Via IHT - A U.S. military 'at its breaking point' considers foreign recruits
Wikipedia - Roman Legion
Wednesday, December 27, 2006
Friday, December 22, 2006
Thursday, December 21, 2006
Moron Caught
Via The Record-Eagle - Buckley hunter guilty of shooting wolf in Upper Peninsula
Claude Stephen Gersky, 80, pleaded guilty to killing the adult female wolf on Nov. 15, the first day of the firearms deer season, on state land near Finn Lake in southeastern Iron County.
Claude Stephen Gersky, 80, pleaded guilty to killing the adult female wolf on Nov. 15, the first day of the firearms deer season, on state land near Finn Lake in southeastern Iron County.
Thursday, December 14, 2006
Friday, December 08, 2006
Thursday, November 30, 2006
Cleanliness Is Not Godliness
Via PBS.org - The Hygiene Hypothesis
Makes total sense and is something I've always suspected. This is why kids should be allowed to play in the dirt and antibacterial soaps avoided.
Makes total sense and is something I've always suspected. This is why kids should be allowed to play in the dirt and antibacterial soaps avoided.
Tuesday, November 21, 2006
Friday, November 17, 2006
South Africa Expands Indivual Rights While The U.S. Takes Them Away
Via Forbes.com - US: Immigrants May Be Held Indefinitely
Meanwhile, in the formerly repressive South Africa; via BBC News - SA couple want first gay wedding
Immigrants arrested in the United States may be held indefinitely on suspicion of terrorism and may not challenge their imprisonment in civilian courts, the Bush administration said Monday, opening a new legal front in the fight over the rights of detainees.
Meanwhile, in the formerly repressive South Africa; via BBC News - SA couple want first gay wedding
The controversial Civil Union bill was passed after the Constitutional Court ruled last year that the existing laws discriminated against homosexuals.
Thursday, November 09, 2006
Friday, November 03, 2006
Carbon Neutral Biofuel Production
Via Scientific American - Biofuels Discovery Promises to End Dependence on Natural Gas
Thursday, November 02, 2006
Tuesday, October 31, 2006
Saturday, October 28, 2006
Friday, October 20, 2006
10-17-06: The Day America Died
From MSNBC.com - ‘National yawn as our rights evaporate’
President Bush signed the Military Commissions Act of 2006 on October 17th.
What this means-> At the President's discretion a person anywhere in the galaxy can now be picked up, detained, and tortured indefinitely. Eventually you'll get a hearing in front of a military commission and there evidence seized without a search warrant and heresay will be presented against you.
Land of the Free?
I maintain that this is all part of Bush's masterful anti-terrorism campaign. Since the terrorists hate us because of our freedoms by making Americans less free we will defeat the terrorists.
Seriously though - the United States should be a moral superpower as much as a military superpower. Enacting despotic laws that enable torture is not how to be the "shining beacon of freedom".
I'm disappointed that Michigan's two Democratic Senators voted in favor of this legislation.
I sent each them the following comment:
Dear Senator [],
I am disappointed to see that you voted for the Military Commissions Act of 2006 despite the reservations you expressed in your last floor speech about the bill. I hope that if your party wins control of the Senate next month one of the first orders of business will be fixing this most shameful and un-American law.
President Bush signed the Military Commissions Act of 2006 on October 17th.
What this means-> At the President's discretion a person anywhere in the galaxy can now be picked up, detained, and tortured indefinitely. Eventually you'll get a hearing in front of a military commission and there evidence seized without a search warrant and heresay will be presented against you.
Land of the Free?
I maintain that this is all part of Bush's masterful anti-terrorism campaign. Since the terrorists hate us because of our freedoms by making Americans less free we will defeat the terrorists.
Seriously though - the United States should be a moral superpower as much as a military superpower. Enacting despotic laws that enable torture is not how to be the "shining beacon of freedom".
I'm disappointed that Michigan's two Democratic Senators voted in favor of this legislation.
I sent each them the following comment:
Dear Senator [],
I am disappointed to see that you voted for the Military Commissions Act of 2006 despite the reservations you expressed in your last floor speech about the bill. I hope that if your party wins control of the Senate next month one of the first orders of business will be fixing this most shameful and un-American law.
Wednesday, October 18, 2006
Stromatalites Are Biological In Origin
Via CS Monitor - Fossil evidence of earliest life on Earth?
Hmmm - I didn't realize there was still debate regarding the origination of stromatalites. For the last 10 years I've assumed they were formed biologically. I find concretions to be more mysterious.
Hmmm - I didn't realize there was still debate regarding the origination of stromatalites. For the last 10 years I've assumed they were formed biologically. I find concretions to be more mysterious.
Colbert Interview With Steve Wozniak - New Episodes Added Nightly
I've never seen Colbert flummoxed during an interview before but Woz did it - Colbert Interviews Steve Wozniak
Tuesday, October 17, 2006
Monday, October 16, 2006
Truthiness In History; Republicans = Good
North Korea has a nuclear bomb. Republicans blame Clinton (and they blame him for a lot more).
The Clinton Presidency ended with a financial surplus but Republicans give President Reagan credit.
The lesson here is Republicans only do good and Democrats only bad.
The Clinton Presidency ended with a financial surplus but Republicans give President Reagan credit.
The lesson here is Republicans only do good and Democrats only bad.
Hey Honey
Via Wired.com - Honey Remedy Could Save Limbs
"All honey is antibacterial, because the bees add an enzyme that makes hydrogen peroxide," said Peter Molan, director of the Honey Research Unit at the University of Waikato in New Zealand. "But we still haven't managed to identify the active components. All we know is (the honey) works on an extremely broad spectrum."
Attempts in the lab to induce a bacterial resistance to honey have failed, Molan and Simon said. Honey's complex attack, they said, might make adaptation impossible.
Attention Nerds! - Your God Is A Star Wars Fan
Coming this November on Cinemax - All six Star Wars in High Definition and in order and on VOD.
Here's the Cinemax Star Wars Schedule
Here's the Cinemax Star Wars Schedule
Thursday, October 12, 2006
The Mathematics Of Killing
Iraqi Death Toll Exceeds 600,000, Study Estimates
"Human Rights Watch has estimated Saddam Hussein's regime killed 250,000 to 290,000 people over 20 years."
"Human Rights Watch has estimated Saddam Hussein's regime killed 250,000 to 290,000 people over 20 years."
Wednesday, October 11, 2006
Tuesday, October 10, 2006
The Yale Investment Strategy
Via NPR - Yale's Money Guru Shares Wisdom with Masses
- 30% - Domestic Equity: Refers to stocks in U.S.-based companies listed on U.S. exchanges.
- 5% - Emerging Market Equity: Refers to stocks from emerging markets around the world, such as Brazil, Russia, India and China.
- 15% - Foreign Developed Equity: Refers to stocks listed on major foreign markets in developed countries, such as the United Kingdom, Germany, France and Japan.
- 20% - Real Estate Investment Trusts: Refers to stocks of companies that invest directly in real estate through ownership of property.
- 15% - U.S. Treasury Notes and Bonds: These are fixed-interest U.S. government debt securities that mature in more than one year. Notes and bonds pay interest semi-annually. The income is only taxed at the federal level.
- 15% - U.S. Treasury Inflation-Protection Securities, or TIPS: These are special types of Treasury notes that offer protection from inflation, as measured by the Consumer Price Index. They pay interest every six months and the principal when the security matures.
- 30% - Domestic Equity: Refers to stocks in U.S.-based companies listed on U.S. exchanges.
- 5% - Emerging Market Equity: Refers to stocks from emerging markets around the world, such as Brazil, Russia, India and China.
- 15% - Foreign Developed Equity: Refers to stocks listed on major foreign markets in developed countries, such as the United Kingdom, Germany, France and Japan.
- 20% - Real Estate Investment Trusts: Refers to stocks of companies that invest directly in real estate through ownership of property.
- 15% - U.S. Treasury Notes and Bonds: These are fixed-interest U.S. government debt securities that mature in more than one year. Notes and bonds pay interest semi-annually. The income is only taxed at the federal level.
- 15% - U.S. Treasury Inflation-Protection Securities, or TIPS: These are special types of Treasury notes that offer protection from inflation, as measured by the Consumer Price Index. They pay interest every six months and the principal when the security matures.
Bloomberg Covers Peak Oil
Via Bloomberg.com - Peak Oil Forecasters Win Converts on Wall Street to $200 Crude
A nicely balanced article yet the same holds true no matter who is doing the spinning and that is at some point in the next 50 years oil production will peak.
A nicely balanced article yet the same holds true no matter who is doing the spinning and that is at some point in the next 50 years oil production will peak.
Wednesday, October 04, 2006
Media Matters Covers The Foley Scandal
http://mediamatters.org/issues_topics/mark_foley_scandal
Amazingly everyone is getting blamed by the Republicans except Foley. Did anyone blame Monica or the culture? No, they blamed Bill Clinton and impeached him for perjury.
The Republicans are in a tricky spot with this case. On one hand the actions of Foley support their anti-gay claims that homosexuals are pedophiles but on the other hand they need to keep every Congressional seat they can. What to do?...
Amazingly everyone is getting blamed by the Republicans except Foley. Did anyone blame Monica or the culture? No, they blamed Bill Clinton and impeached him for perjury.
The Republicans are in a tricky spot with this case. On one hand the actions of Foley support their anti-gay claims that homosexuals are pedophiles but on the other hand they need to keep every Congressional seat they can. What to do?...
The National Intelligence Report and The Case For The Iraq War
From the Washington Post - On the NIE, the Right and the Left Are Both Wrong
What Mr. Arkin does not say is that the true problem around the world is the polarizing effects of fundamentalism.
Today Terry Gross interviewed Bob Woodward on Fresh Air - Woodward Elaborates on Bush's 'State of Denial'
What Mr. Arkin does not say is that the true problem around the world is the polarizing effects of fundamentalism.
Today Terry Gross interviewed Bob Woodward on Fresh Air - Woodward Elaborates on Bush's 'State of Denial'
Global Warming News
Via MSNBC - Global warming nears ‘dangerous’ level
Global temperatures are dangerously close to the highest ever estimated to have occurred in the past million years...
Via Salon.com - Journal: Agency Blocked Hurricane Report
In the 1990's I too doubted anthropogenic global warming. Too bad others (e.g., neoconservatives) allow opinion to get in the way of the facts.
Global temperatures are dangerously close to the highest ever estimated to have occurred in the past million years...
Via Salon.com - Journal: Agency Blocked Hurricane Report
In the 1990's I too doubted anthropogenic global warming. Too bad others (e.g., neoconservatives) allow opinion to get in the way of the facts.
Monday, September 25, 2006
Tigers Deserve It
Via Drew Sharp at The Free Press - Party time!
They came within one game of tieing the major league record for losses in 2003.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Detroit_Tigers#Recent_Futility">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Detroit_Tigers#Recent_Futility
In 2003 Mike Maroth lost 21 games
which represented the first time a starting pitcher had lost more than 20 games since 1980!
