Archive for the 'Environment' Category
image from http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/09/hate_is_a_strong_word
I wish I could “say it ain’t so” (to quote the subject of this post), but it is. In an event that demonstrates the way of the maverick, Sarah Palin has become the only Governor in the United States to refuse economic recovery funds for energy. Why? Because it promotes energy efficiency. Perplexing? You betcha.
Sure other state Governors are turning down economic recovery money, like for education, but money to invest in energy efficiency is totally the gift that keeps on giving.
Basically, the federal government wants to give Alaska $29 million for energy projects. What does Alaksa have to do? Spend the money on renewable energy and energy efficiency, adopt the latest building codes for energy efficiency, and begin looking at policies that allow utilities to make money selling less electricity instead of more. I think if you read the statute closely, it even says Gov. Palin could shoot a wolf out of an airplane along the way (I guess, as long as that plane’s running on renewable fuel), but instead the trigger happy maverick decided to shoot the goose that laid the golden egg.
Remind me why our country rejected such stellar executive leadership?
Read the rest of this entry »
Posted by Colin on May 1st in Dumb, Environment, Television | Comment |
[youtube:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MNpOVwTbVC0]
It has been weeks since I attended the South Carolina Democratic Debates in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, but the resounding messages that were heard there still make their way into my thoughts. One of my passions is documenting events as they happen, so that I can look back and realize how profound those moments truly were. While the battles behind the walls of the Palace Theater were hours from being fought, the fierce battle on the outside had begun. So, with my camera I give a perspective view of what these groups on the outside were saying. Perhaps the most verbal of the groups was the organization I traveled down with, a coalition of student leaders promoting a clean energy future. In this short video presentation you can see the direct opposition posed from the group Clean Coal. Read the rest of this entry »
Posted by murrowjg on Feb 12th in Environment, Politics | Comment |
If you think the worst part about global warming is sea level rise, loss of Arctic habitat, or any of the other oft-mentioned perils of a destabilized and warming climate, you are wrong. A little discussed and often overlooked consequence of global warming is quickly coming back to bite us in the beer glass.
Hops and barley are in global decline due to an unprecedented drought in hops/barley exporting countries-like most of Europe and Australia. Beer is God’s gift to mankind. Benjamin Franklin codified this news when he said, “Beer is proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy.” But a draught drought or rising prices mean either consuming less beer (yeah right, that would be blasphemous) or paying more for our lip-smacking libations. Those of us who consider beer to be one of the major food groups (in addition to manna from heaven) are going to suffer…either in our well-being or in our wallets. Perhaps even both. In fact, when I purchased beer just the other day, the store owner warned that prices would rise as early as his next shipment! Even Budweiser is raising prices, he said.
My sense, however, is that we don’t have to sit back and wait for global warming to send our stouts, porters, IPAs, and, hell, even PBRs into the realm of luxurious commodities accessible only to the rich and famous–something to be traded on Wall Street rather than swilled on Bourbon Street. We can be proactive with global warming solutions and keep our beers (and our bellies) if we want to.
Like I always say, global warming has a little something in store for everyone. It’s consequences like this that take your left-wing, enviro-commie “hoaxes” and turn them into issues that your average alcoholic can get behind. I can’t wait to see signs that say “Alcoholics for Clean Energy” or rallies where people chant “We want beer guts and fossil fuel subsidy cuts!”
You don’t have to be an environmentalist to know it’s time to get serious if we want to Save the Ales!
Posted by Colin on Feb 5th in Environment, News | Comment |
I can think of, well, nobody who is racing to the store to purchase the Honda Puyo, an eco-friendly concept car released last Fall. And, gee, I wonder why. Any thoughts? It might have something to do with its humble appearance, which seems to be the result of a collision between a toaster and a golf cart. Or maybe a loaf of bread and a golf cart. I can’t decide.
In any case, Honda’s affront to aesthetics raises an important question: If a company can make a product that’s bad for the environment, but looks “cool” (or is advertised as being “cool”), why can’t they create a product that’s good for the environment and also looks “cool”? Good luck trying to convince anyone that the Puyo looks “cool.” It must fall short of even the geekiest standards. Why does something that’s eco-friendly have to look like a piece of crap (on wheels, in this case)? Read the rest of this entry »
Posted by Colin on Jan 15th in Dumb, Environment, News, Technology | Comment |
As you car owners out there are probably well aware, oil prices ascended to $100 a barrel this week. Now that the market has spoken, I guess its time for us to crack open our wallets and obey. Lucky for me, a Honda is still (and always will be) cheaper to fill up than a Hummer.
But there’s something out there that’s even cheaper. I found out about the vehicle in the photo–I call it a “walk in the park”–a few years ago. Sure it has some downsides, but they’re probably all worth taking a park with you wherever you go. Added benefits include exercise and vanished gas bills! (Your grocery bill, however, might go up. But who doesn’t like a good meal? Plus, I know where you can go for a picnic).
With oil prices (and obesity) constantly on the rise, a “walk in the park” looks better all the time. Only now am I giving serious thought to ditching the (gas) pedal for the (grass) petal and perpetually strolling along a luscious green path to health and happiness.
Its the closest thing I can find to walking on sunshine. I bet it feels good.
Posted by Colin on Jan 4th in Environment, News | Comment |
Ok Folks…
Let’s think about Christmas for just a second. Most Americans head to Wal-Mart in the masses to buy junk in bulk for family and friends – stuff that inevitably ends up sitting in the attic, closet, or junkyard. This is the age of quantity over quality. The time of advertising, over-consumption, and general ridiculousness.
It doesn’t take an over-sized intellect to realize that the American economy is morally questionable at best. The impact our consumption patterns have on the environment, the less-fortunate members of the human race, and even our own well-being has been well-documented. Trust me.
I won’t go on a long diatribe for my first post – but all cynicism aside, please reconsider your gift ideas and the way you spend your time, money, and mental energy. There really are healthier, happier, and morally upright ways to enjoy the holidays. Merry Christmas!
-The Grinch.
Posted by Trevor on Dec 17th in Environment | Comment |
By circletimessquare in Science:
For the last 12 years, a single solitary whale whose vocalizations match no known living species has been tracked across the Northeast Pacific. Its wanderings match no known migratory patterns of any living whale species. Its vocalizations have also subtly deepened over the years, indicating that the whale is maturing and ageing. And, during the entire 12 year span that it has been tracked, it has been calling out for contact from others of its own kind.
It has received no answer. Nor will it ever. [That last statement is a little harsh. Way to squelch all hope.]
If you want to listen to his cry… [Totally creepy, but awesome at the same time]
or if you want to read more…
Posted by Michael on Dec 14th in Environment | Comment |
And we thought they weren’t working. Just minutes ago, the House of Representatives passed a landmark bill that takes a few steps toward promoting clean, renewable energy.
The House Energy Bill contained several important provisions. Chief among them, however, were the renewable energy standard, which requires utilities to provide 15% of their electricity from clean, renewable sources by 2020, and an increase in CAFE (fuel economy) standards to 35 mpg. This is the first increase in fuel economy standards in my lifetime!
To see how your Representative voted, click here.
A strong energy bill is an important first step in helping us to reduce carbon dioxide emissions 80% by 2050, which is what scientists say we need to do to avert the worst of global warming. This bill is expected to save us all money at the pump (by increasing fuel economy) and creating new jobs by promoting the development of clean, renewable electricity sources.
Up next: the Senate will vote on this bill in a few weeks. Then (if it passes the Senate), on to the President, who will definitely veto the bill. Isn’t politics fun, ya’ll?
Posted by Colin on Dec 6th in Environment, News | 2 Comments |
