1. The incident regarding Michael Hensley and his sniper detail seems somewhat unique. Do situations like these happen often?
2. What bothered you the most about the sniper case; the fact that Hinsley was so manipulative/insubordinate, or the fact that it went unchecked so long that it took the murder of an Iraqi father intiate an investigation?
3. The situation with contractors and coalition funding seems like a catch-22. Would you agree?
4. Are uncompleted projects and ill-informed soldiers a problem throughout Iraq or just locally?
5. Is the rate of turnover the army's biggest problem when it comes to completing these civil projects?
Monday, February 16, 2009
Hitchens
Having never heard of Chrisopher Hitchens or his championing of atheism, I went into the seminar from a (at least what I consider) strong third party view point. I read several chapters from his book, God Is Not Great to give myself an idea of what he is about. What intrigued me the most from the readings was is use of past and present historical significance. He provided substantial factual information for the basis of his arguments.
In person, his arguments and beliefs are even more captivating and provocative and his delivery and interaction with the audience was phoenomenal. Though, I find it necessary to recognize that Hitchens has spent a life time researching, reading, writing and reporting. So, understandibly he possesses a unique and well refined ability to debate, and debate well. To see his abilities for what they are, I feel, are as important to an observer (from a journalistic point of view) as the topics themselves.
Nontheless, his extensive knowledge of religion and the history surrounding it were very impressive. He brought up some points of reference concerning current issues that in themselves seemed almost singular, but once put into context with other facts, took on a new significance.
Some quotes from Hitchens that I found notable:
"The capability of a religiously zealous nation (middle east) to interact with Russia allowing for the possibility of the aquisition of nuclear weapons is possible within the year."
"The worst kind of war is between believers and believers, not between believers and non-believers."
"How would one preserve the history of religion without giving into the supernatural or superstitious?"
"If you want to ensure the mass production of athiests, make sure to have mandatory prayer every morning in school."
In person, his arguments and beliefs are even more captivating and provocative and his delivery and interaction with the audience was phoenomenal. Though, I find it necessary to recognize that Hitchens has spent a life time researching, reading, writing and reporting. So, understandibly he possesses a unique and well refined ability to debate, and debate well. To see his abilities for what they are, I feel, are as important to an observer (from a journalistic point of view) as the topics themselves.
Nontheless, his extensive knowledge of religion and the history surrounding it were very impressive. He brought up some points of reference concerning current issues that in themselves seemed almost singular, but once put into context with other facts, took on a new significance.
Some quotes from Hitchens that I found notable:
"The capability of a religiously zealous nation (middle east) to interact with Russia allowing for the possibility of the aquisition of nuclear weapons is possible within the year."
"The worst kind of war is between believers and believers, not between believers and non-believers."
"How would one preserve the history of religion without giving into the supernatural or superstitious?"
"If you want to ensure the mass production of athiests, make sure to have mandatory prayer every morning in school."
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Energy Efficiency
Despite large budget cuts, the Washington legislature will create a new program within WSU to promote greater energy efficiency within buildings and homes.
Though cutbacks are affecting everyone in Washington State, environmental programs could be getting a boost.
In Olympia, members of WSU’s Energy program are witnessing what could be the beginnings of a new chapter for the University’s Energy Program. The bill, SB 5649, sponsored by Sen. Phil Rockefeller, Chairman of the Environment, Water & Energy Committee, plans to create the Energy Efficiency Assistance Program.
As it stands, the bill provides that the new program will work in conjunction with the Department of Community, Trade and Economic Development to provide greater support for low- and middle-income housing and commercial buildings.
The legislature predicts the program to create ‘family-wage’ jobs and provide economic stimulation to the areas in which work and research are being conducted. The Senate Democrats website reports that 20,000 buildings will be retrofitted a year for five years and that the program could potentially create nearly 7,500 new jobs.
“These jobs aren’t just meant for the highly educated or upper class. They are meant to help the average person within their community,” said an official from Olympia.
“The WSU Energy Program is thrilled with the support it is receiving from the Environment, Water and Energy committee and its Chairman,” said Sheila Riggs, Division Manager for the Energy programs Olympia Office.
“However,” said Riggs, “the bill is in its infancy and has only been through the first policy committee. The bill will change, I can guarantee you that.”
