Carefree & Car Free In San Rafael

With the real cost of subsidized gasoline now well above $15 a gallon (please see http://www.icta.org/press/release.cfm?news_id=12), and with 'average' automobile ownership and operation costs over a lifetime now zoom-zooming past $500,000, a few auto related energy conservation suggestions may be helpful:

Go car free (see savings above); go carless; buy smaller, more fuel efficient vehicles and rent up or larger as needed; drive less; ride-share; trip-link or group errands; negotiate a fuel inefficiency retail price reduction for less than cost-optimally fuel-efficient vehicles; urge the auto industry to adopt long-proven fuel efficiency technologies for new vehicles now (not ten to twenty years down the asphalt); support comprehensive public transportation and auto-alternative programs. Make your own energy conservation choices list. Keep it handy and share it.

Good list! We'd like to add that conserving doesn't have to be a grim exercise in deprivation. The less you spend on your commute, the more you have for movies, books, classes, travel, and fun! And you won't have to work so hard just to break even! Let's replace the culture of mindless consumption with the mindful consumption of culture!

More Hugging Guru Controversy

Regarding our Ammachi interview (OPEN EXCHANGE April-June 2006), last issue's letter writer Clayton O'Claerach wanted more space to express his criticism of the "hugging guru." And Barbara Powell wrote to defend Clayton, adding: "Her fantastic success seems to be due largely... to the fact that she's being used as a pawn of the U.N. to promote their political goal of a single, one-world religion." No way! But we air their unedited comments and defend Ammachi at www.openexchange.org. Decide for yourself....

Unseasoned Apples

Hello Precious People!

I have a little bit of input regarding your last cover. I guess "Back to School" is okay, but "Summer Fun" is incongruous with apples because you don't have apples till later in the fall. I found that a little disconcerting. But keep up the good work!

First-Year Lister Grows Business

My business has been growing steadily, and I am very grateful for the exposures I have been receiving through my listing in OPEN EXCHANGE. Thank you for providing a wonderful space for holistic practitioners to announce their gifts to the world.

Longtime Lister Grows Business

As always, it's wonderful to have your publication and support. I believe I started advertising with you about 22 years ago and I always tell my students it's the best place to be (you've got quite a few of them listing there now!)

Short Takes

I always like the abbreviated articles in your magazine. They're the perfect length for what I like to read these days. The editing is really good on them. I always give my wife a copy to pass around at the convalescent home where she works, too.

Ethics Valued

As a longtime OPEN EXCHANGE lister, I have seen many wonderful clients who responded to my OPEN EXCHANGE Hypnotherapy listings over the years. I want to personally thank you for your integrity and steadiness in maintaining and fostering the values and ethics of living a healthy and conscious life that I and your readers clearly share and that speak directly to the needs of the readers and responders to your listings. It's been a pleasure to work with you over the years and I look forward to meeting many more sincere and open clients through your publication.

Thanks for the kind words, Christine, Kay, Ken, and Barbara! It's great to be appreciated, and even better to know that we've helped make some good connections!

Inspired To Subscribe

I have been so inspired by your publication! May I request a subscription?

Of course! If you're a California resident, send us your name and address for a free subscription by mail. Outside California visit www.openexchange.org for 24/7 access to listings, the calendar of events, and archived articles.