Tomorrow is voting day throughout America. There are a few things I'd like to say before everyone goes out to vote, though.
First of all, study the propositions that will be on the ballot before you commit yourself. There is often an attractive idea paired up with a not-so-attractive one. It's up to you to decide whether the good outweighs the bad.
Your vote does count. Remember, you may help push a measure to victory or defeat by your actions. Its fate isn't decided until the end of the day.
Everyone has a right to vote. Well, all law-abiding citizens do. If you're registered to vote, don't be afraid to march right up to the poll and fill out your ballot.
If you don't have anything to say, don't vote. Casting a random vote is worse than not casting one at all. If you don't know or don't care about a measure, please leave that spot blank. I'm sure we want what's best for us, not just random, arbitrary laws.
Now that I've said that, I have one last comment:
Happy voting! :)
Monday, November 06, 2006
Thursday, October 19, 2006
Saving Energy
Yes, today I’m writing about how you can conserve electricity and why you should.
So Why Should I?
Well, there are several reasons to try to conserve energy. First, and probably most important to many people, you can save money by using less energy, and who couldn’t use more money. Second, you hate brownouts and blackouts, right? By conserving energy, you can help prevent these nuisances. Now number three: oil. As I’ve said before the energy produced in an oil power plant helps make OPEC rich at your country’s expense. All fossil fuel power plants also help produce smog. Even if you get your energy from a nuclear power plant instead of fossil fuels, you still want to keep their number to a minimum. Chernobyl and Three Mile Island, need I say more? Next, for the environmentalists, you need resources to build power plants, most of which are taken out of, you guessed it, nature. Finally, power plants take up space. Build less of them and you have more free space for farms, apartments, offices and whatnot.
Turning Things Off
The easiest thing you can do is turn stuff off when you’re not using it.
Light Bulbs
Many people still use the old tungsten filament light bulbs (the round ones with that little thing inside, also called incandescent). They let off a lot of heat, which means you lose all that energy. The more tube-shaped flourescent light bulbs let off very little heat compared to the incandescent ones, meaning they use a lot less energy to do the same thing.
“Energy Star”
You might’ve seen electronics or appliances that have a little logo that says “Energy Star” or something like that. This logo means that that particular item uses less energy to do the same job as others of that kind of appliance. (Don’t worry: it’s efficient, not lazy)
But That’s not All:
That’s right, there’re a lot more ways to save energy out there. There’re probably a lot more places devoted to helping people save energy, like California’s “Flex Your Power” organization. All you have to do is look.
So Why Should I?
Well, there are several reasons to try to conserve energy. First, and probably most important to many people, you can save money by using less energy, and who couldn’t use more money. Second, you hate brownouts and blackouts, right? By conserving energy, you can help prevent these nuisances. Now number three: oil. As I’ve said before the energy produced in an oil power plant helps make OPEC rich at your country’s expense. All fossil fuel power plants also help produce smog. Even if you get your energy from a nuclear power plant instead of fossil fuels, you still want to keep their number to a minimum. Chernobyl and Three Mile Island, need I say more? Next, for the environmentalists, you need resources to build power plants, most of which are taken out of, you guessed it, nature. Finally, power plants take up space. Build less of them and you have more free space for farms, apartments, offices and whatnot.
Turning Things Off
The easiest thing you can do is turn stuff off when you’re not using it.
Light Bulbs
Many people still use the old tungsten filament light bulbs (the round ones with that little thing inside, also called incandescent). They let off a lot of heat, which means you lose all that energy. The more tube-shaped flourescent light bulbs let off very little heat compared to the incandescent ones, meaning they use a lot less energy to do the same thing.
“Energy Star”
You might’ve seen electronics or appliances that have a little logo that says “Energy Star” or something like that. This logo means that that particular item uses less energy to do the same job as others of that kind of appliance. (Don’t worry: it’s efficient, not lazy)
But That’s not All:
That’s right, there’re a lot more ways to save energy out there. There’re probably a lot more places devoted to helping people save energy, like California’s “Flex Your Power” organization. All you have to do is look.
