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With all the negative press the U.S. military gets, it’s nice to see the military of another country (especially one I have a connection to) in the news for unleashing righteous violence on those who deserve it!
Last night I attended a book signing by former Minnesota governor, actor, wrestler, and Navy SEAL Jesse Ventura. He gave a good talk on various topics he’s concerned about, such as how the federal government has been increasing in size/spending while decreasing individuals’ freedoms, and his view that the Commission on Presidential Debates intentionally obstructs independent candidates’ participation. He’d like to abolish federal income taxes, and rely instead on a national sales tax for revenue (i.e. frugal people shouldn’t be taxed the same as extravagant people with the same income). Instead of auditing citizens, the IRS could then audit the government and businesses to make sure they’re accountable. This is only a brief smattering of the topics he discussed. I don’t agree with all of his views, but I find a lot to like about this guy (just as there’s a lot I like and dislike about both McCain and Obama).
The best part? If he *did* have time to bleed, he’d bleed solar: his second home (located in Mexico) is not only off-grid, but 100% solar!
Earlier this week, a Maryland beauty queen was arrested for breaking into a home and assaulting a woman there. What makes this newsworthy is the luscious irony that her pageant platform was to prevent bullying. Last year an Arizona beauty queen was charged with kidnapping and aggravated assault, among other things. The irony there was that she was a second-year law school student at the time. Similarly, I recall a news story a few years ago (but can’t find a link), about a beauty queen who was an advocate against drunk driving, getting arrested for - you guessed it - drunk driving.
Far be it from me to overgeneralize against all beauty pageant contestants, but I think it might be fun to predict what sort of future irony-laced news stories some of them might generate. For example, one whose platform includes protection of third-world children, but whose designer clothing line is made in sweatshops exploiting such children. Or one who took up preventing animal cruelty as her pet passion (pardon the pun) but is later found to be running a puppy mill supplying illegal dog fighting rings (or simply running a puppy mill, period).
Any other suggestions? 
People on the far right or far left may not like this (embedded below too; thanks, Anup!). I was cracking up!
Hat tip to my neighbor Tom for the link.
I like this blogger’s/photographer’s sense of humor. My favorite is “Ending a Dysfunctional Relationship” (Nov. 1, 2007).
Hat tip to my cousin Tarit for the link.
A little late for the holidays, I know; I only just saw this (apologies for not being able to embed the video - my HTML is weak) yesterday, but I’ve been cracking up ever since! :) Boymongoose, who appears to be the brainchild of a group of Australia-based Indians, has an entire album of re-worked Christmas carols, but as yet no further “videos”. I’m looking forward to more!
Hat tip to my friend Joe for the link.
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As you may know, the U.S. House of Representatives passed an energy bill last week (H.R.6) that among many other things raises mpg standards for cars (to 35 mpg by 2020), extends and raises the tax credits for residential solar energy (thru 2014, and to $4k from $2k), and eliminates tax breaks for oil companies (currently $13.5 billion - that’s $13.5 thousand million, for our readers who speak U.K./European English).
The bill is currently being debated by the Senate, which may reject all or portions of it, and the President may also use his veto powers. If you are a U.S. voter, please send a quick note to your elected representatives to let them know your views on the matter.
To write in support of H.R.6, click here.
I’ve been asked this question fairly often ever since I had a PV solar array installed on my roof in early 2006. The short answer is yes, but many factors are involved.
The main components of a PV system are the solar panel array, which converts light into DC electricity, and the inverter, which converts the DC electricity into 110 Volt AC electricity that can be used by the house. The system is designed to run the house on solar power first and only switch to the grid when electrical demand exceeds the PV system’s power output. It operates seamlessly, so no manual intervention is ever necessary.
During winter and early spring, my home’s electrical demand is low enough that I use solar power exclusively. In fact, for a few months I generate more electricity than I consume, and sell the excess to my power company, which applies a credit to my bill during those months. During the summer, however, air conditioning (a necessity in Phoenix) requires more power than my array provides.
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