-
It's that time of year again - our ISP is asking for money. If you have some spare change, please click the Donate link... Thanks!
- About Us
- Search
- Need Help?
- Donate
- Login/Register
Latest Entries
Actions Menu
Blog Roll
- 4F Facebook Page
- Turn Up The Night with Kenny Pick
- Stephanie Miller Show
- The Tim Corrimal Show
- The Rachel Maddow Show
- Angry Americans with Paul Rieckhoff
- Thom Hartmann Program
- Turnips! Fans of Turn Up the Night Facebook Page
- Snopes.com
- Factcheck.org
- Official White House Page, if you must.
- The Brad Blog / Green News Report
- The Poorly Written Political Blog (Joe Santorsa)
Do We Have the Energy?
Author: BobR
Date: 07/11/2013 12:50:19
In the 2008 presidential campaign, there were certain lines that were clearly drawn. Republicans said they were strong on defense and the Democrats were weak. Republicans said they wanted government out of our lives and the Democrats wanted a "nanny state". Republicans chanted "drill, baby - drill!" to Democratic concerns about the environment.
A strange thing happened on the way to the gas pump, however. President Obama picked up the pursuit of Osama bin Laden that President Bush had abandoned, and was able to successfully remove him from the picture. Republicans - on both a state and national level - have been pushing medieval abortion legislation that puts government in the doctor's office in an unprecedented way.
And - oddly enough - domestic oil production is up. It is up so much in fact, that it is diminishing the need for OPEC oil:
Will Sarah Palin be praising President Obama? Doubtful - she and the other Republicans wanted drilling in pristine wilderness. What's the fun in drilling if you can't piss off the treehuggers?
The problem of course is that oil is a 20th century energy technology and we are still dealing with the 20th century problems it causes. Sure, we were able to rid ourselves of smokestacks and factories pumping soot into our air and toxins into our water, but we are still generating greenhouse gasses at a rate that will eventually drive us toward extinction.
Since the U.S. and China are the two greatest offenders, it makes sense we would try to fix our own problems:
Their solution is cleaner trucks? That is putting a band-aid on a bleeding aorta. The problem isn't how cleanly the trucks burn petrol, it's that they (and our cars) burn petrol at all. There are also all of the tangential problems with oil... The Gulf oil spill, several instances of leaking pipeline, and 20 people killed by an exploding oil transport train in Quebec continue to demonstrate the ramifications of a continued dependence on an increasingly limited supply of a messy energy source. They Keystone XL pipeline? That should be DOA. That it isn't dead is a testament to how invested we are in oil and how reluctant we are to move on.
There have been partial steps in the right direction. So-called "biofuels" use alcohol derived from grain, or diesel derived from vegetable oils. However, new studies are showing that they aren't as clean as originally thought:
There's also nuclear, but with Japan now leaking radioactive water into the ocean, that seems as dirty as oil spilling into the Gulf.
"Natural" gas is clean burning, but still dirty to extract. We've all seen the flaming water video that is a result of fracking. Keeping the lights on doesn't help if we can't drink the water.
So the obvious choices are still wind and solar, powering a grid that can be used to charge up electric cars and trucks. The problem is when politics get into it - and that's not just a U.S. problem. There are large swaths of the U.S. that would support huge solar arrays. There are areas offshore and elsewhere that would support windmills, which don't foul the environment, and are more elegant to the eye than an oil pumping station. Yet those in bed with the oil industry suddenly become concerned for the birds that might be struck by a rotating windmill blade, or take a NIMBY approach to the windmills.
There are plenty of jobs to be had in the non-petroleum energy industry. Installation, maintenance, and even manufacturing can all reduce unemployment AND pollution. Perhaps that's why Republicans are so much against it - it would give President Obama a "victory". All the more reason to push them out of government and elect people who are living in the 21st century. Our very survival depends on it.
A strange thing happened on the way to the gas pump, however. President Obama picked up the pursuit of Osama bin Laden that President Bush had abandoned, and was able to successfully remove him from the picture. Republicans - on both a state and national level - have been pushing medieval abortion legislation that puts government in the doctor's office in an unprecedented way.
And - oddly enough - domestic oil production is up. It is up so much in fact, that it is diminishing the need for OPEC oil:
The North American shale oil boom could spur the biggest rise in non-OPEC supply growth in decades next year, helping meet strong global demand and eroding the market share of OPEC countries, the International Energy Agency (IEA) said on Thursday.
Shale oil and gas is already transforming the global energy market, notably by providing cheap supplies to the U.S. economy and lessening its dependence on imports.
