Jim Gagnepain’s Posts

• Bike Against! collective 0

  Posted 3 years, 8 months agoI met Raphael, the head of this Bicycle Coop in Fort Collins. They have a number of volunteers who fix bicycles and make them available for needy people. They recently shipped an entire truckload of cycles to a poor New Mexico community, and set up a repair shop with donated tools. They also conducted some training sessions on maintenance.

  They give bicycles away to any needy people. If you can afford a bicycle, they ask for a donation.

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Jim Gagnepain’s Recent Comments

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  Launch Costs Prohibitive

  Certainly these kinds of technology are worth researching, but they shouldn't be counted on for future energy unless they can prove themselves.  See the problems below.

  Here's some more info on this technology:
  Source:  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solar_power_satellite

  However, the costs of construction are very high, and SPS will not be able to compete with conventional sources unless there is a big reduction in the costs of launching equipment into space, or unless a space-based manufacturing industry develops and they can be built in orbit from off-Earth materials.

  Current rates on the Space Shuttle run between $3,000 and $5,000 per pound ($6,600/kg and $11,000/kg), depending on whose numbers are used. In either case the concept of building a structure some kilometres on a side is clearly out of the question.
  

  Jim Gagnepain http://home.comcast.net/~oil_free_and_happy/

  On Space-based solar energy stations? posted 3 years, 7 months ago 8 Responses

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  Vegetarians not equal to Sinners

  What a strange post!  First of all, the title is ridiculous.  What conclusion do you have that the person purchasing the eggs was Vegetarian?  Secondly, Regardless of what you think about her decision to purchase free-range eggs, does this make her a sinner.

  Thirdly, I read your link page. It is equally absurd. It basically says that "Chickens are stupid, and therefore they don't know the difference between being in an open area and a cage". Well I'm certainly relieved that this writer knows exactly how a chicken feels.  I can, with certainty tell you that a chicken feels pain, and thus on the flipside, enjoys being free to rove about.

  Jim Gagnepain http://home.comcast.net/~oil_free_and_happy/

  On Consider me one of the deluded posted 3 years, 7 months ago 8 Responses

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  The Commute to Work

  I bicycle 8 miles to work everyday unless the roads are too treacherous, year-round. I've often ridden in sub-zero weather and incredibly strong winds.

  Prior to moving to my current location in Fort Collins, Colorado, I lived in St. Louis, Mo.  It was a longer commute, and the area wasn't nearly as bike friendly.  Nonetheless, I sold our 2nd family car in St. Louis, and started taking the bus. I was dropped off about 3/4 mile from work, and would carry my umbrella and jog or walk the remainder.

  I've always enjoyed the challenge of travelling without the auto. I think our society needs to do a better job at educating people about the ramifications of habitual driving.

  Jim Gagnepain http://home.comcast.net/~oil_free_and_happy/

  On Is convenience the drug that salves commuting guilt? posted 3 years, 8 months ago 6 Responses

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  Wind Energy and Water Storage

  I never thought much about this advantage of wind. We often hear of the major disadvantage of wind energy, that it doesn't blow all the time.  However, both this and Solar, the other intermittent renewable are served well by power storage technology.

  The most promising storage technology is pumping water uphill. This technology already accounts for 90 GWatts, or 3% of the generating capacity of the world. Here's a reference:

  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grid_energy_storage#Pumped_water_storage

  Once the water is pumped uphill, hydroelectric power can be used.  Hydro is the most efficient electricity generation on the planet.

  I mention this because perhaps some of the reservoir storage areas can benefit farmers as well. Wind it also a good power source for creating jobs in our economy.

  Jim Gagnepain http://home.comcast.net/~oil_free_and_happy/

  On Wind will save the ruralites posted 3 years, 8 months ago 3 Responses