But now when I walk around town many people have the Tigers games on their TV. It is a great thing to see. And the current team is made up of 11 players from that 2003 team. In terms of organizational management this shows what can happen with the right mix of experience, talent, leadership, rookie excitement, and character and is similar to the formula the Boston Red Sox used to win the 2004 World Series.
The key elements are:
Pudge
Kenny Rogers
The highly underrated Brandon Inge
Carlos Guillen
Placido Palonco (evidenced by the Tigers struggles while he was on the DL)
Todd Jones (who was booed by the fans early in the season)
The core pitchers from the 2003 season (Bonderman, Maroth, and Robertson)
Jim Leyland
They came within one game of tieing the major league record for losses in 2003.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Detroit_Tigers#Recent_Futility">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Detroit_Tigers#Recent_Futility
In 2003 Mike Maroth lost 21 games
which represented the first time a starting pitcher had lost more than 20 games since 1980!
But now when I walk around town many people have the Tigers games on their TV. It is a great thing to see. And the current team is made up of 11 players from that 2003 team. In terms of organizational management this shows what can happen with the right mix of experience, talent, leadership, rookie excitement, and character and is similar to the formula the Boston Red Sox used to win the 2004 World Series.
The key elements are:
Pudge
Kenny Rogers
The highly underrated Brandon Inge
Carlos Guillen
Placido Palonco (evidenced by the Tigers struggles while he was on the DL)
Todd Jones (who was booed by the fans early in the season)
The core pitchers from the 2003 season (Bonderman, Maroth, and Robertson)
Jim Leyland
Sunday, September 24, 2006
Senate Intelligence Report On Iraq
Via The Washington Post - Iraq's Alleged Al-Qaeda Ties Were Disputed Before War
Get the reports here:
http://intelligence.senate.gov/
This is from the WaPo story:
And in a recent press conference the following question and answer took place:
Watch it here:
http://thinkprogress.org/2006/08/21/bush-on-911/
Get the reports here:
http://intelligence.senate.gov/
This is from the WaPo story:
As recently as Aug. 21, Bush suggested a link between Hussein and Zarqawi, the leader of al-Qaeda in Iraq, who was killed by U.S. forces this summer. But a CIA assessment in October 2005 concluded that Hussein's government "did not have a relationship, harbor, or turn a blind eye toward Zarqawi and his associates," according to the report.
And in a recent press conference the following question and answer took place:
BUSH: The terrorists attacked us and killed 3,000 of our citizens before we started the freedom agenda in the Middle East.
QUESTION: What did Iraq have to do with it?
BUSH: What did Iraq have to do with what?
QUESTION: The attack on the World Trade Center.
BUSH: Nothing. Except it’s part of — and nobody has suggested in this administration that Saddam Hussein ordered the attack. Iraq was a — Iraq — the lesson of September 11th is take threats before they fully materialize, Ken. Nobody’s ever suggested that the attacks of September the 11th were ordered by Iraq.
Watch it here:
http://thinkprogress.org/2006/08/21/bush-on-911/
Shoreline Fishing For Salmon
Via Dave Richey - Surf Fishing Can Pay Off Now
More information on shoreline fishing is in the Great Lakes Fishery Trust's 'Let's Fish Lake Michigan' angler's guide.
We used spawnbags tied with orange or yellow mesh material, and we added one or two tiny Styrofoam kernels to the egg sack. This caused the bait to float up off bottom.
Our fishing rig was simple. We ran our 6-pound line through a 1/4-oz. egg sinker and tied the line to one end of a barrel swivel, We then tied in a four-foot length of 4-pound leader, tied on a hook, baited up, and cast into the water where the river current and lake water met.
The bait would roll along bottom, and usually it may roll only a few feet before we felt the tap-tap-tap strike as a coho salmon picked up the bait. We'd give the fish a bit of slack, set the hook, and then watch the explosive jumps of an angry and wild salmon.
More information on shoreline fishing is in the Great Lakes Fishery Trust's 'Let's Fish Lake Michigan' angler's guide.
Friday, September 22, 2006
A Review Of Reviews For Electronic Devices
ViewScore.com - Product Ranking - All Reviews Combined
Looks similar to ConsumerGuide.com. Too bad it is missing HDTV reviews.
Looks similar to ConsumerGuide.com. Too bad it is missing HDTV reviews.
I Like Ike
Via Wikiquote - Dwight D. Eisenhower quotes
* I hate war as only a soldier who has lived it can, only as one who has seen its brutality, its stupidity.
* A people that values its privileges above its principles soon loses both.
* All of us have heard this term 'preventative war' since the earliest days of Hitler. I recall that is about the first time I heard it. In this day and time... I don't believe there is such a thing; and, frankly, I wouldn't even listen to anyone seriously that came in and talked about such a thing.
* Every gun that is made, every warship launched, every rocket fired signifies, in the final sense, a theft from those who hunger and are not fed, those who are cold and are not clothed. This world in arms is not spending money alone. It is spending the sweat of its laborers, the genius of its scientists, the hopes of its children.
* I was against it on two counts. First, the Japanese were ready to surrender, and it wasn't necessary to hit them with that awful thing. Second, I hated to see our country be the first to use such a weapon.
-Newsweek (11 November 1963) On his stated opposition to the use of the atomic bomb against the Japanese.
* (On military character) Character in many ways is everything in leadership. It is made up of many things, but i would say character is really integrity. When you delegate something to a subordinate, for example, it is absolutely your responsibility, and he must understand this. You as a leader must take complete responsibility for what the subordinate does. I once said, as a sort of wisecrack, that leadership consists of nothing but taking responsibility for everything that goes wrong and giving your subordinates credit for everything that goes well.
* May we never confuse honest dissent with disloyal subversion.
Friday, September 15, 2006
Hail Google
It is reported that Google has a for-profit charity at Google.org.
Via IHT - Philanthropy the Google way: Doing good while making money
One of its maiden projects is bound to get attention. According to people briefed on the program, the organization, called Google.org, is aiming to develop an extremely fuel efficient, plug- in hybrid car engine that runs on ethanol, electricity and gasoline.
The philanthropy is consulting with hybrid engine scientists and car manufacturers, and has arranged for the purchase of a small fleet of cars with plans to convert the engines so that their gas mileage exceeds 100 miles per gallon, or about 42 kilometers per liter. The goal: to reduce dependence on oil while alleviating the effects of global warming.
Thursday, September 14, 2006
More For The "I wouldn't Join A Club That Would Have Me As A Member" Department aka Politicians Are Morons
Politicians won't debate fringe candidates because they don't want to give them credibility as an opponent. Terrorists are fringe opponents and do not represent the majority anywhere (not even during the U.S. Revolution when a majority of people wished to remain British subjects). Therefore by flaming fear, declaring "war", and debating the ideology in the public forum these same politicians legitimize the terrorists.
What they won't do for their fellow patriotic polical rivals they will do for foreign terrorists. So, in a way, when politicians say we should worry about the terrorists they then are sympathizing with the enemy.
See DRShow.org - Interview with Louise Richardson: "What Terrorists Want" (Random House)
What they won't do for their fellow patriotic polical rivals they will do for foreign terrorists. So, in a way, when politicians say we should worry about the terrorists they then are sympathizing with the enemy.
See DRShow.org - Interview with Louise Richardson: "What Terrorists Want" (Random House)
Saddam Hussein Is A Big KITH Fan
Via CNN International - Angered Hussein: 'We will crush your heads'
Saddam is just misunderstood - when he said "crush your heads" in the courtroom he was obviously attempting levity in these troubling times but referencing the famous-in-some-circles Kids In The Hall skits.
Saddam is just misunderstood - when he said "crush your heads" in the courtroom he was obviously attempting levity in these troubling times but referencing the famous-in-some-circles Kids In The Hall skits.
Flattered Into Buying It
Via the International Herald Tribune - Stretch truth a size or two, and vain shoppers will buy
Wednesday, September 13, 2006
The Globalization Of Terror Tactics
Via the CS Monitor - Taliban adopting Iraq-style jihad
The NATO and US forces are taking two steps backward for each step forward:
What a needless, chaotic mess...
NATO urges extra force for Afghanistan due to Taliban resistance
Nato plea for Afghan troops is rebuffed
Soldiers reveal horror of Afghan campaign
The NATO and US forces are taking two steps backward for each step forward:
Schooled in the extreme Deobandi strain of Islam followed by most Talibs, he joined 18 months ago, prompted, he says, when US troops arrested his cleric father from their home in Kandahar after a roadside bomb went off nearby. The father's body was dropped off at the hospital by US forces 10 days later, the militant claims.
What a needless, chaotic mess...
NATO urges extra force for Afghanistan due to Taliban resistance
Nato plea for Afghan troops is rebuffed
Soldiers reveal horror of Afghan campaign
Friday, September 01, 2006
Real American Heros
From The Fun Times Guide - Bud Light Real Men of Genius Commercials ... Listen Now!
The Most Important Thing
From NPR - A Better Breakfast Can Boost a Child's Brainpower
Michael: What comes before anything? What have we always said is the most important thing?
George Michael: Breakfast.
Michael: Family.
George Michael: Family, right. I thought you meant of the things you eat.
I create breakfast with oatmeal as my canvas and the following is my paint:
Protein/Fat:
walnuts
peanut butter
sunflower seeds
Fruit:
raisins
dried cherries
fresh or dried blueberries
Sweetness:
maple syrup
honey
brown sugar
The best combination iswalnuts, cherries, and maple syrup on top of the oatmeal. Peanut butter, raisins, and a hint of maple syrup is good too.
Michael: What comes before anything? What have we always said is the most important thing?
George Michael: Breakfast.
Michael: Family.
George Michael: Family, right. I thought you meant of the things you eat.
I create breakfast with oatmeal as my canvas and the following is my paint:
Protein/Fat:
walnuts
peanut butter
sunflower seeds
Fruit:
raisins
dried cherries
fresh or dried blueberries
Sweetness:
maple syrup
honey
brown sugar
The best combination iswalnuts, cherries, and maple syrup on top of the oatmeal. Peanut butter, raisins, and a hint of maple syrup is good too.
Wednesday, August 30, 2006
Friday, August 25, 2006
Everyone Knows Warrantless Spying Is Illegal
From the Chicago Tribune - NSA ruling much like a pig in parlor
This may be the first public commission of federal crimes by a president that is uniformly ignored by members of both parties.
This may be the first public commission of federal crimes by a president that is uniformly ignored by members of both parties.
What Baseball Players And Chefs Have In Common
The young ones really stand out.
Most do not get good at what they do until their late 20's and hit their stride in their 30's.
Maturity + knowledge + experience
Most do not get good at what they do until their late 20's and hit their stride in their 30's.
Maturity + knowledge + experience
TV Predictions
1. Arrested Development will win the Emmy Award for Outstanding Comedy Series.
2. AD will get great ratings in syndication.
3. NBC will pick it up and convince Mitch Hurwitz to re-start the series in 2007 or 2008.
2. AD will get great ratings in syndication.
3. NBC will pick it up and convince Mitch Hurwitz to re-start the series in 2007 or 2008.
Thursday, August 24, 2006
A "Clerical Mistake"?
From the New York Times - Evolution Major Vanishes From Approved Federal List
Probably something the administration thought would not get noticed.
