeps running totals for my life and year lists. Indeed, without eBird, I would not have any lists at all. MORE
It has gone down something like this: Get a review assignment from a journal. Am unable to login to the journal website to retrieve the paper. Find out that the journal has created two accounts for me. Journal sends me the paper to review via email. Can't login to submit my review. I submit my review via email. Wait and try to enjoy life and work. I receive an invitation to review the revised paper. Today] I'm now ready to submit my review. MORE
France has banned the use of terms traditionally associated with meat in describing vegetarian or vegan products, no matter how clear the branding or description. So long, seitan steaks…hello, barbecued seitan slabs. In a petty jab at veganism, using words like “steak”, “sausage” and “burger” to market food free of animal-products will now land producers a hefty fine as the government seems to believe these product names are misleading consumers. MORE
by Michael Smith (Veshengro) Don't try to impress people with what you can buy. Instead impress them – or at least try to impress them – with what you can do and make. Make from natural materials, from trash, and whatever, and thus don't have to buy. Also with what you can do without, I would add to that. People are always totally amazed that I do not have a television, for instance. How can you not have a television and stay informed, they ask at times. MORE
I'm not sure I'm as optimistic as Krugman but the attempt to reduce the use of from renewable energy is likely a huge mistake (in terms of dynamic efficiency): Not that long ago, calls for a move to wind and solar power were widely perceived as impractical if not hippie-dippy silly. MORE
We can be only as healthy as our soils are. Once our soils lose their fertility, we lose our ability to cultivate crops and plants we need to sustain our good health. Maintenance of healthy soils has been a critical aspect of our life for thousands of years, but even with such extensive knowledge from our ancestors, it is not an easy task. MORE
We’ve all been there: a funeral visitation, the hospital room of a friend who’s just received a frightening diagnosis, a coffee date with someone who’s been downsized at work. Frequent encounters with people who are struggling with grief, fear, sadness, and anger are not uncommon and often leave many of us at a loss, not knowing. MORE
While on our beach vacation in the Outer Banks of North Carolina in early April I took full advantage of our location just off the beach. In the afternoon the sun was at my back and the birds on the beach and over the water were perfectly illuminated for some nice digiscoping opportunities. Terns, gulls, pelicans, gannets, and ducks all made their way past and all were digiscoped to within an inch of their lives. But none were quite as fun to shoot as Osprey. MORE
The world is a noisy place — and scientists can use that sound to help protect wildlife and wild places. Acoustic recorders are like audible camera traps, capturing bird song, frog calls, insect stridulations, bat or marine mammal echolocation, and […]. Nature Tech Bioacoustics MORE
You probably know that I live where we have many, many woodpeckers. One of the most abundant woodpeckers in Oak Run , where I live, is the Acorn Woodpecker ( Melanerpes formicivorus ). The photos above and below are an adult male Acorn Woodpecker hanging on a hummingbird feeder at the University of California Hopland Research and Extension Center where I attended a meeting back in February. You may also be aware that I have been feeding hummingbirds at my home for over thirty years now. MORE
Working as a professional actor in the entertainment industry, I found the whole power trip process of casting to be a soulless experience, where incredible artists were minimized to numbers and nothing mattered but famous faces and making money. Arts Enlightened Society Right Livelihood actor artistry collective creativity Hollywood life-calling media media standard storytelling succesfull MORE
by Michael Smith (Veshengro) First of all it also must be said that “zero waste” is a myth itself. There is no such thing as “zero waste”. It will never be possible. Having said that, however, does not mean that we should not reduce waste, especially in way of packaging, and waste that occurs also through planned obsolescence. MORE
A black bear spends the winter without eating, drinking, urinating or defecating. And yet it emerges strong as ever. Wildlife Mammals Nature Pop Research MORE
Morning at the slopes of Mt. Povlen, a quick stop filled with a song that sounds familiar, but I haven’t heard it since last year. Checking it on my phone – yes, it is an Ortolan Bunting ! Our destination lies further west, along the Drina River, which marks the border between Serbia and Bosnia. We are heading to the 6 km / 4 mi long and 500 m / 1600 ft deep Tresnjica River Gorge, on a small tributary of the Drina originating on the slopes of Povlen – and a Griffon Vulture Sanctuary. MORE
Two reactions on hearing that Steve Howell and Brian Sullivan have written a guide entitled Peterson Guide to Bird Identification–in 12 Steps : (1) What? Another identification guide?, (2) 2) Who? An identification guide by Steven N. Howell and Brian L. Sullivan? This should be interesting. Two reactions on receiving my review copy from publisher Houghton Mifflin Harcourt: (1) Small book, colorful design, (2) There really are 12 steps and they are not in the order I expected. MORE
