Friday, January 17, 2014

Scientific Calculator: so you can figure it out

Enjoy this free internet tool Here are some interesting parameters The US is printing anywhere from 65 to 85 billion USD per month The US has reached its debt ceiling twice in the last six months The US has a 17 trillion dollar debt US taxpayers fund less than half of the annual budget The only way the US is able to pay its bills is to print more money BUT.... the USD is rising and so is the US stock market Question: Is this sustainable?





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Out of the Blue, and into the Black : Neil Young Slams Tar Sands


Neil Young, one of my favorite musical artists has stirred up controversy and thank God for that.
Canada's carbon emissions are projected to grow 38% by 2030 according to the governments own projections.


Adam Leach, the recipient of an Enbridge-sponsored professorship including $15 000 annually from the company criticizes many of Young's assertions but frankly none of the objections changes the simple facts of the matter.
The oil and gas on Earth comes from the sun's energy being accumulated in plants and animals over the course of billions of years.
It is a heritage bestowed upon the human race.
Corporations and governments ( as separate from people) have decided to obtain and use this energy as quickly as possible despite the diminishing resource and the impact on the planet's atmosphere, including the increase in CO2 emissions.







Some of Neil's facts are not strictly accurate but the overall message is basically sound. He has consistently had the courage to speak out in the defense of the helpless, homeless, disenfranchised, and those in despair since the 60's.  It is rare but not uncommon for public figures to be so authentic and brave about an issue like this.Like it, or lump it. I recommend you listen to CBC's interviews.  Rex Murphy, with whom I usually agree can also stuff it.  

Hiroshima involved obliteration of people and property, the tar sands?  Visually they match that description.Here are some of the finer points of the role of celebrity in bring the tarsands brightly under the spotlight:

He has escalated the level of debate amongst ordinary CanadiansIts time to have a serious debate about the alternatives to oil sands energy

Canadians are coming to Fort McMurray to earn a living, that is the choice that is left to them, so they will justify what is currently going on up there because they are willfully blind and bound to the situation

The scientists who would offer a dissenting voice in the courts of public opinion are forbidden from speaking because they are on the government's payroll

Greed will and is destroying our natural worldWe need oil. But our lifestyle has become unsustainable, if we have to destroy the environment to such an extent to maintain that lifestyle

Think for yourself.  For many who feel the helplessness and despair of being one small voice, some have joined the occupy movement, some have joined protests against Harper and his policies, but nothing changes. 

If any movement comes from Neil's voice, many will want to be part of it. Maybe now, with such an advocate, change can truly happen. 

Why is this important? because the only true course of action is a global action to mitigate the impact of Global Climate Change caused by human activity

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