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Molar Moral

10/19/2014

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        The dental chair behind the 2nd story window of old Dr. Rydell’s office overlooked Chestnut St. in downtown Burlington.  This view was intended to supply a distraction during drilling sessions.  Growing up with unfluoridated well water gave me many opportunities to “enjoy“ that view.

        Years later the stenciling on the door of his new office read “Dr. Rydell and Son DDS.”  My next appointment was with young Dr. Rydell, and when he prepped my mouth for drilling a miracle occurred.  I was introduced to the wonders of Novocaine.  My teeth began to reap the benefits of a revolution in dentistry - virtually painless drilling! 

        Today, we energy users are on the cusp of a revolution in energy production and distribution.  This month’s “The Economist” states that after “rate hikes” the most commonly used phrase in America’s electricity industry is “death spiral.”  The article goes on to note that Barclays bank recently downgraded the bonds of the entire American electric industry.

        What’s going on?  The Energy Information Administration predicts a less than 1% annual growth rate of electricity usage over the next 25 years.   Couple that projection with the phenomenal growth of what’s known as “distributive energy” i.e. home, business and community owned locally produced solar energy.  Hence - talk of a “death spiral.”

        Here in southwest Wisconsin ratepayers have been receiving mailings and may have seen large color ads in local newspapers concerning the proposed expansion of high capacity power lines through our landscape.  These power lines would be similar to those seen along the south beltline in Madison.  This plan is an expansion of the status quo - centralized power distribution.  But with declining demand and the explosion of local production opportunities, is this the time to expand a model that refers to itself as in a death spiral?  We ratepayers will be footing the bill for the construction and maintenance of these lines for years to come. 

        Like old Doc. Rydell’s methods used on Chestnut St. a centralized system is what we’ve come to accept; it may seem like we have no other choice.  But there is an alternative.  Increasing efficiency and local solar production might be the “Novocaine” of the future.  It could make energy production less painful economically and environmentally.   Movement toward a more earth-friendly method of energy production must be part of the equation because this is our only home.  We are forever…Earthbound.
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Signs of the Times (Square)

10/11/2014

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           Perhaps it’s a sign of our times that young families, retired folks, school children, college students, local folks and those from across the globe traveled to New York City on September 21.  They arrived because they care for the less fortunate, for the future of their grandchildren, and for the vibrancy of all life on earth.  They arrived with a vision of a society powered by cleaner, more economical forms of energy.  They brought a conviction that society can and must address the disruption of the climate.
        Each of these 400,000 messengers had specific reasons motivating him or her to travel perhaps hundreds or even thousands of miles to the march.  Signs and banners stated their specific concerns.
        Some messages were clever - needing a moment’s reflection.  “Whenever there’s a solar spill we call it a nice day.”  Or, “Reflect on an arctic that doesn’t reflect.”  And, “Good atmospheres are hard to find.”
        Others alluded to modern pop culture such as, “All we are saying, is give Earth a chance.”  (John Lennon anyone?)  Or, “We have met the enemy, and he is us,” by Pogo.  And from Dr. Seuss’s Lorax, “ Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, things will not change.  Oh no, they will not!”
        There were patriotic signs encouraging our country to provide the leadership the world needs.  “USA Lead the Way.”  And “This is True Patriotism” – referring to participation in the People’s Climate March.
        Some signs were simple blank, empty rectangles except for the name of a low-lying country or city that is already struggling with rising sea levels.  These included the Bahamas, Samoa, Osaka, New Orleans, Maldives, and Miami to name a few.
        The sentiments of these messages call us all to action: “Climate Change – a Moral Imperative”  (carried by the Interfaith Clergy).  Or,  “Act like you live here – your children will thank you.”  And “We are the ones we’ve been waiting for.”  These messages from the marchers are vitally important because “There is no Planet B.”  Earth is the only home we’ll ever know.  We are forever…Earthbound.”  
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    I'm interested in the topics of sustainability and climate change especially in regards to our local area in southwest Wisconsin.

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