A great way to learn more about ColdFusion is to join a local ColdFusion User Group (CFUG). I've belonged to a number of these over the years and recently we are seeing even more CFUGs starting up. It's a great way to get free training and live presentations on ColdFusion, learn about upcoming and new releases, see demos of technologies like Flex and AIR in action, and even a great source for finding or advertising for jobs. Many groups often get freebies to give away as well from T-shirts and mugs to full versions of software, so it's well worth your while to check them out. Visit the Adobe User Groups site to look for a group in your area.

If there's no group in your area (or even if there is!) you should also check out the ColdFusion Meetup group which does online presentations on a regular basis. You can view recording of past meetings and subscribe to get notifications of future events.

Those of you that have been customers of mine for awhile are probably aware of my star dog Taz. This little sheltie is the most amazing dog that I have ever had the privilege of knowing. Taz and I have traveled all over the country competing in various dog sports and appearing on TV. From numerous appearances on Pet Star to competing in the Great Outdoor Games, he gives me 100% in everything he does, and is only limited by my own skill as a trainer.

Taz is now 13 years old and pretty much retired from all the sports that we spent so many years doing. We do weekly visits to hospice patients in a nearby nursing home where he does little tricks to brighten their day. Recently we just missed out on him being cast in a movie with Uma Thurman (he didn't look OLD enough!) but his videos on YouTube caught the eye of another producer and he's been asked to go to New York to appear on the Mike and Juliet Morning Show (typically syndicated to Fox stations). We go up to film on Monday May 5th and will be shown on the Wednesday morning airing of the show, so if you'd like to catch us, be sure to set your Tivos. And wish us luck, of course!

You can view Taz's latest YouTube video at:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WXuKmxOEJMA

Anyone that knows me knows that I am a pretty avid recycler. And it's not easy in my area. To recycle cardboard, I have to break down boxes into small enough sizes of cardboard for the trash company to accept them. Many types of plastics are not accepted, and some items have to be taken to special locations. I long ago stopped getting a print newspaper preferring to use online sites for news. I generally use CFL bulbs in my house and am careful about turning out lights and electronics when they are not in use.

My latest switch was to stop using plastic bags at the grocery store but instead to get my own set of a dozen reusable bags which stay in my car so they are always handy when I need to grab some items at the store. We've learned that plastic bags have a big impact on the environment in many ways...from the oil used to make them to the thousand years they take to break down, to the damaging effects they can have on wildlife. Some countries have banned their use or are imposing a surcharge on them. I used to think I was doing a good job by saving them and dropping them off in recycle bins at local stores, but have since learned that only a small percentage of those ever get recycled. So I now save myself the hassle of keeping those plastic bags and use my canvas bags instead, which hold the items without falling over and letting them roll all over the car and are nice and easy to store. I just keep a few plastic bags on hand for items like meat that may leak. I got my bags on ebay but you can buy them at many grocery stores these days as well. And many stores now give you a few cents off for every bag you *don't* use!

So today on Earth Day I hope you will think about what your effect on the planet is. Because one person really *can* make a difference. Think about what one thing you might be able to do, not just for today, but every day going forward, that will help lessen your impact on the environment. You may find that not only is it something that can help save the planet, but may actually save you money as well.