Will Sarah Palin be praising President Obama? Doubtful - she and the other Republicans wanted drilling in pristine wilderness. What's the fun in drilling if you can't piss off the treehuggers?
The problem of course is that oil is a 20th century energy technology and we are still dealing with the 20th century problems it causes. Sure, we were able to rid ourselves of smokestacks and factories pumping soot into our air and toxins into our water, but we are still generating greenhouse gasses at a rate that will eventually drive us toward extinction.
Since the U.S. and China are the two greatest offenders, it makes sense we would try to fix our own problems:
America and China agreed on Wednesday to work together to develop cleaner trucks, expanding joint efforts against climate change by the two greatest emitters and raising prospects for a global climate deal..
The new initiatives announced in Washington on Wednesday would see China and America extend their climate co-operation to five new areas – beginning with heavy trucks, which are a significant cause of greenhouse gas emissions in both countries.
[...]
America and China between them account for more than 40% of greenhouse gas emissions, but signs of co-operation between the two big emitters could help unlock a global deal to cut emissions, Kerry suggested earlier on Wednesday.
Their solution is cleaner trucks? That is putting a band-aid on a bleeding aorta. The problem isn't how cleanly the trucks burn petrol, it's that they (and our cars) burn petrol at all. There are also all of the tangential problems with oil... The Gulf oil spill, several instances of leaking pipeline, and 20 people killed by an exploding oil transport train in Quebec continue to demonstrate the ramifications of a continued dependence on an increasingly limited supply of a messy energy source. They Keystone XL pipeline? That should be DOA. That it isn't dead is a testament to how invested we are in oil and how reluctant we are to move on.
There have been partial steps in the right direction. So-called "biofuels" use alcohol derived from grain, or diesel derived from vegetable oils. However, new studies are showing that they aren't as clean as originally thought:
In 2008, an EU target was introduced to get 10 percent of transport fuel from renewable sources by 2020, most of which would come from so-called first generation biofuels made from sugar, cereals and oilseeds.
Since then, a series of studies has underlined the potential environmental damage caused by some biofuels, particularly biodiesel, which accounts for more than two-thirds of the estimated 13 billion euro ($16.71 billion) EU biofuel sector.
Most recently, a study by the Joint Research Centre (JRC) - the Commission's in-house research body - confirmed the findings of earlier EU studies that biodiesel made from crops such as rapeseed does more harm to the climate than conventional diesel.
Emissions from one litre of biodiesel made from imported soy are equivalent to burning up to two litres of diesel from fossil fuel, its data analysis found.
There's also nuclear, but with Japan now leaking radioactive water into the ocean, that seems as dirty as oil spilling into the Gulf.
"Natural" gas is clean burning, but still dirty to extract. We've all seen the flaming water video that is a result of fracking. Keeping the lights on doesn't help if we can't drink the water.
So the obvious choices are still wind and solar, powering a grid that can be used to charge up electric cars and trucks. The problem is when politics get into it - and that's not just a U.S. problem. There are large swaths of the U.S. that would support huge solar arrays. There are areas offshore and elsewhere that would support windmills, which don't foul the environment, and are more elegant to the eye than an oil pumping station. Yet those in bed with the oil industry suddenly become concerned for the birds that might be struck by a rotating windmill blade, or take a NIMBY approach to the windmills.
There are plenty of jobs to be had in the non-petroleum energy industry. Installation, maintenance, and even manufacturing can all reduce unemployment AND pollution. Perhaps that's why Republicans are so much against it - it would give President Obama a "victory". All the more reason to push them out of government and elect people who are living in the 21st century. Our very survival depends on it.
Comments:
Order comments Newest to Oldest Refresh Comments
Comment by 
wickedpam on 07/11/2013 13:08:09
wickedpam on 07/11/2013 13:08:09
Morning 
Comment by 
Raine on 07/11/2013 13:19:55
Good morning!
Raine on 07/11/2013 13:19:55
Good morning!
Comment by 
BobR on 07/11/2013 13:22:44
BobR on 07/11/2013 13:22:44
blog is up!
Comment by Raine on 07/11/2013 13:31:40
Raine on 07/11/2013 13:31:40
Quote by BobR:
blog is up!
Comment by wickedpam on 07/11/2013 13:37:33
wickedpam on 07/11/2013 13:37:33
I get very frustrated by energy sourcing - maybe the Amish have it right and we all need to go back to horses.
