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The Path to a More Sustainable Life

Jul 10

30

SolarFlare – News Flash

Posted by Mac on July 30, 2010
Posted in A Sustainable Life • Rants, Raves & Musings • Uncategorized  | Tagged With: , , , , , | No Comments yet, please leave one

Gonna be a busy summer!

I just received notice, via a very reliable source, that Oregon Department of Energy (ODOE) has modified their recent “emergency” ruling as requested by so many of us working hard to install residential solar in Oregon.  I haven’t confirmed yet, but a news release will be coming soon I’m told.  Here’s what I received this morning:

“Andrea Simmons, policy administrator at ODOE called today. ODOE is adopting a new rule giving everyone more time to use the current Oregon solar tax credit. Contracts need to be signed by August 13. Installations need to be complete by December 31. Permitting can even go out to January 15, 2011. She’ll also notify us of future hearings on the long-term fate of the tax credit. This was a quick phone conversation but I think I correctly understood everything. She said ODOE will be releasing written information this afternoon.”

By the Way …

I’ve been invited to a special event at noon today … to see the nation’s first solar canopy electric vehicle charging station at OMSI.  ”Sanyo Energy Corporation and InSpec Group collaborated with PGE and OMSI to debut the nation’s first electric vehicle charging station at OMSI.”   Okay, so not that exciting to most, but I’m going to go see what the future will look like and I’ll blog about it here after.

Stay Tuned!

Prototype I saw at OMSI last winter ... wonder if design is the same?

Jul 10

27

Share the Buzz

Posted by Mac on July 27, 2010
Posted in Rants, Raves & Musings • Solar  | Tagged With: , , , , | No Comments yet, please leave one

America is harvesting a solar garden

Ripped from the headlines …

U.S. Solar Market could grow tenfold by 2014

Although I read and review hundreds of articles, newsletters, and reports monthly, consisting of thousands of pages of information and data, I rarely cite this information in my blog.  That’s what these other people do – disseminate information and data – both micro and macro in scope.

My purpose is different.  I write mostly from my own point of view, using my own voice, and in a much more personal way.  This is how I feel I connect best with readers many of whom are friends, family and associates.  I’m not one to toss around a lot of data to explain myself or to make my case.  I leave that to the experts.

However, there are times when I need to make exception to my own rule.  Some headlines are worth repeating and commenting on, and if you’ll indulge, I’ll occasionally post from an article I want readers to know about because you probably won’t see it in the course of living your daily life. Case in point, Solarbuzz‘s latest report, “United States PV Market 2010,” which reveals that the U.S. solar market grew 36% in 2009 responding positively in a time of economic downfall.

I think this is remarkable. 

These results rank our country’s solar photovoltaic market third largest in the world, right behind Germany and Italy.  Nobody saw this coming just a few years ago, but I’m here to tell you we’re there now and the future looks as bright as the Sun. 

California is still driving the solar power market accounting for 53% of on-grid installations in 2009 and maintaining this position into 2010.  I suspect this will continue for many years to come, although the Southwest region of the country will surely compete.  Here in the Pac NW I’m happy to report that if Oregon reaches our 2010 estimates for installed solar photovoltaic, we’ll move up in the top ten list by percentage. 

Here’s what the U.S. solar PV market looks like today according to this report:

Currently Oregon is included in "other states" ... this will change!

In America, the large number of state policy initiatives has created a fragmented regulations and incentive environment. It is confusing at best. However, evidence shows that states are doing their job of stimulating local markets.

“2009 marked a year of transformation for the U.S. solar market,” said Craig Stevens, president of Solarbuzz. “Changes in the roles of utility companies, new market entrants, lower cost PV modules from Asia and new direct-to-market approaches became more prevalent. As a result, solar companies doing business in the States will need to adapt quickly to these challenges while also being responsive to frequent adjustments in the fragmented incentive and regulatory environment.”  Amen, brother.

On the other hand, fractured policy and dispersed funding sources mean the U.S. solar market does not carry the same level of risk compared to countries driven by a single national policy.  It is assumed that Federal incentives are therefore due to play a much larger role in stimulating demand into 2012. Solarbuzz forecasts the market will grow to between 4.5 – 5.5GW depending on this given scenario.  This is an average annual growth rate of 30% per annum. 

What other industry is accomplishing this growth in light of the current economic environment?  Solarbuzz says in 2010 the U.S. order book for solar photovoltaic systems currently stands at 12GW.  Not bad for a “Johnny-come-lately”.

Go America!  Go Solar!!

