StevenSeagal

At the least, I think the development and availability of some technologies is not as expedient as it could be, while competing interests wrangle for control of them. I suspect that until oil interests secure a means to capitalize from alternative fuels to power cars, those technologies will be slower to develop and be affordable. The problem is, they are needed sooner than later. Side note- my understanding was that back in the 1940's, LA infrastructure planners had a very different vision for the area than what is in place today- one that involved trains and mass transit. But, powerful interests that wanted a car-based system helped to squash it and develop the freeway network they have today. I don't have a source on this but I do remember reading about this awhile back, maybe someone else can chime in with specifics? For better or worse, we've developed a transportation system dependent on the car, and our daily lives now also revolve around it, making it more difficult to effect change. The unfortunate reality is, it is clear that the continuation of this system as is will not likely be practical- everything is developed, space is limited, and the freeways are reaching capacity. And oil seems to either be running out, or requires invading other countries to secure more of it, and/or requires continuing dealings with shady countries and governments. Like many things in human history, ultimately, the change will occur only when we have no other choices remaining. Ironic, but true. Altruism is more a fantasy than a reality. The butcher providing your dinner is one thing. The problem is when someone's "regard for their own interest" becomes distorted into thinking that multi billion dollar profits and 200 million dollar bonuses are necessary for one's survival, and the byproducts are poisoning of the water and air, relationships with despots, crushing of weaker competition, underhandedly funding nefarious business dealings and wars, and gouging consumers at their own whim, because they can. There's a fine line between making a comfortable living, and going out of your way to interfere with and prevent others from having the same so that you can be filthy rich. Don't assume I'm advocating a socialist/gov't approach to fixing this. People have to come to this realization on their own, or not at all. But it doesn't hurt to point it out. Wishful thinking, yes. Oh and kevbone: if you want to "let loose", go back to Billcoe's proctology exam photo and pull out the doc's finger.

Let's just put it this way: I have no more faith in the altruism of business owners to do what is best for everyone, than I do in the federal government. Given the choice between the illusion of government oversight of the oil/energy industries, which provide a service that is vital and has the ability to effect every aspect of our society, versus allowing these industries to do what is best for the environment on a "voluntary" basis, I'll take the gov't regulation. At least there's the possibility of transparency. The current situation is that oil is a giant cartel that set prices however it feels like, because they know there is absolutely nothing any of us can do about it except complain. Free market economics doesn't work if there is no competition. I don't favor gov't regulation for business, but if there ever was a case for it, it's here.

Bummer dude. If it's any consolation, you can now go hit the bars with Seahawks and kevbone:

Simple- profits have never been better for the oil and energy industries, and to implement more efficient technology, someone would have to spend some money. We can't have that, everyone knows that business interests always take first priority, because if it's good for business, it's good for America, right? Never mind the long term profits that could resume from monopolizing new technology the way the current technology is monopolized. I want it all, right now. Business profits=good Regulation= bad No further science required. Global warming isn't the issue here.

Give us your infallible, expert analysis then. Or is this just another "somebody made a mistake...what a dumbshit!" posts. Wait...yup, that's it. Dumbass.

another example why not to trust scientist... ...unless they parrot the Bush Administration. Then all of a sudden their titles and credentials have weight and their research is conclusive. Shithawk, have you looked at pictures of Cascade glaciers in 1940 and compared them against present day pictures? No? Dumbass.

Seahawks can't control himself when he sees you blowing kevbone? 8D

Yes, but she upgraded to a double wide.

Wonder what the "evidence" they had was? She must own a blue dress.

Well, at least we can all feel safer knowing this druggie will be behind bars.

On that subject... sickie Guess who just came out? Not that it's important. What is important, though, is this stellar financial advice for the ordinary American:

Do you have room for cream?

Maybe she meant this guy...

ppSbnOtzY_I

Anyone notice this: Find the Irony In particular: The same "heated debate" in which the author/correspondant of this very story was, regardless of the particulars, involved in physically assaulting another climber in El Chalten. Is there just a touch of contradiction here? They "took no part" yet in the very next sentence, here's their views being used in a public release that smacks not just a little of bold faced "ethics" and "purity" propaganda. Whether it was the intention of the climbers for their views to be used this way, or to be published at all, or if it's simply the work of the author to use a report on their climb to promote his own views, is not clear. The manipulative attempt at proselytizing is, however, noted. Consider also these comments: First off, these guys kicked ass. By any measure, they had an amazing trip. Since nothing really new was accomplished, however- no FA's, new linkups, or speed ascents, the main newsworthiness of this story-if there is any at all- is simply the amount of successful repeat ascents they made in an area where even the most talented climbers consider themselves lucky to get up a single route. Sure, it was their first trip there, but these guys are well known climbers with exceptional skills, it's not like they are newcomers who surprised everyone. Their achievements stand alone as inspiring, if for no other reason than their motivation and timing, two of the most important ingredients in Patagonia...So why do we also need comparisons utilizing the implied lack of successes of others, or the elitist, highly subjective, classification of routes as "challenging", and...something less than "challenging", which apparently describes the Franco Argentine route on Fitzroy, and the Compressor on the Torre. What a mixed message this all sends about humility, and what selective use of it the media makes. It seems like all these discussions about "ethics" and the "purity" of the mountain is a lot of empty talk coming from a media apparatus that simultaneously promotes and celebrates an atmosphere of falling over one's self for recognition and attention for one's achievements. Perhaps if humility, reticence, and quiet determination held higher value, these debates would have more enduring weight. Lacking that, it's just a lot of egotist blather. (media) Swiss Climbers

Forgot one-

Limb by limb, tooth by tooth Tearing up inside of me Every day, every hour I wish that I was bullet proof Wax me, mould me Heat the pins and stab them in You have turned me into this Just wish that it was bullet proof, was bullet proof -Radiohead

From the Descendents: Flatulation punctuates the still night air And I thank god you're here I queefed - Enjoy Smell my butt-Enjoy Make the most of my butt-toast Enjoy my good friends - Enjoy The laces of my shoes unlock the mystery Come and share a treat with me I can't recall the last time I washed my feet We're in for a treat Here's my shoes - Enjoy And here's my socks - Enjoy Make the most of my toe toast Enjoy, my good friends - Enjoy Flatulation punctuates the still night air And I thank God you're here I queefed - Enjoy Smell my feces - Enjoy Sniff my ass whilst I pass gas Enjoy my good friends - Enjoy

Overheard at Seecocks house, if he ever has a baby (unprovable God forbid): "Dammit honey, the kid shit his pants again! These diapers don't WORK!" Is it just me or did that not make sense? Too late have 2 kids. It's just you. I'll speak slowly: Diapers don't stop one from shitting one's pants. In my case, I just shouldn't have eaten that rancid hot and sour soup over at the Jade Palace restaurant the day Gene came in. I'll never eat there again. Got me sick as a dog, I had the shart's, and I wasn't my usual sharp self. Otherwise, it would've been Gene heading for the laundromat. But for you, I'm guessing the only solution to your problem is a buttplug. Talk to smithisheaven.

Overheard at Seecocks house, if he ever has a baby (unprovable God forbid): "Dammit honey, the kid shit his pants again! These diapers don't WORK!"

Now if we can make you disappear, we'll have irrefutable proof.

You can't prove the Seahawks would have won with better officiating. I can prove that they lost, though.

Shouldn't you and Seahawks go get a room? 8D

LOL that movie was terrible. He about as bad an actor as Seashit. Look, there's the ref not catching an overthrown pass: Here's the ref causing a fumble: Here's the ref blocking the Seahawks entire defense: Here's Seahawks after the game:

Discuss.