Thursday, July 31, 2008
The Great Escape
Someone has put up an interactive diagram on the web mapping out the details of the real life story featured in the 1960s film "The Great Escape" where 76 Allied airmen broke out of Nazi Germany prison camp Stalag 3. Pretty cool.
Still Good Times
A pair of Fed officials take a look at the American standard of living and find that things really aren't so bad after all. (Ht: Cafe Hayek)Since 1982, we have had only 16 months of recession, all the while living standards have improved.
We work less, produce and consume more than our ancestors and even the less advantaged among us have a material prosperity undreamed of just twenty five years ago. Think about CD/DVD players, plasma TV sets, cell phones, digital cameras and computers.
"All segments of society have shared in the material progress. Over the past two decades, ownership of cars, color televisions, and household appliances has risen among poor households (Fig. 2). A quarter of poor households have computers. Two in five own their homes. For many goods, ownership rates are higher for today’s poor households than for the general population of the early 1970s."
In addition, we live longer, have more leisure time, all while working conditions have improved (it's actually safer at work than at home now, statistically speaking)and we spend quite a bit less time working within the home as well.
Interesting stuff.
We work less, produce and consume more than our ancestors and even the less advantaged among us have a material prosperity undreamed of just twenty five years ago. Think about CD/DVD players, plasma TV sets, cell phones, digital cameras and computers.
"All segments of society have shared in the material progress. Over the past two decades, ownership of cars, color televisions, and household appliances has risen among poor households (Fig. 2). A quarter of poor households have computers. Two in five own their homes. For many goods, ownership rates are higher for today’s poor households than for the general population of the early 1970s."
In addition, we live longer, have more leisure time, all while working conditions have improved (it's actually safer at work than at home now, statistically speaking)and we spend quite a bit less time working within the home as well.
Interesting stuff.
Boston Legal Quotes
Alan: You and Jane Fonda?
Denny: Lest we forget Barbarella. Then she turned on me. Went red. They caught her in one of those communist bitch hunts.
Alan: I think you mean witch hunts.
Denny: No, I'm right on this one.
Denny: Lest we forget Barbarella. Then she turned on me. Went red. They caught her in one of those communist bitch hunts.
Alan: I think you mean witch hunts.
Denny: No, I'm right on this one.
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Solar System Definitions
Livescience sums up the main various classifications of heavenly bodies in the solar system with an article by Tariq Malik.
Planets are the (now) eight large bodies orbiting the Sun, having enough mass to be 'nearly' round, and having cleared its surrounding orbital path of other solar objects. The caveat surrounding the object formerly known as the planet Pluto is that last little requirement. However, some astronomers still object, as the author notes:
"Pluto, while round and orbiting the sun, is one of a swarm of so-called trans-Neptunian objects, small icy bodies in the comet reservoir of the Kuiper Belt that extends out from Neptune’s orbit, leading to its IAU demotion. But critics have said that asteroids can be found accompanying established planets like Earth, Mars and Jupiter, throwing a wrench in that requirement."
Dwarf planets are objects that meet just the first two criteria, meaning the object formerly known as the asteroid Ceres meets the new definiton, while the other object what were known as asteroids are now 'solar system bodies' which I find a rather inelegant and stupid term - at least compared to 'asteroids'. Some astronomers still call these object 'minor' planets, which was an earlier (if I recall correctly) term used for space rocks orbiting the Sun.
Then there are those dwarf planets that are also located out beyond Neptune (trans-Neptunian objects, TNOs) called 'plutoids'. This classification was created just this summer, apparently as a sop to those of us upset with the earlier demotion of Pluto. There are also a number of other 'non-official' names for some of these very distant objects, such as KBO (Kuiper Belt Objects) or EKO (Edgeworth-Kuiper Objects) both names referring to the same objects as TNOs but honoring astronomers theorizing the existence of such objects in the middle part of the last century before their actual discovery near the end of it.
Then there is the name 'plutino' which is an object which lies in orbital resonance with the planet Neptune - rather than Pluto, which is actually the first such object of which we were aware. Such objects orbit the Sun three times for every two orbits of Neptune, thus the classification refers to its orbit and not any physical characteristic.
