Do we want clean energy or not?!?!

Normally I would try to inject a little humor into a post, but not this one...
This story angers me.

Simply put, this farmer is disabled and only earned a bit over $11,000 last year (as filed on his taxes) and yet there are people in his own community who would rather he be forced to sell his ancestral property instead of allow him to retire on that land with dignity while at the same time contribute a clean, renewable source of energy to approximately 15,000 homes in said community.

It's especially troublesome to me because I'm familiar with Garrett County, MD. It was my childhood destination. Our family's side-by-side cottages on Deep Creek Lake eventually fell victim to rising taxes and upkeep costs and ultimately gave-in to astronomical lake-front property values. The older generation would rail about the negative impact of all the progress and the increased congestion and commercialization while my generation complained that we didn't even have a movie theater to go to on rainy days. We still go back occassionally, but it definitely has a different feel... anyway, back to the story.

The main motivation for the farmer is personal and financial. He's not fighting a personal crusade against global warming... He just desperately needs money. Do you know what a lot of farmers are doing these days when they need money? They're setting up meth labs.

So when this man was approached by a Maryland based energy concern with the possibility of reaping a portion of the revenue from a wind energy farm on his land, the city of Oakland should have thrown the man a parade when he accepted. Instead, what happened was they called a meeting to allow people to express their opinion. More opponents showed up than supporters of the idea. Their main concern: Scenery Pollution. Now, I don't want to get all Al Gore on you, but I feel the following point is important: As someone who has seen, smelled, and (very unfortunately) even tasted the FUEL pollution in Deep Creek Lake, I'm here to tell these naysayers that their priorities are WRONG. They can't even argue me on this point.

I love the mountains of Western Maryland and I can tell you without any hesitation that the sight of more than a dozen mountain top wind turbines from a distance would not be a turn off to me or anyone else with half a brain (or heart for that matter). If anything they would be a statement to all visitors that Garrett County realizes the importance of renewable energy, and you can't tell me that's NOT a hot-button issue these days.

I have little doubt that the turbines will go up as the article in the Baltimore Sun does mention that the local officials believe there is general public support for them. However, it pains me to hear the arguments against it. My only consolation is in the Farmer's steadfastness. He know's what he needs to do and he's going to do it. The people who want to prevent that should be ashamed of themselves.

Markets Rebound Despite Rough Waters

It was not smooth sailing, but investors managed to get a decent foothold on Tuesday as the Dow Jones Industrial Average rebounded over 200 points in the wake of the Steelers' hard fought victory on Monday night.

Investor confidence was at high tide heading into late trading on Monday with the Steelers set to face the winless Dolphins in Pittsburgh. However, a series of unfortunate events, highlighted by weather more suited to actual Dolphins than football players, left the outcome, let alone the commencement, of the contest in doubt.

"These types of systemic shocks can often cause short term havoc on the markets." Said Franklin Dudemeister, an analyst for Mellon Financial. "Much like a power failure over the entire eastern half of the US or military conflict in the Middle East, field conditions that [virtually] even the playing field between a superior team [Steelers] and an inferior one [Dolphins] are apt to induce investors to spew doubt all over the place. It's almost enough to make you sick with anxiety."

Jim Cramer, of "Mad Money," provided the following assessment. "Like a solid Blue Chip [stock], the Steelers proved that they can weather the perfect storm, so to speak and pulled through in the clutch." He added, "A 3-0 win isn't ever smokin' hot like your first prom date, but it get's the job done like your first wife... and isn't that really all we can ask out of life sometimes? Really? I predict big gains in the market on Tuesday."

In related financial news, the price of peat on the commodities market took a sharp turn down yesterday under heavy trading as news of the supply out of Pittsburgh spiked to it's highest point in history. Apparently, farmers discovered a rich peat bog approximately 600 square yards in size located just west of downtown Pittsburgh.

