Archive for » 2010 «

07
Jun
Warning: The Environment is about to Self-Destruct
Rebecca

Okay, I haven’t posted anything on MisticCafe.com in a long time. I’ve been busy with my other websites and life. This is the first blog I ever created and it’s like my baby. Unfortunately, like most parents sometimes you neglect your child because you become self-absorbed in your life. That’s about to end. I’m committed to posting at least once a week on this blog. So here it goes…

Is the environment about to self-destruct at the hands of humans? Year after year, it’s the same old story. Some corporation somewhere has contributed to the destruction of planet Earth. Most of the humans on this planet sit back and have a “whatever” attitude about it. They figure someone else will take care of the problem. What happens when there’s no one left to clean up the planet? What happens where there isn’t a planet to clean up? That’s right, our environment could self-destruct at the hands of the humans who walk and live upon it.

The Gulf of Mexico 2010 oil spill has really gotten to me and other citizens. It’s the 21st century and we still haven’t figured out that nothing lasts forever. Why does it take a catastrophe to happen to make us realize that nothing lasts forever? Wouldn’t it make more sense to ensure our infrastructures and structures are solid and secure? Wouldn’t it make more sense to ensure a crisis plan is in place in case something happens? How about having technologies ready and available to stop a crisis if it occurs? Perhaps this is asking too much.

The damage from the Gulf of Mexico oil spill is horrifying. Experts say it’s worse than the Exxon Mobil oil spill of 1989. Innocent animal and plant life are once again killed because of human stupidity. Once again peoples’ livelihoods are in jeopardy because “big corporations” couldn’t think ahead. Maybe this tragedy will wake up the people of the U.S. It’s about time citizens become angry and demand change from corporations and the government. The life of planet and its inhabitants deserve justice.

What’s taking so long to fix Gulf of Mexico oil problem? Seriously, a five-year-old probably could have figured out how to solve the problem. Quit the “blame game” and fix the problem. Maybe it’s the lack of technology. It’s the 21st century and the U.S. is still lagging behind in technology when compared to other countries. This problem could have been fixed a long time ago if the proper technology was available.

It’s amazing how U.S. citizens have to bail out corporations like AIG, banks, and other institutions for their major screw-ups. In the meantime, Americans are getting screwed left and right. Their houses are being foreclosed, jobs are being eliminated, and credit card debt increases while these companies roll in the money. Where’s the justice in this? Why aren’t people speaking out? Nothing will change if your voice isn’t heard. It’s up to you to make it known how ticked off you are and that you won’t take it anymore.

If you love the environment, recycle (where you can), buy organic foods that are locally grown, make sure you put your trash in trash cans, pickup litter, and be the best you can be. The Earth won’t last forever if everyone doesn’t do their part to respect and protect the environment.

Rebecca

What do you think of the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico? Who’s responsible? How mad are you that “big” corporations and governments keep screwing up the planet? Share your thoughts.

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Category: Green Corner, Just Think, Life, Politics and Social Issues  Tags: ,  Leave a Comment
17
Feb
Where Were People before Haiti’s Earthquake?
Rebecca

What do you know about Haiti? Millions of dollars were raised to help the country and its people recover from the earthquake that hit it many weeks ago. Where were these people before the earthquake struck Haiti? What were they doing to get the tariffs lifted from the country? What do they know about the history of Haiti? How will Haiti rebuild? How will they survive if they aren’t allowed to export more goods? These are questions that you may want to ask yourself before you jump on the bandwagon to help Haiti in a onetime deal.

It’s amazing how people come together when a disaster occurs, but they forget about people and their country throughout the year. It’s like people who go to church at Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. They pack the church three times a year but are non-existent throughout the year.

Helping others when disaster strikes is generous, but what are you doing throughout the year? Haitians could use help restoring the country in more ways than one. They could use a hand to create a thriving economy.

I’m not saying that you shouldn’t donate to Haiti or other countries that suffer from a disaster. I’m asking you to make sure you understand the circumstances that a country faces and what you can do to help on a permanent basis. It may not be a one time deal.

Rebecca

What do you know about Haiti? What have you done to help? Share your thoughts.

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06
Jan
How Qualified Are TSA Agents?
Rebecca

Recently I traveled from Arizona to Ohio for New Year’s Eve. My visit was peaceful and quiet and a bit blustery at times. Going through airport security at Sky Harbor Airport in Phoenix, Arizona was a breeze because I left early in the morning and the airport was empty. The TSA Agents seem to be alert and knew what they were doing. Unfortunately, my experience at Cleveland Hopkins International Airport in Cleveland, OH was a different story. It made me ask the question, “how qualified are TSA agents?”

My return flight to Phoenix, AZ was scheduled and on time. I arrived very early at Cleveland Hopkins International Airport because of the weather. I checked my bag and headed towards security. It was business as usual at the airport.

I presented my ticket and ID to the agents sitting behind the podium before I went through security. They wished me a good flight, and I proceeded towards a TSA line. A gentleman was in front of me, and I had to wait until his bins were on the conveyor belt and through the scanning process. I took off my jackets, shoes, and ring — loaded them into bins and pushed them onto the conveyor belt. Another traveler was behind me. I walked through the scanner and waited for my items to come down the conveyor belt. This is where it gets interesting.

The TSA Agent left her post! I couldn’t believe it; she shutdown the conveyor belt and left without any warning. My purse and jackets came through, but my shoes were stuck somewhere on the conveyor belt. I was standing, shivering in my socks in disbelief. The guy behind me was not a happy camper.

The TSA Agent came back and asked me what I was waiting for. I looked at her and was going to say, “…my shoes,” but the guy behind me beat me to it. She looked at the screen and restarted the conveyor belt. Lo and behold the bin with my Skechers came down the conveyor belt. How did this woman get a job with the airport? What kind of airport security is this? If this is airport security then it’s a joke.

Travelers and citizens of the U.S. have every right to know what qualifications are necessary for people to be hired as TSA agents. I’m not sure a high school or GED is enough. Perhaps some college courses are necessary, especially in travel and criminal justice. It’s unheard of that an agent would walk away and shut down the screening process, especially when there’s a line forming. Hopefully she had a good explanation. Maybe Mother Nature was calling and she didn’t want to or could not ignore her! If that’s the case, what’s the protocol for leaving a post? I’m sure there’s an interesting explanation.

The next time you travel, observe the TSA Agents. Do they seem to know what they’re doing? Be aware of what’s happening around you at all times. Make sure you know how many bins you have coming down the conveyor belt. You never know when a TSA agent will unexpectedly depart from her post!

Rebecca

What has been your experience with TSA Agents? Share your experience.

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Category: Travel  Tags:  Leave a Comment