Read a little. Learn a lot. • Tightly-written news, views and stuff • Follow us on TwitterBe a Facebook FanTumble us!

12 Jul 2011 20:53

tags

Politics: Lights out: GOP push to repeal light-bulb law forces pun usage

  • 2007 In a bipartisan bill supported by president George W. Bush, a bill raising the standards for energy-efficient light bulbs passes with little trouble. The law is popular with consumers, who see buying more energy-efficient bulbs as a way to save a bunch fo money.
  • 2011 For some reason, Republicans (particularly Joe Barton) have turned own the law, which will take effect next year, and tried to force a repeal. The repeal failed. It’s worth noting that Barton gets a lot of campaign contributions from the energy industry. source

22 Mar 2011 13:23

tags

World: Power lines connected at Fukushima Daiichi, not turned on yet

  • Power lines up in all six Fukushima Daiichi reactors: Which is great sounding news, but they’re not out of the woods yet. There are a number of implications to this, mainly that cooling systems can be turned back on, thus pumping water back into the reactors and preventing a meltdown of the fuel rods. However, the power hasn’t yet been switched on, as engineers fear that the pumps, damaged as they are, could cause an explosion if activated abruptly. That aside, this news is a credit to the bravery of the workers who stayed at the plant. We hope the government gives them truly first-class care once this is over, it’s the only moral thing to do. source

19 May 2010 20:56

tags

Politics: Arizona and L.A. fight over keeping the lights on; everyone wins

  • I feel like if you’re going to boycott the candy store, you’ve got to leave all the candy alone. I feel like Arizona is the candy store.
  • Arizona Corporation Commissioner Gary Pierce • Making an entertaining douchebag claim to the city of Los Angeles after the city promised to boycott the state over their immigration bill. Pierce’s claim: You make 25 percent of your power for L.A. in Arizona, and we’re gonna shut it down! If you think that’s kinda jerkish. You should see the response by the city’s energy manager, where he points out the city owns the plants. Key highlight: “I might add that, as the City’s Job Czar, I certainly would welcome any conventions or meetings that were going to be held in Arizona to come to Los Angeles. We have fantastic facilities and incomparable weather and we’d welcome them to the City of Angels.” Ouch. Take that, jerkwad! source

29 Oct 2009 17:10

tags

Tech: Pavegen begs you to get your “step in the right direction” puns ready

This little square lights nearby things using the energy of the people that step on it. Currently being tested out in London, it’s not long until it takes over the world or something. source