Williston, ND Active Issues

NaderMoore · Member

RE: Escalating fuel/gas prices

Jimmylikesvikes · Veteran Member

The majority of this country has no respect for Nader and the majority of this country do not agree with Moore's 9/11 conspiracy theory. I'm guessing you think we really haven't landed on the moon yet either

(just fun humor). You are talking about a guy (Moore) who is trying to learn socialized health care policy from the Cubans. You are talking about a person who thinks capitalism is to blame for everything wrong with our country including our "so called" poor health care system. I'm sorry but it's very difficult for me to respect Nader or Moore. All Moore does is create propaganda in order to sell books, movies, etc. And Nader, well, just listen to him for a second. Do you really think this Nader dude is together?

Sad part to all Moore's spewing at the mouth, there are some people who believe this nut case. And well, Nader, I don't even have to go there.

Do you think our high oil prices right now are Bush's fault too? Or do you think perhaps our country as a whole is a big part of the blame? Or is supply and demand to blame?

NaderMoore · Member

Steve Powell wrote:

Michael Moore inspires with lies...

As does the current administration.

Steve Powell · Guru

NaderMoore wrote:

BTW: It's one thing to be "fat" and inspire people to think and act, indirectly making a difference in this world (Michael Moore, Pavarotti, Brando... Oprah) , than it is to be "fat", live a sedentary lifestyle and indirectly be a poor role model for future generations... IMHO

-- Edited by NaderMoore at 14:45, 2008-06-01

Michael Moore inspires with lies. It may be inspiring but that doesn't make it right.

Invest your spare change in oil. That will off-set what you pay at the pump.

NaderMoore · Member

ckcollings wrote:
My wife drives a Volkswagon Golf. Not because we can't afford more, but mostly because she likes annoying SUV drivers. She's a bit sadistic that way.

My wife sounds a bit like yours. She used to drive an old Jeep Cherokee, but traded it in 2 years ago for a Prius. She actively seeks out semi trucks and SUV's on the freeway to draft them to boost her MPG's.

Last week at the grocery store there was a Hummer parked diagonally at the end of the parking lot, so my wife decided to park her Prius in the spot right in front of the H2 so it would have to back up before departing. biggrin

BTW: It's one thing to be "fat" and inspire people to think and act, indirectly making a difference in this world (Michael Moore, Pavarotti, Brando... Oprah wink

) , than it is to be "fat", live a sedentary lifestyle and indirectly be a poor role model for future generations... IMHO

-- Edited by NaderMoore at 14:45, 2008-06-01

ckcollings · Member

Neccessity is the mother of invention, and market forces will prevail. If Mica & Shayla want to drive a gas guzzling SUV's then that's their right. If they can afford it, then great. If they can't, then they'll find a cheaper way. That's the way of things. Time will sort out that situation.

My wife drives a Volkswagon Golf. Not because we can't afford more, but mostly because she likes annoying SUV drivers. She's a bit sadistic that way.

The new minivans are actually cool. The Honda Odyssey is sweet!

Dang I'm getting old!

SKM · Senior Member

-- Edited by SKM at 01:51, 2008-09-03

NaderMoore · Member

Jibslider wrote:

I just drove to Anchorage, AK with my wife (I'm going to be doing a 3 month rotation here starting tomorrow, thank you lord!) and it was reported that AK is the first state in the union to have average gasoline prices over $4 a gallon. I think the most expensive I paid for fuel was in Watson Lake, Yukon Territory. After the conversion to USD and GAL it came out to $5.50 a gallon.

PS: You all should drive the Alaska Highway, it is fabulous country.

I've parked my car in the garage for the last month and started riding my road bike to work full time due to the outrageous gas prices, and you know what, I think that I am grateful that gas prices are now over $4.00 otherwise I wouldn't have been motivated to bike to work and for errands full time. I've never felt much better in my life with all of the extra exercise I'm getting. Plus I'm not spending as much on gas as I did in April... amazing!

Hopefully the high prices will motivate all of our countrymen (and women smile

) to get out of their cars and start walking or biking, and just maybe we will lose the reputation of being such an overweight nation.

