Where I lived, and what I lived for Respose

Thoreau, David Henry. (1854). What I lived, and what I lived for.

Henry David Thoreau essay, What I lived, and what I lived for is an excellent essay. He has many opinions and strong beliefs. I really liked his quote, "Why should we live in such a hurry and waste of time." I can totally agree with Thoreau, we all our full of rush and worries, everything must be at the snap of a finger. I believe what Thoreau is saying or asking in his essay, is why? Why is there that need to be in a hurry all the time, why can't we live and take our time? He makes many interesting points in his essay, and really brings it alive with his own personal opinions and experiences. His last paragraph was my favorite. Thoreau states, "if we are alive, let us go about our business." He is basically stating, there is no need for gossip, rushed of time, and worries. Life is about more than that, as Thoreau says, "live this mean life that we do because our vision does not penetrate the surface of things." Life is about finding happiness and not wasting your precious time on the little things in life.

Wendell Berry Response

Berry, Wendell. (1986). The use of energy.

I thought Wendell Berry's essay was great. He brought up many great points and made you look at energy and machinery in a whole new way. In his essay he talks a lot about how energy is being abused, and the over extreme of machinery use. I really like his quote, "as machines replace skill, they disconnect from life; they come between us and life." This really stood out for me, I agree with Berry, machines and technology are taking over our life's and as he said, "we cannot live by machines." We are a lazy, greedy society and don't want to take the time to learn something by hand, even if it takes longer, we would rather flip a switch and call it good. As Berry said, "It requires more skills to use a team of horses, than to operate a tractor." When will it end? I don't totally agree with the Amish, only because I grew up in a machined filled, technology world, but I do believe in converting, recycling, and better tomorrow. And energy is one of them. If you can recycle something to use towards something else, why not? If you are going to throw it away, why not see if it can put to better use in the future? As Berry stated, "we can destroy it, by wasting it." I really love this quote. He stated it perfectly, by wasting something that had potential, you are indeed, wasting it.

BP Calucatior Results

http://www.bp.com/iframe.do?categoryId=9027929&contentId=7050956

I am not too sure if I answered all those questions correctly. Some of them I didn't know the answer to, but I did my best. It said my house hold has 20096kwh/yr. I am not sure if that is too low, normal, or high? I recycle everything I can in my home and actually my recycle can is a lot bigger than my trash can. I buy a lot of "go green" things and try to preserve and conserve as much as I can, although I could be a lot better. But I do a lot more than most people can say!

Classmate Response

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I read Jasmine's blog, Recycled cell phones can provide energy. This article was very interesting and I too was like, WOW!! Jasmine stated that, "recycling one cell phone is enough energy to power a laptop for 44 hours!!" This is extremely interesting and I had no idea a cell phone could produce so much energy! I knew cells phones could be recycled, but not so much into energy. What really caught my attention was when Jasmine's blog stated that, "if Americans would recycle 130 million cell phones, enough energy would be saved to power more than 24,000 homes in a year." That is crazy and it blows my mind! I asked myself after reading this, why aren't we conserving, recycling and doing all we can to not only save money, but promote a healthier, safer live. It makes you really think.

Energy Saving Light Bulbs

EDF. (No date). Make the switch to energy-saving bulbs. (2009, September, 17). Retrieved from http://www.edf.org/page.cfm?tagid=608

A great, easy, cheap way to save and convert energy is by replacing all your light bulbs with energy saving fluorescent light bulbs. There are many choices you have to choose from when shopping for energy-saving bulbs. Follow these short, simple steps when choosing a bulb that fits your household needs. The first tip is to look for color temperatures between 2650 and 2850 degrees Kelvin or with the, "warm white" label. Next you will want to know your wattage, size and shape. Look for the Energy Star label located on the front of the box. Lastly, after you change your bulbs, make sure you recycle them.

Energy Drinks Charts

Images retrieved from: http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.cocaine-drink.com/caf_graph1.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.cocaine-drink.com/cocaine-drink.html&h=274&w=426&sz=89&tbnid=0oJnUdlYceEcaM:&tbnh=81&tbnw=126&

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It didn't surprise me when I saw this chart. The rising number of Americans consuming energy drinks is on the rise, especially in college students and teenagers. I believe it will only continue to rise unless the word gets out about the dangers and health hazards energy drinks has on the body.

