Earl, don't listen to your sister.

Your uppity, AARP insurance-pushing sister makes fun of you because you drive a 20 year old car.

"And what's even worse," she says, "he's had the same insurance company for 20 years!"

Well, I say, Good for you! You've done the responsible thing maintaining your car and not trading up just because the neighbors did. You look like a fun-loving guy who thinks for yourself. Don't let her get to you.

By the way, I'll bet your long relationship with your auto insurance company has helped a local agency stay in business. You go, Earl!

Is this capitalism, or what?

Walk into the SAME (So All May Eat) Cafe in Denver, order what you want, and then pay what you like! Recipe for disaster? Well, the non-profit cafe seems to be doing OK. Organic, made-from scratch soup, pizza, cookies and more are served to the cafe's customers, who then put whatever they think is fair (or can afford) into an envelope. Read more at the Denver Westword.

Are Carrotmobs on their way to your community?

Instead of boycotting a store, Carrotmobbers promise to spend lots of money in a particular store in return for a commitment from the owner to install green lighting, do better recycling or take some other negotiated green idea. Mobbers use carrots, not sticks, to accomplish their goals. Check out their website.

Consumerism

From the Christmas Resistance Movement.