Coffee with a teaspoon of morality

I actually overheard this in a local coffee shop in San Diego:

Customer: "Is this the only bottled water you have?"

Coffee Guy: "Yes. It's also the only bottled water that donates 100% of profits to impoverished children. It could be worse." (In a mildly condescending tone)

So this gets me thinking about the litany of issues that surround product consumption today. I'm sure you've heard of most: fair trade, organic, socially-responsible, locally-grown, 100% recyclable, carbon-neutral, free from animal testing. I don't want to sound like Andy Rooney on 60 minutes, but when did products and services become so morally imbued? I guess it's good overall, but this barista's snide remark was over the top. I can't say that I am the best steward of the earth, but I've made a few strides. In addition to buying carbon offsets for this trip and avidly recycling, one of my prouder moments was buying Sam's engagement ring from Canada several years back. I did this to ensure it was't a conflict diamond (and this was before Blood Diamond's expose with Leonardo Di Caprio). When you're making big purchases, I think considering the means of production is appropriate. I'm doubtful, however, that we should ruminate about bottled water. Shouldn't we be drinking tap anyways? It's cheaper, fluorinated and requires zero packaging.

One thing for sure, market based economies are the best remedy for what ails this world. Over the past 25 years, approximately one billion people have been lifted out of poverty in China, India and other developing countries. It's easy to acknowledge in retrospect, but no one seriously thought this possible a few decades ago. Let's remember that as we wade through this current recession and plan for the future. There's a newly released book on this subject (http://www.cceia.org/resources/transcripts/0180.html) although the Economist, my 'favourite' magazine, has written much more eloquently than I am capable (See Two billion more bourgeois from 2/12/2009 edition).

As for the trip, I've hit a few days of complete rest and relaxation. San Diego is sunny, beautiful and a great place to just chill for awhile. I've attached a few pictures from the beach below. I'm not exactly sure where I will be for Monday through Wednesday as my next definite location is Thursday in Vegas. Unfortunately, my budget is slim as my poker losses have mounted, but now that we're out of wine country, I won't be drinking my money at least.

Quote of the Day: "The point is, ladies and gentleman, that greed, for lack of a better word, is good. Greed is right, greed works. Greed clarifies, cuts through, and captures the essence of the evolutionary spirit. Greed, in all of its forms; greed for life, for money, for love, knowledge has marked the upward surge of mankind. And greed, you mark my words, will not only save Teldar Paper, but that other malfunctioning corporation called the USA." Gordon Gekko from Wall St. (movie, 1987)

Miles driven: 3,340 (just around San Diego since Friday)

Poker Status: No update from last entry, but let's just say I'm glad to be enrolled in graduate studies.