Green Roofs How Do They Work? By: Ronlynn Lee

What about Green Roofs?

What is a green roof and what do they do you ask? A green roof is a system that an extension of the existing roof which involves high quality water proofing and root repellent system, a drainage system, filter cloth, a lightweight growing medium and plants. Green roof systems may be modular with the use of drainage layers, filter cloth, growing media and plants already prepared in movable, interlocking grids, or, each component of the system may be installed separately. Green roof develops into an green space on top of a human made structure. Green spaces are not planted in the ground, but could be below, or above grade.

Benefits of Green Roofs

There are many good reasons to build a green roof. Green roofs provide insulation of the layers of organic materials. That help keeps the temperature warm in the winter and cool in the summer. Green roofs also help cut down the energy use and cost. This could be an natural habitat for animals such as wild bees, butterflies, beetles and be an natural cycle of plants growth and self seeding. Green Roofs are very important instruments in preventing local flooding by storing the excess rain in the filtered and drained off with temporal delay.

The Costs of Green Roofs

Green Roofs are more expensive in cost than other roofing. Green Roofs cost $8 per square foot is a minimum but values around $12 to $24 per square foot are common. These amounts may amount to 5 to 10 times the cost of other traditional building. Other potential drawbacks are higher maintenance costs, restrictions involving climate and weather conditions, complex drain system and stronger roof beams in order to support the several green roof layers. Eve more costly repairs and fixings like finding and repairing leaks is more expensive and difficult.

Britney Hayward- Sustainabilty Agriculture

THE IMPORTANCE WITH SUSTAINABLE ARGICULTURE.


Sustainable agriculture was addressed by Congress in the 1990 Farm Bill [Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 (FACTA), Public Law 101-624, Title XVI, Subtitle A, Section 1603 (Government Printing Office, Washington, DC, 1990) NAL Call # KF1692.A31 1990]. Under that law, “the term sustainable agriculture means an integrated system of plant and animal production practices having a site-specific application that will, over the long term:

satisfy human food and fiber needs
enhance environmental quality and the natural resource base upon which the agricultural economy depends
make the most efficient use of nonrenewable resources and on-farm resources and integrate, where appropriate, natural biological cycles and controls
sustain the economic viability of farm operations
enhance the quality of life for farmers and society as a whole.”

Sustainable agriculture takes many forms, but at its core is a rejection of the industrial approach to food production developed during the 20th century. Although these changes have had many positive effects and reduced many risks in farming, there have also been significant costs.Prominent among these are topsoil depletion, groundwater contamination, the decline of family farms, continued neglect of the living and working conditions for farm laborers, increasing costs of production, and the disintegration of economic and social conditions in rural communities.


WHAT STANDARDS ARE AVAILABLE FOR SUSTAINABILE ARGICULTURE?


Some examples:

Food Alliance
http://www.foodalliance.org/
A non-profit organization that has developed sustainable agricultural practices standards and operates a voluntary certification program based on those standards.

Sustainable Agriculture Standard Development
Leonardo Academy Inc.
http://www.leonardoacademy.org/programs/standards/agstandard/development.html
A non-profit organization that is developing an ANSI Standard for Sustainable Agriculture.

Sustainable Agriculture Standards for Farm Audits
Rainforest Alliance Sustainable Agriculture Network (SAN) Secretariat
http://www.rainforest-alliance.org/agriculture.cfm?id=standards_farms
The Sustainable Agriculture Network Standards or SAN standards are the basis for Rainforest Alliance certification

Deforestation: Why Should You Care?

Deforestation:
Why Should You Care?

By: Kanisha Smith-Heard

Losing It All.

Deforestation is the clearing of forests, and that's exactly whats going on right now and many people don't know how this is effecting them. Deforestation is clearing the Earth's forests on a huge scale. Resulting in having very little quality of land. Although forests still cover over 30 percent of the worlds land area, it also decreases the size of Panama each year. At the current rate, in a hundred years there will be no more rain forests due to deforestation.


What Are The Causes?

Forests are cut down for many reasons, such as things related to money and people that need to provide for their families. The biggest issue that has to do with deforestation is agriculture. Farmers cut down forests to make more room for planting crops or grazing livestock. They sometimes get rid of a few acres by burning and cutting down trees which is called "slash and burn" agriculture.


