This blog doesn’t usually delve into the political arena, but there’s an interesting item today in the Notions on High and Low Finance blog by Floyd Norris, the chief financial correspondent of The New York Times and The International Herald Tribune. In the story, Norris looks at the impact the U.S. housing crisis is having on the 2008 presidential election. His interpretation of economic data and election polls makes for a good read.
We can’t tell you how to vote in next week’s election but can offer some expert financial advice if you’re buying, selling, or remodeling a home. Read "How to Protect Yourself in Today’s Rocky Real-Estate Market" for all the details. Also visit our updated recession-survival guide, which offers belt-tightening tips for getting through tough times.
If the candidates’ plans for health care will factor into your choice for president, check out "Two Prescriptions for America’s Ills," which covers McCain’s and Obama’s proposals for the U.S. health-care system.—Steven H. Saltzman
Written by larrylarr on October 31st, 2008 with no comments.
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What it means. Rooted in the serious medical condition anorexia, energy anorexia refers to a situation in which people follow an extremely strict carbon-footprint-shrinking regimen. (Carborexia and greenorexia are other names for this approach to living.) The New York Times used the term "energy anorexics" in the October 19 article "Completely Unplugged, Fully Green," which reported on people dedicated to using significantly less energy in many aspects of their lives.
Why the buzz? In these energy-conscious times and in a country where a fad or fashion of the moment can spur significant lifestyle changes or even turn into fanaticism, some folks have become energy anorexics. The Times piece sparked great debate on the Web, with the blog of Sharon Astyk the epicenter of much of the discussion. Astyk, who was featured in the article, took issue with the story in a recent post, noting, for example, that her son doesn’t play organized baseball due to scheduling conflicts with her family’s observance of the Jewish Sabbath, not because she doesn’t want to drive him too far to play. And commenters on the blog defended her energy-minded lifestyle.
Most of our buzzword items highlight trends in industry or society at large, and the terms are generally tame. But energy anorexia and energy anorexics seem harsh and insensitive given the difficult medical issue from which they’re derived. Indeed, similar terms like "true greens" and "enlighteneds" might be a better way to get across the idea.
So we’ll leave it to you to come up with a catchy, complimentary expression for people who are environmentally impassioned and acting upon their beliefs. Post your suggestion(s) in a comment below, where you can also share information on how you’re working to save energy on your own.—Daniel DiClerico
Essential information: There’s no need for extreme measures to save energy at home, as detailed in our October 2008 "Save Energy, Save Money" feature, this tip of the day, and the Buzzword on weatherization.
Written by larrylarr on October 31st, 2008 with no comments.
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