Office of Youth

Today, Secretary Ken Salazar created an "Office of Youth" within the Department of Interior (DOI). Pretty cool.

Along with the DOI's new focus on "treasured landscapes," the Secretary has promised to work on connecting kids to nature.


I've been hearing a lot about this Last Child in the Woods: Saving Our Children from Nature-Deficit Disorder book lately, so I thought I'd include the link.

Green Building

I know I'm getting greener by the day, but, bear with me - this "Incredible Edible House," featured in the WSJ today is pretty cool. I think they're growing chickpeas on the side of the house, along with other vegetables. Story here.

Serve America Act

Today, the President signed the Serve America Act.

I have a lot of positive thoughts on this, but I'm not sure how to say them. Maybe I will act and serve about it. I don't know. I probably won't, since I spent a great majority of this last decade volunteering. This is why I'm a fan of the Serve America Act!


Basically - AmeriCorps will be tripled, new "Corps" will be created for areas of national need, a "Volunteer Generation Fund" is established to help nonprofits manage more volunteers, plus other provisions.

Earth Day Concert - Flaming Lips

This Wednesday is Earth Day (40th Anniversary next year!), and Sunday kicked off the celebration with a concert on the Mall.


The Flaming Lips headlined the show, and they did not disappoint. The bubble came out (above) and each song had its own dynamics of streamer/confetti blasts, dancers, giant butterfly characters, a gong, and more. The high-energy-use, smoke, and littering made it a memorable Earth Day concert.


The day had many "public service announcement" type speakers, all telling us that we are the Green Generation. One review pointed out that the event felt like a high-school assembly. It did. Lots of backpacks, thrift clothes, and wandering teens.



At one point, Lisa Jackson, EPA Administrator, came to make an announcement. Wayne Cone kept clapping for her with these giant hands, then gave her a giant hug with the hands. I wish I had a picture of that.

Happy Easter!

Lots of family, friends, and bunnies hanging out in Kansas City for Easter.

Mary Clare and bunny (above). Kevin and bunny (Paul) (below).