Who Does It Effect?

It effects everyone and everything! Creatures and wildlife will have no place to live if all the rain forests are gone. Humans too. From something as little as the spices that indulge food to life giving medicines we need our forests. 25 percent of medicines come from forests.The forest gives life to not just species but but they help extend the duration of human life. Forests also do something that you can do without thinking; BREATHING! Trees absorb carbon and other particles caused by pollution which improves the air that we all breathe.


What You Can Do.


So now we come down to the final question: What can you about deforestation?. Here are a few things you can do to help out.

Plant A Tree!That's obviously a way to combat deforestation. Plant a few in your neighborhood.

Go Paperless!Cut back on the paper you use each day.

Buy Recycled! Use paper with the highest percentage of recycling content. Buying a case of paper in lieu of virgin paper saves about one tree!


Together we can help fight deforestation.

Here's a link to tell you more about deforestation:

http://environment.nationalgeographic.com/environment/global-warming/deforestation-overview.html.

Effects of Globle Warming

To inform and educate the public concerning the health, economic, and aesthetic effects of air pollution and the technological and legal tools available for its control; to promote understanding of the role of government (national, state, and local) in the control of air pollution; and to stimulate voluntary and official efforts to clean the air." (Bylaws, 1967)

Over the last few years, the Council has implemented an aggressive program on Clean Air Act implementation consisting of government oversight, constituency building, and media outreach, to ensure that Pennsylvania is fully meeting its obligations under the Clean Air Act. Additionally, the Council, a strong advocate of strengthening the federal health standards for ground level ozone and fine particulate matter, is working with various stakeholders to seek innovative, cost-effective, and environmentally sound programs to address issues such as air pollution transport.

cortez Hayward.

Want you can know about the desert

Did you know that the desert cover more then one fifth of the earth's land. Deserts are part of a wider classification of regions called dry land. It is just not dry and hot deserts there are also cold ones as well. The largest hot desert in the world is the northern Africa's Sahara. It reaches temperatures of 122 degrees Fahrenheit (50 degrees Celsius) during the day some deserts are always cold.


Did you know that desert animals have ways to keep themself cool. For example camels can go for days without food and water. Many deserts are nocturnal, that mean the some animal only come out at night. Some animal, like the desert tortoise in the southwestern United States spend much of their time underground.


by:antoine mackie

The Mock Trial

Today we got a chance to experience a Mock trial. The trial was between Lee Jones and the Badger Aeromechanical Corporation. Lee Jones accused the Badger corporation of being the cause of his liver cancer which he was recently diagnosed with.His daughter was also diagnosed with autism.These two conditions can be caused by the chemicals they were exposed to from the Badger corporation.Both plaintiff and defense had very good and believable testimonies.With this being said the insurance company stepped in gave the plaintiff a settlement.

In conclusion it was a very interesting and educational experience for us.We learned what takes place and the procedures that occur in a court setting.We think the group as a whole and former Mayor John Street did a wonderful job.This experience is greatly appreciated.

Auditing the Tuttleman Computer Lab/ Breakout rooms.

The Tuttleman computer lab/breakout rooms have been the home base for our group for the entire program. We decided to audit this building for a few reasons, those reasons being, there are alot of computers and printers, and the building is freezing cold.

The computers are sectioned into groups of four, and each section has its own power strip. They all have their own power strip so students can plug in phone chargers and other things of that nature. The plugs are always on reguardless of weather students are using them are not. Also, there is a row of macs on the side of the lab that all have their own individual power strips that are always on reguardless of use. We think that if these were turned on and off on the basis of use it could potentially save alot of energy.

Also, the building is freezing cold at all times. The buildings temperature should be adjusted on the amount of people that are in it. It is ridiculas how cold the buidling is. We have to wear sweat shirts in the middle of July through August.

We feel with these few adjustments just this building alone could save Temple University alot of money and energy.

Basil's workready experience

I learned many new things from this program which I think will benefit me. I learned about the different kinds of energy which are solar,wind,and geothermal. I thought solar energy was the best source of energy because the sun can give your home energy if you have solar panels on your roof.

Also, I learned how to do new things such as write blogs and make podcast. The podcast was a fun task because I never knew such a thing existed before we had to make one. The blogs were fun too because I never wrote a blog before and when I came here I wrote about five of them and the world was able to read what I learned about energy.

