Barcelona

I uploaded some pictures of the fast Barcelona trip. They are here.

Benefits of Recycling Plastic Bottles » Earth 911

Benefits of Recycling Plastic Bottles » Earth 911:

"the plastic bottle recycling rate was only 24.3 percent in 2005.

Still, there is so much more we all can do. But, why should we?
Oil Conservation

Recycling a ton of plastic bottles saves approximately 3.8 barrels of oil"

One of my many big failures is to not push recycling more at the stores. I feel very bad about it. For instance the deli in Allegany!

Driving Less, Americans Finally React to Sting of Gas Prices, a Study Says - NYTimes.com

Economics always wins out..

Driving Less, Americans Finally React to Sting of Gas Prices, a Study Says - NYTimes.com:

"Sales of pickup trucks, minivans and sport utility vehicles have fallen below 50 percent of new passenger vehicle sales this year for the first time since 2001, the report says, as consumers turned to smaller vehicles in favor of fuel economy.

“It’s kind of stunning,” said Aaron F. Brady, a co-author of the report. “It was over 50 percent as late as February and by May it fell under 44 percent. It’s like falling off a cliff.”

Drivers, meanwhile, are becoming more prudent in their driving habits, either by using public transportation, carpooling or just cutting down on unnecessary trips, the two authors said in an interview. “Public transit ridership is surging all over the country,” said Samantha Gross, the other author."

The Associated Press: FEMA finishing closure of Louisiana trailer parks

The Associated Press: FEMA finishing closure of Louisiana trailer parks:

"Stampley was among the last Louisiana residents displaced by hurricanes Katrina and Rita in 2005 being moved from the state's remaining six trailer parks managed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency. FEMA planned to close all six by Sunday — the official start of hurricane season — but said it would take a few more days to move everyone into apartments or motels."

Leaky Levee Stirs Doubts in New Orleans - AOL News

Leaky Levee Stirs Doubts in New Orleans - AOL News:

"The Army Corps of Engineers has spent about $4 billion so far of the $14 billion set aside by Congress to repair and upgrade the metropolitan area's hundreds of miles of levees by 2011. Some outside experts said the leak could mean that billions more will be needed and that some of the work already completed may need to be redone."

The Gratitude Campaign

The Gratitude Campaign

Astana invited into Giro lineup - Cycling - Yahoo! Sports

Astana invited into Giro lineup - Cycling - Yahoo! Sports:

"Giro d’Italia organizers have invited the Astana team to compete in the race, reversing an earlier decision to ban it because of doping scandals.

Astana officials confirmed Saturday they are hurrying to get elite American rider Levi Leipheimer from California to Palermo, Sicily, for the start of the three-week race next Saturday.....Alberto Contador, winner of the 2007 Tour de France, will also be at the starting line for Astana."