I want to thank whomever is responsible for the latest increase in gasoline prices, Big oil, the market, politicans, dead t-rex biggrin

... otherwise I might be living a more sedentary lifestyle.

Cheers to feeling great cheers to grinning at the people filling their SUV's at the pump as I cycle past.

Jibslider · Senior Member

Vicki wrote:

Just hear from a relatick that lives in Seattle....
downtown Seattle gas price
$4.12
Deisel $4.93

zoinks....

I just drove to Anchorage, AK with my wife (I'm going to be doing a 3 month rotation here starting tomorrow, thank you lord!) and it was reported that AK is the first state in the union to have average gasoline prices over $4 a gallon. I think the most expensive I paid for fuel was in Watson Lake, Yukon Territory. After the conversion to USD and GAL it came out to $5.50 a gallon.

PS: You all should drive the Alaska Highway, it is fabulous country.

Vicki · Veteran Member

Mica wrote:

Zoinks? Have you been watching Scooby Doo? haha ".... and I would have gotten away with it too if those kids hadnt meddled..."

I had a few other adjectives but I thought I'd keep it G rated. aww

Mica · Veteran Member

Zoinks? Have you been watching Scooby Doo? haha ".... and I would have gotten away with it too if those kids hadnt meddled..."

Vicki · Veteran Member

Just hear from a relatick that lives in Seattle....
downtown Seattle gas price
$4.12
Deisel $4.93

zoinks....

-- Edited by Vicki at 09:54, 2008-05-13

-- Edited by Vicki at 09:57, 2008-05-13

gundo · Senior Member

wow, this one drifted a bit. fuel, biofuel, farmers market.... interesting... lol

SKM · Senior Member

Yes they do. Thank you yankeefan.

-- Edited by SKM at 09:41, 2008-05-03

yankeefan · Member

They have them in front of the main branch of the Credit Union...I think they have them early summer thru Septemberish?

NaderMoore · Member

Where is the farmer's market located? I don't think my folks have ever mentioned anything about it to me.

SteveKemp · Veteran Member

Bruce sorry for the late response to your post, but the full size "green" blazer can only be one person, and if I recall correctly that green blazer was backed into Lake Sacagawea too. Gotta be Brad Koppang, and I'll let Brad explain how it ended up in the lake.

Jibslider · Senior Member

SKM wrote:

Jib there is a farmers market here. We'd have it all year long but....oh yeah...we have that thing called -0 below not including the wind chill. Ahhh, how soon we forget. Economart hires and gives jobs to dozens of people. The Krafts do the best they can and well, why shouldn't they make a profit? This is the land of opportunity. And Jib, I know your going to school to get your degrees or what have you, but how long are you going to continue to "Learn"? I know of Doctors who have less college experience than yourself. Becareful my friend, college can be just as addicting as any drug. You need to face the world head on and realize that you too will leave "foot prints".

I know the Kraft's are doing a great job, and I advocate patronizing thier store since it has been locally owned and operated since back in the gool ol' County Market days. They should make a profit, people should support them instead of Wally. I am sure that Mike Kraft stocks as many local (ND/Eastern MT) products as he can, and he should be recognized by people scooping up these products for the very reasons I mentioned above.

I didn't know there was a farmer's market, and of course you can't opperate it outdoors during the winter seasons. Maybe it's a new thing, but when I lived in Williston I never heard of a farmer's market... better advertising maybe?

By the way, if I didn't HAVE to be in college right now I wouldn't be, as I don't enjoy the studying for finals (One more to go for the rest of my life!! biggrin

) and paying over-priced tuition, but even when I graduate next May I will continue to keep learning for the rest of my life, as I love education in all forms... even if it is in the form of continuing education credit requirements formally, or unformal learning from books and daily adventures. Starting in May I have one year of clinical rotations and then I receive my optometry degree... so I will be a doctor if that puts my education into any perspective for you, SKM... I haven't had any formal enviro education in 3 years. smile

SKM · Senior Member

Jib there is a farmers market here. We'd have it all year long but....oh yeah...we have that thing called -0 below not including the wind chill. Ahhh, how soon we forget. Economart hires and gives jobs to dozens of people. The Krafts do the best they can and well, why shouldn't they make a profit? This is the land of opportunity. And Jib, I know your going to school to get your degrees or what have you, but how long are you going to continue to "Learn"? I know of Doctors who have less college experience than yourself. Becareful my friend, college can be just as addicting as any drug. You need to face the world head on and realize that you too will leave "foot prints".

