My Three Minutes of Fame
By Donella Meadows
–February 20, 1992—-
The television people offered to pay my $400 plane fare to New York. Better come the night before, they said, in case there’s a blizzard. We’ll get you a hotel room. (Another $125.) Bring two suits, they said, to be sure one of them will match the set. Since I don’t own two suits, or even [...]
Turning the Accusatory Finger Around
By Donella Meadows
–February 13, 1992–
When was it that this country devolved into the nasty, fruitless habit of blaming?
Even Barbara Bush is joining in. “If the Congress would just do what they’re supposed to do!” she said in a recent appearance in Lebanon NH. “For three years George has had an economic growth program in front of the Congress, and they [...]
Amazing Energy Facts for Fun and Profit
By Donella Meadows
–February 6, 1992–
One mature tree on the south side of your house provides as much summer cooling as five midsized air-conditioners.
A single open fireplace damper sends eight percent of your heating bill up the chimney.
The television sets of the United States collectively draw the power equivalent of a Chernobyl-sized nuclear plant when they are turned OFF! They use [...]
How About a Short Guy for the Next President?
By Donella Meadows
–January 30, 1992—-
Once I took part in a seminar on leadership, in which our group of about 100 people was asked to choose a leader within a few minutes, without anyone uttering a word.
We milled about in silent confusion. I tried to evaluate people from their looks and their manner. Some folks swaggered around trying to project leaderliness, [...]
Dear Folks: January 26, 1992
Dear Folks, I can remember when winters around here were snowy from Thanksgiving to Easter. I can remember the snow being so high we could ski right over the garden fence. There were winters when the drifts mounted up higher than the kitchen window. We used to have to wear snowshoes just to do the chores.
Sigh. Now we have to wear [...]
