Al Gore is trying to regain some fame with his latest statement: We need to make all US energy come from renewable sources in 10 years.
This statement once again shows that he truly knows nothing about energy or the environment. Not only is his plan impossible, it is technically unfeasible at our current energy consumption. We are having problems supplying the energy needed at our current level or production. If Gore wants to truly help the environment, he needs to follow the following steps.
1) Convince oil companies to invest more in alternate fuels. These companies have some of the largest amounts of profit that there is in the market today. Investing 1 million here or there doesn't help. Nor does 16 billion dollar profits in their pockets while America pays for it.
2) Convince environmental activist to allow the construction of new efficient clean power plants. They can build one with nearly no CO emissions, generate more power, then the current plants.
3) Support energy efficiency standards. We need to get people making inefficient products to be held accountable and clean up the strain on the grid.
4) Educate with real data and facts, not information made up in his head. Some people are hardened against the word climate change and global warming. Talk to their wallets, not their sense of responsibility.
5) Point out the ways people can currently cut back and save.
There is no way we can be off the current grid without massive changes. Technology is increasing yearly, but the amount of energy this country consumes is astronomical and growing. With hybrid cars on the rise, their charge cycle is more strain on an already over-burdened grid. People need to accept responsibility for their actions. Talk to local utilities and find ways you can save energy, and money and do it!
Friday, July 18, 2008
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Contraception is Abortion
So wow, this is just out of the blue, but almost what one would expect from this administration. According to an AP article, a new bill refers to some types of contraception as abortion. Yeah, that's right.
The law attempts to define abortion as:
"any of the various procedures, including the prescription and administration of any drug or any performance of any procedure or any other action, that results in the termination of the life of a human being in utero between conception and natural birth, whether before or after implantation.”
Some women may not know they are pregnant for a couple of months. In my opinion, this is being done to get rid of the morning after pill. Abortion is every womans choice, the one she has to be with, and government needs to stay out of it.
The law attempts to define abortion as:
"any of the various procedures, including the prescription and administration of any drug or any performance of any procedure or any other action, that results in the termination of the life of a human being in utero between conception and natural birth, whether before or after implantation.”
Some women may not know they are pregnant for a couple of months. In my opinion, this is being done to get rid of the morning after pill. Abortion is every womans choice, the one she has to be with, and government needs to stay out of it.
Sunday, January 6, 2008
Iowa Caucus, sick yet?
The Iowa caucus has come and gone yet, and it solved? Nothing. Thats right, it solved nothing, except media perception. The media is running this election, and anybody thinking anything different needs to do some personal research. Its the first of the year, it sets the tone of the primaries, etc etc. Does the winner of Iowa always win the nod from their respective parties? No, not always.
In a race this close, with the nation desperately needing true leadership, why should the media pre-determine the candidates? Vote for who you want to vote for, not who the media tells you is "winning", or a "clear choice".
As somebody able and willing to think for myself, I believe more Americans should research the candidates, research the issues, and vote for who they want running the country.
In a race this close, with the nation desperately needing true leadership, why should the media pre-determine the candidates? Vote for who you want to vote for, not who the media tells you is "winning", or a "clear choice".
As somebody able and willing to think for myself, I believe more Americans should research the candidates, research the issues, and vote for who they want running the country.
Friday, July 27, 2007
Aquafina
Aquafina, one of the leading bottled water brands, is coming clean on their less then savory practices. It appears, as was reported today, that PepsiCo will begin printing on the label of the popular bottle, what it really is. Tap water. Yep. Tap water. I have a bottle in front of me right now, and it clearly states on the bottle, "Pure Water, Perfect taste, Purified drinking water". It appears, it is not pure, nor purified. Also appears that when enough bottles are emptied together, a stench begins to appear that rivals that of any compost pile.
And by no means is Coke and its popular Dasani let off the hook. They gather their water from public reservoirs as well. they report that they will post the quality process online in a month or so.
I see several lawsuits coming from this. It will be amazing if they survive this. I know I for one will not buy their water again. Nor am I likely to purchase any Pepsi products as my means of protest.
Thursday, July 26, 2007
Global warming
Wow, seems its always in the news. Some agree, some disagree but according to recent studies the earth has warmed up by a few degrees the last 100 years or so. Honestly, based on how careless we are with the environment, its a miracle we have a planet left. Is it part of a natural warming cycle? Is it due to the deforestation, pollution, and general disregard of the environment we have?
More then likely, it can be a combination of both. What then can be done to slow it down, stop it, or even possible reverse it?
As an individual, what can be accomplished is small, but as a nation, it can be huge. Little things that can be done to help the environment, conserve energy make a big difference in the big picture.
