metalman’s Recent Comments

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  too little, too late

  Well, this would seem like good news, but does anybody really think the world will wait till 2013 for this? Ford's new product will probably be DOA, outdated and surpassed by other car makers by then. So I think I think this kind of triumphant announcement is really just more of the same BS we are used to seeing. Ford could have, (and should have) been delivering these already. On Ford Motor Co. unveils greener engine posted 1 year, 10 months ago 12 Responses

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  destroy the invader!

  Anyone remember the the Viet Nam era phrase  "it became necessary to destroy the village to save it" ? It's insanity to spread poison like that, any fool knows. How has the petrochemical industry succeeded so well in pushing it's war-for-profit agenda? Why are people so stupid as to tolerate or encourage this? The nail in the coffin of 'nativism' is climate change and habitat destruction from human activities To blame any non-native organism for our wanton and thoughtless plundering of the planet is merely advanced displacement. And it probably will not work for long anyway... grrr., poison users make me mad...On California officials will poison lake to target nonnative fish posted 2 years, 2 months ago 10 Responses

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  I plant trees...

  I plant many trees! They are able to grow faster than you think, given care, and they make the world a better place in many ways, not just as 'carbon sinks'. I am leery of 'planners' with equations who are attempting to engineer industrial solutions to our industrial problems. There may be times and places where trees are not the right choice for improving environmental quality, but for the most part planting trees will be one of the best options available. Trees are the real thing, tried tested and proved since the Devonian, take care of them and they will take care of us.On Trees are good for a lot of things; carbon offsetting isn't one of them posted 2 years, 4 months ago 27 Responses

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  Japanese beetle threat diminished

  Hi CanCan, I am only speculating here as to why the numbers of these beetles has greatly diminished over the past decade. 14 or so years ago (in my region at least) great swarms of these critters would overwhelm and devour many many plants. That is probably when I became aware of the Invasion Biology paradigm that is now growing like an invasive itself (a powerful 'meme'?). In any case there are far fewer of these beetles now, I kill the grubs when I find them (still quite a few around), but fewer adults thankfully.  Maybe similar forces are now at work against other invasives? My fear is that every time we destroy an area with herbicide or other methods we are also destroying the incipient solution. Just a thought...I would love to have a review of 'War with the Newts' from an Invasion Biology perspective- I can send you my copy if you are interested in the job. On They may not all be bad. posted 2 years, 5 months ago 82 Responses

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  'War with the Newts'

  Wisc, your questions prompted my memory- has anyone ever read this book? It's by the famous writer Carl Csapek (sp?). The main plot is that humans finally meet an alien invader worse than themselves, with disastrous results. Anyone with a literary interest, your comments appreciated.  On They may not all be bad. posted 2 years, 5 months ago 82 Responses