Comment by Raine on 07/11/2013 13:46:03
Raine on 07/11/2013 13:46:03
You know your post today reminded me of what we saw driving home from our weekend in Philadelphia. I begrudgingly give props to these teams.
It can be done. Hell we even found out that our republican brother in LAw is installing solar panels on his house in Louisiana.. may the tide is turning? I hope so, and I hope we haven't run out of time.
The Eagles' newest player is a real powerhouse.
The stats are electrifying: On a recent sunny day, this bulky unit churned out 21,033.7 kilowatt hours, nearly enough to power two average homes for a year.
Yes, the long-awaited solar panels and wind turbines at Lincoln Financial Field are up and running.
More than 11,000 panels have been positioned atop the roof, over some of the parking spots, and armoring the side of the building along I-95.
Those are the workhorses.
The eye candy is the 14 wind turbines atop the ends of the stadium - meant to distract visiting kickers, one official joked.
(snip)
NRG's solar installation at Lincoln Financial Field is the NFL's largest.
The company has partnerships with seven other teams.
At the Washington Redskins' FedEx Field, NRG panels are atop a new parking structure and ramps.
At MetLife Stadium, where the New York Jets and New York Giants play, NRG installed a "solar ring" of 1,350 panels that doubles as a dramatic lighting statement.
The New England Patriots' Patriot Place has panels atop an open-air retail complex.
More installations are in the works for Houston, Dallas, and the new 49ers stadium in Santa Clara, Calif.
It can be done. Hell we even found out that our republican brother in LAw is installing solar panels on his house in Louisiana.. may the tide is turning? I hope so, and I hope we haven't run out of time.
Comment by 
Mondobubba on 07/11/2013 13:55:04
Mondobubba on 07/11/2013 13:55:04
Morning mon peeps. Speaking of energy and climate change, Google can dump their "Don't be evil" Motto. Really Google? A fund raiser for James Inhofe? REALLY
Comment by 
Will in Chicago on 07/11/2013 14:03:22
Will in Chicago on 07/11/2013 14:03:22
Good morning, bloggers!!
We do need to move towards a sustainable future -- in terms of energy, economics and our approach to life in general.
As for myself, busy with odd jobs (babysitting, helping an old friend out) and job hunting. No responses but there is time.
We do need to move towards a sustainable future -- in terms of energy, economics and our approach to life in general.
As for myself, busy with odd jobs (babysitting, helping an old friend out) and job hunting. No responses but there is time.
Comment by Raine on 07/11/2013 14:08:44
Raine on 07/11/2013 14:08:44
I'm really getting tired of Plane talk on the SMS-- Ilm disappointed that we have been listening to now three days of this and not a peep about what happened in Quebec.
Comment by 
TriSec on 07/11/2013 14:14:40
TriSec on 07/11/2013 14:14:40
Morning, comrades.
Raine....plane crashes in a US Media Center are sexy.
Train wrecks in a Canadian village (That speaks FRENCH, no less), are not.
Raine....plane crashes in a US Media Center are sexy.
Train wrecks in a Canadian village (That speaks FRENCH, no less), are not.
Comment by Mondobubba on 07/11/2013 14:25:37
More specifically the train wreck was in furrin country, where as Tri pointed out they speak French in that part of the country.
Personally I think the train wreck is a much bigger tragedy.
Mondobubba on 07/11/2013 14:25:37
Quote by TriSec:
Morning, comrades.
Raine....plane crashes in a US Media Center are sexy.
Train wrecks in a Canadian village (That speaks FRENCH, no less), are not.
More specifically the train wreck was in furrin country, where as Tri pointed out they speak French in that part of the country.
Personally I think the train wreck is a much bigger tragedy.
Comment by wickedpam on 07/11/2013 14:25:40
wickedpam on 07/11/2013 14:25:40
Did they just reference Sharknado?
Comment by TriSec on 07/11/2013 14:36:26
TriSec on 07/11/2013 14:36:26
And about today's blog....I'm seeing more and more "one-off" windmills popping up around these parts.
Out where I am, a private school put one up on their own. The school gets all their power from it, and they cell the excess on to Worcester.
The Wal-Mart here, of all places, has small turbines atop all the light towers in their parking lot, but I have no further details about that.
But then again, our sainted Senator Kennedy was the biggest NIMBY over Cape WInd, so your mileage may vary.
I'll refer to solar again - another Kennedy (RFK, Jr.) has repeatedly stated that there is enough potential in the Southwest to power the entire United States.....but there's a transport issue. There isn't enough capacity to get that energy to the coasts where it is needed.
Meh. Why haven't we discovered Dilithium Crystals yet?
