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.
Thursday, May 25, 2006
The Bush Administration Has A 'Top-Secret' Fetish
via Marketplace - Negroponte given power to waive SEC rules
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.
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