Jul 10

26

Waiting for the future to arrive

Posted by Mac on July 26, 2010
Posted in A Sustainable Life • Electric Vehicles (EV) • Rants, Raves & Musings  | Tagged With: , , , , , , | No Comments yet, please leave one

Like waiting for a newborn to arrive!

If you’ve been wondering what has been happening with orders for the very first Nissan electric car … Nissan Leaf … well you are not alone. 

I’ve been wondering myself! 

I’ve been receiving email notices from Nissan re: my application / order for months now, with little or no real update, however yesterday I received notice that I now have a “reservation” for November 2010.  Hey, this is progress.

According to Nissan Leaf’s Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/#!/nissanleaf?ref=ts   … “Those Reservationists who were eligible to fill out a survey for a free charger during the Nissan LEAF sign up process as part of the US Government sponsored “EV Project” should be receiving a message today from their partner, ECOtality, via a Nissan email. This communication will detail the results of their evaluation for the unit. If you were offered and have taken the survey, but have not received this email by tomorrow, please call 1-866 NO GAS EV (664-2738) or chat online on the LEAF website of your eligibility for the unit.”

So I did receive a message or two and here’s what those messages had to say …

“Hi Ron, thanks for reserving your 100% electric Nissan LEAF™.  We just wanted to let you know you’ll be able to order your new Nissan LEAF in November 2010.  We’ll send you an e-mail when it’s time to work with a dealer to pick your car’s color, review options and get a quote.”

“As you can imagine, the response for the Nissan LEAF has been tremendous. The Nissan LEAF order period will be staggered by state, and the timing of your reservation will hold your place.  As a result, orders from states with an infrastructure to support electric driving – either in place or planned – will be taken first.  But no matter where you live, you’ll be among the first in your area to get a LEAF. ”

I figure Portland Oregon will be one of first places based upon what I know about the planned EV infrastructure in our area.  That being said, I still have no idea if I’ll qualify for the “EV Project” which would allow me to take advantage of a free charging station for my garage.  I’ve been told the same thing now for months now – that ECOtality has some more questions to ask, or they need to conduct further evaluation before I’m accepted into the program. 

To date, no one has ever directly contacted me to discuss.  I’ve talked with a couple of others in Portland who are in the exact same place, so I don’t think this is personal or I’m some kind of exception, I believe the program was simply overwhelmed by the response and they’re struggling to get on top of things. 

I suppose one can look at this as a good news – bad news situation. It’s okay, I’m a patient man.  Good things come to those who wait (or so we’re told in Sunday school).  If you haven’t been following my interest in the Nissan Leaf, please take a look at my previous posts for background on the subject … search LEAF to pull ‘em up.

Jul 10

21

ODOE cuts tax credits for residential solar

Posted by Mac on July 21, 2010
Posted in naturehouse • Rants, Raves & Musings • Solar  | Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , | 6 Comments

Affordable Solar energy is now in jeopardy - thanks to recent ODOE ruling on Oregon's Residential Energy Tax Credit!

On Friday, July 16th, The Oregonian announced a ruling by the Oregon Department of Energy (ODOE) that cuts the Residential Energy Tax Credit (RETC) for residential solar in the state.  See … http://www.oregonlive.com/business/index.ssf/2010/07/oregon_trims_tax_credits_for_r.html

Citing “emergency” and “temporary” ruling based upon the state’s financial budget crisis, this ODOE action has caused quite the stir in the solar community, especially in places where Solarize projects are operating or just getting underway.  Rather than taking up space explaining about what all this means, thought I’d post my reply to ODOE instead.  This should give readers an idea what this ruling means and how we’d like to mitigate by extending this action for the impacted residential projects.  There is activity in Salem today that may modify, or at least extend, this ruling … so I’ll be sure to keep you informed.  Stay tuned!

————————————————————————————

To:       Bob Repine, ODOE

Date:   July 21, 2010

Re:       Hardship condition as a result of ODOE emergency ruling on RETC

My name is Ron McDowell and I am a resident of Portland Oregon.  I’m an active volunteer in my community and I currently serve on the Southwest Portland (SWNI) Land Use Committee and I’m a Solar Ambassador for Solar Oregon.  For the past six months I’ve volunteered my time to support the Solarize Southwest Portland program and because of volunteers like me these programs have far exceeded expectations.  In Portland we’re still crunching the numbers, but if current trending holds, we’ll be adding about 1 Megawatt of clean and renewable energy to our neighborhoods by the end of this year.  This amount of residential solar electric installation has never before been seen in the Pac Northwest for existing homes.  This clearly shows the level of interest and demand for solar energy in Oregon and I’m proud to have played some small part in this effort. 