Jibslider · Senior Member

yankeefan wrote:

Believe me, when I filled my "large 4x4" last week and the pump read almost $100, I wasn't thrilled. But the fact is, these days (for me anyway), I have 2 children in numerous activities, most of these sports which require larger amounts of equipment, which requires a larger vehicle, (and believe me, it's not comfortable driving a 6 hour trip with a family of four cramped in a tiny vehicle), I also live a little out of town, and in the the winter months I do feel safer in an SUV traveling the highway. To try to be a little more "eco-friendly" I do try to do things such carpooling with parents in the neighborhood or when going on roadtrips for sports, having other parents/kids ride together. I also try to only make one round trip a day to town, grabbing what I need on the way home. I understand people's frustrations with gas prices, but I look at it as being profitable for our area, bringing in more people, and hopefully more businesses and restaurants.

When it comes to reducing your carbon footprint you are doing a great job in consolidating your trips and carpooling, and some things can not be avoided such as the SUV needed for large families, etc. (Yukon Hybrid, ahem smile

).

Why not ramp up your great job one more rung? One thing that many people seem to forget is that they can reduce their carbon footprint indirectly by such means as buying only locally produced products when possible. This not only cuts down on the amount of fuel and energy that is used to transport the goods into the area, but it also boosts the local/state economy by supporting the local producers. The next time you're in Economart buy only locally grown grain products, locally produced dairy products, locally raised and butchered meat products, locally produced health and beauty products. The next time you see Mike Kraft roaming around get on his case to carry more locally produced products, it will benefit everyone (except China & Texaco smile

).

That brings me to another suggestion for a Willistonite that wants to reduce their carbon footprint while promoting community activities. Why isn't there a farmers market in town? Surely there are enough people with plentiful gardens of vegetables and flowers. Surely there are enough local artisans and citizens that are talented in the craft department. Surely there are enough people that enjoy BBQ and other such food types that can be sold and promoted at a monthly or even weekly farmers market. What a great way to boost the city coming together as a comunity while supporting locally produced goods...

-- Edited by Jibslider at 01:55, 2008-04-30

Lonewolf · Senior Member

Good one SKM...
I think Ill get my bike out and start riding it the 4 or 5 blocks I drive to work.
But its still a bit too chilly at 6:30 in the a.m. to ride. I was just on my way to T.J.s and noticed the price went up again. furious

yankeefan · Member

Believe me, when I filled my "large 4x4" last week and the pump read almost $100, I wasn't thrilled. But the fact is, these days (for me anyway), I have 2 children in numerous activities, most of these sports which require larger amounts of equipment, which requires a larger vehicle, (and believe me, it's not comfortable driving a 6 hour trip with a family of four cramped in a tiny vehicle), I also live a little out of town, and in the the winter months I do feel safer in an SUV traveling the highway. To try to be a little more "eco-friendly" I do try to do things such carpooling with parents in the neighborhood or when going on roadtrips for sports, having other parents/kids ride together. I also try to only make one round trip a day to town, grabbing what I need on the way home. I understand people's frustrations with gas prices, but I look at it as being profitable for our area, bringing in more people, and hopefully more businesses and restaurants.

Jibslider · Senior Member

Biofuel: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Biofuel

Branson is using Tugmasters to tow his jets to the runway. Pretty much the same thing that pushes the jet away from the gate, but on a larger scale.

SKM · Senior Member

Jib, what is biofuel? And I was just wondering, what does he tow his aircrafts with. confused

SKM · Senior Member

Talk about Recycleing....

SKM · Senior Member

Holy moley, how many Powell's are there? LOL. JK! I can and do agree with you on your point JD. I walk to and from the library spring, summer and before snow flies. I call my hubby at work and tell him to stop at the store if we need something so I won't have to make a trip. I buy plastic cups and make my kids rinse and reuse them until the cups crack to save on water. I know it isn't the smartest thing but it also teaches them that I'm not their maid. (I don't have a dishwasher.) I do the best I can and maybe I could or should do more but, damn, I do love my Chevy 4x4! For better or worse, it's just who I am. smile

Jibslider · Senior Member

What's really interesting to me is some of the actions taken by Sir Richard Branson of Virgin airlines. He has most recently been test flying his jets using new fuel technologies such as biofuel, and has started towing his aircraft to the holding areas instead of letting the jets taxi out to save fuel (a so called "starting grid" system). He's also invested $3 billion in renewable energy initiatives.

