without irony.: June 2008

Friday, June 27, 2008

I F-ing Hate Wal-Mart

During my cross country drive this week I was forced into getting an oil change at Wal-Mart. I thought I knew how evil they really were, but during my hour long visit they surpassed all of my wildest expectations of evilness and they tried to steal $24 from me.

read more | digg story

Mercedes to go Green. ALL Green. No Petroleum by 2015.

In less than 7 years, Mercedes-Benz plans to ditch petroleum-powered vehicles from its lineup. Focusing on electric, fuel cell, and biofuels, the company is revving up research in alternative fuel sources and efficiency.

read more | digg story

Volcanoes could supply up to 25 per cent of US power needs

As fuel prices soar, Alaskan officials announced the exploration of the state's volcanoes, saying they could be exploited to provide energy for thousands of homes.

read more | digg story

About the site

boycott list

This is the list of companies I am currently boycotting. By that, I mean I'm actively avoiding them, even if it means inconveniencing myself. So, you won't find any cigarette companies up there because I don't smoke; but that doesn't mean they don't require boycotting.

social awareness tips

I don't consider myself an activist, but I do consider myself socially conscious. I'm guessing there are many others like me who might be upset by the way the world is but isn't sure how to react or fight back. Here, I offer some suggestions. They'll vary from the mundane to the borderline psychotic, but they're doable things. Sometimes, you just need to take baby steps towards changing yourself and others.

Dedication

This site is dedicated to Lum Chai-Ping (林彩屏), who was a great mentor to me. She was my housemaid when I was growing up in Malaysia. I was around three when she came into my life. Being the youngest child, I ended up spending a lot of time with her. I recall spending a lot of time fighting with her about silly things, but as I grew up, I began to learn about how we were stuck in a social hierarchy that made no sense. I fully appreciate the irony that, if she didn't come to us as a housemaid, we may never had met. And yet I couldn't help feel that we were part of the problem, or exploiting her circumstances, even though we were really nice to her and we paid her well.

She returned to China when was about to go to college, but came back soon later after she wasn't able to adapt to the living conditions there. She spent a few more years in Malaysia, during which sometimes I would secretly call her from the United States. I had the privilege of spending more time with her than anyone else, even more than her own son, who was in China. But even now, I miss her and feel that our time together was too short. She passed away in 1997.

I dedicate this site to her because you should never believe that you are too insignificant to make a difference. You don't have to be rich or educated or powerful to be considered important.

without irony.

Friday, June 27, 2008

I F-ing Hate Wal-Mart

Mercedes to go Green. ALL Green. No Petroleum by 2015.

Volcanoes could supply up to 25 per cent of US power needs

Thursday, June 5, 2008

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