Michael Swayze's Community Resources

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  • Ecoman and The Skeptic

    In these trying environmental times I want to pass along a favorite radio, correction Internet radio show of mine. It’s called Ecoman and the Skeptic and it airs weekly on the Green Talk Radio Network. There are several ways to listen to the show. Perhaps the easiest, at least for me, is to listen to them on my iPod while commuting to and from work.

    Ecoman and the Skeptic are two professors from Philadelphia University’s Engineering and Design Institute. They are: Rob Fleming, an architect (Ecoman) and Chris Pastore, an engineer (Skeptic). Their show is informative, funny, and covers a wide range of topics dealing with sustainability.

    You can check it out by visiting www.philau.edu/ecomanandtheskeptic . Or you could visit the iTunes Store and download any of their three dozen shows via podcast. Another method is to go to The Voice America’s Green Talk Radio Network website and listen to Ecoman and The Skeptic live. Their show usually airs from September through April during the school year. I’m behind in my listening but I’m catching up by way of the podcasts.

    If you want to learn more about what sustainability is all about this is a show to turn to. Me, I’m lucky I have a daughter and son-in-law who are in the field. BTW, if anyone is thinking about getting a degree in sustainable design go visit Sustainable Design blog belonging to Philadelphia University.

  • New Jersey Extends LIHEAP Deadline to May 28, 2010

    The New Jersey Department of Community Affairs announced last week that the deadline for applying for benefits under the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) has been extended to Friday, May 28, 2010. This allows families, burdened by outstanding energy bills, additional time to apply for benefits and emergency assistance.

    For additional information call the NJ LIHEAP Hotline at 800-510-3102 or visit the New Jersey Community Resources energy page.

  • New Traffic Laws For New Jersey Motorists and Pedestrians

    Motorists and pedestrians are in for a culture change, based on a law that became effective April 1. “No longer will crossing the street be a game of chicken”, said Pam Fisher, Director of the New Jersey Division of Highway Traffic Safety, at a news conference held last Wednesday to publicize the new law. Under legislation adopted by the state legislature in January, drivers must stop for pedestrians within crosswalks or face increased penalties. Failure to observe the law may subject drivers to any of the following: a $200 fine (previously $100), 2 points, and up to 15 days of community service.

    According to state and federal traffic statistics, about 25% of New Jersey auto related fatalities involve pedestrians which is nearly double the national average. Press articles issued in conjunction with the new law also indicate that pedestrians will also be held to stricter standards for improper behavior – jaywalking, crossing on the red, etc. It is expected that education and enforcement initiatives will become more aggressive in the weeks and months ahead.

    Additional information available online include: March 31 Attorney General press release, and Pedestrian Safety regulations issued by the NJ Division of Highway Traffic Safety.

    Another new law that hasn’t received too much publicity is the “Move Over Law” which took effect January, 2009. The following is taken from the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission website. It reads as follows:

    “MOVE OVER FOR STATIONARY EMERGENCY AND OTHER SERVICE VEHICLES
    As of January 27, 2009, New Jersey’s “Move Over” law requires that all motorists approaching a stationary, authorized emergency vehicle, tow truck, highway maintenance or other emergency service vehicle that is displaying a flashing, blinking or alternating red, blue, amber or yellow light or, any configuration of lights containing one of these colors, must change lanes, safety and traffic conditions permitting, into a lane not adjacent to the authorized vehicle. If a lane change is impossible, prohibited by law or unsafe, the motorist must reduce the speed of his/her vehicle to a reasonable and proper speed that is lower than the posted speed limit and be prepared to stop, if necessary. Motorists who violate this law face a fine of not less than $100 and not more than $500. (C.39:4-92.2 and 39:3-84.6)”

    It’s time we slow down, follow sensible driving and pedestrian rules, and stop from killing each other on the road.