The earth is the center of the universe. (hubris)
The earth is flat. (lack of knowledge)
Humans can not cause global warming. (lack of information/lack of knowledge/hubris)
These are the rules to live by when, despite evidence to the contrary, the antiquated views rule.
If someone were being treated for a serious illness, and spoke to several specialists, and that person received a resounding echo of the treatment necessary, it would be obvious to follow that advice. Even though that person may deny the sickness and fear the consequences, the treatment is still necessary.
When contemplating the solution to global warming, perhaps a similar approach should be excersiced. Resoundingly, the experts agree: manmade emissions of CO2 are resulting in global warming, the solution is to reduce the rate of emission. There will be consequences, an uncomfortable period of transition, and recovery. In the end everyone will be better off.
Thursday, May 31, 2007
Monday, May 21, 2007
$3.59/gallon!!!
Chicago has highest gas prices in U.S.
The Associated Press
Published May 21, 2007, 5:50 AM CDT
Chicago now has the highest gasoline prices in the nation, according to a nationwide survey released Sunday.The average price of self-serve regular gasoline hit a record high of $3.18, rising more than 11 cents over the past two weeks, according to the survey. But Chicago came out tops at $3.59 a gallon.The latest national average figure topped the record of $3.07 set two weeks ago, which had been the highest price since the average cost of a gallon of gas hit $3.03 on Aug. 11, 2006, according to the Lundberg Survey of 7,000 gas stations across the country.The latest price also beat the previous inflation-adjusted record of $3.15 per gallon in March 1981.In the latest survey, a gallon of mid-grade gasoline averaged $3.29, and premium cost $3.40.The lowest average price for regular fuel was $2.87 in Charleston, S.C.In California, regular grade gasoline dropped 2 cents to $3.41.
The Associated Press
Published May 21, 2007, 5:50 AM CDT
Chicago now has the highest gasoline prices in the nation, according to a nationwide survey released Sunday.The average price of self-serve regular gasoline hit a record high of $3.18, rising more than 11 cents over the past two weeks, according to the survey. But Chicago came out tops at $3.59 a gallon.The latest national average figure topped the record of $3.07 set two weeks ago, which had been the highest price since the average cost of a gallon of gas hit $3.03 on Aug. 11, 2006, according to the Lundberg Survey of 7,000 gas stations across the country.The latest price also beat the previous inflation-adjusted record of $3.15 per gallon in March 1981.In the latest survey, a gallon of mid-grade gasoline averaged $3.29, and premium cost $3.40.The lowest average price for regular fuel was $2.87 in Charleston, S.C.In California, regular grade gasoline dropped 2 cents to $3.41.
Friday, May 18, 2007
National Bike to Work Week...Part II
I think that National Bike to Work Week is similar to Earth Day. A symbolic acknowledgement of what people "should" do. Putting a date on a calendar and declaring it significant does not really change peoples behavior.
Because I drive a hybrid, I did not realize too much savings over the week. Given the hybrid usually get 36-37mpg, that is equivalent to:
[100 miles per week / (36.5 miles/gallon)] x $3.49/gallon = $9.56 per week .
Compare the hybrid to my 1991 Chev 1/2 ton pickup, that is equivalent to:
[100 miles per week / (16 miles/gallon)] x $3.49/gallon = $21.81 per week .
Extrapolate that to an average month:
(52 weeks / 12 months) x Dollars Saved = Total Monthly Savings
Camry Hybrid = (52 weeks / 12 months) x $9.56 per week = $41.36 Saved / month
Silverado P/U = (52 weeks / 12 months) x $21.81 per week = $94.52 Saved / month
I often wonder why, in the face of high gas prices, people do not change their habits. This can be done simply by riding a bike (isn't there an obesity problem in this country?), buying a hybrid or more fuel efficient car, and/or taking public transportation. Granted, public transporation numbers are up as are hybrid sales, and I applaud those that are doing their part. The part that disappoints me is when people complain, yet do nothing. Specifically, complaining that oil company execs are making too much money. Do your part to make sure that the bike shop owners and hybrid car manufacturing execs "make too much money". In short, do not complain of the cost of fuel if you are unwilling to reduce your personal consumption of fuel. Maybe I am oversimplifying the issue...