Out where I am, a private school put one up on their own. The school gets all their power from it, and they cell the excess on to Worcester.
The Wal-Mart here, of all places, has small turbines atop all the light towers in their parking lot, but I have no further details about that.
But then again, our sainted Senator Kennedy was the biggest NIMBY over Cape WInd, so your mileage may vary.
I'll refer to solar again - another Kennedy (RFK, Jr.) has repeatedly stated that there is enough potential in the Southwest to power the entire United States.....but there's a transport issue. There isn't enough capacity to get that energy to the coasts where it is needed.
Meh. Why haven't we discovered Dilithium Crystals yet?
Comment by 
Scoopster on 07/11/2013 14:39:23
Scoopster on 07/11/2013 14:39:23
Mornin' all..
So umm.. I'm really flippin' annoyed right now. Why you ask?
Well, here's a news article from Russia: FEMA & Russian Emergency Ministry to work together on threats & response to space debris and climate change
And here's what some conspiracy nut-driven rag in the EU turned it into (and which was picked up by Glenn Beck's trash website and echoed): Obama "requests" 15K troops from Russia for "upcoming disaster" in Washington DC area.
So umm.. I'm really flippin' annoyed right now. Why you ask?
Well, here's a news article from Russia: FEMA & Russian Emergency Ministry to work together on threats & response to space debris and climate change
And here's what some conspiracy nut-driven rag in the EU turned it into (and which was picked up by Glenn Beck's trash website and echoed): Obama "requests" 15K troops from Russia for "upcoming disaster" in Washington DC area.
Comment by Scoopster on 07/11/2013 14:43:45
Scoopster on 07/11/2013 14:43:45
It's this kinda shitty propaganda and conspiracy-driven "journalism", and the constantly-growing gaggle of internet morons who ACTUALLY BELIEVE THIS FARCICAL BULLSHIT that make me sometimes think that Ted Kosczynski was RIGHT when he mused that technology was the downfall of civilization.
Oh yeah.. and one of those morons is my brother. He's constantly harping about the fucking Rothschilds and George Soros and Obama now, which he NEVER did before.
Oh yeah.. and one of those morons is my brother. He's constantly harping about the fucking Rothschilds and George Soros and Obama now, which he NEVER did before.
Comment by Mondobubba on 07/11/2013 14:49:09
Given that RFK Jr is anti-vaxx conspiracy bat shit crazy moonbat, I tend to discount anything that comes out of his mouth. But that is just me.
Remember dilithium crystals are the focus for the matrix of the Cochran warp drive. It is still powered by a matter-antimatter reaction. Just sayin.
Mondobubba on 07/11/2013 14:49:09
Quote by TriSec:
And about today's blog....I'm seeing more and more "one-off" windmills popping up around these parts.
Out where I am, a private school put one up on their own. The school gets all their power from it, and they cell the excess on to Worcester.
The Wal-Mart here, of all places, has small turbines atop all the light towers in their parking lot, but I have no further details about that.
But then again, our sainted Senator Kennedy was the biggest NIMBY over Cape WInd, so your mileage may vary.
I'll refer to solar again - another Kennedy (RFK, Jr.) has repeatedly stated that there is enough potential in the Southwest to power the entire United States.....but there's a transport issue. There isn't enough capacity to get that energy to the coasts where it is needed.
Meh. Why haven't we discovered Dilithium Crystals yet?
Given that RFK Jr is anti-vaxx conspiracy bat shit crazy moonbat, I tend to discount anything that comes out of his mouth. But that is just me.
Remember dilithium crystals are the focus for the matrix of the Cochran warp drive. It is still powered by a matter-antimatter reaction. Just sayin.
Comment by Raine on 07/11/2013 14:49:40
No one is talking about the environmental impacts.
Much of that fuel is/was pouring into the Chaudière River and the nearby lake. -- and as far a foriegn It's my understanding that those water flow into the St. Lawrence river.
I know you guys are sympathetic to the issue, I'm not calling you out. This train explosion was more than an explosion, it is that crap is flowing into the water, and no one seems to know what kind of fuel it was.
Raine on 07/11/2013 14:49:40
Quote by Mondobubba:Quote by TriSec:
Morning, comrades.
Raine....plane crashes in a US Media Center are sexy.
Train wrecks in a Canadian village (That speaks FRENCH, no less), are not.
More specifically the train wreck was in furrin country, where as Tri pointed out they speak French in that part of the country.
Personally I think the train wreck is a much bigger tragedy.