I was a little shocked when I saw the second chart, because I thought the South would have the highest amount of energy drinks consumed. I wonder why the Western states consume more energy drinks than any other state. Is it because of California and all the Hollywood stars? Makes you wonder.

This third chart blew my mind! I was surprised that Starbucks coffee was second. There are so many energy drinks it's crazy. They seem to be coming out with a new one every time I turn my back. This new drink called, Cocaine is the intense, extreme energy drink. Offering more caffeine and sugars than all the others.

Alternative Energy Drinks

H, Nicki (2010, January 20). Retrieved from http://www.brighthub.com/health/diet-nutrition/articles/23158.aspx

There are other alternatives to get the boost of energy you need in a healthier way. Today on the market are many organic, natural energy drinks that provide nutritional benifits and support your immune system and circulation, without all the caffiene, sugar, chemical, and additives. Instead they are packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that promote health and increase energy. Here are the top five organic energy drinks:

Shift Organic Energy Drinks-This drink has 200 calories per 10 oz serving and includes protein to boost energy and repair cells, vitamins B3 and B6 which supports physical endurance. It contains vitamin D, calcium, potassium, and ginseng which boosts the body's immune system. It also contains a natural energy called, Acai.

Odwalla Serious Energy Drinks- This is my personal favorite. They offer many flavors and promotes a healthier body all around. It has 130 calories and has energizing vitamins, B1 and B2 to help increase the metabolism. It also contains Yerba Mate, Green Tea, and Guarana Seeds which all help increase vitality and alertness.

Zion Organic Ginseng Root Drink-
This is a rejuvenation drink containing ginseng, ginger, peanut to reduce tiredness and boost energy. It also promotes circulatory function.

Guayaki Yerba Mate Organic Energy Drink-
Has only 40 calories per serving. It contains 24 vitamins and minerals, 15 amino acids, antioxidants and minimal caffeine to provide energy. This drink helps with mental clarity, digestion, and also helps with weight loss.

Syzmo Energy Drink-
Has 96 calories. Doesn't contain any refined sugars, artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives. It also contains yerba mate, guarana, and a small amount of caffeine which is comes from an organic coffee, this is to enhance energy.







Zion Organic Energy Drinks
Guayaki Yerba Mate Organic Energy Drink
Syzmo Energy Drink.

Wind Power

West, Larry. (No date). About wind power and how does it work. Retrieved from http://environment.about.com/od/renewableenergy/a/wind_power.htm


Wind power is a form of solar power. Wind power is versatile, clean and renewable, and will last a lifetime. The way wind power works is the Earth's surface warms and cools at different rates. The movement of air is, wind, and wind is caused by hot air rising and reduces the atmospheric pressure at the Earth's surface, it then draws in cooler air to replace it. When the wind moves it's called, kinetic energy (energy created when mass is in motion) is captured and converted into other forms of energy, either be electric or mechanical. Wind turbines are then set into the ground and connected to a power grid to generate clean, safe, and renewable energy into homes. The only down fall to wind power is having enough winds to promote your energy.

Energy Drinks 101

Fact Expert (2010, April 7). Retrieved from http://energydrinks.factexpert.com/890-energy-drink-hazards.php

Personally I hate all energy drinks, I don't know how people can drink a whole can, let alone become addicted to them! But they are full of pure sugar and caffeine, which most people think they need in their everyday activities. Just like with everything, moderation is the key. Over doing can and will lead to health problems. If you are the occasional energy drinker, you obviously don't have as much to worry about. On the other hand, if you are the everyday, I need an energy drink to get me throughout my day person, then that's when you need to worry. As I said before, energy drinks are full of nothing but bad, caffeine and sugars, by the cups loads! Caffeine is a natural diuretic, which doesn't mean it's good just because the word, "natural" is being used. Natural diuretics are foods/drinks that increase flow and remove fluids from the body. Although this may sound good, but unfortunately you are also losing important vitamins and minerals that are needed for your body and helps with dehydration. Dehydration caused by caffeine is minimal and not too dangerous, but dehydration can impact your body's health and performance, in a negative way.

