Mailbox Too Full?

I've been frustrated for several years by the stacks of catalogs that show up in my mailbox. Wasted paper. Environmental nightmare. Somehow I got on a list, (by ordering something from a catalog) and that list got out to a whole lot of companies, and suddenly I get a hernia everyday carrying my mail (a stack of useless catalogs) from the mailbox to the recycle bin.

Well, I stumbled into a solution, in case you need a remedy for the same problem.

I just went online and "opt-ed out" in one place for 59 catalogs that come to my house! That's 59 catalogs that come at least monthly, so I'm doing the math, that's 59 x 12 equals: 708 catalogs per year! It's easy, and you can make a small difference in your own frustration, and in the amount of waste. It's a simple website, with some interesting facts and motivation to get your mailbox back under control.

No worries! You get to choose which ones to eliminate, and which ones to let keep coming. You open an account that you can alter anytime as needed. It's simple.

I did it! Now it's your turn!

Click on this link:


Here's the web site: www.catalogchoice.org

What are you waiting for?

Louder Doesn't Make You Right

Wait....How long until election day? You'd think it was next week with all the media coverage and bickering already happening. The election is actually more than a year away, and...wow...it's already a mess out there? Well, I'm gonna get into the mix pretty soon, but I'm not going to publicly choose sides. I'm gonna wait to do that on election day in the privacy of a voting booth.

I have opinions, for sure. And I'm sure some of you may argue that as a public person, I'm obligated to make them known, and how I have the RESPONSIBILITY...blah,blah,blah...But for now, I'm choosing to focus my public life on things that UNITE us. No desire to be controversial in this boy. (Funny note: The people who feel you have the responsibility to share your views are the ones who assume you agree with theirs. If you disagree, they want you to keep your views to yourself. Psychology/Sociology 101)

BUT, what I DO have to say for now, is more about the process, and about our national soul as we approach the election season. You'll have to listen to the song "You Don't Have To Yell" to get my drift, from my new CD. And you'll have to check out the next update of chrisrice.com, which will reflect on that topic too.

In the meantime, after hearing "You Don't Have To Yell", please dialogue here about that, and let me know your thoughts. If it gets too nasty, I'll probably drop this particular blog, as in 'delete' it, just to keep peace for now. (There are plenty of other websites and blogs available for hardcore side-taking and slamming.) I know, I know...writing a blog on this topic, and telling the readers to curb their urge for strong responses, is like taking your kid to the playground and telling him, "Go play, but don't do anything fun!"

I'm mostly curious how you all feel about the timeliness of the message of the song, even though the song is not specifically about elections and politics. I'd particularly love some discussion on my favorite line from the song, which says, "Louder doesn't make you right," or whatever line stands out to you. My intention is not to start a political debate, but a civil/social dialogue. Let's see how it goes.

Have at it.

Peace,
Chris

Much more than an iPod! (or "earwax: electrical conductor")

Just a normal day at a coffee shop. And a friend named Jake. Jake Java...Java Jake!