I’m writing you today because all of the good work we’ve done to support clean energy in our neighborhoods is now in jeopardy due to the recent action taken by your office.  I’m sure you have your reasons, but perhaps you didn’t consider the impact and negative consequences of this action on my neighbors who are in the midst of purchasing and installing solar electric on their residences.  Changing the RETC rules in the middle of this program, without notice, explanation, or recourse, has caused a great deal of consternation and I’m being told that many of my neighbors will cancel their install as they simply cannot afford the out of pocket cost as a result of this ODOE action.  I assume this result was unintended, but it is a reality nonetheless.

If enough people make this decision it will have a major trickle-down negative effect on the resources we’ve put in place to support our plan to install hundreds of solar panels on neighborhood rooftops this summer and fall.  The emergency ruling is a direct threat to the JOB CREATION that has resulted from these Solarize projects.  It will also have a negative impact on the local economy because cancellations will hurt downstream local producers of equipment such as solar modules, inverters, etc… who have been hiring in Hillsboro and Bend Oregon in order to support this increased demand.  The last thing we need in Oregon right now is to add to the current unemployment condition due to this “emergency ruling” from ODOE.

Not only does ODOE’s ruling impact our communities and local jobs, it also puts a dent in our efforts to meet state and local Renewable Portfolio Standards (RPS).  Residential solarize projects in Portland, Pendleton, Beaverton, Salem and other communities are a critical component to meeting these standards without need for large scale, cost laden, projects backed by municipal bonds and government loans.  In a way, I feel as if we’re being penalized for being so successful in our effort to bring clean and renewable energy to our neighborhoods.

So on behalf of my neighbors, I request that you modify your ruling to allow enough time for the people already signed up with these programs to proceed under the expected RETC which had been promised to us until 2015.  I urge you to consider extending the hardship condition of your emergency ruling to communities participating in volume purchase programs through December 31st 2010.   I believe this extension will ensure contractors with signed contracts an adequate time period to have systems permitted, properly installed and inspected.

Thank you for careful consideration and I look forward to your decision on this matter.

Regards,

Ron “Mac” McDowell

Jul 10

16

Solarize Portland has Legs

Posted by Mac on July 16, 2010
Posted in Rants, Raves & Musings • Solar  | Tagged With: , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

I recently participated in what was called the “Solarize Summit” which was sponsored by Portland Bureau of Planning & Sustainability and the Energy Trust of Oregon and was held at the ETO building here in Portland.  There were 30 or so people attending and collectively we represented the three established Solarize programs (SE, NE & SW neighborhoods) with reps from NW and North Portland.  This meeting also included folks from Solar Oregon, Conservation Services Group, Portland Office of Neighborhood Involvement, Oregonians for Renewable Energy Policy (OREP), and representatives from cities such as Beaverton, Salem, and Scappose.  

Seattle Washington drove down to join us and was represented by Jennifer Grove, Executive Director of Northwest Sustainable Energy for Economic Development (NW S.E.E.D.).  Jennifer was accompanied by several of her project managers who seemed rather eager to gain understanding from what we had learned. 

Lee Rahr (who organized the Solar Summitt meeting) is shown here with Claire Carlson (Solar Oregon) conducting the first introductory workshop for Solarize SW Portland

The main purpose of this meeting was to share experiences amongst ourselves as well as with others who are considering a similar program in their own community.  In summary, our agenda included: The Solarize Portland Model; Operations; Education and Outreach; Contractor Selection Process (RFP); Lessons Learned and Best Practices.  Solarize Portland has been perceived successful enough that others are seeking to copy our program and implement it in their own cities.  It was satisfying to share our story with others and we must have had an impact … because I’m pleased to announce that Solarize Salem http://solarizesalem.org/ kicked off their program a few days later … and just this week Seattle announced the launch of Solarize Seattle sponsored by NW SEED. 

http://www.nwseed.org/Projects/Solar/Default.asp

Here’s their announcement:

“The cost of solar is coming down fast!  Our neighbors to the south are putting up solar panels everywhere thanks to the Solarize Portland initiative. Interested neighbors are coming together to enjoy significant savings through the bulk purchase of solar electric panels.  In the last year, Solarize Portland quadrupled the amount of residential solar in Portland, created professional-wage green jobs, and brought down solar prices throughout Oregon. After careful study of the Solarize Portland project, Northwest SEED is working with Seattle neighborhoods to organize a Solarize Seattle effort.