For Earth Week, here are 9 reasons for optimism and hope. Ideas Nature Pop Top 10 MORE
I have written before of the intersection between the human need for entertainment and the bird need to live bird lives and make more birds: it partakes of both the compelling and the ridiculous at the best of times. And now is the best of times. The extended winter of our cold, damp discontent is made glorious summer by the antics of a couple of Red-tailed Hawks. MORE
The Congressional Budget Office has prepared its first estimates of direct expenditures and revenues from H.R. 2, the Agriculture and Nutrition Act of 2018; AKA the Farm Bill. It looks like the conservation title (Title II) might take some hits. The Conservation Reserve Program is proposed to be scaled back, and the Conservation Stewardship Program is proposed to be repealed. MORE
My sophomore level environmental and resource econ course has a research component. The students are required to write an abstract suitable for submission to an undergraduate research conference. Most of the students are estimating Turnbull willingness to pay using dichotomous choice data from published papers employing regional case studies. MORE
I emailed the link to my blog post to the journal that has me in their reviewer database twice so I can't log in to do the review. This is the reply I received less than an hour later. From From the inbox: Dear Whitehead, Wait. "Dear "Dear Whitehead"? What, are you an undergraduate at a regional state university? MORE
by Michael Smith (Veshengro) I have always been a paper guy – preferring to sit down with a good book in hand, not a digital device. And on the writing side, at least as far as notes and drafts of articles, etc., are concerned a pen & paper guy. Digital just does not do it for me and, in fact, is not good for note taking and such at all, and that also according to scientists. MORE
by Michael Smith (Veshengro) “A man with one watch knows what time it is. The man with two is not quite sure.” Unknown So many homes are clogged with duplicate items, which are supposed to make things easier, but end up contributing to clutter and cost. But can downscaling to just one of each really be done? Maybe, maybe not entirely. It all depends on the individual's and the individual family's situation. MORE
Angela Minor has lived, traveled, and birded from the southern U.S. to the Rocky Mountains and beyond, Alaska, throughout the Caribbean, and in seven countries in Europe. As a freelance travel writer, she authors the state park birding series at Bird Watcher’s Digest, writes for several travel publications including Blue Ridge Country, Smoky Mountain Living, World of Cruising, and serves as a field editor for Birds & Blooms. This is Angela’s first contribution to 10,000 Birds. MORE
by Michael Smith (Veshengro) There definitely was a time when you used a jam jar or other glass jar as a drinking vessel you were looked down upon and was surely regarded as being seriously poor or a strange eccentric. Jam jars and other glass jars were the common drinking vessels of the poorer classes for many, many decades and more and the very term of “having a jar”, referring to having a drink, even in the pub, probably originates from that. MORE
Malawi has planted over 60 million tree. seedlings this tree planting season, according to recent statistics released by Forestry department of the Ministry of Natural Resources. Malawi’s forestry season is a period designated by the government to encourage and promote re-afforestation in all parts of the country, and runs from December to April which is also a rainy season. MORE
Some fish species use sound to communicate, and these vocalizations could be key for scientists studying both fish and their freshwater ecosystems. Fish & Fisheries Bioacoustics Fish Fisheries Research MORE
When rooftop solar panels were first. introduced to the world, they were largely just another neat toy for the reach but not practical for the masses due to their massive upfront costs. However in the last decade solar cell costs and solar panel installations have both experienced significant price drops, while efficiency of these solar panels in converting solar light into usable (or sellable!) electricity has only increased. MORE
Another day, another “vegan” defending honey. There seems to be a misguided argument floating around that honey isn’t really “that bad” in comparison to other forms of exploitation. Some are bold enough to even suggest that honey shouldn’t be a priority when we humans continue to eat meat and drink cow’s milk, but that’s as detrimental as arguing that wool is not as bad as fur. MORE
To design a solar PV system. for any household, it is necessary to consider several parameters like the available solar resource, amount of power to be supplied by the system, solar panel efficiency, autonomy of the system (off-grid or connected to the grid) as well as the selection of components like inverters, batteries and controllers. MORE
Reticulated giraffe populations have declined 70 percent since the 1990s. Here’s a free and easy way to help, without leaving your computer. Citizen Science Wildlife Camera Traps Endangered Species Mammals Research Technology Try This MORE
Guest Post by Gary L. Francione. When I promote the position that veganism is a moral imperative (veganism is something we are morally obligated to do) and that justice requires that we be vegan, some welfarists respond: “But you buy your vegan foods at a store that sells animal products and, therefore, you are being unjust so you can’t take the position that justice requires veganism.”. MORE
