Budweiser, fine wines, & mixed drinks
REPLACED WITH…
Home-made wine, beer, hard cider, & moonshine
One-family households
REPLACED WITH…
Extended-family or multi-family households (i.e. Grandma’s comin’ home…and so is Uncle Bob)
Divorce & re-marriage
REPLACED WITH…
Gritting it out (& hopefully working it out) with support of extended family
Clothes shopping
REPLACED WITH…
Hand-me-downs, mending, making
Not knowing (or barely knowing) your neighbors & little interaction with them
REPLACED WITH…
Intimately knowing your neighbors & relying on them for your survival
Terrorist threats (i.e. trying to grow commerce in an increasingly hostile global political climate)
REPLACED WITH…
Climate threats (i.e. trying to grow your food in an increasingly unpredictable physical climate)
Overweight & obese people
REPLACED WITH…
Malnutrition & “just enough”; lean & skinny people
"Most of the kids have a good laugh with the before/after comparison chart, and I laugh along with them. The contrasts between the present and (likely) future presented in the chart are striking to the point of unbelievability to them, and their reactions are honest and humorous: “So, Dr. Allen, where can I buy this mule I’ll need?”
But I also laugh with some sadness and a touch of fear; sadness that prudent suggestions to prepare for a difficult future are still regarded as a joke; and fear for a possibly much darker future I don’t think they yet comprehend -- a fear that we might not be able to pull this off"
What do you think?"NONE/LESS OF…
Cars & trucks
REPLACED WITH…
Bicycles, walking, electric... more
From the Lovington Leader by John Graham--Cap and trade legislation may be one of the biggest issues facing the oil and gas industry according to Dr. Daniel Fine, Associate of Policy, Strategy and Development at New Mexico Tech. He also serves on the New Mexico Center for Energy Policy which is hosting the presentation by former Shell Oil executive, John Hofmeister tonight.
“What is the purpose to cap and trade?” asks Fine. “Is the purpose to raise revenue? Is the purpose to lower CO2? Or both?” The bill (Waxman-Markey) coming out of the U.S. House of Representatives claims both purposes without a clear policy declaration.
The bill is now in the hands of the U.S. Senate.From the Lovington Leader by John Graham--Cap and trade legislation may be one of the... more
W.H. Graham for the Lovington Leader--Hobbs--Hard to believe. A veteran oil company executive who once headed a globe-girdling oil company is
Van Romero and John Hofmeister
Dr. Van Romero of New Mexico Tech, left, led an interactive question and comment session following the formal address of John Hofmeister, right.
calling for a new regulatory agency, the Federal Energy Resources Board - - FERB if you please.
But wait, there is method in his madness. For this new over-arching regulatory giant he would trade oversight authority of 26 legislative committees and 13 government agencies that have regulatory power over the U.S. energy business.
The byzantine regulatory complex would thus be reduced to one authority instead of the 39 that oil and gas producers, refiners, and marketers now face. Maybe he has something there.W.H. Graham for the Lovington Leader--Hobbs--Hard to believe. A veteran oil company... more
Silicon Valley investors are pointing to something called cleantech - alternative energy, more efficient power distribution and new ways to store electricity, all with minimal impact to the environment - as a candidate for the next boom.Silicon Valley investors are pointing to something called cleantech - alternative... more
Utility companies are racing to find alternative fuels to generate electricity, and one possible new source is also one of the oldest: burning wood.
The James River Power Station in Springfield, Mo., has been working with torrefied wood, which looks like dark sawdust. Torrefaction, also known as biochar, is a process of roasting wood chips in a large furnace, but not to the point of becoming charcoal.
Some consider burning torrefied wood a cleaner energy alternative to burning coal — which scientists say is responsible for more than one-third of the world's carbon dioxide emissions.
Coal and wood both give off carbon dioxide when burned, but the trees originally got their carbon from the atmosphere as they grew, so burning wood doesn't put new carbon dioxide into the air.
Torrefaction has been gaining momentum in Europe, and now American companies are experimenting with the process.Utility companies are racing to find alternative fuels to generate electricity, and... more
Without trying and, it follows, without activism, I stumbled across two simple devices in the space of a month that I'm surprised haven't received more attention in discussions of energy conservation.
