Capital Grille... Glad She's not a Bostonian

Saturday evening I went to the Capital Grille for dinner.  They have great bread and a chowder that is pretty robust as well.  Unfortunately the company that was at the bar was not the caliber I am use to keeping.

A recent graduate from a college somewhere in California(Berkley I think she said) whose behavior indicated that she had a tendency to bloviate ad nauseam, about subjects she had amateurish knowledge about, sat one person over from myself.  Being the social person and after an initial seemingly friendly greeting, I mentioned how I developed a habit of choosing restaurants based on how good the bread is-- and stated that she didn't know what she was missing.

The California girl whom I can't quite consider a lady, challenged me as to whether I actually selected restaurants in the manner I mentioned.  Did she think I was lying?  It is important note that I have been selecting restaurants this way for years and that I catalog them so I don't have to think about them; but she insisted that I recall several restaurants.  I mentioned one in Cambridge.  Unsatisfied she thought she might take a stab at humiliating me- but really making a fool of herself.

She challenged me on whether I had ever been to California; I said I had.  In a immature tone she said where; I replied Yosemite.  Unsatisfied and full of spite( probably remnants from an inadequate childhood up bring); her retort was "Californians do not consider Yosemite a part of California."  Really! I said in amazement.  Now at this point I should have dismissed her all together, but I was far too curious about the extent of her ignorance- and how far it could take her.  Though I might have looked silly responding to her questions but the badgering continued- so I baited her and played the role.

It is virtually impossible to carry on a meaningful conversation with a California girl who has a level of intellect that demonstrates the need for academic reform in order to remain competitive in the free market system; and who holds the belief that Yosemite National Park (one of the most acclaimed national parks in the world, is not a part of California (and meant it in her conviction)- but i did.  And she continued to enervate the conversation- this was going to make for an interesting article.  I could not resist finding out how far this charlatan would allow her self to go.

In the end; she is likely to have very little impact in the world because with that  apoplectic type attitude and statements nothing more than balderdash- people would see right through her. With lesser debate skills than that of Sarah Palin(but similar understanding of key landmarks, possibly publications) she will amount to little more than a widget in anything she sets out to do.

This experience was a solid reminder to myself, why it is so important to spend time with people and in places that are good for the soul.  Funny thing is she probably thinks she really achieved something.  I'll have to thank her for the entertainment.

Embracing Climate Change

Healing People and the Earth

by Scotland Willis
When we(those in the field of climate related issues) are in our circles, understanding that most of the U.S. population does not fully grasp the environmental issues that include climate change, the circle can seem full.  It seems like the world knows all about environmental concerns- but we often find ourselves talking to our friends.  With all the recycling(what to recycle, how much, separating compost etc) many people just can't seem to identify the compelling need to support modifying systems that are currently in place.  They are provided with a relatively comfortable lifestyle(for most people), many people are already burdened with economic stressors-- and quite frankly most don't see the difference their efforts will make.  Oh and let's not forget the amenity of cheap oil.

For years agencies and individuals have been working on making climate change a priority for the general public though various campaigns, from hybrid vehicles to littering and even water usage.  Some approaches have been more abrasive; making attempts to threaten non-believers with dyer consequences.  While the consequences are real, approaching environmental concerns should not be about creating fear.  We should no sooner take this approach than thinking that creating fear in the workplace is a good choice- it's not!  Fear does not make people productive; nor do threats, yelling, or misleading bits of information.  There is enough evidence and solid examples we can use to be more persuasive- and we should be.

Response to climate change is a behavioral issue.  As such we need to focus on strategies that change behavior.  Incentives, education(early and adult), inclusionary programs, municipal support and legislation.  People need to see, and feel the difference by contributing to project and ideas that make both large and small scale differences on the environment.  Projects may range from building a small solar panel with their child, to ground water and hydrology research undertaken by research teams.  People need to work, not green jobs but be involved so that we can yield a revolutions of change with waves of people.

A combination of more interesting approaches, visible benefits and opportunities to get involved will prove to be transformational for larger segments of our population.  People are more likely to get engaged in a project they visit while it is under way, especially if it is a large scale project with far reaching implication.

I strongly support environmental and climate change initiatives; as a 15 year consultant and a masters student  in environmental engineering as well as urban planning; how we get these messages out is going to be critical to ensuring successful engagement and implementation for a healthier future for Earth(or our biosphere).

Scotland Willis is an environmental strategist, lecturer and advocate.  He is currently a working on a dual Masters at Tufts in Environmental Engineering and Urban and Environmental Policy and Planning.  He is a management consulting in systems thinking and large scale change.  You can email him at scotland@clearstrategies.us. or visit the clear strategies web site