Articles by Sarah K. Burkhalter

From Blanchett to Bon Jovi

The fellowship of the warming Of the thousands upon thousands who acted on International Day of Action on Global Warming, Galadriel Ms. Blanchett may have been the hottest elf protester […]

From Wild Men to Wild Nights

The end is derriere When counting down the days ’til certain apocalypse, it’s best to stay distracted. Thankfully, the Nevada Wilderness Project and University of Wisconsin-Lacrosse Progressives are both unveiling […]

It’s, um, slogan-y

Grist's fair HQ of Seattle has revealed a new city slogan, posted prominently on top of the famous Space Needle. And that slogan, my friends?

METRONATURAL.

As defined by Seattle's Convention and Visitors Bureau:

adj. 1: Having the characteristics of a world-class metropolis within wild, beautiful natural surroundings. 2: A blending of clear skies and expansive water with a fast-paced city life.

n. 1: One who respects the environment and lives a balanced lifestyle of urban and natural experiences. 2. Seattle.

Mmmmkay. First of all, "metrosexual" is so last year. Second of all, to some people, including myself, it's not eliciting the response the tourism bureau hoped for ("Wow, it's a city and it's nature!"). One Pike Place Market vendor says, "How do you use that in a sentence? 'Welcome to Metronatural.' ... It's an airport where you can buy organic bananas."

Yes, it beats See-@-L. But what doesn't?

Brazil wants you to buy one.

This may be good for Big Ethanol:

Brazilian company ABC Esso will soon sell an adapter in the U.S. that lets any gasoline vehicle burn up to 100 percent ethanol.

But perhaps not that good:

According to Vidar Lura, managing director of Abcesso, the product will sell for between $500 and $900.

"Abcesso" is much funnier than "ABC Esso."