A sustainability ethos

The Artdog Images of Interest
I have a thing for "green" architecture. I'm fascinated by how it works, and the potential to build things that actually improve the environment, rather than contribute to blighting or destroying it. All over the world, I'm seeing a sustainability ethos--a sense that we have a moral obligation to do better--begin to rise up.

All over the world, but not so much in the USA. I think most of my readers can figure out why, but it's a shame. That's not to say we have nothing of the sort here. Several local projects in the Kansas City metro have included a sustainability ethos in their planning. But the cutting edge projects too often are being built elsewhere.

I recently became aware of three different sustainable projects that could be part of a solution to our climate crisis. I've shared information about them on social media, but I also want to collect some thoughts about them here. Each demonstrates an admirable sustainability ethos.

Humanscapes of Auroville, India
This sustainable housing complex (in Auroville, which has a rather extraordinary visionary origin altogether)  has already been built (from locally-sourced materials). It is a net-positive energy project, which generates more energy than it uses.

It's also part of a long-term study of how built spaces can foster community among those who live or work there. Designed for young adults, students and faculty, it features common areas that are beautiful and flexible, among its array of innovations.

The complex was designed by the local-to-that-area firm of Auroville Design Consultants. Read more about it on Inhabitat and Arch Daily.

Humanscapes of Auroville, India, is part of an experiment in sustainable living and community-building. (Akshay Arora/Auroville Design Consultants)

The sustainability element in the economic and social picture is far too often overlooked by planners and designers I've encountered or read about. But when you fail to evaluate the complete "footprint" of a project, you can get into trouble fast.

Burwood Brickworks Shopping Centre of Melbourne, Australia
Trumpeted as the "World's most sustainable Shopping Centre," according to The Sydney Herald the Burwood Brickworks shopping center won't quite be a net-positive energy project like the Humanscapes. but it will "produce a large chunk of its energy needs."

However, according to Broadsheet Media of Melbourne, it will achieve the Living Building Challenge (LBC) certification standards. "LBC-certified buildings have zero carbon footprint; zero waste; produce more electricity and water than they use; grow agriculture on 20 per cent of the site; and are built using non-toxic and recycled materials," they said.

That sounds net-positive to me, but I'll let them sort it out. Considerably more eco-friendly than conventional shopping centers is a good bet, either way. And definitely informed by a sustainability ethos.

The Burwood Brickworks Shopping Centre in Melbourne, Australia is designed and built with a "rooftop farm" that calls to my mind the ubiquitous rooftop farming I extrapolate for the habitat wheels of my fictional Rana Station.

Smart Forest City of Cancun, Mexico
The architectural firm behind the Smart Forest City is familiar to anyone who follows the most interesting developments in the ongoing struggle to innovate sustainable structures. Stefano Boeri Architetti is based in Milan, Italy, where one of its earlier projects, the groundbreaking Bosco Verticale, looks a whole lot like the "White Space Tree" I blogged about last May (note that Bosco Verticale was built first).

Canals will run through much of Smart Forest City, primarily to provide water for the agriculture that is designed to make it food-self-sufficient. This visualization reminds me of a Solarpunk city design like those of Tyler Edlin or MissOliviaLouise.

Stefano Boeri's latest project, the still-in-the-process Smart Forest City, is intended to be "a model for resilient and sustainable urban planning." To that end, it will be "completely food and energy self-sufficient." In other words, not only net-positive (or at least net-neutral) energy but able to produce its own food.

I'm flashing on my fictional Rana Station again. Because Rana is an island in space that is 23 hours away from the nearest planet, its very survival depends on its self-sufficiency. Every available space is used for agriculture.

That creates parallels with Smart Forest City. Between green roofs, vertical gardens, and an agricultural belt that surrounds its perimeter, the plan is to make the Mexican project capable of feeding all 130,000 projected residents from its own agriculture. Talk about building with a sustainability ethos!

IMAGE CREDITS: Many thanks to TES and Sualci Quotes for the "Light of Mine" illustrated quote, to Inhabitat for the photos of Humanscapes in Auroville, India, and Smart Forest City in Cancun, Mexico, to QuoteFancy for the illustrated quotes from Phil Harding and William McDonough, and to Broadsheet Melbourne for the photo of the Burwood Brickworks Shopping Centre renovation project.

Take time to stretch!

