February 24, 2012
— andy Algae, you say? I wonder whatever happened to this?
Fast forward a couple of years, citizen, and forget that inconvenient idea. The New Five Year Plan revolves around powering our cars with pond scum.
To give you an idea how impractical this is at its current stage, let's look at a couple of numbers. In 2010, the U.S. produced about 138 billion gallons of gasoline. At $3.00/gallon, that's a market worth north of $400 billion annually.
Obama's magical solution? Spending $0.085 billion on researching algal fuels now with a proposed increase to this research of $0.014 billion.
He says algal fuels can replace "up to" 17% of a $400 billion revenue stream yet proposes to invest $0.099 billion to achieve this? We either need to be investing several orders of magnitude more in this miracle technology or zero. Given the Federal government's track record as a venture capitalist and our current financial situation, I'll go with zero.
This is more laughable than a call to inflate your tires, which at least has the advantage of being something you can do immediately and for free (or thereabouts).
We may bitch about our choices to replace this clown, but none of them, not even Luap Nor, are as unserious about the problems we face and the solutions to them as Obama is.
Posted by: andy at
12:50 PM
| Comments (254)
Post contains 232 words, total size 2 kb.
Posted by: J.J. Sefton at February 24, 2012 12:53 PM (Af3Wg)
Posted by: real joe at February 24, 2012 12:53 PM (EFS7w)
Ed Markey called upon Obama to open the oil reserves.
Apparently Markey believes we've had enough economic recovery with all these high gas prices.
Posted by: Soothsayer 2007 at February 24, 2012 12:54 PM (G/zuv)
Posted by: alexthechick - SMOD 2012 at February 24, 2012 12:54 PM (VtjlW)
Posted by: Barky O'Genius at February 24, 2012 12:54 PM (QKKT0)
Posted by: Chi-Town Jerry at February 24, 2012 12:55 PM (f9c2L)
So, you're proposing more spending?
:-D
Posted by: HeatherRadish at February 24, 2012 12:55 PM (/kI1Q)
yeah, and if solar, wind, algae, mouse farts were all viable energy resources, it would need no govt "investment"
Posted by: Soothsayer 2007 at February 24, 2012 12:56 PM (G/zuv)
Posted by: nevergiveup at February 24, 2012 12:56 PM (eCnLg)
Posted by: I am the walrus, goo goo ga joo at February 24, 2012 12:56 PM (4sQwu)
Posted by: Ronster at February 24, 2012 12:56 PM (T1nDt)
Posted by: alppuccino at February 24, 2012 12:57 PM (zijOs)
Posted by: Precedent Obama at February 24, 2012 12:57 PM (BbX1b)
Posted by: tmitsss at February 24, 2012 12:57 PM (V4Pya)
Posted by: AllenG (Dedicated Tenther) SMOD 2012 at February 24, 2012 12:58 PM (8y9MW)
Posted by: dananjcon Wine Connoisseur Moron Extraordinaire at February 24, 2012 12:58 PM (8ieXv)
Posted by: Krebs v Carnot: Epic Battle of the Cycling Stars at February 24, 2012 12:58 PM (FcKXR)
Posted by: nickless at February 24, 2012 12:58 PM (MMC8r)
The New Five Year Plan revolves around powering our cars with pond scum.
I'm starting to think Obama is in favor of this energy source as pond scum is all he sees around him: his advisors, his supporters, his fundraisers...
Posted by: Decaf at February 24, 2012 12:58 PM (0okHd)
Posted by: booger at February 24, 2012 12:59 PM (29wvc)
Because I've banned cotton candy and Skittles! It's for your own good, fatties!
Posted by: Mrs SCOAMF at February 24, 2012 12:59 PM (/kI1Q)
Posted by: Joe Biden at February 24, 2012 12:59 PM (QKKT0)
Electric cars, solar energy, trains, unions... you get the picture.
Posted by: The Gubment at February 24, 2012 12:59 PM (BbX1b)
However, this bubbleheaded numbskull trots out a technology that is still in its absolute infancy (if that) and can't be counted on to produce results in twice that many years, and he does so with a straight face.
Does he even LISTEN to the things he says???
Posted by: antisocialist at February 24, 2012 12:59 PM (j/nZn)
'How apart farts. There are times I am sure that if you could hook my ass up my car's motor, I'd never have to stop for gasoline'
Sir, your farts haven't been approved to be used yet. Fork over some dough and we'll get you a waiver.
Posted by: EPA at February 24, 2012 01:00 PM (kKXoH)
Posted by: Unruly at February 24, 2012 01:01 PM (LL4jH)
Posted by: nevergiveup at February 24, 2012 01:02 PM (eCnLg)
He's dangerous. He's the most dangerous man to ever hold this office.
Posted by: Ben at February 24, 2012 01:02 PM (UvdzB)
Posted by: whatever at February 24, 2012 01:02 PM (i/wm2)
more subsibies...more algae...nom nom nom
Posted by: Happy Plecostomus at February 24, 2012 01:03 PM (X7DMq)
Posted by: PETA at February 24, 2012 01:03 PM (UR5vq)
Posted by: maddogg at February 24, 2012 01:03 PM (OlN4e)
Posted by: antisocialist at February 24, 2012 04:59 PM (j/nZn)
*********
Sure. He's just too stupid to understand them.
Posted by: Pimpbot 5000 at February 24, 2012 01:05 PM (ggRof)
He'd at least wear appropriate gowns when meeting with heads of state...
Posted by: HeatherRadish at February 24, 2012 01:05 PM (/kI1Q)
Section 8
The Congress shall have Power To lay and collect Taxes, Duties, Imposts and Excises, to pay for the investigation that Green Shit covering Ponds and Stagnant Pools of Water for the Use and Benefit of all Citizens, but mostly to the benefit of well-connected Associates of Politicians.
