<B>Burns:</B>: Friday Fanaticism
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Re: Burns:: Friday Fanaticism
Hey Woody 650; You sound young. Do you have any idea how much fuel would cost if there were no big fuel users? Hint...Alot more. The price of all our fuels is less per unit than a Damn unit of bottled water. The efficiency of modern vehicles, and their "Green" emmisions are the driving force in our economy. And it will only get better as technology improves our lives. Your grandkids will have plenty of energy at thier disposal. It may not be oil, though...
Hey Woody 650; You sound young. Do you have any idea how much fuel would cost if there were no big fuel users? Hint...Alot more. The price of all our fuels is less per unit than a Damn unit of bottled water. The efficiency of modern vehicles, and their "Green" emmisions are the driving force in our economy. And it will only get better as technology improves our lives. Your grandkids will have plenty of energy at thier disposal. It may not be oil, though...
Re: Burns:: Friday Fanaticism
JB; Keep up the good work. I enjoy your writing on any subject, and share your opinions about those damn 4 wheelers in thier brain dead driving habits. I ride, and drive an 18 wheeler. Hell, you can blame me for some of it, as I deliver new SUV's to dealers! Lucky for me they crash so many of them, the manufacturers can barely keep up with demand. And I will vigorously defend thier right to do so!!! Crash them that is...
JB; Keep up the good work. I enjoy your writing on any subject, and share your opinions about those damn 4 wheelers in thier brain dead driving habits. I ride, and drive an 18 wheeler. Hell, you can blame me for some of it, as I deliver new SUV's to dealers! Lucky for me they crash so many of them, the manufacturers can barely keep up with demand. And I will vigorously defend thier right to do so!!! Crash them that is...
Re: Depends on what your definition of
Alternative fuels, such as hydrogen, and the technology to use them, such as fuel cells, already exist. The reason they are not in widespread use is economic. As long as it's cheaper to produce and distribute petroleum products than it is to produce and distribute alternate fuels, petroleum products will be preferred. Keeping in mind that the cost of replacing the petroleum infrastructure, including gas stations, refineries, pipelines and, yes, even the vehicles we drive, is huge, it's likely to be some time before things like hydrogen and fuel cells replace internal combustion engines. The availability of hybrid vehicles and substitutes for petroleum, such as alcohol, may lengthen even further our dependence on internal combustion. But even those technologies will not enter common use until the price of gas goes up enough to offset their higher costs, or the government intervenes to raise petroleum prices to reflect the true cost of fighting a war every few years to keep the oil flowing.
This all assumes, of course, that classic supply-and-demand economic theory accurately reflects human nature. But if it did why would people be willing to sacrifice their children to preserve their less-materialistic culture?
Alternative fuels, such as hydrogen, and the technology to use them, such as fuel cells, already exist. The reason they are not in widespread use is economic. As long as it's cheaper to produce and distribute petroleum products than it is to produce and distribute alternate fuels, petroleum products will be preferred. Keeping in mind that the cost of replacing the petroleum infrastructure, including gas stations, refineries, pipelines and, yes, even the vehicles we drive, is huge, it's likely to be some time before things like hydrogen and fuel cells replace internal combustion engines. The availability of hybrid vehicles and substitutes for petroleum, such as alcohol, may lengthen even further our dependence on internal combustion. But even those technologies will not enter common use until the price of gas goes up enough to offset their higher costs, or the government intervenes to raise petroleum prices to reflect the true cost of fighting a war every few years to keep the oil flowing.
This all assumes, of course, that classic supply-and-demand economic theory accurately reflects human nature. But if it did why would people be willing to sacrifice their children to preserve their less-materialistic culture?
Re: Burns:: Friday Fanaticism
Whoa, this is too cool. Work at MOTORCYCLIST long enough, and you'll start to agree with the general publci about motorcylists, ie, they're all idiots. I'm feeling exactly the opposite right now; I haven't been called an ******* once in this discussion, yet.
Somebody said, "their bread is buttered with our oil money." That's true, but their bread is nasty ***** and I doubt they get much butter, and probably then only camel.
Somebody said, "their parents raise them to hate us." Wonder why? Could it be, ohh, I dunno, we shat on their parents too?
Couple of people said I used tired old environmentalist arguments. Er, where?
Somebody said I'm way out of my league tackling these issues. I agree, but at least, unlike our Chief Executive, I understand somewhat from where the hatred emanates. I'm having ****tails now, relaxing, watching the babies jump on the trampoline. You people are fantastic.