Friday, October 06, 2006
Urban Décor
Take an urban neighborhood and I’m sure most of you will picture a run-down area plagued with graffiti, crime, trash, and maybe even a red light district. I’m here to tell you today that you can improve its appearance.
Is it Even Possible to Improve such a place?
Absolutely, and there’s more than one way to do it. It’s not as expensive as you would think and a nice neighborhood creates civic pride, helping to maintain the neighborhood.
Plants
Plants are probably the easiest way to decorate a neighborhood. Just put some potted plants or trees along the street and water them, take care of them, and you’ll have a good first step to improving your neighborhood.
Parks and Community Centers
Parks, community centers and the like can be a good way to decorate a neighborhood. Yes, get the city to help with a park, basketball court, community center or library. This will make the area look better and give people something to do in their free time, reducing crime.
Murals
Yes, murals. Organize a neighborhood project with the city to paint a cool picture on a wall. A finished mural is an impressive work of art which will attract people and jobs.
Volunteerism
I don’t know about other places, but in California, you have to do a certain amount of volunteer work to graduate from high school and colleges like someone who volunteers. If you’re forced to do the time, you might as well make something of it, right? You can take that time and use it to do something good for yorself and your neighborhood.
Respect
Have respect for other people. Don’t do anything to them or their things and you’ll find everything around you will slowly become better.
The Cops
Don’t worry, they get paid to protect you. You just have to trust them and let them do their job and you’ll be safer.
That is all I have for this post right now. If you have any other ideas, please help out and post them.
Is it Even Possible to Improve such a place?
Absolutely, and there’s more than one way to do it. It’s not as expensive as you would think and a nice neighborhood creates civic pride, helping to maintain the neighborhood.
Plants
Plants are probably the easiest way to decorate a neighborhood. Just put some potted plants or trees along the street and water them, take care of them, and you’ll have a good first step to improving your neighborhood.
Parks and Community Centers
Parks, community centers and the like can be a good way to decorate a neighborhood. Yes, get the city to help with a park, basketball court, community center or library. This will make the area look better and give people something to do in their free time, reducing crime.
Murals
Yes, murals. Organize a neighborhood project with the city to paint a cool picture on a wall. A finished mural is an impressive work of art which will attract people and jobs.
Volunteerism
I don’t know about other places, but in California, you have to do a certain amount of volunteer work to graduate from high school and colleges like someone who volunteers. If you’re forced to do the time, you might as well make something of it, right? You can take that time and use it to do something good for yorself and your neighborhood.
Respect
Have respect for other people. Don’t do anything to them or their things and you’ll find everything around you will slowly become better.
The Cops
Don’t worry, they get paid to protect you. You just have to trust them and let them do their job and you’ll be safer.
That is all I have for this post right now. If you have any other ideas, please help out and post them.
Tuesday, October 03, 2006
The Murky Waters of San Diego Harbor
I say San Diego Harbor, but the problem is much more widespread than that. Granted, the Hudson River is no longer so dirty it burns, but these and many other bodies of water could be much cleaner.
Why Would Anyone Want Cleaner Water?
Cleaner rivers, beaches and harbors have several benefits. First and most obvious, more people want to live by clean bodies of water, driving up property values. Second, it gives the water system’s pumps and water treatment plants an easier time, giving cleaner, cheaper drinking water. Number three: it encourages fish to live in more places, helping the fishing industry because the fish become more plentiful to keep their population density up. People are also able to use bodies of water for recreation more often if the water is clean.
What Can I Do About It?
