Energy Victory
While I haven’t been posting as often on PB lately, I have managed to keep my reading up. And I just returned a terrific book to the library: Energy Victory by Robert Zubrin. If you aren’t familiar with the man, Zubrin is a remarkably intelligent fellow who is adept at finding the simplest solution to problems in front of us. He might be most well known for his “Mars Direct” plan, which leveraged his experience as a aerospace engineer working at NASA to come up with a cleverly simple plan that could have put us on Mars in the 12 years that have passed since the book was published.
He’s now turned his intellect towards solving our energy dependence problem, and true to form he’s found a very simple, very elegant solution: mandating flex-fuel engines in all cars sold in the US. Doing so would add $100 (or less!) to the cost of every car produced, and result in a massive growth of cars able to run on alcohol fuels (ethanol and methanol). Alcohol fuels that can be generated with agricultural byproducts, at less cost than gasoline.
His sales pitch is primarily concerned with wresting ourselves free of OPEC, and specifically the House of Saud; the lack of such a divorce can be argued as the greatest failure of the War on Terror. He touches upon other reasons for switching to an alcohol economy, including addressing the real (but overblown) global warming problem. He also demolishes the “it takes more gas to make than you get in end product ethanol” myth. At times caustic (even annoyingly so), there are no sacred cows he’s not willing to take a pointed swipe at, “right” or “left.” He’s correct far more often than not, if a bit unconcerned with feathers he might ruffle.
It’s a great read, and he keeps the science detailed and accurate, yet accessible to people with a basic science education. I highly recommend it.
Obama Issues Stephanie Tubbs Jones Statement
Statement of Senator Barack Obama on Congresswoman Stephanie Tubbs Jones
CHICAGO, IL – Senator Barack Obama made the following statement regarding today’s news about Congresswoman Stephanie Tubbs Jones:
“Michelle and I are saddened to hear today’s news about Rep. Stephanie Tubbs Jones. She is a passionate and tireless advocate for the people of Cleveland and a devoted public servant for all Americans. We send our heartfelt prayers to Stephanie and her family at this very difficult time.”
Update: Second statement upon confirmation of the death of STJ
Sen. Obama on the Passing of Congresswoman Stephanie Tubbs Jones
CHICAGO – In response to the statement issued by the Cleveland Clinic this evening confirming the passing of Ohio Congresswoman Stephanie Tubbs Jones, Senator Barack Obama made the following statement:
“Michelle and I are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Congresswoman Stephanie Tubbs Jones. Stephanie was an extraordinary American and an outstanding public servant. It wasn’t enough for her just to break barriers in her own life. She was also determined to bring opportunity to all those who had been overlooked and left behind – and in Stephanie, they had a fearless friend and unyielding advocate. It was an honor to serve with Stephanie in Congress, and I know her legacy will live on in all those who walk the trails she blazed and walk through the doors she opened. Our hearts and prayers are with all those who knew and loved her,” said Senator Obama.
Preview of Giuliani Keynote Speech
Rudy Giuliani was named the keynote speaker at the GOP Convention today.
Here’s a preview of his speech…
Breaking: Stephanie Tubbs Jones Suffers Brain Aneurysm, Was Rumored Passed Away (Updatedx2)
Update 2: CNN reporting that she has NOT died. WTF? I’m seeing headlines change left and right. It must be a situation where she probably will not make it, but hasn’t officially passed away. Hopefully someone will get what really is happening soon.
Update: I’m hearing now that Tubbs Jones has passed away. Massive brain trauma and she was taken off life support this morning. Rumors of her demise appear to be true.
ht brewedfresh tweet, via PD:
CLEVELAND — Representatives for U.S. Rep. Stephanie Tubbs Jones are expected to update her condition around noon.
Her condition is believed to be serious and rumors are flying that she had died.
Her spokesman Joe Hewitt said “she has not passed.”
The update will come about 15 hours after Tubbs Jones is believed to have suffered a brain aneurysm while driving in Cleveland Heights. She was rushed to Huron Road Hospital Tuesday night.
Jonathan Alter Agrees: McCain Running Dishonorable Campaign
McCain’s campaign theme is that he puts the country first and Obama puts himself above his country. It’s understandable why this son and grandson of admirals–who has served his country in one way or another since he was 18-years-old, who has never been on a private payroll beyond that of his beer distributor father-in-law–would see himself as someone who puts “America first.” He has been a largely honorable public servant for 54 years, and it’s acceptable within the confines of sharp debate to portray his opponent as a self-regarding celebrity.
But when he resorts to these kinds of falsehoods, and casts such aspersions on his opponent’s patriotism, John McCain is no longer putting his country first. If he were, he would recognize that the interests of the nation require a relatively truthful campaign. To fulfill his image of himself, McCain should stop lying about his opponent. For a man with his claims to honor and integrity, that’s not too much to ask.
Nader Says Obama to Pick Clinton
I say Nader’s nuts:
Nader phoned into Politico Tuesday afternoon to offer his prediction that a surprise nod to Clinton is actually what Obama has in store—never mind the talk of mistrust between the Clintons and Obama.
I still say it’s Kaine, with a possible surprise in Sebelius. Still time to make your picks in the poll >>>
More Time for Mary Jo
If you are looking for reposted campaign press releases, then you’ve come to wrong place.
That doesn’t mean there isn’t a lot of good information coming out of the campaigns though. I get really good stuff almost every day- especially from the Kilroy camp - and I really wish I had the time to post about each one. Since I live in the 15th, I really feel like I should be writing more about that race in particular.
Not that Mary Jo really needs any help. She’s obviously the better candidate. She has great name recognition. And she’s way ahead in the one poll I’ve seen (though I did get called for another one last week- so I’m expecting some new results soon). Oh, and she isn’t a former bank lobbyist. So there’s that.
I know there are other blogs (Ohio15th for example) working to keep her message out there, but I still feel like I’m slacking bit.
And lately I’m getting reminded of it more and more.
Because now when I do close my laptop and finish feeding the babies and sit down to watch some TV, I end up seeing the latest Kilroy commercial (see below). I’ve seen it like ten times today on CNN and, I have to say, it’s pretty damn good.
Mary Jo should have put her daughters in her ads a long time ago. Also- the picture of her with her long hair is really quite endearing. Kind of reminds me of that picture of the Clintons- probably from the same year.
So anyway, I’m going to try to give Ms. Kilroy a little more attention- maybe a weekly summary of events at the very least, assuming I can’t get around to researching and writing something new.
In the mean time, enjoy the latest ad…
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