This was a wonderful experience for me because I was able to met new people. I thought my mentor Ms.Dana was a cool person because she kept things fun for me and my co-workers. My experience here was fun and beneficial and I wouldn't mind doing this again.

- Basil Lee

OUR PODCAST!!!!!

The information in our first podcast will help you better understand how to make your work place more environmentally friendly. You can access it under the link section on the side of our blog page.

The speakers on the blog are: Sabria Brutley, Kanisha Smith-Heard, Britney Hayward and Mohamed Alli.

We hope you Enjoy!!!

What I learned at The bITS Program- Antoine Mackie

My name is Antoine and I learned to save power by plugging all electronics into a power strip and stopping phantom power by doing so. Also, I've learned that you should use LED light bulbs and light switch reminders. I learned to type fast and how to fill out a resume. The fun part is when we are in Tommy's class because we play games and listen to music while we do our work. I also enjoyed typing up my resume.

In all I learned a lot in the past 6 weeks at the bITS program and I would enjoy doing it again next summer.

By: Antoine Mackie

Britney Haywards Workready Experience!

Working for the bITS program was a great experience for me personally in so many different ways. I had the ability to learn what a real job was like. Especially in the office.

Every Tuesday I had to go to a "portfolio meeting" in which,prepared me for jobs, and interviews, and also learning the importance of being prepared. Though I learned how to be prepared, I also learned how to create my own resume. I believe that the more independent you are the further you'll get in life.

My supervisor Ms. Dana, has taught me that you can have a good time at your job, however it is your job and you have to be on top of your job at all times. Work and life is what you make out of it.

In all, I know that the experiences I had here at Workready will take me further in life. I hope for any other new Interns to come will have a great experience. Thank you Workready!!




-Britney Hayward

My WorkReady Expeirence- Sabria Brutley

My experience at Workready has been very educational and beneficial for me over the past couple of weeks.I learned tons of different ways to save energy such as cutting off power strips and things of that nature.

I also learned different things to do to save our environment like recycling and to always throw trash in the trashcan not on the ground.The things that I've learned here at work ready are things that i will be able to benefit from in the future.

I am very thankful to be given this opportunity and the Workready program is greatly appreciated.



- Sabria Brutley

My Experience at Bits - Mohamed Alli

During my time spent working in the Bits program i have learned a lot of new material that i didn't know before. For instance I didn't know that screen savers didn't help conserve energy, for it to do so the screen savers must be completely blank without any animation or pictures.

Not only did the program help me learn new materials but i had the opportunity to meet some interesting people within my group and even other students from other groups.

Also, walking around campus gives you a feel for what college life is like.

- Mohamed Alli

Things I learn While Working With The BITS Program - Ronlynn Lee

COME HELP SAVE THE WORLD

Before I started this program I didn't know how to save energy. Now I cut off the lights when I leave a room. I also put all my electronics on sleep mode around 10:00pm. Now I even recycle more then I use to. On Saturdays I pick up trash around my neighborhood. I try to use reusable things like bottles, bags and old electronics.

While in this program I learned good interviewing skills at portfolio training. Mr. Tommy talked about how you should act when you go on an interview. He said you should show up at the interview ten minutes early. When talking to the interviewer you should give them full eye contact. Mr. Tommy said that you should do research on the person that is going to interview you. Also, take the time out to research about where you want to work.

I think that the learning experiences I have had in this program will help me be successful in the future.

By: Ronlynn Lee

My WorkReady Experience - Francesca Stewart

Thus far I had an awesome experience. I learned many things about making the environment a better place. There were things about "going green" that I didn't know. Such as, phantom power, animated screen savers, and light switch reminders.

I also never wrote a blog before, so I learned about a new website, blogger. I learned more information about doing a portfolio prior to the information I already knew. Also, I meet a lot of new people. We all are different in our own way.

All and all, this experience has taught me a lot, gave me tools for future professional environments, and introduced me to knew friends.



Francesca Stewart

Things I Learned In This Progam - Cortez Hayward

I've learned a lot of things while being in the bITS program this summer.
Before this program, when I left my room I would keep the lights and the computer running. I would get yelled at for leaving them on because I was wasting energy.
After I started coming to the bITS program I learned how I can save energy by doing things like, turning off the lights and the computer.