Typically, the WSU Energy program specializes in working with larger entities like the Bonneville Power Association, utility companies and providing training services.
On Average, the typical Washington home can expect to spend anywhere from $65 to over $90 per 1000 kWh in 2009 depending on the utility company according to the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission. In 2008, nearly two-thirds of a home’s total energy consumption was used for space and water heating alone. The Energy Efficiency Assistance Program will cut costs for owners by implementing smarter practices and more efficient equipment. Operating on a smaller scale than its WSU counterparts, the program will audit commercial buildings, businesses and residential homes..
According to David Hales, a Building Systems Specialist at the Spokane Office of WSU’s Energy Program, there is a lot happening in that specific field, though there are still many unknowns.
“There is a lot of anticipation at the state level to see what gets passed down from the federal level when the Stimulus Package takes effect,” Said Hales.
Right now, it is a waiting game to see how what the final product will be.
“There are thousands of homes and businesses in our state that can save money with home based technologies like solar. We aim to empower communities and local workers to do energy assessments and make needed improvements to save money and reduce greenhouse gases." Sen. Phil Rockefeller, D-Bainbridge Island.
Feeling the pinch? Here are some tips to keep your energy costs down:
- Lower your thermostat. Doing so by even one degree can save you up to 5% on your bill.
- Check windows and doors. Gaps in seals can release a large amount of heat from your home. Using calking to plug these holes can save you over $100 a year.
- Fireplace. If you have one, make sure the damper is closed when not in use. This will help keep heat from escaping up the chimney
- Water. Lowering your water heater’s temperature to around 130 degrees F. and washing your clothes using cold water can significantly reduce your utility bill.
- Lighting. Perhaps the easiest to do, replacing fluorescent light bulbs with incandescent ones will not only save you money, but incandescent bulbs can last as long as 7000 hours vs. just 750 for a fluorescent.
*tips from Alliance to Save Energy
For More Information on how to save energy or even perform your own home energy audit visit:
Alliance to Save Energy - http://ase.org/
US Department of Energy - http://www.energysavers.gov/tips.html
Or your local utilities provider.
Though cutbacks are affecting everyone in Washington State, environmental programs could be getting a boost.
In Olympia, members of WSU’s Energy program are witnessing what could be the beginnings of a new chapter for the University’s Energy Program. The bill, SB 5649, sponsored by Sen. Phil Rockefeller, Chairman of the Environment, Water & Energy Committee, plans to create the Energy Efficiency Assistance Program.
As it stands, the bill provides that the new program will work in conjunction with the Department of Community, Trade and Economic Development to provide greater support for low- and middle-income housing and commercial buildings.
The legislature predicts the program to create ‘family-wage’ jobs and provide economic stimulation to the areas in which work and research are being conducted. The Senate Democrats website reports that 20,000 buildings will be retrofitted a year for five years and that the program could potentially create nearly 7,500 new jobs.
“These jobs aren’t just meant for the highly educated or upper class. They are meant to help the average person within their community,” said an official from Olympia.
“The WSU Energy Program is thrilled with the support it is receiving from the Environment, Water and Energy committee and its Chairman,” said Sheila Riggs, Division Manager for the Energy programs Olympia Office.
“However,” said Riggs, “the bill is in its infancy and has only been through the first policy committee. The bill will change, I can guarantee you that.”
Typically, the WSU Energy program specializes in working with larger entities like the Bonneville Power Association, utility companies and providing training services.
On Average, the typical Washington home can expect to spend anywhere from $65 to over $90 per 1000 kWh in 2009 depending on the utility company according to the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission. In 2008, nearly two-thirds of a home’s total energy consumption was used for space and water heating alone. The Energy Efficiency Assistance Program will cut costs for owners by implementing smarter practices and more efficient equipment. Operating on a smaller scale than its WSU counterparts, the program will audit commercial buildings, businesses and residential homes..
According to David Hales, a Building Systems Specialist at the Spokane Office of WSU’s Energy Program, there is a lot happening in that specific field, though there are still many unknowns.
“There is a lot of anticipation at the state level to see what gets passed down from the federal level when the Stimulus Package takes effect,” Said Hales.
Right now, it is a waiting game to see how what the final product will be.
