OT - Have you seen this ad?

[Alex Dean]

Eric Cope wrote:
> I wouldn't be too excited about 32 mpg (I saw the 37s and 38s, thats 
> better). Over 40 and thats good... (side note, have you *safely* aired 
> up your tires to 40-45psi, that will get you 1-3 more mpg). The true 
> metric is not $/mile, but $/day.
> 

My $/day is pretty awesome.  I ride the bus or work at home.

No, doesn't take long.  Express from Tempe to downtown Phoenix takes 
about 20 min.  Stuck in traffic?  Read a book, let the driver worry 
about it.

Not everyone can do that.  But what I'm saying is it's not all about 
finding better cars.  It's also about finding things that are better 
THAN cars.  Changing habits is as important as changing technology.

> let me know what your solar experiences are. I found they take 20+ years 
> to pay for themselves with warranties under 20 years. Are you familiar 
> with the maintenance of solar?

Have you looked into solar hot-water?  Between federal and state tax 
credits, you can install a brand new system (~$5000), and it will end up 
costing you about $1000.  Think of the amount of power that goes into 
running your water heater.  I'm not inventing those numbers.  I've got a 
written installation quote and rebate forms that use those figures.

> 
> And you didn't answer my second question. If we as a population are 
> willing to do it ourselves (which is always better), why do we require 
> our leaders to bully us into doing it ourselves?

Well, government isn't all about bullying.  A government that provides 
incentives for people to make choices which benefit us all is doing a 
good thing.  2 things I've commented on here, solar hot water and public 
transit, are viable alternatives because they are partially subsidized. 
  I don't feel bullied.  I feel glad that, at least some of the time, 
our leaders are putting our money into good programs.

I love doing things myself.  I also love pooling resources with others 
to take advantage of economies of scale.  I wouldn't run my own bus, but 
I'm happy the city operates a bus service.  I could drive if I wanted 
to, but I don't want to, and I'm glad I don't have to.

alex

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