Much of that fuel is/was pouring into the Chaudière River and the nearby lake. -- and as far a foriegn It's my understanding that those water flow into the St. Lawrence river.
I know you guys are sympathetic to the issue, I'm not calling you out. This train explosion was more than an explosion, it is that crap is flowing into the water, and no one seems to know what kind of fuel it was.
MMA Railway has said little about the kind of oil the train was hauling. On Monday, the company confirmed it was shale crude oil extracted through fracking from North Dakota's Bakken shale development, and that the oil was being transported to Irving Oil's plant in Saint John, New Brunswick.
But Steven Guilbault, the co-founder and senior director of the not-for-profit group Equiterre says there are many kinds of shale oil, and a lot remains unknown.
(snip)
Quebec estimates 100,000 litres of oil spilled into the nearby Chaudière River and Lac Megantic. If the oil was light crude, it would mostly float, so it would be easier to remove from waterways, although it could still contaminate the water for drinking.
If it was heavy oil, the bitumen would sink down to the riverbed, making the cleanup more difficult. Heavy oil also raises the chance of severe fish and vegetation damage.
Quebec’s environment minister has said the spill has been contained to a 100-kilometre radius in the Chaudiere. While it has been contained, there is still concern for the many villages and towns nearby that get their drinkable water from the river.
Comment by Raine on 07/11/2013 14:51:14
It's the new shiny toy!
Raine on 07/11/2013 14:51:14
Quote by wickedpam:
Did they just reference Sharknado?
Comment by Raine on 07/11/2013 14:53:05
The fuck.
This shit is really pissing me off -- Ths tinfoil crap is now being embraced by fucking elected representatives.
Raine on 07/11/2013 14:53:05
Quote by Scoopster:
Mornin' all..
So umm.. I'm really flippin' annoyed right now. Why you ask?
Well, here's a news article from Russia: FEMA & Russian Emergency Ministry to work together on threats & response to space debris and climate change
And here's what some conspiracy nut-driven rag in the EU turned it into (and which was picked up by Glenn Beck's trash website and echoed): Obama "requests" 15K troops from Russia for "upcoming disaster" in Washington DC area.
This shit is really pissing me off -- Ths tinfoil crap is now being embraced by fucking elected representatives.
Comment by Mondobubba on 07/11/2013 14:55:00
See far more worse.
Mondobubba on 07/11/2013 14:55:00
Quote by Raine:No one is talking about the environmental impacts.Quote by Mondobubba:Quote by TriSec:
Morning, comrades.
Raine....plane crashes in a US Media Center are sexy.
Train wrecks in a Canadian village (That speaks FRENCH, no less), are not.
More specifically the train wreck was in furrin country, where as Tri pointed out they speak French in that part of the country.
Personally I think the train wreck is a much bigger tragedy.
Much of that fuel is/was pouring into the Chaudière River and the nearby lake. -- and as far a foriegn It's my understanding that those water flow into the St. Lawrence river.
I know you guys are sympathetic to the issue, I'm not calling you out. This train explosion was more than an explosion, it is that crap is flowing into the water, and no one seems to know what kind of fuel it was.MMA Railway has said little about the kind of oil the train was hauling. On Monday, the company confirmed it was shale crude oil extracted through fracking from North Dakota's Bakken shale development, and that the oil was being transported to Irving Oil's plant in Saint John, New Brunswick.
But Steven Guilbault, the co-founder and senior director of the not-for-profit group Equiterre says there are many kinds of shale oil, and a lot remains unknown.
(snip)
Quebec estimates 100,000 litres of oil spilled into the nearby Chaudière River and Lac Megantic. If the oil was light crude, it would mostly float, so it would be easier to remove from waterways, although it could still contaminate the water for drinking.
If it was heavy oil, the bitumen would sink down to the riverbed, making the cleanup more difficult. Heavy oil also raises the chance of severe fish and vegetation damage.
Quebec’s environment minister has said the spill has been contained to a 100-kilometre radius in the Chaudiere. While it has been contained, there is still concern for the many villages and towns nearby that get their drinkable water from the river.
See far more worse.
Comment by BobR on 07/11/2013 14:55:16
Wal-Mart is also putting solar panels on top of their stores. Is it to "do the right thing", or to save on energy costs? Maybe both... but I'm still not shopping there.
BobR on 07/11/2013 14:55:16
Quote by TriSec:
And about today's blog....I'm seeing more and more "one-off" windmills popping up around these parts.
Out where I am, a private school put one up on their own. The school gets all their power from it, and they cell the excess on to Worcester.