The Artdog Image of Interest

Here's a shout-out to all the diligent folks who are homing in on the end of NaNoWriMo, National Novel-Writing Month. If you're a serious participant, you've been putting in some long hours at the keyboard. But that means you also are courting repetitive stress injuries, if you aren't careful. Please take time to stretch! 

Stretch your hands
My son Tyrell Gephardt sent this graphic to me several months ago. I parked it on my desktop as a reminder. It helps me think of it, and also makes a handy cheat-sheet if I forget one. I try to stretch regularly. Why don't you try these stretches right now?

Didn't that feel good? Each time I do these I think, "I've got to remember these more often!" Then I get busy and don't think about it till I glance down at my desktop and spot this graphic again.

Stretch your lower back
To be ergonomically sound, there are other stretches you also may want to try. Here's a post that offers 12 stretches to ease or prevent lower back stress. The illustrations are clear, and the stretches are simple but effective. You can do them in your office, although be advised: some involve getting on the floor.

Lower back pain is common and widespread. The World Health Organization estimates 60-70% of adults in industrialized countries will experience lower back pain. Why not learn how to minimize that risk?

Stretch you shoulders and neck
Computer work, especially for prolonged periods, causes all kinds of issues, including shoulder stiffness and pain. Here's a link to an article that offers four simple shoulder stretches you can do at your desk.

Long hours of computer work can also be a literal pain in the neck. The Mayo Clinic has posted an article about neck pain. They included a video to show several stretches that can help you avoid or ease neck pain.

An ergonomic office
On this same theme, I posted an Image of Interest in 2018 that bears repeating. You might want to see my post about what makes a good ergonomic office design. Here are more tips, from the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.

Now that you're all stretched out and limbered up, it's time to get back to work! Best of luck to all who take the NaNoWriMo challenge! And for anyone who spends time at a desk, I hope that you, too, will take time to stretch!

IMAGE CREDITS: Many thanks to my son Tyrell Gephardt for sending me the "Make time to Stretch!" graphic. I did a reverse-image search via TinEye, and traced it back to Between the Pixels on Twitter. There's a nice large image available there.

An ideal writing space

The Artdog Image(s) of Interest
In this month of NaNoWriMo, a lot of writers will be parking themselves in chairs, curling up in nooks, stretching out on carpets, or clearing off their desks to participate. We know that some writers can write anywhere, but others are a lot more particular about their surroundings. Is there really such a thing as an ideal writing place?

It isn't hard to find ideas online. Do you prefer a rustic look? Chrome and glass? Are you a minimalist? A connoisseur of clutter? Do you like wooden seating? Upholstered padding? Chintz? Leather? Plaid? Several other bloggers have addressed this topic. Here's a sampler from their ideas.

The Artdog's less-than-ideal writing space is currently (mostly) on her bed. Thank goodness, that's temporary.

Papersmashed
The blogger for "Papersmashed" lamented in a 2015 post that her only real writing space was on her bed. Oh, my, can I relate to that! I, too, do most of my writing currently while sitting on my bed with my back supported by a pile of pillows against my headboard.

It's far from an ideal writing space, for many reasons (just ask my creaky bones). Thank goodness, in my case it's temporary. But the changes I'm planning for our home's library require thought. What's the best way to carve out space to write, run a small press, and also make art--while still maintaining the library's original function?

In her 2015 post, "Papersmashed" explains that there is a desk in her room, but "it’s just not that inspiring. I am surrounded with blank walls." So she resorts to her bed, as the lesser of evils. But she'd recently encountered the concept of the "She-Shed," and posted some wishful images.

"Papersmashed" blogged about these photos. There's a "she-shed" idea on each end, with a rustic interior writing space at center. See Image Credits below for sources and more information.

Yelena Casale
Urban fantasy and romance writer Yelena Casale blogged about the question of what makes an ideal writing space, too. In her 2011 post, she wrote, "Having an appropriate and cozy work space is important to about anyone. However, nobody needs it more than someone who creates."

For Yelena it seemed to be all about the view: forested mountains, ocean-views, even a panoramic city-scape, though that wouldn't be her first choice. The room itself could be small, she said. "Small spaces can be open and light. It's all about the design and the feel."

Here are three of the images Yelena chose, to accompany her post. Each definitely has its own "feel."

The image at left may be Yelena's own photo. Center: Kevin Crossley-Holland's writing office. Right: the minimalist urban vibe of "Rephlektiv's" writing office. See Image Credits below for sources and more information.

