Christmas List Catch 22

December 15, 2009 | by Dylan | 2 Comments

Today is December 15th and my mom continues to remind me that she needs me to write down a list of things I want for Christmas. I am like you. I like things. Many things are valuable to me and some things, I’m sure, are necessary for living. Somewhere along the line, long before I was born, thing-makers decided to make shitty-things – either that or we decided on (or were tricked into) liking shitty-things - I’m not really sure. I’ve heard of many scholars researching these ideas and finding valid whos, whens and whys on our acceptance of shitty-things but for me, it’s simply a matter of common sense. I don’t want any more shitty-things[period] I told my mom that this is the reason I have trouble making a list of things I want – I simply don’t know if the things I want exist. Maybe only cheap replicas of the things I want exist. Let it be known – there are manufacturers that still believe in the quality of their product; that still “make ‘em like they used to.” BillyKirk is really great example… that’s why I wanted to share this video.

[foot note]

There exists a dilemma, however.

Most people can’t afford nice things (or even healthy food for that matter) The things that are accessible to people like me tend only to be industrial replicas of nice things that once-upon-a-time actually held value and were passed down generations. The realization that the only things I ‘legitimately want’ are either used and impossible to find or hand made and too expensive makes the annual Christmas List quite a challenge for me to create, if not a ‘catch 22′ in itself. Sorry Ma’ just get me a box of Ferrero Rocher – I’ll love you either way.

Tastes Like: Consumerism, New Products!
Tags: BillyKirk > christmas

Pure Water Made Portable

December 7, 2009 | by Keegan | Comment

Now, we all know that buying new shit isn’t the answer to the world’s problems. Regardless, TMY is proud to present you with the opportunity to have clean water on the go and support a worthwhile set of organizations at UCSD. We’re peddling these radical water bottles with built-in filters that are suitable not only for everyday use with tap water, but camping, emergencies, and apocalypse preparedness as well! Dip it in a river or lake, snap the top back on and enjoy. Check the specs here.

The student organization responsible for this fundraiser, Aquaholics Anonymous, states that “All proceeds go towards developing a low-water irrigation system for the Urban Farm, Compost Site, Neighborhood Garden, and Native Plant Garden at UC San Diego.”

As a member of the Sustainable Food Project at UCSD, the push for an Urban Farm on campus is a project I’m currently working on. In the wacky world of student politics, I’ve learned that a little bit of dough has to stretch a long way, and that every opportunity to fund a sensible project is valuable. Our goal is to create a rich learning environment at the school where students have the opportunity to learn biointensive organic farming methods, and reconnect with the food cycle.

If purchasing one of these bottles and supporting a noble cause interests you, please contact me via email. We are selling these BPA-free bottles for $20 each (They’re up to $25 plus shipping online!) and have a life meant to last over 300 refillings.Â Max and myself will be offering free bicycle delivery of the bottles within San Diego City (Anywhere that falls South of the 8, North of the 94, and West of the 125). If you live elsewhere, delivery can be easily arranged.