One is a flashlight charged by a hand crank, selling for $2.93 at the Duane Reade across the street from me. The other was a solar powered desk lamp at IKEA, which, for $20 also included a donation to a non-profit organization. Otherwise, I assume it would have been cheaper.
Now, I'm sure I'm as naive as they come on topics like "Energy Policy," but why aren't these small-scale developments, and others like them, on everybody's lips? If we truly face an energy crisis that feeds into a climate crisis that feeds into an economic crisis, I would think that small-scale solutions like these would get more air time.
Of course, I get that the Chevy Volt, the Tesla, the Prius, etc. are more exciting, and have more news value. I understand that a Presidential candidate cuts a much better figure when standing in front of a graceful wind-turbine, poised on a hill top, than if posing with a crankable flashlight.
But I wonder if the real revolution in the way we meet our energy needs will come more rapidly and be more sustainable -- from a cultural perspective -- if it grows out of small efforts anyone can make. In that sense, a more appropriate "Cash for Clunkers" program might be one that allows people to trade in some their plug-in appliances for alternatively powered ones.
Would it kill me to crank up my phone in the morning, for example?
Now, I know the first barrier to acceptance of these devices is style. We’re talking about a crank, after all. Plus, the solar cell on my IKEA lamp, while clearly the result of thoughtful package design, is not anybody's idea of chic.
On the other hand, I have confidence in the American genius for design and high-concept art. We have oodles of talented people who could make these products attractive, trendy "must haves" that would coordinate with every possible taste.
So, I'm asking: What would it take to get alternatively powered devices and appliances into more American homes, to make them, in other words, the standard within a decade? I can't help thinking it would do more to help people understand the energy equation than 1,000 appearances by the President or Members of Congress on TV talk shows.
Yes, these appearances create buzz for new energy policies and emerging technologies. But sometimes, the most effective way to sell something is to put it directly into people's hands. A "cash for plug-ins" program might be one way to accomplish just that.Without trying and, it follows, without activism, I stumbled across two simple devices... more
The concept is simple…. use the sun to provide air movement which pushes turbines that create electricity and do it with a design that makes no impact on the quality of our air, water or soil…. what’s not to love?The concept is simple…. use the sun to provide air movement which pushes turbines... more
As the race for the tallest tower progresses, research into solar power design has created (perhaps for the first time) a need for height. The solar updraft tower – a combination of a solar chimney, greenhouse and wind turbine – was first presented in 1903 by Spanish Colonel Isidoro Cabanyes in the magazine La Energia Electrica. Due to magnitudes of economics, solar towers garnered little attention until the 1980s. The present energy crisis has fueled a resurgence of solar tower design.As the race for the tallest tower progresses, research into solar power design has... more
Here is how the tower works: the solar panels, a 120m2 mixture of mirrors and photovoltaics, track the sun throughout the year, reflect the energy of the sun to solar receptor at the top of the tower. Water passes through pipes at the top, and is heated enough to turn it into steam by the solar receptor, which in turn passes through a series of turbines to produce electricity.Here is how the tower works: the solar panels, a 120m2 mixture of mirrors and... more
Dish Solar Field R&D
The dish/engine solar field consists of a dish structure, the associated mirrors, and an engine at the focal point of the mirrored dish. Our R&D aims to support industry as it develops dish/Stirling systems for utility- and distributed-energy markets.
In the area of optical characterization and flux mapping, we use the Video Scanning Hartmann Optical Test (VSHOT) and a beam characterization system to support onsite or field measurements of concentrators for CSP systems. VSHOT is described more fully in the trough R&D section.Dish Solar Field R&D
The dish/engine solar field consists of a dish structure, the... more
Heliostats reflect and direct sunlight onto the receiver at the Solar Two power tower in California.