The easiest thing you can do, don’t throw trash into storm drains, rivers, or the ocean. Next, if you wash your car in your driveway you could help by taking it to a car wash instead. Now, if you own a farm or use pesticides on your garden, you can use less or switch to a more environmentally friendly type. Developing countries are also a big culprit. For example, most of the muck in San Diego’s water floats north from Mexico. You can help reduce this problem by urging your government officials to help developing countries meet cleaner water quality and waste management standards. More than likely, there are other things you can do, but I just can’t think of them right now
Why Would Anyone Want Cleaner Water?
Cleaner rivers, beaches and harbors have several benefits. First and most obvious, more people want to live by clean bodies of water, driving up property values. Second, it gives the water system’s pumps and water treatment plants an easier time, giving cleaner, cheaper drinking water. Number three: it encourages fish to live in more places, helping the fishing industry because the fish become more plentiful to keep their population density up. People are also able to use bodies of water for recreation more often if the water is clean.
What Can I Do About It?
The easiest thing you can do, don’t throw trash into storm drains, rivers, or the ocean. Next, if you wash your car in your driveway you could help by taking it to a car wash instead. Now, if you own a farm or use pesticides on your garden, you can use less or switch to a more environmentally friendly type. Developing countries are also a big culprit. For example, most of the muck in San Diego’s water floats north from Mexico. You can help reduce this problem by urging your government officials to help developing countries meet cleaner water quality and waste management standards. More than likely, there are other things you can do, but I just can’t think of them right now
Monday, September 11, 2006
Bitter Teachers and Teenage Crime
I believe there is a chain of events linking bitter teachers and waste in the educational system to at least part of the crimes committed by teens and young adults. I therefore believe that by having better teachers and classes, some crime will be prevented.
And Why Is That?
Well, you see, many middle- and upper-class Americans seem to believe in the stereotypical “poor, underprivileged ghetto kid” who will never amount to anything but a thief or a gangster solely because he (or she, as the case may be) was born into the American lower class. The only solution the middle and upper classes see is to throw money at the problem. I, however, contest that no matter how much money you throw at them, it will do no good unless you can find a teacher who is enthused about what they teach and can show the students that what they are teaching is cool and can be used in the real world. I admit, I was pretty lucky as far as who my teachers were, but I’ve also had a few bitter ones, too. An example, I remember a certain teacher, an old, bitter bat whose class I absolutely hated going to, so I understand how unpleasant the learning experience can be with the wrong teachers. Teachers who are bitter make their students bitter about the class in turn. From this bitterness and resentment toward the class comes the desire to ditch. You probably already know, but students who tend to ditch are then more likely to drop out, and those who drop out are also more likely to turn to a life of crime. You see, these criminals exist because there was no one to show them that the learning experience can in fact be a fun and useful thing.
Now the Other Side
Okay. Take that poor kid and give him some good teachers now. You’ll see him getting good grades. He’ll be choosing better classes. Think about the General Science and Math for Success (that’s the name of the lowest math course where I went to high school). You’ll see him taking something more along the lines of Calculus and Physics by the time he graduates. All you needed to make such a huge change in that kid’s life was to give him some better teachers.
What is This “Better Teacher”?
Some might think that a better teacher is a more expensive one. However, that is not the case. The teacher can be the most expensive, technically intelligent one you can find, but that doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll have any more success getting the students to learn. Such a teacher may be the best college professor, but the better teacher in another school would be reasonably intelligent, but needs to know how to make the student interested in what is being taught. With that, I hope I was interesting enough to show you what public schools need most.
And Why Is That?
Well, you see, many middle- and upper-class Americans seem to believe in the stereotypical “poor, underprivileged ghetto kid” who will never amount to anything but a thief or a gangster solely because he (or she, as the case may be) was born into the American lower class. The only solution the middle and upper classes see is to throw money at the problem. I, however, contest that no matter how much money you throw at them, it will do no good unless you can find a teacher who is enthused about what they teach and can show the students that what they are teaching is cool and can be used in the real world. I admit, I was pretty lucky as far as who my teachers were, but I’ve also had a few bitter ones, too. An example, I remember a certain teacher, an old, bitter bat whose class I absolutely hated going to, so I understand how unpleasant the learning experience can be with the wrong teachers. Teachers who are bitter make their students bitter about the class in turn. From this bitterness and resentment toward the class comes the desire to ditch. You probably already know, but students who tend to ditch are then more likely to drop out, and those who drop out are also more likely to turn to a life of crime. You see, these criminals exist because there was no one to show them that the learning experience can in fact be a fun and useful thing.