The Wal-Mart here, of all places, has small turbines atop all the light towers in their parking lot, but I have no further details about that.
But then again, our sainted Senator Kennedy was the biggest NIMBY over Cape WInd, so your mileage may vary.
I'll refer to solar again - another Kennedy (RFK, Jr.) has repeatedly stated that there is enough potential in the Southwest to power the entire United States.....but there's a transport issue. There isn't enough capacity to get that energy to the coasts where it is needed.
Meh. Why haven't we discovered Dilithium Crystals yet?
Wal-Mart is also putting solar panels on top of their stores. Is it to "do the right thing", or to save on energy costs? Maybe both... but I'm still not shopping there.
Comment by BobR on 07/11/2013 14:57:59
This goes back to the "infrastructure" improvements that we've all been harping about since the crash of 2008. It would create jobs and allow us to get off of polluting energy generation. It's a win-win.
Oh yeah - I mentioned the problem with that and Republicans and their hatred forthis country President Obama in my blog.
BobR on 07/11/2013 14:57:59
Quote by TriSec:
I'll refer to solar again - another Kennedy (RFK, Jr.) has repeatedly stated that there is enough potential in the Southwest to power the entire United States.....but there's a transport issue. There isn't enough capacity to get that energy to the coasts where it is needed.
This goes back to the "infrastructure" improvements that we've all been harping about since the crash of 2008. It would create jobs and allow us to get off of polluting energy generation. It's a win-win.
Oh yeah - I mentioned the problem with that and Republicans and their hatred for
Comment by Mondobubba on 07/11/2013 14:59:39
It is just "green washing." They are still dicks. Just look at their actions vis a vie the DC living wage law.
Mondobubba on 07/11/2013 14:59:39
Quote by BobR:Quote by TriSec:
And about today's blog....I'm seeing more and more "one-off" windmills popping up around these parts.
Out where I am, a private school put one up on their own. The school gets all their power from it, and they cell the excess on to Worcester.
The Wal-Mart here, of all places, has small turbines atop all the light towers in their parking lot, but I have no further details about that.
But then again, our sainted Senator Kennedy was the biggest NIMBY over Cape WInd, so your mileage may vary.
I'll refer to solar again - another Kennedy (RFK, Jr.) has repeatedly stated that there is enough potential in the Southwest to power the entire United States.....but there's a transport issue. There isn't enough capacity to get that energy to the coasts where it is needed.
Meh. Why haven't we discovered Dilithium Crystals yet?
Wal-Mart is also putting solar panels on top of their stores. Is it to "do the right thing", or to save on energy costs? Maybe both... but I'm still not shopping there.
It is just "green washing." They are still dicks. Just look at their actions vis a vie the DC living wage law.
Comment by Will in Chicago on 07/11/2013 15:13:05
Mondo, Wal-Mart of Borg is all about profit and power. I think even the Ferengi would call them too greedy.
Will in Chicago on 07/11/2013 15:13:05
Quote by Mondobubba:Quote by BobR:Quote by TriSec:
And about today's blog....I'm seeing more and more "one-off" windmills popping up around these parts.
Out where I am, a private school put one up on their own. The school gets all their power from it, and they cell the excess on to Worcester.
The Wal-Mart here, of all places, has small turbines atop all the light towers in their parking lot, but I have no further details about that.
But then again, our sainted Senator Kennedy was the biggest NIMBY over Cape WInd, so your mileage may vary.
I'll refer to solar again - another Kennedy (RFK, Jr.) has repeatedly stated that there is enough potential in the Southwest to power the entire United States.....but there's a transport issue. There isn't enough capacity to get that energy to the coasts where it is needed.
Meh. Why haven't we discovered Dilithium Crystals yet?
Wal-Mart is also putting solar panels on top of their stores. Is it to "do the right thing", or to save on energy costs? Maybe both... but I'm still not shopping there.
It is just "green washing." They are still dicks. Just look at their actions vis a vie the DC living wage law.
Mondo, Wal-Mart of Borg is all about profit and power. I think even the Ferengi would call them too greedy.
Comment by Scoopster on 07/11/2013 15:17:38
Scoopster on 07/11/2013 15:17:38
Comment by Mondobubba on 07/11/2013 15:17:48
Mondobubba on 07/11/2013 15:17:48
NO, NO, NO! A THOUSAND TIMES NO! DO NOT GIVE JENNY FUCKING MCCARTHY THE VIEW JOB! NO! She is the worst anti-vax moonbat of all fucking time!
