Comments Ashley Braun has made

  • JSteinmuller, I don't attempt to take responsibility for explaining everything mentioned in the thousands of stolen emails. However, it is nearly always possible to take something out of context. See how climate scientist Kevin Trenberth explains the "lack of warming" quote: "But Trenberth, who acknowledged the e-mail is genuine, says bloggers are missing the point he's making in the e-mail by not reading the article cited in it. That article – An Imperative for Climate Change Planning (.pdf) — actually says that global warming is continuing, despite random temperature variations that would seem to suggest otherwise. "It says we don't have an observing system adequate to track it, but there are all other kinds of signs aside from global mean temperatures — including melting of Arctic sea ice and rising sea levels and a lot of other indicators — that global warming is continuing," he says. http://www.grist.org/article/lets-look-at-one-of-the-illegally-hacked-emails-in-more-detail/ And couch that quote within the peer-reviewed article he published on the topic: http://www.cgd.ucar.edu/cas/Trenberth/trenberth.papers/EnergyDiagnostics09final.pdf where he openly discusses this. Sidenote: You seem to be confused about which institution was actually hacked into. There is no "Hadley CRU;" rather, the Climatic Research Unit (CRU) is a separate entity than the UK's Met Office Hadley Center, which is another leading climate research center: http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/climatechange/science/hadleycentre/ Many misinformed blogs have been confusing the two.On Skeptics claim global warming is fake after top scientists' emails hacked at CRU posted 1 day, 11 hours ago 40 Responses
  • Switters, Rmoen, you can check out Grist's coverage of the hacked climate researchers' emails -- and the lack of real scandal -- which I wrote about on Friday: http://www.grist.org/article/2009-11-20-skeptics-claim-global-warming-fake-scientists-emails-CRU/ It's a shame that much of the media coverage of this event has failed to set the contents of the stolen emails into proper context and has instead played to the hype blown up -- but not substantiated -- by global warming skeptics. Nothing I've seen so far from this story has refuted the mounds of peer-reviewed published research on global average temperature rise, arctic ice melt, coral bleaching, ocean acidification, etc. For an update on the story, here is an interview with one of the climate scientists mentioned, Phil Jones: http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2009/nov/24/climate-professor-leaked-emails-ueaOn ‘Copenhagen Diagnosis’ offers a grim update to the IPCC’s climate science posted 1 day, 18 hours ago 29 Responses
  • Hi Bob, just a reminder that we like to keep the discussion civil (and focused) here on Grist. Let's keep derogatory language and attacks aimed at other commenters off our lovely webpages. (e.g., "Cyber, you illustrate why minds like yours must be kept out of the driver's seat.") Remember what everyone agreed to when you all signed up to comment here: Rule #4. Do not direct personal attacks at a poster or fellow commenter. Substance, people. Substance. http://www.grist.org/commenter-posting-rules Anyone is free to disagree, of course, but please hash it out civilly. Thanks!On Is "we're going to burn the coal anyway" an argument for carbon sequestration? posted 1 week, 2 days ago 40 Responses

  • Which is precisely why we have this disclaimer in every Grist List email  newsletter:

    Grist does not testify to the quality of consumer goods, guarantee the pop-cultural significance of trends, or vouchsafe the accuracy of news stories featured in this column. For all you know, we just made it up. Use it at your own risk.

    It's all about what's weird and wacky in the environmental world ... and don't forget that grain of salt!

     

    On That smarts! Dutch pranksters go car-tipping, and more posted 3 months, 3 weeks ago 3 Responses

  • All right, people, please keep in mind the following rules for commenting here at Grist which you've all agreed to:

    1. Don't be a jerk. Nobody likes jerks.
    2. Do not direct personal attacks at a poster or fellow commenter. Substance, people. Substance.

     

    Let's keep out all accusations of being "liars" and "racists" out of the comments. Ad hominem attacks ain't gonna do anything about climate change, so cut it out and discuss the real issues at hand.


    Thanks and happy commenting!

    P.S. Seriously, we're watching. And we reserve the right to delete offensive comments, etc.

    On Racism allegations mar Senate hearing on clean energy economy posted 4 months, 1 week ago 33 Responses

  • Recently I just about ripped my hair out from a persistent ant infestation (I'm all respect when they're not in my kitchen or my laundry). My housemate and I had a lot of success with Dr. Bronner's peppermint (ants hate it) biodegradable soap spread around the exteriors of our windows and doors. You can also spray the ants directly with a dilution of the soap and water to kill them on contact.