< dusts hands >
Posted by: USC accrding to the Left [/i] at February 24, 2012 01:05 PM (9Hw3U)
Posted by: nevergiveup at February 24, 2012 01:05 PM (eCnLg)
Posted by: Libs Have Devolved, Not Evolved at February 24, 2012 01:05 PM (8dlg4)
Regular tune-ups ? The only cars that could be tuned up all were crushed with cash for clunkers.
Newer models don't get regular tune ups.
what a clueless asshole.
Posted by: seamrog at February 24, 2012 01:06 PM (L49lj)
Not nearly as stupid and impractical as powering Naval vessels with biofuel, which is the current plan, despite problems which could trash literally billions of dollars in plant and equipment.
Posted by: pep at February 24, 2012 01:06 PM (6TB1Z)
Posted by: Clutch Cargo at February 24, 2012 01:06 PM (Qxdfp)
Posted by: Dr. Varno at February 24, 2012 01:06 PM (QMtmy)
On the other hand, biofuel is really expensive, and those vessels use ungodly amounts of fuel, so there's that.
Posted by: pep at February 24, 2012 01:07 PM (6TB1Z)
Posted by: WalrusRex at February 24, 2012 01:07 PM (Hx5uv)
a diet consisting of only pond scum will transform you into a sexual Tyrannosaurus.
...a crazed sex-poodle, even.
of course, a Red Tide will shut it all down in a matter of hours.
Posted by: horny female dolphin at February 24, 2012 01:07 PM (X7DMq)
Posted by: Wyatt's Torch at February 24, 2012 01:08 PM (zxrQh)
They will clone Nancy Pelosi and have the results haul cars around using harnesses? What a smelly proposition.
Posted by: japanese fart story scroll at February 24, 2012 01:08 PM (WOB8h)
Speaking of farts, did anyone notice in frame number 33 in the Japanese Fart Scroll sidebar item it looks like a kitteh is being blasted by a mighty fart?
First textual mention of the queef?
Posted by: horny female dolphin at February 24, 2012 01:09 PM (X7DMq)
Posted by: japanese fart story scroll at February 24, 2012 01:09 PM (WOB8h)
what a clueless asshole. Posted by: seamrog
......
I just hit 135,000 miles and never had a tune up. Who knew??? What a freakin' idiot he is.
Posted by: Chi-Town Jerry at February 24, 2012 01:09 PM (f9c2L)
Posted by: japanese fart story scroll at February 24, 2012 01:09 PM (WOB8h)
Posted by: Schwalbe: The Me-262© at February 24, 2012 01:09 PM (UU0OF)
Posted by: Prez Killah B at February 24, 2012 01:09 PM (gCa4h)
Posted by: O-bah-muhhz Science Czar at February 24, 2012 01:10 PM (8dlg4)
Posted by: Libby Goodheart at February 24, 2012 01:10 PM (mg08E)
This president guy's a genius.
Posted by: All the World's Businessmen at February 24, 2012 01:10 PM (BbX1b)
Posted by: polynikes - Texan for Romney at February 24, 2012 01:12 PM (xJTAH)
Posted by: dan-O at February 24, 2012 01:12 PM (sWycd)
O/T:
Why do brides wear white?
Posted by: Ed Anger - Certified Kos Kid at February 24, 2012 01:13 PM (7+pP9)
Oh, yeah? He's got a Nobel Prize winner for his Secretary of Energy. Next, you'll tell me his Treasury Secretary can't fill out his own taxes.
Barack's intelligence transcends mere mortal conceptions. He is.......transcendent.
Posted by: pep at February 24, 2012 01:14 PM (6TB1Z)
Posted by: nevergiveup at February 24, 2012 01:14 PM (eCnLg)
Great, our president uses the same rhetorical sleight of hand as carpet and used car salesmen.
Posted by: pep at February 24, 2012 01:16 PM (6TB1Z)
Posted by: Al-Gae Hahdie at February 24, 2012 01:17 PM (8dlg4)
Shepard Fairey, the man who created the popular Barack Obama “HOPE” poster, pled guilty to criminal contempt Friday.
http://tinyurl.com/7enaqf3
Posted by: weft cut-loop [/i] at February 24, 2012 01:17 PM (9Hw3U)
Posted by: Killerdog at February 24, 2012 01:17 PM (1Owc8)
Posted by: maddogg at February 24, 2012 01:17 PM (OlN4e)
...
Because most look better in White than naked
Posted by: nevergiveup at February 24, 2012 05:14 PM (eCnLg)
Not even close. I'll give some other morons the chance to get the right answer.
Posted by: Ed Anger - Certified Kos Kid at February 24, 2012 01:18 PM (7+pP9)
And yet when it looked like Paul, who flaws or not is actually the only candidate demonstratively serious about our fiscal problems, was surging - Ace declared he wouldn't vote for him and would quit the Republican Party.
Meanwhile, Romney, for instance, never only states any substantive cuts he'd make. And in fact attacks proposals to do so.
But he's serious.
Really.
Posted by: MlR at February 24, 2012 01:18 PM (vj9lA)
Posted by: MlR at February 24, 2012 01:21 PM (vj9lA)
These days shouldn't they be wearing stainless steel?
Posted by: HeatherRadish at February 24, 2012 01:23 PM (/kI1Q)
Romney tells a Detroit crowd “I drive a Mustang and a Chevy pickup truck. Ann drives a couple of Cadillacs."
Mittens - political genius. Not a tin-ear at all. NOT. AT. ALL.
Posted by: Not an Artist at February 24, 2012 01:23 PM (Lo/3Q)
10 . Peanut butter. Afraid that using peanut butter as fuel might cause a dangerous peanut butter / jelly imbalance in addition to the increased likelihood of people singing that damn PBJ song every time they fill up.
Posted by: weft cut-loop [/i] at February 24, 2012 01:24 PM (9Hw3U)
Posted by: nevergiveup at February 24, 2012 01:24 PM (eCnLg)
Posted by: dfbaskwill at February 24, 2012 01:24 PM (ndlFj)
Posted by: Julie at February 24, 2012 01:25 PM (O/fK8)
75 -
So when what happens naturally, assuming she's a virgin at the time, will show up clearly on the dress afterwards.
