The World Without Us
Posted by Michelle Moquin on July 26th, 2009
Heavy dreams left me heavy headed this morning, hence I slept late and woke up fuzzy brained….and hungry. What can I say? I have had better days….or at least mornings. No complaints but don’t expect much from me in terms of writing. In fact, as I am writing and noticing that there were not many comments from yesterday (although good to hear from the regs :), maybe you too are feeling a bit slow mo. Maybe we’re all taking a little break this weekend.
Oh I did want to say one thing first…
Mark: My apologies for not completing my comment to you on Flap Your Lips Friday. It seems I got tongue-tied in my thoughts, and never came back to complete it. And now?….well, that thought is long gone. So sorry for leaving you hanging, if you were :).
Anyway…onto today’s topic. I have just been inspired.
So….It seems that so much of our conversations on this blog is about what we, as humans, do in this world. What impact we have on the planet and its inhabitants….whether it be good or bad. But what about if humans no longer existed here? What if we were hit by a catastrophic disease and all humans perished or we were swept away by aliens and taken off of this planet. Okay, so maybe the latter is a bit far-fetched. From what our alien friends have told us, I doubt they would sweep us away to a safe haven. But, on second thought, we are a food source…maybe they would if humans were in dire need of escape from whatever was plaguing us here. No matter….my question being….what would the world be like without us?
Alan Weisman asked that same question and wrote a book about it: ‘The World Without us’. I haven’t read it yet but the title has certainly peaked my interest. Here’s a little didley about it. Maybe it will peak your interest too.
In The World Without Us, Alan Weisman offers an utterly original approach to questions of humanity’s impact on the planet: he asks us to envision our Earth, without us.
In this far-reaching narrative, Weisman explains how our massive infrastructure would collapse and finally vanish without human presence; what of our everyday stuff may become immortalized as fossils; how copper pipes and wiring would be crushed into mere seams of reddish rock; why some of our earliest buildings might be the last architecture left; and how plastic, bronze sculpture, radio waves, and some man-made molecules may be our most lasting gifts to the universe.
The World Without Us reveals how, just days after humans disappear, floods in New York’s subways would start eroding the city’s foundations, and how, as the world’s cities crumble, asphalt jungles give way to real ones. It describes the distinct ways that organic and chemically-treated farms would revert to wild, how billions more birds would flourish, and how cockroaches in unheated cities would perish without us. Drawing on the expertise of engineers, atmospheric scientists, art conservators, zoologists, oil refiners, marine biologists, astrophysicists, religious leaders from rabbis to the Dalai Lama, and paleontologists – who describe a pre-human world inhabited by megafauna like giant sloths that stood taller than mammoths – Weisman illustrates what the planet might be like today, if not for us.
From places already devoid of humans (a last fragment of primeval European forest; the Korean DMZ; Chernobyl), Weisman reveals Earth’s tremendous capacity for self-healing. As he shows which human devastations are indelible, and which examples of our highest art and culture would endure longest, Weisman’s narrative ultimately drives toward a radical but persuasive solution that doesn’t depend on our demise. It is narrative nonfiction at its finest, and in posing an irresistible concept with both gravity and a highly-readable touch, it looks deeply at our effects on the planet in a way that no other book has.
Well Readers…what did you think? If you click here you will be brought to a page where you can place your mouse over different time periods, and see exactly what he says will happen to our beloved planet, after we are gone. It’s pretty interesting if you ask me. Do you think his assessment of life here without us is realistic? Thoughts? Blog me.
Oh, and by the way, if you are interested in buying the book, I made it real easy for you to do so right here. You can thank me later :)
*************
Zen Lill: Happy to hear from you again. Keep us abreast on your findings (no punn intended) about the mammogram age benchmark – thanks. Have fun and say hello to Lisa!
Al: I agree; it is criminal, but self preservation, and bleaching the country is their interest, not the well-being of the country. You know…’Country first’ is the mantra, but their actions clearly oppose their words. We’ll keep pushing it. Thanks for participating.
Have a wonderful Sunday!
Gratefully your blog host,
michelle
Aka BABE: Your Bad Ass Bitch Editor
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July 26th, 2009 at 6:29 pm
As we are only the tenants of this beautiful planet Earth, mankind, in his never ending desire for “more” has taken from her so much.
