Society

Peak Moment 154: Bicycling on Three Wheels — Transportation of the Future? (transcript added)

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In Peak Moment’s very first field production, bicycle enthusiast Galen Shumacher takes us for a spin on a three-wheeled “tadpole.” This human-powered vehicle (HPV), built for competition by the Chico State University HPV club, has two wheels in front and a single in back. Janaia’s unrehearsed ride shows that it’s easy to learn, comfortable to ride, stable, highly maneuverable, and fun! Galen also shows us the improved model being built for the upcoming competition. (P.S. they won!)

The Culture of Pretend: How Psychotherapy Keeps Our Communities Sick

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In recent years I’ve grown uncomfortable with the institution of psychotherapy and have begun to call into question the ultimate value of this work. While I create a safe place for people to unpack their secrets, I also simultaneously and unwittingly, collude with the Culture of Pretend. I make it easier for people to cope with, instead of confront, this culture that breeds shame and dysfunction.

Sacred Nature?

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I had the enormous pleasure this weekend of chairing our synagogues Scholar-in-Residence weekend, and thus hearing three talks by Rabbi Jill Hammer, Midrashist and author of _Sisters at Sinai_ and _The Jewish Book of Days_. Rabbi Hammer is an extremely fine and thoughtful teacher, and I learned a great deal about the nature and process of Midrash (that is, the stories both ancient and modern Jews tell to answer questions raised by Biblical texts).

Transition: Meeting the Challenge of Energy Descent

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…Where we are now is at the beginning of a transition from an industrial growth culture to a culture of descent. This transition will be characterized by much cultural chaos, and then we will be declining or descending to a far more sustainable low-energy culture. Regarding this, David Holmgren says, “We have trouble visualizing decline as positive, but this simply reflects the dominance of our prior culture of growth…The real issue of our age is how we make a graceful and ethical descent.”

Begin with Biochar

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“Why biochar? KrisCan joins David Yarrow during a biochar experiment to discuss the benefits stemming from this simple method of turning biomass into stable carbon which can then be used as an effective tool for soil remediation while actively pulling CO2 out of our atmosphere.

Who Ya Gonna Call in an Environmental Disaster?

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Nine out of ten Americans now live in places of significant risk due to climate change according to FEMA. A recent UN report concludes that the whole world is at risk due to climate change, deteriorating ecosystems and the expansion of poverty. FEMA’s new director, Craig Fugate, plans to handle the increased risk of disaster in the US by relying more on the American public.

Planning for Water Contingencies

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We know that fresh water is essential to life. While we can survive for weeks without food, even a few days without water can be a problem. One rule of thumb as to the amount of water needed for drinking is two quarts (1.9 liters) per person per day. If one includes uses other than drinking, obviously more is needed.