Ride Of Silence

Today is the National Ride Of Silence.

On May 21, 2008, at 7:00 PM, the Ride of Silence will begin in North America and roll across the globe. Cyclists will take to the roads in a silent procession to honor cyclists who have been killed or injured while cycling on public roadways. Although cyclists have a legal right to share the road with motorists, the motoring public often isn't aware of these rights, and sometimes not aware of the cyclists themselves.

The Ride Of Silence is a free ride that asks its cyclists to ride no faster than 12 mph and remain silent during the ride. There is no brochure, no sponsors, no registration fees and no t-shirt. The ride, which is held during Bike Safety month, aims to raise the awareness of motorists, police and city officials that cyclists have a legal right to the public roadways. The ride is also a chance to show respect for those who have been killed or injured.

This isn't just a made-up issue. Just last night, a woman was killed in Tucson on her bicycle. Share the road, friends, and start seeing bicycles!

Cheers,
Sam
"We put our lives in the hands of everyone else on the roads every time we enter them, regardless of our mode of transportation."
David Veatch

Wacko Tree-Huggers

Quinn and I are company men.

Meaning we carry a certain sense of loyalty for the companies we work - and have worked - for. This means that Quinn will always use Dial soap, shop at Home Depot, and buy Lort's furniture. You think I'm just embellishing for blog's sake. But next time you're over at my house, take a peek into Quinn's bathroom. That smell? Dial.

It's a little harder for me, though. In the last five (5) years, I've probably had close to twenty (20) different jobs. Seriously. However, I did stay one place for a really long time (read: two years).



Yes, I called the Big Green Giant home for a long time. Long enough to be able to see, smell, and taste differences between coffees from different regions of the world. Long enough to order a complicated drink with precision. And long enough to defend its practices. That's right, Sam the anti-Wal-Mart guy is a fan of Starbucks. We all have our weaknesses.

Anyway, I had a habit of reading the quotes on the back of the cups when I worked there. And along with drinking copious amounts of coffee, the addiction stuck. I still do it just for fun, whenever I am at a store I grab a few cups of each size (the difference in space availability affects the length of the quote) to scan for good ones.

If you are a faithful reader of this blog, you (hopefully) notice my use of quotes. I don't just make those up. I search relentlessly for them. I'm an addict. I told you that already. Well, I found a golden one. I laughed out loud when I read it. People stared. I stared back. Ok, so I didn't - but it would have made the story a whole bunch better...

The author of this quote founded a website that is definitely worth checking out. It's called Grist: Environmental News & Commentary. There are articles on how to make backyard weeds into pesto and other edible items, what the greenest shaving cream is, and even a place to prepare yourself against "unbelievers" (Environmental Apologetics?). They are also looking for Development Director, so if you're looking for a new job...

Enough build-up, already! I'll see you guys later.

Cheers,
Sam
"So-called 'global warming' is just a secret ploy by wacko tree-huggers to make America energy independent, clean our air and water, improve the fuel efficiency of our vehicles, kick-start 21st-century industries, and make our cities safer and more livable. Don't let them get away with it!"
Chip Giller

My First Reader Prompt - Ego Warning

Those of you who know me - and probably even those who don't - are very aware that I struggle with my ego. By struggle, I mean sometimes it's hard to fit all my awesomeness in a 1250 word biography... That being said, I feel pretty honored that someone sought my idealogical position on something. Ok, so that's not really what they did. But it sounds better. And it's pretty cool, if you ask me. But then again, I might be a little biased...

Anonymous asks:

I think you must frequent the internet quite a bit with all the web links you continuously throw down, but have you ever been to www.africaaid.org? They have shirts for sale (only $20) and if you purchase before June they claim that 100% of the profit will be used to feed a child for an entire school year. That's a big deal. Perhaps even worth writing about?

First off, I do frequent the Internet. In fact, you can find me any number of (8) ways. So come say hi, somehow.

1) Twitter - @samuelisaac
2) Email - samuelisaacrichard [at] gmail [dot] com
3) Facebook - /profile.php?id=501086509
4) Myspace - /samuelisaac
5) Linked In - /pub/7/b40/625
6) All Voices - /users/487
7) This Blog - You're here already... Duh!
8) Our Website - StAR - Student Ambassadors for Recruitment

Ok, let's move on. Before yesterday, I had never been to Africa Aid, and I'm bummed that I hadn't stopped by earlier. The site is really put together well. It's easy to navigate, easy to find out why the organization is in existence, how you can help, why you should help, and where the money goes. All important aspects from a donor's perspective - which is who the website (and any nonprofit's website) was created for.