Without regard to the consequence, or forethought as to how much is enough. Without any balance or restraint.
The other (less intelligent) species do nothing to harm this planet.
Looks like our lease is about up here, our instinctual greed has just about depleted everything Mother Nature has to give.
Do you think we are entitled to have our deposit refunded?
I think that we are yet to know her wrath.
Al
July 26th, 2009 at 9:31 pm
14% OF AMERICANS HAVE PET-BORNE PARASITES
Generally speaking, pets are great for our health and emotional well-being but, in rare cases, they can also be the source of parasites that may lead to serious human health problems, sometimes even blindness.
According to a recent study from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 14% of the US population is infected with Toxocara, a parasite also known as roundworm that can be passed from animals to humans. If dogs and cats are infected with this parasite, their feces contain live eggs. People who accidentally ingest soil or some other substance that has come into contact with the egg-infested feces can become infected. The study results show that Toxocariasis (or Toxocara infection) is more common and widespread than previously believed and its incidence seems to be growing.
WHAT TO WATCH FOR
The good news is, most otherwise healthy people who become infected with Toxocara experience no symptoms and their immune system resolves the infection without requiring treatment. However, in about 10,000 people each year, larvae (immature worms) hatched from the ingested eggs create havoc when they travel to the liver, lungs, heart or brain, causing an inflammation called visceral larva migrans. Also, larvae can lodge in the eye, called ocular larva migrans — untreated, this can lead to blindness.
Toxocariasis symptoms include fever, coughing, wheezing, abdominal pain, a swollen liver or vision loss. The presence of the parasite is confirmed with a blood test. Antiparasitic drugs are the usual treatment.??While Toxocariasis disproportionately affects children, it can certainly occur in adults as well – and not only pet owners. “People can get these tiny eggs on their hands while gardening or handling contaminated soil, then touching their mouth – which can lead to infection,” says Peter Rabinowitz, MD, MPH, associate professor of medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut. “The disease is preventable with good hand hygiene and appropriate pet deworming,” adds Lisa Conti, DVM, MPH, director of the division of environmental health at the Florida Department of Health.
PROTECT YOURSELF & LOVED ONES
To reduce your risk of contracting Toxocariasis, Drs. Rabinowitz and Conti recommend following these steps:
• Take your dog or cat to the veterinarian for regular deworming starting at two weeks of age. ?
• Clean up after your pet and dispose of feces.?
• Wash hands after handling pets and after handling soil, especially before eating.?
• Keep dogs and cats out of the garden.?
If you have children or grandchildren…
• Don’t let children play where animals have soiled.?
• Cover sandboxes to keep animals out.?
• Teach children that it is dangerous to eat dirt.?
• Teach children to wash hands after playing outside or playing with pets.?
Source(s): ?
Peter Rabinowitz, MD, MPH, associate professor of medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut. ??Lisa Conti, DVM, MPH, director of the Division of Environmental Health, Florida Department of Health, Tallahassee, Florida.
July 26th, 2009 at 9:41 pm
If you guys want to come back to show your Chamorro dance skills, there is a contest for the best.
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Monday, July 27, 2009
LOCAL
Monday, July 27, 2009
Chamorro, Carolinian dance groups sought for Guam Micronesian Island Fair
The Commonwealth Council for Arts and Culture, under the Department of Community and Cultural Affairs, is calling on all traditional Chamorro and Carolinian dance groups to audition for the upcoming 22nd Guam Micronesian Island Fair.
The auditions will be held every Thursday of August at the Garapan Street Market.
The purpose of this audition is to select the group that will showcase the pride and culture of the CNMI people, most especially the Chamorros and Carolinians. The groups that are selected to represent the CNMI will be participating in the 22nd Guam Micronesian Island Fair on Oct. 16-18 at the Ypao Beach Park on Guam.
All interested traditional Chamorro and Carolinian Dance groups are encouraged to register at the Arts Councils office located in Capital Hill next to the Post Office from July 27 to Aug. 3 from 7:30am to 5pm.
