chuck kottke

:smart::vanish::pirate:Finally got tired of spying on us, and had to join, eh?:cowboy: Well, as long as you're not a stage-coach robber, we'll let you join! (otherwise, it's 20-lashes with a buggy whip!:curtain::whip::laugh3:).. Glad you could join, Trevor! & great to hear you had a good time!

8:54 PM and trying to find ways to reconcile the rift between commercial logging and ecological values. I had the pleasure of watching and hearing a pileated woodpecker today.

Choose Ice :cool:I'd go with the MX5 too - it's more fun, and doesn't cause as many ice-bergs to plop into the ocean...;)

Well there really are no black people, nor are there any while people - just differing shades of skin pigmentation - a complete set of tones! But the racism of the past, which still lingers on to this day (I'm dismayed by the language I hear locally..), and that racism is often hidden, in things like employment decisions - so it's necessary to counteract it, and offer competitive positions based on skin tone, because of the backward past's presence even today. Maybe we could change the language to get a better fit - instead of the terms such as "white" or "black", it seems better to say "light tone" or "dark tone" to get past the images conjured in the mind, and on to a better understanding of the minor differences. But here's something to consider: Africa has something like 13 different genetic sub-populations of we humans, of which 1, the Namibians from SW Africa, had migrated first out of Africa to populate the rest of the entire globe - so to call Africa one culture or population is a non-sequitur. But the identity of many Americans (and I suspect Europeans) of recent African ancestry was lost in the bad happenings of the past, and from there the history is one of great importance, for it represents a rise to equality against segregation and racism, so that we may accept one-another as individuals, and not classify one-another in so incorrect and hurtful ways, but note the general mindsets and mannerisms that are the true hallmarks of cultural identity. I am glad to see that historical archives and DNA tests are helping many Americans of African ancestry locate their family's original cultural group and sometimes their families in Africa. What an unusual world that must be, to have not until recently known where one's ancestors came from!! But as far as the British designation - What would one call oneself if you're a resident of Great Britain, without the term British? To me, the divisions of Great Britain into England, Wales, Scotland, and so forth makes sense - British being the over-arching term to bind all the different groups together..

:sunny:Welcome!!!! Enjoy the madness, and stay a while!:bandana:

Streaming is my specialty!:joker: What sayest thou from land down under??

Will the rare breeds survive? I hope so!! Innovation depends on them... Unfortunately, reliability suffers, for no auto maker really wants a car that breaks down - that' what ended the beautiful American specialties like Auburn, Cord, and Packard - I'd be saddened to see Alfa go that way!! Are they really that prone to malfunctions?? Anyhow, get what you can afford, but if you're a millionaire, go with the innovative pack - that's the only way to make progress! ;> I like the styling of both, but efficiency wins we out - and even in the racetrack, the smoother streamlining and lighter frame gets up to speed the quickest.. even for renewbles the best is with the smooth light machines.

:laugh3:

Artists are portrayers of the human world - a mirror to us all - and so, I think they deserve leeway with their artistic license - it's the only way new ideas, or ever relevant ideas sometimes can be projected to the mainstream world we all live in. Look at the Earth at night. You can see it - we glow so brightly, it's no wonder we have an energy problem! We have a collective common-sense problem! So they as artists are focused at the details that magnified by a billion represent the aspirations of many; if that requires working with the tools they are given, then that's how we operate at present. To try for perfection is to either set the stage for Buddhism as example, or to paint oneself in a corner - so as long as the world pays attention to the Buddhists as their reverence for life is fantastic, we are set - but the common culture, as was the place in Egypt as it is now, is focused on the celebrity, be they royalty or otherwise, it's good to have celebrity portraying a better future for us all, even if the means are less than ideal. Consider this - the very same drive that gave us the automobile came from the cannon's bore; the moonshot that showed us Earth from space as a delicate blue planet was the culmination of the Cold War, and the ensuing environmental movement took us only as far as the demand would carry. What we must do is complete the trip, and make it to the other side - to a better world of common elements, Green Choices, and a greater harmony with all humanity and nature...

OOPs double post!

In our wonderful modern world, there is always a disconnect, but consider what the role of artist is - to project a sense of which choice means what. I mean, we all live in a world of environmental triage - by making a choice to use the media, which is supported by all the coal-burning power plants of the world (outside of France, but that's another story), and all the magical chemicals which run huge risks, it's the role of the artist to take the pallet they're given, and make it better by showing what's better to the buying public. Call it education with sex appeal; call it the connection made by celebrity charm - whatever you will, it is a way of getting to the core thoughts of us all, and making the ecological and sociological concerns take a forefront. So while the means are not always green at present, we have to sometimes prime the green pump, and accept a certain level of disconnect to manifest a broader change, which helps us all transition to a better world. Anyhow, just babbling - have a good night!

