Big oil thinks we're stupid!

[Vic C.]

Do you really believe that OIL is finite? We could get OIL from shale rock!

Is it not possible that our good Lord provided the means for this earth to sustain itself? I doubt that we could tap the earth dry of oil.

However, we could be doing both - drilling within our borders and seeking other means...

Yes, it's finite. All natural resources are finite, that's the point.

Yes, the Lord gave us the capacity to sustain ourselves. He gave us wind, water, the sun, etc. All resources that will outlive us for sure. He didn't mean for us to strip the earth, cut down the very trees that give us life sustaining oxygen and generate or weather, pollute the very water we need to live. But we got selfish, cling to the things that degrade life and the environment, all for the $$$.

 

[Rick W]

The only real problem with Nuclear is that there is not ONE set of regulations for the Power Plants. each state has their own. Unlike in France and other European nations, where they have Federal mandates and regulations.

Nuclear could be and is done safely and effeciently.

Think what you will but I for one could do with out another Chernobyl.

I understand where you're coming from MISFIT but that doesn't mean there haven't been tragic events in coal mining for example. There's been oil spills that have damaged the ecosystem along coastlines and will still takes many years to recover. People have died searching, drilling and pumping oil. Refineries have exploded killing many and throwing who knows how much chemically toxic materials into the air and causing entire towns to evacuate. The quest for energy is not a risk free endeavor. But in any case we missed the boat on nuclear power anyway so I don't see that happening.

As for me well, I'd throw my money to the wind so-to-speak. Heck, if I had a sizable sum to invest and was a bit younger I'd invest in wind power. Unless I miss my guess wind is currently providing more power to the grid than any other renewable source in the US. It's not enough as yet to impact our reliance on other sources but it's growing at a steady pace. It'll take some time yes, but I honestly believe wind holds the greatest promise right now. As far as time goes well, we're talking at least 20 years to "feel" the difference. Sure isn't going to help right now though. Like I said, we're in for some tough times.

 

[RadicalReformer]

AHh yes - but don't forget NIMBY disease. We all want "wind" just as long as those big windmills are "not in my backyard".

And don't forget the birds, whose flight path most of the windmills will effect - killing untold number of innocent birdies for your "energy consumption" (Relic, this is sarcasm).

 

[Rick W]

There's a fellow on another forum I frequent that posted some pics of the windfarm being built about a mile from him. Though he's not real close there are some residences that are. They will be getting paid from $750 to $1200 per year for various reasons. There's some debate about the noise which He says he can just make out on a still, clear night... like a drawn out WHOOSH. He said you really can't hear the generators even up close.
Birds? lol. Those windmills don't turn fast enough to be any danger to birds. Unless of course the bird's talking on a cell phone and gets distracted. :-D

 

[handy]

It's a bit ironic that Robert Kennedy Jr., a huge environmentalist, has fought tooth and nail (and sucessfully) to prevent a major wind turbine field from being installed off Cape Cod and spoiling the view from Hyannis Port.

One thing that gets discussed a lot in conversations like this is energy. Energy to light our houses, energy to move our cars.

But, what else does oil provide for us in terms of modern living?

Has anyone seen that commercial for plastics? You know, the one where the guy is sitting in the doctors office and all of a sudden everthing that is plastic disappears and the guy is left sitting in his skivvies in an almost empty room? Isn't plastic a petroleum based product?

A lot of the current trend is to move us away from burning oil as fuel, and please don't get me wrong, anything that keeps the environment cleaner is a good thing as far as I'm concerned. But, it's amazing to think about how pervasive oil is in our lives, and how much is dependent on it.

 

[Rick W]

[attachment=0:fb333]Wind turbines.jpg[/attachment:fb333]

 

[MISFIT]

I know plenty of people that would b happy to have a windmill in there back yard, literally! My father for example has said on a number of occupations that he would, and he knows people that do they love it!

And yes I know about the tragedies that can occur with oil and coal as well, I live in Utah how many of you hear about the Grand Canyon mine collapse? But I'm not a fan of either of those sources of power either.

 

[Vic C.]

AHh yes - but don't forget NIMBY disease. We all want "wind" just as long as those big windmills are "not in my backyard".

And don't forget the birds, whose flight path most of the windmills will effect - killing untold number of innocent birdies for your "energy consumption" (Relic, this is sarcasm).