And all this does is brush the subject - there are also cubewanos (objects near Pluto that aren't plutinos), Trojans (objects sort of like plutinos only orbiting in front of or behind the oribital path of Jupiter), SDOs (scattered disk objects, or those that aren't in the normal orbital plane that the planets and most objects circle the Sun), NEOs (near Earth asteroids), PHAs (potentially hazardous asteroids which could hit the Earth someday), and OCOs (Oort Cloud objects such as comets, and even further away than the TNO/KBOs).
More explanation on the more obscure of these terms are explained at Space.com
here.
Planets are the (now) eight large bodies orbiting the Sun, having enough mass to be 'nearly' round, and having cleared its surrounding orbital path of other solar objects. The caveat surrounding the object formerly known as the planet Pluto is that last little requirement. However, some astronomers still object, as the author notes:
"Pluto, while round and orbiting the sun, is one of a swarm of so-called trans-Neptunian objects, small icy bodies in the comet reservoir of the Kuiper Belt that extends out from Neptune’s orbit, leading to its IAU demotion. But critics have said that asteroids can be found accompanying established planets like Earth, Mars and Jupiter, throwing a wrench in that requirement."
Dwarf planets are objects that meet just the first two criteria, meaning the object formerly known as the asteroid Ceres meets the new definiton, while the other object what were known as asteroids are now 'solar system bodies' which I find a rather inelegant and stupid term - at least compared to 'asteroids'. Some astronomers still call these object 'minor' planets, which was an earlier (if I recall correctly) term used for space rocks orbiting the Sun.
Then there are those dwarf planets that are also located out beyond Neptune (trans-Neptunian objects, TNOs) called 'plutoids'. This classification was created just this summer, apparently as a sop to those of us upset with the earlier demotion of Pluto. There are also a number of other 'non-official' names for some of these very distant objects, such as KBO (Kuiper Belt Objects) or EKO (Edgeworth-Kuiper Objects) both names referring to the same objects as TNOs but honoring astronomers theorizing the existence of such objects in the middle part of the last century before their actual discovery near the end of it.
Then there is the name 'plutino' which is an object which lies in orbital resonance with the planet Neptune - rather than Pluto, which is actually the first such object of which we were aware. Such objects orbit the Sun three times for every two orbits of Neptune, thus the classification refers to its orbit and not any physical characteristic.
And all this does is brush the subject - there are also cubewanos (objects near Pluto that aren't plutinos), Trojans (objects sort of like plutinos only orbiting in front of or behind the oribital path of Jupiter), SDOs (scattered disk objects, or those that aren't in the normal orbital plane that the planets and most objects circle the Sun), NEOs (near Earth asteroids), PHAs (potentially hazardous asteroids which could hit the Earth someday), and OCOs (Oort Cloud objects such as comets, and even further away than the TNO/KBOs).
More explanation on the more obscure of these terms are explained at Space.com
here.
Boston Legal Quotes
Denny: Thank you, Alan, for coming with me.
Alan: I think friends should always encourage friends to get their heads examined.
Alan: I think friends should always encourage friends to get their heads examined.
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Ice Remained Even During Warmest Epoch
Livescience notes that even during the warmest period we can determine while life lived on Earth, during the Cretaceous Thermal Maximum 91 million years ago there was still an ice cap at the South Pole. During this period the temperature in tropical seas was up to 12 degrees Fahrenheit warmer than today. While there was still ice in the deep south, the northern arctic latitides were the home of heat loving crocodiles.
Monday, July 28, 2008
Boston Legal Quotes
Melissa: I will make sure you don't wig out and that's it.
Alan: I'm not sure the term 'wig out' has legal teeth.
Melissa: Mmm, but it is extremely xeroxable for all the partners' windshields.
Alan: I'm not sure the term 'wig out' has legal teeth.
Melissa: Mmm, but it is extremely xeroxable for all the partners' windshields.
Friday, July 25, 2008
Boston Legal Quotes
Brad: Do you know your briefcase is smoking?
Alan: Tis the season, Brad. Bubble, bubble, toil and trouble and so forth.