    Next we found their trail toward our house and put a line of Dr. Bronner's around it to isolate them. We then placed dollops of a mixture of water, sugar, honey, and Borax inside that with them. This wards them off and reduces their numbers for several weeks, but you have to be vigilant and re-apply if it rains or starts to break down. And don't let your pets or kids eat it obviously! (It's not Raid, but it's also not for non-ant consumption.) Good luck!

     

    On A guide to non-toxic pest control posted 4 months, 2 weeks ago 6 Responses

  • Thanks for the recommendation! I believe Carpenter is planning to follow up this book with a more hands-on/how-to guide as well.

    On Farm City author cuts the foodie-elite snobbery from urban farming posted 4 months, 2 weeks ago 4 Responses

  • Seriously, I made the cherry-peach cobbler (forgot to add the cardamom/cinnamon), and it turned out AMAZING. My CSA delivered tons of peaches and Rainier cherries this week, so I figured this had to be culinary destiny. And it was.

    Check out the gorgeous colors the fruits made half-way through the prep: http://twitpic.com/9v21p

    On Cobbling together a delicious and easy summer dessert posted 4 months, 2 weeks ago 3 Responses

  • Boobasket and Tboggia -- thanks to both of you for your tips! I've added them to the list.

    On Activist groups rally support for climate bill posted 5 months ago 3 Responses

  • Fern, thanks for bringing this egregious mis-linking to our attention. We've made the fix on Diane Wilson's entry; many thanks!

    On 13 badass greens posted 5 months, 2 weeks ago 17 Responses

  • Dave from Canada: Grist is opening the dialogue about how the use of social media is influencing and shaping the environmental movement. We reposted this guest article from Max Gladwell because the work being done there is helping pioneer that examination.

    On 10 ways to change the world through social media posted 6 months, 1 week ago 2 Responses

  • re: time commitment

    You can decide to spend as much or as little time as you want, especially in relation to how much time you already spend on Facebook. We just want people to poke around and try things out.On Grist seeks volunteers for top-secret Facebook project posted 10 months ago 3 Responses

  • Steven Chu is the Secretary of Energy

    while Carol Browner is taking on a brand new position with broader implications for both energy and climate issues.

    Here's more info on Chu:
    A Nobelist for energy secretary who gets both climate and energy efficiency?
    Steven Chu is a progressive environmentalist because he's a good scientist
    On EPA's first administrator is bullish on Obama, but not cap-and-trade posted 10 months, 4 weeks ago 7 Responses

  • donations (or job offers) welcome

    to fund my Detroit-based bf's move to Seattle.

    While I appreciate furthering the concept of "going local," I don't s'pose the author of the Slate article has actually suffered through a long-distance relationship. Don't you think we want to be in, say, the same time zone?

    What's a bus-ridin', vegetarian gal to do?On Slate encourages local dating for green's sake posted 1 year, 1 month ago 13 Responses

  • On diapers and major paper companies

    OK, everyone, give Umbra a break. I'm fairly confident that by "in diapers," she meant pre-"grown-up" and pre-job. Case in point: Umbra featured in the New York Times.

    Another problem here is that of the supply strategy of major paper companies. I have direct experience with one of the largest paper companies, who has said that they prefer not to recycle paper at all, but instead adopt a chain of managing forests (certified by the less stringent Sustainable Forests Initiative, not FSC), producing paper, gathering used paper to downcycle into boxes, and then into housing insulation. But the heart of it is still focused on consuming virgin forests.

    Here's hoping consumer preference for recycled paper helps drive the much-needed, bottom-up changes in the World of Paper-Making.On Umbra on recycled vs. certified paper posted 1 year, 2 months ago 9 Responses

  • European filter recycling and inkjet comparison

    As far as recycling Brita filters in Europe goes, Germany, Great Britain, Ireland, France, and Switzerland currently have the infrastructure and the recycling programs in place. One in four filters is recycled this way in Germany.

    However, one of the main reasons this was started was German-based Brita had to adhere to the German Waste Avoidance and Management Act of 1986 and the German Packaging Ordinance of 1991. These policies [PDF] required retailers and producers to take back a certain amount of packaging from consumer products.