Probably something the administration thought would not get noticed.
Sunday, August 20, 2006
Good Bye Sleater-Kinney
Via baltimoresun.com - Sleater-Kinney steps aside with lively show
I saw Heavens To Betsy and Sleater-Kinney both play. SK was amazing and I did not mind driving six hours to see them.
I almost named Kitty Lofton Sleater-Kitty.
Sleater-Kinney .com
I saw Heavens To Betsy and Sleater-Kinney both play. SK was amazing and I did not mind driving six hours to see them.
I almost named Kitty Lofton Sleater-Kitty.
Sleater-Kinney .com
Friday, August 18, 2006
New Metal Ice Cube Trays Exist
I hate plastic ice cube trays. They're way too flimsy and breakable when twisting out the ice cubes making them useless for freezing things like homemade baby food, leftover herbs, and coffee.
I fondly remember metal ice cube trays and their elegant method of dislodging the cubes.
I haven't looked in the thrift stores yet but metal ice cube trays might be found there. They are definitely on eBay.
If not, new aluminum ice cube trays are available from The Vermont Country Store or Miles Kimball. Looks like they both use the same Chinese factory as the source.
I fondly remember metal ice cube trays and their elegant method of dislodging the cubes.
I haven't looked in the thrift stores yet but metal ice cube trays might be found there. They are definitely on eBay.
If not, new aluminum ice cube trays are available from The Vermont Country Store or Miles Kimball. Looks like they both use the same Chinese factory as the source.
John Gilmore Is A True American
John Gilmore wants to board planes without showing ID
The article indicates Mr. Gilmore will get his case heard before the Supremet Court.
It used to be that post-WWII Americans could do a send-up of Fascists by saying with a German accent "zee papers pleeez" - but now Americans accept this request and present their papers so they can travel in the land of the free. Mr. Gilmore refuses to accept this and that is why he is a great American.
The article indicates Mr. Gilmore will get his case heard before the Supremet Court.
It used to be that post-WWII Americans could do a send-up of Fascists by saying with a German accent "zee papers pleeez" - but now Americans accept this request and present their papers so they can travel in the land of the free. Mr. Gilmore refuses to accept this and that is why he is a great American.
Thursday, August 17, 2006
The Ascendance Of Michigan Wines
Via The Chicago Tribune - Move over, Napa: Michigan winemakers pursue world-class status
"Napa-North"? F that. I don't think the Michigan wine region needs to piggyback off any other name or region. It is strong enough to stand on its own. Two standout wines are Chateau Grand Traverse's Reserve Chardonnay and Black Star Farms' Arcturos Pinot Noir.
"Napa-North"? F that. I don't think the Michigan wine region needs to piggyback off any other name or region. It is strong enough to stand on its own. Two standout wines are Chateau Grand Traverse's Reserve Chardonnay and Black Star Farms' Arcturos Pinot Noir.
The Circle Of American Health And Wealth
Corn syrup rich foods leads to obesity -> obesity leads to low self-esteem -> low self-esteem leads to over-compensation via conspicuous consumption -> debt makes people depressed -> as a symptom of depression people overeat corn syrup laden foods.
Repeat...
Repeat...
More Push For Offshore Wind Turbines
Via GLRC - Untapped Power In Offshore Wind Turbines?
Via Justice Talking - Wind Power - The Wave of the Future?
Couldn't wind turbines be located on Native American land? That would be another way of getting around local opposition.
Via Justice Talking - Wind Power - The Wave of the Future?
Couldn't wind turbines be located on Native American land? That would be another way of getting around local opposition.
Monday, August 14, 2006
Saturday, August 12, 2006
Windmills In Lake Michigan?
Via MLive.com - Scientists consider windmills in Lake Michigan
This is one way to get around local opposition.
This is one way to get around local opposition.
Erecting wind turbines in Lake Michigan would take the issue out of the hands of local politicians...
Tony Hale On A Possible Arrested Development Movie! - Printer Friendly - MovieWeb
Via Movieweb - EXCLUSIVE: Tony Hale Talks About a Possible Arrested Development Movie!
If everyone can coordinate their schedule it sounds like it will happen!
Come On!
If everyone can coordinate their schedule it sounds like it will happen!
Come On!
Peak Oil Has Passed For Sweet Light Crude Oil
Via RIGZONE - OPEC July Output Seen Down 200,000 b/d
Iran's output is expected to be flat on the month at 3.9 million b/d. The Islamic republic has started to find buyers for its heavier crude grades, Gerber said.
In recent weeks Iran was storing up to 20 million barrels of unwanted crude oil on tankers.
Highest Sailing Lake In The U.S.
Via Jackson Hole Star Tribune- High-country sailing
...sailing Fremont Lake is a special experience. At 11 miles long and more than 600 feet deep it is the largest glacial lake in the Green River basin. The Wind River Mountains provide a magnificent backdrop, and with a surface elevation of approximately 7,400 feet it is one of the highest-elevation sailing opportunities in the United States.
Thursday, August 10, 2006
Think Then Do?
Via NPR - Bending Mind and Body to Jump Higher
Can you jump higher because you think you can? I'm sure that is part of it but the body must be ready.
Are the New York Yankees perennially good because the players are that much better or because they expect to be good?
Can you jump higher because you think you can? I'm sure that is part of it but the body must be ready.
Are the New York Yankees perennially good because the players are that much better or because they expect to be good?
The Honda Stream
Dear Honda,
Please bring an AWD diesel version to the U.S. as soon as your new diesel engines are ready.
via Autoblog - Honda officially announces the all-new Stream
Please bring an AWD diesel version to the U.S. as soon as your new diesel engines are ready.
via Autoblog - Honda officially announces the all-new Stream
Checking Czech Beer
Via IHT - On a Czech beer trail, in search of liquid gold
...Czechs consume more beer than any other country in the world - more than 150 liters, or 320 pints, annually per person.
Wednesday, August 09, 2006
Using Sails On Motorvessels
Via IHT - Free Flow: A fuel-saving system for ships relies on kites
Like an expanded version of a sailing canoe.
And a concept like putting a sail on a trawler which results in the most beautiful and functional of boats - the motorsailer - the a Nimble Nomad for example.
Like an expanded version of a sailing canoe.
And a concept like putting a sail on a trawler which results in the most beautiful and functional of boats - the motorsailer - the a Nimble Nomad for example.
Tuesday, August 01, 2006
Cuban Rice and Beans Recipes
Easy (canned ingredients):
Moros y Cristianos
From Three Guys in Miami:
http://icuban.com/food/moros_y_cristianos.html
Recipes for Cuban-style and Nicoraguan-style rice and beans:
http://www.gumbopages.com/food/latin/moros.html
Moros y Cristianos
From Three Guys in Miami:
http://icuban.com/food/moros_y_cristianos.html
Recipes for Cuban-style and Nicoraguan-style rice and beans:
http://www.gumbopages.com/food/latin/moros.html
An Avocado Treat From The Philippines
via the Culinary World Tour page at GumboPages.com - Avocado Milkshakes
* 1 avocado
* 1/3 quart whole milk
* 3 tablespoons sugar
* 2 scoops vanilla ice cream
Blend. Drink.
Sunday, July 30, 2006
Another Easy Air Conditioning Scheme
via Keep your cool - Beat the Heat - Homebrew AC on the cheap
The City of Toronto uses the incoming water supply from Lake Ontario to cool off buildings downtown.
This process should be feasible for cities already drawing their water from the Great Lakes to replicate.
More information from EnWave - Deep Lake Water Cooling System
The City of Toronto uses the incoming water supply from Lake Ontario to cool off buildings downtown.
This process should be feasible for cities already drawing their water from the Great Lakes to replicate.
More information from EnWave - Deep Lake Water Cooling System
Friday, July 28, 2006
Another Study Showing Biodiesel Trouncing Ethanol
via AutoBlogGreen -> RenewableEnergyAccess.com - Biodiesel Edges Out Ethanol
[Ethanol] delivers 25 percent more energy than is used (mostly fossil fuel) in producing it, though much of that 25 percent energy dividend comes from the production of an ethanol byproduct, animal feed.
But the net energy gain is much higher -- 93 percent -- from biodiesel fuel derived from soybeans. And alternative crops such as switchgrass or mixed prairie grasses, which can grow on marginal land with minimal input of fossil fuel derived fertilizers and pesticides, offer the best hope for the future, according to the researchers.
Like if there were three of us and I didn’t know where to start? -GOB
AD to be syndicated on three different outlets.
via E! - "Arrested Development" Lives!
via E! - "Arrested Development" Lives!
The syndication rights of the critically acclaimed yet criminally unwatched Arrested Development have been simultaneously licensed by Microsoft's MSN.com and the cable channels HDNet and G4, allowing the series to run on all three outlets through 2009.
What Can A Fake News Show Do That Real News Shows Can't?
1. Report the news
2. Point out hypocrisy
Two sources for a Daily Show clip pointing out the discrepancies in the 'culture of life' rhetoric.
via CrooksAndLiars - TDS: Stem Cell Redux
via YouTube =- The Daily Show - 2006.07.20 - Stem Cell Research
One of the best I've ever seen and something that everyone should see.
2. Point out hypocrisy
Two sources for a Daily Show clip pointing out the discrepancies in the 'culture of life' rhetoric.
via CrooksAndLiars - TDS: Stem Cell Redux
via YouTube =- The Daily Show - 2006.07.20 - Stem Cell Research
One of the best I've ever seen and something that everyone should see.
Wednesday, July 26, 2006
Tuesday, July 25, 2006
Seafood Watch Best Bets
Monterey Bay Aquarium: Seafood Watch Program - A Consumer's Guide to Sustainable Seafood
What they list as "Best Choices"
Catfish (Farmed)
Caviar (Farmed)
Char, Arctic (Farmed)
Clams (Farmed)
Crab, Dungeness
Crab, Imitation (U.S. caught from Alaska)
Crab, Snow (Canada)
Crab, Stone
Halibut, Pacific
Lobster, Spiny (U.S. and Australia)
Mussels (Farmed)
Oysters (Farmed)
Pollock (U.S. caught from Alaska)
Salmon (Wild-Caught Alaska)
Sardines
Shrimp, Pink (Oregon)
Striped Bass (Farmed)
Striped Bass (Wild-Caught)
Sturgeon (Farmed)
Tilapia (U.S. Farmed)
Trout, Rainbow (Farmed)
Tuna, Albacore (Troll/Pole)
Tuna, Bigeye (Troll/Pole)
Tuna, Skipjack (Troll/Pole)
Tuna, Yellowfin (Troll/Pole)
What they list as "Best Choices"
Catfish (Farmed)
Caviar (Farmed)
Char, Arctic (Farmed)
Clams (Farmed)
Crab, Dungeness
Crab, Imitation (U.S. caught from Alaska)
Crab, Snow (Canada)
Crab, Stone
Halibut, Pacific
Lobster, Spiny (U.S. and Australia)
Mussels (Farmed)
Oysters (Farmed)
Pollock (U.S. caught from Alaska)
Salmon (Wild-Caught Alaska)
Sardines
Shrimp, Pink (Oregon)
Striped Bass (Farmed)
Striped Bass (Wild-Caught)
Sturgeon (Farmed)
Tilapia (U.S. Farmed)
Trout, Rainbow (Farmed)
Tuna, Albacore (Troll/Pole)
Tuna, Bigeye (Troll/Pole)
Tuna, Skipjack (Troll/Pole)
Tuna, Yellowfin (Troll/Pole)
UFO's and NASA
Via The Daily Record - Man On Moon: We Saw A UFO
Sploid - UFO Buzzed Apollo 11
This news is on top of the revelations last month that the "NASA Hacker" found what he was looking for:
'UFO Hacker' Tells What He Found
Sploid - UFO Buzzed Apollo 11
This news is on top of the revelations last month that the "NASA Hacker" found what he was looking for:
'UFO Hacker' Tells What He Found
WN: What sort of evidence?
