Energy Matters

  The Lens We Look Through We recently received a “newspaper” in the mail, unsolicited, called The Epoch Times, subtitled “Truth & Tradition.” Despite the opportunity for 70% off our first subscription, we’ll probably have to decline. Somehow, even the entertainment value of the ominous-toned article,“UN Education Agency Launches War On Conspiracy Theories” can’t tempt us to subscribe. The paper, of course, reflects the full panoply of far right extremist “views,” more like dogma really, among which we can count fossil fuel propaganda and global warming denial. One newspaper should probably not distress us to any great degree, even though its content and point of view are biased to the point of relying almost completely on mis-information and outright lies for content…Or should it actually bother us a lot? What if this paper is just one small lens-piece in the misinformation kaleidoscope through which many people view the world? A kaleidoscope consisting of social media, FOX Ne...

  Are E-Bikes for You? Having been born into modern Car Culture, most of us fail to appreciate the profound merit of the humble bicycle. True, some equate it with happy childhoods, some appreciate its exercise value, some derive significant recreation value from it, but what about primary transportation? Donning our climate crisis lens, we note that transportation generates ¼ of U.S. greenhouse gas emissions. Cars, trucks, buses - even EVs are responsible for emissions, when accounting for their manufacture and their electricity sources. Bicycles have zero emissions.  The invention of the modern “safety bicycle” in the late 1800s revolutionized human transportation. Costing about $100 equivalent in 1901, the bicycle was cheaper and safer than the means of transportation it replaced: walking or horse-back riding. That simple machine delighted its riders with new freedom, independence, fun and convenience. Its popularity was responsible for the establishment of road systems and...