I, like many of you out there, am in the job market. There are many questions that arrise when headed down this road: “Do I have the necessary experience?”… “Will this salary support my lifestyle?”… “Could I get away with ‘dancing’ for a little while longer? You know- have some fun… pay off the school loans…” (<–What? No one else?)

But how many of you have seriously asked yourselves: “Would I be willing to relocate?”

I’ve recently asked myself this question and come to realize: No, given the choice, I would not relocate (for work or otherwise).
The state of Colorado is one of the greatest places in our country.
Sure, if given the opportunity to work our dream job in Fiji, most of us would probably jump ship. But let’s be realistic- 40k a year for a middle-management position in Mianus, CT… no thanks. I’ll keep my anus in Denver.

Some of us, however, get in ruts. We begin to think “the grass is always greener on the other side of the fence.” A common theme in my posts to you has been finding contentment, and in continuation of that theme, I’d like to share with you 10 Reasons Colorado  is GREAT:

1. Colorado ranks as the nation’s fifth-best state for business and careers in the latest annual report by Forbes, posted November of 2011. So stick it out, job hunters!
   
2. Colorado consistently ranks in the top 10 healthiest and slimmest states in the country. There’s so much to do! Plus, walking anywhere west of Denver means going up hill.
3. Denver was named the 13th best city for singles by Forbes.com in 2009. We have the thinnest, most attractive young professionals. Look in the mirror… you’re probably getting laid tonight.
4. Boulder is the most educated city in America. Colorado is one of the most educated states. It’s everywhere online… Google it.
5. Colorado gets over 300 days of sunshine every year– the most clear-sky days of any state.
6. Denver is the top city for bicyclists according to Bicycle Magazine and the Huffington Post. One more reason we’re not fat.
   Moreover, I’d like to share: I have ridden a bicycle on both coasts and in many different states. In California you get flipped off and run off the roads. On the east coast you can’t breath from the smog or people assume you’re poor. Colorado is the only state where drivers will slow down for you and wave. Shit- in Boulder they’ll stop at a convenience store and circle back around with gatorade.
7. We’ve got Colfax. In addition to all the different aswesome “scores” you can make within a single-block radius, Colfax is the longest continuous street in America.
8. The Colorado Rockies. Sure, we’ve had some good baseball years, but I’m talking about our mountains. People from all over the world save for years and spend thousands of dollars to ski and snowboard where we do any day we fancy.
9. Colorado loves good beer and has has more breweries per capita than any other state in the U.S.
10. Denver is the sixth happiest city in the country according to market research performed by the fast-food giant McDonalds.

BONUS: COLORADO HAS YOU! The communities within this fine state are filled with healthy, intelligent, open-minded, friendly people.

 What more could you want from your home?

- Ches Sheridan Arms

Last week I stumbled upon an amazing video from a TED talk, that my friend David showed me.
A little glimpse into our very near future of how we can and will interact with the world around us. Prana Mistry’s invention is very intriguing and raises some thoughtful questions:

• Could this really be a free open source technology for all of us to use?
• Will this better our lives by freeing us from the confines of our computer and desk?
• At what point is human integration with technology taken too far?
• What happens if this technology is purchased by the government or used for evil?

What do you Think?

This photo has nothing to do with my post, really just thought it was a neat shot.

Micheal E. Porter, I am buying you loads of delicious beers or scotch or both. Or a shot and a beer. Or if you prefer fine wines, I enjoy those as well. I hope you drink is all I am saying.

Recently, Michael wrote an article in the Harvard Business Review Blog named Creating Shared Value. Here Mr. Porter, explains that many of the wrongs of capitalism is due to companies outdated approach to creating value for their participants (customers). He argues that businesses over the past few decades have ignored their participants most basic needs. Michael explains this has created a huge gap between business and society, and because of this gap, there is a great opportunity for businesses to bring true value back to participants (consumers) and society as a whole.

In my opinion, this is one of the most inspiring reads in business today. Not because it is based on a nice idea, or because it is an amazing concept, or even because it is a possibility. I think it is so damn inspiring because again, in my opinion, he is absolutely right. Additionally, not only is he right, major brands and businesses are moving in this direction in their operations, business strategy and marketing. Pepsi and GE, a couple of brands you may have heard of, are currently implementing strategy, supply chains and operational programs based around the thought that they MUST create more value for the community, for their participants and for the environment. These businesses believe if they create more shared value, they are increasing their future profits, their future market share and their future brand equity.

Read this selection: “Shared value is not social responsibility, philanthropy, or even sustainability, but a new way to achieve economic success.”  Baller.

I am sooooo tired of hearing from idealistic contemporary hippie (I do realize this is a hugely general statement, and for that I apologize) folks that business is the problem; capitalism is evil. In my somewhat educated opinion, Creating Shared Value is a visceral, even tangible solution. Fuck, it’s beyond a solution, it is an opportunity. Excited.