    Keep in mind that the Brita North American Division was sold to Clorox in 2000, so this is a completely separate company, operating in a separate country with its own systems and laws. However, the '91 German Ordinance is significant because it shifted responsibility to industry and the manufacturers to reduce/recycle packaging and waste.

    DannyGirl: I asked about the printer cartridge issue when I spoke with Brita and was told that this wasn't at least immediately replicable for the filters because of


    1. possible mildew issues with mailing presumably wet/damp filters

    2. sanitation and water quality standards set by outside agencies for beverage products (if the mailed filters are recycled/used for the same purpose)

    3. possible environmental impacts of mailing cartridges in what would most likely be more plastic.

    However, I was told that some variation of this solution isn't off the table yet and may depend on Brita's ability to find a third party organization that could handle the mailing and receipt of filters (not to speak of the actual recycling). They really emphasized not wanting to take hasty action that could result in a net environmental loss. Even so, it seems that Brita still has a ways to go on this issue.On Campaign calls on Brita to recycle water filters posted 1 year, 2 months ago 7 Responses

  • David Attenborough

    knows what's up with pikas...Check out this video he narrates about this cool smammal.On Climate change endangers American pika, say groups posted 1 year, 3 months ago 1 Response

  • Exxon posts profits at $1,485 per second

    Thank goodness the oil execs can still afford gas!

    As Bush Fights for Big Oil, Exxon Mobil Puts Profits at $1,485 a SecondOn ExxonMobil rakes in record cash, spends only 1 percent on alternative energy posted 1 year, 3 months ago 11 Responses

  • G8 leaders solving world hunger in 18 course meal

    [W]orld leaders sat down to an 18-course gastronomic extravaganza at a G8 summit in Japan, which is focusing on the food crisis.

    The dinner, and a six-course lunch, at the summit of leading industrialised nations on the island of Hokkaido, included delicacies such as caviar, milkfed lamb, sea urchin and tuna, with champagne and wines flown in from Europe and the U.S.

    I'd like each G8 leader to sit down at this table after eating nothing for two days or maybe a handful of rice and beans, and THEN figure out how to solve global hunger and poverty.On USDA pessimistic on hunger outlook posted 1 year, 4 months ago 11 Responses

  • If the White House won't open this email...

    how about something a little more 19th century, like a snail-mail letter? That does seem to be more their style.On White House refuses to open email about regulating greenhouse gases posted 1 year, 5 months ago 6 Responses

  • Shrek 4

    And Diaz has the backing of her animated mother in the Shrek films, Julie Andrews.

    The movie legend [Julie Andrews] says, "What better way to get a message across than with something that's so funny?"

    humor + the environment = was there ever a better combination?On New flicks feature green themes posted 1 year, 5 months ago 8 Responses

  • word

    my fave part comes when Friedman taps his inner-Millennial while calling out Bush:

    [A real president] certainly wouldn't be using his last days in office to threaten Congressional Democrats that if they don't approve offshore drilling by the Fourth of July recess, they will be blamed for $4-a-gallon gas. That is so lame. That is an energy policy so unworthy of our Independence Day.

    Investment in renewables that will power plug-in hybrids = real independence.
    On I think Friedman is upset with Bush posted 1 year, 5 months ago 18 Responses

  • Let's not forget

    that cutting out the long driving commute also cures us of that odd affliction known as "road rage," which not that long ago, a psychologist or two tried convincing us was a legitimate "mental disorder."

    How about we improve public transit, create walkable/bikeable communities, and learn how to relate to people from outside the glass and metal frame of our car windows?

    Moving from the cookie-cutter, highway-choked suburbs to a city I can walk and bus around has transformed the way I perceive and know the place I live. Sitting in a car never gave me that kind of feeling for who else lived in my neighborhood.On Commuting can drive you crazy -- no, literally posted 1 year, 5 months ago 9 Responses

  • Plus

    Today is Drive Nowhere Day. So skip that bothersome drive to work by telecommuting! Or you could always walk/bike/take the bus/subway.On More employees encouraged to telecommute, work short weeks posted 1 year, 5 months ago 3 Responses

  • Sorry

    Contest was only open to U.S. residents. Silly legalese.On Add Grist's green living widget and win free green living starter kits from Seventh Generation posted 1 year, 6 months ago 2 Responses

  • Ohi-NO to Old King Coal

    This is the most exciting environmental thing to happen to Ohio in a long time! I gave good ol' Ted Strickland a big pat on the back.