For more information, contact Lucille T. Ayuyu or George S. Fitial at (670) 322-9982/82 or 664-2576. (PR)
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Hafa adai
Anna
July 26th, 2009 at 9:43 pm
Al, your comments and way of looking at a thing is always so intelligent. I look for your comments.
Martha
July 26th, 2009 at 10:24 pm
My husband and I had a huge argument about Mr. Henry Gates. Tom claims that Mr. Gates was just playing the race card because he was arrested for disorderly conduct.
I said that a white man under the same circumstances would not have been arrested. He skirted the issue by saying a white man with the same educational background as Gates would not have behaved that way.
I said that was a bigoted statement. He said that since that nigger became president that he felt cornered in his own house. I asked him what gave him that feeling. He said that his daughters were questioning what he has been telling them for years because they think that Obama shows that black men can be as intelligent or more so than a white man.
I said that color is not a determinant of a person’s intellectual skill. He said that that was the attitude that could cause our daughters to date niggers. I didn’t answer because I didn’t want to upset him.
It would be useless to start an argument about something that he is incapable of accepting. Republicans and probably most white men only see racism in terms of reverse racism. They wish to continue the claim that white men are better because of their race. They can not or will not accept anything else.
Olivia
July 26th, 2009 at 10:43 pm
Best Used Cars for Older Drivers
Eric Peters
Buying a used car instead of a new one can save you thousands of dollars up front. In addition, new cars depreciate as much as 20% in their first year. Younger drivers often buy used cars for their looks or performance. Older drivers do, too — but they often care more about practical issues, such as whether the car is safe, has comfortable seats and a smooth ride, and whether it’s easy to drive, park and get into and out of. And just about everyone, these days, cares about gas mileage.
Which used cars are likely to be of special interest to older drivers?* Here are some of the best on the market…
SUBCOMPACTS/COMPACTS
Toyota Corolla (2002–2007). The Corolla has many things going for it that will appeal to older drivers in need of a high-value small sedan. Though technically a “compact,” the Corolla is actually fairly large relative to the new class of ultracompacts, such as the Toyota Yaris, Honda Fit and Nissan Versa.
The Corolla has good head, leg and shoulder room for both front and rear-seat occupants. Also, it doesn’t have a steeply angled windshield/roof (as on some other models of compacts) that can make cars hard for people with limited mobility to get into and out of.
The Corolla has a fairly soft suspension relative to some of the more sport-oriented models in this category, such as the Honda Civic. The Corolla has performed very well in government crash testing, and later models will usually be equipped with safety features, such as antilock brakes, dual front air bags — and even side-impact air bags on newer versions.
Expect to pay: $5,000 to $18,000.
Chrysler PT Cruiser (2002–2007). This retro-themed, “all-purpose” car was hugely popular when first introduced, not only because of its nostalgic, custom hot rod styling but also because of its versatility. Its tall roofline and versatile interior allow it to efficiently carry cargo as well as people. It is much more maneuverable and less expensive to buy than a minivan, and it is also easier on gas, thanks to its economical four-cylinder engine (versus the larger, thirstier V-6s usually found in minivans).
PT Cruisers are also suitable for people with physical handicaps because they can be readily modified for both wheelchair access and hand controls. These vehicles have an easily accessed and roomy cargo area that makes them ideal for antiquing as well as longer road trips to visit family/vacation spots — or for bringing along pets. Later models offer the option of a convertible top, too. While the PT Cruiser is not especially refined, major systems are durable, and because they were produced in very large numbers, great deals can be had on lightly used models.
Expect to pay: $5,500 to $15,500.
MIDSIZE CARS
Buick LaCrosse (2005–2007). The LaCrosse is one of the “new” Buicks designed to appeal to younger buyers. It retains the traditional Buick characteristics of a plush and quiet ride, roomy interior and upscale but not ostentatious styling.
This car can seat as many as six passengers (depending on whether the car has bench or bucket seats), comes standard with a smooth and powerful V-6 engine and is much more refined and “finished” overall than the Buick Century and Regal sedans it replaced. Even the older 2005 and 2006 models are still very current in terms of features and equipment, yet prices for slightly used models only a year or two old are extremely reasonable.
Expect to pay: $12,000 to $18,500.