Posted by: BurtTC at February 24, 2012 01:25 PM (TOk1P)
Quick question: Which Obama campaign donor runs a pond scum factory? There's got to be one out there, it's the way he operates.
Bonus question: What are we going to feed this pond scum? Corn? These algaes don't just pull hydrocarbons out of their asses... OK, they do but they still have to be fed... lots!
Posted by: Max Entropy at February 24, 2012 01:26 PM (gCSve)
I live in constant fear of the hump, and, while her fleet of flying monkeys may me getting up in years, they can still make the short flight from CT to MA with enough energy left to do some damage.
No, two different posts on top of each other at the HQ can only occur with serious behind-the-scenes planning that goes horribly awry.
Posted by: Andy at February 24, 2012 01:26 PM (XG+Mn)
Posted by: Reb Tevye at February 24, 2012 01:26 PM (zxrQh)
According to presant technology which hasn't been proved to work outside of a lab yet in order to replace 17% of our fuel use with algae it would take about 15 million acres of ponds to be built. There also needs to be massive amounts of CO2 pumped into these ponds and like I said, it hasn't been tested out of doors. Only in labs.
It works with seawater so it the billions of gallons of water needs to be pumped out of the ocean. Shrimp love algae as food and they havn't figured out how to keep the algae farms from turning into shrimp farms.
Posted by: robtr at February 24, 2012 01:26 PM (MtwBb)
Posted by: Mama AJ, who put algae in her tires at February 24, 2012 01:27 PM (XdlcF)
Posted by: andycanuck at February 24, 2012 01:27 PM (WOB8h)
Posted by: Krebs v Carnot: Epic Battle of the Cycling Stars at February 24, 2012 01:27 PM (FcKXR)
Posted by: chemjeff on the phone at February 24, 2012 01:27 PM (M5WJI)
Posted by: Krebs v Carnot: Epic Battle of the Cycling Stars at February 24, 2012 01:28 PM (FcKXR)
Posted by: andycanuck at February 24, 2012 01:28 PM (WOB8h)
...
Because most look better in White than naked
Posted by: nevergiveup at February 24, 2012 05:14 PM (eCnLg)
Not even close. I'll give some other morons the chance to get the right answer.
Posted by: Ed Anger - Certified Kos Kid at February 24, 2012 05:18 PM (7+pP9)
----------------------------------
Because all brides are virgins?
Posted by: Soona at February 24, 2012 01:29 PM (uBZfB)
Posted by: chemjeff on the phone at February 24, 2012 05:27 PM (M5WJI)
Sooner or later, everything runs into our walls...
Posted by: The Three Laws of Thermodynamics - Nature's Beeyotches at February 24, 2012 01:29 PM (FcKXR)
A white dress indicated that you were well-to-do. You weren't concerned about getting it stained as you were only going to wear it the one time anyway.
Darker dresses were worn by poorer people,because they would hide the stains.
Blue used to be the color of purity, but over the years, white has supplanted it, mainly because of the desire to be seen as affluent/white dress dealio.
*tears up man card
Posted by: wiserbud at February 24, 2012 01:30 PM (gCa4h)
This shit is straight from the Monorail episode of the Simpsons."
Posted by: dan-O at February 24, 2012 05:12 PM (sWycd) I try to bring up that episode every time someone mentions high-speed rail in CA.
Posted by: Max Entropy at February 24, 2012 01:30 PM (gCSve)
Posted by: Harry at February 24, 2012 01:30 PM (wy1+C)
So the dishwasher will match the other appliances.
Posted by: PSA fluffy at February 24, 2012 05:26 PM (vRSeu)
Ding! Ding! Ding! We have a wiener!
Your prize is a years free subscription to the Ace of Spades blog.
Posted by: Ed Anger - Certified Kos Kid at February 24, 2012 01:31 PM (7+pP9)
Posted by: nevergiveup at February 24, 2012 01:31 PM (eCnLg)
So does a perpetual motion machine.
(just having fun.) Your point is correct, but the problem is in the implementation and realistic assessment of what is possible. These are not areas in which the Obama admin excels. They think wishing and reality are the same thing.
Posted by: pep at February 24, 2012 01:32 PM (6TB1Z)
Posted by: Clutch Cargo at February 24, 2012 01:32 PM (Qxdfp)
And that was the only folly the people of Springfield ever embarked
upon. Except for the popsicle stick skyscraper. And the 50-foot
magnifying glass. And that escalator to nowhere.
Posted by: Brandon In Baton Rouge at February 24, 2012 01:32 PM (e0xKF)
101 -
Sorry, I've been reading the latest book in the Game of Thrones series, and it sorta got mentioned there. There is nothing left unexplored and/or unexplained in those books.
Posted by: BurtTC at February 24, 2012 01:32 PM (TOk1P)
And why bother with algae when we can burn human bodies and use human fat?
www.smalldeadanimals.com/archives/019387.html
Posted by: andycanuck at February 24, 2012 01:32 PM (WOB8h)
You must show your math for even partial credit.
Posted by: s☺mej☼e at February 24, 2012 01:33 PM (udEUT)
I was told there would be no math. It scares me.
Posted by: Barack Obama at February 24, 2012 01:34 PM (6TB1Z)
I think that Bill Ayres has a book suggesting where they can get a supply of those.
Posted by: Brandon In Baton Rouge at February 24, 2012 01:34 PM (e0xKF)
wait..... Fraternity, Holiness, and Cleanliness? what was the question??
Posted by: SantaRosaStan at February 24, 2012 01:34 PM (UqKQV)
Known resources NO, cause it would take like ten years or something, and all the oil will be gone by then anyway!!!!
Posted by: nickless at February 24, 2012 01:35 PM (MMC8r)
Posted by: Clutch Cargo at February 24, 2012 05:32 PM (Qxdfp)
*********
Fool! Everyone knows it was the Republicans who ate my strawberries!