    We Ohioans aren't known for much in the environmental world -- not much good anyway -- but at least we're starting to catch on.On Renewable energy standard passed in Ohio posted 1 year, 7 months ago 2 Responses

  • Suck it up, hippies!

    What's the worst that could happen?

    Just learn to swim, and eat rocks!On F*ck the Earth Day posted 1 year, 7 months ago 10 Responses

  • Sorry, Roz

    Be careful of committing "taste infringement" against Skyline Chili, the original Cincinnati-style chili-makers.

    Oh, and I can attest to the fact that many people in Cincinnati do in fact order "three-ways" without blinking an eye. My sister and brother-in-law, for example. However, when I lived there, I personally preferred their baked potato version.On While food prices rise, here's a stick-to-your-ribs pasta dish that won't cause sticker shock posted 1 year, 7 months ago 14 Responses

  • totally hilare

    I bet an impromptu musical on the floor of Congress would get everyone in the right mood for passing some decent climate legislation stat.

    Forget the filibuster, let's bust out in song!On Impromptu food court musical posted 1 year, 8 months ago 2 Responses

  • Mitigation project success

    While something like "biodiversity financing" could be a useful tool for protecting land that might otherwise be swept under the rug of sprawl, we should approach such projects with particular care. For example, the efficacy of mitigation projects (through mitigation banks) should be carefully monitored and is often questioned because the quality of a restored habitat does not always usually equal that of the habitat being replaced.

    For a comprehensive evaluation of such wetland mitigation projects in Washington, check out this weighty study. (PDF) On On the oddity of privatizing nature posted 1 year, 8 months ago 31 Responses

  • Mistake numero uno:

    Letting Myron Ebell start talking. He'll never let you get in a single question, much less even one reasonable word.

    When I met with him and Marlo Lewis last spring, they put on a two-man climate denier show for the ten of us college students that left us flabbergasted that they passed themselves as legitimate "experts" in energy/environmental policy, or at least as intellectuals working and researching at a think tank.

    Dave, you should have whispered something about Al Gore's Nobel prize...Just the name "Gore" gives Ebell the heeby jeebies.On ECO:nomics: Quick observations posted 1 year, 8 months ago 5 Responses

  • Fish: Don't mope, make soap!

    Shouldn't biodiesel-ists be hoarding all that glycerin to create my "99% natural origin" almond oil and cherry blossom soap?

    They say the "all vegetable based bar soap is enriched with pure glycerin." Why wouldn't such a "nourishing blend of natural ingredients" help make all those fishes' scales feel just as soft and smooth?On Another black eye for the 'green fuel' posted 1 year, 8 months ago 8 Responses

  • Seems like things are getting pretty desperate

    when Conservative/pro-business-types start turning on their own kind.

    Well played, Immelt. What did Fred Smith and Kimberly Strassel think they were getting into by showing up at a conference that seeks to put the "Eco" in "Economics"? Why would anyone so against the "wastes of Big Government" be so vehemently in support of the "wastes of Big Business"?

    A wise Republican for the Environment once said that no one should be more for conservation than a Conservative. Now is the time for unity in a common cause...or maybe I've just been listening to too many Obama speeches...On GE CEO explains practical realities to free marketeers posted 1 year, 8 months ago 11 Responses

  • What we really need

    It's unrealistic, and perhaps a little naive, to ask that all scientists who have worked in industry be banned from participating in government panels, committees, etc.

    Where would these scientists gain their expertise? They can't (and probably wouldn't want to) all work in university or independent research labs. Much of the application of and innovation in science occurs in the practice of it in the much-vilified "industry" and marketplace (not that I'm calling them saints).

    However, what we really need are scientists (and citizens, for that matter) with a strong sense of ETHICS, who are not afraid to use them. A lack of ethical scientists (or, perhaps, the people who oversee them) in government is the real problem.

    I firmly believe that a degradation in ethics leads to a degradation in public and environmental health.On Scientist with concerns about chemical removed from EPA panel posted 1 year, 8 months ago 7 Responses

  • Even if you do end up with some bad bananas

    Here's a great recipe for your overripe bananas:

    Banana Nut Bread

    2 1/2 cp flour
    1 cp sugar
    3 1/2 tsp. baking powder
    1 tsp salt
    3 T. salad oil
    3/4 cp milk
    1 egg
    1 cp mashed ripe banana (2-3 medium)
    1 cp finely chopped nuts

    Heat oven to 350 degrees.  Grease and flour 9x5x3-inch loaf pan or 2 8.5x4.5x2.5-inch loaf pans.  Measure all ingredients into large mixer bowl; beat on medium speed 1/2 minute, scraping side and bottom of bowl constantly.  Pour into pan(s).  Bake 55-65 minutes or until wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean.  Remove from pan; cool thoroughly before slicing.

