If you are not in the habit of watching ABC’s limited series “Primetime: What Would You Do?” then you probably still have some faith left in humanity. This is not to criticize the show, however, it is discouraging, at times, to see so many fellow human beings who do not want to get involved and do the right thing.

In tonight’s episode, two scenarios stood out. The first was a situation in which young, skinny actors were to harass an overweight actress as she sat on a bench at a boardwalk. The test was to see how many people would actually go over to the harassers and stand up for the overweight woman. In the end, out of about 60 people who passed by, only less than 10 had the nerve to stand up for a stranger. And out of those who said something, most were women. I don’t know if that is because there were more women who passed by that day, or if this is really a reflection on how females relate to others and how much emotion we allow ourselves to feel for strangers. One thing is for sure, I was very disappointed that more people did not take the time and take a stand. Is it fear? Is it because we want to mind our own business? There is no right answer to that question. Too many times have we witnessed something we knew was wrong and kept silent because it was “none of our business.” I am guilty of that as well. From now on, we all need to make an effort to speak up for those who cannot or will not speak up for themselves. They are our fellow human beings and deserve to be treated with respect.

The second scenario, though not as controversial, involved the issue of whether or not you would tell your friend that the dress she wants to wear for her wedding is horrible. While I understand that many people do not say anything because the wedding day is such a special day, it is precisely that reason why you should speak up if your friend tries a dress on that does not make her look her best. After all, isn’t that what true friends do.

I do not like to do preachy posts, but sometimes you just have to get on your soapbox about something.

Speak up when you see something that is wrong and tell your loved ones (family and friends) the truth in love.

Back in January, the city of Baltimore rolled out a new program to encourage the citizens of Charm City to recycle. In this new program, recycling would be done through a process called “Single Stream Recycling.” All this means is that instead of having to separate your recycling prior to pick up, all you have to do is place all recyclable materials in one bin (or appropriate cardboard box) and it will be picked up on designated days based on the zone in which you live.

To encourage recycling, the city will sell you 2 sizes of yellow recycling bins, but are quick to point out that you may use your own, as long as it is clearly labeled for recycling. My house now has 2 bins and getting family involvement was not easy at first. I thought that my family members would want to decrease the amount of trash going out each week. Alas, even putting the recycling bin ahead of the trash can did not deter some very entrenched bad habits of tossing everything in the trash.

All hope is not lost. My mother, the one most resistant to recycling, has been recycling her newspapers and soda cans. She also used the larger bin to help her clean off our often cluttered kitchen table. If only our neighbors could see the benefits of helping our city be greener. My mother says not to bother the neighbors with this, but I think I could start with a gently push in the green direction. If nothing else, since most people are motivated by money, I could show them a way that recycling saves them money in the long term (since I know they won’t be shelling out $12 for the large yellow recycling bin).

If you have suggestions on how to get my neighbors involved, I would love to hear them. Leave your comments and let me know what I can do. We’re all in this together.

Until next time, I hope our bin is not overflowing before Friday’s pickup time so that we can carry it out the door. Here’s hope for greener days!

If you want to know more about how Baltimore City is running its recycling program so that you can do the same where you live, check out the website for the Baltimore City Department of Public Works here http://www.ci.baltimore.md.us/government/dpw/recycle.php

On the back cover of this Gen X/Y book is the question “Have you made today matter?” It’s a great question because most of us do not even consider this in our daily lives. Then, at the end of the day, we are kept awake at night wondering how we can ever make a difference in a world where so much is wrong.

Well, fear not, because the creators and writers of www.everymondaymatters.com have put together a list of 52 activities you can do alone or with your friends and family that will be good for you, your community, and the world. Although some of the tasks require planning and cannot be completed in one day, that leaves no excuse for not beginning the process of a more time-consuming task (#45 Get involved with Foster Kids). Some are so simple they can be done right at your computer (#44 Use Online Bill Pay). Either way, there are enough activities to give anyone a year full of Mondays that matter. As a side issue, if you find, as I have, that there is an activity listed you have already completed, such as #21 Learn CPR, feel free to substitute your own ideas or visit their website for resources and other activities you can do.

Get ready to make a difference one Monday at a time. As a bonus, the book includes a CD-ROM with videos of people making a difference and special links to exclusive portions of their website. The book is even made with recycled materials.

I give this book 5 stars and urge every family to get a copy.

*See link to your right to order your copy.

As you all know, we live in the age of information. I have spent most of my time collecting and processing tons of information over the years from various sources: books, the Internet, magazines, newspapers, people. You name it andd I probably got information from it. I believe in the power of information and power it creates within us to be bold and act with confidence.

You will see that I have many interests and I will publish information on a variety of subjects. Sometimes, you will see these posts in the form of an advice column. Sometimes, they will be journalistic reportings. Other times they will be informed reactions to current events. I will also review books and movies based on their informational value to a particular subject.

I will make one promise my readers: to provide you with the most accurate information in a timely manner to enable you to think for yourself and sift through biased media reports and make your own decisions.

I have such a wide variety of interests that I wanted to be able to cover them and share what’s been going on in my mind with others.

Enjoy your stay in Information Nation and be well.