Ploughshares at Emerson College, and The Freelancer
In an undated guest post for Ploughshares, poet-teacher Aimee Nezhukumatathil describes her own writing space "I have an office at home painted my favorite shade of robin’s-egg blue with red accents," and adds, "My favorite space to write has a glass-topped table with my Grandfather’s old typewriter that still works." In the guest-post she also shares thoughts on writing spaces from several writer friends. She does not, however, identify whose office is shown in the photo she shared (NOTE: It belongs to the photographer Vadim Scherbakov).

The Freelancer's Connor Relyea interviewed five top freelance writers, for his 2015 post "What Would Your Ideal Writing Studio Look Like?" The answers to each of his questions are varied and interesting. They definitely qualify as food for thought, for anyone interested in designing or adjusting their own office.

Relyea illustrated his interviewees' comments with two photos that provide a study in contrasts. One is a nicely designed, rather conventional setup that looks comfortable and functional, while the other reminds me of a monk's cell (or perhaps a dungeon?). Turns out (although there's no caption to tell you), they are the offices of two of his interviewees, those of Ann Friedman and Noah Davis. Read their interviews, and see if you can guess which office belongs to which.

At left is the office of Ann Friedman, who's one of Connor Relyea's interviewees. The center office is also from that article. It belongs to Noah Davis. The third office belongs to photographer Vadim Scherbakov. See Image Credits below for sources and more information.

So, then, what makes an ideal writing space?
There are some interesting ideas in those interviews and photos. But the most striking thing to me is the way basic ideas can be made to seem quite different. When we come right down to it, the primary and most salient thing about any "ideal writing space" is how it makes you feel.

What's your idea of an ideal writing space? Do you already work in one, do you dream of having it someday, or is it a whimsical fantasy that actually couldn't exist in the mundane world where we live? Please share thoughts, ideas, photos, or critiques in the comments section below.

IMAGE CREDITS: The photo of the Artdog's current writing place (her less-than-ideal bedroom) is by Jan S. Gephardt, all rights reserved. 

"Papersmashed" posted the trio of images collected into the montage at the end of  her section."The greenhouse" she-shed originated in 2013 on a website from York, Ontario that no longer exists. "Papersmashed" apparently found it somewhere on Heather Bullard's website. The rustic interior writing space at the center appears to have originated on a profile of a rustic Boston-area home office featured on Houzz. The the photo of the pink-windowed garden shed was attributed to "Via Wooden House," (guess how successfully I Googled that) but TinEye Reverse Image Search helped me track it down. It's 2010 the creation of quilter and gardener Laurie Ceesay. 

Yelena Casale posted her photos without attributions. However, with some help from the indispensable  TinEye Reverse Image Search, I discovered that there doesn't seem to be an alternative source for the photo Yelena posted of a table set up on what looks like a screened-in back porch with a garden view. It might be one she herself took. The center photo in this montage dates to 2009 or earlier. It is identified by Zoë Marriott as the office of British Writer Kevin Crossley-Holland. The sleek urban office at right originated on Lifehacker as "the Skybox," a Featured Office. In that short piece, the owner (who calls himself "Rephlektiv." I couldn't for-sure identify him, to provide a link), describes his quest to pare his space down to the essentials.

The two photos from The Freelancer's post belong to interviewees Ann Friedman (at right) and Noah Davis (center). Without the invaluable  TinEye Reverse Image Search, I probably would not have found The Freelance Studio's "24 Designers Show Off Their Actual Work Spaces Without Cleaning Them First!" That was the source for the office photo on Ploughshares. Though unidentified in Aimee Nezhukumatathil's undated guest post for Ploughshares, the office belongs to photographer Vadim Scherbakov.

And finally, send up a shout-out to PictureQuotes, for the nugget of Nicole Appleton's wisdom on the illustrated quote. Many thanks to all of them, and most especially to TinEye Reverse Image Search!!

Will you or won't you Na-No-Wri-Mo? Here's something for both sides.

The Artdog Image of Interest 

One more thought as we approach National Novel-Writing Month, AKA Na-No-Wri-Mo. Remember: one week from today, it starts! But I have to admit that this is usually my strategy!

IMAGE: Many thanks for the ever-wonderful Debbie Ridpath Ohi and her Will Write for Chocolate blog, for this cartoon!

It's getting on toward time. Are you ready?

The Artdog Image of Interest 

Each year in November, it's National Novel-Writing Month, AKA Na-No-Wri-Mo. Each year in October, I consider participating. Will this be the year?