Brad: This is a law firm.
Alan: Thank you for that.
Alan: Tis the season, Brad. Bubble, bubble, toil and trouble and so forth.
Brad: This is a law firm.
Alan: Thank you for that.
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Sham Arguments Against US Energy Production
Peter Ferrara covers some of the seriously flawed thinking preventing the US from producing its own energy at the American Spectator. While France safely generates around 80% of its electrical power from nuclear power, the US only generates around 20% - and has not built a new nuclear power plant in almost 20 years due to regulatory delays and litigation brought forth by environmental groups. The last oil refinery built in the US was in 1976. The industry has reacted to an increasing regulatory and litigation burden by simply expanding the capacity of current plants, but this has been met with an ever increasing obstinance from pressure groups.
"BP is constructing a $3.8 billion expansion of its already existing Whiting refinery in that state. But the National Resources Defense Council (NRDC) has now brought suit against BP seeking an injunction against the expansion, and fines of $32,500 for each day construction has been under way. The NRDC is urging the court to adopt a new interpretation of state law that would require BP to get a new state permit first because with the expansion the refinery would supposedly discharge more "pollution" than the current state permit allows. If the NRDC has found a liberal enough judge, it may get its way, to the great detriment of the rest of us."
The there is the drilling for oil issue. It's argued in may take up to ten years for new wells to produce oil to market and effect current prices, but this argument is specious in the extreme. Simply by lifting the executive ban on offshore drilling, the spot price of oil fell almost 14%. Oil executives have also indicated new wells could begin production in as little as a year and a half to four years, and tapped wells off the West Coast could be in production in as little as a few months. All this potential increase in supply would have an effect on current prices IMMEDIATELY.
Another argument against Arctic production is that such oil may wind up in Japan or China rather than the US, but again such objections fall flat. There is a world market (and price) for oil, and if such Alaskan production winds up in foreign locales, it simply means it is more efficient and less costly to ship there rather than here, and frees up other supplies nearer home (such as Mexico or South America) for US consumption. Any additional supply of oil causes a decrease in the world price of oil.
"BP is constructing a $3.8 billion expansion of its already existing Whiting refinery in that state. But the National Resources Defense Council (NRDC) has now brought suit against BP seeking an injunction against the expansion, and fines of $32,500 for each day construction has been under way. The NRDC is urging the court to adopt a new interpretation of state law that would require BP to get a new state permit first because with the expansion the refinery would supposedly discharge more "pollution" than the current state permit allows. If the NRDC has found a liberal enough judge, it may get its way, to the great detriment of the rest of us."
The there is the drilling for oil issue. It's argued in may take up to ten years for new wells to produce oil to market and effect current prices, but this argument is specious in the extreme. Simply by lifting the executive ban on offshore drilling, the spot price of oil fell almost 14%. Oil executives have also indicated new wells could begin production in as little as a year and a half to four years, and tapped wells off the West Coast could be in production in as little as a few months. All this potential increase in supply would have an effect on current prices IMMEDIATELY.
Another argument against Arctic production is that such oil may wind up in Japan or China rather than the US, but again such objections fall flat. There is a world market (and price) for oil, and if such Alaskan production winds up in foreign locales, it simply means it is more efficient and less costly to ship there rather than here, and frees up other supplies nearer home (such as Mexico or South America) for US consumption. Any additional supply of oil causes a decrease in the world price of oil.
House Tries to Move Energy Legislation
Michael Franc over at NRO has a good piece on how a number of Congressional House members are taking action after beginning to feel the heat from their constituents over gas prices. A small but growing rebellion is underway against the wicked witch, Majority Leader Nancy Pelosi. House Republicans are attempting to execute a discharge petition on pro-drilling energy legislation, but need to pick up some of the more conservative Democrats' votes in the process. Franc explains the strategy:
"A discharge petition is a procedural way for disgruntled members to release a bill from legislative limbo and force the entire House to consider it. Should a majority of members (218) sign one, the legislation in question is “discharged” from the committee of jurisdiction and brought immediately to the floor, debated, and voted on. Short of actual floor votes, signing a discharge petition is the most powerful (and potentially meaningful) tool available to a besieged legislative minority.
