Why earthworms? Charles Darwin, after making a careful study of our squirmy pals, reached this conclusion: “It may be doubted if there are any other animals which have played such an important part in the history of the world as these lowly organized creatures.”

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Poem: “lost haiku"

U2 lead singer Bono has justifiably gotten grief for fraternizing with the unrepentant opposition, for his band’s massive carbon footprint, and for backing out of a much-needed debate on the efficacy of celebrity activism. Now, he’s taken a hit from a fellow rock band front man.

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What can the Reds teach the Greens?

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Poem: “Brangelina and Climate Change"

Despite the rose-colored title, “All You Need is Love” sounds like a clarion call for green revolutionaries everywhere. “There’s nowhere you can be that isn’t where you’re meant to be.” Since this is the greatest time ever to be an activist, perhaps it’s no coincidence that you and I are here now. Maybe we’re the lucky ones trusted with the urgent mission of survival. As George wrote: “I look at you all, see the love there that’s sleeping.”

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Face-to-face activism

No Paine, No Gain

The Army of the Future Will Use Seed Bombs

What Would Einstein’s Tailor Do?

Katharine Hepburn’s Revolutionary Fashion Statement

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Poem: “Our TV-worshipping neighbor"

Being that this is Face-to-Face February, it might be the ideal time to host a dinner party.

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Poem: “haiku for shakira"

On January 11, 2010, something happened in Shanghai that has never happened before in mainland China: A PETA photo shoot. I know this because one of the people most responsible for this breakthrough is writer and musician, Andy Best—a regular visitor and contributor to my blog.

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Let’s make this post blow up across the Web. Please send out, cross-post, and share far and wide. Thanks…

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Poem: “Mr. Darwin would be quite alarmed"

Some unexpected nature videos (with apologies to those on dial-up):

A giant centipede can kick tarantula ass...

...and can even catch a goddamned bat out of the air...

....but remember: it’s best to never fuck with a grasshopper mouse...

Then again, maybe we just need to dance...

So, who else has something, uh...offbeat to share with us?

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Please join me.... in saying thanks to Nancy for her ongoing efforts to bring this blog a new, more user-friendly look. Keep the feedback coming and stay tuned for more changes.

Also: Any New York-area Expendables (or lurkers) wanna try to create some kind of monthly gathering, say, on a Saturday or Sunday afternoon?

And lastly...don’t forget to “friend” and/or “fan” me at Facebook.

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Poem: “warm memory haiku"

As Mac Danzig prepares for his big pay-per-view Ultimate Fighting Championship event on February 6, he will be participating in the world’s fastest growing sport: Mixed Martial Arts (MMA). What sets the 5-foot-9, 155 pound Danzig apart from his fellow MMA combatants can be summed up in one word: vegan.

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DIY Super Bowl chips and dip

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Poem: “vintage haiku"

“Knowing how to use your body in emergencies is as important as knowing how to argue for your beliefs in the face of adversity.”

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Go face-to-face in February

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Poem: “Some history for ya"

I’m happy to announce that I just signed a contract for book #10, my third novel. It’s called Darker Shade of Green and concerns itself (in part) with ecotage. Darker Shade of Green will be published in late 2010 by Raw Dog Screaming Press...the same folks who released my first novel, CPR for Dummies, in 2008.

Stay tuned for more info...

In other news: Thanks to a suggestion from Expendable Keir and help from Nancy Ryan, I do hope to put this blog through a major re-design soon. At first, you may notice some tweaks that clean up the messes. After that, watch for Nancy to work her magic to give Cool Observer a new look.

And now, a Planet Green link:

Romeo vs. the Sea Turtles

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Poem: “haiku in aisle 7"