If you’ve been thinking about installing a solar system on your home but aren’t sure where to start, this program may be for you!

We are currently working with the Queen Anne neighborhood to launch a pilot for the Solarize Seattle effort. If you’re interested in joining the pilot please contact our Solarize Project Coordinator at the information below. We’re hoping the pilot will spur Solarize efforts across Seattle neighborhoods and are keeping a list of interested folks. So, even if you’re not from Queen Anne, we want to hear from you!”  

Good for them!  I know they’ll experience the same success we’ve had in Oregon and I applaud their initiative.

In Portland we’re still crunching the numbers, but if current trending holds we’ll be adding approximately 1.1Megawatts of clean and renewable energy to our neighborhoods by the end of this year.  This amount of residential solar electric installation has never before been seen in the Pac Northwest for existing homes.  This clearly shows the level of interest and demand for solar energy and I’m proud to play some small part. 

Jul 10

12

Summertime and the livin’ is easy

Posted by Mac on July 12, 2010
Posted in A Sustainable Life • Uncategorized  | Tagged With: , , , , , , | No Comments yet, please leave one

Summertime and the livin’ is easy, or so the old song goes.  Is it really, for whom?  Not for me and my loved ones that’s for sure.  There’s been so much going on that I haven’t been able to do much blogging lately, so I thought I’d offer a smorgasbord of items just to give you a taste of what we’ve been up to.  Now that summer has FINALLY arrived in the Northwest, I hope it is a good one for you and yours dear reader!     

Lee Rahr, Leonard Gard, Claire Carlson, and Me. Standing behind is Portland City Commissioner Amanda Fritz

Last month our Solarize Southwest Portland project team was recognized by Portland’s Southwest Neighborhood, Inc. (SWNI) at their annual volunteer recognition event.  I felt honored to receive a special Partnership Award for the community’s appreciation of our efforts to bring solar electricity to SW Portland.  The man who started this project, Todd Farris, was absent that night and I felt a little naked standing up there getting recognized without him beside me.  

In tribute, I offer a pic of the Farris house decorated with their new shiny solar modules installed by Mr. Sun Solar. 

Todd’s home was the first installation from the hundreds of residents who signed up with our program.  These installations will be scheduled throughout the summer and into October.  We’re expecting to add over 300Kwh of photovoltaic power on SW Portland rooftops between now and then – a success by any measure.

 

A week in San Francisco

This week Noriko and I will be in San Francisco to attend the Intersolar North America Conference which is the premier exhibition and conference for the solar industry on the technology side. I attended this conference last year and think it was this experience that solidified my commitment to working for clean and renewable energy.  Intersolar is at the Moscone Center and it promotes the development of business opportunities throughout the U.S. solar industry. More than 570 U.S.-based and international exhibitors (30% increase from 2009) and 20,000+ trade visitors are expected this year.  The conference, again taking place at the InterContinental Hotel, features over 30 tracks and 200+ speakers for the 1,600 expected attendees. Last year I attended several workshops that helped me better understand the solar market and emerging technologies.  This year I’m on more of a networking mission and I hope to gain better insight into the business aspects of the solar industry.

 

Noriko the “Bag Lady”

Not sure if Noriko was ready to be known as a "bag lady"?!

New Seasons Market picked up an article from this blog about Noriko that I entitled “Bag Lady” and they tweeted it to over 5000 of their customers who follow them on Twitter.  This resulted in hundreds of hits on my blog that one day alone.  It was quite something to behold!  If you haven’t read the post, here’s the shortcut  http://solarflareblog.com/?p=733

 

 

No more “Green news for Oregon”?

Last week one of my favorite local blogs posted that it is shutting down, at least for now. You know blogging is a time consuming activity and I assume the guys from http://cleanoregon.com/ got to the point that they needed a break.  I certainly understand, but I thought they did a good job and I’ll miss this site.  On July 10th they posted the following under the title, “We’re taking a bit of a break” …

“We started CleanOregon just about a year ago. Our main purpose was to learn about developments in clean tech and sustainable businesses in Oregon. At this point, we’ve decided to take a breather and focus on other endeavors. We hope that we’ve been able to provide you with some useful and interesting information. Please feel free to contact us at: fross [at] hevanet [dot] com if you’d like to get involved in the future.”

