Wednesday, August 20, 2025

The Infinite Energy Source Made Possible By The Oil And Gas Industry


I've been saying for decades that we live on top of a massive ball of molten iron. About 84% of the Earth's volume is molten. I've argued that there is no shortage of energy, only that some forms of energy are more difficult to access.

Monday, August 11, 2025

Why natural gas produces less CO2

On Mon, Aug 11, 2025 at 10:15 AM Grant wrote:
Basically I agree, but I don't understand your comment on switching from coal to natural gas.  Natural gas is very clean, but it still produces CO2, just not all the particulates.  I think electricity production in Utah is almost entirely from coal fired plants, and coal reserves are projected to last about 1,000 years.  


According to Google AI:

Natural gas produces less CO2 than other fossil fuels because it has a higher proportion of hydrogen relative to carbon. When burned, the hydrogen in natural gas combines with oxygen to form water (H2O), while the carbon combines with oxygen to form carbon dioxide (CO2). Since natural gas has more hydrogen and less carbon, it produces less CO2 per unit of energy compared to fuels like coal or oil. 

Sunday, August 10, 2025

Global Warming and Natural Feedbacks

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VlKxuabwHCg&t=1965s

The temperature data, which shows a very slow warming partly caused by human activity, has led me to believe that we are not in a climate crisis. It has taken 140 years for the average global atmospheric temperature to rise by 1 degree Celsius, and this follows the end of the Little Ice Age and the 1880s—one of the coldest periods in United States history that killed hundreds of Americans.  Many more people die from cold than they do from heat.

My view is reinforced by what I see as questionable behavior from Climate Alarmists and the IPCC. Politicians and alarmists have created a moral hazard in which scientists risk losing funding if they do not support the official narrative. The IPCC reportedly refuses to hire anyone who does not already believe in catastrophic man-made warming, and the infamous email leak suggested they were trying to "hide the decline"—concealing that tree ring proxies used for reconstructing past temperatures were unreliable compared with recent data.  People have quit the IPCC claiming that it is corrupt.  One person claimed that the real goal of the IPCC was to do away with free market capitalism.

By the mid-2010s, it was evident that climate computer model predictions were running far too hot. This led to shifting target temperatures. Around 2010, I watched videos warning that by the year 2100, we were on track for a 3°C increase—considered dangerous—but that limiting the rise to 2°C would be manageable. Only a few years later, the claim shifted: we were supposedly on track for a 2°C rise—now deemed dangerous—and that limiting it to 1.5°C would be manageable. I remain unconvinced that half a degree would make a significant difference.

To me, climate alarmism appears to be driven more by politics than by reliable science.  There has been a political shift where fewer people are taking it seriously.  Reportedly, climate policy has cost trillions of dollars, so I think that this is the greatest scam in human history.

However, there are simply too many unknown variables. Most of the debate centers on the amount of positive feedback to warming. But since feedbacks can be both positive and negative, and since these processes are not fully understood, it is difficult to make reliable long-term predictions. The current major point of contention is cloud cover.  Skeptics argue that increasing cloud cover would produce a net negative feedback—seemingly common sense—while the IPCC claims the opposite.

Although the United States has reduced its CO₂ emissions, largely by switching from coal to natural gas, China has tripled its emissions through massive coal plant construction. While China has paid lip service to fighting climate change, its actions suggest that they don't care.

It is also worth noting that we may run out of most fossil fuels by the year 2100. Current estimates suggest 40–50 years of oil reserves remain. Reportedly, the United States has a very large shale oil reserve that could last the United States 300 years, but most of it is so difficult to mine that it would cost $10 per gallon at the pump.

Coal will last the longest, so we may eventually be forced to burn more of it.

Saturday, August 2, 2025

There was NO first human


@john2001plus
2 years ago
I disagree.  Evolution seems to occur in spurts, often due to changes in the environment.  There would have been a transition, but one that was relatively sudden.

Scientists Discover Potential Cancer Cure in Ancient Tomb

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/XfiWQKQ49Oo

I have heard that cancer cells are weaker than normal cells because of their constant replication. This makes them easier to kill, yet we still have not cured cancer. I believe it is likely that a cure could be found in my lifetime.

What ACTUALLY ROTS in your GUT! (It's not meat...)