Things that I also learned were, how to speak proper English, how to greet people properly, and now I know the meaning of words that I did not know before.

I plan on taking my experiences here and applying them to my everyday life so I can have a extremely successful future.

My First Work Experience - Kanisha Smith- Heard

Throughout this Workready experience, I've learned about portfolios and resumes, how to be on time and how to dress for an interview and things of that nature.

Every Tuesday we have Portfolio training with a guy named Tommy. He teaches us about cover letters and references. He also teaches us how to dress for an interview and he has creative ideas on how to do so.

Also I've learned how do research, speak properly, public speaking skills and speech with my mentor Dana. She teaches us all of these things and helps us learn about the real working world.

I like this program because it helps me learn what its like to have a job and what sacrifices I have to make in order to be here. Its a great program that everyone should try!

-Kanisha Smith-Heard

Learning How To Research

Currently we have been learning how to research.We took time out to learn how to do research projects. We learned things such as how not to plagiarize, how to use spell check and to make sure that our grammar is correct.While doing our research we had to use five differnet websites. The main website we used to get out research started was the Google search engine. From there we were able to find more and more information about our projects. In order to complete the projects we had to use atleast one picture and one link.

Our group is interested in researching these projects because not only is it our job, but also it was educational. It taught us how to work together as a group to get things done, and work well with others. Better presentation skills. In all it was a fun, and experimental job for everyone. We enjoyed the work!

Sports Tournament What Really Happened?

Yesterday, we went to play sports at the Temple REC center. However, when we got there we were unable to go in and play. While all of the students were sitting around and waiting to enter there was a big misunderstanding between our supervisors, and the person who allows people in.

Even though everyone was upset and we tried to work out something we had to leave the building. Others thought of playing outside which would have been a good idea, however, it was too hot. with concern of someone passing out from the heat.

There are many reasons as to why we chose to write this blog. Some of the students had to go out and spend there money in order to be in uniform which resulted in a waist of money unless they play elsewhere. Some stayed , and it wasted their time when they could have been somewhere else. Others are really dedicated to sports. They put their all into it and were hoping and wishing to play. This was not a good ending for anyone.

In conclusion, when you are looking forward to something, obtain all of the information you can about what you want. There is always a chance that something will go wrong with your plans.

Our First Podcast

We are currently working on our first podcast. Our podcast will focus on the different elements of going green, such as, conservation methods, saving energy, being environmentally friendly and the three R's (Reduce,Reuse,Recycle).

To learn more about podcasting we watched two informative videos. One of them focused on the Garage Band software which will allow us to edit our audio files. The other consisted of learning how to make a podcast.

Going into the Whisper Room will be a great experience for us. In the Whisper Room we recite our scripts. When were done we are allowed to hear what we recorded. Then we can edit it if it doesn't sound right.

Going into podcast we hope it will interest all those interested in the "going green" movement.

Stay tuned and continue to follow us on Twitter!!

Our Very First Audit!!!

Today, July 23, 2009, we attended our first audit at Mitten Hall. When we first arrived we were introduced to Dina Stonberg. Dina gave us a brief tour around her office and explained to us
the tasks of the employees. After the tour we shared the information that we have been researching about energy conservation. At the end of the presentation, Dina shared with us that she had learned alot about conservation that she did not know before. However, she already practiced some conservation methods such as: using recycled paper, use of recycling bins, light switch reminders...etc. Things that she didn't know about were that phantom power and animated screen savers are energy hogs.

It was a wonderful experience since I never did an audit before. - Francesca Stewart

I had fun at the Mitten Hall. We inspected a lot of rooms. Dina Stonberg was so funny. - Antoine Mackie

I had fun doing my very first audit in an office. I was kind of nervous at first but I was encouraged to build up my confidence.-Kanisha Smith-Heard

Before we went to audit Mitten Hall Kelly George helped us prepare for the audit. Kelly taught us how to speak properly and she showed us good posture. The tips Kelly gave us were very effective for the audit and she helped me build up my confidence.-Basil Lee

I didn't know what to expect because it was my first audit. I ended up really enjoying it and look forward to our next audit. - Mohamed Alli

Here is a link to the office that we audited. HAVE FUN!

http://www.temple.edu/studentaffairs/heart/about/professionalstaff.html



THIS IS DINA STONBERG!

