A Showcase Sustainable House

The house itself has been designed to be airtight and well insulated to cut energy costs and produce net zero carbon emissions. It has also been designed with its eventual sustainable deconstruction in mind.

An ‘off-site modular construction method’ will be used to build the house, which will see parts being built offsite and then being assembled on the plot. This method is intended to provide ‘greater control over cost, waste produced and supply chain accreditation’, and to reduce potential delays caused by problems such as bad weather.

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Cornell Students Build Sustainable House in Nicaragua

Over winter break, Cornell students began building an affordable and environmentally sustainable model house in Nicaragua. The students, who are part of Cornell University Sustainable Design — an organization that promotes sustainability through design — traveled to Nagarote, Nicaragua to build the house. The house will serve not only as a home for a family, but also as a platform to demonstrate ideal eco-friendly housing initiatives, said Kai Keane ’14, one of the students who led the project.

The house and its landscaping — part of the Sustainable Neighborhoods Nicaragua project — are the product of more than three semesters’ worth of research on designing sustainable and affordable housing for low-income Nicaraguan families, according to Keane. The house is scheduled to be completed around mid-February 2013, according to SNN’s press release.

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Growing Soybeans and a Supreme Court Case

When a farmer grows Monsanto’s genetically modified soybean seeds, has he simply “used” the seed to create a crop to sell, or has he “made” untold replicas of Monsanto’s invention that remain subject to the company’s restrictions? The question is now headed to the United States Supreme Court.

“The current intellectual property environment of transgenic crops has spurred the privatization and concentration of the world’s seed supply,” said a brief filed by the Center for Food Safety and Save Our Seeds, groups that have been highly critical of Monsanto and genetically modified crops. “Market concentration has resulted in 10 multinational corporations holding approximately two-thirds (65%) of commercial seed for major crops, reducing choice and innovation, and increasing prices for the American farmer.”

The brief asks the court to end the practice of allowing corporations to place conditions on the sale of its seed and to reject an “end-run around patent exhaustion” for regeneration. “Farming is using seeds, not constructing or manufacturing seeds,” the brief states.

Monsanto, alarmed at the possibilities of what the Supreme Court might do, has circled the wagons.

The Biotechnology Industry Organization warns that advancements in agricultural, medical and environmental research “depend critically on a strong, stable and nationally uniform system of patent rights and protections.”

Universities, economists, intellectual property experts and seed companies have weighed in on Monsanto’s behalf.

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Can We Eat to Starve Cancer?

Positive Qualities – Punctilious & Thriving

Dear Folks,
If you only care enough for a result, you will most certainly attain it. — William James (1842-1910) Philosopher
One can, and should, be Punctilious without being overly fastidious. There are two important aspects, one is attention to detail and the other is being articulate as well as tactful in what you say.
I’m not sure being punctilious is an essential quality before one can Thrive, but it can’t hurt.
Peace,
Jim
PUNCTILIOUS
Definitions: (1) careful in the observance of the nicer points of behavior or ceremony; (2) very exact; scrupulous
THRIVING

Definitions: (1) experiencing increase or success <especially because of good management>; prosperous; (2) flourishing; growing
Quote:

In order that people may be happy in their work, three things are needed: they must be for it, they must not do too much of it, and they must have a sense of success in it. — John Ruskin (1819-1900) English Poet and Artist

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Positive Qualities – Tough & Therapeutic

Dear Folks,
This is the true joy in life, the being used for a purpose recognized by yourself as a mighty one. — George Bernard Shaw (1856-1950) Author
A balance in seemingly opposite positive qualities is essential, but often easier said than done. In order to survive a difficult time a person may have focused on the hard qualities. In order to nurture a young one a person may have acquired the soft qualities. The combination of Tough yet tender, the desire to be heard but with a willingness to listen, possessing a light sense of humor with an understanding of when to be serious – these are Therapeutic.
Peace,
Jim
TOUGH
Definitions: (1) strong but pliant; yielding to force without tearing or breaking; flexible; resilient; (2) capable of enduring hardship; sturdy; resistant; (3) strong; robust; hardy; durable; vigorous; (4) resolute; firm; tenacious
Balancing Qualities: gentle, reasonable
Symbol: the sword
THERAPEUTIC
Definitions: (1) concerned with healing the body, mind, or spirit; (2) calming; relaxing
Derivation: Greek, “to treat,” “to attend to”
Saying: Cura te ipsum (Latin): “Physician, heal thyself.” Luke 4:23

