Common Sense

I really enjoy reading stuff like this. To me it is common sense to take advantage of all the small and relatively simple ways to increase efficiency. Getting a 3 to 5% increase in efficiency with moveable winglets would quickly add up to a very significant fuel savings (and operating cost reduction) for the airlines.  

Along the same lines of this is the research I saw about adding 'skirts' to the trailers of transport trucks which greatly improved their fuel efficiency as well.  Compared to redesigning engines, drive-lines, and fuels, this is a very simple and effective modification that could quickly pay for itself. 

New head of the EPA

I've been reading up on Lisa P. Jackson after watching the coverage of her Senate Confirmation hearing yesterday and so far I'm quite pleased. Ms. Jackson won my support when in her opening remarks stated that “Science must be the backbone of what E.P.A. does” and I couldn't agree more with that.

As a scientist I get infuriated when the doctrine of an administration creates policy that not only disregards science and is contrary to what years of research has shown to be valid.  I am also an environmental advocate which means I'll continue pushing for environmental protection but it is very comforting to know that the science supporting my cause will have another strong voice on the public stage.  

What?

And now from the "are you f***ing kidding me" file.