Comment by Mondobubba on 07/11/2013 15:19:57
Mondobubba on 07/11/2013 15:19:57
Comment by Raine on 07/11/2013 15:21:09
The Mayor has indicated that he would veto a living wage law. POS.
Raine on 07/11/2013 15:21:09
It is just "green washing." They are still dicks. Just look at their actions vis a vie the DC living wage law.
Comment by wickedpam on 07/11/2013 15:29:16
I just had a flashback
wickedpam on 07/11/2013 15:29:16
Quote by Mondobubba:
I just had a flashback
Comment by Raine on 07/11/2013 15:34:04
Raine on 07/11/2013 15:34:04
Speaking of the DC living wage bill -- the City council passed it. and fairly gave a big FU to Walmart:
D.C. lawmakers gave final approval Wednesday to a bill requiring certain large retailers to pay their employees a 50 percent premium over the city’s minimum wage, a day after Wal-Mart warned the law would jeopardize their plans in the city.
The retail giant on Tuesday linked the future of at least three planned stores in the District to the proposal. But the ultimatum did not change any legislators’ minds. The 8-5 vote, which came after a hour-long debate in a packed council chamber, matched the outcome of an earlier vote on the matter.
“The question here is a living wage; it’s not whether Wal-Mart comes or stays,†said Vincent Orange (D-At Large), a lead backer of the legislation who added the city did not need to kowtow to threats: “We’re at a point where we don’t need retailers. Retailers need us.â€
Comment by Raine on 07/11/2013 15:43:14
Raine on 07/11/2013 15:43:14
That is wonderful!
Comment by Raine on 07/11/2013 16:08:49
Raine on 07/11/2013 16:08:49
I swear Ed has more time off than Randi lately.
Comment by wickedpam on 07/11/2013 16:15:24
you know I'm actually kind of pissed that Randi is planning on leaving the country and moving to Costa Rica (at least that's what she keeps teasing)
wickedpam on 07/11/2013 16:15:24
Quote by Raine:
I swear Ed has more time off than Randi lately.
you know I'm actually kind of pissed that Randi is planning on leaving the country and moving to Costa Rica (at least that's what she keeps teasing)
Comment by 
livingonli on 07/11/2013 16:27:32
livingonli on 07/11/2013 16:27:32
Good day, folks. With all the politicians going tinfoil, sometimes I feel technology is making us dumber.
Comment by TriSec on 07/11/2013 17:14:04
TriSec on 07/11/2013 17:14:04
Say, did you all hear about the cow that drank blue ink?
It Mood Indigo.
It Mood Indigo.
Comment by TriSec on 07/11/2013 17:27:53
TriSec on 07/11/2013 17:27:53
harrumph. my turn on the phones today. I'm an old customer service guy, but Mondo really does this all day?
Dear users:
When we physically mail you a letter with a "User name" and a "Password" already assigned, that does not mean it's your email, or your nickname, or your company name with your initials.
WE MAILED IT TO YOU. Use that one, please.
Dear users:
When we physically mail you a letter with a "User name" and a "Password" already assigned, that does not mean it's your email, or your nickname, or your company name with your initials.
WE MAILED IT TO YOU. Use that one, please.
Comment by Raine on 07/11/2013 17:31:08
She's been talking about that for years. I hope she doesn't follow through to be honest -- it's selfish really, I like her radio show.
Raine on 07/11/2013 17:31:08
Quote by wickedpam:Quote by Raine:
I swear Ed has more time off than Randi lately.
you know I'm actually kind of pissed that Randi is planning on leaving the country and moving to Costa Rica (at least that's what she keeps teasing)
Comment by BobR on 07/11/2013 17:31:23
BobR on 07/11/2013 17:31:23
Quote by TriSec:
Say, did you all hear about the cow that drank blue ink?
It Mood Indigo.
Comment by Raine on 07/11/2013 17:32:26
Raine on 07/11/2013 17:32:26
Living wages making more waves here in DC:
Workers from two Smithsonian Institution museum eateries staged a one-day strike calling for the federally funded museums to ensure they are paid a "living wage."
The employees walked off their jobs and marched from the National Air and Space Museum to the Smithsonian Castle at 10 a.m. Thursday.
Comment by Will in Chicago on 07/11/2013 17:32:37
TriSec, that was an udder catastrophe.
Will in Chicago on 07/11/2013 17:32:37
Quote by TriSec:
Say, did you all hear about the cow that drank blue ink?
It Mood Indigo.
TriSec, that was an udder catastrophe.
Comment by Scoopster on 07/11/2013 17:38:02
Yeah he's really trying to milk attention from us..
