In a brief and guarded recognition of the often misunderstood philosopher John Locke, I want to explore my beliefs concerning the phrase, "The truth is self-evident."
Additionally, and being aware of the thoughts that drove me to write this blog in the first place, whenever you see a place where I've written "we", you can generally translate that to "me", as in: "Steve is basically talking to himself." :)
As the first in what (I hope) will be a series of diaries targeting businesses and individuals who "get it right" when it comes to development, I thought I would take a look at the newly completed Proximity Hotel in Greensboro.
It's actually only partially open for now, with only a set number of rooms available, but they were doing quite a bit of business when I was there today.
Also, this is the first time I've tried to use graphics in a blog at BlueNC, so if it's so tiny you can't tell what the picture is, or if it runs off the page and cracks the side of your monitor, you know. "I'm not responsible." :)
I just finished reading this piece by Ed Cone, and I have to say I'm pretty impressed with his evaluation. Which is to say, I couldn't find anything definitive to crucify him on. :)
Rain. Blessed rain. There's nothing like a serious drought to make one appreciate the bounty that falls from the sky. I actually stood out in the rain today when it was coming down fairly hard, reveling in the cool wetness of it. Granted, I really don't have enough sense to not do that, but that's beside the point. ;)
I've been planning on posting this (or something like it) for some time now, but I wanted to wait until we had a good rain so I could drive home a few points. Points which are just as important during "wet" times as they are when we are bone dry.
As the arguments against the reality of global warming become less vociferous under the barrage of scientific data, and the certainty of carbon emissions being the main culprit is grudgingly accepted by even the most outspoken deniers, policy makers are (finally) gearing up to begin taking steps.
Seemingly across the board, experts and legislators alike are warming to the idea of adapting the same type of approach to reducing carbon emissions that became the core of the Kyoto Protocols, that being a system of Cap and Trade.
Our system of government is based upon majority rule, with numerous checks and balances to ensure the will of the people guides the hands and minds of those who would separate themselves from the whole to become our leaders.
Unfortunately, there are minority special interests that work vigorously behind closed doors to affect policy decisions that are not in the interests of the majority. When these elements are successful, especially when the general populace is unaware of these machinations, our system becomes...something else entirely.
After speaking briefly with Larry on this subject last night, I decided it was time to revisit the unfortunate decisions the N.C. Utilities Commission has made to address net metering, and the way these decisions can/will serve to stifle the growth of residential Solar power collection.
I'm sure most of you consider yourselves at least somewhat diligent in the conservation of electricity in your homes. You know, turn off a few lights here and there, try to avoid messing with your thermostat (unless somebody else already messed with it, and it needs correcting).
But we've also all been conditioned to accept our monthly light bill as a necessary evil, and write our checks to the power company with mostly stoicism with a dash of regret, with possibly some vague determination to "be more conservative" in our daily switch-flicking.
Do you remember back in high school when someone had painstakingly planned a social get-together, only to have some debutante decide at the last minute that she wanted to also have a party on the same night? Of course it was petty, selfish and narcissistic, but everything's fair in love, war and popularity contests, right?
While it doesn't surprise me that our silver spoon-fed Executive would think along these petty lines, especially in light of the exclusivity he and his administration have operated under from day one, there are some get-togethers that need to be attended by all, and not watered down in one-upmanship.
Follow me down below the digital fold for a minute. You can go to the other party later.
My nephew is about to enter his Senior year at the University of Florida, where he is (somehow) managing a double-major in Mechanical Engineering and Aeronautical Engineering (apparently it skips around in my family).
For the last few years I've been trying to nudge him into nanotechnology, partially because I believe it will have applications in all areas of science, but also because of the potential for more effective Solar technology as well as energy efficiency. He says he's been thinking about it, which in nephew-speak means, "I wish you'd quit bugging me about this, Uncle Steve." ;)
Working from the assumption (see dissenting opinion below) that current renewable energy technology is insufficient to provide a reasonably cost-effective solution to the incredibly high demand for electricity, I thought it was time we talked a little bit about the practicality of our situation.
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