RJ Mical has been delighting his group of subscribers with a MONDAY TICKLER for years. When you put your email on his list, you will get a weekly puzzle that you may … or may not… be able to solve. It’s fun, gets me thinking but this time he and his group has delved into the Efficiency / Electric / Hybrid Car puzzle. See below for their answers, all smart and thoughtful. If you want to sign up for a weekly Tickler, just email RJ at:<rj@mical.org> and you’ll be part of the fun!

From RJ: I asked questions about getting fuel efficiency with my electric
hybrid. Should I use up the EV mode in the city or on the highway,
etc. The results were awesome! I got some pointers for additional
research too, and I think car makers should tell us a lot more about
what they know. I’m going to publish the info I’ve collected on the
website, but meanwhile here is a compilation for you.

=== RESULTS ===

Marvin came up with an excellent suggestion! “Wouldn’t it be great
if the car figured it out by itself, using temperatures, types of
road, wanted arrival time, prices of gas, etc…”

Lots of people, such as Jeroen, Daryl, Frank, George, and Scott, got
all scientifical with a ream of information regarding the engine and
temperature. As they describe it, the factors are so complex and
interdependent that it seems Marvin’s solution – have the car do it
for us – may be the most sensible one. “There is no real scientific
math to this. It would require so many factors like temperature,
wind direction and speed, average driving speed, hills, corners,
braking and accelerating. That is why your car always ‘guesses’ the
mpg. Real facts. Temperature is one of the biggest, if colder you
use up more, first of all because you got your heating on. Second,
as it really gets cold, say 14F and while you’re driving, it drops
even further to 5F, your engine just won’t get to its temperature,
the coolant through the radiator gets cold and the engine loses its
heat.” Jeroen provided a website (ask me for the link) that could
make one rethink hybrids altogether. “Of course, this all varies
with temperature. Batteries do not work as well when they are
chilled. And they’re not really very happy if the temperature is
110 in the shade and you push them hard.” Especially not if that’s
110 centigrade.

Jerry made a superb point, caught me off-guard! “If you burn gas on
the first part of the trip, you’ll shed a noticeable amount of
weight, making the rest of the trip more efficient. For that reason
you should prefer hybrid mode for the first part of the trip as long
as you use up the EV capacity by the end of the trip.” Well done,
Jerry!

Paul: “Get a Tesla.”
Charles: “Take that WhamJoy out on the road and give it a spin!”
Stan: “Don’t start hyper-miling on us.”

My favorite: Mathilde brought up the most thoughtful point of all,
that by using the EV mode in the city, for city driving, we help to
improve “quality of air” where congestion is worst and human
exposure is highest. “I guess ethics is a way to ruin your
mathematical approach to this problem,” said charming Mathilde.

It’s fun it’s inspiring, if you have an opinion (YES YOU DO!) then comment. It has just started for all our SF Bay livers and lovers, do take a look, this post really made me smile: http://www.loakal.com/uptown-art-park-opening-on-first-fridays-april-5/

BLOG HOME is here!

You have to feed a writer with your interest and comments since we can’t hear your applause. Let us know!

WordPress is blogging software, and if you have to speak up…. I recommend this tool. It is easy, elegant and well-supported.

Many times a year, there are training and learning events, they seem a bit like a party, and they ARE fun! The goal is to get the community together and answer all the questions and showcase the innovations. Of course, socializing and making friends is an important component. The seminars are called WordCamps – and when you are part of this community, you can even help set up the seminars in your city. These WordCamps are international. I was looking for the closest one, and it is in Phoenix. The cost is always low, this one is $20 /day, $50 / 3 days and the community is incredible. For more information on this event: http://2013.phoenix.wordcamp.org/

There are many ways to get involved, check out volunteer jobs.

WordCamp PHX 2013 Jan. 18-20, 2013 • Downtown Chandler, AZ

VOLUNTEER

Learning your local history is an exciting way to become involved with your community. You’ll meet local volunteers, learn new things, and become part of shaping the future, by knowing the past. Redwood City has a long history, and many walks, talks and buildings that make this effort the perfect “green”, family-oriented outing.

Here are a few bits of history to tantalize you: Redwood City became the first incorporated city in San Mateo County on March 27, 1868. The town was basically self-contained, employing most of its working populace in a diversity of activities (government, education, farming).  By the turn of the century, the lumber business had moved out of the area, and other businesses like hotels and general stores had taken its place.