IMAGE: Many thanks to Errol Elumir's blog NaNoToons and the Na-No-Wri-Mo organization for the use of this cartoon.

In the halls of Archon 43

Artdog Images of Interest
The hall costumes are always amazing at Archon, and Archon 43 was no exception. I wandered around in the halls of Archon 43 on Saturday of the convention, and I think I got some fun "crowd photos." I apologize that, because they're all group shots and overviews, I wasn't able to get the names of anyone in these photos.

These photos were taken near the main entrance of the Gateway Center in Collinsville, IL.

Here's a glimpse of the "Authors' Alley" end of the main corridor at Archon 43.

Here's a view of the "Artists' Alley" end of the main Gateway Center hallway at Archon 43.

I've previously written about the costumes that wander the halls of Archon. But every year brings new visions from the convention's dedicated costumers. They flourished in the halls of Archon 43 just as faithfully and flamboyantly as ever.

Everything from media cosplay to social commentary was on parade in the halls of Archon 43.

Here's another view of the central hallway in the Gateway Center during Archon 43.

Yet more of the costumed throng in the halls of Archon 43 at the Gateway Center in Collinsville, IL.

All of these photos were taken October 5, 2019 inside the Gateway Center in Collinsville, IL. I hope you've enjoyed these glimpses of the passing parade in the halls of Archon 43!

IMAGE CREDITS: Once again, I apologize for the fact that I recognize none of these costumed persons, although I am humbled by their creative prowess. Jan S. Gephardt took all the photos shared here, in this little virtual stroll in the halls of Archon 43. Repost and re-blog freely, but please cite the source and provide a link back! Thanks!

Artwork at FenCon

The Artdog Image(s) of Interest

I displayed my artwork at FenCon XVI. You might remember I mentioned that in my mid-week post.

I spent a large chunk of time Thursday on the FenCon XVI Art Show. That was "setup day," when the tables and display panels went up, and then the first of the art (the mail-ins and the work of artists able to arrive today) did, too.

Here's how much of the artwork at FenCon XVI had been set up in the Art Show by about 5 p.m. Thursday. I'm not sure whether you can tell by comparing with my photo from last year, but t's a much larger space than they had for last year's Art Show.

As much as possible, all the rest of the art went up Friday, preferably before the Art Show opened to the public on Friday at 2:00 p.m.

Artist Guest of Honor Peri Charlifu

Peri Charlifu is one of the most talented and generous human beings I know--and I don't think I'd get any naysayers if I asked others who know him if that was a fair characterization. He's this year's Artist Guest of Honor at FenCon XVI, so of course Ty and I found him working as hard as any member of the Art Show staff. His artwork at FenCon this year is a glorious bounty, and he gave me permission to photograph his artwork and post it online.

Thursday Art Show setup with Rhonda Eudaly (L) helping Peri Charlifu (R) set up his display in the FenCon XVI Art Show.

I've taken full and gleeful advantage of his permission to photograph and post about his artwork at FenCon. He knows I love to tell my readers about cool new artwork that I encounter.

Furthermore, he dares me or anyone else to take his ideas and execute them as well as he does. It's a dare I would never take. I'll happily promote him and his work till the world looks level, but the only way to get a real Peri Charlifu piece is to buy it from HIM.

Peri Charlifu brought a dizzying array of artwork to FenCon XVI. They include awesome ceramics, sets, and kits, as well as 2D work.

If you're on Facebook, I invite you to wander through the in-depth gallery of his work I posted on my Artdog Studio Facebook Page, as well as the Tale of Peri Potter and the Sorcerer's Bowl, which involves a fun story about Peri, the author Rhonda Eudaly, and the special alchemy of artists inspiring each other.

This deceptively simple piece of art, Petunia's Bowl of Prophecy, 2019, by Peri Charlifu, is partially from the mind of Rhonda Eudaly, the author whose manuscript is hooked under the edge of the pot. Read the story of how he inspired her, then she inspired him on my Artdog Studio Facebook Page.

My own artwork and that of Lucy A. Synk

Since DemiCon, I've been acting as an art agent for my friend Lucy A, Synk--or at least, my son Tyrell and I have been. I contact the show and manage the paperwork, but usually it's Ty who puts up the show. And it's also usually he who takes it down afterward. So of course we brought her artwork to FenCon.

All of these pieces of artwork are ©2019 by Lucy A. Synk. Each is a one-of-a-kind original.
(Photo by Tyrell E. Gephardt, 2019).