Posted by: Barack Hussein Obama at February 24, 2012 01:35 PM (ggRof)
That may be the most absurd lie that he's told.
And for a regime with a strategy subsisting off of nonstop lying in proposing and defending epic incompetence and corruption that's saying a lot.
Posted by: ontherocks at February 24, 2012 01:35 PM (ZJCDy)
Posted by: AndrewsDad at February 24, 2012 01:36 PM (C2//T)
Meth scares me, too. Been watching "Breaking Bad" ( filmed in buQue )
Posted by: SantaRosaStan at February 24, 2012 01:36 PM (UqKQV)
Algae has been researched at universities for 50 years. To date, the US taxpayer has spent over $2.5 billion dollars on algae research and NOTHING has been commercialized by any algae researcher at any university.
It has a negative energy balance/ takes more energy to produce than it delivers
nothing and I mean nothing can compete with the magic hydrocarbon.
Posted by: Velvet Ambition at February 24, 2012 01:37 PM (mFxQX)
Posted by: AllenG (Dedicated Tenther) SMOD 2012 at February 24, 2012 01:37 PM (8y9MW)
Posted by: Max Entropy at February 24, 2012 05:26 PM (gCSve)
Show me an agla's ass and I'll show you Preznint Barky.
Posted by: The Three Laws of Thermodynamics - Nature's Beeyotches at February 24, 2012 01:37 PM (FcKXR)
Posted by: Soona at February 24, 2012 01:38 PM (uBZfB)
Science! shows that the Cuyahoga River caught fire due to the profuse algae blooms.
Posted by: O-bah-muhhz Science! Czar at February 24, 2012 01:39 PM (8dlg4)
Blue pigments also used to be expensive. The best blue was lapis, and Afghanistan has always been a clusterfuck.
>>So the dishwasher will match the other appliances.
As I said, they should be wearing stainless steel these days.
Posted by: HeatherRadish at February 24, 2012 01:39 PM (/kI1Q)
Posted by: The Three Laws of Thermodynamics - Nature's Beeyotches at February 24, 2012 01:39 PM (FcKXR)
Posted by: mpfs at February 24, 2012 01:39 PM (iYbLN)
Posted by: Mirror-Universe Mitt Romney at February 24, 2012 01:40 PM (VitMz)
Bonus question: What are we going to feed this pond
scum? Corn? These algaes don't just pull hydrocarbons out of their
asses... OK, they do but they still have to be fed... lots!
Posted by: Max Entropy at February 24, 2012 05:26 PM (gCSve)
----------------------------------------
Well.....that's where you come into the equation.
Posted by: Soona at February 24, 2012 01:40 PM (uBZfB)
Posted by: jeremy lin fan at February 24, 2012 01:40 PM (oZfic)
scum? Corn? These algaes don't just pull hydrocarbons out of their
asses
Phosphorus. Remember when laundry detergents actually cleaned your clothes? Then they got banned to prevent algae blooms in the runoff.
Posted by: HeatherRadish at February 24, 2012 01:41 PM (/kI1Q)
in principle anything with carbon in a reduced form can be used as a conventional fuel. the idea behind algae is to let photosynthesis do most of the work to prepare carbon to be in the right form.
of course suggesting it is some cure all is stupid. but the idea itself has merit. it just depends on if the thermodynamics work out correctly.
Posted by: chemjeff on the phone at February 24, 2012 05:27 PM (M5WJI)
Insty had some details on this a while back. Some particular strain produces an oily substance that can apparently be refined. One guy even had built some weird gizmo that grew algae in plastic strips like the ones freeze pops come in. He had them on a conveyor system that would rotate them around a circuit that included a trip beneath a roof made of glass. No word on the efficiency of the system, though.
Seems like it would be a pretty expensive operation yielding a rather dilute source of energy.
Posted by: Ed Anger - Certified Kos Kid at February 24, 2012 01:41 PM (7+pP9)
The Escalator to Nowhere was at the Omni in Atlanta, after the World of Sid & Marty Krofft moved out.
Posted by: Dr. Varno at February 24, 2012 01:41 PM (QMtmy)
Posted by: Krebs v Carnot: Epic Battle of the Cycling Stars at February 24, 2012 01:42 PM (FcKXR)
I have visions of the 50's scifi film The Blob.
Posted by: mpfs at February 24, 2012 01:42 PM (iYbLN)
A basic principle is that every dollar you spend on anything ultimately represents the natural resources expended in its manufacture.
Gasoline at $3.00 / gal vs. algae oil at $3.00 / gal ==> Algae oil expends 11 times the natural resources in its production.
I think I will go with the more environmentally friendly old style gasoline myself.
Posted by: Rmoney at February 24, 2012 01:43 PM (7MFxV)
These fuckers need to step aside and drill for fucking oil or step aside and build nukes to power the electric vehicles.
Flow batteries will solve the brick problem. It is amazing that the Brawndo solution is so elusive.
http://tinyurl.com/35rl5o9
Posted by: sTevo at February 24, 2012 01:43 PM (Xy4LZ)
Seems like it would be a pretty expensive operation yielding a rather dilute source of energy.
Posted by: Ed Anger - Certified Kos Kid at February 24, 2012 05:41 PM (7+pP9)
--------------------------------
And what was the energy source that ran this little operation?
Posted by: Soona at February 24, 2012 01:44 PM (uBZfB)
Bad. Things. Happen.
Posted by: mpfs at February 24, 2012 01:44 PM (iYbLN)
I've seen the numbers on some of] this, and depending if you believe them, and if the genetically engineered strains pan out and don't get wiped out by a bug or something, and if you assume certain economies of scale, and if you're in a very sunny locale, it can economically produce biofuel. Of course, that leaves big ugly ponds full of algae all around the countryside, but still, there is some merit to the approach. However, the most deeply that Barry has ever thought about algae is to wonder what that crap in his bathtub drain is, followed by a call to Robert Gibbs to come and clean it out.