Built in 1910, the Redwood City Courthouse, which is now the San Mateo County History Museum presides over the Plaza. Courthouse Square is flanked by the old Fox Theater building (now a venue for live music), several art galleries and It truly feels like the center of Redwood City. This area was completely revamped and it has revitalized the entire area with food, movies, events, stores and more. This location is so convenient, and is walking distance to Cal Train, Shopping Center, Library and other government buildings. This area is full of life and energy!

The courthouse is two stories, topped by a stained glass dome and bell tower.  Eagles and crests adorn the rooftops making it quite a lovely, stately building.  Inside you’ll find mosaic tile floors and a grand staircase.  Admission is $4 for adults and $2 for seniors and children.  Entrance to the gift shop is free and you’ll find books about local history and toys for kids

The Courthouse Square is shaping up to be the cultural center of Redwood City, with music, art, events, movies and so much more.   The fountains are glorious and the plaza has a welcoming feel and room for the hundreds that make this area their “first stop” for summer fun.  The farmers’ market takes place here on Saturdays (April – November).

At the San Mateo Historical Museum, which is part of the courthouse square  you can enjoy the building and many exhibits.
2200 Broadway Street
Redwood City, CA 94063
(650) 299-0104

EVENT: on Thursday, February 17, 2011, there will be a film premiere and exhibit opening. The evening starts with the world premiere of the movie The Last Train from Bay Meadow.

Then, celebrate the opening of the exhibit that is at the History museum:  ”Broads, Bootlegger and Bookies”.

This is a little out of the ordinary ….. as far as a post on the Greeneroo blog goes!

I am a great dog-walker. If you need someone and you live in San Carlos, Belmont, Woodside, Redwood City, Palo Alto or Menlo Park, let me know.  I have years of  experience and have cared for a variety of animals.
I have experience and references, my rates are reasonable. I don’t advertise, just word of mouth, and so I usually have time available for your pooch and other pets. I stay in your home, watch your dog(s), pets, water your garden, take in your mail and papers. I can do other tasks if we plan ahead, I know how important it is to get home after a trip and find a happy pet and a well kept-home.

Rates:

• For 1 -2 dogs:      $20/day, $50 day & overnight
• One more dog:     add $10
• Dog Walks             no charge
• Dog Brushing       no charge
• Plant watering, mail/paper pickup, errands while pet-sitting - no charge
• Cats, turtles, fish, birds, rodents – the day rate applies.
• Additional experience with many other animals, monkeys, goats, insects but those are all special cases, so we could talk about them.

If your pet needs a friend while you are gone and you need someone reliable who loves animals, contact me.   Jackie  findjac@gmail.com

Today is the 40th anniversary of Earth Day. There is alot to celebrate, and there is always room for improvement.
Now you have thousands of great green sites to choose from, and we appreciate your coming to us for all the interesting tidbits, events, hints, and issues that are part of our Northern California experience. We do select a few amazing things to report on from farther away, but this is focused on what we can really experience and enjoy… so we can bring you the Best of the Best! – Thanks for reading! ~ Jackie

Everyone can get involved in Earth Day celebrations. SFGATE does a great job of listing what is available. We have amazing organizations that can keep you busy for days, months and years to come. Here are a few favorite places for events/ classes / hikes etc. Here are my favorites:

• Take a look at all the LINKS in the Blog roll on the right side, this can be a reference guide to great green!!
• Earth Day 2010
• Great food at Golden Era in San Francisco
• Freecycle — they understand the reduce, reuse, recycle message!
• Rentalic - collaborative sharing of what you want… but don’t have! A marketplace.
• Meetup – a great place to search for hikes and fun, you can sign up for notices. I’d suggest the looking for hiking groups in your area.
• Filoli Gardens in Woodside - an amazing place, with acres of flowers, formal gardens, a mansion AND classes and special events.

Maybe you think that you don’t know enough to get involved, or have no “green training” but what it really takes is HEART and COMMITTMENT.

I’d like to say thanks to Vera who is an amazing Salsa Dance instructor in the Bay Area and at Canada College. Vera has a strong GREEN Commitment. You are amazing Vera, keep up the green encouragement.  Here is an excerpt from her Newsletter!

 Vera Quijano’s EARTH DAY News  –April 20, 2010

Greetings!

JOIN the more than one billion people who are making a commitment to do their part on the 40th Anniversary of Earth Day on Thursday, April 22nd, 2010.

