Madison Scenic Panorama 20130413

I was in the neighborhood yesterday during one of the intermittent rain showers and sunshine breaks. The timing worked well to be at Madison Scenic Park, right when a break in the clouds let in sunshine on the downtown valley. It was raining at the same time. I heard report of an awesome double rainbow seen from the Westside. And, last night, there was an awesome scene of the new Crescent Moon appearing to cup the planet Jupiter as they settled toward the Western horizon. A larger version of the panorama is posted below the fold.

I wanna point you in the direction of a website called Humanure Power. It's a group of student, young entrepreuer,  humanitarians. They are building a community composting toilet block. Gas from the gathered material will be captured, and used to power electrical tgenerator.

Here's their website, they have a great 2 minute video: http://www.humanurepower.org/

I found out about them from an email sent by Colbert report, of a conference organized by the Clintons (http://www.colbertnation.com/articles/clinton-global-initiative-university-fair?xrs=eml_col)

It seems like intensive developments along these lines might have a significant impact in helping to phase out fossil fuels. Industrial extraction of fossil fuels, coal, petroleum, and gas, have changed the atmosphere. The atmosphere has warmed as much in 100 years, as it has taken thousands of years to change previously (without anthropogenically related industrial activities, i.e. "naturally.")

What do you think about the idea of something like community composting toilet blocks to generate electricity? For Olympia?

Last week at Nisqually, the cottonwoods were leafing out, and their sweet fragrance was in the air. I hope you get to check 'em out for yourself!

Here's a slideshow:

Nisqually March 2013

Magnolia Flower, April 2013, Olympia WA

In other news, today was the opening day of the Farmers Market, and it was packed with people.

Seen from Burfoot Park, the sunset last Friday was colorful, and had a remarkable "Sunspire" feature. 

The past Friday peace vigil was the first one so far this year in the season of spring!

I read an article today that said the global temperature is at a 4,000 year high. The increase has been precipitous since the mid 19th century, from about 1850-1870 when industrial consumption of fossil fuels markedly increased. Here's a link: Global temperatures are at a 4,000-year high [Grist.org]

Global temperatures at 4,000 year high, after being at a 10,000 year low only 200 years ago?! That is scary! No?

Societal/Industrial activities have already had severe impacts the planet, and by many accounts, impacts are set to increase. Just that knowledge is enough to be psychologically disruptive, and damaging.

After all, what is the point of destroying the planet? Extreme riches for relatively few people? Can anyone's riches be justified when they depend upon harm to the well-being of planet and humanity?

Much of the living systems on the planet stand to be decimated, severely harmed, if not destroyed outright, and all for what? For a lifetime of luxury? How shallow is that! How uncivilized and inhumane!

What will the impacts be for Olympia? Who will pay for climate related impacts? Will it be those who have benefited most from fossil fuel extractions, or will costs be extracted from the common wealth? What do you think?

...Now, it is a beautiful sunny evening. Have a good evening, and a good weekend.

In case you missed over the weekend, an impromptu homeless shelter was set up in the Artesian Well parking lot. Here's the latest update, from an event posting on Facebook:

"Facing eviction from the City, the Homeless Shelter has taken refuge on State property, at Washington & B Street. We're still up and running. Please stop by and show your support!!"

Full Moon Monday the 25th of February, McLane was abuzz, windy with clouds racing, waters flowing through beaver dam pond, and birdsong in the air. The forest took on a majestic glow after the sun had passed below the Western hill, when a large cloud came overhead and reflected sunlight back down into the valley.

Also includes photos from full Moon rise.


Activity on the pond, getting ready for spring. Maybe even some new-borns already?

Evening by the trail on the pond...windy at times, with ducks, red-wing blackbirds, even a Raven and an Owl.