Scoopster on 07/11/2013 17:38:02
Quote by Will in Chicago:Quote by TriSec:
Say, did you all hear about the cow that drank blue ink?
It Mood Indigo.
TriSec, that was an udder catastrophe.
Yeah he's really trying to milk attention from us..
Comment by livingonli on 07/11/2013 17:47:57
I think she says it more as a joke than anything. At least it sounds like she's joking on that.
livingonli on 07/11/2013 17:47:57
Quote by Raine:She's been talking about that for years. I hope she doesn't follow through to be honest -- it's selfish really, I like her radio show.Quote by wickedpam:Quote by Raine:
I swear Ed has more time off than Randi lately.
you know I'm actually kind of pissed that Randi is planning on leaving the country and moving to Costa Rica (at least that's what she keeps teasing)
I think she says it more as a joke than anything. At least it sounds like she's joking on that.
Comment by Raine on 07/11/2013 18:03:29
Raine on 07/11/2013 18:03:29
Just watched the first 15 minutes of the Prosecutions closing arguments -- they came out swinging. I was hoping they would -- zimmerman needs to be taken off the streets for a long time. He's a menace.
Comment by Raine on 07/11/2013 18:07:33
look, tri's no laughing stock, but I've got no beef with him.
Raine on 07/11/2013 18:07:33
Quote by Scoopster:Quote by Will in Chicago:Quote by TriSec:
Say, did you all hear about the cow that drank blue ink?
It Mood Indigo.
TriSec, that was an udder catastrophe.
Yeah he's really trying to milk attention from us..
Comment by wickedpam on 07/11/2013 18:09:04
hope so
wickedpam on 07/11/2013 18:09:04
Quote by livingonli:Quote by Raine:She's been talking about that for years. I hope she doesn't follow through to be honest -- it's selfish really, I like her radio show.Quote by wickedpam:Quote by Raine:
I swear Ed has more time off than Randi lately.
you know I'm actually kind of pissed that Randi is planning on leaving the country and moving to Costa Rica (at least that's what she keeps teasing)
I think she says it more as a joke than anything. At least it sounds like she's joking on that.
hope so
Comment by Mondobubba on 07/11/2013 18:13:14
Welcome to my world, Tri.
Mondobubba on 07/11/2013 18:13:14
Quote by TriSec:
harrumph. my turn on the phones today. I'm an old customer service guy, but Mondo really does this all day?
Dear users:
When we physically mail you a letter with a "User name" and a "Password" already assigned, that does not mean it's your email, or your nickname, or your company name with your initials.
WE MAILED IT TO YOU. Use that one, please.
Welcome to my world, Tri.
Comment by Raine on 07/11/2013 18:20:43
What? No one liked my mooving de-fence of Tri? I was just trying to free him so he could go to the calf-ateria for lunch.
Raine on 07/11/2013 18:20:43
Quote by Raine:look, tri's no laughing stock, but I've got no beef with him.Quote by Scoopster:Quote by Will in Chicago:Quote by TriSec:
Say, did you all hear about the cow that drank blue ink?
It Mood Indigo.
TriSec, that was an udder catastrophe.
Yeah he's really trying to milk attention from us..
What? No one liked my mooving de-fence of Tri? I was just trying to free him so he could go to the calf-ateria for lunch.
Comment by Raine on 07/11/2013 18:21:09
What? No one liked my mooving de-fence of Tri? I was just trying to free him so he could go to the calf-ateria for lunch.
Raine on 07/11/2013 18:21:09
Quote by Raine:look, tri's no laughing stock, but I've got no beef with him.Quote by Scoopster:Quote by Will in Chicago:Quote by TriSec:
Say, did you all hear about the cow that drank blue ink?
It Mood Indigo.
TriSec, that was an udder catastrophe.
Yeah he's really trying to milk attention from us..
What? No one liked my mooving de-fence of Tri? I was just trying to free him so he could go to the calf-ateria for lunch.
Comment by Scoopster on 07/11/2013 18:23:21
Scoopster on 07/11/2013 18:23:21
Well now, we've certainly beaten that cow.. err.. horse to death. 
Comment by Scoopster on 07/11/2013 18:23:39
Scoopster on 07/11/2013 18:23:39
HOLY DOUBLE POSTS!
Edit: In case you've been paying attention to one of the many other media circuses today, here's an update on the re-opened Filibuster Reform debate.
Edit: In case you've been paying attention to one of the many other media circuses today, here's an update on the re-opened Filibuster Reform debate.