Now the Other Side
Okay. Take that poor kid and give him some good teachers now. You’ll see him getting good grades. He’ll be choosing better classes. Think about the General Science and Math for Success (that’s the name of the lowest math course where I went to high school). You’ll see him taking something more along the lines of Calculus and Physics by the time he graduates. All you needed to make such a huge change in that kid’s life was to give him some better teachers.
What is This “Better Teacher”?
Some might think that a better teacher is a more expensive one. However, that is not the case. The teacher can be the most expensive, technically intelligent one you can find, but that doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll have any more success getting the students to learn. Such a teacher may be the best college professor, but the better teacher in another school would be reasonably intelligent, but needs to know how to make the student interested in what is being taught. With that, I hope I was interesting enough to show you what public schools need most.
Friday, September 08, 2006
Mass Transit: Its Downfalls and Possibilities
For most of us, mass transit means taking the bus. Maybe even a commuter train, or in bigger cities the subway. It also means less people on the road and therefore shorter trip times. Mass transit is good, but let’s face it: it could be better.
Shortcomings of Mass Transit
Yes, let me point out some spots where the mass transit system could be improved. The unreliability of bus arrival times tends to put people off. I know I hate having to wait for the bus and only be able to hope it comes soon. I also understand the bus is subject to the same rules as any other vehicle on the road, but I feel something could be done to improve consistency. There also usually seems to be at least one person riding any mass transit who puts others on edge. Or what about on busy routes when the bus, subway or whatever becomes so packed that people no longer feel comfortble. There are also some destinations that are very far from any transit stop. Not only that, but what happens when the transit system closes down for the night and people still need to catch a ride home. Only little towns fall asleep by nine or other times around there, especially on the weekends. And what about those times you need to ride, but can’t find exact change? Lastly, why would anyone who can afford more want to take the bus? It’s just not cool.
Some Possibilities for Better Mass Transit
Did you think I’d write just to whine without proposing a solution to the problem? First, to make more reliable arrival times… I’ve got it: plan alternate routes that are able to get around traffic problems quickly, and I’ve heard there are devices now that can warn drivers of traffic conditions beyond their line of sight. Some of those could be helpful. Placing some more transit stops should also improve efficiency. Oh, and extending the hours mass transit runs at would be a welcome idea among riders. Just an idea, but I think more people might ride if stuff like buses came by more often or had the option of payment by credit card, too. Even the problem of coolness can be helped. My thought, there’s no form of public transportation cooler than a sleek, high-speed monorail. That should attract a lot more people.
Shortcomings of Mass Transit
Yes, let me point out some spots where the mass transit system could be improved. The unreliability of bus arrival times tends to put people off. I know I hate having to wait for the bus and only be able to hope it comes soon. I also understand the bus is subject to the same rules as any other vehicle on the road, but I feel something could be done to improve consistency. There also usually seems to be at least one person riding any mass transit who puts others on edge. Or what about on busy routes when the bus, subway or whatever becomes so packed that people no longer feel comfortble. There are also some destinations that are very far from any transit stop. Not only that, but what happens when the transit system closes down for the night and people still need to catch a ride home. Only little towns fall asleep by nine or other times around there, especially on the weekends. And what about those times you need to ride, but can’t find exact change? Lastly, why would anyone who can afford more want to take the bus? It’s just not cool.
Some Possibilities for Better Mass Transit
Did you think I’d write just to whine without proposing a solution to the problem? First, to make more reliable arrival times… I’ve got it: plan alternate routes that are able to get around traffic problems quickly, and I’ve heard there are devices now that can warn drivers of traffic conditions beyond their line of sight. Some of those could be helpful. Placing some more transit stops should also improve efficiency. Oh, and extending the hours mass transit runs at would be a welcome idea among riders. Just an idea, but I think more people might ride if stuff like buses came by more often or had the option of payment by credit card, too. Even the problem of coolness can be helped. My thought, there’s no form of public transportation cooler than a sleek, high-speed monorail. That should attract a lot more people.
Friday, September 01, 2006
Behold, a Ray of Light in the Oily Morass!
With so many people buying huge, wasteful SUVs, it’s a wonder that they have the nerve to complain about the cost of gas. Now if you drive one of the small, fuel-efficient cars or take public transit, know that I congratulate you. If, however, you are one of the people driving around in your huge truck all alone, your tales of woe at the gas pump fall on unsympathetic ears. True, your pocketbook suffers more than those of other people, but that was the sacrifice YOU made in order to gain a feeling of power over your fellow commuters.
The illusion of power:
If you’re thinking about getting a huge SUV, don’t. You’ve seen the commercials where the woman “suffers” from people cutting in line ahead of her, right? She goes out and buys an SUV to boost her ego. One of the things they conveniently forget to mention is that you only get the ILLUSION of power. Truly, even if we drive the most expensive cars on the road, we are no more important than anyone else out there just for owning such a car. The need to drive such an extravagantly large vehicle merely proves how insecure you are, how badly you desire to appear better than those around you. Yes, the SUV is a plea for attention. Those who need to drive SUVs as opposed to a smaller type of car are just like the schoolyard bully who needs to stress his superiority over other children because they feel inferior if they can’t put down the students around them. Really, no matter how many people you show off to, you are nothing special. We are all still just numbers in some database somewhere.
OPEC rules your wallet:
OPEC (the Oil Producing and Exporting Countries) and the oil companies have a tremendous amount of power over how much money leaves your wallet at present. Don’t believe me? That’s fine, just take anything you pay for, trace the path your money takes from there, and chances are you’ll find the oil companies and ultimately OPEC profiting every time you buy something. This all-pervasive web of OPEC influence takes a little from you for every gallon of gas, every new piece of plastic, every tank of jet fuel, every inch of tar on the road, every kilowatt produced in an oil power plant, every can of WD-40 you use, and much more.
Break the shackles, freedom awaits!
Although I don’t see the oil industry disappearing in the near future, I see the possibility of eliminating our need to import oil. If we use mass transit when we can, buy more fuel efficient cars, replace oil power plants with solar and wind power, recycle as much plastic as we can, support the development of alternative-fuel vehicles, and try to find alternative products for any petroleum-based products we can think of, we can break the bonds OPEC holds us in while they dig through our wallets. If America can gather enough support for such a cause, we may even be able to start exporting oil.
The illusion of power:
If you’re thinking about getting a huge SUV, don’t. You’ve seen the commercials where the woman “suffers” from people cutting in line ahead of her, right? She goes out and buys an SUV to boost her ego. One of the things they conveniently forget to mention is that you only get the ILLUSION of power. Truly, even if we drive the most expensive cars on the road, we are no more important than anyone else out there just for owning such a car. The need to drive such an extravagantly large vehicle merely proves how insecure you are, how badly you desire to appear better than those around you. Yes, the SUV is a plea for attention. Those who need to drive SUVs as opposed to a smaller type of car are just like the schoolyard bully who needs to stress his superiority over other children because they feel inferior if they can’t put down the students around them. Really, no matter how many people you show off to, you are nothing special. We are all still just numbers in some database somewhere.
OPEC rules your wallet:
OPEC (the Oil Producing and Exporting Countries) and the oil companies have a tremendous amount of power over how much money leaves your wallet at present. Don’t believe me? That’s fine, just take anything you pay for, trace the path your money takes from there, and chances are you’ll find the oil companies and ultimately OPEC profiting every time you buy something. This all-pervasive web of OPEC influence takes a little from you for every gallon of gas, every new piece of plastic, every tank of jet fuel, every inch of tar on the road, every kilowatt produced in an oil power plant, every can of WD-40 you use, and much more.
Break the shackles, freedom awaits!
Although I don’t see the oil industry disappearing in the near future, I see the possibility of eliminating our need to import oil. If we use mass transit when we can, buy more fuel efficient cars, replace oil power plants with solar and wind power, recycle as much plastic as we can, support the development of alternative-fuel vehicles, and try to find alternative products for any petroleum-based products we can think of, we can break the bonds OPEC holds us in while they dig through our wallets. If America can gather enough support for such a cause, we may even be able to start exporting oil.
Thursday, August 31, 2006
Recyclables For Everyone!
Among America’s cultural flaws is the general unwillingness to recycle. Did you know recycling isn’t just for the weirdo down the street? No, I tell you recycling is for everyone. Just watch this.
One for the money:
You benefit most directly from the money the person at the recycling place gives you for your old junk. Really, it’s worth your while. I was surprised to find out I could get about $15 a trip for 20-ounce and 2-liter plastic bottles. People who drink cans of soda or have trucks, vans or SUVs can get a lot more money per trip.
Industrial power:
Did you know that it takes 20 times more energy to make a new bottle or can than it does to recycle one? It’s true, especially for cans, you have to go out, find a spot with aluminum ore, set up the equipment, mine the ore, extract the aluminum, AND THEN make a can and fill it. A recycled can skips all the steps that would come before making the can.
TAKE THAT, OPEC!
Did you know you need oil to make plastic? Not kidding, and you know who we get that oil from? You guessed it! And why pay OPEC for the oil to make new plastic when you can recycle the plastic bottles you’ve already used. You don’t need the oil to recycle a bottle.
Tree-hugger’s paradise:
To get paper, you need to cut down a tree. To get aluminum, you first need to clear the area of trees, plants, and the like. To get plastic, you drill the oil and risk a spill. All of these are bad for the environment. You can help prevent needless destruction of the environment by recycling.
Uncle Sam wants you to recycle:
For every can or bottle you produce from non-recycled material, America loses a little bit of money to the rest of the world. You wouldn’t want to bring the United States to the same fate the Soviet Union suffered, would you? Then keep the money in America and recycle the stuff that can be recycled.
What a dump:
The more you throw out, the faster trash piles up in the dump and the faster the dump has to expand. On the other hand, the more you recycle, the nicer your area’s going to stay. So unless you want to be living across the street from a trash heap soon, it would be a good idea to recycle what you can.
One for the money:
You benefit most directly from the money the person at the recycling place gives you for your old junk. Really, it’s worth your while. I was surprised to find out I could get about $15 a trip for 20-ounce and 2-liter plastic bottles. People who drink cans of soda or have trucks, vans or SUVs can get a lot more money per trip.
Industrial power:
Did you know that it takes 20 times more energy to make a new bottle or can than it does to recycle one? It’s true, especially for cans, you have to go out, find a spot with aluminum ore, set up the equipment, mine the ore, extract the aluminum, AND THEN make a can and fill it. A recycled can skips all the steps that would come before making the can.
TAKE THAT, OPEC!
Did you know you need oil to make plastic? Not kidding, and you know who we get that oil from? You guessed it! And why pay OPEC for the oil to make new plastic when you can recycle the plastic bottles you’ve already used. You don’t need the oil to recycle a bottle.
Tree-hugger’s paradise:
To get paper, you need to cut down a tree. To get aluminum, you first need to clear the area of trees, plants, and the like. To get plastic, you drill the oil and risk a spill. All of these are bad for the environment. You can help prevent needless destruction of the environment by recycling.