Lets start at home. Check your home, look at windows and doors. Do the seal properly? Do you have one or two windows cracked open while the AC is blasting? Close them! Seal the cracks around the window. If you need to get a new door or window, look around for energy saving ones. These seal better, and insulate better. Check your insulation. Is your home properly insulated? Temp control is another. If you don't already have a programmable thermostat, get one. Make sure when you are not home( if you have a normal work time) that you drop that temp down. No sense in the house staying 70 degrees all day while nobody is there. Drop it down to 76 or 80 even. Have it revert to your preferred temperature 30 minutes before you come home. Sign up for green power through your local utility. It may be a little more expensive, but you are still doing your part. Replace some light bulbs with more efficient light bulbs. Keep lights off in rooms you are not in. Plant some shade trees around your house.
What about the driving? Car pool when you can. As if gas prices are not incentives enough, carpooling is better for the environment. Keep you car tuned and up to date to reduce emissions as much as possible. When possible, roll down the window, take the convertible top down. Spare the AC on your car as much as you can. Take public transportation. Most public transportation uses some form of bio diesel, which is better for the environment.
Get involved with a group the helps the environment. Plant trees, take some time to go to a national park and see what we risk losing if things are not fixed. At your neighborhood home owners meeting, bring up the subject, get neighbors involved. Write your congressman and explain your concerns. Keep updated on legislation coming that address the issue. Be informed.
All we can do is our part at the moment. Until those in charge make sweeping fixes, or supply money for alternate fuel/energy, we the little people must lead by example.
More then likely, it can be a combination of both. What then can be done to slow it down, stop it, or even possible reverse it?
As an individual, what can be accomplished is small, but as a nation, it can be huge. Little things that can be done to help the environment, conserve energy make a big difference in the big picture.
Lets start at home. Check your home, look at windows and doors. Do the seal properly? Do you have one or two windows cracked open while the AC is blasting? Close them! Seal the cracks around the window. If you need to get a new door or window, look around for energy saving ones. These seal better, and insulate better. Check your insulation. Is your home properly insulated? Temp control is another. If you don't already have a programmable thermostat, get one. Make sure when you are not home( if you have a normal work time) that you drop that temp down. No sense in the house staying 70 degrees all day while nobody is there. Drop it down to 76 or 80 even. Have it revert to your preferred temperature 30 minutes before you come home. Sign up for green power through your local utility. It may be a little more expensive, but you are still doing your part. Replace some light bulbs with more efficient light bulbs. Keep lights off in rooms you are not in. Plant some shade trees around your house.
What about the driving? Car pool when you can. As if gas prices are not incentives enough, carpooling is better for the environment. Keep you car tuned and up to date to reduce emissions as much as possible. When possible, roll down the window, take the convertible top down. Spare the AC on your car as much as you can. Take public transportation. Most public transportation uses some form of bio diesel, which is better for the environment.
Get involved with a group the helps the environment. Plant trees, take some time to go to a national park and see what we risk losing if things are not fixed. At your neighborhood home owners meeting, bring up the subject, get neighbors involved. Write your congressman and explain your concerns. Keep updated on legislation coming that address the issue. Be informed.
All we can do is our part at the moment. Until those in charge make sweeping fixes, or supply money for alternate fuel/energy, we the little people must lead by example.
Tuesday, July 24, 2007
Michael Vick: The disgrace
Absolutely pathetic. I do not know which is worse, his actions, or the NFL's. They finally prohibited him from attending training camp, but he should be out of the NFL. As should all the others who have used drugs, committed crimes, or acts of domestic violence.
Why in the world do we put these spoiled brats on such a pedestal. From the first time they show promise in a sport, they are pampered and forgiven. They get out of punishments, get slaps on the hand for crimes that would land the majority of the country in prison, and basically get worshipped. Regardless of whether or not they wish to be role models, by the very path they have taken, they become one.
Michael Vick has had a good career, albeit rather over rated in my opinion. Now, it should be over. Who wants to explain to their kids not to do something, when it is shown on tv that not only do celebrities do it, but they get away with it!
Dog fighting! Not only is it illegal, its immoral. Dogs are loving companions, and should be treated as such. Making any other sentient being fight for our enjoyment is wrong, disgusting and should be shunned.
Why do we pay these people millions of dollars a year, yet fail to pay police, firefighters and teachers the same? Are they not saving lives, and instructing our next generation? Who do we want our children idolizing? A teacher who taught them what they need to know? A policeman who risk his life daily for our protection? A firefighter who sweats and trains to save our kitten from a burning house? Or a rich entertainer who gets away with criminal acts?
I know my answer.
Why in the world do we put these spoiled brats on such a pedestal. From the first time they show promise in a sport, they are pampered and forgiven. They get out of punishments, get slaps on the hand for crimes that would land the majority of the country in prison, and basically get worshipped. Regardless of whether or not they wish to be role models, by the very path they have taken, they become one.
Michael Vick has had a good career, albeit rather over rated in my opinion. Now, it should be over. Who wants to explain to their kids not to do something, when it is shown on tv that not only do celebrities do it, but they get away with it!
