Comment posted by SwampWoman
at 5/27/2007 12:24:37 AM

Mugabe plots to steal ‘Imperialist’ British firms, with imperialist apparently a code word for “competently managed”.

Comment posted by SwampWoman
at 5/27/2007 12:09:18 AM

How to Kill a Book in Three Easy Steps.

I’m not so sure that the Clinton campaign can sweep this under the rug this easily.

Comment posted by SwampWoman
at 5/26/2007 11:58:29 PM

On the proposed Corporate Average Fuel Economy bill:

If the proposed bill becomes law, CAFE standards would rise to an average of 35 MPG in 2020 for cars, SUVs, minivans, and light trucks, defined as pick-up trucks, from levels of 27.5 MPG and 22.2 MPG for cars and light trucks respectively. Standards would rise 4% annually between 2020 and 2030. One blogger wrote about his beloved engine as “RIP V8.”

The first CAFE standards, according to a 2002 National Research Council study, resulted in 1,300 to 2,600 more Americans killed on the roads in 1993, a typical year, because cars were lighter. If any pharmaceutical product had killed that many patients the manufacturer would be bankrupt. Families can sue Merck, but not Uncle Sam.

After dead motorists, the biggest losers from higher standards would be Americans who prefer large vehicles to carry families, equipment, and pets on daily trips or long vacations.

Other major losers would be the domestic car manufacturers, GM, Ford, and Chrysler, who have invested in plants that make large sedans and light trucks, Americans’ preference. The industry is already restructuring to try to reduce labor costs; higher CAFE standards would be its nail in the coffin.

For several years, Americans have bought more light trucks, including SUVs, than passenger cars. Domestic companies have the bulk of light truck sales — which would bear the brunt of more CAFE.

Daughter drives a small car and, once she has it loaded down with an infant’s car seat and a child’s car seat, all the room in the back is filled. The trunk has the stroller and diaper bag which leaves hardly any room for groceries. She likes the gas mileage but will need to move to something with more room, either a minivan or an SUV, within the year.

I would really prefer if the government would stop making these edicts. If the price of gas is perceived as too high, consumers will make the decision to buy smaller, lighter, more dangerous cars on their own but if they need a bigger vehicle because they have five children, they should have that option.

Comment posted by SwampWoman
at 5/26/2007 11:42:19 PM

Here’s a link courtesy of JunkFood Science, where Sandy takes on the people running about making transfats illegal when there has never been a (scientific) study showing that they are harmful and, in fact, the purported harm appears to be hype.

When Will We Tire of the Fear-Mongers?

Comment posted by SwampWoman
at 5/26/2007 10:46:22 PM

/I know, it’s probably bad to eat that late, but SwampMan won’t eat until I get home.

Comment posted by SwampWoman
at 5/26/2007 10:44:08 PM

Robert D, since SwampMan is often working late and I’m out exercising until 9 p.m., we generally eat between 9 and 10 except on the weekend.

Comment posted by SwampWoman
at 5/26/2007 10:42:02 PM

Yep, I’ll remember the troops tomorrow, as I’ll be working Monday. G’night.

Comment posted by Robert D
at 5/26/2007 10:34:22 PM

Still cooking…It’s only 8:30. We do eat a bit late, but it is Memorial Day weekend. Remember the troops……..

Comment posted by SwampWoman
at 5/26/2007 10:29:51 PM

G’nite, Robert D. Was the rainbow trout wonderful?

Comment posted by Robert D
at 5/26/2007 10:28:19 PM

G’nite all… Thanks again!!