Microsoft Announces World's First Topological Quantum Chip

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/9SBVZr3lbS0

I have always been skeptical of quantum computing. Some of the claims made about it don't seem to make sense, such as suggestions that quantum computers access physical dimensions we cannot see. Others even claim they do not fully understand how their quantum computers work.

I am sure quantum computing works to some degree, but there are practical limitations. The number of qubits that can be packed into a small space will likely always be restricted. Furthermore, many systems require cooling their circuits to near absolute zero, making them impractical for widespread use.

Why is “son” spelled with an O?

What Is "Middle" About The Middle Ages?

Sunday, July 27, 2025

Annual finance for climate action surpasses USD 1 trillion, but far from levels needed to avoid devastating future losses - CPI

https://www.climatepolicyinitiative.org/press-release/annual-finance-for-climate-action-surpasses-usd-1-trillion-but-far-from-levels-needed-to-avoid-devastating-future-losses/

According to Google:

Annual global climate finance flows reached almost $1.3 trillion in 2021/2022, doubling from 2019/2020 levels. However, this represents only about 1% of global GDP, and experts estimate that much larger investments are needed to avoid the worst impacts of climate change.



Wednesday, July 23, 2025

Friday, July 18, 2025

Why the Modern Diet Is Making You Sick


"Jordan Peterson continues to follow a carnivore diet, specifically a restricted version focusing on beef, salt, and water. He and his daughter, Mikhaila, have both spoken publicly about their experiences with this diet, citing improvements in various health issues like autoimmune conditions, depression, and sleep problems. 
More Details:
  • Lion Diet:
    Peterson and his daughter follow a strict carnivore diet called the "lion diet," which limits their food intake to only beef, salt, and water. 
  • Rationale:
    They believe this diet, which eliminates all other foods, can help with autoimmune conditions, mental health issues, and other health problems. 
  • Impact on Peterson:
    Peterson has reported experiencing positive impacts, such as reduced inflammation, improved gum health, and increased strength, since adopting the diet. 
  • Controversy and Concerns:
    The diet has faced criticism and concern from some experts, who point to potential health risks like nutrient deficiencies and the difficulty of maintaining such a restrictive diet long-term. 
  • No Recommendation for Others:
    While Peterson and his daughter have shared their experiences, they have also emphasized that they don't recommend this diet for everyone. "
My problem with the video is that it doesn't present any evidence that carbohydrates are harmful. He refers to it as a "glucose diet," but our bodies, especially our brains, run on glucose as a source of energy.

It's important to distinguish between glucose (which comes from starches) and sucrose (table sugar). There is overwhelming evidence that sugar is harmful to our health, but this doesn't apply in the same way to all carbohydrates. 

 When it comes to poor health, we could blame diet, excess weight, or a combination of the two. People gain weight because they consume more calories than they burn. Eating too many carbohydrates can contribute to this, but that doesn't mean we should eliminate them entirely. 

 I've also seen a number of videos claiming that humans are carnivores. That's simply not accurate. Only a few species are obligate carnivores that can survive on meat alone. Humans are omnivores; we have teeth and digestive systems adapted to a varied diet.

Thursday, July 10, 2025

The Star that will Enter the Solar System

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ix4HX62YH4o&t=389s

Hundreds of billions of stars are orbiting the Milky Way.  Sometimes they get close to each other.

I assume that the orbits don't have to be perfectly circular.   Reportedly, other stars have passed close to the solar system.

Wednesday, July 9, 2025

Today may be shortest day ever


"Earth normally takes 24 hours, or exactly 86,400 seconds, to complete one full rotation, which is called a solar day."

A solar day is different from one complete rotation.  A solar day is the time that elapses from high noon to high noon.  But in a day, the Earth moves about 1 degree around the sun.  That means that high noon is about 1 degree different from one day to the next.

If we measure by the stars, a full rotation, called a sidereal day, takes 23 hours and 56 minutes.



Saturday, June 28, 2025

I never understood why matter curves spacetime...until now!


@john2001plus
1 minute ago
To be a valid theory, Relativity would have to be able to define the 4D shape of space-time.  Does the theory do this, or does it just assume that space-time is curved?

My problem with "space-time" is that it equates and combines two things that are not the same at all.  It assumes that the progress of time is like physical motion through space.  People say that we are moving through space-time at the speed of light.

Time is the interval between sequential events. It is not a distance we travel.

Since we know that there is a cosmic speed limit, time dilation is a physical consequence of approaching that speed limit.