Well, to each his own! If it works for them, then that's what's best - Besides, they are not in the exact same line of business - one an expert at film, the other a creative musician - and quite personal and intimate at that - so it's not surprising to me! Given the way the paparazzi behaves, I wouldn't want to subject my family to that either!! Surprised to hear Chis was at the Iron-man event - although the drive to excel is there in both fields, so I can see his enthusiasm!;)

Hello Amy! Glad you could join the magical mystery!

Happy Birthday Lori !! :> Chicago is now in control of the planet's reins - hold on tight, and steer the sleigh in a good direction, so we all can live in peace on earth...

Congratulations Ian for successfully completing many orbital revolutions of the sun!:sunny: You're but a wink in the eye of the Galaxy, but with a wink and a nod, all the best to you!!!:hat: Long live Ian, King of the Coldplay Universe!!:):):wink:

The formation of ideas as they appear in our heads before editing and peer review... Why? Because we all need a space to just be ourselves! Creativity is the vitality of society!! Long live life! Arthurian legend as a manifestation of the human condition. Modified by the centuries, like driftwood in it's various states, weathered to suit the tenor of the times... Music to the ear, pleasing like wine, free of all encumberances, willing to embrace the unknown, and fly with the wind off the cuff.. Consider the lily, as a symbol of elegance - a statement of the perfection of form, undiluted in the purest sense, with little extras to distract the eye - be that the eye of a butterfly, the eye of a deer, or the eye of a human being.. And what are we? The culmination of all that is - every chance happening along the way (but what are the odds against us happening at all?) The fine-tuned orchestra of evolution, tuned by a divine universe, and amazing in it's own right - still, the probability is against us, and yet, here we are! Proof that the infinite improbability drive works!! (well, somewhat, given the circumstances and the upkeep!) But wrapped in the Lily, the orchestra of life itself, with a world of amazing fascination to behold, all hidden beneath the obvious blanket of a form suited to attract pollinators, who's minds like ours search for the simple nectar amidst the carpet of the ordinary.. Given the cells of the world could amass something as magnificent as a human, a mere ape with great ability both socially and individually is quite the achievement! Hooray for the cell!! All of evolution to have produced a prodigal son, a one-in-a-million lucky happening, among the one-in-a-million lucky happenings of planets is almost beyond comprehension, yet - here we are!! And speaking of fixations on cells, we have a Pope, who is embracing Solar power! OMG - this is beyond anything I could have dreamed!! The Vatican, bastion of ultra-conservatism, going solar?!?!!!! WOW!! Perhaps the planets are lining up, and all is possible in the heavens! I am amazed - from a Pope so conservative in his tenure, to be so progressive in energy policy is truly a revelation!! Viva la spirit of enlightenment!! The power of music to inspire, the power of interactions to spark thought, and the power of consistency to maintain all that is good in the world, that is truly a success story! Long live the collective soul of humanity!!:)

Batteries - newer lithium-ion batteries use iron phosphate vs. cobalt, and thus are much better for the environment. I'm not sure if the auto-makers have switched over yet, as the older type of lithium-ion batteries had the risk of catching on fire, and probably they are in the process of switching over if they haven't already. But considering the volatility of fuel costs, the price of oil is set to climb again in a year or two, so I wouldn't plan on the fuel costs being cheap for long as the entire globe keeps wanting more and more of a limited resource, where what's left is going to be more and more expensive to extract. If I were in the market, I would get the most fuel-efficient vehicle within my price range.. You would not necessarily have to get a hybrid, as there are some very nice fuel-efficient conventional autos. What most auto makers have been doing is trying to keep the old designs going, because of retooling costs, and because they make the most money on SUV's & pickups. But for anything to be reasonably fuel efficient at highway speeds, it has to have a lower profile, and be streamlined - smooth gentle curves, a more rounded trunk area, and smooth underneath as well. Light is good, but I would look for something with an inverted wing vs. a spoiler, as the wing can add down-pressure to the vehicle adding traction without too much loss of efficiency. Some companies have opted for aluminum frames / moniques which can be both stronger and lighter without the added costs of composites. And the fuel savings can be substantial - in 5 years, a vehicle that's twice as efficient as the U.S. CAFE standard would save you roughly 370 gallons of fuel each year, or $740 in just the first year. By the time we get to the fifth year, fuel will be at least $3.00 a gallon, and perhaps much more (peak oil estimates average 3 years, and demand continues to rise..) so fuel could be $4.00 or $5.00 a gallon here in the U.S.; Taking a guess of $3.33 per gallon over the period, that's a savings of roughly $6,200. You ought to be able to drive a pretty hard bargain with the sales places as auto sales are slumping, so now is a good time to be looking. Best of Hunting for the bargain!!

Yes!! Low drag coefficient, lower frontal area, light weight, and thus pretty good on fuel, if you can keep yourself from racing it too much..;) Probably a good candidate to convert into a hybrid electric - light and very streamlined = perfect choice for efficiency. The new lithium ion batteries use iron phosphate instead of cobalt, and therefore are safe from sudden combustion like the laptop batteries..;);) Add some carbon nanotube supercapacitors, a high power density permanent-magnet electric motor, and you're set. Oh, and maybe a diesel engine for charging the batteries/capacitors. See the Car of the Future! A 1933 Dymaxion! Available exclusively at your local Dymaxion dealer..:jester: [ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IhSonPwM8zE]YouTube - dymaxion car[/ame] Music by Iggy Pop.

One Phrase: Fair Trade.

Warren Buffet at Goldman Snack's Buffet Table?:P Well, letting major auto makers fail probably would crash the economy, and suck the globe down with the wake of our ship, but more to the point - why are sales so low?? (a.) rising fuel costs until very recently hurt sales of their biggest money makers - gas guzzlers, (b.) poor management, (c.) competition, and (d) global economic instability. The U.S. bailed out Chrysler in the 70's, and after Iacocca took over, he got the auto lines people wanted and the sales staff geared to sell autos and make deals. Sounds like a repeat of history! But the government ought to demand better management and better foresight - maybe a rethinking of the way companies operate, so they are less dependent on 1/4 profits, and more thoughtful of what the market will bear down-the-line, as the fuel pinch ultimately affects consumer choices, as well as manufacturing costs. But loosing "Generous Motors" would be sad, as so much of our history is tied up with the company that started as the Little Car Company, and a bunch of Detroit investors in the growing auto industry in 1908. If not for GM, makes like Welsh would have failed long before GM ended their manufacture!:laugh3: But seriously though, GM and Ford (Ford! Think about it - Henry Ford's empire, and proof of the success of finely honed mass-manufacturing!!) are as American as Apple Pie and Hockey Moms. :P If we loose our automotive sector, that's roughly 1/4 or 1/5th of the jobs tied directly or indirectly to this industry - something to ponder!

Well, we all forget things, even important things, like birthdays of people we're close to! Just be honest and sincere - you did buy her presents in anticipation of her birthday, and you had planned to remember, but sometimes we just get into the routines of day-to-day life, our minds wander onto subjects that distract us temporarily, and then we forget - it's natural, and unintentional. Just be yourself, tell her you're very sorry for forgetting, and want to make her feel happy & wish her a happy birthday - I think anyone can understand that, as I'm sure she has forgotten important things as well - it's not intentional, and you had planned on giving her a gift, so you were thinking of her - just forgot on the day. I can tell you are a caring person who just lost track of what the day meant - she should understand that. Feel Better - you're a nice person who's forgetful like we all are at times!;)

I think he really wants to do the right things, but will he have the strength to take the reins, or will the reins be yanked aside? He isn't completely beholden to them - much of his campaign cash came from numerous small and medium donations, so perhaps there is reason for hope. Nobody in the Senate can come in and take charge as a freshman Senator - you have to play along for years and build alliances both within the party, and later with the opposition party Senate colleagues. It's a shame that it's set up that way and that needs to change, yet his hands were partially tied in the Senate, and thus his record reveals little of what Obama can do once given the leeway. And he should have the leeway, with the errors made by many in our economic balancing act. I'm not pleased he used his discretion to authorize signing statements, especially since he's not yet in office, but I hope he will work to end the excess power of the office (harder to do than letting go of molasses once it gets on one's hands, but that would be the right thing to do..) Although, letting Bush and Co. do more damage might not be so good either.. I feel he is a man of integrity, and he has a reputation to uphold, plus given the circumstances, the writing is on the wall as far as the need for reform. But to change our economic system in such a way as to make it lastingly stable seems essential for a sound recovery..

Hmm.. what was I thinking..? Oh yea! how we can occupy two states of mind, completely incompatible on a logical scale, yet at separate times and circumstances each finds its presence. Making change is a lot like telling bees which flowers are best - it takes incentives and examples.

I am unaware of your budget, but if Volkswagen or Honda or Toyota makes a hybrid diesel that's reasonable, that would be my choice. They usually get great mileage because (1) the diesel engine in inherently much more efficient than a gasoline engine, (2) the hybrid design does improve mileage further, (3) their slipstream efficiency is probably good (get a lower profile one), and those companies have produced proven reliable tested products that last and keep a good resale value. The American auto makes might offer something, but their emphasis has always been gas-hogs and wind-pushers, but the oil price is still over $50 a barrel, with no end in sight in the future. Best to invest in good makes, and usually the best values are in used, well cared for vehicles that are a few years old..;) Personally, I think the car companies are stalling on creating really great cars that have both high performance and great efficiency, so the answer is with better government to push them in the right direction - but the best we can do now is go with what's available, and work for change. LOL!!:) PS - one can always make biodiesel in a pinch to run in one, and used fryer grease is still available..

water before passing out, aspirin, and water when you wake up!!