Cyrus's Page

Election time is rolling around again here in Albuquerque, you can tell by the swarms of signs littering busy intersections in residential areas. What is the purpose of political campaign signs? They rarely disclose any relevant information on the candidate. Most of the time they don’t even display a photograph of the person. So what’s the point? It amazes me that wanna-be politicians pay for huge billboards and thousands of yard signs that say almost nothing about their values and why we should… Continue

Our Albuquerque airport has increased security measures to the point where nail-clippers and toothpaste are not allowed in carry on bags, but are we really safer? On my last flight departing the Sun-port, I could not help but notice all the new security procedures. Waiting in line to receive my boarding pass, an airline employee informed me that I would not be allowed to carry any outside water bottles into the gate area. I reluctantly disposed of my half full bottle of water, ticket in hand. As… Continue

New Mexico pride shines through like a lone sun ray on a blossoming yucca. Coyotes sing ancient songs to dream catchers hanging in adobe window frames. Sheets drying in the wind dance with tumble weeds on the mesa. Ice cream truck melodies mingle with the rich aroma of green chile roasting over a charcoal grill. Children laughing to the beat of a lazy Sunday afternoon suck frozen otter pops with multi colored lips. A dry summer breeze caresses the glistening chrome rims of a dropped impala in Es… Continue

With all the focus on “eco-celebs” it can be easy to forget the millions of low-income citizens who only wish they could afford the environmental peace of mind flaunted by their favorite movie stars. Hollywood has good intentions, but I’m pretty sure the film actor’s guild will not be responsible for saving the planet. Let’s estimate, and say that roughly ten percent of Americans are moving forward into the new green economy, this means 90 percent are left behind in the grey pollution based econ… Continue

When I mention the words “community service” what comes to mind? Criminals perhaps, in bright orange mesh vests picking up trash on the side of the freeway. Unfortunately many teenagers experience this kind of community service as their first major form of discipline. So basically we are teaching them that giving time to help the community is a punishment, reserved for outcasts and law breakers. What is wrong with this picture? As child psychologists know, in attempting to discipline groups of k… Continue