Ford Five Hundred (2005–2007). Released as a new model in 2005, the Five Hundred is one of the most underrated midsize sedans on the market. It offers a standard V-6 engine and is available in all-wheel-drive, yet can be bought used for about what you would pay to drive a new front-wheel-drive economy compact.
Why is it such a great deal? When the Five Hundred was introduced, its plain styling and moderate acceleration resulted in slower-than-anticipated sales. Ford hurried a restyled version — with a larger, more powerful (and fuel thirsty) V-6 — into production last year and christened it the reborn Taurus. But the Five Hundred (and its Mercury twin, the Montego) are nonetheless just what the doctor ordered if the prescription is a great deal on a quiet, roomy and very comfortable five-passenger sedan.
Expect to pay: $12,000 to $20,000.
LARGE CARS
Toyota Avalon (2000–2007). The Avalon is Toyota’s largest passenger car. Compared with large American rear-drive cars, such as the Chrysler 300, it offers as much (or more) interior volume, but its front-wheel-drive layout means it has better traction in wet and snowy conditions.
The Avalon also has some of the highest customer satisfaction scores of any car on the market, as well as a reputation for high quality and reliability. Its large size also means that it’s a very safe car in terms of crashworthiness, yet it is easy to drive, with good visibility thanks to large windows and a rather high driver’s seat. Newer models may be equipped with a rearview backup camera, as well as side impact air bags and traction/stability control. The standard V-6 engine is one of the most powerful of its type available in this price/class
.
Expect to pay: $7,000 to $25,000.
Mercury Grand Marquis (2002–2007). The Grand Marquis (and its slightly more spartan twin, the Ford Crown Victoria) are the last of the traditionally built full-size American sedans. These vehicles will be very familiar in layout to older drivers, who grew up with a roomy “big car” feel, rear-wheel-drive and V-8 engines, all three of which are standard Marquis features.
The 4.6 liter V-8 engine provides easy power without having to mash the gas pedal, while the cavernous interior can seat six adults comfortably. There is a huge (21-cubic-foot) trunk, too. The rear-drive layout and heavy-duty frame allow this vehicle to comfortably pull a trailer. The car is simple and rugged and provides long service life and low-cost maintenance. The Marquis is exceptionally safe in a crash due in part to its size and mass.
You would have to buy a much more expensive used car (such as Mercedes-Benz E-Class or BMW 5-Series) to find a car that scores as high on crash tests. The Marquis costs tens of thousands less when new and half to a third as much as those European cars when purchased used.
Expect to pay: $7,000 to $20,000.
PRICING AND MILEAGE
The wide range given for pricing in this article takes into account that used car prices can vary significantly, even when comparing cars of the same make, model and year, due to such factors as condition, mileage and equipment.
Check sources such as the NADA Guides (nadaguides.com)) and Kelley Blue Book (kbb.com)) used-car pricing guides to get a more accurate idea of the value of a specific used car, with specific mileage, features and so on.
Fuel economy will vary by manufacturer, model and year as well as different engine and transmission options. You can check the gas mileage for city and highway driving for a particular car by visiting the Environmental Protection Agency’s site at fueleconomy.govClick on “Find and Compare Cars.”
*I have not gone farther back than about five model years, due to mileage and wear-and-tear issues. The newer a used car is and the lower its mileage, the more likely it will be that at least a portion of its original new car warranty will still be in effect. This includes either bumper-to-bumper coverage for everything except normal wear and tear or longer-term powertrain coverage.
July 26th, 2009 at 11:06 pm
The movie Food, Inc is a must see movie. One of the the things it tells us is how corn figures in every link in the food chain. What it left out is the fact that one can get mercury poisoning from MERCURY IN SWEETS MADE WITH HIGH FRUCTOSE CORN SYRUP.
To separate corn starch needed for HFCS production from the kernels requires caustic soda (lye), which was for decades made with mercury cells. Safer methods to accomplish this have been developed, but the new technology is expensive. Here in the US only a few plants are still using the old mercury-cell methods, but in Europe and other parts of the world many processors have not upgraded their technology. The problem then: American food manufacturers use HFCS from all over the world and there is no way for consumers to know where the HFCS in foods we buy was sourced from.
Juanita