What do you think?  Should I man-up and contact them to get involved?  I might be able to take some of the load off the guys and keep the site viable.  Problem is I’m already booked up myself and already contribute for other sites such as …

http://portland.1thingus.com/

http://www.sustainlane.com/

http://www.portlandneighborhood.com/

The company we keep

Since the beginning of June, we’ve been entertaining visiting family and friends and so far have hosted folks from Japan, California, Singapore, France and now mainland China.  Last week’s BBQ was like a meeting of the United Nations.  I am often the only American in the group although we live in the suburbs of Portland Oregon.  It makes life interesting, that’s for sure.  This weekend, Samuel Ni from China will be accompanying us to Eugene Oregon to visit Mr. Ocean Yuan of Grape Solar http://www.grapesolar.com/ who recently announced that his company will be supplying solar panels to COSTCO in 16 warehouse store outlets.  This is big news covered by an article in Eugene’s Register Guard… http://www.registerguard.com/csp/cms/sites/web/business/24869689-41/yuan-costco-solar-panels-grape.csp . 

China's Samuel Ni - giving a presentation for SEMI

Last but not least … it’s Party Time!

Heads up!  We’ve scheduled our annual naturehouse summer party for mid-August.  However, no theme party this year as I just couldn’t bring myself to commit to the Gilligan’s Island reunion idea.  Sorry!

More importantly … I’m now planning an event for mid-September … to host our very first SOLAR HOME PARTY.  This one will be a fundraiser for non-profit Solar Oregon so I’ll post the details later. 

Evites and notices will be going out soon.  Be on the lookout.

Jul 10

7

Do I seem hysterical?

Posted by Mac on July 7, 2010
Posted in Rants, Raves & Musings  | Tagged With: , , | 1 Comment

I recently spied a bumper sticker that read “DON’T BELIEVE EVERYTHING YOU THINK”.  

It fits well within the context of this post. Regardless of which side of the climate change/global warming debate you are on, today’s Associated Press (AP) headline probably won’t have a major impact on your point of view one way or the other. 

‘Climategate’ inquiry mostly vindicates scientists …

LONDON – “An independent report into the leak of hundreds of emails from one of the world’s leading climate research centers largely vindicated the scientists involved, saying they acted honestly and that their research was reliable. Beyond specific allegations of scientific misconduct, the furor over the emails fed the notion that, at worse, a closed community of climate scientists was systematically exaggerating the threat of climate change, or at least giving skeptics’ arguments the collective cold shoulder.”

Today a panel of inquiry said their investigation had no findings to support claims that the science of global warming was somehow being faked.  Well, you could’ve knocked me over with a feather. 

I didn’t care much about Climategate anyway because I considered it little more than a smokescreen by climate change deniers.  Conspiracy theories abound, but consider that this is another investigation that refutes the notion that global warming is some kind of evil scientist hoax.  There’s simply no evidence to support this belief, and in the end just some stolen emails between a few research geeks who didn’t want to share their data with critics.  These are the same critics who claim that flawed scientists equate to flawed science.  They are using a proven political tactic that focuses on a small issue in question, repeating it endlessly until it becomes a mantra, and then calling it “proof” that all climate scientists and global warming believers are somehow incompetent or worse. 

These are techniques that we’ve all seen before – if you watch Fox News you know what I’m talking about.  Kinda reminds me of the tobacco companies of the 1960-70 eras when they tried to refute all the evidence stacked up against them.  (Come-on … who’re you gonna believe?  Those lying scientists, doctors, and government hacks … or your ‘ole buddy Joe Camel who you know and love?)  Years from now history will look back on this topic and these deniers in the same context, or so I believe.

I realize there are millions of Americans that don’t buy into the idea that human activity might be, or is, contributing to global warming.  For whatever reason, they just can’t bring themselves to accept the notion that burning fossil fuels is harming the planet.  They don’t see what is wrong with over consumption either.  It is their right as Americans, you see, and they look to every opportunity to justify their belief and support their behavior.  They dismiss those of us who’ve done our homework and have come to the conclusion that our addiction to fossil fuels is literally killing us. Just ask the families of the latest coal miner deaths, or the oil workers killed in the BP Gulf disaster, or of the soldiers killed in Iraq.

These critics simply dismiss concerns about global climate change as “hysteria”.   

I don’t think I’m a hysterical person.  I’m not talking about my sense of humor, I mean in the literal sense.   Hysteria, as in madness or panic, is usually reserved for describing something out of control.  I don’t feel out of control, do I seem so?  I simply believe we humans are spoiling our own nest and think we should do something about it.  I’m concerned, perhaps with a healthy sense of urgency, but hysterical?   Nah, that’s just not my style, man. 