Not surprisingly, discharge petitions rarely attract the required 218 signatures. House speakers and majority leaders view them the same way vampires view crosses. When members of the majority party sign one, it’s viewed as an act of betrayal worthy of harsh disciplinary measures and a guaranteed end to that member’s advancement in the House.
Quietly, in recent weeks House Republican leaders have adopted precisely this strategy. Rank-and-file Republicans have been filing one discharge petition per week (five thus far), demanding floor action on a far-reaching energy agenda."
The movement has attracted as many as 153 (including one Democratic) vote, with as many as 75-100 more members possible. This count has been tabulated by including members that have publicly supported more energy exploraiton legislation in the past, including as many as 40 Democrats. Let's hope at least one of these efforts succeeeds soon. At stake is an agenda that includes drilling in the ANWR, offshore, constructing new oil refinieries, and opening up unconventional oil sources such as oil shale and coal liquification.
"A discharge petition is a procedural way for disgruntled members to release a bill from legislative limbo and force the entire House to consider it. Should a majority of members (218) sign one, the legislation in question is “discharged” from the committee of jurisdiction and brought immediately to the floor, debated, and voted on. Short of actual floor votes, signing a discharge petition is the most powerful (and potentially meaningful) tool available to a besieged legislative minority.
Not surprisingly, discharge petitions rarely attract the required 218 signatures. House speakers and majority leaders view them the same way vampires view crosses. When members of the majority party sign one, it’s viewed as an act of betrayal worthy of harsh disciplinary measures and a guaranteed end to that member’s advancement in the House.
Quietly, in recent weeks House Republican leaders have adopted precisely this strategy. Rank-and-file Republicans have been filing one discharge petition per week (five thus far), demanding floor action on a far-reaching energy agenda."
The movement has attracted as many as 153 (including one Democratic) vote, with as many as 75-100 more members possible. This count has been tabulated by including members that have publicly supported more energy exploraiton legislation in the past, including as many as 40 Democrats. Let's hope at least one of these efforts succeeeds soon. At stake is an agenda that includes drilling in the ANWR, offshore, constructing new oil refinieries, and opening up unconventional oil sources such as oil shale and coal liquification.
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
New Look Husker Defense
As promised yesterday, I take a look at who's back with the Blackshirts (and Goldshirts as well). The improvement of the defense will be critical if NU will make a run for a bowl game this year, and was a deciding factor in the hiring of HC Bo Pelini.
NU returns all four starters in the line from a year ago, NT Ndamakong Suh, DT Ty Steinkuhler, Base DE Zach Potter and Open DE Barry Turner. All had their moments, both positive and negative last year, and improved and more consistent play in particular will be needed here for the Huskers to return to their traditional winning ways and go bowling. Potter at least appeared to get better as the season wore along last year, hopefully he will be a true impact end and Turner can return to the success he enjoyed three years ago when he earned All-American Frosh honors. 2nd teamers include seniors tackles Kevin Dixon and Shurkee Barfield, as well as senior converted LB Clayton Sievers and sophmore Pierre Allen at end.
At linebacker, the only player with significant playing time that returns is Mike LB Phil Dillard, who has slimmed down considerably from last year's the 270 lbs playing weight to around 235. Converted RB senior Cody Glenn get the nod at weakside, and fellow senior Tyler Wortman is listed first at the strongside 'Buck' position. Former FB (and former NE Wesleyan player) Junior Colton Koehler makes a somewhat surprise appearance backing up Dilliard, sophmore Blake Lawrence backs up Wortman and highly touted recruit Latravis Washington gets the nod behind Glenn. Depth is a concern up front in general and a lack of experience at LB may be a concern on the defensive unit. Both HC Bo and DC Carl Pelini certainly have their work cut out for them, as well as new LB coach Mike Ekeler.