-Tyler Browning

Today I would like to talk a little about how we can help leave a positive footprint on our planet when building new structures. As humans it is in our very nature to consume. We want to have nice things, to built a life, to own a home… and who am I to disagree.  I think we are going to keep acting like humans, but if we can shift our mindset and put our efforts towards better options we will start to create a better world.  And perhaps decrease our impacts on this planet enough to survive and live on a vibrant happy planet.

Below are some helpful things to consider and hopefully implement before building a house or office.

• Choose Efficient Appliances powered by Energy from Renewable Resources.  Choosing efficient appliances, air conditioners and computers can make a big difference in energy use and carbon emissions from power plants.
• Do Not Use Rainforest Timber.  Our rainforest are dimensioning at a shockingly rapid rate. Click the link to learn about other timber options.
• Reduce & Recycle Construction Waste. Packaging, new material scraps and old materials and debris all constitute potentially recoverable materials.
• Breath Healthily with low V.O.C. in your home. Having clean and pure air is important to healthy living for all of us.
• Grow Food Forest Using Permaculture. Food forests take the idea of growing food like it would naturally grow in the forest, but they are designed and managed ecosystems that are very rich in biodiversity and productivity.

Thank you for your time.

- Rustin Coburn

Ponder for a moment:

How many people do you know that have suffered some kind of injustice at the hands of an inconsiderate friend or lover? Betrayal, theft, dishonesty, in any of it’s forms.

Or perhaps you have experienced the feeling of being totally wronged, first hand. Did it make you angry? Did you eventually decide to forgive that person? Or do you still feel a slight twinge of disgust at just the thought of them?

Let’s change the scenario a bit… let’s say your inconsiderate friend had actually killed a member of your family. Intentionally. And maybe instead of this person being your friend, they were a complete stranger. Would you have any intention of forgiving this person?!

That’s exactly what the As We Forgive Rwanda Initiative is encouraging in Rwanda. Is it possible?

IT IS POSSIBLE: “Innocent (left) murdered five people including the brother of Gespard (right).” They stand on the site of the executions with the message written on their arms: “Love is the weapon that destroys all evil.”

Photo Credits: Jeremy Cowart for CNN

More photos of the CNN photo essay by Jeremy Cowart here!

“[Laura Waters] Hinson whose film led to the creation of a Rwandan reconciliation organization, says that “some Rwandans liken unforgiveness to the experience of having acid eat you from the inside out. Others describe it like being trapped in a prison of hatred.”

“For the victims,” she says, “forgiving their offenders is a way of setting themselves free from the chains of anger and bitterness.”’ – CNN.com

Freedom. THIS… is freedom.

The human race has procrastinated long enough. It’s unsustainable to treat each other and ourselves terribly. This is a piece of the necessary change that we are seeing slowly shift in the world right now. An authenticity that breeds real and lasting growth, change, and maturity. The opportunity to learn about ourselves as humans and live better. Live free.

The shift is happening. Do you see?

XO

Abella

Unless you’ve been living under a rock the past couple months, you’re probably familiar with the “Occupy” movement. Until recently, I only had a general idea of what it was: 1% of our population makes significantly more money than the other 99%. This, however, didn’t seem like “breaking news” to me, so I decided to do a little reading on the movement to more fully understand it. Pretty wild stuff. For those of you who are a little fuzzy, I’ll highlight a few points:

• The protesters seek (in part) more/better jobs, more equal distribution of income, bank reform, and a reduction of the influence of corporations on politics.
• The top 1 percent of income earners have more than doubled their income over the last thirty years according to a recentCongressional Budget Office (CBO) report.
• In 2009, the average income of the top 1% was $960,000 with a minimum income of $343,927.
  

  Source: Congressional Budget Office, Average Federal Taxes by Income Group, “Average After-Tax Household Income,” June, 2010.

That said– I’d like to introduce you to Rusted Yucca Furniture. Travis Toms and Sam Rolph of Golden, CO are educated individuals. They have degrees in Urban Planning and Business Administration. For nearly a year now the two have been looking for jobs in their field that would pay the bills, and they have yet to find suitable employment. SO- have they thrown up their hands, moved into their parents’ basements, and nurtured their beer guts to the point of being mistaken for a pregnant Rosie O’donnell? NO!

Instead, they got creative. They started collecting wood that no longer served anyone a purpose (old fences, broken shipping palettes, etc.) and began RE-purposing it into fine furniture.

The fact that Trav and Sam truly love the work they’re doing is evident in each final product. No two pieces are alike, but they all are re-purposed from unwanted pieces of timber, and exhibit exquisite craftsmanship & a signature rustic Colorado style. These characteristics speak for themselves and, as such, the business is taking off. Their extremely reasonable prices even sweeten the deal.