New science shows that restoring healthy coastal habitats – like marshes and oyster reefs – is an extremely cost-effective solution for reducing those risks. Climate Change From the Field Ideas Nature Tech Adaptation Climate Nature + People Nature-based Solutions Oceans MORE
by Michael Smith (Veshengro) The aim of the US government, through the CIA and proxy-warriors of the CIA, was to eliminate the state of Yugoslavia as a geopolitical power factor, as a regional power. Yugoslavia, as it stood, as a large state, did not fit in with the desires of the United States and thus it had to be broken up. It stood in the way of the strategic plan of the USA the way it was. MORE
A garden buzzing with insects – for some. the equivalent of health and prosperity, for others a nightmare bringing many sleepless nights in fear of unwanted pest infestation. But the abundance of insects is not always a reason to worry. More often, it is actually a positive sign of an ecologically balanced environment. Did you know that out of all known insects only one to three percent do harm to our produce? The remaining 97 to 99 percent perform crucial services for the ecosystem. MORE
Environmental Economics
APRIL 17, 2018
I'm not sure I'm as optimistic as Krugman but the attempt to reduce the use of from renewable energy is likely a huge mistake (in terms of dynamic efficiency): Not that long ago, calls for a move to wind and solar power were widely perceived as impractical if not hippie-dippy silly.
10,000 Birds
APRIL 3, 2018
Angela Minor has lived, traveled, and birded from the southern U.S. to the Rocky Mountains and beyond, Alaska, throughout the Caribbean, and in seven countries in Europe. As a freelance travel writer, she authors the state park birding series at Bird Watcher’s Digest, writes for several travel publications including Blue Ridge Country, Smoky Mountain Living, World of Cruising, and serves as a field editor for Birds & Blooms. This is Angela’s first contribution to 10,000 Birds.
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Nature Conservancy - Science
APRIL 9, 2018
Reticulated giraffe populations have declined 70 percent since the 1990s. Here’s a free and easy way to help, without leaving your computer. Citizen Science Wildlife Camera Traps Endangered Species Mammals Research Technology Try This
Green (Living) Review
APRIL 4, 2018
by Michael Smith (Veshengro) First of all it also must be said that “zero waste” is a myth itself. There is no such thing as “zero waste”. It will never be possible. Having said that, however, does not mean that we should not reduce waste, especially in way of packaging, and waste that occurs also through planned obsolescence.
Eccorazzi
APRIL 2, 2018
Guest Post by Gary L. Francione. When I promote the position that veganism is a moral imperative (veganism is something we are morally obligated to do) and that justice requires that we be vegan, some welfarists respond: “But you buy your vegan foods at a store that sells animal products and, therefore, you are being unjust so you can’t take the position that justice requires veganism.”.
Greentumble
APRIL 26, 2018
A garden buzzing with insects – for some. the equivalent of health and prosperity, for others a nightmare bringing many sleepless nights in fear of unwanted pest infestation. But the abundance of insects is not always a reason to worry. More often, it is actually a positive sign of an ecologically balanced environment. Did you know that out of all known insects only one to three percent do harm to our produce? The remaining 97 to 99 percent perform crucial services for the ecosystem.
Green Life Buzz brings together the best content on green living from the widest variety of industry thought leaders.
Nature Conservancy - Science
APRIL 11, 2018
New science shows that restoring healthy coastal habitats – like marshes and oyster reefs – is an extremely cost-effective solution for reducing those risks. Climate Change From the Field Ideas Nature Tech Adaptation Climate Nature + People Nature-based Solutions Oceans
Green (Living) Review
APRIL 2, 2018
by Michael Smith (Veshengro) I have always been a paper guy – preferring to sit down with a good book in hand, not a digital device. And on the writing side, at least as far as notes and drafts of articles, etc., are concerned a pen & paper guy. Digital just does not do it for me and, in fact, is not good for note taking and such at all, and that also according to scientists.
Eccorazzi
APRIL 24, 2018
France has banned the use of terms traditionally associated with meat in describing vegetarian or vegan products, no matter how clear the branding or description. So long, seitan steaks…hello, barbecued seitan slabs. In a petty jab at veganism, using words like “steak”, “sausage” and “burger” to market food free of animal-products will now land producers a hefty fine as the government seems to believe these product names are misleading consumers.
Greentumble
APRIL 19, 2018
Malawi has planted over 60 million tree. seedlings this tree planting season, according to recent statistics released by Forestry department of the Ministry of Natural Resources. Malawi’s forestry season is a period designated by the government to encourage and promote re-afforestation in all parts of the country, and runs from December to April which is also a rainy season.