The secondary returns two starters in LCB Armando Murillo and SS Larry Asante, with new starters RCB Anthony West and FS Ricky Thenarse also having some game experience, particularly on special teams. Sophs Eric Hagg and Prince Amukamara back up at corner, with Major Culbert and senior Matt O'Hanlon at safety. The loss of CB Anthony Blue to a knee injury hurts the depth at that position, it's been reported he may not be ready for the start of fall camp but that he could conceivably return in time for conference play. Amukamara appears to have the early lead in nickel situations.
On special teams, senior punters Dan Titchner and Jake Welsch return, along with soph place kickers Alex Henery and long FG and kicoff man Adi Kunalic. The kicking game should continue to be pretty solid. Speedy scat back Marcus Mendoza is likely to have an impact on the return game, as could WR Niles Paul and (possibly, it's a long shot) athletic frosh WR Tim Marlowe.
NU returns all four starters in the line from a year ago, NT Ndamakong Suh, DT Ty Steinkuhler, Base DE Zach Potter and Open DE Barry Turner. All had their moments, both positive and negative last year, and improved and more consistent play in particular will be needed here for the Huskers to return to their traditional winning ways and go bowling. Potter at least appeared to get better as the season wore along last year, hopefully he will be a true impact end and Turner can return to the success he enjoyed three years ago when he earned All-American Frosh honors. 2nd teamers include seniors tackles Kevin Dixon and Shurkee Barfield, as well as senior converted LB Clayton Sievers and sophmore Pierre Allen at end.
At linebacker, the only player with significant playing time that returns is Mike LB Phil Dillard, who has slimmed down considerably from last year's the 270 lbs playing weight to around 235. Converted RB senior Cody Glenn get the nod at weakside, and fellow senior Tyler Wortman is listed first at the strongside 'Buck' position. Former FB (and former NE Wesleyan player) Junior Colton Koehler makes a somewhat surprise appearance backing up Dilliard, sophmore Blake Lawrence backs up Wortman and highly touted recruit Latravis Washington gets the nod behind Glenn. Depth is a concern up front in general and a lack of experience at LB may be a concern on the defensive unit. Both HC Bo and DC Carl Pelini certainly have their work cut out for them, as well as new LB coach Mike Ekeler.
The secondary returns two starters in LCB Armando Murillo and SS Larry Asante, with new starters RCB Anthony West and FS Ricky Thenarse also having some game experience, particularly on special teams. Sophs Eric Hagg and Prince Amukamara back up at corner, with Major Culbert and senior Matt O'Hanlon at safety. The loss of CB Anthony Blue to a knee injury hurts the depth at that position, it's been reported he may not be ready for the start of fall camp but that he could conceivably return in time for conference play. Amukamara appears to have the early lead in nickel situations.
On special teams, senior punters Dan Titchner and Jake Welsch return, along with soph place kickers Alex Henery and long FG and kicoff man Adi Kunalic. The kicking game should continue to be pretty solid. Speedy scat back Marcus Mendoza is likely to have an impact on the return game, as could WR Niles Paul and (possibly, it's a long shot) athletic frosh WR Tim Marlowe.
Boston Legal Quotes
Denny: Hey kid, front and center. I bet you'd lick my shoes for a murder case, wouldn't you?
Garrett: Oh, I would, sir.
Denny: Because I like you, you don't have to lick them. Just dust them with your sleeve.
Garrett: Oh, I would, sir.
Denny: Because I like you, you don't have to lick them. Just dust them with your sleeve.
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Huskers Release Preseason Depth Chart
NU football coaches have released the first depth chart for the team entering fall camp. I'll cover the offense today and the new look Blackshirts tomorrow.
Not too many surprises, although I always find it interesting to see where the newcomers land. Sophmore Mike McNeil at starting TE is interesting, but you had to figure him in the mix with senior Hunter Teafatiller's legal issues causing him to be suspended from the team. Redshirt Frosh Ryan Hill is listed at #2, and both players are reported to be good receving threats, perhaps Watson will try to open things up at this postion in the passing game.
The line looks very solid, with seniors Lydon Murtha and Mike Huff anchoring the left side, junior Jacob Hickman getting the nod at center, senior Matt Slauson at RG and sophmore Javario Burkes at RT. All of the starters stand at least 6'4 and only Hickman at 290 is under 300, with the right side listed at 320 plus. The second line is young and very big (with the exception of center Nike Caputo at 6'1/275), with everyone 6'5 or over and only LT Mike Smith under 300. Keith Williams, DJ Jones and Marcel Jones are at LG, RG, and RT respectively.