There is a lot of information there, so I'll let you decide how much you want to learn. But know this: Right now, when you buy an Africa Aid t-shirt all of the profits go into the School Lunch Program they fund in Ghana where forty-two thousand (42,000) Liberian refugees are living. I'll be sporting mine some time next week when it comes in. So buy a t-shirt, because you will anyway. And Abercrombie & Fitch doesn't feed children with their profits...

Looks like fashion might just be able to fight poverty after all...

Cheers,
Sam
"Only 1/3 of U.S. foreign aid is spent on health, education, nutrition, agriculture and infrastructure, while the lion's share goes to consultants and transportation of food."
Jeffrey Sachs

Buy an Africa Aid shirt

Learn more about Africa Aid

Buy clothes that make a difference

Almost Official

I say almost, because it's not really official. Like, we don't have any of the paperwork turned in, and no board of directors. But hey, we have a video! It's the twenty-first (21st) century. And that's as good as official...

I'm pleased announce the formation of Phoenix Copper Bikes. Thanks to Matt (director) and Andrew (actor) for making this happen. Send an email to samuelisaacrichard [at] gmail [dot] com to be put on the PCB mailing list. Enjoy!

Cheers,
Sam
"Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance, you must keep moving."
Albert Einstein

Live United

New campaign from United Way. The local chapter will roll out their version chock full of local sports celebrities and everyday schmoes early this fall, according to my source. For now, enjoy this. Pretty simple, consistent, and hopeful, I'd say. Review on Africa Aid, at the request of "Anonymous" forthcoming later this afternoon.

Cheers,
Sam
"Hold on a second there, sweetie."
Sen. Barack Obama

It's All Marketing - And Margaritas

My sister is fond of saying, "It's all marketing!" She is also seventeen (17), and vulnerable to any type of marketing. In fact, she probably wants a Nikon camera even more now that Ashton is all over their commercials. Being fair, though, I'd probably consider buying jeans from Gap (or "The Gap" as Mark likes to call it) because of this commercial. And my future iPod purchases will be greatly affected by this ad:



Point is, marketing is important. And not just for iPod, Gap, or Nikon. Nonprofits have to effectively package their idea, their mission, their vision for the consumer culture we live in. Enter Jimmy Buffet. That guy? Oh yeah, the great Sikh of the Spongecake & Salt Shaker has got a few things to say about the principles of marketing...

According to Katya, from Getting To The Point, Buffet is a "marketing genius." And after reading what she had to say, I am proudly on that bandwagon. Katya argues that Jimmy adheres to three solid principles that every organization can learn from:

1. Simplicity: He stands for one thing. To me, that thing is life as a margarita - carefree, hammock-lying, drink-sipping relaxed happiness with a little salt around the edges. From his music (Cheeseburgers in Paradise, anyone?) to his restaurants to his books. Which brings me to his…

2. Consistency: It’s about the margaritas as life, folks. Always. Visit his website. The name? Of course it’s margaritaville.com. Note: excellent lead generation on the page with the email sign-up. Nice touch.

3. Hopeful: The allure of something happy is strong. Remember that when you tell stories. If you go dire in the telling, remember that people want hope and happiness as the punchline.

Simplicity, Consistency, and Hope. Man, that sounds familiar...

After musing on these concepts for awhile, I came to the conclusion that my sister might be onto something. The organizations I am most excited about, give regularly to, and volunteer with have simple messages, consistent actions, and hopeful visions. It might just be all about marketing...

Cheers,
Sam
"It takes no more time to see the good side of life than it takes to see the bad."
Jimmy Buffet

Chengdu Update

So, it turns out that Chengdu - the city in China nearest the epicenter of the 7.9 magnitude earthquake this week - is a Sister City of Phoenix. Crazy.

The City of Phoenix has set up a fund for relief, and people can make donations at any Wells Fargo branch. You can also call the Sister Cities Office at 602-534-3751.

Article From Phoenix Business Journal

Wells Fargo Branch Locator

Update #1: Philanthropy 2173 just posted updated numbers on Disaster Aid. Check it out.

Update #2: New technology for mobile solar power. Could help with Disaster Relief.

Update #3: Wells Fargo waiving fees for remittance to China.

Thanks for your concern.

Cheers,
Sam
"I endorse Barack Obama."
Sen. John Edwards