Environmental Economics
APRIL 17, 2018
I emailed the link to my blog post to the journal that has me in their reviewer database twice so I can't log in to do the review. This is the reply I received less than an hour later. From From the inbox: Dear Whitehead, Wait. "Dear "Dear Whitehead"? What, are you an undergraduate at a regional state university?
10,000 Birds
APRIL 26, 2018
Morning at the slopes of Mt. Povlen, a quick stop filled with a song that sounds familiar, but I haven’t heard it since last year. Checking it on my phone – yes, it is an Ortolan Bunting ! Our destination lies further west, along the Drina River, which marks the border between Serbia and Bosnia. We are heading to the 6 km / 4 mi long and 500 m / 1600 ft deep Tresnjica River Gorge, on a small tributary of the Drina originating on the slopes of Povlen – and a Griffon Vulture Sanctuary.
Nature Conservancy - Science
APRIL 4, 2018
A black bear spends the winter without eating, drinking, urinating or defecating. And yet it emerges strong as ever. Wildlife Mammals Nature Pop Research
Green (Living) Review
APRIL 30, 2018
by Michael Smith (Veshengro) The aim of the US government, through the CIA and proxy-warriors of the CIA, was to eliminate the state of Yugoslavia as a geopolitical power factor, as a regional power. Yugoslavia, as it stood, as a large state, did not fit in with the desires of the United States and thus it had to be broken up. It stood in the way of the strategic plan of the USA the way it was.
Eccorazzi
APRIL 11, 2018
Another day, another “vegan” defending honey. There seems to be a misguided argument floating around that honey isn’t really “that bad” in comparison to other forms of exploitation. Some are bold enough to even suggest that honey shouldn’t be a priority when we humans continue to eat meat and drink cow’s milk, but that’s as detrimental as arguing that wool is not as bad as fur.
Greentumble
APRIL 5, 2018
We can be only as healthy as our soils are. Once our soils lose their fertility, we lose our ability to cultivate crops and plants we need to sustain our good health. Maintenance of healthy soils has been a critical aspect of our life for thousands of years, but even with such extensive knowledge from our ancestors, it is not an easy task.
Environmental Economics
APRIL 26, 2018
From the website : The Department of Economics and the Center for Economic Research & Policy Analysis at Appalachian State University will hold the 2018 Appalachian Experimental and Environmental Economics Workshop on April 27-28, 2018 at the BRAHM in Blowing Rock NC.
10,000 Birds
APRIL 10, 2018
According to eBird , I have been entering checklists since December 23, 2009, and I find it an incredibly useful way to maintain my lists, plan birding travel, and keep up on my favorite hotspots. eBird automatically organizes my observations by country, state, and county, and keeps running totals for my life and year lists. Indeed, without eBird, I would not have any lists at all.
Nature Conservancy - Science
APRIL 17, 2018
For Earth Week, here are 9 reasons for optimism and hope. Ideas Nature Pop Top 10
Green (Living) Review
APRIL 26, 2018
by Michael Smith (Veshengro) Don't try to impress people with what you can buy. Instead impress them – or at least try to impress them – with what you can do and make. Make from natural materials, from trash, and whatever, and thus don't have to buy. Also with what you can do without, I would add to that. People are always totally amazed that I do not have a television, for instance. How can you not have a television and stay informed, they ask at times.
Elephant Journal
APRIL 6, 2018
We’ve all been there: a funeral visitation, the hospital room of a friend who’s just received a frightening diagnosis, a coffee date with someone who’s been downsized at work. Frequent encounters with people who are struggling with grief, fear, sadness, and anger are not uncommon and often leave many of us at a loss, not knowing.
Greentumble
APRIL 25, 2018
World Earth Day was on 22 April. This year the world aims to “End Plastic Pollution” and also create a global support to stop the use of single-use plastic. Plastic is now deeply integrated into our lives. Sadly, most of the plastic ends in the world’s oceans. This results in killing many marine animals and heavily disturbing marine and terrestrial biodiversity. According to the Earth Policy Institute , nearly one trillion plastic bags are used worldwide every year.
Environmental Economics
APRIL 17, 2018
The Congressional Budget Office has prepared its first estimates of direct expenditures and revenues from H.R. 2, the Agriculture and Nutrition Act of 2018; AKA the Farm Bill. It looks like the conservation title (Title II) might take some hits. The Conservation Reserve Program is proposed to be scaled back, and the Conservation Stewardship Program is proposed to be repealed.