As expected, seniors Nate Swift and Todd Peterson lead the receiving corps, with juniors Chris Brooks and Menilik Holt behind Swift at X and sophmore Niles Paul and redshirt frosh Curenski Gilleylen behind Peterson at Z. Senior Thomas Lawson returns at FB backed up by legacy FB sophmore Justin Makovicka. I-back will return 2nd team All-Big 12, 1,000 yard and 75 reception man Marlon Lucky, with sophmore sensations Roy Helu and Quentin Castille also likely to see time. QB will be handled by senior Joe Ganz backed up by Patrick Witt and Zac Lee.
Not too many surprises, although I always find it interesting to see where the newcomers land. Sophmore Mike McNeil at starting TE is interesting, but you had to figure him in the mix with senior Hunter Teafatiller's legal issues causing him to be suspended from the team. Redshirt Frosh Ryan Hill is listed at #2, and both players are reported to be good receving threats, perhaps Watson will try to open things up at this postion in the passing game.
The line looks very solid, with seniors Lydon Murtha and Mike Huff anchoring the left side, junior Jacob Hickman getting the nod at center, senior Matt Slauson at RG and sophmore Javario Burkes at RT. All of the starters stand at least 6'4 and only Hickman at 290 is under 300, with the right side listed at 320 plus. The second line is young and very big (with the exception of center Nike Caputo at 6'1/275), with everyone 6'5 or over and only LT Mike Smith under 300. Keith Williams, DJ Jones and Marcel Jones are at LG, RG, and RT respectively.
As expected, seniors Nate Swift and Todd Peterson lead the receiving corps, with juniors Chris Brooks and Menilik Holt behind Swift at X and sophmore Niles Paul and redshirt frosh Curenski Gilleylen behind Peterson at Z. Senior Thomas Lawson returns at FB backed up by legacy FB sophmore Justin Makovicka. I-back will return 2nd team All-Big 12, 1,000 yard and 75 reception man Marlon Lucky, with sophmore sensations Roy Helu and Quentin Castille also likely to see time. QB will be handled by senior Joe Ganz backed up by Patrick Witt and Zac Lee.
Monday, July 21, 2008
The United Nations
Great article from last Friday at Human Events by Thomas Kilgannon. It's a pretty sad state of affairs when even you're 'closest' allies won't support you the majority of the time diplomatically - even though we fund the vast majority of the UN's operating budget.
"For 25 years, the State Department has been compiling voting records at the United Nations, and the trend is troubling. Twelve years ago, the General Assembly and the U.S. were in agreement on half of the recorded votes -- today, it is less than one in five. Specifically, the General Assembly voted with the United States only 18.3 percent of the time during 2007, according to State’s most recent congressionally-mandated report. In part, that is because in the global legislature that is the General Assembly, the United States has no protector of political pride or enforcer of national interests. Even a strong ambassador like John Bolton can’t spend his days whipping votes and twisting arms like Lyndon Johnson used to do in the Senate."
Israel and micro states Palau, the Marshall Islands, Kiribati, and Micronesia all vote the US position over 2/3 of the time, with Australia, Canada, Great Britain, France, and Monaco, rounding out the top ten and supporting the US about half the time. Our Other NATO allies vote with the US around 40% of the time. The top ten recipients of US direct foreign aid are Israel, Iraq, Afghanistan, Egypt, Sudan, Pakistan, Lebanon, Colombia, Jordan, and Kenya, averaging around $1 billion in aid each. Excluding the Israelis, these nations vote with the US less than 10% of the time.
It appears to me the UN is seriously broken, and in dire need of replacement.
"For 25 years, the State Department has been compiling voting records at the United Nations, and the trend is troubling. Twelve years ago, the General Assembly and the U.S. were in agreement on half of the recorded votes -- today, it is less than one in five. Specifically, the General Assembly voted with the United States only 18.3 percent of the time during 2007, according to State’s most recent congressionally-mandated report. In part, that is because in the global legislature that is the General Assembly, the United States has no protector of political pride or enforcer of national interests. Even a strong ambassador like John Bolton can’t spend his days whipping votes and twisting arms like Lyndon Johnson used to do in the Senate."