McKinnon: A NASA photographic expert said that there was a Building 8 at Johnson Space Center where they regularly airbrushed out images of UFOs from the high-resolution satellite imaging. I logged on to NASA and was able to access this department. They had huge, high-resolution images stored in their picture files. They had filtered and unfiltered, or processed and unprocessed, files.
My dialup 56K connection was very slow trying to download one of these picture files. As this was happening, I had remote control of their desktop, and by adjusting it to 4-bit color and low screen resolution, I was able to briefly see one of these pictures. It was a silvery, cigar-shaped object with geodesic spheres on either side. There were no visible seams or riveting. There was no reference to the size of the object and the picture was taken presumably by a satellite looking down on it. The object didn't look manmade or anything like what we have created. Because I was using a Java application, I could only get a screenshot of the picture -- it did not go into my temporary internet files. At my crowning moment, someone at NASA discovered what I was doing and I was disconnected.
I also got access to Excel spreadsheets. One was titled "Non-Terrestrial Officers." It contained names and ranks of U.S. Air Force personnel who are not registered anywhere else. It also contained information about ship-to-ship transfers, but I've never seen the names of these ships noted anywhere else.
How Babies Learn Language
via NPR - Study Illuminates How Babies Learn to Speak
The Baby Human - To Talk episode was on Discovery HD last night and covered this subject too.
The Baby Human - To Talk episode was on Discovery HD last night and covered this subject too.
Monday, July 24, 2006
Friday, July 21, 2006
I'm Steve Jobs Bitch
The Secret Diary of Steve Jobs
Steve Jobs is such a joker. I really liked the time he signed the guest book at Cherry Republic and then hid while watching two 50+ year old pudgies from Chicago wet themselves when they saw his name in the guestbook and then tried to get more information from the staff who dutifully played along with the joke.
Yes, it was a delightful pick on the middle-aged square guy day.
Steve Jobs is such a joker. I really liked the time he signed the guest book at Cherry Republic and then hid while watching two 50+ year old pudgies from Chicago wet themselves when they saw his name in the guestbook and then tried to get more information from the staff who dutifully played along with the joke.
Yes, it was a delightful pick on the middle-aged square guy day.
Friday, July 14, 2006
Interviews With The Young Stars Of Arrested Development
Brian M. Palmer - Michael Cera interview
Brian M. Palmer -Alia Shawkat interview
When you were first talking to Mitch about the show, what did he tell you about it?
Well, he compared it to “Curb Your Enthusiasm” and those kinds of shows. I guess “The Office” as well. Those are kind of the same shows and feels. I know that a lot of the characters are loosely based on Mitch too. Like Mitch does magic, that's where he got GOB, and I think he had a cookie stand when he was a kid, which he changed to a banana stand.
Brian M. Palmer -Alia Shawkat interview
I was wondering if you guys feel like you're making this incredible show, and in a way, it's you versus FOX?
I get that feeling always when we get to times like this. When it's like, "Are we cancelled or not?" Otherwise you don't even realize it. We're just working and then all of a sudden it's like, "Whoa, wait, we really are in a battle to stay on the air. And the reason we're in a battle is because we're so different from everything else that's on the air." That's when it starts to come out. The other day Mitch [Hurwitz] came on the set and I was doing a scene with David, and Mitch was talking about how some of the people at the network were angry at him for not making the show dumber. An actual quote from one of the network executives to Mitch was, "You are trying too hard. Just stop trying so hard. We want it to be simpler." She was like, "Have you ever even tried to make it simpler?" They were angry at him for making the show too good. They were like, "You gotta dumb it down, slower pace. Have you ever tried to take out some of the storylines like we asked you to?" He was just sitting there dumbfounded, like, "What the fuck do you want me to do?" And he is the hardest working man you'll ever meet. He really is. The thing that's going to hurt me the most when the show is cancelled, is that the man won 7 Emmys, but he'll never be recognized as one of the hardest working men in Hollywood. He works all the time. He never has any breaks. The writers from season 2 quit because they had to work such crazy hours. And now we just got a fresh batch of young writers who work some god awful hours. But he actually said that the network execs were angry at him for making it too smart. I mean, we obviously know that it's different, but I'm not like, "We're above every show." It's just that we're the ones that have to fight to stay on the air, and fight to make another episode. We definitely appreciate what they give us, but we definitely have a love/hate relationship with FOX. I feel bad because I always make fun of FOX, how it's all made up of reality shows and "Prison Break," but I don't know. I don't know how we fit into their groove. But in my opinion they should be happy to have us. They should appreciate what they have, but of course to them it's all money, and right now we're not making them that much money.
Yeah, that episode where Michael got sick and was in the hospital, I was wondering if you saw that as how Mitch felt about the show, how the doctor was telling him he should let them make more of the decisions?
Definitely. Looking back on that, it probably was. He definitely talks back throughout his scripts. That was a subtle reference. The one we're shooting now is called "SOBs," and this one is definitely talking about it. This was right when we found out the back 9 were cancelled and there was rumor about the show getting cancelled indefinitely. So the whole script is Mitch talking back to the network. It's hysterical and definitely has some strong references in it. Everything we've shot we've been able to keep in. I don't know how FOX hasn't made us edit it.
Thursday, July 13, 2006
Development Arrested, Or Is It?
Via tvguide.com - Arrested Star Caught in Witch Hunt
Season 3 DVD Available August 29th
I look forward to hearing the commentary by Mitch Hurwitz on "Development Arrested/Harboring Resentment".
TVGuide.com: Speaking of Arrested Development, what did it feel like when you heard that the show had finally, definitively been canceled?
Shawkat: It wasn't a surprise. We were in limbo the entire time we were on the air. We were never really assured a second or a third season.
TVGuide.com: But after Fox canceled the show, it must have been doubly disappointing when creator Mitchell Hurwitz then turned down an offer from Showtime to keep the series going.
Shawkat: Mitch talked to us about it. While it was kind of sad, I feel the three seasons we did were perfect. If we had kept going, we would have had to beg people to watch the show, which would have been pathetic. We have great fans who love and appreciate the show, and I feel bad for them because they won't be able to see where these characters could have gone. But it was a good time to stop, and everyone was really understanding about it.
TVGuide.com: Do you think there might be an Arrested movie at some point? The final episode implied as much when your character, Maeby, tried to sell the rights to the Bluth story to Ron Howard.
Shawkat: Mitch actually recently told us that there is a good possibility for a movie, and that he's talking to Ron Howard about it.
TVGuide.com: You and your Arrested "cousin," Michael Cera, both appeared on another beloved but ratings-challenged series this past March, Veronica Mars. Will your characters reappear next season?
Shawkat: The creator [Rob Thomas] was a huge fan of Arrested, and he told us that he would love to have us back. But I know that Michael is busy and I'm in Vancouver right now, and we haven't officially been approached about anything. But it was fun to do.
TVGuide.com: It's a fun show. Of course, it failed to snag any Emmy nods. You must be happy in a bittersweet sort of way that Arrested earned its third straight nomination for outstanding comedy series.
Shawkat: Yeah, and it was great that Will [Arnett] got nominated, too. I have to admit, I smiled a little bit when I found out that Desperate Housewives didn't get nominated. They always steal, like, every award from us, and it's so frustrating.
TVGuide.com: Do you plan on attending the Emmys?
Shawkat: I don't know. Maybe I'll just go for kicks and be really obnoxious!
Season 3 DVD Available August 29th
I look forward to hearing the commentary by Mitch Hurwitz on "Development Arrested/Harboring Resentment".
Monday, July 10, 2006
Engineers Drive Honda
via Bloomberg - Honda Bets Scientists in Secret Engine Lab Can Outsmart Toyota
This is mostly a story about Honda's CEO Takeo Fukui who started as an engineer. The article also mentions Honda's upcoming US release of clean diesels.
An interesting note about the Honda diesels is Kenichi Nagahiro who invented the VTEC engine only agreed to diesel when he was allowed to start from scratch.
This is mostly a story about Honda's CEO Takeo Fukui who started as an engineer. The article also mentions Honda's upcoming US release of clean diesels.
An interesting note about the Honda diesels is Kenichi Nagahiro who invented the VTEC engine only agreed to diesel when he was allowed to start from scratch.
The Ethanol Gold Rush
Via Forbes - Ethanol Oversupply?
The nation's 97 ethanol plants are producing about 4.5 billion gallons of the corn-based fuel per year, according to the Renewable Fuels Association, and another 33 plants under construction would boost annual capacity to 6.4 billion gallons within a few years.
There's A Biodiesel Magazine
Biodiesel Magazine: The World of Biodiesel at Your Fingertips
They have a Proposed Biodiesel Plant List article and what is interesting is there is a proposed or planned biodiesel production capacity of 1.46 billion gallons. Today about 400 million gallons of biodiesel are commercially produced.
They have a Proposed Biodiesel Plant List article and what is interesting is there is a proposed or planned biodiesel production capacity of 1.46 billion gallons. Today about 400 million gallons of biodiesel are commercially produced.
Friday, July 07, 2006
Traverse City, MI Has More Restaurants Per Capita Than Ithaca, NY
The smug cloud from Ithaca, NY can be overwhelming as they proclaim their greatness by pointing to things such as Ithaca has more restaurants per capita than New York City (http://www.visitithaca.com/media/fastfacts.htm) or the bolder claim of more restaurants than any town or city in the U.S. (http://www.gimmecoffee.com/press_2003.09_organic.php)
However, this is incorrect.
There does not seem to be any hard data to back this up and no original source that I could find. But Traverse City, MI is a culinary hot spot and some quick calculations show it has more restaurants as a percentage of population than Ithaca, NY.
2004 population data:
Itahca population = 29,952 (http://www.city-data.com/city/Ithaca-New-York.html)
The downtown Ithaca web site lists 55 dining establishments (http://www.downtownithaca.com/enjoy/dining.htm)
55 Restaurants / 29,952 people = 0.00184 restaurants per capita
2004 TC population = 14,508 (http://www.city-data.com/city/Traverse-City-Michigan.html)
Restaurants downtown = 33 according to the Downtown Traverse City web site (http://www.downtowntc.com/subPage.php?page=viewCompanies&companyType=Restaurants)
Divide 33 by 14,508.
Restaurants/capita = 0.00227
Therefore Traverse City has more restaurants than Ithaca, NY and by extension Traverse City has a higher restaurant density than New York City or any other place in the United States - maybe all of North America!