10,000 Birds
APRIL 16, 2018
While on our beach vacation in the Outer Banks of North Carolina in early April I took full advantage of our location just off the beach. In the afternoon the sun was at my back and the birds on the beach and over the water were perfectly illuminated for some nice digiscoping opportunities. Terns, gulls, pelicans, gannets, and ducks all made their way past and all were digiscoped to within an inch of their lives. But none were quite as fun to shoot as Osprey.
Nature Conservancy - Science
APRIL 25, 2018
The world is a noisy place — and scientists can use that sound to help protect wildlife and wild places. Acoustic recorders are like audible camera traps, capturing bird song, frog calls, insect stridulations, bat or marine mammal echolocation, and […]. Nature Tech Bioacoustics
Green (Living) Review
APRIL 23, 2018
by Michael Smith (Veshengro) “A man with one watch knows what time it is. The man with two is not quite sure.” Unknown So many homes are clogged with duplicate items, which are supposed to make things easier, but end up contributing to clutter and cost. But can downscaling to just one of each really be done? Maybe, maybe not entirely. It all depends on the individual's and the individual family's situation.
Elephant Journal
APRIL 22, 2018
Facing constant rejection from job applications, I was at a particularly low point emotionally, in relationships and personally, and was tired of finding out that the “bottom” in “hitting rock bottom” kept moving lower and lower. I needed a change and since my apartment was the only collateral I had, I figured I’d use it. Apprentice Thesis Arts Enlightened Society Right Livelihood apartment swapping holiday right livelihood swap writer writing
Greentumble
APRIL 3, 2018
When rooftop solar panels were first. introduced to the world, they were largely just another neat toy for the reach but not practical for the masses due to their massive upfront costs. However in the last decade solar cell costs and solar panel installations have both experienced significant price drops, while efficiency of these solar panels in converting solar light into usable (or sellable!) electricity has only increased.
Environmental Economics
APRIL 17, 2018
My sophomore level environmental and resource econ course has a research component. The students are required to write an abstract suitable for submission to an undergraduate research conference. Most of the students are estimating Turnbull willingness to pay using dichotomous choice data from published papers employing regional case studies.
10,000 Birds
APRIL 20, 2018
I have written before of the intersection between the human need for entertainment and the bird need to live bird lives and make more birds: it partakes of both the compelling and the ridiculous at the best of times. And now is the best of times. The extended winter of our cold, damp discontent is made glorious summer by the antics of a couple of Red-tailed Hawks.
Nature Conservancy - Science
APRIL 18, 2018
Some fish species use sound to communicate, and these vocalizations could be key for scientists studying both fish and their freshwater ecosystems. Fish & Fisheries Bioacoustics Fish Fisheries Research
Green (Living) Review
APRIL 20, 2018
by Michael Smith (Veshengro) There definitely was a time when you used a jam jar or other glass jar as a drinking vessel you were looked down upon and was surely regarded as being seriously poor or a strange eccentric. Jam jars and other glass jars were the common drinking vessels of the poorer classes for many, many decades and more and the very term of “having a jar”, referring to having a drink, even in the pub, probably originates from that.
Elephant Journal
APRIL 14, 2018
Working as a professional actor in the entertainment industry, I found the whole power trip process of casting to be a soulless experience, where incredible artists were minimized to numbers and nothing mattered but famous faces and making money. Arts Enlightened Society Right Livelihood actor artistry collective creativity Hollywood life-calling media media standard storytelling succesfull
Greentumble
APRIL 16, 2018
To design a solar PV system. for any household, it is necessary to consider several parameters like the available solar resource, amount of power to be supplied by the system, solar panel efficiency, autonomy of the system (off-grid or connected to the grid) as well as the selection of components like inverters, batteries and controllers.
Environmental Economics
APRIL 17, 2018
It has gone down something like this: Get a review assignment from a journal. Am unable to login to the journal website to retrieve the paper. Find out that the journal has created two accounts for me. Journal sends me the paper to review via email. Can't login to submit my review. I submit my review via email. Wait and try to enjoy life and work. I receive an invitation to review the revised paper. Today] I'm now ready to submit my review.
10,000 Birds
APRIL 19, 2018
You probably know that I live where we have many, many woodpeckers. One of the most abundant woodpeckers in Oak Run , where I live, is the Acorn Woodpecker ( Melanerpes formicivorus ). The photos above and below are an adult male Acorn Woodpecker hanging on a hummingbird feeder at the University of California Hopland Research and Extension Center where I attended a meeting back in February. You may also be aware that I have been feeding hummingbirds at my home for over thirty years now.
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