The Freedom Rides of 1961

The Freedom Rides of 1961
By: Ronlynn Lee

The Freedom riders journeyed with civil rights activist on interstate buses into the segregated southern United States. They did this so they could test the United States Supreme Court decision Boynton v. Virginia in 1960. This decision had ended segregation for passengers that are engaged in interstate travel. In 1960 the first of the freedom riders left Washington D.C on May 4, 1961 and were scheduled to arrive in New Orleans on May 17. While on their journey through the deep south, they began to integrate seating patterns and desegregate bus terminals, including restrooms and water fountains.


This later became a dangerous mission. One bus was firebombed in Anniston, Alabama forcing all the passengers to flee for their lives. An F.B.I informant reported that in Birmingham, Alabama a public safety commissioner Eugene “Bull” Conner gave the Ku Klux Klan or KKK members 15 minutes to attack an incoming group of freedom riders, right before having the police protect them. The riders were beaten so bad it looked like a bulldog had gotten a hold of them.


This upsets me when I read about what my ancestors had to go through. There are so many kids that take life for granted. If they only knew how hard it was to not be able to make your own decision. Having to drink out of dirty water fountains or not being able to eat in a nice restaurant and not being able to use clean restrooms. I believe that all young people around my age should sit back and really think about what our ancestors did so that we could have a better life.


By: Ronlynn Lee






For more information on the Freedom Riders you can check on this youtube video:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u-UE6n6JnM4

Flying High-The Jim Jones Story

Flying High-The Jim Jones Story

By: Kanisha Smith-Heard

I bet you thought I was talking about the rapper Jim Jones didn't you? Well actually I was talking about James Warren Jones. James was the founder and leader of the Peoples Temple, known for the November 18, 1978 death of over 900 Temple members in Jonestown, Guyana.


Jones was born in Crete, Indiana May 13, 1931 and started the Temple in the 1950's. Jones and the Temple moved to Ukiah in Northern California because of A nuclear war and then later moved to San Francisco and Los Angeles. After suspicions of illegal activities in the Temple, they resettled in Jonestown, Guyana.

Originally the Temple was an interracial mission for the sick, homeless and jobless; preaching of a 'social gospel' of human freedom, equality and love. However this gospel became too controlling. Hypocrisy of white Christianity was ridiculed while this 'apostolic socialism' was preached.

Later Jim Jones developed a belief called Translation, which meant that he and all of his members would die together in peace, and would 'move on to another planet for a life of bliss'. He called it a Revolutionary suicide. He protested the conditions of an inhuman world.

Some denied and others wanted to follow. So together for those who wanted to follow started to create options on how they wanted to go through with this process. They reached a decision to commit group suicide. Most appeared to have committed this suicide by drinking grape flavored Kool-Aid or FlavorAid. The drink was laced with cyanide and a number of sedatives which is a substance that reduces irritability or excitement. These included liquid Valium, penegram and choral hydrate. Those who denied where injected with the poisons and others were strangled or shot.

All together 914 people died; 638 adults, and 276 children. When the bodies were found they were extensively decayed. The decay was so extensive that investigators were unable to perform autopsys on the corpses. The disturbing images collected by a TV station showed the vast amount of dead and showed that they were all forced to commit suicide. Jones was also found dead in a deck chair with a gunshot wound to his head on November 18, 1978; the same day this massacre happened.

To find more information on the Jonestown Massacre:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jpWr45bKWpE

Area 51:Real or Not??

By: Antoine Mackie

Area 51 is a U.S. government cover up of U.F.O's. It is located in the Southern portion of Nevada in the Western United States. The base does not appear on public U.S. government maps because they don't want people to know about it. Area 51 is a nickname for a military base. It is also known as Groom Lake.

Groom Lake isn't really a lake, but a dry salt flat. It is used to hide U.F.Os from people so they would not know. It's also used to test new government technology and maybe even alien technology. That is why the government doesn't want people to know what they're doing in Area 51.

I think aliens are real and i feel that the U.S. government should tell the people of the world that it is aliens with us. If aliens attacked Earth we would be unaware of their existence and have no idea how to react to their arrival.

One Deprived Of Freedom!