Hey Ithaca - don't let this get you down - Ithaca still is gorges.
However, this is incorrect.
There does not seem to be any hard data to back this up and no original source that I could find. But Traverse City, MI is a culinary hot spot and some quick calculations show it has more restaurants as a percentage of population than Ithaca, NY.
2004 population data:
Itahca population = 29,952 (http://www.city-data.com/city/Ithaca-New-York.html)
The downtown Ithaca web site lists 55 dining establishments (http://www.downtownithaca.com/enjoy/dining.htm)
55 Restaurants / 29,952 people = 0.00184 restaurants per capita
2004 TC population = 14,508 (http://www.city-data.com/city/Traverse-City-Michigan.html)
Restaurants downtown = 33 according to the Downtown Traverse City web site (http://www.downtowntc.com/subPage.php?page=viewCompanies&companyType=Restaurants)
Divide 33 by 14,508.
Restaurants/capita = 0.00227
Therefore Traverse City has more restaurants than Ithaca, NY and by extension Traverse City has a higher restaurant density than New York City or any other place in the United States - maybe all of North America!
Hey Ithaca - don't let this get you down - Ithaca still is gorges.
Thursday, June 29, 2006
Saturday, June 24, 2006
B+ Gets Co-opted
Via
some wacko at VaccineTruth.org - Vaccines don't work
Reminds me of something I read on the Onion once - "rouge scientist develops own scientific method".
some wacko at VaccineTruth.org - Vaccines don't work
Reminds me of something I read on the Onion once - "rouge scientist develops own scientific method".
Thursday, June 22, 2006
Finding Walleye In The Grand Traverse Region
via Dave Richey - Tapping Some Of The Area's Top Walleye Lakes
Specifically Lake Leelanau and Long Lake.
Specifically Lake Leelanau and Long Lake.
Tuesday, June 20, 2006
The End Of McMansions?
via This Blog Sits at the Intersection of Anthropology and Economics: McMansion trend
I could hope that it was this:
"6) the fact some people now prefer higher quality contruction to bigger spaces."
Or maybe there are still people who like brick on the front and vinyl siding on the sides and rear.
I could hope that it was this:
"6) the fact some people now prefer higher quality contruction to bigger spaces."
Or maybe there are still people who like brick on the front and vinyl siding on the sides and rear.
Monday, June 19, 2006
More Places to Live
via Kiplinger - 50 Smart Places to Live
Only two Michigan towns?? And Ithaca is in the top 10? "Come On!"
Only two Michigan towns?? And Ithaca is in the top 10? "Come On!"
Saturday, June 17, 2006
"Diesenol"
via Green Car Congress: XcelPlus Acquires Rights to E95 Ethanol Blend for Use in Diesels
The Diesenol blend consists of 95.2% ethanol and 4.8% proprietary petrochemical additive, and will burn, according to XcelPlus, in unmodified diesel engines.
Tuesday, June 13, 2006
Coyotes In The East
via National Geographic - Coyotes Trade U.S. Western Plains for East's Urban Jungle
Interesting tidbits:
- there are coyote-wolf hybrids
- coyotes in the eastern U.S. are becoming genetically distinct
- urban coyotes have a better survival rate
Interesting tidbits:
- there are coyote-wolf hybrids
- coyotes in the eastern U.S. are becoming genetically distinct
- urban coyotes have a better survival rate
Green Plus Blue
Politics makes strange bedfellows. Christians have become more environmentally aware as a way of 'protecting God's creation' and now the United Steel Workers and the Sierra Club are cozy.
via the New York Times - Steelworkers and Sierra Club Unite
Other links of interest:
Americans and Climate Change: From science to values
Creation Care Magazine
Statement of the Evangelical Climate Initiative -> Human-Induced Climate Change is Real
via the New York Times - Steelworkers and Sierra Club Unite
Other links of interest:
Americans and Climate Change: From science to values
Creation Care Magazine
Statement of the Evangelical Climate Initiative -> Human-Induced Climate Change is Real
Monday, June 12, 2006
Creationists Vs. The Vatican
via Scotsman.com - Creationism dismissed as 'a kind of paganism' by Vatican's astronomer
Who knew the Vatican had an official astronomer or a meteorite collection?
"Religion needs science to keep it away from superstition and keep it close to reality, to protect it from creationism, which at the end of the day is a kind of paganism - it's turning God into a nature god. And science needs religion in order to have a conscience, to know that, just because something is possible, it may not be a good thing to do."
Who knew the Vatican had an official astronomer or a meteorite collection?
Forearm Forklift
via Cool Tool - Forearm Forklift:
Official web site for Forearm Forklift
This is something that can be very useful, especially at $20.
Official web site for Forearm Forklift
This is something that can be very useful, especially at $20.
Worldmapper
Worldmapper: The world as you've never seen it before
Worldmapper is a collection of world maps, where territories are re-sized on each map according to the subject of interest.
Worldmapper is a collection of world maps, where territories are re-sized on each map according to the subject of interest.
Yellowstone To The Yukon Wildlife Corridor Being Worked On
via New York Times - Home on the Range: A Corridor for Wildlife
Yellowstone To Yukon Conservation Initiative
Looks like a Lake Superior to Yukon corridor could be done too. That'd be great.
Yellowstone To Yukon Conservation Initiative
Looks like a Lake Superior to Yukon corridor could be done too. That'd be great.
Sunday, June 11, 2006
Saturday, June 10, 2006
Thursday, June 08, 2006
Making Fair Trade A Commodity
Absolution in Your Cup:
The real meaning of Fair Trade coffee
The real meaning of Fair Trade coffee
“Fair Trade does not incentivize quality,” explains Geoff Watts of Intelligentsia Coffee, who has spent the last nine years training coffee farmers in Africa and Central America. Fair Trade co-ops are composed of hundreds of farmers producing vastly different qualities of coffee. Often their output is blended together for sale to roasters, masking any quality improvements one farmer may have felt motivated to implement. Money then flows back to the co-op, not the individual farmer, and is distributed equally among the members. “There is no reward for the guy who works harder than his neighbor,” says Watts. Nor is there much motivation for individual farmers to learn better farming techniques, experiment with new types of coffee, or seek new markets.
Wednesday, June 07, 2006
The Public Library Of Science
Provides open-access and peer-reviewed journals for free.
I learned of this after reading about Harold Varmus in Wired.
I learned of this after reading about Harold Varmus in Wired.
Know Your Music
RIAA Radar
The RIAA Radar is a tool that music consumers can use to easily and instantly distinguish whether an album was released by a member of the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).
The RIAA Radar is a tool that music consumers can use to easily and instantly distinguish whether an album was released by a member of the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).
Friday, June 02, 2006
The Science Of Happiness
CBC Quirks and Quarks - Happiness
Heard the beginning of this interesting discussion last Saturday while in the U.P. I'm glad to see the CBC has the full audio available. The timing was quite prescient as Megan and I were debating joy vesrus happiness vis-a-vis which one was sustainable and which was a fleeting moment. I was correct in saying that happiness is a state of being.
Joy is defined as that which brings great happiness.
Heard the beginning of this interesting discussion last Saturday while in the U.P. I'm glad to see the CBC has the full audio available. The timing was quite prescient as Megan and I were debating joy vesrus happiness vis-a-vis which one was sustainable and which was a fleeting moment. I was correct in saying that happiness is a state of being.
Joy is defined as that which brings great happiness.
Thursday, May 25, 2006
The Bush Administration Has A 'Top-Secret' Fetish
via Marketplace - Negroponte given power to waive SEC rules
The President just delegated authority to John Negroponte that allows him to exempt any publicly traded corporation that is working on national defense issues or national security issues from the reporting and accounting requirements under the 1934 Securities and Exchange Act. It's basically the rules and regulations that require companies to keep accurate records, acurate books, accurate accounting . . . and then disclose those projects and that information to investors.
Multiple Fuel Internal Combustion Engines
via Wired - Can Engine Make Gas Obsolete?
It seems that with current technology it should be possible to have internal combustion engines that can use just about any combustible as a fuel. For example, in cleaning my basement I found an August, 1980 Popular Science and on the cover it says "Axial Piston Rotary Engine burns any liquid or gaseous fuel".
I dream of a car of the future like a locomotive train in concept. There'll be an engine (hydrogen, diesel, gasoline, turbine, etc) and electric motors at each wheel. If the engine cannot burn multiple fuels then it'll be easily swapped (diesel for gasoline for example) in order to create electricty to power the wheels.
The future is electric...
The engine can run on a number of fuels including hydrogen, ethanol, natural gas, propane or digester gas from landfills.
It seems that with current technology it should be possible to have internal combustion engines that can use just about any combustible as a fuel. For example, in cleaning my basement I found an August, 1980 Popular Science and on the cover it says "Axial Piston Rotary Engine burns any liquid or gaseous fuel".
I dream of a car of the future like a locomotive train in concept. There'll be an engine (hydrogen, diesel, gasoline, turbine, etc) and electric motors at each wheel. If the engine cannot burn multiple fuels then it'll be easily swapped (diesel for gasoline for example) in order to create electricty to power the wheels.
The future is electric...
School Bus To RV Yahoo Discussion Group
sKOOLieConversions · School Bus Conversions
Via GreenCarCongress which mentioned they're discussion biodiesel as part of the conversion process.
Via GreenCarCongress which mentioned they're discussion biodiesel as part of the conversion process.
Biomass Power Plant Opens In Ironwood
via Ironwood Daily Globe - Biomass generator is green
It is an 18 megawatt/hr plant that provides electricty for 15,000 homes. Traverse City Light and Power has a goal of generating 50 megawatts from renewable sources.
It is an 18 megawatt/hr plant that provides electricty for 15,000 homes. Traverse City Light and Power has a goal of generating 50 megawatts from renewable sources.
Wednesday, May 24, 2006
Tuesday, May 23, 2006
Ethanol Will Be A Bust
The tech bubble, the real estate bubble, will an ethanol bubble be next? Probably... ethanol is not the best alternative to gasoline as it is not very energy dense. Gasoline has 87.2% of the energy density of diesel and ethanol has only 56.2% the energy density of diesel. Biodiesel is more energy dense than gasoline at 89.8% of diesel (these figures come from U.S. Department of Energy's 'Fuels of the Future for Cars and Trucks')
BusinessWeek recently had a series of aticles about ethanol. Ethanol: A Tragedy in 3 Acts talks about how vehicles get significantly lower miles per gallon when using E85 and how ethanol can result in more summertime smog.
If I were invested in ethanol right now I'd take my money and run to biodiesel.
BusinessWeek recently had a series of aticles about ethanol. Ethanol: A Tragedy in 3 Acts talks about how vehicles get significantly lower miles per gallon when using E85 and how ethanol can result in more summertime smog.
If I were invested in ethanol right now I'd take my money and run to biodiesel.
Monday, May 22, 2006
Thursday, May 18, 2006
Wales Celebrates 50 Years Of Protecting Landscapes
via BBC NEWS - Welsh beauty celebrates 50 years
According to the article, the UK passed the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949 to give countryside access to city dwellers and this act established areas of natural beauty (AONB).