Credit: Sandia National Laboratories / PIX 06051
As part of its research program in concentrating solar power (CSP), the U.S Department of Energy (DOE) sponsors research and development (R&D) for power tower systems. For example, the DOE is working with Hamilton Sunstrand SLS Rocketdyne Corporation to fabricate and test a 200-megawatt molten-salt solar receiver panel for power tower technology.Power Tower Research and Development
Heliostats reflect and direct sunlight onto... more
Mirror Characterization and Testing
Low-cost, high-performance, durable advanced optical materials are needed to meet the demands of advanced system designs and achieve the cost and performance goals to commercialize CSP technologies. Our overall objective is to develop, validate, and aid the commercialization of advanced reflector systems that can dramatically reduce CSP costs.Mirror Characterization and Testing
Low-cost, high-performance, durable advanced... more
Society is straining to keep pace withenergy demands, expected to increase eightfold by 2050 as the world populationswells toward 12 billion. The moonjust may be the answer.Society is straining to keep pace withenergy demands, expected to increase eightfold... more
Researchers and space enthusiasts seehelium 3 as the perfect fuel source: extremely potent, nonpolluting, withvirtually no radioactive by-product. Proponents claim its the fuel ofthe 21st century.Researchers and space enthusiasts seehelium 3 as the perfect fuel source: extremely... more
We need to do something radical to help the oil crisis on the short term. We need a big idea. This is a big idea.We need to do something radical to help the oil crisis on the short term. We need a... more
The Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND) said it had blown up pipelines operated by the Anglo-Dutch giant Shell and Italian group Agip in a pre-dawn attack in the Bayelsa state.
MEND, the best equipped of a number of rebel groups operating in the restive southern oil hub, has claimed at least seven attacks since the government's amnesty offer on June 25.
The militants say are on a campaign to cripple the oil industry until their complaints of injustices and inequitable distribution of the oil wealth are answered.
Nigeria's oil unions on Wednesday urged oil workers to be more vigilant in their duty posts as militants stepped up violence in the volatile region despite a government amnesty. Both unions said they hoped a government amnesty offer to rebels in the region would "yield the desired results."
President Umaru Yar'Adua last month declared an unconditional pardon for armed groups who say they are fighting for a greater share of the country's oil wealth for the local people of the Niger Delta.
Although the amnesty offer remains open until October 4, the insurgence has persisted.
Militant attacks in the region have targeted Shell, Agip and the American group Chevron. Hundreds of workers in the oil industry and its support sectors have also been kidnapped.
This week MEND abducted six foreign workers -- two Russians, two Filipinos, a Ukranian and an Indian national -- crew members of a chemical tanker.
The Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND) claimed Wednesday that some of the armed youths who responded to the amnesty offer, have been arrested by a special joint military and police unit deployed in the region to quell the violence.
The violence in the Niger Delta has cost Nigeria hundreds of thousands of barrels of crude each day. Coupled with global crude price fluctuations, the toll on Nigeria's economy has been substantial.
The unrest has cut Nigeria's crude output by around 30 percent from around 2.6 million barrels per day in 2006 to 1.8 million now. Africa's most populous country relies on oil for more than 90 percent of its export earnings.
Lamido Sanusi, the central bank chief of Nigeria, the world's eighth oil exporter, on Tuesday said the country's foreign exchange reserves had plummeted by about 10 billion dollars in six months to 43.19 billion dollars as of last week.The Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND) said it had blown up... more
It’s great to see that people are starting to think about hybrid vehicles, but so far, they really haven’t been for me.
You know why?
Because for the most part, they have no...style.
The Prius?
If you look at it sideways, and squint, it looks more like a pepita than a car.
The Insight?
They say it’s stylish...but it looks like a Prius to me.
You know what I want?
I want someone to build the biggest, nastiest, most oversized hybrid the world has ever seen.
Something drenched with chrome, with seating for...many, and a convertible top; and maybe, if all my dreams come true: tail fins.
Something crazy.
Something ridiculous.
Something...American.
Well, guess what?
Somebody’s already gone out and had one built—and ironically, that somebody is Neil Young, Canadian.It’s great to see that people are starting to think about hybrid vehicles, but so... more
On May 11, 2009, PG&E informed the Mendocino coast of its decision to cancel plans for a pilot wave energy project, Mendocino WaveConnect near Fort Bragg, California.
The Mendocino coast is now encouraging PG&E to reconsider their decision to cancel Mendocino WaveConnect and suggests WaveConnect move the launch site to the waterfront Mill Site.