Posted by: pep at February 24, 2012 01:45 PM (6TB1Z)
Posted by: polynikes - Texan for Romney at February 24, 2012 01:45 PM (xJTAH)
As I said, they should be wearing stainless steel these days.
Posted by: HeatherRadish at February 24, 2012 05:39 PM (/kI1Q)
As a bonus for the most clever answer, you win a free two year subscription to the Ace of Spades blog!
Posted by: Ed Anger - Certified Kos Kid at February 24, 2012 01:47 PM (7+pP9)
Posted by: Occupy The White House at February 24, 2012 01:47 PM (FcR7P)
Newer models don't get regular tune ups.
I had that in an early version of this post and then figured I'd be charitable by allowing for "tune ups" to mean oil changes, making sure your air filter is clean, etc.
Posted by: Andy at February 24, 2012 01:47 PM (XG+Mn)
Posted by: O-bah-muhhz Science! Czar at February 24, 2012 01:48 PM (8dlg4)
Posted by: © Sponge at February 24, 2012 01:48 PM (UK9cE)
Who wouldn't want to live down wind of all those algae ponds? Especially in the summer! Remember people its for the environment.
Posted by: mpfs at February 24, 2012 01:49 PM (iYbLN)
Posted by: nickless at February 24, 2012 01:50 PM (MMC8r)
Posted by: Lefty Hussein McMoonbat at February 24, 2012 01:52 PM (2jQGY)
Posted by: Soona at February 24, 2012 01:54 PM (uBZfB)
Posted by: CoolCzech at February 24, 2012 01:54 PM (niZvt)
Posted by: Anachronda at February 24, 2012 01:54 PM (IrbU4)
Of course, if the gubbermint is in charge, it will fail miserably; if it was done in a careful way (while expanding oil drilling and coal/nuclear) I think it could eventually be workable.
Posted by: shbiumi at February 24, 2012 01:55 PM (z63Tr)
Posted by: Lefty Hussein McMoonbat at February 24, 2012 05:52 PM (2jQGY)
Because we don't want to play around in nasty algae all day.
Posted by: © Sponge at February 24, 2012 01:57 PM (UK9cE)
Posted by: Anachronda at February 24, 2012 01:57 PM (IrbU4)
Science! teaches that Oil is made from the bio-mass of dead animals of long ago, and that Coal is made from the bio-mass of dead plants of long ago.
Why not just burn Oil and Coal?
Posted by: Inquiring Minds Want To Know at February 24, 2012 02:00 PM (8dlg4)
Posted by: Mr Fever Head at February 24, 2012 02:01 PM (SzAZ7)
First, in cold weather climates, it's nigh on useless. Because of the stuff contains relatively high amounts of saturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids, it won't flow well if at all once the temperature dips. It also has a really irritating tendency to degrade much faster than most other bio-diesels.
In short those that have investigated the properties of algae produced bio-diesel have determined that the fuel is totally unsuitable as a replacement for gasoline at the current time. They have recommended possibly genetic manipulation of the algae so that the new strains might produce oils more suitable for use as bio-diesel - which of course is funny considering how absolutely most of the environmental lobby groups would have an absolute fit if they heard about the needed genetic manipulation to make it even remotely come close to practical.
Next of course is that your standard gasoline engine won't run on bio-diesel, a diesel engine will but you need to be careful in that if your engine is an older one bio-diesel does have a tendency to degrade and eventually destroy rubber. While rubber seals and lines are far less common on most engines made in the mid to late 90's and beyond, the fact is the fast majority of cars out there don't run on diesel. Here in the US the percentage of passenger vehicles that use diesel represent an almost insignificant number when compared to the total number of vehicles on the road, meaning that even if this mystical bio-fuel could be mass produced, provided someone can genetically engineer a brand new algae that could produce a biodiesel that wouldn't break down quickly and would actually flow in cold weather, well even then we'd end up having to replace the vast majority of the vehicles were driving now or it would do us almost no good anyway.
In short, another pie in the sky, ridiculous, totally unusable idea from the Obama administration that has zero practical use in solving the problem. Another green energy rat hole down into which we can pour millions, perhaps billions of dollars only to watch them go up in smoke.
Yup, ok, I guess maybe I can put a Ron Paul bumpersticker on my car now.. sheesh
Posted by: StuckOnStupid at February 24, 2012 02:01 PM (R5yLq)
Americans don't because in their individual lives the cost-benefit ratio isn't to their liking for any of these changes.
It's similar to security people deciding everyone needs to change their passwords every 30 days. And they count the cost as "It takes you five minutes to change your password." At a university, for example, that can be five minutes times 30,000 students plus five minutes times 5,000 staff and faculty. And that's ignoring the cost of people who screw up or forget their password and have to make a trip to the one office on campus where it can be reset. If only 1 percent of users do this each time, that's 350 trips every 30 days. Doesn't mean password changes are necessarily horrible, but it means there's a non-zero cost.
To determine correct tire pressure, you have to have a tire gauge and know how to use it. You will also have to have some means of inflating the tire. Will every American purchase both of those items and do this for themselves? Or will they...drive to the gas station (burning gas while doing so). Also, tires need to be checked when they're cold--which is why you can't do it on a trip when you already happen to be out and about.
Again, easy to wave your hands and say we can save gas if tires were all magically maintained at the proper pressure. That they're not ought to tell you something. Except you think you're smarter than the collective decision-making power of an entire country about how they should spend their time and money.
When conservatives make a statement like Obama made about tire pressure, the media kills them. (For example, see Reagan's remark about trees and pollution.) When liberals make such statements they're treated as so brilliant we should have already thought of it.
Posted by: Nicholas Kronos at February 24, 2012 02:02 PM (P136z)
Posted by: Mr Fever Head at February 24, 2012 02:03 PM (SzAZ7)
Posted by: mare at February 24, 2012 02:03 PM (A98Xu)
Of course, if the gubbermint is in charge, it will fail miserably; if it was done in a careful way (while expanding oil drilling and coal/nuclear) I think it could eventually be workable.