Israel and micro states Palau, the Marshall Islands, Kiribati, and Micronesia all vote the US position over 2/3 of the time, with Australia, Canada, Great Britain, France, and Monaco, rounding out the top ten and supporting the US about half the time. Our Other NATO allies vote with the US around 40% of the time. The top ten recipients of US direct foreign aid are Israel, Iraq, Afghanistan, Egypt, Sudan, Pakistan, Lebanon, Colombia, Jordan, and Kenya, averaging around $1 billion in aid each. Excluding the Israelis, these nations vote with the US less than 10% of the time.
It appears to me the UN is seriously broken, and in dire need of replacement.
Boston Legal Quotes
Denny: First of all, I haven't had sex with a camel since I was in the Army. And the camel never complained.
Friday, July 18, 2008
ANWR
Great article at the American Spectator outlining a Congressional field trip to the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, or ANWR. The environmental lobby has sucessfully prevented oil extraction in the ANWR for over 30 years, most notably by arguing that the area's a beautiful pristine mountain wilderness and that oil production would harm native wildlife such as the caribou herds. However, the ANWR is a huge tract of land, and while beautiful mountains make up quite a bit of it, the section known as 10-02, where oil extraction has been proposed, is NOT one of them. Instead, this area is a swampy tundra on the northern coastal plain abutting the Arctic Ocean.
"At about 19.5 million acres, ANWR is the size of the state of South Carolina. Located in Alaska's northeast corner and stretching from that state's northern coast along the frigid Arctic Ocean to two hundred miles south, ANWR includes a broad spectrum of Alaskan wilderness. The spectacular geography of the southern three-quarters of ANWR is offset by the flat, barren and desolate northern slope along the coast. The two contrasting landscapes are separated by the Brooks Mountain Range running east and west. The section of ANWR known as Area 10-02 is about 1.2 million acres in size and includes a sliver of about 2,000 acres identified for oil extraction."
But I digress, the article goes on to note the 7 Congress critters that went to Alaska and visited not only the ANWR, but Prudhoe Bay, where 750,000 barrels of oil a day is still being produced, and found the area being utilized in a very careful and well thought out manner, with no serious environmental impact. They also visited the locals, and found them extremely in favor of further drilling, as is the State's Governor Sarah Palin.
So why aren't we drilling and producing oil from 10-02 - oh yeah, Bill Clinton vetoed the idea in 1996.
"At about 19.5 million acres, ANWR is the size of the state of South Carolina. Located in Alaska's northeast corner and stretching from that state's northern coast along the frigid Arctic Ocean to two hundred miles south, ANWR includes a broad spectrum of Alaskan wilderness. The spectacular geography of the southern three-quarters of ANWR is offset by the flat, barren and desolate northern slope along the coast. The two contrasting landscapes are separated by the Brooks Mountain Range running east and west. The section of ANWR known as Area 10-02 is about 1.2 million acres in size and includes a sliver of about 2,000 acres identified for oil extraction."
But I digress, the article goes on to note the 7 Congress critters that went to Alaska and visited not only the ANWR, but Prudhoe Bay, where 750,000 barrels of oil a day is still being produced, and found the area being utilized in a very careful and well thought out manner, with no serious environmental impact. They also visited the locals, and found them extremely in favor of further drilling, as is the State's Governor Sarah Palin.
So why aren't we drilling and producing oil from 10-02 - oh yeah, Bill Clinton vetoed the idea in 1996.
Boston Legal Quotes
Denny: You, kid.
Garrett: Yes. sir.
Denny: Fix my tie. [to Sara] You, you know my name?
Sara: Yes, sir.
Denny: Good. Maybe someday I'll learn yours.
Garrett: Yes. sir.
Denny: Fix my tie. [to Sara] You, you know my name?
Sara: Yes, sir.
Denny: Good. Maybe someday I'll learn yours.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
