Recommendations

I just bought my first car in May. I am quite diligent about washing and waxing, and I like to do it by hand. I like to take care of the few things I have, especially expensive things, so they last a long time. Anyway, I’m in a bit of a conundrum now that winter has set in. I know people usually all rush to the car wash once it gets above freezing, but I also know that it may never get above 35 until mid-April now.

What do you experienced car owners do during the winter to keep your car clean and salt-sand-free? Are there any touchless car washes in town that blow-dry well enough to go to them when it’s 0 degrees out? I have a heated garage, but it’s not terribly warm, and has no drain. I’ve heard of the Optimum No Rinse product, do people recommend that?

As much advice, and local recommendations, as possible would be appreciated!

Can anyone recommend a Mac compatible slide and 35mm negative scanner/converter? I’m not a professional, I just want to download all my old pre-digital camera photos. I’ve read customer reviews for products listed on Amazon, and now turn to a more trusted source of opinion … the readers of PDD. You don’t have to list any specs, but I would like to know what you like, and why. Thanks.

Do you have a family member, partner, or friend who might enjoy taking a class through the co-op? We have some great classes coming up, and they make a fantastic gift idea at $20 for co-op members, and $25 for non-members. Coming up:

Uber-knowledgeable Celia Linneman returns to teach, “Herbal Crafts for Kids” on Saturday, Dec. 5, from 12:30 – 2 p.m. The class is for kids ages 7-12 and will have them creating some holiday gifts on their own, from salt and sugar scrubs to lip balms.

On Tuesday, Dec. 8, is “Cooking in a Winter Wonderland” featuring WFC’s own Shannon Szymkowiak with super dishes and deep thoughts about eating locally for the wintertime.

Then on Thursday, Dec. 10, from 6-8 p.m raw food guru Emily White returns to teach a “Raw Christmas Goodies” class about indulging in holiday goodies without all the guilt.

Here’s to your health and well-being this holiday season! For more information, go to www.wholefoods.coop. Thank you.

Genghis Khan, native son of the steep lands we call Duluth, will return this weekend. Under the quarter moon, Genghis Khan and his fellow warriors of Chicago will ride to Duluth and celebrate with the tribe in which he was born. The journey will be long, and full of danger but luckily Genghis Khan’s war horse is equipped with a Compact Disc Player.  Therefore, Genghis Khan seeks the opinion of the people of his homeland in one question:

What are some good songs that sing of the hills of Duluth and it’s people?

With your answers, Genghis Khan will conduct several raids on neighboring tribes for the chants and harmonious chords you suggest to compile in a “mixed CD”. This artifact will serve to set the mood and empower the warriors of Chicago for their experience of the Northland, an experience for which they can never truly be prepared.

May your cities be reduced to ashes,

Genghis Khan

Last year, NASA’s James Hansen issued a devastating report on climate change, concluding that any amount of CO2 in the atmosphere above 350 parts per million (ppm) is not compatible “with a planet upon which civilization developed, or to which life on Earth has adapted.” Problem is, we’re already at 389ppm and rising. (more…)