Thursday, May 22, 2008

Yes, Virginia, there IS an oil peak

This article in the WSJ shows that even the big boys are starting to give serious consideration to the coming (or now arrived?) effects of peak oil. The International Energy Agency is reviewing oil production rather than just projections of demand. So obviously they're no longer operating under the assumption that it's an unlimited supply. Whaddya know? Report due in November, but they're already downgrading former peak production figures from 116 million bbl./day (2030). Is this top-level acknowledgment that we've already peaked?

Tuesday, May 20, 2008

See Kilowatt Ours


Not available on Netflix!


Arrange for a community screening by visiting the Kilowatt Ours website.

55 minutes of inspiring, challenging information and exhortation to take action.

No more coal-fired power plants! Reduce consumption, increase efficiency, go renewable!

Wednesday, May 14, 2008

Green or Greenwash?

This laudable article on the Boston Globe's website rightfully directs critical attention at "green" marketing and so-called "green" products. Would you trust an advertiser with anything you hold dear? Just because they say it's a green product (whatever it is) doesn't make it true.

I've said it before, I'll doubtless say it again (partly because my memory is less than stellar): we will not buy our way out of the present global dilemma. Overconsumption, founded upon a willful disregard for known principles of ecology and sustainability, will ultimately lead to collapse; in our case, the collapse would likely be systemic and may well prove catastrophic.

Monday, May 12, 2008

Economic Stimulus = Progressive Funding

Very kind of Bushco to give us money to fund causes and campaigns opposed to his interests. And that's what I'm going to do with some of the "Economic Stimulus" money I got. I noticed that True Majority has put forth their request to membership for a share of the Bushco largesse. Opportunism? Of course! And a great opportunity it is. How often does your opponent so blatantly give you the means to help bring him down? I understand times are tough and the money may come in handy in many other ways; at least consider parting with a few bucks. $20 donations from a whole lot of people can be a helpful shot in the arm for some of these great organizations you already know and love and support.

May I suggest:

- MoveOn.org
- the environmental organization of your choice, such as:
NRDC (covering the legal angle)
The Nature Conservancy
Rainforest Action Network
to name a few
- Apollo Alliance (national Apollo moonshot-scale project to convert the economy from fossils to renewables)
- Progressive Democrats of America
- any state or national office candidate with (or without) a hope of defeating a right-wing or anti-environment or pro-Iraq War candidate

For candidate guidance, on environmental issues at least, visit the website of the League of Conservation Voters.

Saturday, May 03, 2008

Usury

What is the legal definition of usury? 'cause this sure seems like it ought to qualify: