California’s Sad Energy Trade Off

wind-farm.jpgCalifornia’s Greenbat politicians think that burning fossil fuel will destroy the planet, so what do they do? Trade off having wind power in favor of destroying many of nature’s flying creatures.

Consider this double standard. California Politicians are balking at the installation of a solar power site in the desert because it endangers tortoises and other wildlife. Their hypocrisy is so thick, it probably pollutes the atmosphere.

From William La Jeunesse of Fox News:

As California attempts to divorce itself from fossil-fueled electricity, it may be trading one environmental sin for another — although you don’t hear state officials admitting it.

Wind power is the fastest growing component in the state’s green energy portfolio, but wildlife advocates say the marriage has an unintended consequence: dead birds, including protected species of eagles, hawks and owls.

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Wiley E. Coyote

This morning, we departed through the RV pull-thru to go to the dentist. As we approached the wash to the west of the house, we observed a coyote limping up the wash. I was about 30 feet from the animal when I took this image. It is partially obscured by the intervening brush.

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I noticed that the coyote had a slight limp as it loped up the wash and out of sight. When I related the observation to one of the technicians at the dentist office, she informed me that coyotes often feign injury to attract dogs who might attack only to become prey to the wiley coyote. Click on the image to enlarge.

The Big Guy

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This is our giant saguaro cactus we call the “Big Guy.” I took this image of the Big Guy from the road in front of the house this afternoon against the cloudscape and the natural vegetation on the hill to the east of our house. Click on the image to enlarge.

One Year Ago Today

Exactly one year ago today, we stopped at a rest stop along I-10 near Whitewater, CA, on our way back to the California House. The Arizona house would be scheduled to start construction in a couple of days, so this was a short visit before heading back to Arizona. I posted this story and image of a roadrunner we saw at the rest stop. We have seen several roadrunners at the Arizona house, but I have yet to capture an image of them.

We were at a rest stop today among Interstate 10 when this handsome road runner darted across the dog area. I guess it should be labeled “dog and road runner area.” The species in this picture is called Geococcyx. I think they look like prehistoric birds, but here he is. Click on the image to enlarge.

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Ebbing Twilight

I had been threatening to get this image for a while now. I wanted to take the tripod and the little Canon SX110 Power Shot down to the road after sundown to capture the accent lighting we placed under the “Big Guy” 13 foot saguaro cactus. I think I succeeded and got some bonus items in the image. You can see one of Damsel’s dark-sky-friendly sconces, the blue neon glow from the “Route 66” clock in the garage, the courtyard gate and a couple of stars among the passing clouds. Taken around 8:15 PM. Click on the image to enlarge.

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Outta Here in 2012

Motivate and get the idiot out of office in 2012. Contribute to whichever entity will do the most to unseat the president. We’re backing the National Rifle Association’s efforts to discredit him via BATFE’s Project Gunrunner, AKA Fast and Furious. Get the word (and your checkbooks) out!

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Ride for 9-11

ride.jpgI would like to call your attention to a current activity regarding the 10th anniversary of the tragic events of 9/11/2001. A group of California firefighters have launched their “Ride for 9-11” cross country cycling event.

The riders are trying to raise money for both the Leary Firefighters Foundation and the Wounded Warriors Project. Check out their website to read more.

RIDE FOR 9-11

We are a team of firefighters that will be cycling across the United States to honor those whose lives were lost 10 years ago on September 11, 2001 and those who continue to fight for our freedom and safety.

The Ride For 9-11 will commence July 24, 2011 in Hollywood CA and end in New York City at the FDNY Firefighters Memorial on September 9, 2011.

By the way, the Never Forget Tribute counter (seen in the right sidebar) is on schedule to surpass 75 million hits by 9-11.