Rick said most of what I wanted to say. The sight of windmills out in the distance as I walk along the beach wouldn't bother me a bit. Who cares? Not me.... Put some fake bark and palm branches on them. :-D

Better yet, dress them up as scarecrows if the birds are a concern. But Rick is correct, they don't actually turn that fast. All the speed comes for a gearbox inside the housing with something like a 7|1 ratio. Some have variable ratios. It is what allows them to turn a generator at low wind speeds.

http://www.energybible.com/wind_energy/ ... bines.html

 

[Catholic Crusader]

What is "big oil"? Do you have a problem with big business? I'll bet you dont mind bying cheap stuff at Walmart made by Chinese slaves to save a buck though do you.

Oil is big because people buy. Thats the nature of a free market. Perhaps you'd lile to be the first to give up your car.

 

[Vic C.]

A lot of the current trend is to move us away from burning oil as fuel, and please don't get me wrong, anything that keeps the environment cleaner is a good thing as far as I'm concerned. But, it's amazing to think about how pervasive oil is in our lives, and how much is dependent on it.

I'm well aware of that and have been for some time now. Think of it this way; the less oil we use for fuel, the more we will have for all the other uses. 8-)

 

[MISFIT]

What is "big oil"? Do you have a problem with big business? I'll bet you dont mind bying cheap stuff at Walmart made by Chinese slaves to save a buck though do you.

Oil is big because people buy. Thats the nature of a free market. Perhaps you'd lile to be the first to give up your car.

Actually (and boy am sick of you judge mental people here) I don't shop at Wal-Mart or any other big box retail. I am a dying breed I shop local only. So put that in your pipe and smoke it!!!!! I would not mind giving up my car so long as there is an alternative, for example they just opened a commuter rail train here that runs though the 4 most populated counties here making stops in all the major cities. Also through out my city they are rapidly adding bicycle lanes. I like to walk when ever possible, and I work with several people that ride a bike to work every day.

Also have you ever thought about using a spell check, you need it.

 

[Catholic Crusader]

What is "big oil"? Do you have a problem with big business? I'll bet you dont mind bying cheap stuff at Walmart made by Chinese slaves to save a buck though do you.

Oil is big because people buy. Thats the nature of a free market. Perhaps you'd lile to be the first to give up your car.

Actually (and boy am sick of you judge mental people here) I don't shop at Wal-Mart or any other big box retail. I am a dying breed I shop local only. So put that in your pipe and smoke it!!!!! I would not mind giving up my car so long as there is an alternative, for example they just opened a commuter rail train here that runs though the 4 most populated counties here making stops in all the major cities. Also through out my city they are rapidly adding bicycle lanes. I like to walk when ever possible, and I work with several people that ride a bike to work every day.

Also have you ever thought about using a spell check, you need it.

Oh, so the person who does not like judmentalism attacks me for my spelling.

Put your money where your mouth is: Lots of people dont have cars. Join them.

 

[MISFIT]

WOW You win!! What you ask? Why the award for biggest Jack-*edited* here!! Woo!

 

[Rick W]

It's going to be a long hard road. We're talking about replacing an economic foundation... oil. It's not going to be easy. The days of cheap oil/gasoline is over.
We're in competition with China and every other country becoming a viable contender for global markets, prosperity and growth.
It's all going to take time. There is no solution next year, the year after that or even 10 years from now. Most projections are more in the range of 20 years or better for any other energy resource or the sum total of those resources to have any marked impact at all.
Technology must come up to speed for the need. New technology and finally it's development for economic practicality rarely comes overnight.

Save a tree... plant a windmill :-D

 

[MISFIT]

Lots of people dont have cars. Join them.[/quote

No thanks I don't like to be just another mindless zombie doing what everyone else does, but if that works for you keep it up your doing great!:P

 

[Vic C.]

Misfit, I understand your zeal, but please be careful of the language. Thanks.

 

[MISFIT]

It's going to be a long hard road. We're talking about replacing an economic foundation... oil. It's not going to be easy. The days of cheap oil/gasoline is over.
We're in competition with China and every other country becoming a viable contender for global markets, prosperity and growth.
It's all going to take time. There is no solution next year, the year after that or even 10 years from now. Most projections are more in the range of 20 years or better for any other energy resource or the sum total of those resources to have any marked impact at all.
Technology must come up to speed for the need. New technology and finally it's development for economic practicality rarely comes overnight.

Save a tree... plant a windmill :-D

AMEN!

 

[Catholic Crusader]

Well, I guess I'd rather be called a zombie than what I'm usually called. LOL

 

[MISFIT]

Misfit, I understand your zeal, but please be careful of the language. Thanks.

I will. I just find it odd that people claiming to be Christian would not care about GOD's creation. After all the earth was made by GOD for us, we should take care of it.

 

[Rick W]

Misfit, I understand your zeal, but please be careful of the language. Thanks.

Don't you start with the *bleep*s again.
:P


inside joke