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Positive Qualities – Watchful & Clement

Dear Folks,
Take a nap every afternoon. When you go out into the world, watch for traffic, hold hands, and stick together. Be aware of wonder. Remember the little seed in the plastic cup – the roots go down and the plant goes up and nobody really knows how or why, but we are all like that. — Robert Fulghum (1937-) Elementary Solutions
Be Watchful of other peoples motives. Be not quick to judge. It takes a deeper look to see why they think and act the way they do (even those who support the other political party). Once we see another’s point of view (or even give them the benefit of the doubt) we can be Clement.
Peace,
Jim
WATCHFUL

Definitions: (1) carefully observant; vigilant; attentive <especially with parental care>; cautious; diligent; awake; aware; (2) guarding against danger; (3) alert to opportunity; (4) mentally informed; (4) acting with discretion; self‑observant; self‑restrainedSymbol: eyesMythological Figure: Argus, a Greek mythological giant had a hundred eyes and was ever watchful. After he was killed by Hermes, the god Hera set his eyes into the tail of the peacock.
CLEMENT

Definitions: (1) mild in temper and disposition; tender; compassionate; (2) inclined to be merciful; kind; (3) able to control oneself when provoked; forbearing

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Positive Qualities – Memorable & Free

Dear Folks,
Lives based on having are less free than lives based either on doing or being. — William James (1842-1910) Philosopher
A Memorable person may have a list of credentials and accomplishments, but the most memorable person is the one who touches our heart with their kindness. A person who Freely shares a passing smile or a lifetime of loyalty is worthy of respect. The good person has a great soul.
Peace,
Jim
MEMORABLE
Definitions: (1) worthy of being keep in mind; famous; (2) illustrious; celebrated; distinguished; notable; striking
Synonyms: conspicuous, extraordinary, great, prominent, remarkable
Quote:
Teardrops are telescopes for happy ties and microscopes on the memory of joys that are lost. – Michael Hanna, 100 Thought Adjusters
It is well to remember that the entire universe, with one trifling exception, is composed of others. — John Andrew Holmes
FREE
Definitions: (1) able to move in any direction; unhindered; (2) able to choose for oneself; not restricted by anything except one’s own limitations or nature; unhampered; (3) spontaneous; (4) not constrained or stilted; smooth, easy, and graceful; (5) possessing a generous spirit; liberal or lavish with goods or time; (6) frank; straightforward; (7) open to all
Balancing Quality: respect
Note: If a person feels freedom without any constraints, they may feel they can do anything. This includes taking what they want even if it belongs to someone else. Adding the quality of respect (for person and property) to freedom infuses dignity to the character.
Compatible Qualities: artistic, expressive
Quote:

The First Amendment to the Constitution of the United States

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble and to petition the Government for a redress of grievance.
Comments:
• If you are possessed by your possessions, you are not free.
• An individual or a society experiencing fear is usually willing to give up personal freedom in favor of security and protection. Freedom is a given, like gravity, but our choice (which is also a universal principle) restricts our freedom. We restrict ourselves by agreeing to the rules of society, the rubrics of religion, conformity in the workplace, etc.

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Positive Qualities – Goofy & Powerful

Dear Folks,
Image is thought. Thought is image. Our reality is based on how we think and image things. — The Power of Music: How to Use Sound for Relaxation, Concentration, and Healing, Don G. Campbell, Author
All qualities live with other qualities. Most qualities need some balancing qualities to give them some equilibrium. We need to be confident, direct, and Powerful. But it is also important to be relaxed, Goofy, and lighthearted. Qualities are gregarious; they all work together.
Peace,
Jim
GOOFY
Definition: silly; good‑hearted
Balancing Quality: thoughtful
Compatible Quality: good timing
Too Far: absurd
Quote:
No matter how serious your life requires you to be, everyone needs a special friend to act goofy with. — James Montgomery Halstead (1936-2010) American Industrial Engineer
Exercise: Watch Goofy cartoons.
POWERFUL

Definitions: (1) having great physical prowess; strong; able to exert intense force; mighty; (2) being a brilliant moral influence; (3) able to persuade or convince the minds of others; (4) possessing great energy; producing enormous effects

Balancing Qualities: An overabundance of the desire for safety and security leads people to focus on the qualities of power and strength. These, if not balanced with the qualities of compassion, kindness, thoughtfulness, generosity, and gentleness, lead to violence.