Dog fighting! Not only is it illegal, its immoral. Dogs are loving companions, and should be treated as such. Making any other sentient being fight for our enjoyment is wrong, disgusting and should be shunned.
Why do we pay these people millions of dollars a year, yet fail to pay police, firefighters and teachers the same? Are they not saving lives, and instructing our next generation? Who do we want our children idolizing? A teacher who taught them what they need to know? A policeman who risk his life daily for our protection? A firefighter who sweats and trains to save our kitten from a burning house? Or a rich entertainer who gets away with criminal acts?
I know my answer.
You tube-Cnn debate
Tough questions were asked, by people from all over the country. Using You tubes video, and CNN's broadcasting, the Democratic presidential candidates were spotlighted in yet another debate. The questions that were asked cut to issues the candidates had no answer for, or did not want to give answers for.
From questions ranging from reparations from slavery, to womens rights, a lot of topics were covered last night. None of the candidates would give a straight answer, they would merely briefly address it, then go into a long tirade about something else. Anderson Cooper had to remind them several times last night to stay on topic.
Going into the debate, Sen Clinton has the lead, with Sen Obama and Sen Edwards following.
Rep. Dennis Kucinich: Had a few good moments. He had the others squirming on the Iraq issue, by showing he had never ever supported the war. Personally, I havent checked this out yet, but doubt he would make this obvious of a lie in a debate.
Gov. Bill Richardson: He appeared weak and undecided for the most part, his biggest stand was on bringing the troops home by the end of 2007 with no exceptions. Guess he wants it cleaned up before he gets in office so he does not have to deal with it.
Sen. Joe Biden: He made a few enemies by indirectly supporting the war, and not wishing to bring the troops home immediately.
Sen. Chris Dodd : Not a big show either. He seems to be in the same boat as Biden and Gravel. Making a show to get his name out there, and people to remember his name for the next few years.
Sen. Mike Gravel : Absolutely butchered the minimum wage question. Lost points in my opinion.
Sen John Edwards: Had a few moments of nervous posture, especially during the gay marriage issue. Other then that, had a relatively strong showing.
Sen Hillary Clinton. Polished and smooth. A little too polished and smooth. She appeared afraid to smile at times. She was without a doubt the most polished speaker, but no emotion or passion, just speaking words.
Sen Barack Obama: In my opinion, came out on top of this debate. He spoke with confidence, stood with confidence, and had passion in his voice. It was close between him and Sen Clinton, but I think based on the passion, and some of the very tough questions he was asked, he gets the nod in this debate.
Republicans have their You tube-Cnn debate September 17th. Will be most interesting to see how they handle it, especially with one question on the mouth of most votes being, why do we want four more years of republican control?
This debate was a refreshing debate, a new style, a new format, and questions asked by real Americans, not professional journalist. For a link to the complete transcripts go to Cnn.com
From questions ranging from reparations from slavery, to womens rights, a lot of topics were covered last night. None of the candidates would give a straight answer, they would merely briefly address it, then go into a long tirade about something else. Anderson Cooper had to remind them several times last night to stay on topic.
Going into the debate, Sen Clinton has the lead, with Sen Obama and Sen Edwards following.
Rep. Dennis Kucinich: Had a few good moments. He had the others squirming on the Iraq issue, by showing he had never ever supported the war. Personally, I havent checked this out yet, but doubt he would make this obvious of a lie in a debate.
Gov. Bill Richardson: He appeared weak and undecided for the most part, his biggest stand was on bringing the troops home by the end of 2007 with no exceptions. Guess he wants it cleaned up before he gets in office so he does not have to deal with it.
Sen. Joe Biden: He made a few enemies by indirectly supporting the war, and not wishing to bring the troops home immediately.
Sen. Chris Dodd : Not a big show either. He seems to be in the same boat as Biden and Gravel. Making a show to get his name out there, and people to remember his name for the next few years.
Sen. Mike Gravel : Absolutely butchered the minimum wage question. Lost points in my opinion.
Sen John Edwards: Had a few moments of nervous posture, especially during the gay marriage issue. Other then that, had a relatively strong showing.
Sen Hillary Clinton. Polished and smooth. A little too polished and smooth. She appeared afraid to smile at times. She was without a doubt the most polished speaker, but no emotion or passion, just speaking words.
Sen Barack Obama: In my opinion, came out on top of this debate. He spoke with confidence, stood with confidence, and had passion in his voice. It was close between him and Sen Clinton, but I think based on the passion, and some of the very tough questions he was asked, he gets the nod in this debate.
Republicans have their You tube-Cnn debate September 17th. Will be most interesting to see how they handle it, especially with one question on the mouth of most votes being, why do we want four more years of republican control?
This debate was a refreshing debate, a new style, a new format, and questions asked by real Americans, not professional journalist. For a link to the complete transcripts go to Cnn.com
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