If you want to support these local artisans and businessman, you can visit their website at http://rustedyucca.wordpress.com/
You can also meet them and purchase furniture in person at the farmer’s market off 2nd and Santa Fe every Saturday.

Garth Henrichs, a famous author, was quoted as saying: “The person who is waiting for something to turn up might start with their shirt sleeves.”

The point is: The job market is tough. Money is tight. What can you do to be creative, make money, and contribute positively? Occupy your time.

- Ches Sheridan Arms

The nature of our society is growth. As a culture we are always seeking bigger, better, MORE. As we age and embrace social norms this mentality transcends the societal whole and takes root in our individual consciousnesses. We begin to lose sight of the wonderful things we already have in life and covet the shiny, the expensive, and the unattainable.

Are we ever, simply, content?

I met some friends at a local coffee shop yesterday. An hour after purchasing my Americano “Frosty the Snowman” (or some variation of) had played four times. We have entered Holiday Season: Defcon 1. Within the next 2 weeks we will hit Defcon 5 and grannies will be beating soccer moms with their canes for the last waffle-maker at Target.

How silly.

SO- let’s take a step back and look at what we, and our loved ones, already have in life. Do any of you really need new, expensive, and shiny? Do any of you REALLY need a 6-setting space-age polymer waffle maker?

This holiday season I propose a challenge: Buy (or better yet: MAKE!) unique gifts. Think of each person on your list and give them something that is individually meaningful to them. Re-purpose old items you never use or bake them something delicious!

A couple days ago Abella wrote you a piece on Upcycling. <– GREAT place to get started!!!

 And as for the time you’ll save not standing in lines or filing police reports on “Gladys,” donate it to those less fortunate. Head down to the shelter ONE night this month and serve some meals. Hold a toy drive like the one above. ANYTHING!

 If you get “that warm fuzzy feeling” you’re probably doing something right.

- Ches Sheridan Arms

What does it really mean to give back? If you asked ten people they might all give you different answers: To help your local schools and the children of the future, donating to non-profits, recycling, to be politically active, tithing and church offerings, planting trees, and so on. These are all valuable ways to make a difference in peoples lives and help protect this planet. For me, this concept is about contributing to our planet more then we take. This is a very difficult task to undertake if you choose to live and work in a thriving metropolis like Denver. However it is still our responsibility as humans to really take care of our planet that is clearly starting to suffer from our perpetual consumption of its resources. Even if Companies and individuals who can find a way to have a Zero Carbon Footprint will help tremendously.

Today I would like to feature a company who has internalized the concept of giving back into the ethos of their entire brand. Acciona is a leader in building and supporting sustainable life on this planet and focuses it energy on Infrastructure, Clean Energy, and Water (Global Leader in Reverse Osmosis). Acciona ranks number one on the Dow Jones “Sustainability Index”, and employees over 30,000 people in 32 countries to help build a better tomorrow.

Please take a minute to check out their website and learn about a few of the global efforts being made for a sustainable future on this planet.

Several people I know in Denver, including myself,  use a bike as the main mode of transport. There’s lot of obvious benefits–it’s good for the environment, better for our health, and our calves are the envy of the town (well….probably  not the last one). It also is one of the best and long lasting options for sustainable transportation. Plus, it is just a lot of fun…. as showcased in the video Empire…

Empire is a film about people having fun riding track bikes and fixed gears in the city. The final teaser was released last year…check it out:

And for you two-wheelin’ Denverites…if you have not checked out  Loops yet, then I recommend you heading over to Crema Coffee House on a Tuesday around 7pm, and set off into the night for a 15-20 mile ride through Denver with a couple stops along the way. What could be more fun?

- Rustin Coburn

Lately, I’ve been feeling a little micromanaged … by my Google calendar.

“Go do this!” it says, “K, now go that!”

“What – you don’t have time to get from there to there within the allotted time frame because of traffic?”

“What – you’re ‘tired’? Well take a power nap then so you can get on to the next thing!”

Perhaps you can relate… complete this (and do so quickly) so you can go on to that. No time to enjoy this or that, not really. Just focus and complete the task.

Perhaps this is a flaw in over-scheduling oneself? Perhaps.  Regardless, it seems to be how we operate as a society. I mean, how does one support themselves, have any kind of down-time, and go to school simultaneously? Or how does a mom juggle a few children, a relationship with her husband, a job, and her own personal endeavors (church, friends, etc.)?

Well it’s the American way!

And it’s gotten me feeling like, between my harsh and bossy calendar, and the many expectations to blow out of the water, in spite of what the constitution might say, I’m not really free at all.

Well that’s certainly not sustainable…

So what does it mean to be free?

I’m not really sure…

So I decided to ask Google. I stumbled upon a little website meant for Mr. Martin’s class of sophomores, wherever that might be. Some interesting points to ponder, check it out:

What do you think?

XO

Abella