Pleasuredome 2-St.Paul

Pleasuredome 2- St.Paul- Looks as though Gustav is going to make more of a direct hit on the GOP convention than New Orleans. Now, President Bush is using it as a convenient excuse not to attend this convention. Oh, the irony of having a hurricane saving him from further damaging the GOP ticket, when Hurricane Katrina destroyed his political standing.

Palinocrity- “I think she is the most inexperienced person on a major party ticket in modern history,” said presidential historian Matthew Dallek. Sarah Palin seems to have been foisted on McShame by the extreme right in his party. Certainly, the McShame campaign will continue to spin this choice as her being a reformer and outsider. What is shocking is they dare say Obama is less qualified than Palin. Governor Palin’s own mother has been quoted saying “ I am not really sure what she brings to the ticket other than being a woman and a conservative” and Mother Heath is also undecided for which ticket she will vote.

Energy Tax Credits- Once again the temporary tax credits for renewable energies expires on December 31st. The Republican Congress has let these expire 3 times already in the past 7 years so this would be the fourth. There is no way new clean energy technologies will ever get footing if the risk of investment is constantly being toyed with by Congress. Meanwhile, windfall profits taxes on the dirty fossil-fuel industry remain off the table as a possible way to fund these investment tax credits. The Republicans in the Senate remain the obstacle to these tax credits being renewed. These credits ultimately should be made permanent so confidence is again regained by investors and innovation can continue without all these fits and starts. I ask all of you to write to your congressional reps and insist these credits not only get temporarily renewed, but made permanent.

Palinocrity and Pdiddy Ignorance

McCain’s Palinocrity- I have to give to old McShame. Looks like he is taking his plays directly from the Bush-Cheney governance manual. Who would choose a VP based on one phone call? This choice fits into McShame’s destructive nature in choosing Palin, a governor who governs a state smaller than 16 American cities and 47 of US States. So when we are spoon fed this notion of her executive experience do not buy it. Alaska is the cesspool of pork barrel, graft Republican politics. It will yet be proven, if indeed Palinocrity is a real reformer. For many years I fantasized what would happen if a Presidential candidate chose a regular citizen as VP, well now I get to watch it play out for real.

Schweitzer Rules- Now to another small state governor, Brian Schweitzer of Montana. Schweitzer came out the clear up and comer from the Demo Convention. He fired up the crowd tying energy development to national security. Back home in Montana, his policies have drastically increased the health insurance coverage for kids. He is a leader on alternative clean energy and someone we should all keep an eye on.

Go, Utes- The state where I graduated high school, Utah (Uh no, I am not a Mormon) has developed the use of natural gas cars faster than any other state. At 87 cents a gallon who could resist? Add in the state tax exemption for alternative fuel vehicles and it’s a total win-win. I know from having lived in the Kingdom of God on Earth for 4 long years how the word of mouth works there. At least in this case it’s propelling along conservation and clean energy.

P Diddy Idiot, Flies Commerical- You have to view this video on YouTube of Sean Combs complaining because he can no longer afford to fly private coast to coast due to gas prices. It is beyond lame and he certainly makes an unintelligent and uninformed plea for lower prices. The irony for me is the one time I met Diddy was in first class on an American flight to LA. To someone that much is given apparently shameless ignorance is expected.

Facebook the Movie- Believe it or not, coming to a theater near you, Facebook The Movie. Columbia Pictures has optioned the story which has Aaron Sorkin attached to write the screenplay and is being produced by heavyweight producer Scott Rudin. What’s unusual is it will be a silent film with people just approving each other as friends and having no real interaction. This film should do wonders in sharing the inspiring story of isolation and continued false connectivity wrought on society by Facebook.

Oh, Sweet Crude

McCain announces his VP pick today in Alaska Governor Sarah Palin. Props to the old guy on a bold choice. However, his senility would be showing if the McCain campaign really believes this choice will attract Hillary's Pumas. It does add the much needed youth and outsider tag. I also give Governor Palin thumbs up for at least claiming to oppose and destroy the chances of Senator Ted Stevens $400 million 'bridge to nowhere', though Stevens endorsed her for governor in the end. I also suppose McCain expects the keys to ANWR and opening up more oil drilling can be located somewhere in the Governor's purse. Who would of thought at the beginning of this campaign that the 49th and 50th states would play such a huge role (personally I am distrustful of both as they are not part of the contiguous 48 states). Looks like 2008 is certainly the year of the blue collar worker as both campaigns try to stress both VP candidates blue collar cred.

Pleasuredome Denver, GM & Biomass

Pleasuredome 1 Ends- Well, I am always happy taking the contrarian’s point of view, but I have to admit the Dems seemed to have sold it in the last 48 hours of their convention (I even got the pyro I was predicting, but no Eddie monster). In my humble opinion it seems they presented the notion that we are all worst off after the last eight years very convincingly. I was definitely a naysayer on the idea of the stadium event, but even this went off without a hitch and demonstrated McShame has got a mighty mountain to climb. As Pleauredome-Part 2, St Paul, opens on Monday just in time for Hurricane Gustav to make land on the Gulf Coast. It’s funny how nature has a way of things coming full circle.


Microsoft trickery- Supposedly it is heavily rumored the new beta version of Microsoft Explorer has some kind of privacy setting for users. Advertisers are all in a huff that this privacy button will keep advertising from reaching the browser. Also known as the “porn button”, its supposed main function is to block “over the shoulder viewers” and will not leave a trail of past sites visited or leave cookies on your computer. With the continued like a privacy of viewing thanks to the Googlization of the web this could prove a terrific feature.

GM Whines- It seems the US auto industry is pushing for $50 billion in loan guarantees from the US Government. Led by GM vice-chairman Robert Lutz bemoans there is no other possible way they could retool their plants to manufacture the low mileage cars consumers are craving. What a load of bs. These same guys that show up in Washington every time there is an attempt to increase mileage standards, in order to beat down any upward change. This is such a joke and I hope US taxpayers will not fall for it. In the same breath these GM guys are trumpeting the improvement in large SUV/pickup sales in the last month. Who do they think they are conning? Even the efficient Toyota misread the consumer market in the US and it dove head first into the large pickup truck market. Now Toyota’s sales are painfully anemic based on their disastrous decision. US automakers need to reap what they have sown. No bailouts!

Biomass- Seems the expansion of Biomass plants that are powered by straw, woodchips and wood remnants is taking hold. Supposedly, there is a plant being designed in Austin, Texas that is large enough to power 75,000 homes. It is believed there is a total of 100 biomass plants already feeding into the nations power grid. Not ultimately the cleanest technology, but much better than dirty coal.

Al Gore's Speech to the 2008 Democratic Convention

One of the greatest gifts of our democracy is the opportunity it offers us every four years to change course. It's not a guarantee; it's only an opportunity. The question facing us is, simply put, will we seize this opportunity for change? That's why I came here tonight: to tell you why I feel so strongly that we must seize this opportunity to elect Barack Obama President of the United States.

Eight years ago, some said there was not much difference between the nominees of the two major parties and it didn't really matter who became president. Our nation was enjoying peace and prosperity. Some assumed we would continue both, no matter the outcome. But here we all are in 2008, and I doubt anyone would argue now that election didn't matter.

Take it from me, if it had ended differently, we would not be bogged down in Iraq, we would have pursued bin Laden until we captured him. We would not be facing a self-inflicted economic crisis; we would be fighting for middle-income families. We would not be showing contempt for the Constitution; we'd be protecting the rights of every American regardless of race, religion, disability, gender or sexual orientation. And we would not be denying the climate crisis; we'd be solving it.

Today, we face essentially the same choice we faced in 2000, though it may be even more obvious now, because John McCain, a man who has earned our respect on many levels, is now openly endorsing the policies of the Bush-Cheney White House and promising to actually continue them. The same policies all over again?

Hey, I believe in recycling, but that's ridiculous. With John McCain's support, President Bush and Vice President Cheney have led our nation into one calamity after another because of their indifference to fact; their readiness to sacrifice the long term to the short term, subordinate the general good to the benefit of the few and short-circuit the rule of law.

If you like the Bush-Cheney approach, John McCain's your man. If you want change, then vote for Barack Obama and Joe Biden.

Barack Obama is telling us exactly what he will do: launch a bold new economic plan to restore America's greatness; fight for smarter government that trusts the market, but protects us against its excesses; enact policies that are pro-choice, pro-education and pro-family, establish a foreign policy that is smart as well as strong; provide health care for all and solutions for the climate crisis.

So why is this election so close? Well, I know something about close elections, so let me offer you my opinion. I believe this election is close today mainly because the forces of the status quo are desperately afraid of the change Barack Obama represents.

There is no better example than the climate crisis. As I have said for many years throughout this land, we're borrowing money from China to buy oil from the Persian Gulf to burn it in ways that destroy the future of human civilization. Every bit of that has to change. Oil company profits have soared to record levels, gasoline prices have gone through the roof and we are more dependent than ever on dirty and dangerous fossil fuels.

Many scientists predict that the entire north polar ice cap may be completely gone during summer months in the first term of the next president. Sea levels are rising, fires are raging, storms are stronger. Military experts warn us our national security is threatened by massive waves of climate refugees destabilizing countries around the world, and scientists tell us the very web of life is endangered by unprecedented extinctions.

We are facing a planetary emergency which, if not solved, would exceed anything we've ever experienced in the history of humankind. In spite of John McCain's past record of open mindedness on the climate crisis, he has apparently now allowed his party to browbeat him into abandoning his support of mandatory caps on global warming pollution.

And it just so happens that the climate crisis is intertwined with the other two great challenges facing our nation: reviving our economy and strengthening our national security. The solutions to all three require us to end our dependence on carbon-based fuels.

Instead of letting lobbyists and polluters control our destiny, we need to invest in American innovation. Almost a hundred years ago, Thomas Edison said, "I'd put my money on the sun and solar energy. What a source of power! I hope we don't have to wait until oil and coal run out before we tackle that." We already have everything we need to use the sun, the wind, geothermal power, conservation and efficiency to solve the climate crisis--everything, that is, except a president who inspires us to believe, "Yes we can."

So how did this no-brainer become a brain-twister? Because the carbon fuels industry--big oil and coal--have a 50-year lease on the Republican Party and they are drilling it for everything it's worth. And this same industry has spent a half a billion dollars this year alone trying to convince the public they are actually solving the problem, when they are in fact making it worse every single day.

This administration and the special interests who control it lock, stock and barrel after barrel, have performed this same sleight-of-hand on issue after issue. Some of the best marketers have the worst products; and this is certainly true of today's Republican Party. The party itself has on its rolls men and women of great quality. But the last eight years demonstrate that the special interests who have come to control the Republican Party are so powerful that serving them and serving the national well-being are now irreconcilable choices.

So what can we do about it? We can carry Barack Obama's message of hope and change to every family in America. And pledge that we will be there for Barack Obama--not only in the heat of this election, but in the aftermath as we put his agenda to work for our country.

We can tell Republicans and Independents, as well as Democrats, why our nation needs a change from the approach of Bush, Cheney and McCain. After they wrecked our economy, it is time for a change. After they abandoned the search for the terrorists who attacked us and redeployed the troops to invade a nation that did not attack us, it's time for a change. After they abandoned the American principle first laid down by General George Washington, when he prohibited the torture of captives because it would bring, in his words, "shame, disgrace and ruin" to our nation, it's time for a change.

When as many as three Supreme Court justices could be appointed in the first term of the next president, and John McCain promises to appoint more Scalias and Thomases and end a woman's right to choose, it's time for a change.

Many people have been waiting for some sign that our country is ready for such change. How will we know when it's beginning to take hold? I think we might recognize it as a sign of such change, if we saw millions of young people getting involved for the first time in the political process. This election is actually not close at all among younger voters - you are responding in unprecedented numbers to Barack Obama's message of change and hope.

You recognize that he represents a clean break from the politics of partisanship and bitter division. You understand that the politics of the past are exhausted, and you're tired of appeals based on fear. You know that America is capable of better than what you have seen in recent years. You are hungry for a new politics based on bipartisan respect for the ageless principles embodied in the United States Constitution.

There are times in the history of our nation when our very way of life depends upon awakening to the challenge of a present danger, shaking off complacency to rise, clear-eyed and alert, to the necessity of embracing change.

A century and a half ago, when America faced our greatest trial, the end of one era gave way to the birth of another. The candidate who emerged victorious in that election is now regarded by most historians as our greatest president. Before he entered the White House, Abraham Lincoln's experience in elective office consisted of eight years in his state legislature in Springfield, Illinois, and one term in Congress - during which he showed the courage and wisdom to oppose the invasion of another country that was popular when it started but later condemned by history.

The experience Lincoln's supporters valued most in that race was his powerful ability to inspire hope in the future at a time of impasse. He was known chiefly as a clear thinker and a great orator, with a passion for justice and a determination to heal the deep divisions of our land. He insisted on reaching past partisan and regional divides to exalt our common humanity. In 2008, once again, we find ourselves at the end of an era with a mandate from history to launch another new beginning. And once again, we have a candidate whose experience perfectly matches an extraordinary moment of transition.

Barack Obama had the experience and wisdom to oppose a popular war based on faulty premises. His leadership experience has given him a unique capacity to inspire hope, in the promise of the American dream of a boundless future. His experience has also given him genuine respect for different views and humility, in the face of complex realities that cannot be squeezed into the narrow compartments of ideology. His experience has taught him something that career politicians often overlook: that inconvenient truths must be acknowledged if we are to have wise governance.

The extraordinary strength of his personal character - and that of his wonderful wife, Michelle - is grounded in the strengths of the American community. His vision and his voice represent the best of America. His life experience embodies the essence of our motto - e pluribus unum - out of many, one. That is the linking identity at the other end of all the hyphens that pervade our modern political culture. It is that common American identity - which Barack Obama exemplifies, heart and soul - that enables us as Americans to speak with moral authority to all of the peoples of the world, to inspire hope that we as human beings can transcend our limitations and to redeem the promise of human freedom.

Late this evening, our convention will end with a benediction. As we bow in reverence, remember the words of the old proverb: "when you pray, move your feet." Then let us leave here tonight and take the message of hope from Denver to every corner of our land, and do everything we can to serve our nation, our world--and most importantly, our children and their future--by electing Barack Obama President of the United States.

The Diaphragm or Acropolis

I just got a glimpse of the stage set for the Obama rally at Invesco Stadium in Denver. Holy Shit! Did Iron Maiden have a clearance sale of past concert stages? Is Eddie going to pop up from behind everytime Obama mentions the name McCain? Will there be pyrotechnics? This is beginning to resemble a Spinal Tap moment. Bad enough that Invesco is also known as the Diaphragm. I can only hope Obama's speech is stellar because this stage set makes the one the Dems have at Pepsi Arena look classy.

Reflection

45 years ago, I was merely six months old when Dr. King delivered his “I Have a Dream” speech at the March on Washington. Today in the span of only half a lifetime I shall bare witness to the nomination acceptance speech of the first African-American major party nominee for President of the United States. I don’t want to get overly sappy or emotional here, but I am already choked up as I write this. I own that I have been a bit hard on Barack Obama, but I know he has such potential in redirecting this country, if he doesn’t allow himself to become caught up in this cult of personality thing. I am in incredible awe of being able to watch this transpire in a relatively short, if overdue period of time. Barack, unlike past presidential candidates, shoulders the entire burden of civil rights history and descends the direct path from Africa. Obama is not a son of privilege or nepotism; and only through his hard work as a student and by using his unique gifts was he able to launch himself into elite institutions. At these universities he eventually came into contact with this nations privileged sons and daughters. An outsider attending an insiders game. He had no powerful family connections (unless you consider his Father having studied at Harvard for a brief time) and his ascension has thus been self-generated. So, today on the 45th anniversary of Dr.King’s historic speech I hope that this finds all of you reflective, grateful and celebrating this incredible moment.


Still No Energy Policy- The Denver Pleasuredome, at least the televised version, hasn’t demonstrated or devoted any real noticeable time to energy policy and cleaner technologies. Mark Warner speaking of cell phones isn’t exactly forward thinking technology-speak. Biden and WJC rehashed a lot of old Demo policies and issues. I found their speeches dated and old school. Both could have been told to steer clear of the topic, in anticipation of tonight’s address by Al Gore. My hopes are that Gore’s speech will become the highlight of the convention. Certainly, Gore will at the very least make the case for a cohesive energy policy and future green technologies. Trust me, Viva Gore!

Green Roofs- Congratulations to New York Governor David Paterson who approved tax abatements for developers and builders that install green roofs. These roofs are constructed of vegetation and rocks that absorb rainwater; they can therefore insulate buildings and extend the lives of roofs. Additionally, the since rainwater is absorbed it limits the amount of runoff that would eventually drain into the Hudson or East Rivers. A roof’s longevity can be easily doubled using this technique. Click here to read more regarding this incentive in the NY Times.

Cali Oil Rigs- It’s been nice to hear such a prominent California citizen as Nancy Pelosi back-peddle on offshore oil drilling. Since Pelosi has this newfound enthusiasm I suggest the California coastline becomes dotted with oil derricks. Maybe San Francisco Bay is the perfect spot to test a pilot program. It seems the good commissioners in Santa Barbara County also voted this week 3-2 to encourage lifting the ban on offshore drilling on their coastline. As usual the short term, quick fix solution is always the path elected officials chose to take. I hope all my friends in California enjoy returning to being nothing but a huge oil refinery as in the days of Standard Oil.

Denver & the Grid

Denver Pleasuredome,Day 2- I am already beyond bored with the Demo Convention. So expect a lot less writing. This Convention can be summarized in one word, lame. The whole thing lacks any energy. What a bomb! Mark Warner may want to shelve his national ambitions a bit longer. Did he think he was speaking to the Young Entrepreneurs Club? The talking heads did an immediate hatchet job on Warner. The only thing even remotely interesting last evening was, no not HRC, but Chris Mathews going totally ballistic on Keith Olberman. Seems Mathews is a little tired of Olberman the Great and the ascension of can do no wrong, her greatness Rachel Maddow. Chris Matthews was trying to emphasis a theory of sorts when Olberman chimed in that Maddow was the first to introduce the theory. At that point Matthews lost it and went after Olberman and refused to break and let the next guest speak until he had spoke his mind. Now this feud may be the only interesting thing in primetime. I have to thank the MLB for scheduling the Red Sox into my city to play the Yankees at least I will be entertained the next couple nights.

Wind And No Grid- I have been writing a lot the past few weeks about the positive future for wind power. Now surprisingly, there is a snag. It seems the power grid in this country, which was planned and developed about 100 years ago, does not have the capacity to transmit the power throughout the country. There is now a movement for a ‘super highway grid’ to be built to facilitate this capacity issue. Of course, this requires Congressional action, which is most unlikely. Why should we build any infrastructure in this nation while we can continue to rebuild countries like Iran and Afghanistan? Check out the story in today’s NY Times.

Speaking of infrastructure, Thomas Friedman’s column in today’s NY Times is a must read. Friedman discusses the difference when a nation like China can direct all its national resources toward building out infrastructure in 7 years leading up to the Olympics. Meanwhile, he points out that America squandered these years only investing in more bombs, armored humvees and unmanned drones. Friedman totally hits a home run and suggests if Obamessiah wants to win this election he should build his campaign around building out and improving the US infrastructure.

More Denver Pleasuredome

New York, New York- To hell with all the Senator Hillary Clinton drama, according to David Mixner's blog the real dust up is between Senator Chuck Schumer and Governor David Paterson. Seems the Guv feels as though Schumer is attempting sideline him, when indeed he, as governor, should be the titular head of the NY delegation. More to come.

CNN Applause Meters- What's with those crazy digital decibel meters CNN has superimposed over the left side of the television feed of the Demo convention? Besides using more and more of the screens for feeds and rolls, is CNN turning passive TV viewing into a video game? Those decibel level meters are totally annoying, back to MSNBC.

The Denver Militia managed to arrest around 100 demonstrators last night. Some strange exercise in democracy going on at these conventions. I will give props to some pretty decent police work in apprehending those three white supremacists. Seems these knuckleheads were well armed and had threatened to shoot Barack Obama.

PUMAs & Fits

Rocky Mountain High- Beware convention delegates the mountain lions have come down from the hills and are prowling the green zone around the Pepsi Center in Denver. These so-called PUMAs (Party Unity, My Ass) can not give it up and accept that their idol leader Senator Hillary Clinton has lost the nomination. They have been planning their own convention meetings and are in constant presence, at least on MSNBC. I saw this quote today in the NY Times from one of Hillary’s big supporters, Susie Tompkins Buell who nearly passed up the convention, but decided she needed her idol:
“ I’m going to the convention because I want to see Hillary, I want to be inspired by her, encouraged by her to do what’s going to be the best thing for all of our futures. She’s trying to help us all get through this”
Wow, poor Hillary. Having to deal with this crap. The sad part is Ms.Tompkins Buell is the intelligent and successful founder of the clothing giant Esprit. If she is under this cultdom then imagine the less educated fanatics they may have fallen prey. Considering the fantastic speech by Michelle Obama last evening that addressed both Hillary’s accomplishment at garnering 18 million votes (who’s counting) and the 88th anniversary of the sufferage movement, one could only hope PUMAs see a new role model. Michelle Obama is the living definition of an accomplished woman. I am definitely more impressed with Michelle most times over her husband. Women should acknowledge this historic moment for Michelle while they are also celebrating the progress made by HRC. It has been beyond a remarkable political season for women please rejoice in your accomplishments!

Honda Fit- Honda’s sale figures and profits are quite fit in 2008. Honda North America reports a 3% increase in sales this year while its competitors continue to eat dirt. The Honda Fit has enjoyed a 79% sales increase this year. By sticking to their guns and building fuel efficient cars and for the most part avoiding the SUV/truck segment they bested even Toyota (too many full size pick ups). The company enjoys the highest mileage efficiency across all its lines than any other automobile manufacturer. Additionally, Honda plans to revamp their hybrid lines with new 5-door model and a hybrid Fit. Plus, there is the model everyone is jawing about, the hydrogen-fueled FCX Clarity. I can’t wait to own a car again, and when I make that purchase I am quite sure it will be a Honda.

Welcome to the Pleasuredome, Part 1 Denver

The Democrats kick off their orgy of corporate sponsorship in Denver today. Between the Democratic and Republican conventions corporate sponsorship is estimated to top $110 million. To lead off my service provider AT&T is the official “wireless carrier” of this convention. At least the Bush administration now know which mobile carriers transmitter signals to spy on. AT&T is probably still celebrating the July decision of retroactive immunity from prosecution of civil-rights violations under FISA. So is Qwest, who is the largest sponsor to this convention to the tune of $6 million. That other telecom Verizon is also a sponsor. The Pharmas are well represented by Pfizer, Dow,Merck, Amgen and Lilly. Insurance companies as well represented with sponsors including United Health Group, Travelers, Allstate, Aflac, State Farm and Prudential. Our good friends from the energy sectors are in full force with Xcel Energy, Southern Company and Conoco Phillips. And would you believe that some actual companies from the military industrial sector are sponsors, such as Lockheed Martin and Ball Aerospace & Technologies. It has become very difficult to tell the two parties apart with this list of the usual suspects. One was to believe that the election reform bill of a couple years ago would have stopped some of this influence peddling, but since this is a convention and not a candidate it is still basically a free for all for those that can throw down. Supposedly, a total of 1200 parties are planned for the week sponsored by everyone under the moon and stars. Maybe we should insist that the paramilitary security officials escort out all these corporate suck ups and lay off the protesters.

Speaking of protests. Denver County judges have cleared their dockets in order to set up two courtrooms to handle arraignments of protesters. These courtrooms will operate between 8a.m. thru midnight all week. In order to accommodate these courts the paramilitary security measures have been funded with a $50 million grant from the U.S. Government. The American Civil Liberties Union filed a lawsuit against the City of Denver claiming by refusing to disclose how this money is being spent is a violation of the Colorado Open Records Act. We have learned that the Denver Police Department did stock up on 88 Mark IV launchers and projectiles. These weapons fire a pepper-spray type substance instead of bullets (real or rubber) to disperse crowds. Security With Advanced Technologies, which is based in Louisville confirmed the delivery and estimated costs in the low six-figure range. It is really sad what has become of these national coronations. The average citizen does not stand a chance to influence or express their views.

Also, what’s with this riff between the Obamessiah campaign and President William Jefferson Clinton? Why in the world would the Obama campaign try to keep Clinton from trumpeting his economic successes during his two terms. Being I am no fan of WJC, I would still give Clinton an entire day of the convention to remind people precisely how good we all had it financially under his stewardship.

Water, Sun, Robinette and Yankees

East River Power- As I look out my window upon the mighty East River, which in fact is a tidal straight, not a actually river, connecting the New York Bay to the Long Island Sound; I am surprised to learn that power is being generated beneath its surface. Verdant Power has installed turbines on the river’s bottom to capture the currents and generate electricity. Apparently, six turbines are currently installed and due to the strong and changing currents, have had to be retooled to handle the East River’s strength. These six turbines are to produce 1000 kilowatts per day. Verdant hopes this technology will become successful enough to plant 100’s of turbines around New York City’s ample waterways. This is a great step in the future of hydro-kinetic power generation and it’s personally exciting for me to be so proximate to the action.

Redeemable Nevada- Interesting article in the Christian Science Monitor by Mark Clayton discussing concentrating solar power (CSP) and his visit to the Nevada Solar One plant. Solar thermal energy could be well on its way if the United States Senate Republicans stop blocking (8 times and counting) the extension of the investment tax credits. These investment tax credits help recover 30% of a company’s initial investment in such CSP facilities. The Bureau of Land Management has millions of acres of desert land under its direct management. The one downside I can see of these plants is their needs for huge amounts of water. Still what better way to utilize this desolate land than producing energy? Certainly beats developing it with homes and trying to grow grass all over the Nevada desert.

Joseph Robinette Biden Jr- Finally, everyone can stop spinning as Obamessiah picks Joe Biden to join his ticket as VP. Overall, it’s a great choice that continues the practice of upside down tickets like Bush-Cheney. It gives one pause as to why a man of Biden’s credentials isn’t on the top of this ticket. Branding and marketing is more and more trumping substance. It will be curious to see if Biden persists in his Senate bid for reelection and how attempting to hand this seat to his son Beau, Delaware’s Attorney
General plays out.

Parents Back to School- Plenty of stories appearing these days on parenting and the continued practice of parents over-indulging their children. I have heard some amazing stories like one from a friend in a Fortune 500 company’s human resources department. Seems a younger employee’s boss would not grant this entry-level employee the vacation time she requested. The employee’s parents then called human resources to complain and demand they let their daughter be given this time off! The latest trend I have read about are these parents buying homes or condos near the university their child is attending so they can frequently visit. What is going on with this generation? Who the hell wants their parents interfering in this first notion of young adults independence? I need to get a degree in psychotherapy cause business is going to be remarkable amongst this entitled and coddled genration.

Yankees- Carl Pavano returned to the Yankees last night after extended injuries have sidelined him for the duration of his contract. After 501 days away from a major league mound his pitching started beyond unsure and miserable. Pavano certainly did better a few innings in. Overall, unimpressive and it has only cost the Yankees $39.95 million for his 19 games of pitching. Basically, this guy has gotten $2,102,632 per game and is probably on par with stadium paydays for popstars like Billy Joel and Bon Jovi. Nice work if you can find it. The Yanks managed to put away Baltimore 5-3.

Water,Money & Religion

Aqua Dolce- I have written quite a bit of one precious resource that is pumped from the ground, oil. Today let’s discuss something we take for granted water. This precious resource is also at great risk as consumption; bottled water, manufacturing, farming continues to escalate at a brisk pace. I know my friends in California are intimately familiar with water conservation (though I assume few practice it religiously), now even the very wet Northeast has to develop a long-term plan to deal with precious water. Lance Armstrong’s excessive water use becoming public this week heightens awareness. In one month Armstrong’s house consumed 229,000 gallons of water. At this rate, every minute five gallons of water is flowing through Armstrong’s taps, toilets and sprinklers. This country has truly reached the point of becoming over-consumptive pigs. If everyone believes the lack of oil will cause terrorizing pandemonium worldwide, think what lack of a necessity like water would create. The bottled water craze alone has had irreparable consequences as large beverage companies like PepsiCo continue to drain lakes in India and other less fortunate countries in order to provide our cannot live without bottled water lifestyles. Particularly in the Northeast, where in New England alone 40% of the water supply comes from wells and underground tables, do we need a conservation plan? Maybe charging huge users some kind of ‘pig tax’ on water would help put a dent in consumption. Some thought for today’s water cooler (if only individual bottled water hadn’t killed this antique off) conversations.

Campaign Obscenity- Just released figures for July show that the Obamessiah and McShame campaigns spent a combined total of nearly $90 million! The total spending thus far of both camps? $485.5 million. This is beyond obscene. When you compile the total primary figures this spending will easily top $1 billion for this election cycle. I quit. Can you imagine if instead all these truly patriotic and altruistic contributors had directed this money toward education, conservation or healthcare. I think it is truly time for publicly funded campaigns. I am thoroughly disgusted and no candidate will ever receive another dollar from me.

Campaign Religion- A poll by Pew Research Center for the People and the Press and the Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life found a major increase amongst conservatives to 50% who believe churches and houses of worship should steer clear of politics. The total has reached a majority of 52% of the respondents stating church should stay out of politics. This is a 7% increase from 2000 and an encouraging trend. I have another tool for keeping religion clear of politics, how about revoking their tax exempt status.

RESPECT- Gene Upshaw (1945-2008)

EPA, FBI & Cash

Bushwacked EPA- The courts again came to the rescue of the States versus the Environmental Protection Agency. An appeals court in a 2-1 ruling stated that individual States can indeed set their own emission standards. The courts have continually ruled against the Bush EPA’s dismantling of Clean Air Act provisions amongst other environmental rules the Bush administration has tried to soften. It’s been like an all out assault the past seven months to rack up as much damage as possible before leaving office.

Scared yet?- Apparently there is a Justice Department plan to loosen restrictions on the FBI to allow agents to open and pursue a criminal or national security investigation against US citizens without any basis of suspicion. As reported in today’s New York Times some staffers on the Hill have received glimpses of the plan; a letter of protest was sent to Attorney General Michael Mukasey and signed by Senators Richard Durban, Russ Feingold and Ted Kennedy. This is incredibly creepy stuff. (Will Americans continue to live in fear and ignorance as their rights continue to be destroyed?).

China, China- Nick Kristoff’s column in today’s NYT sheds some light on China’s influence and significance in the 21st century and the need of Americans and Europeans to accept this shift. China’s lead in Olympic gold medals certainly carries over into politics and business.

Cash Smackdown- Rosanne Cash gave a major smackdown yesterday to Big & Rich’s John Rich. John apparently made reference at a McShame rally that if Johnny Cash were alive today he certainly would be walking the line with John McShame. Well, Rosanne did the righteous thing and demanded her father’s name not be used by either political party or in assuming after death just what Johnny might approve or disapprove. John Rich just can’t seem to keep his trap shut. While I am a fan of his show “Gone Country” and think he is talented musically, I am a bit concerned about his thought patterns both socially and politically. You go Rosanne!

Gorbachev Oil & Wind

Mikhail Speaks- Interesting Op-Ed piece in today’s NYT by Mikhail Gorbachev defending Russia’s use of force against Georgia. I have to say the Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili is a piece of work whom seems to have learned how to govern from his patrons Bush-Cheney. The guy initiatives an offensive on South Ossetia and kills Russian “peacekeepers” and then expects zero retaliation. Additionally, he thinks his keepers in the US will come to his rescue. What’s interesting is all of this leads back to the misguided policies of Clinton-Bush over the past 12 years in their efforts to franchise NATO like it was Starbucks. It never ceases to amaze me how our government has somehow meddled and settled on a flawed policy and this in turn makes us implicit in the cause of these “crisis”.

Oil Spoils- Looks like the Western oil companies have finally come to the conclusion that current geopolitical realities will not allow them to expand in finding more of this evaporating resource. Western oil companies used to produce 50% of the worlds oil demand in the 70’s. This figure is now down to half as much. Additionally these companies are investing a much less portion of their profits into exploration/r&d then in the 70’s. Seeing that they can no longer imperialistically find new nations to exploit they are at a loss of where to spend this money. Ever heard of clean technologies? Investing heavily in these new technologies just might give your companies the purpose to survive into the next century.

Bloomberg Wind- NYC Mayor Michael Bloomberg again introduces a bold policy of building wind turbines in and near the City to help get NYC OTG. The proposal includes turbines out on the shoreline and these mini turbines that could be placed on bridges and the tops of skyscrapers. Will see who will line up to derail this forward thinking plan. Bloomberg’s congestion pricing plan was total genius and defeated by the numbnuts that occupy Albany.

FSOT Failure- I received results that I did not indeed pass the Foreign Service Officers Test last month. In the future, I may have to discontinue rendering my opinions on international affairs. At least I can speak more freely knowing that the State Department will now never check this blog.

Tibet- Students for a Free Tibet have been making their presence known in Beijing during these Olympics. So far, 37 of their protesters have been detained or deported. I appreciate their dedication, but not really sure they have made much of an impact on the world stage. Torch extinguishing seemed like a much better exercise.

Cheney, Pervez & Phelps

It’s Cheney- In reading through the deeper coverage of the stand off in the Caucasus I found it interesting that this provocation has been going on for quite some time and Georgia was even warned by the US to “not provoke” Russia. What’s truly fascinating is our good Vice President, Mr. Cheney and his hawks have been intentionally arming Georgia with Stinger missiles and such. Now imagine Russia, arming an enemy of ours located on our direct border, and the reaction that would ensue. Dick Cheney must have one hell of a death-wish, as he seems to want to provoke WWIII wherever possible. What is further curious is this nation of 4 million people would like to join NATO and has enjoyed incredible access to the top levels of US government and its diplomatic corps. How can this be tiny, little Georgia? Could it be that amazing oil pipeline that runs from Georgia clear to the Mediterranean that bypasses Russia all together? Yes, indeed, oil again. To add to all of this, it seems the breakaway province of South Ossetia is nothing but a criminal enterprise in both drugs and counterfeiting. So American citizens and taxpayers, enjoy as your government spends money arming and protecting a rogue area of a supposed democracy.

See Ya Pervez- Another genius US ally leaves the scene. Pervez Musharaff finally resigns today. Never has a man so committed to the ‘War on Terror’ created a bigger nest of terrorists in human history. Pervez was the man with the plan in taking Pakistan into modernity. Instead the tribal areas continued to thumb their noses and harbor more terrorists. Who knows how many offshore bank accounts this guy possesses loaded with US greenbacks. Enjoy your retirement, dedicated friend and al-lie.

No To Nunn- I am begging the Obamessiah camp to not put Sam Nunn on the ticket as their vice president. Nunn has exhibited many times in his past the 2 “H’s”: Hawk & Homophobe. Seems the progressive Senator from Illinois is looking to toughen up the ticket with a nice conservative Southerner. I encourage all to email the Obama campaign and protest the notion of a Nunn vice presidency.

Phelps The Great- I am really confused. I read somewhere that Michael Phelp’s daily routine in Beijing includes getting to sleep every night with Ambien. Is Ambien really not a substance considered in athlete drug testing? Seems kind of strange to me. I have heard stories of plenty of my Ambien-induced friends performing strange acts when supposedly at sleep. Very strange.

Georgia & Bikes

Midnite Train to Georgia- Mr. “Looked into his eyes” Bush seemed to have missed the opportunity to look beyond and a little deeper into Putin. With all the rhetoric circulating this week regarding Russia’s incursion into Georgia, I feel like a 5 year old kid reliving the Cold War. Americans running around saying this isn’t 1968 and trying to take the high ground on invading a sovereign state! I am sorry to report Mr.Bush that you lost the moral high ground 5 years ago when you decided to invade another sovereign state. So, to make an argument using this basis is not going to get you very far in the eyes of the world. Additionally, it is unhelpful to have the hawks in this administration clamoring for a return to the good old days. McShame seems to be just as interested in reliving past history. In my humble opinion it seems not worth trading all the cooperation we need from Russia, to just return to our Cold War pasts. What is fascinating to me though, is how the adoption of capitalism has in turn made these communist (former) countries on the brink, morph into significant powers. Russia and China have managed to retain most of their authoritarian dogma while enriching themselves. Looks like democratic-capitalism has major rivals in authoritarian-capitalism.

Seeing Green- After returning from my media-absent week, I have been floored by the proliferation of stories being reported about the environment. In the past 48 hours I have seen stories about the two huge solar power plants being built in California, SUV sales plummeting and how geothermal manufacturers can’t keep up with demand. This awareness will hopefully have a positive impact and not be perceived as hype. Clean energies are so the future of this nation.

Bike Capital- Looks as though Washington, DC has launched the first bike-sharing program in the country. Clear Channel Outdoor is sponsoring this program that will begin with 10 stations and 120 bikes. This program while not exactly grand on scale, and not even in the realm of Paris’ 20,000 bicycles, remains a starting point. Membership is pegged at $40 annually and you need to provide your own lock and helmet. Check it out here.

Goodbye, Bernie- While I was away I learned that Bernie Brillstein died last Thursday. Bernie was a legend and innovator as a talent manager. Additionally, he was a gentleman and mentor. As a sycophantic manager, I was fortunate to have met Bernie and was always thrilled to see him at the Palm restaurant on occasions. He brought us the genius of Jim Henson and a myriad of SNL greats. Bernie became a mentor and a aspiration to many of us. One of the good ones who always remembered his humble origins and didn’t let the Hollywood bullshit define him. From ‘Hee Haw to ‘Dangerous Liasons’. Rest is peace Bernie.

RESPECT- Jerry Wexler (1917-2008)

Alive in Upstate

Alls very good here in the wilds of the Hudson Valley. The Omega Institute is pretty special and I find it really remarkable that I have been so ignorant for so long to its existence. Richard Leider has been facilitating a fantastic workshop. I highly recommend you purchase and read his new book Something To Live For from which the workshop is based. I participated in a fantastic one hour meditation session this evening. Feels so good to be unplugged from the world, short of this wifi spot I discovered. Off deeper into upstate New York as I leave tomorrow for the great Mohawk Valley, yes that Last of the Mohicans place. Really was just such a beautiful day today and I wish all of you were here with me.

Respect- Bernie Mac (1958-2008)

Into The Wild

Bits and Pieces- Nice sentencing of Bin Laden's driver yesterday. I guess the tribunals in Gitmo can be somewhat fair. It's only interesting that you are convicted and sentenced five years after being detained...McShame and the Republicans only want to drill our way out of the ongoing energy shortage. The word "crisis" really doesn't do justice and sounds too temporary, as energy becomes less and less available as a resource...The Olympics open and I guarantee the Chinese put on quite a show. Maybe we should give more thought to authoritarian rule as democracy has become awfully tired...In contrast Amnesty International Small Places Tour is close to announcing artists at a launch in London in September. Also, check out Amnesty's channel on YouTube as it was in the top 100 channels this week.

Retreat- I am heading to the Omega Institute for a workshop lead by Richard Leider. I am looking forward to being on this campus, I have heard many great things. Due to my attempt at gaining intrinsic wisdom, expect a little less posting over the next few days. I am hoping I can find some wifi there.

Premature Obamajaculation

The Barack Obama presumption of presidency syndrome must be contained immediately. The Obama campaign continues to lightly slap back at McShame's negative and mocking personal assaults. We really don't need to be witness to John Kerry campaign the sequel. The Obama camp better not become to lofty and airy or they will have their testicles handed to them in November. My advice is to get the Veep selection over, make peace with the crazy Clintons, define yourself well in Denver and come out swinging a chainsaw right after, if not during the Republican convention. I will give some credence to the possibility the polling is off in McShame's favor, but if Obamessiah were truly connecting his lead should be much bigger in the timeline. McShame is executing a totally professional Republican strategy of making the opponent insignificant and effete. You guys in Chicago need to start eating more hot dogs and drinking beer coupled with regular work outs at the gym to toughen up for what's coming.

AVoight- Why is everyone so upset about Jon Voight's op ed piece in the Washington Times? Look the guy has the right to his opinions. This doesn't mean bloggers should be planning a career boycott in Hollywood. Give the guy a break as virtually no one listens to celebs (maybe short of the big O) on who to vote for in November. Also, remember his genes are 50% responsible for creating the most beautiful woman in the world. This alone should guarantee him many free passes.

Favre- Just what we don't need in NY is Brett Favre the drama queen. Chelsea is full of many more distingushed drama queens than Favre. Hopefully, he will set up residence in New Jersey and be little heard from.

Desert,Ice & Homer

Iraq Riches- Now we learn from the GAO that it looks like Iraq will have a $79 billion budget surplus by years end. It’s just so incredibly awesome that our government continues to underwrite all the rebuilding and security costs in Iraq while they experience oil profit windfalls. Wasn’t this the money that the Bushies promised would pay for our activities in Iraq? Even more we learn today that the Iraqi military is still unprepared and ill equipped to protect their borders. This debacle is becoming so surreal that it’s difficult to properly comment on it. $10 billion of this money is parked at the Federal Reserve of New York and the US is paying Iraq $435 million a year in interest! You couldn’t possibly make this stuff up. I think I may head down to the Federal Reserve today with my tax returns and ask for reimbursement.

McNuke- McShame’s energy policy is aimed at building 2 nuclear power plants a year until 2030. He must be a huge Simpson's fan. There are already 34 new plants in line according to the Energy Department. I think nuclear in smaller quantities and the ability to dispose of the waste may be something to consider. The only problem is that the Energy Department now anticipates the Yucca Mountain facility in Nevada to cost $97 billion over its lifetime. This is $37 billion more than budgeted. So if you add 45 more nuclear plants; where are the funds coming to pay for the waste disposal?

Ice Melts- I am continuing to advocate for conservation as part of the immediate problems confronting energy and its scarcity. In today’s NYT columnist Thomas Friedman shares his travels to Greenland and observing the ice sheets melting away. As suggested in his column the climate crisis will not be delivered to the world via disaster, but by the mailman, as we all start receiving astounding increases in our electric, gas and water bills.

Freddie, Fannie & Mary Kate

Freddie & Fannie Again- Today we learn that chief executive Richard Syron of Freddie Mac was ignoring warnings from his internal risk management officer of the pending mortgage crisis. Syron was warned as far back as 2004 to start cutting risk and ignored these pleas. On top of this he was compensated with $38 million over the past 5 years. His peer at Fannie Mae, Daniel Mudd who shockingly is a Ph.D. wielding economist claims that they are victims of circumstance. Meanwhile, Mudd collected $42 million in pay. Additionally, these two quasi public organizations are so damaged that it’s impossible to find candidates interested in replacing these two knuckleheads. So they will continue to be well compensated, with I assume taxpayer monies, for their ignorance in driving Freddie & Fannie to the verge of collapse. If this doesn't cause people to take to the streets, I really don't know what would. I suppose since 80% of the people should not have qualified to own homes and benefited under this scam, that there is little reason for these people to protest.

GOP Redeployment- Voter registration rolls in 26 States so far this year show an increase in Democratic registrations by a net total of nearly 215,000 and a decline in Republican registrants to the tune of 1,400,000. Wow, this is only half the States and the Dems have a 1.2 net advantage. Increasing registrations to Independent have made this basically a third party in many states with each splitting the registrants 1/3, 1/3, 1/3. I can only hope that some of these gains go to the Green Party.

More EcObama- I wanted to add to yesterday’s post that conservation and efficiency alone could help this country toward energy independence. Both these tools we already have available to us, and applied with any cohesion would provide enormous savings. Check out Bob Herbert’s NYT column today.


What’s with this Mary-Kate Olsen refusing to speak to federal investigators and demanding immunity before she does? Seems to me if one of my “good friends” died of some kind of overdose with some of the drugs being prescribed illegally that I would cooperate with zero conditions. This definitely makes one further wonder of what Olsen’s afraid of in sitting with investigators. Doesn’t seem like natural behavior to me.

EcObama

I know I am a bit tardy with today's post. I have a perfectly good excuse as I was awaiting for the Obama energy policy speech. It took me awhile to digest the speech and then of course I had work, clients, dinner etc. I will go beyond all the expedient political fluff like strategic petroleum reserve, off shore drilling and lower per gallon prices offered by Senator at the speech's beginning. On to the meat which is the weening of this country from it's destructive energy dependence. First, Obama proposes to put money into each voter's pocket with a tax credit for hybrid vehicle purchases ($7000) and a energy rebate for families of $1000 paid through the windfall profits tax. Obama should have stayed on message with the rebate and knock off all this windfall profits minutiae which the average American does not care to understand.

The Obama plan goes on to propose putting 1,000,000, 150 mile per gallon hybrid vehicles on the road in six years. Also, he proposes mileage standards to rise at 4% a year. On an average 25 mile per gallon car this is only adding 1 mile per gallon per year. Not too very ambitious. The plan also claims to produce 10% of all energy from renewable sources by the end of Obama's first term. This proposal will also extend the Production Tax Credit for five years which ensures that new green technologies will receive inducements to continue research and development. Building energy efficiency is to improve by 50% over four years. The plan also, supposedly reduces all carbon emissions by 80% by the year 2050.

The less ambitious parts of this energy policy includes a modest conservation goal of only 15% over the next decade and continues to advocate biofuels. These coupled with the political expedient details certainly dumb down this proposal. One of the exciting figures cited is the fact that Michigan alone has developed 300 companies and 50,000 jobs in the new green economy. This is the green revolution that really could spark remarkable economic growth, coupled with a cleaner planet. So overall, the Obama plan has some ambition, but he is definitely walking the middle path. It certainly is more sensible and forward thinking then anything McShame has offered.

Scientist McShame- McShame for his part today could only manage to chide Obama for advocating keeping proper tire pressure as improving gas mileage. For many years now the idea of proper tire inflation has proven to improve gas mileage by 3.5%. If you drive 15,000 miles a year by my calculations this is about an extra 525 miles. I am a math dummy but this seems to amount to about 21 gallons in a average vehicle or a savings of nearly $95. McShame is such a joker he even handed out tire pressure gauges to the press. The senator clearly needs to spend more time around his NASCAR fans to understand this concept.

Greenspan & Girls Gone Child

Greenspan Speaks – Wow, Alan Greenspan speaking of Fannie Mae & Freddie Mac labeled both as “unstable”. The former Fed Chief actually admitted that having Fannie & Freddie structured as private/public entities, whereas “profit is privatized and loss is socialized” as a poor idea. Looks as though these two organizations could be heading toward being obsolete or at the very least reorganized. When someone of Greenspan’s supposed stature admits this, we can count on something thankfully changing.

Girls Gone Child- I was reading Maureen Dowd’s column in today’s NYT and she was mentioning how Obamania was still meeting with disgruntled Hillraisers. The senator has got to stop wasting his time in these meetings. Hillaryites are damn near insane. So either, just put Hillary on the ticket or get beyond it and start ignoring these lunatics. I dare these nuts, once in the voting booth, to cast a vote for McShame.

McShame Music- As a follow up to my earlier post regarding the McShame campaigns inability to license any pop music, along comes the talented John Rich. It seems John, who is just coming off his anti-gay marriage and somewhat homophobic remarks last year, has penned a song for McShame titled “Raising McCain”. John is so talented, but it seems as though he needs some life lessons from his less offensive and lovely partner, Big Kenny.

It’s Local Stupid- With the continuing increase in the cost of energy, the notion of the global economy may be hitting a roadblock in growth. This notion of products traveling thousands of miles just for our convenience is becoming both antiquated and too costly. If I need to go without Kiwi in the winter due to my residing in the Northeast, so be it. We all need to adjust our consumption in purchasing and eating more locally produced goods.

Yankees Slide- The Yankees finally won a game yesterday against the Anaheim Los Angeles Orange County Disneyland California Angels after faltering the past week. Mike “Moose” Mussina threw a near perfect game. I can’t believe that I now look forward to Mike starting again. He is hot as lava. I never realized he has a degree in economics from Stanford too. Too my relief (pun intended) I will never have to look at Kyle Farnsworth is pinstripes again. I am so relieved he was traded away as he was a bullpen waste of space.

Labels & TM

I Hate Labels- I think I must be the most naïve human living on the planet when it comes to this race crap that is now being injected into this presidential campaign. Shouldn’t it be—who cares? I am going to attempt to articulate my thoughts on this, but admit I have some sort of disconnect between my inner gray matter and my tongue regarding race. With the myriad of serious issues at hand, this is becoming a distraction that will sadly play to McShame’s benefit. Barack Obama is a person of multi cultural origin. Like this is some breaking news and does this have some relevant bearing on competence? I can guarantee that somewhere in my 100% Italian origin past, my background has some other cultural mix…how can it not? Let’s stop giving attention to this sideshow and move on to the issues that truly matter. Further more, allowing this to become a campaign of personality over policy is beyond frustrating. Obamessiah’s victory lap in the EU and his allowing McCain to define this campaign only on his personality could cause big problems for Obama this fall.

Obamortal- Looks like Senator Obama has given up the messiah title in joining the masses to further promulgate cheaper gas and some limited form of off shore oil exploration. Is anyone going to man up and provide a bold policy with long term goals in mind? Seems as though the good senator from Illinois is falling into the same trap in telling Americans what they want to hear. This is an evolution folks, adapt or be forgotten.

Lynch’s TM- The David Lynch Foundation is providing funds for “Quiet Time” in schools using the principals of Transcendental Meditation techniques. I think this is a real worthwhile program so visit the Foundations website here.

Pumps, Pimps & Police

Exxonirvana- The genius of ExxonMobil pocketing a cool $11.68 billion in quarterly profit—the largest profit in US history—has to make someone angry. Our nations crack dealer continues to role on and keep everyone addicted to crude. Many more of these types of quarterly profit will hopefully jolt consumers to increasingly find alternatives to autos and gas. As odd as this sounds, gas needs to continue to rise in order for the new technologies to gather the mass they need to come into the market and reasonable price levels. It’s definitely time for this government, though not this administration, to set a cohesive energy policy that further continues to reward new technologies. Taxes on gasoline need to be raised immediately in order to fund this research and encourage conservation (apologies to all my friends in Cali). If not the US taking the lead, then it seems China’s continued ambitions are now including breakthroughs in clean technology. One company there has set a cool of a plug-in car being in production by the end of this year. How is it that the Chinese are better at retooling to anticipate needs than US companies. What a slovenly, hog-like business culture has become the US. As the old colloquialism goes- pigs get fat, hogs get slaughtered.

McShame Whitey- I am trying to resist from writing about this presidential campaign on a daily basis. I have just as much criticism of Obamessiah, but the McShame campaign is so purely deluded and incompetent that I just cannot stop writing about it. Yesterday, they really swung for the fence in accusing Obamessiah of “playing the race card”. You have got to be kidding me. In addressing the fact “that he may not look like all those other presidents on dollar bills” Obama was attempting to proactively address these fears before the phone messages and mailers start arriving in people’s homes south of the Mason-Dixon line this fall. The McShame campaign has now established their new low benchmark and they clearly think it is still 1950. I really can’t decide if I should feel incredulous or just sad for these guys. I really think they would stand a better chance of winning if McShame closed up shop and just went on the dl in Sedona until November 5th.

Bratton Bi-zerk- Hell, William Bratton, LA’s police chief has really gone of the rails since leaving NYC. His comments yesterday in explaining that paparazzi laws were nonsense, went so far out as to accuse Lindsey Lohan for “gone gay”. What year is this that someone still thinks as though someone can just go gay? Well, maybe though in Lindsey’s case he is correct.