I have to say, even with all the controversy, the olympics have still been a fun watch. I do have serious issues with the gymnastics judging though. Nobody could figure out how they were giving the chinese gymnast the scores they were. Don't get me wrong, they were good, just not that good.
In addition, the female gymnast are not 16, no matter what the chinese government says. Too many people have found proof that the girls are between 12 and 14 years old. Which in my opinion should invalidate all the chinese gold from womens gymnastics.
On a positive note, huge kudos to Michael Phelps and the womens beach volleyball teams. Very outstanding work.
Saturday, August 23, 2008
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Fire Season
More fires are burning in Yosemite and parts of California. Seems to be the time of year again. Plus with fall coming up, and more dry weather, camping etc, be sure and follow fire safety.
1. Be sure all campfires are extinguished and buried. Stir it around with dirt and water to make sure it is out.
2. On windy days, be mindful of your surroundings and your fire.
3. Put the cigarette out. Put it in a disposable cup or something similar so the ashes don't get free.
4. If you find yourself in path of a fire, follow instructions precisely, it could save your life.
Just be mindful and careful around flames this year, too many fires claim too many lives.
1. Be sure all campfires are extinguished and buried. Stir it around with dirt and water to make sure it is out.
2. On windy days, be mindful of your surroundings and your fire.
3. Put the cigarette out. Put it in a disposable cup or something similar so the ashes don't get free.
4. If you find yourself in path of a fire, follow instructions precisely, it could save your life.
Just be mindful and careful around flames this year, too many fires claim too many lives.
Friday, July 18, 2008
Make all US electricity from renewable sources
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!
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!
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.
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