IPCC Synthesis Report

[Penners]

Yes, the existing Prius and similar are not plug-in.

Do you have any idea why? It seems incredible that this relatively simple addition has been omitted. Or am I missing something?

 

[biffvernon]

Well, you may find the answers on the Lexus sponsered Hybrid debate blog The various articles were commissioned and paid for with money ulimately from Toyota, though that may not have influenced the views expressed.

But here is a pure electric, the Obvio

Note the period livery.

 

[Penners]

Yes, it is a bit obvio, isn't it? I wonder what function the dorsal fin serves. Collects energy rays from space, perhaps?

 

[Nemesis]

It's clearly a ploy - the embarrassment would be so great at being seen anywhere near one we would all take to our feet.

 

[Penners]

:lol:

 

[piper]

We love to live within democratically elected governments because, we believe, it gives us freedom of movement, speech and choices.

...we can democratically elect a government that forces us to stop burning fossil fuel. It will make us poorer in the short term but we can see that, ultimately, it is to our advantage.

..and various other quotes from different people about the necessity of government compulsion.

Mmmm... a bit of a Devil's advocate post coming up I'm afraid. I remember reading the "Blueprint for Survival" back in the 70's and agreeing with every word, but also realising that such a radical change was almost certainly impossible in the real world without brutal totalitarianism.
Biff - what do you and your like-minded family members suggest a radical Green government should do about people who disagree with the "obvious truth" of its policies?
How about the Khmer Rouge as role-model for a radical government determined to get people away from a Westernised lifestyle and back to the land?
Basically, though, I still think you're right. :? Depressing, isn't it?

 

[Flyfisher]

For all the government talk about going green, I don't see much commitment to spend real money on real research.

It's rather shameful to read of private enterprise investing more than our government. Here's £3bn just from one company (well, two really).

Yes, I realise this is partly shameless marketing and self-preservation, but does it really matter if it helps find solutions?

How about the Khmer Rouge as role-model for a radical government determined to get people away from a Westernised lifestyle and back to the land?

Cuba has already done it, albeit after being forced to go without oil because of embargoes etc. I don't think there was any massacre either. Do we think 'Gordon Green' could sell that model to the electorate?

 

[Penners]

Do we think 'Gordon Green' could sell that model to the electorate?

After the lost CD's debacle, I don't think he could even sell fur-lined pants to eskimos.

 

[biffvernon]

The Khmer Rouge may be a good example of how not to do it.
We might learn more from Cuba, Ghandi, The Dalai Lama, and King Jigme Singye Wangchuck of Bhutan.

 

[Flyfisher]

Do we think 'Gordon Green' could sell that model to the electorate?

After the lost CD's debacle, I don't think he could even sell fur-lined pants to eskimos.

Now, now - he said he was 'sorry' didn't he? :roll:

 

[biffvernon]

Funny how half the population want to be celebrities with every personal detail poured over in the tabloids and the other half of the population are paranoid about the most harmless information, that can be looked up in the phone book or is printed on every cheque they write, escaping from under their proverbial mattress.

 

[Penners]

Regardless of the security implications, it was still an almighty, monumental, industrial-strength cock-up. And I think that worries people every bit as much as the data loss. Government departments should be better run than that.

Fat chance.

 

[Flyfisher]

Yes, it's indicative. Besides, you can't get details like DOB and NI numbers from the telephone book or cheques.

I tend to agree that the real risk in this case is being hyped by the media, but the more personal information that is lumped together in a single place, the easier it is to perpetrate 'identity theft' type fraud.

I know, what about a national identity card with all the personal info needed to identify every person in the country, all gathered together in a single database, administered by a government (any government) that allows unencrypted discs to be sent through the normal letter post. Doh!

 

[biffvernon]

I guess you can get DOB from loads of places and it's not much use unless you want to send a birthday card. NI number is only of use if you want to pay someone's National Insurance for them.

I don't think the government has any data on me that I wouldn't mind sharing with the world. I lend my money to a bank for the time-honoured reason that it's safer in their vault (or financial investment vehicle) than under my mattress, and, furthermore, the bank tells me that if anyone nicks it, either electronically or with a little dynamite, they will still give me my money back as soon as I ask for it.

I can't really see why we should expect any government system to be foolproof, since it is staffed by fools like you and me, but rather we should insist that the damage is repaired when things go wrong. By and large, this does seem to happen.

ID cards are a different matter, but I won't be joining that scheme :wink:

 

[Flyfisher]

NI number is only of use if you want to pay someone's National Insurance for them.

Not really; it can be useful for fraudsters trying to steal an identity. The more info they have, the more authentic-looking their scam.

furthermore, the bank tells me that if anyone nicks it, either electronically or with a little dynamite, they will still give me my money back as soon as I ask for it.

True, it gives us personal protection but doesn't deter the fraudsters, so we all pay the price. A sort of compulsory insurance scheme. I use my credit card for the vast majority of my purchases and, over the years, have had cards stopped many times because of fraudulent transactions, the last one being earlier this year when someone was emptying a cash machine in Malaysia with 'my' card. The card companies are pretty quick to monitor such things and, of course, I lost no money myself. But you can bet that these losses are built into bank charges.

I can't really see why we should expect any government system to be foolproof, since it is staffed by fools like you and me,

I agree; so the less information we give them, the less damage can be done.

but rather we should insist that the damage is repaired when things go wrong.

Stable doors and horses?

ID cards are a different matter, but I won't be joining that scheme :wink:

Let me know how to avoid it and I'll be the first to join you!

 

[biffvernon]

Anyone want my identity? I'm tired of it. Apparently you can get new ones quite easily.

 

[middi]

I think the Nation is devastated

( missing on the Euro 2008 qualification of course)

 

[Penners]

Anyone want my identity? I'm tired of it.

Do the woodworking skills come with it?

 

[biffvernon]

You've got your own.

Right, I'm off to the hills till Monday

 

[Penners]

I'm off to the hills till Monday

Call that a working week? I've known reps who work longer hours... :wink: