Free Republic

Well said. Thank you.

Regarding a previous threat on FR... Researchers Identify Energy Gains And Environmental Impacts Of Corn Ethanol And Soybean Biodiesel

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1664319/posts/^http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2006/07/060710180310.htm >br>

for your consideration...my dad, responded to me:

...begin response from Dad

There have been several studies re the net efficiency of production/use of corn-ethanol as a source of energy; this is the only one to my knowledge that suggests there is a net gain even though small. And considering the environmental byproducts it is a terrible idea, e.g. surface and underground water etc. Ditto "bio-diesel"

Now this is something you need to read and understand. One of the problems in many studies relates to "taking the difference between two large numbers". In the case of all these studies, the "net gain" is computed as a difference between two relatively larger numbers, and thus a small error in computing either of the large numbers results in a large swing in the "difference". You need to understand this phenomena because many many studies which show "dramatic gains or losses or changes" are because of this "difference of large numbers phenomena".

For example suppose the net energy gain in ethanol is the difference in "energy in = 10" and "energy out = 11", then the net gain is 1. But suppose that there is a very small error in computing "energy in" and it is equal to 10.5 rather than 10, an error of only 5 percent in this parameter" but look at the effect of this small error on the net energy gain: from 1 to 0.5 -- a 100 percent change for an error of only 5 percent in one of the "large numbers".

So much for this study which shows a 25 percent net gain; which of the several are correct? Who knows, but it is really immaterial.

I dwell on this as most of the dramatic prognoses are a result of the difference between two large numbers -- even profit/loss suffers from this.

More broadly, there have been a number of studies in the past decade to determine what are feasible sources of energy to meet our growing needs. Bottom line, wind power, water power, geothermal power, bio source power and similar, that are large in the hearts and minds of the libs/greens, cannot be major contributors (even the study referred to below states that if ALL the corn were used for ethanol it would not make a major contribution).

Bottom line: only petroleum (not a good idea because of dependence and emissions), coal (emissions unless it can be "converted underground"), or nuclear (fission or fusion) can meet the bulk of our energy needs; we must do nuclear soon and have a major tax supported effort to use hydrogen for autos/trucks and nuclear to make hydrogen-electricity. But my view is not really due to greenhouse concerns, but due to economic and national security issues because of our dependence on foreign oil. Note that we are funding our enemies.

Believe this!!!!

And snicker at the greens/libs, but show them no mercy as they are simply stupid. Incidentally, the educated well read energy-libs know all this but they want to undermine this country and/or Bush. This nation is wasting big resources because of the dead ends in bio-fuels, wind power etc. but the public debate will continue ad nauseam.

*******************************

And a little more: A poll just published today shows that only 41 percent of scientists believe that there is global warming and it is due to human contributions to greenhouse gases; 59 percent believe either that there is no global warming or it is not human induced.

What do I believe: There is global warming, perhaps one of many up-down cycles, but it is largely natural; and the greenhouse effect is relatively smaller and is "logarithmic" meaning its effect will level off.

...end response from Dad

He's got it goin' on...

Very very interesting.

"She is very good at math and very organized. When she writes, it is very organized (beginning, middle, end). She's not very flowery in her descriptions. Very straight forward, matter of fact.

She is me on lithium... get outta here... I was a computer programmer for years on lithium, very left brained. Without lithium my left brain flunked!

Medications work for properly diagnosed and compliant patients. It is worth the trip for many affected.

as you may know, ADD has almost the exact same symptoms as bipolar.

Those who are open minded may read our posts and have a little understanding of these maladies. Some on this forum are too busy being better than thou about what a proper parent "should" do without any real education about these matters. They are way too left brained to understand what they cannot see.... funny...

Thank God Bush isn't ADD, altho I've heard Clinton was...

best to ya.

Yes, I take lithium, and the mandatory reduction of lithium has caused a total interuption of my life, esp cognitive. I thought it was primarily mood stabilizing and after almost twenty years on it, a was totally caught off guard about it's usefulness to cognitive function.

Lithium is a salt and the second element in the periodic table. It is not a heavy hitter as most believe. It is a salt and as such, effects the electrolyte system. Simple.

I also currently take lamictal and serouquel, both indicated for bipolar and help restore some of these difficulties.

My ailment is a chemical imbalance (not a catch phrase).

"She has speech problems, auditory memory problems, motor control problems, sensory problems, and impulse control problems"

Me too, it is all left brain related (cognitive) not right brain stuff (emotion). In trying to make the adjustments to ceasing the lithium, I have all theses problems and she probably has problems with sequencing things, organization, all things communicative, all kinds of memory problems, loss of direction...

http://www.funderstanding.com/right_left_brain.cfm
Right Brain vs. Left Brain

Definition
This theory of the structure and functions of the mind suggests that the two different sides of the brain control two different "modes" of thinking. It also suggests that each of us prefers one mode over the other.
Discussion
Experimentation has shown that the two different sides, or hemispheres, of the brain are responsible for different manners of thinking. The following table illustrates the differences between left-brain and right-brain thinking:


Left Brain
Logical
Sequential
Rational
Analytical
Objective
Looks at parts

Right Brain
Random
Intuitive
Holistic
Synthesizing
Subjective
Looks at wholes

This tells the story for me. again. simple.

Your daughter has a permanent brain injury (?). If so, her situation is much different than mine. My situation has room for manipulation.

If she is left brain impaired, it would be to her advantage to focus on things right brained and she will do well, I'm sure you are way ahead of me on this.

Like soccer mom's daughter, I have recently begun painting, and I love it. Very right brained.

Thanks to you both for the interest. Brain disorders of any kind are totally misunderstood. Can't see it, doesn't exist. Kinda like one year olds!!

ps, I have been assessed to have severe brain desease (not disorder) but I have bipolar disorder. go figure.

Best to both of you and yours...

Maryann

what was the question?

yes, paragraph breaks help me, but I still have runon sentences. I do a lot of editing.

I also speed read (class in jr. high). It helps with reading, but my retention is not good, not just in reading.

I have a myriad of difficulties that medications help with. I am bipolar, which includes add, depression, mania, anxiety, cognitive abilities... I didn't state this in my previous post because I didn't want to complicate my response.

I have had all combinations as mentioned above. The "brain injury" that directly affected my left brain is actually a function of the reduction of lithium I have been forced to eliminate lithium due to kidney malfunction. That's when my left brain failed and my job as computer programmer became impossible. The symptoms are much like a stroke where a certain part of your brain takes a hit. It has been two years in the doing, and still haven't gotten totally off of it. Again, I didn't state this in my previous post because I didn't want to complicate my response.

For example, due to med changes to get off of lithium I have gone from good reading comprehension to dyslexia, depressed to mildly manic.. back and forth in many combinations, etc. My biggest complaint is lacking the cognitive functions. When I wrote my check a couple of days ago at docs office, I had to ask how to spell "twenty" and yet, my visit displayed a good ability to communicate better than usual.

Medication works? It sure does, but some side effects can be difficult, as with any med. such as heart med, etc.

Some will say the drugs are hindering my cognitives, but to the contrary, they help these conditions. It is the Lack of meds that reduce my abilities.

The medicines I take must be taken as prescribed. Start-stopping meds can be very dangerous (as witnessed by long threads on this subject dealing with teens and suicide).

Sorry for the misrepresentation, but my issues are too complicated to make a good point. It is not because I am embarrassed, it would confuse the issue. Really, my apologies. It is not my modus operandi.

Thanks for answering, I don't often get a chance to rant, and maniacs like to rant (joking but series)!

best to you and

"My daughter watches less than 10 hours of TV a month and reads constantly. She has too much energy to sit and watch. But reading takes her mind to other places and soothes her."

I would venture that your daughter is not highly ADHD OR she is medicated for this. I say this because she can read constantly.

My personal experiences for the naysayers to consider (and not directed at you. Just a platform to rant.)

I have been dealing with it my whole life and was only diagnosed at the age of thirty. Before that, I coped with no diagnosis. I have a college degree, and finished two years earlier than most. Highly motivated, intelligent and yet I had ADD symptoms. In my case, the disorder, disease or whatever one wants, is degenerative.

To add insult to injury, I recently had a brain injury, my symptoms, my left brain shut down as well. This is directly related to the injury, much like a stroke. It cost me my career. I was a computer programmer which requires all left brain functions. Medication can lessen some of the cognitive problems.

I suspect these disorders are contingent to the left brain The left brain controls cognitive functions that affect school/job performance.

Right brain is emotion. Still have plenty of that!!

My point is that brain related diseases, disorder or whatever, are directly related to physical brain function. Medicine works (on most) to alleviate these disabling cognitive problems.

This is not rocket science and is based in physical differences in brain chemistry. Medication changes brain chemistry to alleviate the symptoms. Case closed.

ps. I only read short replies in FR. I have difficulty following the longer ones. (I won't be reading this one, it's too long.) and... it has taken about an hour to write this post.

ps2.. I am far from stupid, was over 90% in all subjects in the Iowa tests in high school. (a very long time ago...!)

My ex-husband was Special Forces in Vietnam. His job was to bring prisoners out of the depths of capture. Except for training, he spent three years in the jungle taking care of our best soldiers rescuing them from dire straits.

They worked alone a few miles apart and lived as the Vietnamese, tunnels, trees and all.

He told me that to bathe was sure death for him (think soap smell.) The few times he was allowed on base, he was not allowed any personal cleanup. I know, gross, but life saving.

Today's enemy blends in with their environment, as in Vietnam. And, now, in this war, not knowing the enemy, our soldiers have a real need for a lawyers.

Why should they know who we are... other than some rules of considerate warfare?

Thank you. Here are some of my thoughts about Ann...

She lost me when she said On September 13 2001, of Muslims: "We should invade their countries, kill their leaders and convert them to Christianity." Unfortunately she is serious. This is utter and complete bigotry as that is genocide imho equal to our enemy's wrath. Good reason for the muslims to keel the infidels, she is saying the same thing.

Next... she writes about "Godless" but it seems as she is the one being worshiped lately!!

Next...Just just from her interviews (and no I have not read her book) re: the 911 women comment was inappropriate, esp since no one's even had the chance to read the book. The majority of Americans whatever their views most likely won't read the book and her interview comments will prevail.

She is remiss in that she will only respond to those that have read her book. Great way to sell copies. Lousy way to make very important points to the masses.

She says her statements are being taken out of context, and since she knows that, it may behoove her not to make statements that surely will be taken out of context and in a very negative way. She will be considered an extremist of the right by the left, and worldwide, she will be considered a typical American, (which she is not) as she presents herself in interviews which will be seen by millions more than those that read her book. Sorry but the numbers will be against her in the long run.

I think she went too far on the widows, regardless of their anti-war stance and being used by the dems. Two wrongs...I think 911 should not be used on either side except of course as an entrance to our war on terror. It was horrific, and let's not forget all of the families and victims of this plight. They deserve more respect regardless of their political beliefs. They have a right to their views as Ann has her rights.

I think maybe she could have picked better targets; think about her suicide statement, I think it was inappropriate to bring this up. This may piss some of us off.

Think about a parent whose child is killed by drunk driving. They join MADD and begin the hard work of stopping drunk murderers from killing other's children. Is this wrong?



just my two cents..

I think her comments are taken out of context and misunderstood.
Flame away…

I like the idea of hiring a legal person to do the job that only an illegal will do.

Hire them on Monday, May 1.

Just a thought

Draft 'em.

Let them defend "their" country... after that, they have earned citizenship!!!

win-win...

Too good to be true... too simple, but I like it...

Sovereignty, 100 times... it should be "infinity"

I think it characterizes our borders, our rights, immigration, culture, the right to self-determination and much more.

We are under attack. Our President should see the immigration issue as one of an invasion of our country and its sovereignty and act accordingly. Put national guard on our borders, immediately until we are ready and able to protect our borders. Isn't it the job of the National Guard to step in during local and national emergencies?

This is definitely a national emergency. I rant...!!

you have no idea... I emailed this to our elected officials, with one spelling or another. I don't think they will care about the misspelling or the message....

But I knew someone would catch misspelling...

I'll copy yours...

Protect our Sovereignty...

PROTECT our SOVEREIGNTY !!

I appreciate your hard work on this list, but could you kindly remove my name from this list?


Thank you, booann777

Paying for health insurance is a big deal. When I retired, my insurance per month became $850, versus the $200 or so paid while working.

To pay this, I had to sell my house, and I did willingly to keep the most important insurance. My total expenses well exceed $1000 per month which cut my ability to pay my bills including the mortgagee.

"House or Health?" was my question... guess what I chose?

Many people without insurance really can't afford it, like you said, beer and cigs don't cut it, others won't make the necessary changes to afford it.

My son is one of the indigent that don't have insurance. and... your point is well taken re: the immigrant toll on the cost of our health care, they are sucking us dry. At least my son wears red, white and blue...!!

Best2U, ba7

You are so right that there are properly diagnosed and successfully treated ADD children and adults. One thing I may add it that all drugs, including psychiatric, should be managed by a specialist, in this case, a psychiatrist

IMHO, one of the reasons for these frightening statistics is the lack of a psychiatrist, instead a general practitioner, or anything but a psychiatry's has make the diagnosis and prescriptions. See a psychiatrist.

This would cut down greatly on the number of "diagnoses" and subsequent prescriptions. And the meds must be managed by the a psychiatrist as well. This is extremely important to avoid highly dangerous circumstances towards oneself, or others.

Let's not discount this illness's validity based on a majority of misdiagnosed cases.

best to you...

I must not have put this in my overall context. I think each hostage is used in the way that can put forth the visions they want the world to see. Unfortunately, the number of terrifying stories far exceeds those treated “well” . They obviously did treat this hostage to perform for the cameras. Beheadings send one message, being well treated another. Of course there are a range of horrors and messages they can extract from them all.

White, Christian, attractive, well spoken, innocent, looks good on camera… the truth is, she could have gone the “other way” had she not been picked for this “mission” .

Honoring our prisoners of war,

I am giving her the benefit of the doubt until it is proven otherwise. I truly hope she was not harmed & that she was treated well.
___________________________________________

Me too. Consider one theory... she is kidnapped, treated well to be used as a TOOL by these terrorists, who certainly know how to manipulate the press on all sides.

Lots of smiling, and maybe "chubby" cheeks goes a long way to make the ugly Americans look like we are throwing stones, esp when she has been treated well and can only say that to the press because they did treat her well.

And lets not forget about the "code" that hostages have toward one another, i.e., she will most likely to continue to echo exactly what they want us to hear under duress of other beheading of her captured allies.

I don't expect her tune to change for these reasons. But she may... I hope.

Terrorists know how to use a female Christian Science aid worker to control the media and as such, world opinion for an indefinite amount of time. It was planned from the first and will be milked to the last. Of course the "Christian" identity is perfect.

She is an important tool for the terrorists, and if successful, many more will come out and say how well they are treated because Americans are ripe for picking.

Thanks for listening... Just one of many possible scenarios.

you are right, please no more Bill Nelson. I like Katherine Harris but read (somewhere) that she was already having her campaign financing questioned? In any event, I will watch her race closely. I remember her courage in the Bush-Gore election and supported her then and now.

I continue to hope for the best in this most important Govenor's race, and will support Crist as I can..

U.S. SENATOR:

Bill Nelson (D)* - (Campaign Site)
Del Adolph (R) - Retail Manager & Army Veteran
Katherine Harris (R) - Congresswoman, Ex-Secretary of State & Ex-State Sen.
Howard Knepper (R) - Businessman
Belinda Noah (R) - Attorney & Law School Adjunct Professor
Tom Rooney (R) - Attorney, Non-Profit Group CEO & Army Veteran
Floyd Ray Frazier (Independent)

http://www.politics1.com/fl.htm
http://www.electharris.org/
http://www.charliecrist.com/

I visited these sites just yesterday... I'm putting my resources on the race for Govenor.. I like Charlie Crist, Attorney General, Ex-Education Commissioner, Ex-State Sen. & '98 US Sen. Nominee

and a huge advocate for Jeb and worked in the Reagan camp, and much much more...