All eyes set on ethanol

Amidst student protestors and members of the Landless Worker's Movement waving signs reading, "Out, Bush!" and colorful banners depicting a Bush, pseudo-Hitler illustration, negotiations were made and hands were shaken in the sugar-cane fields of Brazil.

It was only 2 weeks ago that President George W. Bush made his presence known in the country, as well as several other Latin American nations (excluding any affiliated with his number one fan, Hugo Chavez). Ethanol, a newly emerging, popular alternative fuel source was on his top agenda as he met with President Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula de Silva, Laura in tow.

In a CNN article taken from the Associated Press, "Bush arrives in Brazil amid protests," it states, "Bush arrived in South America's largest city in the evening on a mission intended to promote democracy, increased trade and cooperation on alternative fuels. Riot police fired tear gas and beat some protesters with batons after more than 6,000 people held a largely peaceful march through the financial district. And in the southern city of Porto Alegre, more than 500 people yelled, "Get out, imperialist!" as they burned an effigy of Bush outside a Citigroup Inc. bank branch."

Many in the Landless Worker's Movement feel their land will be exploited for the rich and corporate profit, yet again. Ethanol is a hot, new commodity everyone is tapping into this market. "Going green" can be used by even the most money-hungry, power-driven to portray their concern for the Third World, but can we at least leave the word "democracy" out of it? We all know that whenever a new land is invaded or people are pushed aside, it's always to promote democracy.

Bush even went so far as to respond to his warm welcome with a so-called appreciation for being able to visit a part of the world where people are able to express their opinions and have the freedom of speech. CNN says, White House spokesman Gordon Johndroe said Bush "enjoys traveling to thriving democracies where freedom of speech and expression are the law of the land." If only this rosy expression were a little more believable. Now, come on...we all know the man didn't travel to the Global South for a lesson in democracy. New Orleans was quite a democracy if I remember correctly...those folk simply wanted their voices heard.

Bush and the Brazilian president discussed ways to increase WTO influence, which include reduced tariffs on sugar-cane imports into the United States. Many Brazilian people fear Bush's Latin American visit may end up capitalizing on their natural resources, while they are left with none of the money and a destructed environment due to increased ethanol production.

How to save energy

I love "How-to" Lists, especially ones that will help save me cash while helping the environment. Here is a list of simple, how-to-save energy tips as compiled on an article on Energy Saving Trust:

1. Don't leave appliances on standby (think of that desktop that runs unused all day on your home desk that you don't see until 6 p.m. at night)

2. Install energy-saving bulbs (they last about 12 times longer AND save you about $10 on every electric bill)

3. Only boil the bare minimum of water you need (In other words, if you're going to boil up some spaghetti for dinner, you don't need a gallon of water, which takes longer to heat)

4. Insulate your attic or loft, so heat and air-conditioning don't go to waste.

5. Install cavity wall insulation (33% of heat lost is in un-insulated homes)

6. Upgrade or maintain your boiler.

7. Buy energy-saving appliances (they may be a little more pricey, but in the long run, they will greatly reduce your bills)

8. Reduce your thermostat by 1 degree. (It will save you about 10% on your energy bill)

9. Use cold water for laundry (You are using about 40% less electricity)

10. Don't drive the car on short trips (Ride a bike, carpool, walk if it's only a mile or two away)