Posted by: shbiumi at February 24, 2012 05:55 PM (z63Tr)
That would take a pretty big indoors. The most promising hybrid they have come up with only yealds a total of 3,100 gallon per acre per year and that is in a controlled lab setting. It would take about 15 Million acres to equal 17%.
Posted by: robtr at February 24, 2012 02:03 PM (MtwBb)
Is this algea idea anything like the corn idea, where it would need a surface area of land the size of 2 earths to replace half the oil?
I'm partial to those mini nuke plants. No moving parts, the size of a garden shed, emit electricity for entire towns for 25 years, use a bucket of "fuel".
Posted by: Jimmah at February 24, 2012 02:04 PM (845uI)
If I hadn't already seen SCOAMF to be the pathological liar that he clearly and constantly demonstrates, I would be somewhat concerned that this fruit cake might harm himself and drag the country down further with some sort of confused and wasteful national mourning.
He has devolved to daily shark jumping while at the same time getting ovations from the MFM swimming in the tank.
Posted by: ontherocks at February 24, 2012 02:04 PM (ZJCDy)
Posted by: Doc at February 24, 2012 02:06 PM (/h3en)
Posted by: Mr Fever Head at February 24, 2012 02:07 PM (SzAZ7)
How do you like Breaking Bad?
I just finished the first three seasons on NetFlix, and really, really enjoyed it.
Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo (NJconservative) at February 24, 2012 02:08 PM (nEUpB)
Well the glory of the algae solution (though a number of years off) is that the algae does produce an oil; Which is easily separated from the water the algae is living in, and therefore does not require distilling like ethanol to remove the non burnable water content.
There is promise with this solution, they have a long long way to go though from proof of concept to actually efficiently producing large quantities of burnable fuel (Diesel) from sunlight.
Posted by: MikeTheMoose Now Researching How to Awaken Azathoth at February 24, 2012 02:09 PM (0q2P7)
Interesting points, had heard nothing about that side of it.
Degrading the rubber might be a problem.
If only we can make a biodiesel version of the Volt that explodes, and we make everyone buy one, well, that will keep Obamacare costs down, while fleecing the pockets of the unions and the environmentalists.
It's a win-win!
Posted by: shbiumi at February 24, 2012 02:10 PM (z63Tr)
Posted by: Charles M. Blow at February 24, 2012 02:10 PM (SzAZ7)
How long do they think it would take to get an entirely new and hugely massive industry like that off the ground?
Anybody want to guess how bad an algae refinery would smell?
Idiots.
Posted by: Ken at February 24, 2012 02:11 PM (3ar4L)
Posted by: Fred Flinstone at February 24, 2012 02:11 PM (/h3en)
Posted by: willow at February 24, 2012 02:11 PM (TomZ9)
Posted by: Fred Flinstone at February 24, 2012 06:11 PM (/h3en)
i missed where I agree.
Posted by: ben and pat at February 24, 2012 02:13 PM (TomZ9)
Anybody want to guess how bad an algae refinery would smell?
Idiots.
Posted by: Ken at February 24, 2012 06:11 PM (3ar4L)
---------------------------------
As Rush has said, leftists refuse to be judged on the results, only on their good intentions.
Posted by: Soona at February 24, 2012 02:14 PM (uBZfB)
It just won't be prime time inside of 3 decades, doesn't mean it is worthless. It just means we shouldn't be picking it as a winner like we did ethanol.
BTW even quickly degrading biodiesel lasts longer than gasoline.
Posted by: MikeTheMoose Now Researching How to Awaken Azathoth at February 24, 2012 02:15 PM (0q2P7)
Posted by: madamex at February 24, 2012 02:15 PM (5+Fw+)
Again, easy to wave your hands and say we can save gas if tires were all magically maintained at the proper pressure.
Many military vehicles have the ability to monitor and adjust tire pressure from inside the cab, and it ain't cheap.
It would probably jack up new car prices by $1,500+.
Posted by: Ed Anger - Certified Kos Kid at February 24, 2012 02:19 PM (7+pP9)
Well, I'm sure it would have to be less than ten years. Because as the conventional liberal wisdom goes, any new drilling we do now won't produce results for another ten years, and so is unfeasible as a solution. Since I am confident that they apply the same logic to algae, my guess is they must feel sure this new energy source will be available by 2021. Tops.
Posted by: mama winger at February 24, 2012 02:21 PM (P6QsQ)
You have to love how liberals think though.
Bad=using 2,500 acres of ANWR to drill for oil.
Good=permanently bulldozing 15 Million acres into ponds to raise algae.
Can you imagine the environmental lawsuits when Obama get's ready to turn 15 million acres of desert into a pond? And the 15 million acres doesn't include access roads, fertilizer storage etc. How many endagered species does all that wipe out?
Posted by: robtr at February 24, 2012 02:21 PM (MtwBb)
So Holder referred this to the non existent IG at the DOJ for investigation. The paper work is just sitting on a desk collecting dust. I have to give it to these guys - for sheer hutzpa they set the standard.
Posted by: An Observation at February 24, 2012 02:21 PM (ylhEn)
I think his plan is to wipe out the Red states, and replace them with algae ponds. Two birds, one stone.
Posted by: mama winger at February 24, 2012 02:24 PM (P6QsQ)
Posted by: Alec Leamas at February 24, 2012 02:25 PM (mg08E)
112...... Our Whites in the Navy are pretty nice but a bitch keeping clean
.
I'm sure they are......but, damn.....they are smokin hot looking!
Posted by: wheatie at February 24, 2012 02:27 PM (UOOK1)
Good-bye, Myotis sodalis.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indiana_bat
Posted by: HeatherRadish's third grade classmates at February 24, 2012 02:29 PM (/kI1Q)
Posted by: Gilda at February 24, 2012 02:29 PM (QF8uk)
Screw a kangaroo
Gang bang an orangutan
Orgy at the zoo
My poem's better than Maya Angelou!