As an additional fuel saving measure, I just mounted a Yakima SkyBox to the roof of my car to get the storage benefit of a minivan/crossover without paying the mileage penalty. Now I will be able to use my pickup less and less. Anyone can add a rooftop carrier to a fuel efficient car to obtain additional storage vs. buying a large vehicle.
Because I drive a hybrid, I did not realize too much savings over the week. Given the hybrid usually get 36-37mpg, that is equivalent to:
[100 miles per week / (36.5 miles/gallon)] x $3.49/gallon = $9.56 per week .
Compare the hybrid to my 1991 Chev 1/2 ton pickup, that is equivalent to:
[100 miles per week / (16 miles/gallon)] x $3.49/gallon = $21.81 per week .
Extrapolate that to an average month:
(52 weeks / 12 months) x Dollars Saved = Total Monthly Savings
Camry Hybrid = (52 weeks / 12 months) x $9.56 per week = $41.36 Saved / month
Silverado P/U = (52 weeks / 12 months) x $21.81 per week = $94.52 Saved / month
I often wonder why, in the face of high gas prices, people do not change their habits. This can be done simply by riding a bike (isn't there an obesity problem in this country?), buying a hybrid or more fuel efficient car, and/or taking public transportation. Granted, public transporation numbers are up as are hybrid sales, and I applaud those that are doing their part. The part that disappoints me is when people complain, yet do nothing. Specifically, complaining that oil company execs are making too much money. Do your part to make sure that the bike shop owners and hybrid car manufacturing execs "make too much money". In short, do not complain of the cost of fuel if you are unwilling to reduce your personal consumption of fuel. Maybe I am oversimplifying the issue...
As an additional fuel saving measure, I just mounted a Yakima SkyBox to the roof of my car to get the storage benefit of a minivan/crossover without paying the mileage penalty. Now I will be able to use my pickup less and less. Anyone can add a rooftop carrier to a fuel efficient car to obtain additional storage vs. buying a large vehicle.
National Bike to Work Week
This week was National Bike to Work Week and yesterday was National Bike to Work Day. I have gotten back into the mode of commuting to work. Right now, I am focusing on trying to reestablish a base level of fitness. I pedaled 100 miles last week after I ride home today this afternoon, I will have accomplished the same this week.
With the gasoline price extremes we are seeing currently, and the National Biking initiative, I was surprised to see at most two other cyclists in the 25 miles a day I ride. I should note that there is one rider that I see everyday included in my count of two.
As is common among cyclists, a rider will typically pass vehicles that are stopped at lights or stop signs along the space between the vehicle and curb. Yesterday, on National Bike to Work Day, a driver veered very close to the curb, cutting off the route to pass. While he was stopped I passed around the other side of his vehicle to avoid a right hook. I assumed that this driver was going to make an imminent right hand turn and was close to the curb for that reason. When I made the pass, his extended middle finger suggested that he closed that gap to prevent me from passing him.
Perhaps, when I am given the opportunity again, I will use the extended finger to grab onto, to help me stop my bike and have a conversation regarding driver/cycling safety. I do not want to be negative in pointing out this event. But, as my wife mentioned, you can carry your bike over your shoulder, and you can't do that with a car. When a car and bike collide, there is a clear loser - the cyclist.
With the gasoline price extremes we are seeing currently, and the National Biking initiative, I was surprised to see at most two other cyclists in the 25 miles a day I ride. I should note that there is one rider that I see everyday included in my count of two.
As is common among cyclists, a rider will typically pass vehicles that are stopped at lights or stop signs along the space between the vehicle and curb. Yesterday, on National Bike to Work Day, a driver veered very close to the curb, cutting off the route to pass. While he was stopped I passed around the other side of his vehicle to avoid a right hook. I assumed that this driver was going to make an imminent right hand turn and was close to the curb for that reason. When I made the pass, his extended middle finger suggested that he closed that gap to prevent me from passing him.
Perhaps, when I am given the opportunity again, I will use the extended finger to grab onto, to help me stop my bike and have a conversation regarding driver/cycling safety. I do not want to be negative in pointing out this event. But, as my wife mentioned, you can carry your bike over your shoulder, and you can't do that with a car. When a car and bike collide, there is a clear loser - the cyclist.
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