Whoa, this is too cool. Work at MOTORCYCLIST long enough, and you'll start to agree with the general publci about motorcylists, ie, they're all idiots. I'm feeling exactly the opposite right now; I haven't been called an ******* once in this discussion, yet.
Somebody said, "their bread is buttered with our oil money." That's true, but their bread is nasty ***** and I doubt they get much butter, and probably then only camel.
Somebody said, "their parents raise them to hate us." Wonder why? Could it be, ohh, I dunno, we shat on their parents too?
Couple of people said I used tired old environmentalist arguments. Er, where?
Somebody said I'm way out of my league tackling these issues. I agree, but at least, unlike our Chief Executive, I understand somewhat from where the hatred emanates. I'm having ****tails now, relaxing, watching the babies jump on the trampoline. You people are fantastic.
Re: Burns:: Friday Fanaticism
I'm not sure I follow your argument. Heavy users push down petroleum prices? Yet efficient, green vehicles drive our economy? Those statements, without clarification, aren't even in agreement, and the US economy has far more important drivers than green-emission vehicles. Hint: consumer goods, agriculture, energy, transportation, technology...
Are you trying to state that big fuel users create large demand, and thus an incentive for oil-producing countries to continue to produce? This may have been what lead to a giant oil industry, but continued increased demand puts us on the losing end of the supply/demand equation when the supply is provided by a source that takes dollars out of our economy.
You're correct that the cost of gasoline in the US is cheap...less than orange juice, milk, or designer bottled water. But gas prices are driven primarily by supply (controlled for the most part, and sometimes artificially, by OPEC) and by government regulation, including taxes and clean air standards (which contributes to why gas is so much more expensive in Europe).
The fact remains that most of the oil the US consumes is from outside the US, so decreasing use by definition decreases our dependency on foreign imports, and reduces the need for us to explore in areas like Alaska and offshore.
Further, if oil is a finite resource (and it probably is, though there's evidence that it may not be), prices will necessarily rise if and when the resource dwindles with a steady demand. So doing your best to conserve helps keep prices down, though perhaps not on a timeline that we ourselves can enjoy.
Finally, regardless of how much oil you think is left in this planet, burning fuel causes waste, and burning less causes less waste, even in efficient vehicles.
And I *still* can see around SUVs when I'm on my bike, and definitely don't want to get hit by one.
I'm not sure I follow your argument. Heavy users push down petroleum prices? Yet efficient, green vehicles drive our economy? Those statements, without clarification, aren't even in agreement, and the US economy has far more important drivers than green-emission vehicles. Hint: consumer goods, agriculture, energy, transportation, technology...
Are you trying to state that big fuel users create large demand, and thus an incentive for oil-producing countries to continue to produce? This may have been what lead to a giant oil industry, but continued increased demand puts us on the losing end of the supply/demand equation when the supply is provided by a source that takes dollars out of our economy.
You're correct that the cost of gasoline in the US is cheap...less than orange juice, milk, or designer bottled water. But gas prices are driven primarily by supply (controlled for the most part, and sometimes artificially, by OPEC) and by government regulation, including taxes and clean air standards (which contributes to why gas is so much more expensive in Europe).
The fact remains that most of the oil the US consumes is from outside the US, so decreasing use by definition decreases our dependency on foreign imports, and reduces the need for us to explore in areas like Alaska and offshore.
Further, if oil is a finite resource (and it probably is, though there's evidence that it may not be), prices will necessarily rise if and when the resource dwindles with a steady demand. So doing your best to conserve helps keep prices down, though perhaps not on a timeline that we ourselves can enjoy.
Finally, regardless of how much oil you think is left in this planet, burning fuel causes waste, and burning less causes less waste, even in efficient vehicles.
And I *still* can see around SUVs when I'm on my bike, and definitely don't want to get hit by one.
Re: Burns:: Friday Fanaticism
Yeah. Unfortunately ALL the religions from the Old Testament (Judaism, Christianity, and Islam) are still mired in ancient mud. I can't think of a single long-term clash that doesn't involve at least one of these religions, save Ireland. Ya don't hear about Buddhists involved in religious wars...
Yeah. Unfortunately ALL the religions from the Old Testament (Judaism, Christianity, and Islam) are still mired in ancient mud. I can't think of a single long-term clash that doesn't involve at least one of these religions, save Ireland. Ya don't hear about Buddhists involved in religious wars...
European driving
I agree with your point about driving in Europe; during all of my driving in the US, I want to go faster than 95% of the drivers on the road. (Seattle drivers... SHUDDER!) In Southern Spain, I believe the ratio was reversed. (By the way, JB, the Socialists lost the Spanish Civil War so it is a backwards right-wing fascist nation. Or was, now that Franco's gone- but his legacy lives on.) Hmmm, nations with considerably less natural resources and with fractions of our GNP, yet they can design highways that support 100mph+ cruising speed and train the drivers that can handle it. Basically, it all boils down to good-'ol-fashioned American apathy. Wake up, pay attention, and DRIVE. If any Seattle drivers are reading this: Arise out of the coma that is your life and live a little! I'll be the guy right behind you with a really bright headlight and a blue SV650...
I agree with your point about driving in Europe; during all of my driving in the US, I want to go faster than 95% of the drivers on the road. (Seattle drivers... SHUDDER!) In Southern Spain, I believe the ratio was reversed. (By the way, JB, the Socialists lost the Spanish Civil War so it is a backwards right-wing fascist nation. Or was, now that Franco's gone- but his legacy lives on.) Hmmm, nations with considerably less natural resources and with fractions of our GNP, yet they can design highways that support 100mph+ cruising speed and train the drivers that can handle it. Basically, it all boils down to good-'ol-fashioned American apathy. Wake up, pay attention, and DRIVE. If any Seattle drivers are reading this: Arise out of the coma that is your life and live a little! I'll be the guy right behind you with a really bright headlight and a blue SV650...
Re: Burns:: Friday Fanaticism
Sarnali--Thanks for enlightening us with your educated views on Islam. Of course, the Christians who ( fill in the blanks) (a)burned people at the stake, b) murdered thousands of innocent native peoples all in the name of converting them to Christ...etc) were practitioners of the "True Religion"
Next time you feel an urge to spew ignorance about Islam (or any other religion) try this: A) educate yourself about same, or B) Search the Bible for passages that are frequently taken out of context and used as a pretext for violence.
If you do so, you will see that as a point in fact: EVIL PEOPLE DON'T NEED A RATIONALE FOR VIOLENCE. (That's why they're Evil). Decent people, however, (sometimes later than I'd like, but eventually) see clearly through such obfuscation.
Have a nice day.
Sarnali--Thanks for enlightening us with your educated views on Islam. Of course, the Christians who ( fill in the blanks) (a)burned people at the stake, b) murdered thousands of innocent native peoples all in the name of converting them to Christ...etc) were practitioners of the "True Religion"
Next time you feel an urge to spew ignorance about Islam (or any other religion) try this: A) educate yourself about same, or B) Search the Bible for passages that are frequently taken out of context and used as a pretext for violence.
If you do so, you will see that as a point in fact: EVIL PEOPLE DON'T NEED A RATIONALE FOR VIOLENCE. (That's why they're Evil). Decent people, however, (sometimes later than I'd like, but eventually) see clearly through such obfuscation.
Have a nice day.
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Re: Burns:: Friday Fanaticism
Right On! Our chickens are coming home to roost and the are very ugly.
Right On! Our chickens are coming home to roost and the are very ugly.
Re: Burns:: Friday Fanaticism
If I had your gift of communicating by the written word, I could have written the same article. I think you are "dead center", and that our culture's attitude of "get mine and to hell with everyone else" is nausiating beyond belief.
Anyone who has ever traveled to other countries, even the realitive prosperity of Europe, almost always comes back with a new awareness of how sick our culture really is. It is beyond my comprehension that any thinking person can come to any conclusions other than those you have expressed. Surely, no one seriously believes that our insane quest for more and more stuff is sustainable. Power corrupts absolutely and this nation is WAY too powerful for it's own good. You may want to remember that the generation that your publication caters to has been raised with a silver spoon, with zero adversity; the largest downer being a moderate recession when they were in grade school.
Simplicity is always the precursor to a well lived life, and in my view Thoreau is a good daily read. Less really is more. There is an old saying that most are familiar with and seems simplistic, but in my experience has been true 100% of the time. If one wants to find the rats--follow the money trail; If you follow it long enough you will uncover bigger and bigger rats along the way, until at the very end of the trail you will discover the most discusting rats of all--polititions; power hungry leaders; big business types and religious extremists.
Thanks for your thoughts--I look forward to more "emotional outpourings" from you. As with all things in life, we never understand at the time why things like your job loss happen. It all seems so unfair; but a person will follow their own destiny whether they agree to or not. I think you may now just be realizing what the next stage of your life is going to be about. It seems obvious to me that you have been placed in the perfect position to exercize your present day talentsfor the greater good. From the seeds of adversity always spring forth newer and greater opportunities. Go get 'em.
Bryan
If I had your gift of communicating by the written word, I could have written the same article. I think you are "dead center", and that our culture's attitude of "get mine and to hell with everyone else" is nausiating beyond belief.
Anyone who has ever traveled to other countries, even the realitive prosperity of Europe, almost always comes back with a new awareness of how sick our culture really is. It is beyond my comprehension that any thinking person can come to any conclusions other than those you have expressed. Surely, no one seriously believes that our insane quest for more and more stuff is sustainable. Power corrupts absolutely and this nation is WAY too powerful for it's own good. You may want to remember that the generation that your publication caters to has been raised with a silver spoon, with zero adversity; the largest downer being a moderate recession when they were in grade school.
Simplicity is always the precursor to a well lived life, and in my view Thoreau is a good daily read. Less really is more. There is an old saying that most are familiar with and seems simplistic, but in my experience has been true 100% of the time. If one wants to find the rats--follow the money trail; If you follow it long enough you will uncover bigger and bigger rats along the way, until at the very end of the trail you will discover the most discusting rats of all--polititions; power hungry leaders; big business types and religious extremists.
Thanks for your thoughts--I look forward to more "emotional outpourings" from you. As with all things in life, we never understand at the time why things like your job loss happen. It all seems so unfair; but a person will follow their own destiny whether they agree to or not. I think you may now just be realizing what the next stage of your life is going to be about. It seems obvious to me that you have been placed in the perfect position to exercize your present day talentsfor the greater good. From the seeds of adversity always spring forth newer and greater opportunities. Go get 'em.
Bryan
Joined
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730 Posts
Uhhhh....
Ireland has a lot to do with Cathlolic vs. Protestant beliefs. And you do sometimes times hear of Buddhists involved in religious wars.
There are more than a few renegade sects of Buddhist monks in the world. I seem to recall an incident in the late 1990's where a cadre of 10 to 12 monks took over a building of some sort in Thailand and torched it as a political statement.
--The Fox
Ireland has a lot to do with Cathlolic vs. Protestant beliefs. And you do sometimes times hear of Buddhists involved in religious wars.
There are more than a few renegade sects of Buddhist monks in the world. I seem to recall an incident in the late 1990's where a cadre of 10 to 12 monks took over a building of some sort in Thailand and torched it as a political statement.
--The Fox
Joined
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730 Posts
Not bad, 3 out of 4.
1: We are involved in South America extensively. In addition, Venezuela is a huge producer of oil who is a powerhouse member of OPEC. BTW, guess what country just had a coup? Oil prices going up again.
2: Oversimplified, but correct. Anyone look at the number of Saudi princes visiting Vegas and dropping 100k at a craps table with one arm holding a glass of Johnnie Walker Blue wilst wrapped around the waist of an $300 an hour hooker and the other holding a Marlboro and throwing the dice? I mean this literally.
3: True. But SUV's aren't necessarily the main problem. Tractor trailers and their lobbyist groups are a huge user. How can you blame SUV's for being excessively polluting when I can't walk past a bus without getting a 3 inch layer of soot on my like I'm some extra from the chimney sweep scene in Mary Poppins?
4: Yeah. America rocks =)
--The Fox
1: We are involved in South America extensively. In addition, Venezuela is a huge producer of oil who is a powerhouse member of OPEC. BTW, guess what country just had a coup? Oil prices going up again.
2: Oversimplified, but correct. Anyone look at the number of Saudi princes visiting Vegas and dropping 100k at a craps table with one arm holding a glass of Johnnie Walker Blue wilst wrapped around the waist of an $300 an hour hooker and the other holding a Marlboro and throwing the dice? I mean this literally.
3: True. But SUV's aren't necessarily the main problem. Tractor trailers and their lobbyist groups are a huge user. How can you blame SUV's for being excessively polluting when I can't walk past a bus without getting a 3 inch layer of soot on my like I'm some extra from the chimney sweep scene in Mary Poppins?
4: Yeah. America rocks =)
--The Fox
Re: Burns:: Friday Fanaticism
Not really--although it is good to hear you moving away from the "old job" rhetoric. Just some thoughts hurled your way that I thought may be helpful (or self-serving)? Don't know. Sometimes I need to rant like someone else I know
In my view, It's time motorsports took respondsibility for our actions and positions realitive to the big picture. We need not be anti everything and blindly patriotic because we are motorcyclists.
Best wishes, Bryan
Not really--although it is good to hear you moving away from the "old job" rhetoric. Just some thoughts hurled your way that I thought may be helpful (or self-serving)? Don't know. Sometimes I need to rant like someone else I know
In my view, It's time motorsports took respondsibility for our actions and positions realitive to the big picture. We need not be anti everything and blindly patriotic because we are motorcyclists.Best wishes, Bryan
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