Jul 10

2

Kevin Costner to the Rescue

Posted by Mac on July 2, 2010
Posted in A Sustainable Life • Rants, Raves & Musings  | Tagged With: , , , , , , , , | No Comments yet, please leave one

It is being called the worst environmental disaster in U.S. history.

I’ve been fuming about the Gulf Oil Disaster for weeks, but I’ve sat on the sidelines and have said nothing. Oh I’ve been tempted to lash out several times … like when that idiot congressman from Texas apologized to British Petroleum (BP) for the pressure put on the company to contribute to a compensation fund for people in the afflicted Gulf of Mexico states. *

Like most of America, I’ve been watching the Gulf disaster unfold for almost two months now while BP fumbles around trying to figure out how to fix this mess they’ve made.  Experts are warning us that we’re entering storm season in the region and we’re only a hurricane away from a potentially worst situation and that the environmental damage and the economic consequences may be irreversible.

Disaster movie in the making

I’m not intending to make light of this situation, but this catastrophe and this warning has all the elements of a classic Hollywood summer disaster flick, don’t you think?

Consider that we’ve got the quintessential VILLIAN in BP – complete with villain-like traits (foreign, arrogant, money-hungry, irresponsible, and uncaring for the “little people”, etc…).  There’s the US President (Obama) attempting to get some control over an ever-worsening situation.  There’s a media character that helps narrate the catastrophe (Anderson Cooper); oil-funded political pundits trying to deflect responsibility (Fox News) and villain associates (Rep Barton); a multitude of scientists, environmentalists, and crisis workers trying desperately to help out; and of course there’s a whole slew of VICTIMS with many more potentially in danger.  This ever-increasing list of victims may expand to even include our own planet. 

Yep, this worst man-caused disaster in history has had all the makings of a classic summer box office blockbuster.  It has all the ingredients … except a HERO!

You know, the Hero, someone on the ground (in this case – water) who sees our plight and answers the call against insurmountable odds.  Someone with grit and a “can-do” attitude.  Someone we can all believe in.  Someone we can trust.

Disasters often create “strange bedfellows” and this seems particularly the case in the Gulf.

(cue horns) Enter … Kevin Costner.

Costner to the rescue!

Always the HERO, we already know that Costner is comfortable around water (e.g. WaterWorld), but what we didn’t know is that he has been preparing for this kind of catastrophe since 1995 when he purchased Ocean Therapy Solutions from the US Government.  This company develops oil separation machines.  http://www.ots.org/

BP tested several of these machines in May and on June 9th they ordered 32 anti-oil devices from Costner’s company.  According to what I’ve read, Costner has put $40Mil into this science project and I’ve read that this may prove to be one of the best solutions for cleaning up the mess BP has made of the Gulf.

Yes indeed, Hollywood hero Kevin Costner has stepped in to save the day.

I guess I shouldn’t be surprised because I saw these same characteristics in young Kevin years ago when we attended middle school together in Ventura California. Doubtful if Costner will remember me, but we attended Cabrillo Junior High School together back in the day.  Although I was a grade higher, we hung out with the same guys and played on the same sports teams.  I think we had a lot in common back then.  Neither of us were great students, but we were interested in baseball, music and politics. We were both short and shy towards the girls. I remember liking the guy and I actively supported his candidacy for class vice-president.  He was a man of the people even back then.  Perhaps I saw something in a young Kevin Costner that others see in him today … possibly the early makings of a classic American hero.

After graduating from Cabrillo, I went on to Ventura High School (go Cougars!) and Costner went to play baseball for our cross-town rivals, the Buena HS Bulldogs, and we haven’t seen one another since.  So Kevin old chum, I realize you’re really busy at the moment, but if one of your people reads this and brings it to your attention … please reach out and contact me.  I’d love to catch up and see what you’ve been doing for the past 40 years.

I heard something about you dancing with wolves.  What’s that all about?

                                                                     #####

* Rep. Joe Barton of Texas, who has long been a spokestool  for oil and gas companies, showed his true colors that day.  His remarks even embarrassed Republicant Party leaders who immediately scrambled to issue a rebuttal.  I’m not surprised by Barton’s actions, because oil and gas industry political action committees have given more than $1.4 million to his campaigns since 1990, the most of any House member during that period  (cite: Center for Responsive Politics.)  Sucking from the Big Oil teat, Barton has no conscience and certainly no credibility as he serves his master regardless of the loss of life, or the horrible negative environmental and economic impact this situation has caused.  What a Tool!