Too Far: The positive qualities of desire and power taken too far end in greed. Every action can be and is justified by pointing to positive qualities.Motto:
Cedant arma togae (Latin): “Let arms yield to the toga” [Let military power give way to civil power]. — Wyoming state motto
Quotes:
It is not life and wealth and power that enslave men, it is the cleaving to life and wealth and power. — Siddhartha Gautama [The Buddha] (c. 563-483 bc) Nepali-Indian Guru

Non‑violence is more powerful than all the armaments in the world. It is mightier than the mightiest weapon of destruction devised by the ingenuity of man. — Mohandas Gandhi (1869-1948) Indian Leader

Consideration: If a person who is immature, insecure, and fear‑ridden is given power, the power will have to live within that person’s emotional limits, and will be subject to the constraints of their developing personality. Decisions made reflect the character of the decision maker.
Observation: Power can be impersonal – like the power of the ocean – or it can be personal. If personal, it can be negative or positive.
Comments:
• The powerful are often intent on retaining their own power. And to that end, all else becomes subordinate.
• We are still in the age of “might is right,” and will be for hundreds of years. The question is how, in the face of power, to do what you know is right. Sometimes it takes great courage.
• The temptation to enhance those qualities serving only our personal needs is great, and the rewards for doing so are seductive. If we choose our needs unfairly over the needs of others, the results will also be unfair.
• If the consciousness of the governed outgrows the consciousness of those in power, there is a rupture of some sort. This turmoil results in one of two possibilities: a crackdown to hold the old way in place – for a time – or the birth of a new system.
Colors: golden orange, orange
Symbols: 1) gold; 2) a crown; 3) a hammer; 4) the crocodile; 5) the Emperor (tarot); 6) the whip (Egyptian)

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Positive Qualities – Cautious & Essential

Dear Folks,
A scout is trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean, and reverent. — The Boy Scouts’ Law, 1908
Each personality is Essential in the Divine plan. We each have free will to choose to participate or not. But it is better to be than not to be. There will be plenty of time to decide. We may not see the big picture hear (except by faith) but we will in the long run. So if you are a Cautious soul, not to worry, what you do not see (or know through faith) now will become apparent.
Peace,
Jim
CAUTIOUS
Definitions: (1) using great care or prudence; wary; watchful; (2) forethoughtfully discreet
Synonyms: circumspect, judicious
Too Far: Timidity is caution tinged with shyness and self doubt.
Visualization: Picture a wasp landing on a thistle. Talk about the epitome of caution, and yet the wasp does it with such ease.
Comments:
• Doubt is sometimes part of fear and sometimes part of caution. Take a look at the extremes and move in toward the middle from there. Regarding fear, doubt closes the mind. With caution, doubt peeks around the corner with an open mind.
• How far are you willing to go, or allow other people to go, when it comes to being adventuresome, fearless, or brave? If you are responsible as a parent or guardian, you have a responsibility to say, “That’s as far as you go, I cannot let you cross that line.” Or you can extend your responsibility if you know it is time for your child or friend to push the boundaries. They may or may not be able to handle what transpires when they get out on that limb, but if they’ve got a friend who is willing to go with them, then the margin of error is somewhat reduced. Ultimately, the person taking the action is making a choice and taking the risk. The person supporting them and helping them is an important element in allowing the inexperienced one to become the person they wish to become.
I have been alone in the Grand Canyon, miles and days from any help. When one is alone, the margin for error is reduced almost to zero. It is a palpable sensation. The experience is sweeter if you are cautious in the boldest sense of the word.
ESSENTIAL
Definitions: (1) the intrinsic, fundamental nature of someone; basic; inherent; (2) necessary to make a person what they are; indispensable; requisite; vital; (3) absolute; complete; perfect; pure;
Affirmation: I am essential.
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