I think the towing is quite a reality especially at some of the world's busiest airports.

The "starting grid" system would make airport movements much more efficient and would reduce fuel consumption and on-the-ground carbon emissions by over 50% ahead of take-off at London's Heathrow airport for Virgin Atlantic aircraft, and by nearly 90% for Virgin Atlantic flights at JFK Airport in New York. It would also mean that an aircraft flying from JFK to Heathrow could carry around two tonnes less weight in the air, which would mean that the amount of fuel burnt would be considerably less, reducing CO2 emissions even further.

Towing aircraft closer to the runway has substantial implications for local communities too. They would benefit from much lower noise levels because of aircraft taxi-ing without their engines running, and from dramatically cleaner air on the ground.

Pretty eye opening stuff that I'm sure the oil executives do not want to become popular doings.

jd powell · Member

I believe if we would stop buying these large 4-wheelers and maybe not drive one day a week nation wise, fuel would be in abundance. In reality, we are being ripped off now and it is not so much as a shortage as they are not being truthful with us. The trick would be to organize the nation using some of these radio personalities to broadcast leave " your cars in the garage on Sunday
until we get some action from these theives".

Jibslider · Senior Member

SKM wrote:

I can't believe you jib. Honestly, do you really want to get under my skin by stating that it's good even for terrorist groups? If that is truly your goal,...well done. Now, if you truly believe that, you tell the next soldier you see that you want the terrorists to get the alternative energy concept. Why should we be fighting terrorist, when, OMG, Disco is still alive and Taco John's might be dead. Give me a break!

-- Edited by SKM at 01:38, 2008-04-20

How did this get turned into a terrorist discussion? I simply believe that alternative energy is great for ALL of God's children (i.e. Earth and it's inhabitants). When I see my sister's husband next month while he's on R&R from Iraq I'll let him know that you want me to tell him I hope that everyone on Earth can benefit from less dependence on oil. I am 100% certain he will agree.

Steve Powell · Guru

Jib, remember when I said something about the "woman scorned" thing? biggrin

Everybody, including terrorists, uses energy whether it comes from oil or from some alternative. Everybody can get their hands on energy whether it's oil or some alternative. Alternative energy isn't going to make or break the terrorists. Most of the worlds oil comes from countries that support terrorism.

To link terrorism to oil, in my opinion is kinda silly.

K, so I just re-read that and for some reason it sounds like some kind of Dr. Suess for politicians book. Sorry, it's early. weirdface

SKM · Senior Member

I can't believe you jib. Honestly, do you really want to get under my skin by stating that it's good even for terrorist groups? If that is truly your goal,...well done. Now, if you truly believe that, you tell the next soldier you see that you want the terrorists to get the alternative energy concept. Why should we be fighting terrorist, when, OMG, Disco is still alive and Taco John's might be dead. Give me a break!

-- Edited by SKM at 01:38, 2008-04-20

Jibslider · Senior Member

SKM wrote:
The way I see it, you should never refer to Nazi's to anything positive. I don't care if the Neo Nazi's, Nazi's or the KKK will benefit from energy reform. I consider them terriorist groups. When you refered to the Nazi's the hair on the back of my neck stood up. It was like saying "geeze, even Middle East Terrorists groups could benefit from energy reform."

I think you are blowing this Nazi thing way out of proportion. It was meant to get your attention, which it obviously did. Honestly, the entire globe as a single unit benefits from the alternative energy movement... including all of your terrorist groups.

Drilling ANWR and along our coast line makes the hair on the back of my neck stand up... and the confederate flag... and guantanamo bay... and excessive police force... and disco... and the thought of Taco Johns closing... and...