What is different about AONB's is:
This sounds similar to the concept of 'preserving viewsheds'.
According to the article, the UK passed the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949 to give countryside access to city dwellers and this act established areas of natural beauty (AONB).
What is different about AONB's is:
...the aim is not to preserve a scene from a bygone age, says Gower AONB project officer Robert Latham.
"It is not about creating a museum; it is all about creating modern, vibrant communities that live within the existing landscape.
"The emphasis is on managing development that preserves the special qualities that led to... being given AONB status," he adds.
This sounds similar to the concept of 'preserving viewsheds'.
The Onion's A.V. Club Neko Case Interview
Neko Case | The A.V. Club
I was surprised to learn 'Twist The Knife' is not autobiographical. It is one of the best written songs I've ever heard.
(lyrics)
Tenderly
Tenderly
Please take my breath from me
Into the fountain
And up from the graves
Tearfully
Joyfully
Burn what is left of me
I don't want these burdens
I've handsomely gained (?)
You'll be my guest
And i'll let you stay
Leave me the check
I'll pay with the rest of my life
Twist the knife
Carefully
Quietly
You took what's young from me
I didn't deserve it
I gave it away
Cowardly
Thoughtlessly
You walk away from me
And I'll tear my heart out to save you the day
You'll be my guest
And i'll let you stay
Leave me the check
I'll pay with the rest of my life
Twist the knife
Tenderly
Tenderly
Please take my breath from me
Into the fountain
And up from the graves
I was surprised to learn 'Twist The Knife' is not autobiographical. It is one of the best written songs I've ever heard.
(lyrics)
Tenderly
Tenderly
Please take my breath from me
Into the fountain
And up from the graves
Tearfully
Joyfully
Burn what is left of me
I don't want these burdens
I've handsomely gained (?)
You'll be my guest
And i'll let you stay
Leave me the check
I'll pay with the rest of my life
Twist the knife
Carefully
Quietly
You took what's young from me
I didn't deserve it
I gave it away
Cowardly
Thoughtlessly
You walk away from me
And I'll tear my heart out to save you the day
You'll be my guest
And i'll let you stay
Leave me the check
I'll pay with the rest of my life
Twist the knife
Tenderly
Tenderly
Please take my breath from me
Into the fountain
And up from the graves
Tuesday, May 16, 2006
A Better Carshare Program
Flexcar
Instead of joing a club you pay by the hour for gas and insurance and can reserve a vehicle (including hybrids) online. Other vehicles are low-emission and the company uses American Forsts for carbon offsets.
This will spread. Hopefully to TC where the local carsharing program closed in 2003.
Popular Mechanics Reviews Mainstream Alternative Fuels
Popular Mechanics - Crunching The Numbers On Alternative Fuels
They cover the pros and cons of Ethanol, Methanol, Biodiesel, CNG, Electricity, Hydrogen.
They cover the pros and cons of Ethanol, Methanol, Biodiesel, CNG, Electricity, Hydrogen.
30 Facts About Alton Brown (satire)
Good Eats, Amazing Feats
Some jolly bloke has compiled 30 fanciful facts about AB such as #20. Alton Brown's cakes don't rise. They ascend.
Some jolly bloke has compiled 30 fanciful facts about AB such as #20. Alton Brown's cakes don't rise. They ascend.
Brilliant Idea For Hurricane Areas: Something Called "Mobile Homes"
via NPR - Tiny Houses Find a Friend on the Gulf Coast
Tumbleweed Tiny House Company
This story reminds me of a book I once saw at a bookstore that called for organizing your home as if you lived on a boat. For Gulf Coast living I wonder if a bio-diesel powered houseboat would be viable?
Tumbleweed Tiny House Company
This story reminds me of a book I once saw at a bookstore that called for organizing your home as if you lived on a boat. For Gulf Coast living I wonder if a bio-diesel powered houseboat would be viable?
Monday, May 15, 2006
A Way Out Of The Iran Quandry?
Finding a Way Out of the Iranian Nuclear Crisis
Scholars Propose Way Out of Iran Confrontation
They basically take Russia's proposal and 'tweak' it. Some real good scholarship there boys...
Russia and France also made a face-saving proposal prior to the U.S. led Iraq invasion based on their intelligence agencies NOT having evidence of WMD, but we know how well that was received.
Deja Vu all over again?
Scholars Propose Way Out of Iran Confrontation
They basically take Russia's proposal and 'tweak' it. Some real good scholarship there boys...
Russia and France also made a face-saving proposal prior to the U.S. led Iraq invasion based on their intelligence agencies NOT having evidence of WMD, but we know how well that was received.
Deja Vu all over again?
More About Pinedale Schools Counting Their Retired Presidents
via New West Network - Wyoming School District Can't Spend Education Money Fast Enough
In Pinedale, school officials are considering contributing some of their excess proceeds to other districts as they have literally run out of projects to fund.
King Of The Eastern North American Forest
The American Chestnut Foundation
The goal of
THE AMERICAN CHESTNUT FOUNDATION
is to restore the American chestnut tree to its native range within the woodlands of the eastern United States, using a scientific research and breeding program developed by its founders. A blight-resistant American chestnut tree is expected to be ready for forest test-planting in 2006 and for wider distribution within the next decade.
Thursday, May 11, 2006
Pressure To Preserve Wyoming Wilderness
Jackson Hole Star Tribune - Group: Protect Wyo's roadless areas
Straight talk from Wyoming: "He said he doesn't want to see the backcountry treated as "some bastard stepchild" that is mistreated for short-term goals."
Straight talk from Wyoming: "He said he doesn't want to see the backcountry treated as "some bastard stepchild" that is mistreated for short-term goals."
Monday, May 08, 2006
Catching Up With Posts At National Geographic
Henry VIII's Lost Chapel Discovered Under Parking Lot
Tough Times Spur Miscarriages of Boys, Study Suggests
Meteorite Impact Reformulated Earth's Crust, Study Shows
Prehistoric Graves Reveal Americas' First Baby Boom
A new study of prehistoric cemeteries in North America is adding weight to the theory that the development of agriculture helped fuel baby booms around the world.
Back-Breeding Could Restore Chestnut Trees Ravaged by Blight
Did Early Humans First Arise in Asia, Not Africa?
"War on Christmas" Charge Echoes Past Debates, Expert Says
...Christmas coincides with historical pagan festivals in Rome tied to celebrating the winter solstice.
When the Roman Emperor Constantine converted his entire empire to Christianity in A.D. 337, nobody wanted to give up the solstice celebrations, Bryant says.
"So they came up with idea, Well, why don't we celebrate Christ's birthday?" he said.
World's Oldest Rocks Suggest Early Earth Was Habitable
Tough Times Spur Miscarriages of Boys, Study Suggests
Meteorite Impact Reformulated Earth's Crust, Study Shows
Prehistoric Graves Reveal Americas' First Baby Boom
A new study of prehistoric cemeteries in North America is adding weight to the theory that the development of agriculture helped fuel baby booms around the world.
Back-Breeding Could Restore Chestnut Trees Ravaged by Blight
Did Early Humans First Arise in Asia, Not Africa?
"War on Christmas" Charge Echoes Past Debates, Expert Says
...Christmas coincides with historical pagan festivals in Rome tied to celebrating the winter solstice.
When the Roman Emperor Constantine converted his entire empire to Christianity in A.D. 337, nobody wanted to give up the solstice celebrations, Bryant says.
"So they came up with idea, Well, why don't we celebrate Christ's birthday?" he said.
World's Oldest Rocks Suggest Early Earth Was Habitable
Sunday, May 07, 2006
When Kim Stanley Robinson Speaks, I Listen
GORP - Visionary Adventures - The Future of Adventure - A GORP Visionary Adventure by Kim Stanley Robinson
(you've got to register to read part 3, that is why there is bugmenot.com)
(you've got to register to read part 3, that is why there is bugmenot.com)
Tuesday, May 02, 2006
Used Car (and some new) All-Stars
The annual Consumer Reports car issue came out recently.
Here are what I consider to be the All-Stars in the Used Car Major Leagues. My requirements are the vehicle must cost less than $10,000 for the most part; excellent safety; respectable fuel economy; ultra-reliability; available all-whell drive; and a low total cost of ownership.
In more or less order of what is best:
1. 1999-2000 Honda CR-V. This used vehicle is more reliable than most new cars.
2. Any 1998-current Subaru - I like the ones with the weatherband radios the best.
3. 1990-1992 Volvo 240 and 740's get my "old girlfriend" vote
I don't like trucks because there simply is not a safe pickup truck. But if you really need one and will take it offroad a mid to late 1990's Toyota Tacoma with the 4 cylinder engine and 4 wheel drive can't be beat. It even made Cool Tools
But if want a truck part of the time and need to haul people most of the time the Subaru Baja is a great alternative for someone who needs to haul people and plants around.
Want a car that is simple enough for the home mechanic?
1. 1990 - 1992 Volvo 240 Wagon
2. Toyota Tacoma again
Cars for an active baby boomer or young active couple:
1. Mazda 3 wagon
2. Ford Focus wagon with the PZEV engine and side airbags
3. Honda Element
4. Subaru Impreza/Forester
Best for good efficiency and getting around in a Peak Oil world:
Jetta TDI wagon (but only if it came with an extended warranty due to reliability issue). I've read posts from some owners who coaxed 1000 miles out of a tank of gas and 60+ mpg on the highway. It is also biodiesel compatible.
Or wait for the 2008 Prius - unofficially it'll get 94 mpg and be able to act as a 36 hour back-up electric generator for your house.
New vehicles rarely make economic sense but here are some good all-round ones:
Mazda5 - a mini-minivan for less than $20,000.
RAV4 - third row seating, almost 30 mpg highway, push-button 4WD lock when below 25mph, all kinds of safety gear, and 73 cubic feet of maximum storage which beats a Volvo 740 wagon by one cubic foot.
CR-V - A no-nonsense all-round vehicle.
Escape hybrid - 33 mpg city and more reliable than the conventional Escape. It is pricey though.
Any Subaru - the Forester XT is an incredible all-around, all-purpose vehicle.
I've develeoped a spreadsheet (Excel format) for comparing vehicles.
Here are what I consider to be the All-Stars in the Used Car Major Leagues. My requirements are the vehicle must cost less than $10,000 for the most part; excellent safety; respectable fuel economy; ultra-reliability; available all-whell drive; and a low total cost of ownership.
In more or less order of what is best:
1. 1999-2000 Honda CR-V. This used vehicle is more reliable than most new cars.
2. Any 1998-current Subaru - I like the ones with the weatherband radios the best.
3. 1990-1992 Volvo 240 and 740's get my "old girlfriend" vote
I don't like trucks because there simply is not a safe pickup truck. But if you really need one and will take it offroad a mid to late 1990's Toyota Tacoma with the 4 cylinder engine and 4 wheel drive can't be beat. It even made Cool Tools
But if want a truck part of the time and need to haul people most of the time the Subaru Baja is a great alternative for someone who needs to haul people and plants around.
Want a car that is simple enough for the home mechanic?
