Hi Everybody!

I took the photo above on my trip from Clinton to Davenport, Iowa. The cumulus cloud was so big I new I had to stop so I pulled off on the nearest exit and caught the simple Iowa country side near Dewitt as a setting.

I have been tolled so many time by many of my contemporaries to start a blog. I was always reluctant to do so but, thought that now would be a great time as I am leaving for Greece in the morning. I do not know yet if I am to have internet access while I am out there but, I hope that, if I do, this will be a great way to let you guys know where I am from time to time and show you some of the photos I have been taking!

I have had a great summer so far and would like to thank all of my new friends on the east coast for such an amazing time in Virginia last week. The atmosphere we created was priceless! I am a member of the Sierra Student Coalition which is the student chapter of the Sierra Club. We were out in Virginia for a week at Prince William National Forest. The atmosphere we created was priceless! I hope to see all of you from Virginia's Sprog at the Power Vote training in August. For those of you who are unfamiliar with Power Vote click here to find out more and sign the pledge! In the words of the Power Vote pledge:

"Candidates and Officials,

Our generation needs a brand new vision for our future. We need to lead the world towards a just, clean energy economy that moves beyond dirty energy, creates green jobs for all, and secures our climate. I pledge to vote, hold our leaders accountable through my sustained involvement, and create a Power Shift!

1. GREEN JOBS NOW

Invest in millions of new green jobs, strengthen the American middle class and create new pathways out of poverty for millions more. By retooling our factories, revamping our schools, and rebuilding our communities, we can create a sustainable, just, and prosperous future for all.

2. INVEST IN A CLEAN ENERGY ECONOMY

Unleash American ingenuity and launch a new wave of affordable clean energy technology. We need more federal and private investments in public transit, ultra-efficient vehicles, and renewable energy like wind and solar.

3. CUT GLOBAL WARMING POLLUTION NOW

To ensure our health, prosperity, and security, scientists tell us we must rapidly drive US global warming pollution towards zero. We can and must accomplish this transition to a clean energy future in an equitable and just manner.

4. END OUR DEPENDENCE ON DIRTY ENERGY

Enact an immediate moratorium on new coal, oil, natural gas, and nuclear plant construction and infrastructure, while phasing out existing plants and fossil fuel extraction and ensuring a just transition for the workforce and communities

5. RE-ENGAGE AS A LEADER IN THE INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY

Global warming requires a global solution. We must shift the focus of American foreign policy from military intervention to international cooperation and join the world in pursuing peace and international development, thereby offering assistance to vulnerable and impacted communities.

6. TAKE DIRTY MONEY OUT OF POLITICS

It's time to make government accountable to "We the People." Put voters first and refuse campaign contributions from dirty energy interests. "

"Citizen participation is the animating spirit and force in a society predicated on voluntarism", as Saul Alinksy once said. Voluntarism is the spirit and force of democracy and I see less and less of my peers and elders volunteering their time but, at the same time complaining why their democracy is not doing anything for them. I would say that powervote is as good of place as any to start. ;)

Anyways, check in from time to time and I will try and keep this thing fresh with photos and a word on where I am at. I will end this with a hilarious self portrait (well at least I think it's funny) I made the other day and another quote from Saul D. Alinsky!
Thanks and much love!

"I salute the present generation. Hang on to one of your most precious parts of youth, laughter-don't lose it as many of you seem to have done, you need it. Together we may find some of what we're looking for-laughter, beauty, love, and the chance to create"

-Saul D. Alinsky