It's Easy Being Green

So, if you’re out working on the ranch or riding your tractor around your farm a nice pair of boots would probably complement that hard day of work you’re putting in.  I’ve also often heard there’s nothing more Arizonan than a good pair of boots.  I’m a native and I still don’t have a pair so maybe I need to get some. But where exactly did cowboy boots come from and how long have they been the staple of western wear?

As it turns out, cowboy boots first came about during the 1500’s while the vaquero tradition of Spain was being imported to the new world. The tradition caught on in Mexico when Spaniards arrived there and spread into the western U.S. It wasn’t until the late 1800’s when the cowboy boot really took of though. The cattle drive era kicked off in 1866, spurred by a booming population, a demand for more meat and the soaring price of beef. Cattlemen were looking for rugged western wear that could handle the daily rigors and demands of ranching. That brought about the modern cowboy boot as we know it. The higher heel, elaborate stitching and decorative features of the cowboy boot became obtainable for even the working class and nudged out the classic Wellington, military-inspired boot that had been the mainstay for those working.

If you’re in the market for a new pair of boots, you should check out Cavender’s Western Wear. They have hundreds of pairs to chose from for both men and women. You’re bound to find a pair of boots that not only show off some style but also reflect your own personality too. Check out their cowboy boots today! Maybe you can get even more kicks by picking out a new pair of Levi’s too.

Popularity: 1% [?]

I like to compost my kitchen scraps but haven’t ever thought about composting human waste. That was until I found out there’s a new book out on the subject. Now don’t get me wrong, I’m all for living in a sustainable environment but I’m not about to start composting my waste to fertilize my vegetable garden. The idea just doesn’t sit well with me. However, some people might have an interest in the subject.

Joseph Jenkins, author of “The Humanure Handbook” will be speaking down in Prescott next week on March 12th, 7:30pm, downstairs at the Crossroads. The book Jenkins wrote talks about how human waste can be recycled using natural processes and not harmful chemicals. If you’d like to buy a copy of his book or read a free online version, you can head to his website for Humanure.

What do you think? Could you compost your own family’s waste and fertilize your vegetable garden with it? Is it a mind over matter situation? Share your thoughts.

Popularity: 2% [?]

Tonight marks a total lunar eclipse and it looks like it will be prime-time viewing for most people. Most of Europe, North America and South America will get quite a show that will be visible during the early evening hours. This total lunar eclipse is brought on by the moon crossing through the Earth’s shadow tonight and it won’t happen again until 2010. So, even if it’s cold, step outside and watch the action. The moon will begin entering Earth’s shadow around 8:43pm EST. For those of us in Northern Arizona, that’s 6:43pm. But, at the beginning it will be hard to notice anything happening. The actual eclipse event that you’ll be able to see doesn’t start until 10pm EST or 8pm in Arizona. The moon is expected glow orange or deep red for almost an entire hour.

While the eclipse will be clearly visible with the naked eye or even a pair of regular binoculars, a telescope can bring the moon’s features into view. Many people say it’s amazing to watch the moon’s craters and mountains as the shadows rise and fall across the moon’s face. If you watch tonight’s event and find yourself or your family wanting to see more of space, you can head over to Astromart’s website. There you can find the latest news about what’s happening in the world of astronomy and you can scan classified ads for used telescopes and used binoculars for sale. I’ve been wanting to get a telescope lately but just haven’t been able to bring myself to plunking down the money for one. Now, I might be able to find a used telescope at a reasonable price and help someone else upgrade! Check it out.

Popularity: 2% [?]

Ever since I worked at a local golf community as a part-time employee last summer, I’ve been itching to get back into the game of golf. It’s an opportunity to stay active, get together with a group of friends and enjoy the beauty of the outdoors. My dad enrolled me in PGA golf lessons as a kid and I did okay but as I grew into my teen years I fell out of the golfing interest.

Now that I’ve wanted to pick up a set of clubs again, I’ve been worried if I still have the skills necessary to head to the driving range and not make a complete ass out of myself. The last thing I want to do is send a golf ball sideways at somebody in the tee box next to me! With my busy schedule, I really don’t have time or the money for one on one lessons either, so what’s a person supposed to do? A great idea has now popped up on the internet showing us just how useful the world wide web can be. An online golfing school called the Two Minute Pro will help you get that perfect golf swing through online golfing lessons. Even if you don’t already have some golfing skills under your belt, they offer beginners lessons too. It’s a great idea and a great way to get into a very popular game.

Popularity: 2% [?]

Who knew a book investigating what exactly goes into each and every one of our meals would end up a best seller, illustrating the apparently mainstream idea that a lot of what we eat isn’t good for us. I’m talking about Omnivore’s Dilemma by Michael Pollan. His book investigated what goes into each and every one of our meals from a value meal at the local fast food joint to a home-cooked dinner with ingredients purchased from the natural food store.

Now Pollan has written a follow up called In Defense of Food: An Eater’s Manifesto. This new book delves into scientific explanations of the diets and nutritional values of many traditional societies. Pollan’s goal is to develop a common-sense alternative to eating what he calls “edible food-like substances” that our mass produced for us on a daily basis. His conclusions is that we should continue eating but in moderation of course and add a lot of vegetation to our daily diet.

You might remember Pollan also wrote The Botany of Desire, examining whether plants use humans just as humans use plants.

Popularity: 1% [?]

I had some fun today and put together a quick mini-movie to enter in El Polo Loco’s latest contest promoting their fresh, citrus marinated, flame-grilled chicken. The idea is that it’s a lot of work to get the same flame-grilled, citrus taste yourself and the results might not be so wonderful. I tried to add a little humor into mine. Watch it below! Head on over to watch the other grilled chicken videos.

[youtube pwehwmTobno El Polo Loco]