Comments rycarson has made

  • Old Places

    The map is old, obviously.  New Orleans should no longer be the hub of the gulf coast route; Baton Rouge is a more populous city after Katrina.  It is the state capitol, and home to the state (and region's) largest university.  

    Obviously, some tweaking is necessary, but overall this map is a relatively decent high level discussion piece for HSR.On The stimulus bill provides serious money for high-speed rail posted 9 months, 2 weeks ago 13 Responses

  • Surface transpo

    I read today that some surface transportation spending may be cut by amendment to the bill.  Has anyone heard what would be affected?On Whose idiocy is worse? posted 9 months, 3 weeks ago 11 Responses

  • Bravo ejd

    It's a shame when a mere uninformed sentence must be refuted by paragraphs of careful, reasoned analysis.  But it must be done, from time to time, so bravo ejd for putting in the time.On Restructuring the U.S. transport system posted 9 months, 4 weeks ago 22 Responses

  • In 2005

    The Steelers beat the Seahawks.  Same dif?On In which industry conquers nature posted 10 months ago 3 Responses

  • If you're crafty: customize!

    I'll admit, a good pair of triple-layered gore-tex pants are worth their weight (which isn't much) in gold.  The pants breathe, but keep you very dry.  However, these pants can be pricey.

    What I did was to go to a fabric store that stocks outdoor fabrics and bought swaths of double layer ultrex fabric and some light fleece for lining.  The double layer fabric is cheaper than the triple layer, and the fleece lining ensures that you will be comfy and warm inside.  I'm really not sure what temperature these pants will be rated for, but I live in Seattle and we really get wet; not cold.On Umbra on winter biking posted 1 year ago 18 Responses

  • I'm cutting costs

    by leaving my truck parked and gathering moss.  Switching to bike/bus full time allows me to keep on buying organic and local.On What people cling to when the going gets tough posted 1 year, 4 months ago 6 Responses

  • Higher prices would = diminished demand

    And is that such a bad thing? From an environmental perspective, exposing real labor costs to some of the largest agribusinesses in this country would likely result in a shrinkage of their operations.  Would this not be somewhat of a boon to environmental conditions surrounding a working factory farm?

    Second, exposing some of these externalized costs to  consumers may result in fewer total calories consumed, as the price of one is likely to increase.   I would guess that Americans consume one of the highest number of calories/day/capita in the world, and we are obese for it.  Would it be terrible to charge a bit more per calorie in this country?On Let the nativists try eating their words posted 1 year, 11 months ago 9 Responses

  • I'm originally from Louisiana

    ...and the shocking thing about this headline is that she essentially just voted for more shoreline erosion.  The story of Louisiana's coastline disappearance is well chronicled.  Along with Florida, Louisiana stands to lose vast amounts of its land base (not to mention its wonderful homes to incredible biodiversity) from the rising sea levels.  By delaying progress, and thus ensuring more sea level rise, Landrieu has traded some of her State's territory for short-term political cover.  Disgusting to say the least.

    Much of my family lives in Louisiana.  I asked them to vote for her in the last election because, sadly, her opponent was a Republican who would certainly have blocked progress.  I'm starting to wonder about any hope for change down there.On Louisiana's Sen. Landrieu votes against party, for Big Oil posted 1 year, 11 months ago 7 Responses

  • Gotta Love...

    the way big media is framing this.

    Front page of the Washington Post online reads:

    "Energy Bill Vote Blocked"

    "Senate democrats fail...."

    Note the use of the passive voice in the main headline, and the use of active voice in the sub-head/body.  The word "republican" does not appear on the front page.  Typical.On Reid will have to decide whether to trim back the bill to get it through posted 1 year, 11 months ago 4 Responses

  • Outgassing at Nyos

    Unreal!  I had never heard of that story.  Thanks, David.On A strong and realistic energy policy is not dependent on any one fuel, technology, or supplier posted 2 years ago 22 Responses

  • Too bad...

    ...They didn't get the message:

    http://money.cnn.com/2007/11/23/news/economy/black_friday ...

    On my BND, I ate leftovers, rode my bike to the library, did some research, and later will ride home.  Just another day off...On Don't forget posted 2 years ago 4 Responses