Did you know that trees and plants provide you with the oxygen you need to breathe and live? Did you know that most cleaning staff are women and people of color, being exposed to harsh cancer-causing agents on a regular basis? Did you know that you could take part in an Earth Day activity in your neighborhood and start to make a positive environmental impact now?

Don’t just sit there… DO SOMETHING!

1. Plant a tree. (Click to find out how.)

2. Get GREEN house cleaning products. Why? COMMIT to Switch to Get Clean, Go Green Kit!

3. DO YOUR PART. Go to Earth Day Web Site and read articles. Learn more! Join a local Earth Day Activity.

4. Encourage your school or business to become a Get Clean, Go Green School. Read why they should.

5. Invite your friends and family to do the same.

Mother Earth can barely breathe. The condition is rapidly worsening. Become part of the solution.

GO GREEN!

Thank you,

Vera Quijano

Part of “being green” is building a community and supporting small green changes. It means sharing information, thinking with purpose, making improvements and for me…. BLOGGING. There is always room for improvement, here is a list of 11 ways to get the green word out in a better way.  Here is the info:

11 Characteristics of Highly Influential Blog(ger)s

I think the best gift of all this year is … getting together with friends. Rather than gift things, how about an occasion. A group of us met for Holiday Cheer – Pizza, Wine and a movie shown at home. It was wonderful to discuss recipes, places to go, holiday plans, kids, and catch up. It was a great celebration! This is my number 1 choice. Here are a few more:
#2) Stick to useful gifts – maybe you have never given mittens, CFLs, mulled cider mix and draft catching door guards… but times they are a changing! These thoughtful gifts keep the recipient warm and happy and energy smart!
#3) Share your favorite book, from your collection and put a note in it on WHY you think the recipient will enjoy it – this is a great conversation starter!
4) Potlucks are my favorite gift from the heart, but you can do something simpler… how about homemade cookies, flavored vinegar (add garlic, or rosemary) in a fancy stop topped bottle, make a huge batch of granola and share bags of it or simply write down a favorite family recipe on a recipe card and give it to a friend (you can offer to make it with them as well).
5) Start a tradition: Caroling, Ugly Christmas Sweater cocktail party, White elephant exchange, Puzzle night, or decorate the tree gathering. There are dozens of happy occasions to celebrate.

One day you’ll see your kids repeating these traditions and you’ll feel great all over again. It doesn’t take a pile of money to give from the heart.

What else can you do? Here is some encouragement…

• Try a carpet sweeper… uses “human power” and it is quiet, quick and economical. Check www.realgoods.com
• Calculate your carbon footprint!
• Too hot?Rather than crank up the air conditioning, make the most of what you’ve got – add a ceiling fan. It will make you feel cooler and stir up the air. Of course look at the energy star models, and while you are at it replace those “HOT” bulbs with Compact Fluorescents. It is cooler and saves money.
• Use what you have!! Re-purpose old dish clothes a socks without mates  into rags, old bottles can be used again, and dig out Granny’s cast iron skillet. You’d be surprised at the food you can cook up and without worrying about toxins / non stick coatings. Check out http://www.lodgemfg.com for hints about care of your cast iron cookery.
• Have a Veggie dinner night ( or several) raising animals for food requires more food, land, water, transport, grain, energy than vegetarian meals. And reducing cow farts is a very eco friendly thing as well! Reduce your “energy” footprint, and try a raw meal while you are discovering this big diverse Veggie World!
• Mow the lawn with a regular mower and/or remove some of the lawn and try your hand at growing a few favorite fruits and vegeta bles. For newbies, try tomatoes in pots, swiss chard, herbs, or a lemon tree. Look at what your neighbors grow to get an idea of what works.
• My favorite so far…. go shopping in your sister’s closet! lol Seriouly, trade clothes with friends. Have everyone bring a bag of stuff they don’t use/ doesn’t fit and a food item to share. Have a pot luck, then go shopping! Donate all the unclamined items to a charity, church, or Goodwill – it will have a second life!

What are your GREEN thoughts? There is so much we can do to have our voices be heard. Get Busy. Get Active. Think Green. We’d love to hear your thoughts and comments. Send me the best green sites that you find, I’ll make a top 10, or better yet a top 100.

Here is my favorite green site, Treehugger – it has so much, design, beauty, guides, and take action steps.  There is something for everyone.