While researching on slavery I came across a many known facts. How long slavery was around, when it started, until the end. Slavery was not only in the South but also across the world. Slavery is the keeping of slaves as a practice or institution. To keep hostage. Slavery deprives everyone from their abilities they once had.


Slavery has appeared throughout history in many forms and many places. Slaves have served in capacities as diverse as concubines, warriors, servants, craft workers, and tutors. In the Americas, however, slavery emerged as a system of forced labor designed for the production of staple crops. Depending on location, these crops included sugar, tobacco, coffee, and cotton; in the southern United States, by far the most important staples were tobacco and cotton.

Slavery played a central role in the history of the United States. It existed in all the English mainland colonies and came to dominate agricultural production in the states from Maryland south. Eight of the first 12 presidents of the United States were slave owners. Debate over slavery increasingly dominated American politics, leading eventually to the American Civil War, which finally brought slavery to an end. After emancipation, overcoming slavery's legacy remained a crucial issue in American history, from Reconstruction following the war, to the civil rights movement a century later.

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Finally, after many devastating years of hard work, rapid deaths, pain, and torture it all came to an end. Allowing the slaves who survived slavery to be free. To go back home and live the life that was once their own. Their freedom was Deprived, and now giving back to them. Giving a new life. Though the slaves were set free, there will still be scares of memories in their mind and heart. Slavery became apart of them. It became them.






~ The End of Slavery In America ~

Freed slaves under Union Army guard leaving their plantations.

Harper's Weekly February 21, 1863

Ironically, although Southern politicians supported secession in order to preserve slavery, their action led instead to the end of slavery. As the war dragged on, Northern war aims graduallyshifted from preserving the Union to abolishing slavery and remaking the Union.

This goal, which received symbolic recognition with the Emancipation Proclamation that President Lincoln issued on January 1, 1863, became reality with the 13th Amendment to the Constitution, passed by Congress in January and ratified by the states in December 1865.

Although slavery was ended, it was followed by an intense struggle during Reconstruction over the status of the newly freed slaves. In subsequent decades, black Americans continued to struggle against poverty, racism, and segregation, as they sought to overcome the bitter legacy of slavery.

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* I found pictures of slavery at www.google.com/images

Office of Sustainability

We are a group of teens that are working as interns for the Offices of Sustainability. We go around and audit office buildings to check and see if the offices are using energy efficient and environmentally friendly by means of conducting their work days.

First, we email offices and ask them if we can come and audit their office. Then, they contact us giving us permission to do so.

Next, we take a visit to the office and we use a check list to see if the office is environmentally friendly. The check list consists of energy, efficiency, recycling, etc. We then present them with a PowerPoint showing them how to be environmentally friendly. Our PowerPoint tells you what kinds of light bulbs to use and what temperatures to use during the seasons.

Our goal is to make office buildings realize the importance of their actions. One reason we want to persuade office buildings is because they are energy hogs. Did you know that 39% of our energy is used up by office buildings? By using the methods in our PowerPoint it can help cut down the percentage of energy used by these office buildings.


Here are some resources you may want to look at.
http://www.temple.edu/newsroom/2008_2009/07/announcements/sustainability.htm

Is your favorite color green?Wear green to be seen!

Did you know that 94% of the energy that we use comes from non renewable resources? These non- renewable resources consist of Natural gas, coal, oil, and propane. 39% of this energy is used by office buildings. This percentage is so high because of the lack of knowledge of an environmentally friendly office. There are many methods they can use to avoid wasting energy.


Some of these methods are Light bulbs, Upgrading Lighting to LED or fluorescent, unblocked vents, screen savers, non-disposable eating utensils, recycling bin, buying recycling paper, use both sides of paper, reusable cups, reuseable bags, temperature control, power strips , multi-functioning copier/ printers/ faxes.


We came up with several alternative ways to conserve energy in our own community.Solar panels should be put on roof tops throughout the city to not only conserve energy but to also lower electricity bills. Another idea is to install wind turbines around the city. Using this form of renewable energy will keep the city free of pollution and full of energy. Wind fuels the wind turbine by creating energy that moves to the gear box that maintains the generators maximum capacity,then the electricity moves down to the electricity grid. Once the energy is in this electricity grid it provides your home with energy.


By using these methods of conservation, our earth can go green!

If you would like to find out more about going green, here is a website you should look into.
http://www.storyofstuff.com/