{i]Posted by: HeatherRadish's third grade classmates at February 24, 2012 06:26 PM (/kI1Q)
FIFY
Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo (NJconservative) at February 24, 2012 02:30 PM (nEUpB)
Posted by: Ohio Dan at February 24, 2012 02:32 PM (JKNDp)
Posted by: mama winger at February 24, 2012 06:24 PM (P6QsQ)
-----------------------------------
Ah, yes. The food producing states. Considering the ethynol debacle, I guess that doesn't bother the leftists one bit.
Posted by: Soona at February 24, 2012 02:32 PM (uBZfB)
Pardon me for being paranoid, but algea won't pan out to be PEOPLE by chance? Would it?
Posted by: 1st at February 24, 2012 02:32 PM (845uI)
I'm still seething mad about Preznit PondScum giving away those Alaskan islands to Russia. ....One of them was the size of Delaware.
.
If they were sooo disposable, then why couldn't he let Oil Companies exploit the oil resources on those islands, which is what Russia wants them for!?
Posted by: wheatie at February 24, 2012 02:32 PM (UOOK1)
Posted by: willow at February 24, 2012 02:33 PM (TomZ9)
Posted by: Julie at February 24, 2012 02:34 PM (O/fK8)
The disputed area in ANWR is ~2000 square miles
The required area that algae fuel would need to supply the US is ~15,000 square miles.
Posted by: WheelmanForHire at February 24, 2012 02:35 PM (l8nIR)
Gasoline at $3.00 / gal vs. algae oil at $33.00 / gal ==> Algae oil expends 11 times the natural resources in its production.
Posted by: Rmoney at February 24, 2012 02:36 PM (7MFxV)
Posted by: WheelmanForHire at February 24, 2012 06:35 PM (l8nIR)
------------------------------
It's only enough fuel for the cars owned by party members. The rest of us will have to walk or ride our bicycles.
Posted by: Soona at February 24, 2012 02:38 PM (uBZfB)
It's really a miracle I grew up to become a taxpaying member of society, isn't it?
Posted by: HeatherRadish at February 24, 2012 02:41 PM (/kI1Q)
Obama's Virtual Economy It's endless fun, fiddling with the dials on the real world. He see the SCOAMF playing the economy like it was Sim City. We be f*cked.
Posted by: Ducatisti at February 24, 2012 02:42 PM (KYE7u)
Posted by: Soona
It's only enough fuel for the cars owned by party members. The rest of us will have to walk or ride our bicycles.
Not the party members, the elite leadership.
Posted by: Rmoney at February 24, 2012 02:42 PM (7MFxV)
You have to understand that, to Barky, numbers are totally meaningless. He has no clue what any of this means and really can't comprehend anything larger than 20. That's why this retard was screaming proudly about "reducing your insurance premiums by 3000%", because he IS a retard. Legitimately. Stupid. Dumb. Idiotic. Without a brain. The owner of a factory defect brain (it was cheaper).
What really amazes me is that anyone lets this idiot speak without breaking out in uproarious laughter at his idiocy.
And he's a nasty prick, to boot.
Posted by: really ... at February 24, 2012 02:47 PM (X3lox)
There has been a steady but gradual accumulation of new government regulations on Agriculture and Land Use, since O took office. .....For example, what was the deal with that EO last year which put 'land use' under the purvey of about 12 govt agencies that have nothing to do with agriculture?
.
Some may like to regard the JEF as 'stupid'....but I think that its because, viewed separately, much of what he has done looks 'stupid' to those who regard harmful, illogical policies as stupid. ......But when viewed as working towards the goal of Total Socialistic Control of Everything, then it all makes sense.
Posted by: wheatie at February 24, 2012 02:47 PM (UOOK1)
Posted by: madamex at February 24, 2012 02:48 PM (5+Fw+)
BTW even quickly degrading biodiesel lasts longer than gasoline.
Posted by: MikeTheMoose Now Researching How to Awaken Azathoth at February 24, 2012 06:15 PM (0q2P7)
That's only because of the new regs on engine design and the ethanol mandate.
I can't start my power mower with gas a month old. So I pull the plug, spray some quick start into the cylinder and the mower starts right up and runs fine. Even in the Spring with gas bought the previous fall.
And all small engines now need to be run on mid-grade gas or better.
If the proposed 15 percent ethanol mandate ever becomes law millions of older outboard motors will be trashed.
There's some change you can believe in.
Posted by: Ed Anger - Certified Kos Kid at February 24, 2012 02:49 PM (7+pP9)
Posted by: mare at February 24, 2012 02:51 PM (A98Xu)
Posted by: willow at February 24, 2012 02:52 PM (TomZ9)
Some may like to regard the JEF as 'stupid'....but I think that its because, viewed separately, much of what he has done looks 'stupid' to those who regard harmful, illogical policies as stupid. ......But when viewed as working towards the goal of Total Socialistic Control of Everything, then it all makes sense.
Posted by: wheatie at February 24, 2012 06:47 PM (UOOK1)
I don't know if you've ever read The Forgotten Man, but the Obama administration is like FDR's on steroids. FDR had a bunch of cronies who went nuts regulating businesses and prosecuting people for lawfully minimizing their tax burdens. But at least then we had a Supreme Court that slapped his unconstitutional meddling down.
Not so much nowadays.
Posted by: Ed Anger - Certified Kos Kid at February 24, 2012 02:58 PM (7+pP9)
Posted by: Oldcat at February 24, 2012 03:04 PM (z1N6a)
at 202 How much TSP do you use in the dishwasher? I have the same damn problem.
Posted by: Julie at February 24, 2012 06:34 PM (O/fK
First of all, you have to read the label of the stuff you buy at the paint/hardware store to make sure it actually contains TSP. Apparently there's fake product on the market called TSP that contains zero tri ammonium phosphate.
The amount to use varies with the size of your dishwasher. Start with one teaspoon (probably not enough) and work up, a teaspoon at a time, until you get the desired results.
Posted by: Ed Anger - Certified Kos Kid at February 24, 2012 03:08 PM (7+pP9)
@230, Ed Anger
.