Stocks Fell Early Today

Stocks fell over 100 points in early trading today on news of the New York Jets upset defeat of the Pittsburgh Steelers late in the day on Sunday. Analysts were predicting a significant downturn this morning in the wake of dismal performance returns by the Steelers who reported their most embarrassing loss since a 2004 debacle to the Houston Texans.

Jim Cramer, host of CNBC's "Mad Money," made the following observation: "The outcome of a football game 'theoretically' shouldn't have any impact on the equity market, but in this case, the historical records cannot be ignored. Investor confidence almost always seems to take a hit following either A) a Steeler loss or B) a Jets win. This is one of those rare 'double whammy' situations. I almost didn't want to get out of bed today."

Other experts offered similar insights into the impending doom and gloom.

Jason Gordon of Bear Stearns offered this: "Forget the housing bubble and looming crisis in the financial sector... the real problem is in the Steeler's poorly executed blocking schemes."

"I'm not sure what to expect the rest of the day," said Gordon "but it can't be good."

The Federal Reserve has yet to offer an official opinion on the current quandary, however, the board of governors have called an emergency conference call this afternoon to discuss potential fixes including, but not limited to, lowering the target federal funds rate and the printing of currency to boost investor confidence.

A confidential source close to the central bank has indicated that they have not ruled out the possibility of fixing the value of the American Dollar against the current price of the Euro.

More to come as events unfold.

Thoughts

While it may make me feel cool, typing this on my blackberry may or may not prove to be worthwhile... We'll see how my thumbs feel in the morning. Here are a few thoughts I've had lately:

- the Penguins need to get their act together... A team with Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, Mark Recchi and Gary Roberts on it should NOT (repeat, NOT) be in last place in their division more than two games into the season.

- I'm glad - scratch that, SUPER-glad that I don't live in any of the following countries; Pakistan, Iraq (duh), North Korea (double duh), Turkey, Venezuela, Cuba, any country inside the tropics on the continent of Africa orrrrr... Myanmar

- up until about 6 months ago, France was on that list. Gracias, Monsieur Sarkozy.

- I want to travel more.

-"Scrubs" is the second most re-watchable show ever. Period. We all know who #1 is, right?

- It's "The Simpsons"

- Jerky (e.g. Beef) rocks... I realize that's from "Scrubs" but it's true.

- Ben Roethlisberger is a legitimate MVP candidate this year.

This Is Getting Exciting

After the Steelers thorough emasculation of the Baltimore Browns last Monday night I officially became excited about this year's edition of the Black'n Gold. I admitted as much to my Dad that week over the phone but he seemed reluctant to display anywhere near the same level of enthusiasm. I was all "bring on the Patriots" (Dec 9th) and he was all "let's not get ahead of ourselves." Of course, in his sagelike wisdom, he was right to take that approach.

We've been hurt before and just about any true sports fan will tell you that winning as the underdog is always more satisfying than beating the teams you're expected to beat. Thus adopting a general philosophy wherein, if the outcome is out of your hands (and let's face it, from Baltimore I have very little influence over the outcome of Steelers games... no matter how superstitious I may be) it's better to set the expectations low. I know, I know, it's a pessimistic view but think about it... only ONE team can win the Super Bowl every year.

Now that the Steelers essentially dominated the resurgent CLEVELAND Browns for 3.5 quarters in all aspects except special teams (seriously, special teams sucks out loud right now), I'm a little more excited than I was last week and I want to explain what that excitement actually means.

I'm excited about the potential this team has. I honestly believe they are a better team than the rest of the country gives them credit for. They have two questionable losses but when you win enough games, every loss becomes questionable. And despite the Patriots' quacktastic start, there is still only one team in the Super Bowl era that has made it through an entire season without a loss.

I'm looking forward to the game against the Patriots because I believe the Steelers have a very good chance to go to Foxboro and put the league on notice (if it hasn't already taken notice). I like that noone is giving them a chance to win the AFC. Everyone picked them to finish third in the AFC North before the season started and now all those people have reversed field and are saying they pretty much have the division in a choke hold.

Take notice, Steeler Nation... I think it's OK to start getting excited about this team's chances.