1. 1990 - 1992 Volvo 240 Wagon
2. Toyota Tacoma again
Cars for an active baby boomer or young active couple:
1. Mazda 3 wagon
2. Ford Focus wagon with the PZEV engine and side airbags
3. Honda Element
4. Subaru Impreza/Forester
Best for good efficiency and getting around in a Peak Oil world:
Jetta TDI wagon (but only if it came with an extended warranty due to reliability issue). I've read posts from some owners who coaxed 1000 miles out of a tank of gas and 60+ mpg on the highway. It is also biodiesel compatible.
Or wait for the 2008 Prius - unofficially it'll get 94 mpg and be able to act as a 36 hour back-up electric generator for your house.
New vehicles rarely make economic sense but here are some good all-round ones:
Mazda5 - a mini-minivan for less than $20,000.
RAV4 - third row seating, almost 30 mpg highway, push-button 4WD lock when below 25mph, all kinds of safety gear, and 73 cubic feet of maximum storage which beats a Volvo 740 wagon by one cubic foot.
CR-V - A no-nonsense all-round vehicle.
Escape hybrid - 33 mpg city and more reliable than the conventional Escape. It is pricey though.
Any Subaru - the Forester XT is an incredible all-around, all-purpose vehicle.
I've develeoped a spreadsheet (Excel format) for comparing vehicles.
Find Your Place
How to find where to live? The following web sites will help compare places. I like living in a place next to lots of freshwater, free from most natural disasters like earthquakes, volcanoes, and hurricanes, local agriculture and farm markets, out-of-the-way yet links to the world, high speed Internet, local utilities interested in alternative power, and progressive health care.
Zillow.com - estimated home values
Sperling's BestPlaces - City profiles, cost of living, etc.
CNN Money - Best Places To Live
FindYourSpot.com
CityRating.com - Find the best places to live
About.com - Find the best place to live
The Lifestyle Optimizer
Progressive Farmer - Best places to live in rural America
American City Business Journals - Where's the best place to live in America?
A list of best places to live from Moving.com
Lists from Forbes.com
Outside Magazine - Welcome to your new backyard
Realtor.com - search local home listings
Zillow.com - estimated home values
Sperling's BestPlaces - City profiles, cost of living, etc.
CNN Money - Best Places To Live
FindYourSpot.com
CityRating.com - Find the best places to live
About.com - Find the best place to live
The Lifestyle Optimizer
Progressive Farmer - Best places to live in rural America
American City Business Journals - Where's the best place to live in America?
A list of best places to live from Moving.com
Lists from Forbes.com
Outside Magazine - Welcome to your new backyard
Realtor.com - search local home listings
Monday, May 01, 2006
Description Of Old Grand Traverse
Memories of Amelia Langworth Arnold Worthington
In December, 1855 the Bay froze over in December and the ice didn't leave until May.
In December, 1855 the Bay froze over in December and the ice didn't leave until May.
Sunday, April 30, 2006
No WMD's But Iraq Is Now Terrorist Bait
Sydney Morning Herald - Iraq invasion spurs terrorism
Quick review of the misinformation:
No WMD's in Iraq plus a later cover-up when Bush claimed in 2003 that there were WMD's; the war has not paid for itself and will approach a total cost of 1 trillion dollars (Lawrence Lindsey, White House Economic Advisor, was fired for suggesting a total cost of $100-220 billion when the administration was putting out $50 billion for the total cost); and the claim that Saddam was harboring terrorists and therefore involved somehow in the 11 September attacks (Concluded the senior U.S. official: "Did Saddam tolerate terrorists? Yes. Was there any evidence Saddam was involved with 9/11? No.").
Here's another good revisionist timeline from 2004 - Center For American Progress - Why We Went In: Version 10.0
The only credible statement I read (I forget where) regarding the Iraq invasion is that the true purpose was a message to the other middle-eastern countries (e.g., Iran, Syria) that the U.S. will use the military for political purposes.
However, lines are now being drawn and China and Russia are backing Iran. Other countries are sitting to the side and the long-term ramifications of current U.S. policy do not look promising.
Quick review of the misinformation:
No WMD's in Iraq plus a later cover-up when Bush claimed in 2003 that there were WMD's; the war has not paid for itself and will approach a total cost of 1 trillion dollars (Lawrence Lindsey, White House Economic Advisor, was fired for suggesting a total cost of $100-220 billion when the administration was putting out $50 billion for the total cost); and the claim that Saddam was harboring terrorists and therefore involved somehow in the 11 September attacks (Concluded the senior U.S. official: "Did Saddam tolerate terrorists? Yes. Was there any evidence Saddam was involved with 9/11? No.").
Here's another good revisionist timeline from 2004 - Center For American Progress - Why We Went In: Version 10.0
The only credible statement I read (I forget where) regarding the Iraq invasion is that the true purpose was a message to the other middle-eastern countries (e.g., Iran, Syria) that the U.S. will use the military for political purposes.
However, lines are now being drawn and China and Russia are backing Iran. Other countries are sitting to the side and the long-term ramifications of current U.S. policy do not look promising.
Saturday, April 29, 2006
Friday, April 28, 2006
Monsanto Watch
I'm not sure an entire company can be evil but Monsanto is giving it a try. Who tells farmers they can't replant the seeds they harvest?
Organic Consumers Association Monsanto News
Sourcewatch - Monsanto
Monsanto v Schmeiser
Organic Consumers Association Monsanto News
In order for the FDA to determine if Monsanto's growth hormones were safe or not, Monsanto was required to submit a scientific report on that topic. Margaret Miller, one of Monsanto's researchers put the report together. Shortly before the report submission, Miller left Monsanto and was hired by the FDA. Her first job for the FDA was to determine whether or not to approve the report she wrote for Monsanto. In short, Monsanto approved its own report. Assisting Miller was another former Monsanto researcher, Susan Sechen. Deciding whether or not rBGH-derived milk should be labeled fell under the jurisdiction of another FDA official, Michael Taylor, who previously worked as a lawyer for Monsanto.
Sourcewatch - Monsanto
Monsanto v Schmeiser
Percy Schmeiser is a farmer from Bruno, Saskatchewan Canada whose Canola fields were contaminated with Monsanto's Round-Up Ready Canola. Monsanto's position was that it didn't matter whether Schmeiser knew or not that his canola field was contaminated with the Roundup Ready gene, or whether or not he took advantage of the technology (he didn't); that he must pay Monsanto their Technology Fee of $15./acre. The Supreme Court of Canada agreed with Schmeiser, ruling that he didn't have to pay Monsanto anything...
Thursday, April 27, 2006
Gas Prices
The Politics of Oil: The Discourse Must Change
PDF version
(this is the posting)
Leaders of both political parties are expressing concern about the high price of gasoline. President George Bush announced yesterday that he was suspending deliveries to the Strategic Petroleum Reserve in order to make more oil available to consumers as well as putting on hold the traditional regulations requiring additives to make fuel burn cleaner during the summer driving season.
Meanwhile, Democratic leaders have had their own response to rising gas prices. Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid has announced his support for the Menendez Amendment, which would "provide more than $6 billion in relief directly to the American people by eliminating the federal tax for both gas and diesel for 60 days." Senator Charles Schumer recently called for a federal investigation to determine whether oil companies are withholding gasoline production, and House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi has blamed high gas prices on the administration's cozy relationship with the oil companies, price gouging, and royalty relief.
The editors of The Oil Drum are ideologically diverse. Over the last year, we have created a forum at www.theoildrum.com to encourage an open, rational, and fact-based discussion of energy issues. While individual editors frequently express an opinion on a subject, we have never felt it necessary to take a unified position on any specific issue. That is, until today.
There's more... (913 words) | Comments (254) | Permalink | Trackback: Google Technorati
We strongly feel that the leaders of both political parties are not only headed in the wrong direction with respect to gas prices, but we also worry that they fundamentally misunderstand the factors behind the current situation at gasoline stations around the US. Public statements by political figures over the past several days would seem to suggest that oil companies and their record profits are the sole factor determining the price of gasoline. Not only is this untrue, but it is dangerous to give the American people the impression that only oil companies are to blame. The American people need to understand that the phenomenon of high gas prices cannot be attributed to a single source. They also need to understand that no one political party will be able to fix our current woes.
The major factor that determines gas prices is the price of crude oil from which gasoline is derived. When crude oil prices are high, so are gas prices. The following are just a few factors that affect the price of a barrel of oil:
1. Oil companies do not single-handedly determine the price of oil. The price of oil is set on the crude oil futures market. Simply put, these prices are affected by supply and demand because, at present, oil trades in a global commodity market where increased demand or reduced supply in one place instantly translates into price shifts everywhere. A variety of publicly available information sources show that supply is relatively static at the moment, while world demand continues to grow as economies grow.
2. We have provided evidence many times at The Oil Drum that the output of major oilfields is declining and that we may now have reached a peak or plateau in global oil supply. Oil companies have not been able to increase production for a number of years, and it is unclear that OPEC is accurately reporting their reserves. Even if there were significant sources of high quality oil remaining, it is getting increasingly difficult and expensive to drill. These factors, along with aging infrastructure for oil exploration and a retiring workforce are also contributing to high oil prices.
3. The geopolitical situation is volatile, and an astute citizen may notice that every time there is news from Nigeria or Iran, the price of oil goes up because of the potential and real effects of these situations on world oil supply. Again, oil traders are fearful that the supply will not remain stable forever.
4. Countries like China and India are industrializing at a great pace, and while we are accustomed to obtaining oil at a comfortable quantity and price, it will be impossible (and immoral) to deny similar resources to these countries. China is working furiously to secure new oil supplies, and they're content to negotiate with countries we're reluctant to deal with, like Iran and the Sudan.
These points demonstrate that disruptions in the supply of oil that affect the price of gasoline at the pump are not just a temporary glitch. For various reasons--decreased discoveries of new oilfields, geopolitical instability, international competition for oil supply--we can no longer assume that we will be able to consume as much oil as possible, or ever get it again for $1.50 a gallon.
Demagoguery and grandstanding are not strategies for addressing our energy problems. As an alternative, the editors of The Oil Drum put forth the following recommendations:
1. It is nonsensical for political leaders of both parties to eliminate the gas tax temporarily or permanently as this will only worsen our dependence on oil by disincentivizing the innovation of oil alternatives and oil conservation efforts.
2. Both mainstream American political parties are doing their country a disservice by accusing convenient scapegoats of price gouging or price fixing instead of educating the public about how the price of gas is actually set.
3. Right now, governments should be focused on helping us cure our "addiction to oil." The answer does not lie in lowering gas prices, which will only encourage people to drive more and further waste our valuable resources. As the Department of Energy funded Hirsch Report on Peak Oil laid out, the consequences of not taking steps to transition away from oil could be dramatic to our economic system. Appropriate solutions include large-scale research, development, and implementation programs to improve the scalability of alternative sources of energy, other projects geared towards improving mass transit and carpooling programs across the country, providing incentives to buy smaller and more fuel efficient vehicles, and promoting a campaign to increase awareness about conservation.
The political discourse on this topic is simply so devoid of fact, and constructive discourse so buried and out of the mainstream, that we felt we needed to raise a voice of reason. Public officials will continue to misinform and obfuscate if we allow it.