Yeah, and since the liberals turned our education system into their own indoctrination centers.....we now have a couple of generations who think that FDR was a great president, and that 'socialism' is something cool because it's got the word 'social' in it....like 'social media'.
.
The epic fuckery of this once great country is nearly complete. ....Another four years of the JEF will finish what has been in the process of happening for a while. .....And they did it right under our noses.
.
One of the creepiest things was back when O said "We are the ones we've been waiting for".
Posted by: wheatie at February 24, 2012 03:14 PM (UOOK1)
154 Andy, do you think that Obama knows ANYTHING about auto maintenance ? He said regular tune-ups.
You're willing to cut him some slack, I'm not.
He's an imbicile.
Posted by: seamrog at February 24, 2012 03:16 PM (L49lj)
Posted by: Peanut Farmer Prez at February 24, 2012 03:27 PM (789+D)
Posted by: BarryO at February 24, 2012 03:29 PM (vaIln)
How much TSP do you use in the dishwasher? I have the same damn problem.
Posted by: Julie at February 24, 2012 06:34 PM (O/fK
I mix in 10% by weight. A 4 lb box of tsp is good to mix with 40 lb of dish detergent (powder), enough to last a couple of years+.
Citric acid (lemi-shine) works wonders as well. I need to look in the home canning section of the local stores for ‘sour sugarPosted by: Rmoney at February 24, 2012 03:54 PM (7MFxV)
@172
When conservatives make a statement like Obama made about tire pressure, the media kills them. (For example, see Reagan's remark about trees and pollution.)
Actually, Reagan was right that citrus groves do produce smog. Citrus trees emit terpenoids (hence the characteristic smell) which undergo ozonolysis by atmospheric ozone (produced by sunlight acting on oxgyen) to form endoperoxides that undergo attack by atmospheric water to produce a hydrophilic mist characteristically seen over citrus groves. I used to squeeze a lemon peel in a bell jar of ozone as a lecture demonstration - one squeeze, and poof! The whole jar is full of what looks like smoke.
Citrus groves are not a big source of smog, but they are one.
Posted by: Jay Guevara at February 24, 2012 03:57 PM (3Tgf2)
Posted by: madamex at February 24, 2012 06:48 PM (5+Fw+)
Do you suggest nature has a self sustaining method of equilibrium? O_o
Right wing conspirator!
Posted by: WheelmanForHire at February 24, 2012 04:44 PM (l8nIR)
Posted by: Hammersmith Police at February 24, 2012 04:48 PM (Onw8c)
Posted by: teh Wind at February 24, 2012 04:50 PM (GkYyh)
We'd need 187 new nillion-dollar Keystone pipelines to transport all the pond scum crappy oil so we can increase our oil production by about as much as the 20 new North Dakota Bakken that were permitted yesterday.
Affirmative Action in Action!
Posted by: Mr. Wonderful at February 24, 2012 05:14 PM (wguSM)
in principle anything with carbon in a reduced form can be used as a conventional fuel. the idea behind algae is to let photosynthesis do most of the work to prepare carbon to be in the right form.
of course suggesting it is some cure all is stupid. but the idea itself has merit. it just depends on if the thermodynamics work out correctly.
Posted by: chemjeff on the phone at February 24, 2012 05:27 PM (M5WJI)
It's stupid period. Unbelievabley fucking stupid, as is everything else that shitbag proposes.
Just drill for the fucking oil that;'s already been made.
Posted by: Mr. Wonderful at February 24, 2012 05:19 PM (wguSM)
Posted by: Jimbo at February 24, 2012 05:33 PM (O3R/2)
Our presidents need to shut up and let the free market decide what the hell will be our energy source.
Posted by: currently at February 24, 2012 06:13 PM (flA6l)
Posted by: RatPoof at February 24, 2012 06:28 PM (zW1jz)
Posted by: Concealed Kerry or Sub Mitt at February 24, 2012 06:49 PM (nonzP)
Posted by: Jimbo at February 24, 2012 09:33 PM (O3R/2)
His ball landed on top off some pond scum so he theorized that anything that could float a golf ball should be able to float a high speed train!
DUUHHH! Engineering by the Havard WON!
Posted by: Concealed Kerry or Sub Mitt at February 24, 2012 06:52 PM (nonzP)
Nuance, and all that shit.
Posted by: Vercingetorix at February 24, 2012 07:51 PM (pOUA4)
Posted by: befuddled at February 24, 2012 08:06 PM (xJU23)
Posted by: Circling the Drain With The GOP at February 24, 2012 08:33 PM (GOG1H)
Posted by: Brad at February 25, 2012 01:17 AM (7yu6O)
In my dream, Gov. Christie was holding a press conference to announce he was going on a weight loss program because he realized his health was in danger. During the press conference, Christie outlines how difficult it will be to lose weight, and explains how important it is for him to do. He then takes a few questions from the media.
Christie then appears to wrap up the press conference. He thanks everyone, and starts walking from the podium. But then he suddenly turns around and returns. He says "one more thing. I am going on a diet because my health is at great risk. But there's something else, the health of which is at great risk. That's the United States. Our federal government imperils the health and future of our great nation. Our government needs to go on a diet. That is why I have decided to accepted the request of Mitt Romney to run for Vice President."
(Romney then suddenly emerges from a door, and we have a winning ticket for November)
Posted by: ParisParamus at February 26, 2012 08:16 AM (mENeG)
I thought Obama said it was pointless to drill for oil if it didn't solve the whole problem. However, inflating your tires and tuning your engine will? And we shouldn't drill for oil now when solar and wind power will work someday in the far future maybe, probably, somehow he hopes?
The usual way to solve big problems is to whittle away at them by degrees. The way to exacerbate big problems and make them into colossal problems is to dismiss any incremental solutions in favor of day dreams.
Posted by: Tantor at February 26, 2012 12:32 PM (OLxb+)
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Are You Out of Your Vulcan Mind, Andy!?!?
Posted by: Soothsayer at February 24, 2012 12:51 PM (G/zuv)