“There are thousands of homes and businesses in our state that can save money with home based technologies like solar. We aim to empower communities and local workers to do energy assessments and make needed improvements to save money and reduce greenhouse gases." Sen. Phil Rockefeller, D-Bainbridge Island.
Feeling the pinch? Here are some tips to keep your energy costs down:
- Lower your thermostat. Doing so by even one degree can save you up to 5% on your bill.
- Check windows and doors. Gaps in seals can release a large amount of heat from your home. Using calking to plug these holes can save you over $100 a year.
- Fireplace. If you have one, make sure the damper is closed when not in use. This will help keep heat from escaping up the chimney
- Water. Lowering your water heater’s temperature to around 130 degrees F. and washing your clothes using cold water can significantly reduce your utility bill.
- Lighting. Perhaps the easiest to do, replacing fluorescent light bulbs with incandescent ones will not only save you money, but incandescent bulbs can last as long as 7000 hours vs. just 750 for a fluorescent.
*tips from Alliance to Save Energy
For More Information on how to save energy or even perform your own home energy audit visit:
Alliance to Save Energy - http://ase.org/
US Department of Energy - http://www.energysavers.gov/tips.html
Or your local utilities provider.
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Story Proposals
Senate Bill 5649
1) Despite the severe trimming of Washington’s annual budget, Olympia still manages to lend WSU programs a helping hand.
Senate Bill 5649 addresses the issue of more energy efficient buildings. Of the many actions included in the bill is the formation of an energy efficiency program within the Energy Department at WSU.
The program is designed to conduct audits and research for technologies and methods that can be applied to low and middle-income housing. This will be achieved through working with other state and federal agencies.
Budget cuts and job markets are hot topics at this point. Everyone, from the media, to Joe Shmoe to CEOs are focused who is cutting back and how much. This story focuses on the fact that important issues, like improving the environment are still receiving support despite the huge cutbacks that are affecting everyone and everything.
1) Despite the severe trimming of Washington’s annual budget, Olympia still manages to lend WSU programs a helping hand.
Senate Bill 5649 addresses the issue of more energy efficient buildings. Of the many actions included in the bill is the formation of an energy efficiency program within the Energy Department at WSU.
The program is designed to conduct audits and research for technologies and methods that can be applied to low and middle-income housing. This will be achieved through working with other state and federal agencies.
Budget cuts and job markets are hot topics at this point. Everyone, from the media, to Joe Shmoe to CEOs are focused who is cutting back and how much. This story focuses on the fact that important issues, like improving the environment are still receiving support despite the huge cutbacks that are affecting everyone and everything.
Monday, February 2, 2009
Strong Salmon runs predicted for 2009
The News Tribune/The Associated Press
So far, so good. Number predictions for Salmon in Idaho rivers tops 100,000 for the 2009 fishing season.
In an article released by The Associated Press, the Idaho Department of Fish and Game recently predicted near record numbers for returning Salmon runs. If the numbers are accurate it could be the second biggest run on record since 2001.
Significance: Much has been done over the last few decades in order to protect and rejuvenate the Pacific Northwest's Salmon populations. Years of unchecked pollution, overfishing and lack of routes around dams caused a serious decline in fish numbers.
Salmon not only play a huge role in the northwest economy, but they are also an integral piece of northwest culture and heritage. So, maintaining high population numbers not only will continue to provide jobs and revenue, but also give residents a firsthand experience to what a staple product for early inhabitants looks and tastes like.
http://www.thenewstribune.com/news/northwest/story/612217.html
So far, so good. Number predictions for Salmon in Idaho rivers tops 100,000 for the 2009 fishing season.
In an article released by The Associated Press, the Idaho Department of Fish and Game recently predicted near record numbers for returning Salmon runs. If the numbers are accurate it could be the second biggest run on record since 2001.
Significance: Much has been done over the last few decades in order to protect and rejuvenate the Pacific Northwest's Salmon populations. Years of unchecked pollution, overfishing and lack of routes around dams caused a serious decline in fish numbers.
Salmon not only play a huge role in the northwest economy, but they are also an integral piece of northwest culture and heritage. So, maintaining high population numbers not only will continue to provide jobs and revenue, but also give residents a firsthand experience to what a staple product for early inhabitants looks and tastes like.
http://www.thenewstribune.com/news/northwest/story/612217.html
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