Background: PG&E canceled Mendocino WaveConnect based on the Noyo Harbor being too narrow and shallow. The Mendocino community agrees and asks PG&E WaveConnect to consider re-situating the wave energy equipment launch at the now defunct, empty, waterfront Mill Site in Soldier Bay. PG&E may easily develop and construct a state-of-the-art launch there, tailored specifically to their needs. The Mill Site is completely empty now, awaiting this development and establishment of Mendocino Energy...with Mendocino WaveConnect as the first project.
To learn more about our excellent solution and suggestion to PG&E, please read this article.On May 11, 2009, PG&E informed the Mendocino coast of its decision to cancel plans for... more
I help fight to save the world because I am a unity supporter and support environmentalism that doesn't include political created genocide, forcing relocation into government approved complexes, creating wars across the world to achieve the Georgia guide stones guidelines of reducing the worlds population, and I am truly going to stop the war between the environmentalists and the economists.
I have made plans on sustainable crops without GMO, I have made plans on sustainable clean fuels that don't require sacrificing the standards of American citizens, I even made plans on sustainable home generated electricity without requiring the sun, the wind, or the water which can harm salmon.
I am donating to bring my ideas to a reality that the current ways of trying to bill people, tax people, and oppress people for helping the environment does not work and will enslave us to the earth. We need a plan that will bring balance to both the Earth and us and bring a stop to unnecessary loss of American standards.
I donate to help the planet and humanity and fix the growing problems and biased debates.
Thats what will make me a worldwide hero, I will save humanity and planet earth at the same time.
Heres the plans already except I don't have the sustainable farms plans ready yet but are in the making and when they are done it will be published in the 2nd part of this article on current.
130 milliseconds of research purchased
1,308 grains of rice bought
2,106 ounces of CO2 removed
2,106 square feet of rainforest saved
10 calories of food bought
1,224 ounces of clean water bought
1,259 milliseconds of research time purchased
183 words in books written
2 condoms bought
34,826 milliseconds of peacekeeping bought
1 square inch of blanket provided
2,863 milligrams of teddy bear stuffing bought
and so I am helping the environment and trying to keep the peace as well because war pollutes too and can contribute to massive explosions of CO2 more then cars because bombs and weapons may be more powerful the the pollution of a car.
I am saving the environment without CO2 taxes and without loss of civil liberties or Standards of westerners.
Please people do not be fearful and please help me bring real change to environmental issues without extra taxes, without making the poor struggle more then they have during the Bush Administration. Please help me American people by giving me support and telling others about my plans to save America, and the world.
I will bring an end to the bloodshed, biased debates and wars if you follow me the planner of sustainable ideas and sustainable living.
I have more just these plans I'm showing you, I am so smart and knowledgeable I can bring help to the American people and create a new and better society then the fear mongering were in now.I help fight to save the world because I am a unity supporter and support... more
Happy Earth Day everyone! Today is all about highlighting what everyone can do in their daily life to help curb the global climate crisis. If anyone is not sure of what they can do, perhaps this family can help.
Introducing the Troast family, of Maine.
This family has been monitoring their energy consumption for months, but starting today, they will use the magical medium of Twitter to braodcast their family's daily energy consumption for any voyeurs wishing to take a peek.
Throughout the day, the family will twit when their energy uses experience any outstanding highs or lows. They will use an electricity monitoring device called The Energy Detective, which sends energy updates directly to the internet, and then they update what causes the high or low. For instance, recent twits showed the low energy consumption while the family was sleeping but a high when they were making toast and popcorn.
By doing this, they are showing that the average family of four in an average house can still reduce their energy use and become aware of exactly how their daily dealings affect their electricity rate. Father Peter Troast claims that just by being more aware of how much household appliances or activities cost in energy is the first step in making better decisions about a family's daily lifestyle. Since the recent start of the project, the Troasts have already cut their energy consumption by 15%.
So kudos to the Troast family! You can follow them on Twitter (@EnergyCircleKW) and see for yourself how they are doing!Happy Earth Day everyone! Today is all about highlighting what everyone can do in... more