    Enjoy delicious banana bread.On Umbra on organic bananas posted 1 year, 9 months ago 22 Responses

  • The tragic poignancy of a youth's recognition:

    our future is driving itself into a wall by ignoring the "Dead End" signs and instead following the neon lights.

    With such momentum going against the Earth, U-turns can seem impossible.

    "To cherish what remains of the Earth and to foster its renewal is our only legitimate hope of survival."
    --Wendell Berry
    On Science says we are turning the West into a desert posted 1 year, 9 months ago 13 Responses

  • Exes, urine in the way of love

    To elaborate on the urinal as a weapon:

    1. An ex's shirt "too dear to let go" was used to wipe down the urinal in one case

    2. And in the other case, photos of exes were duct taped to urinals, where the "ex" was put back in excrement.
    On Why burning a vinyl album is a bad idea posted 1 year, 9 months ago 17 Responses

  • Ship shape

    Why does it seem like nearly all of the eco-lingerie lines are based out of Britain? Shipping green knickers across the Atlantic nicks the eco-label in the butt bud.On White pine underthings more natural than they sound posted 1 year, 9 months ago 13 Responses

  • The LIGHT of my life

    My boyfriend actually gave me a CFL bulb this past Christmas, and I thought it was one of the sweetest gifts I've ever received. He told me he chose the CFL that would last the longest (8 years) and wrote a little note on a post-it saying he wanted to stick around for at least as long as the bulb lasted. He was crossing his fingers that it wasn't a dud. So good so far. ;)On Sweet ideas for your sweetie posted 1 year, 9 months ago 5 Responses

  • I'm planeteering up at the news

    I helped my high school ecology club film a blue-painted, green-mulleted Captain Planet fly across a cafeteria table on wheels...all in the name of promoting the new recycling efforts in the cafeteria. Low budget, perhaps, but I like to think it got the message across:

    "We're the Planeteers
    You can be one too
    'Cause saving our planet is the thing to do!"

    But apparently making a movie about saving the planet isn't the thing to do for Warner Bros.

    Perhaps I could round up that old tape and send it off as part of a petition to Hollywood?On Live-action Captain Planet film a no-go posted 1 year, 9 months ago 8 Responses

  • More good info on water bottle facts and energy

    The president of the Pacific Institute has pointed me to a useful bottled water fact sheet, which even has a diagram breaking down the energy used in plastic bottle production, transportation, and recycling/"downcycling."

    Check it out here (PDF).On On battling (plastic) bottled-up rage posted 1 year, 10 months ago 5 Responses

  • Economic addictions are the new black, like oil

    What happened to "America is addicted to oil"?

    Basic economics: when supply is down, demand goes up. And Bush whines to OPEC.

    I guess no one's ever thought of reducing demand, huh?On President Bush asks OPEC to boost oil production posted 1 year, 10 months ago 5 Responses

  • Drool...

    I'm wooed.

    My only question is this: are there no mega-money, industrial entrenched interests in Germany to stop this?On German scientists develop Combined Power Plant posted 1 year, 10 months ago 7 Responses

  • Because getting along is overrated anyway

    When I first heard about this, I thought, "Two DVD screens? Who is in the car long enough/often enough to require two different DVD screens?"

    And my friend replied, "Well, what if the kids in the backseat want to watch two different movies or something?"

    The electronic babysitter strikes again, enforcing poor interpersonal relationships and energy-sucking technologies all in one shiny, chrome-finished FUV SUV.On The Chrysler Town & Country freaks me out posted 1 year, 10 months ago 15 Responses

  • A Grist-worthy gift

    A great way to turn the Season of Giving into the Season of Greening would be to give the gift of Grist: their first book Wake Up and Smell the Planet is an excellent resource for making green living practical and not preachy.

    I mean who couldn't use a simple and concrete green guide to daily life? Especially one with a sense of humor?On 10 great ideas for "stuff-free" holiday gifts posted 2 years ago 11 Responses