Uncle Sam wants you to recycle:
For every can or bottle you produce from non-recycled material, America loses a little bit of money to the rest of the world. You wouldn’t want to bring the United States to the same fate the Soviet Union suffered, would you? Then keep the money in America and recycle the stuff that can be recycled.
What a dump:
The more you throw out, the faster trash piles up in the dump and the faster the dump has to expand. On the other hand, the more you recycle, the nicer your area’s going to stay. So unless you want to be living across the street from a trash heap soon, it would be a good idea to recycle what you can.
Wednesday, August 30, 2006
Solar Power:California's Future?
On Monday, August 21, 2006 Governor Schwarzenegger signed a bill requiring that by 2011, construction companies offer solar cells on new homes throughout California. I, a Californian, am proud that on top of Hollywood and Silicon Valley, California is expected to get the distinction of being the third largest producer of solar energy in the world behind Japan and Germany. But at the same time I ask, are we content to just be the THIRD largest? I for one know we can do better if we want. And why wait five years? You can change the future NOW, and I’ll tell you how!
The sun working to improve life:
The power grid is worked even harder during the summer than any other time of the year. During the summer is when the most blackouts happen. This can be a problem for those of us living in warmer climates. Did you know that you can help protect against blackouts, reduce your energy bill, and even add a decorative touch to your building using solar cells? The city of Santa Monica, California is an example of such use of solar cells. Not only have they reduced their use of outside energy by about half, but their ingenious placement of solar panels in architecture is pleasing to the eye. And if you ever suffer from a hot car after leaving it in a parking lot on a sunny day, good news: there is a solution for that, too. The Metrolink train station on La Sierra Ave. in Riverside, California is an example of such a solution. There are awnings constructed over the parking lot, which contain solar panels and look cool. That solves the problem of hot cars while helping make more power.
The implications on the welfare system:
I think we could use some of the welfare budget to install solar cells on existing buildings instead of having extra refrigerators and other appliances just lying around in storage. In addition with current energy-saving appliances and practices, adding the ability to produce power to homes would significantly reduce power consumption in relation to the total amount of power produced. In the more power-conscious houses, the addition of solar cells may even cause a net excess of electricity, which would allow the owner to sell energy to the electric company and therefore help the household turn a profit on electricity. A home’s ability to raise money for the people occupying it would be a great boon to that family, helping them to improve their image, buy gas for their car, or pay to use the public transit system which in turn helps them get a better job and not need that welfare money.
The sun working to improve life:
The power grid is worked even harder during the summer than any other time of the year. During the summer is when the most blackouts happen. This can be a problem for those of us living in warmer climates. Did you know that you can help protect against blackouts, reduce your energy bill, and even add a decorative touch to your building using solar cells? The city of Santa Monica, California is an example of such use of solar cells. Not only have they reduced their use of outside energy by about half, but their ingenious placement of solar panels in architecture is pleasing to the eye. And if you ever suffer from a hot car after leaving it in a parking lot on a sunny day, good news: there is a solution for that, too. The Metrolink train station on La Sierra Ave. in Riverside, California is an example of such a solution. There are awnings constructed over the parking lot, which contain solar panels and look cool. That solves the problem of hot cars while helping make more power.
The implications on the welfare system:
I think we could use some of the welfare budget to install solar cells on existing buildings instead of having extra refrigerators and other appliances just lying around in storage. In addition with current energy-saving appliances and practices, adding the ability to produce power to homes would significantly reduce power consumption in relation to the total amount of power produced. In the more power-conscious houses, the addition of solar cells may even cause a net excess of electricity, which would allow the owner to sell energy to the electric company and therefore help the household turn a profit on electricity. A home’s ability to raise money for the people occupying it would be a great boon to that family, helping them to improve their image, buy gas for their car, or pay to use the public transit system which in turn helps them get a better job and not need that welfare money.
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