The only solution is to educate the public about the most important problem we face as a generation. We, the citizens of the US and the world, must move our attention to this the issue of energy more than any other. We must hold our representative governments accountable for having an open and honest debate on the subject.
Simply put, we must learn more about where our energy comes from.
PDF version
(this is the posting)
Leaders of both political parties are expressing concern about the high price of gasoline. President George Bush announced yesterday that he was suspending deliveries to the Strategic Petroleum Reserve in order to make more oil available to consumers as well as putting on hold the traditional regulations requiring additives to make fuel burn cleaner during the summer driving season.
Meanwhile, Democratic leaders have had their own response to rising gas prices. Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid has announced his support for the Menendez Amendment, which would "provide more than $6 billion in relief directly to the American people by eliminating the federal tax for both gas and diesel for 60 days." Senator Charles Schumer recently called for a federal investigation to determine whether oil companies are withholding gasoline production, and House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi has blamed high gas prices on the administration's cozy relationship with the oil companies, price gouging, and royalty relief.
The editors of The Oil Drum are ideologically diverse. Over the last year, we have created a forum at www.theoildrum.com to encourage an open, rational, and fact-based discussion of energy issues. While individual editors frequently express an opinion on a subject, we have never felt it necessary to take a unified position on any specific issue. That is, until today.
There's more... (913 words) | Comments (254) | Permalink | Trackback: Google Technorati
We strongly feel that the leaders of both political parties are not only headed in the wrong direction with respect to gas prices, but we also worry that they fundamentally misunderstand the factors behind the current situation at gasoline stations around the US. Public statements by political figures over the past several days would seem to suggest that oil companies and their record profits are the sole factor determining the price of gasoline. Not only is this untrue, but it is dangerous to give the American people the impression that only oil companies are to blame. The American people need to understand that the phenomenon of high gas prices cannot be attributed to a single source. They also need to understand that no one political party will be able to fix our current woes.
The major factor that determines gas prices is the price of crude oil from which gasoline is derived. When crude oil prices are high, so are gas prices. The following are just a few factors that affect the price of a barrel of oil:
1. Oil companies do not single-handedly determine the price of oil. The price of oil is set on the crude oil futures market. Simply put, these prices are affected by supply and demand because, at present, oil trades in a global commodity market where increased demand or reduced supply in one place instantly translates into price shifts everywhere. A variety of publicly available information sources show that supply is relatively static at the moment, while world demand continues to grow as economies grow.
2. We have provided evidence many times at The Oil Drum that the output of major oilfields is declining and that we may now have reached a peak or plateau in global oil supply. Oil companies have not been able to increase production for a number of years, and it is unclear that OPEC is accurately reporting their reserves. Even if there were significant sources of high quality oil remaining, it is getting increasingly difficult and expensive to drill. These factors, along with aging infrastructure for oil exploration and a retiring workforce are also contributing to high oil prices.
3. The geopolitical situation is volatile, and an astute citizen may notice that every time there is news from Nigeria or Iran, the price of oil goes up because of the potential and real effects of these situations on world oil supply. Again, oil traders are fearful that the supply will not remain stable forever.
4. Countries like China and India are industrializing at a great pace, and while we are accustomed to obtaining oil at a comfortable quantity and price, it will be impossible (and immoral) to deny similar resources to these countries. China is working furiously to secure new oil supplies, and they're content to negotiate with countries we're reluctant to deal with, like Iran and the Sudan.
These points demonstrate that disruptions in the supply of oil that affect the price of gasoline at the pump are not just a temporary glitch. For various reasons--decreased discoveries of new oilfields, geopolitical instability, international competition for oil supply--we can no longer assume that we will be able to consume as much oil as possible, or ever get it again for $1.50 a gallon.
Demagoguery and grandstanding are not strategies for addressing our energy problems. As an alternative, the editors of The Oil Drum put forth the following recommendations:
1. It is nonsensical for political leaders of both parties to eliminate the gas tax temporarily or permanently as this will only worsen our dependence on oil by disincentivizing the innovation of oil alternatives and oil conservation efforts.
2. Both mainstream American political parties are doing their country a disservice by accusing convenient scapegoats of price gouging or price fixing instead of educating the public about how the price of gas is actually set.
3. Right now, governments should be focused on helping us cure our "addiction to oil." The answer does not lie in lowering gas prices, which will only encourage people to drive more and further waste our valuable resources. As the Department of Energy funded Hirsch Report on Peak Oil laid out, the consequences of not taking steps to transition away from oil could be dramatic to our economic system. Appropriate solutions include large-scale research, development, and implementation programs to improve the scalability of alternative sources of energy, other projects geared towards improving mass transit and carpooling programs across the country, providing incentives to buy smaller and more fuel efficient vehicles, and promoting a campaign to increase awareness about conservation.
The political discourse on this topic is simply so devoid of fact, and constructive discourse so buried and out of the mainstream, that we felt we needed to raise a voice of reason. Public officials will continue to misinform and obfuscate if we allow it.
The only solution is to educate the public about the most important problem we face as a generation. We, the citizens of the US and the world, must move our attention to this the issue of energy more than any other. We must hold our representative governments accountable for having an open and honest debate on the subject.
Simply put, we must learn more about where our energy comes from.
Organic Dairy Survey
Organic Dairy Report/Ratings Arranged by Cow Star Ratings
Wild Oats, Trader Joes, and Horizon are near the bottom.
I believe buying local is more important than buying organic. But buying local organic is always the best choice.
Wild Oats, Trader Joes, and Horizon are near the bottom.
I believe buying local is more important than buying organic. But buying local organic is always the best choice.
Ethanol Can Be Used With Diesel Too
Bioresource Technology - Ethanol-diesel fuel blends - a review (PDF)
I'm really surprised there aren't more diesel passenger vehicles in the U.S. A diesel engine is durable, offers spirited acceleration, gas mileage similar to hybrids, and diesel fuel can be sourced from or blended with bio-fuels as well as compressed natural gas. It is why I'm waiting for a diesel station wagon as the next family truckster.
I'm really surprised there aren't more diesel passenger vehicles in the U.S. A diesel engine is durable, offers spirited acceleration, gas mileage similar to hybrids, and diesel fuel can be sourced from or blended with bio-fuels as well as compressed natural gas. It is why I'm waiting for a diesel station wagon as the next family truckster.
Minimum Wage Laws
Setting a minimum wage is simply government price fixing.
Los Angeles has a "living wage" and the implications have been studied.
Key Findings PDF
Some items of note: 10,000 workers now are paid over $10/hr and only 112 lost their job. The industries impacted are immobile, meaning they are service oriented and so cannot move elsewhere. Businesses have adapted by cutting overtime and fringer benefits. More than 40% of workers still rely on government assistance of some sort.
The results indicate that a raise in the minimum wage is helping many people but as a policy should this really be the role of government?
Further questions for "living wage" proponents:
If $10/hr is good wouldn't a $25/hr minimum wage be better?
Should a maximum wage set?
Should government set the price of other services and goods? For example, should the government set a minimumm price of $20/lb for organic, fair-trade, shade-grown, coffee so the coffee farmers can have a living wage?
Los Angeles has a "living wage" and the implications have been studied.
Key Findings PDF
Some items of note: 10,000 workers now are paid over $10/hr and only 112 lost their job. The industries impacted are immobile, meaning they are service oriented and so cannot move elsewhere. Businesses have adapted by cutting overtime and fringer benefits. More than 40% of workers still rely on government assistance of some sort.
The results indicate that a raise in the minimum wage is helping many people but as a policy should this really be the role of government?
Further questions for "living wage" proponents:
If $10/hr is good wouldn't a $25/hr minimum wage be better?
Should a maximum wage set?
Should government set the price of other services and goods? For example, should the government set a minimumm price of $20/lb for organic, fair-trade, shade-grown, coffee so the coffee farmers can have a living wage?
Reason Magazine's Take On Peak Oil
Reason - Peak Oil Panic: Is the planet running out of gas? If it is, what should the Bush administration do about it?
The article concedes that 1 trillion barrels of oil has been consumed since the 19th Century and:
However, when all proven and expected sources are added up the USGS estimates 5.9 trillion barrels of oil remains. So the fact remains that as oil demand exponentially increases the half-way point of all recoverable crude oil will be reached someday soon.
And as an aside, the article fails to note the differences between light sweet and heavy crude oil and how it is the easy to recover and refine light sweet crude oil that has reached its peak.
The article concedes that 1 trillion barrels of oil has been consumed since the 19th Century and:
The world consumes about 87 million barrels of oil per day, or nearly 30 billion barrels of oil per year. How much oil is left? It’s hard to be sure. Proven oil reserves—i.e., oil that is recoverable under current economic and operating conditions—are estimated to be 1.1 trillion barrels by the industry journal World Oil, 1.2 trillion by the oil company BP, and 1.3 trillion by the Oil and Gas Journal.
However, when all proven and expected sources are added up the USGS estimates 5.9 trillion barrels of oil remains. So the fact remains that as oil demand exponentially increases the half-way point of all recoverable crude oil will be reached someday soon.
And as an aside, the article fails to note the differences between light sweet and heavy crude oil and how it is the easy to recover and refine light sweet crude oil that has reached its peak.
Wednesday, April 26, 2006
Tuesday, April 25, 2006
Biodiesel In Your Pocket?
Wired - Teeny Reactor Pumps Out Biodiesel
But this looks to be an excerpt from the Oregon Nanoscience and Microtechnologies Institute April, 2006 newsletter.
But this looks to be an excerpt from the Oregon Nanoscience and Microtechnologies Institute April, 2006 newsletter.
Monday, April 24, 2006
Western All-Stars Set To Become Western Has-Beens?
The Enquirer - Alumni, students challenge MU plan
Oxford Press - Allegations fly as Garland decision nears
With a new college president on the way should President Garland even be making a decision on the fate of a program?
Oxford Press - Allegations fly as Garland decision nears
With a new college president on the way should President Garland even be making a decision on the fate of a program?
Are You Helping The Germans? (in 1915)
Poster from WWI published by the National War Savings Committee
Just another example of what people do during a real war versus a manufactured one.
Just another example of what people do during a real war versus a manufactured one.
Friday, April 21, 2006
Thursday, April 20, 2006
A Tour Of Intellectual Force
I'm not sure how but I recently found the blog econotech. This person know a lot of stuff...
Example: see at the bottom of econotech: 4/4 EFM: Market political risks rising: U.S. immigration, Delphi labor contract, French employment law, China currency/trade, Iran 3401 words and the comparison to the 1960's and 70's.
Example: see at the bottom of econotech: 4/4 EFM: Market political risks rising: U.S. immigration, Delphi labor contract, French employment law, China currency/trade, Iran 3401 words and the comparison to the 1960's and 70's.
The Judas Gospel
National Geographic magazine - The Judas Gospel
Christian mavericks find affirmation in ancient heresies
Dear Judas,
I'd like to try out this "martyrdom" thing.
Let's talk. I have a plan...
Love, Jesus
Christian mavericks find affirmation in ancient heresies
Dear Judas,
I'd like to try out this "martyrdom" thing.
Let's talk. I have a plan...
Love, Jesus
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