Energy Saving Tips

PG&E. Retrieved from http://www.pge.com/myhome/saveenergymoney/savingstips/

Energy Saving Tips:

There are many ways to save and reduce the amount of energy being used in your home. One thing that I didn't know and I am sure many of you don't know as well is, if you are not using something but it's still plugged into the wall it's still using electricity. About a year ago, I was watching Oprah and the topic of her show was quick, energy saving tips. A lady came on the show and said she started unplugging everything in the house after she used it, she would only plug it in to use it then she would unplug it when she was done. Just by doing that she had cut her electricity cost by more than half. Her bill went from $65 a month to $20. That is a great way to save energy. There are many more tips including: replacing all bulbs with energy-efficient low-wattage compact fluorescent bulbs, caulk windows and doors so air doesn't leak out, install energy saving shower heads, replace and recycle old refrigerators and appliances with Energy Star labeled models, fix plumbing and dripping faucets, and wash full, short loads in the dishwasher. There are many ways to conserve energy and save money.

How To Make An Energy Shake

Hellam, Megan retrieved from http://www.ehow.com/how_5047708_make-protein-energy-shakes.html

Step One: Gather ingredient's and utensils: a shaker cup, water, juice, or milk and then choose a power supplement that is right for you. Read all labels and find products that are low in sugar. Energy supplements tend to have higher amounts of carbohydrates.

Step Two: Add desire power supplement into the shaker cup, then add 8-12 oz of desired liquid (milk, juice, or water). For an energy drink juice is a better option because it has added vitamins. You can add desired fruits and veggies too.

Step Three: Place the lid on the shaker and shake your shake until the powder is completely dissolved.

Step Four: It is best to drink your energy shake right after exercising, when your muscles are needing fuel to repair themselves after your hard workout. You can also drink an energy shake when you need an extra boost to get you throughout your day.

Step Five: Wash and clean up, dry, and store for later shake use.

How Energy Is used In The Body

John Hopkins Medicine, U.S. News (2010, April 7). Retrieved from http://health.usnews.com/usnews/health/living_well/weight_control/how_does_the_body_use_and_stor.htm

In order for your metabolism to convert food into energy, your body requires a certain amount of calories and when more calories are consumed they store and turn into fat. When your body digests, enzymes start to break down carbohydrates into sugars that will eventually produce glucose. It also converts proteins into amino acids, and triglycerides into fatty acids and glycerol. Any extra proteins and carbohydrates that are not being used immediately for energy they quickly turned into glycogen and triglycerides. Then, the simple sugars and amino acids are quickly being absorbed from the small intestine into the bloodstream. A good source of energy comes from the liver. The liver converts other sugars, like lactose and fructose, into glucose. Amino acids are also being used as an energy source, but serve mainly used for proteins in the body. Fatty acids combine with bile salts and form tiny droplets, as they enter as cells in the intestinal wall, and then again they are formed into triglycerides. The triglycerides transport lipoproteins, which carry the triglycerides to the fat tissues for storage. When you diet the body uses the fat stored in these cells as a source of energy. Once fat cells are formed they can shrink, but will never be eliminated.

The Dangers Of Energy Drinks

Moodie, Andy. ( 2009, September 11). Dangers of Energy Drinks. Retrieved from http://www.qualityhealth.com/dieting-articles/dangers-energy-drinks


Just because energy drinks are the cool thing to drink and are marketed as, "a dietary supplement" doesn't mean they are good for your body! Red Bull, claiming one can, "gives you wings," affects the blood system and causes it to become sticky, which can lead to cardiovascular problems, such as heart attack and stroke. But, you most likely wouldn't find these warnings on the back of the energy drink you are addicted to because the Food and Drug Administration's caffeine limit of 71 milligrams per 12 oz can doesn't apply to energy drinks, go figure! Energy drinks are packed with sugar and caffeine, one energy drink is equivalent to fourteen cans of Coca-Cola. The caffeine amounts are often unlabeled and only a few energy drinks labels include the dangerous warnings about the health risks of caffeine intoxication, dental decay, energy highs and crashes, headaches and heart palpitations, poor perception of intoxication, higher risk of injury, and increased risk taking; just to name a few. So the next time you pop open that Red Bull to get your "wings" for the day, just remember, your heart wants to stay not fly away.