Friday Roundup

THE RISE OF THE SUV
SUVs are probably overkill for most of us. And some Americans are suffering buyer's remorse over their gas guzzlers in this era of up and (only occasionally) down gas prices. But on Guam almost one third of the vehicles sold in 2005 have been SUVs. And after spending a couple of weeks there I can say that it is definitely one of the places where they make sense.

There is a whole lot more to like than dislike about Guam. Roads, however, are not in the like category. Many are pot-holed and rough -- or nearly non-existent clearings through the jungle. Storm drains don't drain. So, even with higher gas prices than in the States, a high ride in Guam seems worth it. A hybrid SUV would REALLY make sense.


WHATEVER
There are a lot of people gearing up for the big day in a few weeks -- "Buy Nothing Day" -- the day after Thanksgiving which has been designated as a day of protest by anti-big business activists. But it seems like a lot of wasted energy to me. Those people who are going to go out and charge themselves into debtors' hell are going to do so regardless of a bunch of contrarians ranting about the horrors of Consumerism (with a capital C).

I'm not saying that we should accept the consumer-driven lifestyle and its high holidays -- but "Buy Nothing Day" isn't going to connect or communicate with anyone except the already convinced. Although, I suppose some people will feel validated because they've "made a statement" (No one has heard, but they've made the statement. They're preaching to the choir on this one.).

If we're going to make a difference it will be in the small counter-cultural things we do -- teaching our children about the difference between what we need and what we want, giving gifts that aren't meant to buy attention or affection, finding a way to serve, quietly ignoring the shopping frenzy around us, taking the kids on a field trip to the store with the sole purpose of dropping some money in a red kettle, skipping the community events which are primarily designed to enhance the shopping experience, and telling again the old but always new story of the real reasons for the season. Let your light so shine.


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BLOGGING
More senior citizens are catching the blogging bug. Very cool.