All of these artworks also are ©2019 by Lucy A. Synk. Each is a one-of-a-kind original. 
(Photo by Tyrell E. Gephardt, 2019).

I also had artwork at FenCon. Thank goodness, my panel wasn't quite as crowded as the one at SpikeCon, but almost.

IMAGE CREDITS: Unless otherwise noted, all photos are by me, Jan S. Gephardt, and they may be re-posted or reblogged freely, as long as you attribute me as the photographer and include a link back to this post. Many thanks! 

If you wish to reblog or repost images of Peri Charlifu's workartwork, please attribute him as the artist, and provide a link back to his website. I'd also appreciate it if you'll identify me as the source, with a link back to this post, please.

If you wish to reblog or repost Lucy A. Synk's artwork, please attribute her as the artist and Tyrell Gephardt as the photographer, and link back either to Lucy's page or to this post. Many thanks!

Women do not owe you

The Artdog Image of Interest

August is a month when many students start back to school--many in new schools. I'm dedicating my Images of Interest for the next several weeks to a reminder that as young girls grow into young women, whether they're in public or private schools or in college, they often are subject to gender-based street harassment--catcalls, comments on their looks, etc. They don't need this grief, but all too many experience it.

Tatyana Fazlalizadeh, Women do not owe you their time or conversation.

This month's Images of Interest are dedicated to those maturing girls and young women, as a reminder that we adults in the community have a responsibility to call out harassment wherever it manifests. I am deeply grateful to artist Tatyana Fazlalizadeh, whose whose work I featured last March.

In this month of Back to School and Women's Equality day, I'm delighted to share more of her "Stop Telling Women to Smile" public art project.

IMAGE: Many thanks to artist Tatyana Fazlalizadeh and her "Stop Telling Women to Smile" public art project, and to Katherine Brooks's Huffington Post article, for this image.

Celebrate Women's Equality Day

The Artdog Image of Interest

es, I know we normally have a Quote of the Week on Mondays, but this is Women's Equality Day, so I thought the infographic was more appropriate. Women have a long history of being considered less-than-equal to men. Here are some points to consider:

From Visually.

IMAGE: many thanks to Elite Research, via Visually, for this infographic.

Not seeking your validation

The Artdog Image of Interest

August is a month when many students start back to school--many in new schools. I'm dedicating my Images of Interest for the next several weeks to a reminder that as young girls grow into young women, whether they're in public or private schools or in college, they often are subject to gender-based street harassment--catcalls, comments on their looks, etc. They don't need this grief, but all too many experience it.

Tatyana Fazlalizadeh, Women are not seeking your validation.

This month's Images of Interest are dedicated to those maturing girls and young women, as a reminder that we adults in the community have a responsibility to call out harassment wherever it manifests. I am deeply grateful to artist Tatyana Fazlalizadeh, whose whose work I featured last March.

In this month of Back to School and Women's Equality day, I'm delighted to share more of her "Stop Telling Women to Smile" public art project.

IMAGE: Many thanks to artist Tatyana Fazlalizadeh and her "Stop Telling Women to Smile" public art project, and to Katherine Brooks's Huffington Post article, for this image.

My outfit is not an invitation

The Artdog Image of Interest

August is a month when many students start back to school--many in new schools. I'm dedicating my Images of Interest for the next several weeks to a reminder that as young girls grow into young women, whether they're in public or private schools or in college, they often are subject to gender-based street harassment--catcalls, comments on their looks, etc. They don't need this grief, but all too many experience it.

Tatyana Fazlalizadeh, My outfit is not an invitation.

This month's Images of Interest are dedicated to those maturing girls and young women, as a reminder that we adults in the community have a responsibility to call out harassment wherever it manifests. I am deeply grateful to artist Tatyana Fazlalizadeh, whose whose work I featured last March.

In this month of Back to School and Women's Equality day, I'm delighted to share more of her "Stop Telling Women to Smile" public art project.

IMAGE: Many thanks to artist Tatyana Fazlalizadeh and her "Stop Telling Women to Smile" public art project, and to Katherine Brooks's Huffington Post article, for this image.

"I Deserve to be Respected"

The Artdog Image of Interest

August is a month when many students start back to school--many in new schools. I'm dedicating my Images of Interest for the next several weeks to a reminder that as young girls grow into young women, whether they're in public or private schools or in college, they often are subject to gender-based street harassment--catcalls, comments on their looks, etc. They don't need this grief, but all too many experience it.