There is much explained by Relativity.  Could there be another model that doesn't involve the concept of "space-time"?  What if Gravity really is a force?

Physicists Debunk Net Zero: No Dangerous Warming from CO₂


The whole video is interesting, but please give it at least 11 minutes.

Does Canola Oil cause Inflammation?

Saturday, June 21, 2025

11 foods to avoid???

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qgdTUwLmh6g&t=28s

I haven't had time to research all of his recommendations, although I will try to look into them.

His first recommendation is to avoid spinach and almonds because they are high in oxalates.  I had no idea what oxalates are, but here is what Google AI says about them:



For most people, oxalates found in everyday foods are not dangerous and are part of a healthy, balanced diet. However, there are certain situations where elevated oxalate levels can cause issues. 
In what cases can oxalates be dangerous?
  • Kidney stones: Oxalates, also known as oxalic acid, are naturally occurring compounds in plants that can bind with calcium in the urine, forming calcium oxalate crystals. These crystals can develop into painful kidney stones. For individuals prone to kidney stones or with a family history of them, a doctor may recommend a low-oxalate diet to reduce their risk.
  • Oxalosis: In severe cases of high oxalate levels, a condition called oxalosis can develop, where oxalate builds up in organs and tissues throughout the body, potentially damaging bones, blood vessels, eyes, and even the heart. This can happen if kidneys aren't effectively removing oxalate from the blood due to primary or enteric hyperoxaluria.
  • Impaired nutrient absorption: Oxalates can bind with minerals like calcium and magnesium in the gut, reducing their absorption. However, this is usually not a significant concern for most people who consume a varied diet with adequate calcium intake.
  • Specific health conditions: Individuals with certain conditions like primary hyperoxaluria (a rare genetic disorder), enteric hyperoxaluria (due to certain intestinal problems), or those who have had weight-loss surgery may need to monitor their oxalate intake more closely as they are at a higher risk of hyperoxaluria and related complications. 
What are symptoms of high oxalates?
Symptoms of high oxalate levels (hyperoxaluria) or oxalate sensitivity can vary, but may include: 
  • Kidney stones: Symptoms like sharp pain in the back, side, lower belly or groin, blood in the urine, painful urination, and frequent urge to urinate.
  • Joint pain and inflammation: Oxalate crystals can deposit in joints, leading to swelling, pain, and stiffness.
  • Digestive issues: Abdominal pain, bloating, gas, diarrhea, or constipation.
  • Neurological symptoms: Tingling or numbness, muscle weakness, and in rare cases, seizures or difficulty with coordination.
  • Eye and skin issues: Burning or itching in the eyes, redness, sensitivity to light, and potentially skin rashes or crystals on the skin. 
What to do if you suspect you have high oxalates?
If you are concerned about your oxalate levels or have any of the associated symptoms, it is important to consult with a healthcare provider. They can perform necessary tests, like a 24-hour urine collection, to determine if you have hyperoxaluria and recommend appropriate dietary or medical interventions. 
In summary, while oxalates can pose health risks in certain individuals, they are generally not dangerous for the majority of people when consumed as part of a balanced diet. 

Foods high in oxalates include spinach, rhubarb, almonds, beets, and certain soy products. Other foods with high oxalate content include Swiss chard, star fruit, cocoa, bran cereals, and some nuts and seeds. 
Foods Specifically Mentioned as High in Oxalates: 
Important Considerations:
  • Moderation is key:
    While some foods are high in oxalates, it's not necessary to eliminate them entirely from your diet. A guide from the University of Virginia School of Medicine suggests that careful planning and balanced portion sizes can allow you to enjoy these foods. 
  • Individual needs:
    The impact of oxalates can vary depending on individual factors, such as kidney health. Consult with a doctor or dietitian for personalized dietary recommendations. 
  • Calcium intake:
    Increasing calcium intake, particularly from dairy products, can help bind to oxalates in the digestive system, potentially reducing their absorption. 

Friday, June 20, 2025

Dads


P.S.  I recently read that the average cloud weighs a million pounds.  Clouds are made up of water vapor, water droplets and ice crystals so small that they are like dust and can float on the wind.

Maps That Will Change How You See The World - PART 75

Seed Oils: The Raging Debate


Also look at this chart:


Canola Oil has a ratio of 2:1 Omega-6 to Omega-3.

Olive Oil has a ratio of 10:1.

You’ll always look for this when you drive now

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/vzPStjcD01M