Tatyana Fazlalizadeh, Yo Merezco ser Respetada, "I Deserve to be Respected."

This month's Images of Interest are dedicated to those maturing girls and young women, as a reminder that we adults in the community have a responsibility to call out harassment wherever it manifests. I am deeply grateful to artist Tatyana Fazlalizadeh, whose whose work I featured last March.

In this month of Back to School and Women's Equality day, I'm delighted to share more of her "Stop Telling Women to Smile" public art project.

IMAGE: Many thanks to artist Tatyana Fazlalizadeh and her "Stop Telling Women to Smile" public art project for this image.

A young woman's worth

The Artdog Image of Interest

August is a month when many students start back to school--many in new schools. I'm dedicating my Images of Interest for the next several weeks to a reminder that as young girls grow into young women, whether they're in public or private schools or in college, they often are subject to gender-based street harassment--catcalls, comments on their looks, etc. They don't need this grief, but all too many experience it.

Tatyana Fazlalizadeh, My Worth extends far Beyond my Body

This month's Images of Interest are dedicated to those maturing girls and young women, as a reminder that we adults in the community have a responsibility to call out harassment wherever it manifests. I am deeply grateful to artist Tatyana Fazlalizadeh, whose work I featured last March.

In this month of Back to School and Women's Equality day, I'm delighted to share more of her "Stop Telling Women to Smile" public art project.

IMAGE: Many thanks to artist Tatyana Fazlalizadeh and her "Stop Telling Women to Smile" public art project for this image.

Apocalyptic vision?

The Artdog Image of Interest 

We don't have to suffer all the disasters to discover we must run for our lives. It only takes one. But in this week's Image of interest Sean McCabe's illustration (originally created for Rolling Stone) evokes a range of them to emphasize his point. Climate change not only is real, but it's displacing more and more of us.

ILLUSTRATION CREDIT: Many, many thanks to Sean McCabe and Rolling Stone, for this apocalyptic evocation of the devastation that can lead to displacement of climate refugees.

No casual snapshot

The Artdog Image of Interest

Because who doesn't love a great mountain picture in mid-July, this is an image from National Geographic. Do you recognize the mountain?

If you said "Everest!" you're right. This actually isn't one picture, however. It's 26. And it's no casual snapshot.

Photographer Renan Ozturk prepared for eight months. Then he and his team trekked high into "bring your own oxygen or you will die" territory to launch a specially-modified drone.

This high-altitude photog and his even-higher-altitude drone achieved the amazing feat of a 360-degree panorama (if you join the left and right edges of the picture together, they match), and it was a nail-biter to the bitterly cold end.

Not only has Everest been a particularly deadly mountain to attempt this year, but the intense cold at that altitude was a battery-killer, too. Ozturk had at most 15 minutes of flight-time . . . and that's if the wind cooperated. Which it almost never did. He and his team racked up a lot of failed tries before they nailed it.

This is how the pros make it look easy. You thought this was just a beautiful mountain picture at first, didn't you?

Eight months. 

Bitter cold. 

Technical innovation. 

The Death Zone, for pity's sake!

So, next time you're embarked on a creative journey and start getting discouraged, remember Renan Ozturk! (and don't forget your oxygen).

IMAGE CREDIT: All honor, reverence, and awe are due to the intrepid Renan Ozturk and his intrepid team, on assignment for National Geographic, for this astounding image! Dude, you are amazing!
I also want to thank MEME for the, um, meme.

Time for solar dreams

The Artdog Image of Interest 

"I'd put my money on the sun and solar energy, what a source of power. I hope we don't have to wait until oil and coal run out, before we tackle that." Thomas Edison said it in 1931. Me too, Tom!

This image is a photo montage I put together. It was inspired by the quote from Thomas Edison. It is surrounded by photos of current solar technology. One of my blogging themes this month is a proactive approach to climate change.

But you don't have to look very hard or stretch your imagination to realize that the time for solar dreams is right now. As the Motley Fool points out, the solar industry has come into its own. The time for solar dreams of a cleaner-energy future are now.

We have only to embrace it.

IMAGE CREDITS: This montage was inspired by the photo and quote from Thomas Edison that I found on the Edie website (unfortunately, it was pretty small). I surrounded it with photos of contemporary solar panels from (clockwise from upper left): The Motley Fool, BusinessGreen,  American Solar Energy Society, and GreenTechMedia. Many thanks to all!