SKM · Senior Member

Jib, ok so, "energy reform" equals "a better invironment" so the way I see it, your arguement is a lot of "who shot John". The way I see it, you should never refer to Nazi's to anything positive. I don't care if the Neo Nazi's, Nazi's or the KKK will benefit from energy reform. I consider them terriorist groups. When you refered to the Nazi's the hair on the back of my neck stood up. It was like saying "geeze, even Middle East Terrorists groups could benefit from energy reform."

P.s. That breath in through the mouth thing...I think you got it backwards. It's in through the nose and out through the mouth. smile

Steve Powell · Guru

Well, I'm afraid this "energy reform" is NOT going to happen by the time oil reaches $300 per barrel. So unless we all resort to walking and biking like the Hollanders do, we'll be screaming to open the wells on the coasts.

Jibslider · Senior Member

SKM wrote:

Nazi's!!!! Nazi's!!!, Are you kidding? I think your going way overboard on comparing any of us to a bunch of Nazi's! Like the Nazi's really give a crap about the environment. Get a grip, Jib.

LOL... I didn't refer to anybody as a Nazi except Nazi's themself! I was making a point that energy reform should not be a partisan issue, virtually every political group has interest in energy reform (I did name Republicans too if you will read the post).

Energy reform... I didn't mention environmental policy... energy reform... breathe in through the mouth and out through the nose... smile

-- Edited by Jibslider at 16:58, 2008-04-19

SKM · Senior Member

Nazi's!!!! Nazi's!!!, Are you kidding? I think your going way overboard on comparing any of us to a bunch of Nazi's! Like the Nazi's really give a crap about the environment. Get a grip, Jib.

Jibslider · Senior Member

Steve Powell wrote:

Seriously Jib? Even the Democrats will be screaming to increase the supply of oil to bring the price of gas down from $15 per gallon. When that happens we won't have much choice. Like I said, the environmentalists will take a backseat to the issue at that point. Mark my words.

Ok, I mark your words. Energy obviously should not a partisan topic. It's very difficult to choose a side when it comes to alternative energy sources (unless you or your VP has a vested interest in the current dwindling sources of energy... bummer).

Seriously, even the Bush administration, Republicans, Democrats, Libertarians, and Nazi's all are on the same page when it comes to funding research for alternative means of energy. Those that would just rather focus ALL efforts towards a source that's days are numbered are just blowing smoke in the face of their children and grandchildren.

Steve Powell · Guru

Seriously Jib? Even the Democrats will be screaming to increase the supply of oil to bring the price of gas down from $15 per gallon. When that happens we won't have much choice. Like I said, the environmentalists will take a backseat to the issue at that point. Mark my words.

Jibslider · Senior Member

Mica wrote:

Well I'm one of those SUV drivin mamas truckin my 4 kids around. I would have a pretty hard time cramming 4 boys in a Honda Civic hybrid or a Prius. Are there hybrids big enough for 6 people?

http://www.hybridcars.com/shop-for-cars/suv

There are many options for larger hybrid vehicles. I believe there is even a Tahoe hybrid out on the market, and with the escalating fuel prices there will only be more hybrids out there (including the dreded minivan)... driving the up-front costs down.

The best thing about hard times at the fuel pump is that there is so much consumer interest "fueling" industry incentive to develop alternative fuel sources for vehicles and for home energy needs. Why limit yourself to alternative energy at the pump when there are numerous options that can be done at home... signing up for green power, installing solar powered water heaters, proper insulation, etc.

Good luck getting off-shore rigs on the east and especially west coast of the US. There is no way that will fly, even with escalating fuel prices. The "Not in my backyard mentality is rampant". I can see drilling in ANWR... it seems all that Alaskans care about is getting a larger dividend check each year. cry

Jimmylikesvikes · Veteran Member

Steve, I'm already at that point of frustration. Every time I go to the gas pump I feel like yelling, "I'm mad as hell, and I'm not going to take it anymore!". But then I'm back a few weeks later pumping gas and saying "OK, now I'm really mad!". But there really isn't much we can do other than what some posters have already suggested, alternative fuels, carpooling, busing, motorcycle, electric scooter, etc. But the problem for me comes when I need to pick my kids up from sports and running all over town to different events.. that's starting to cost some big $$$$$. It's pretty difficult to carpool or bus for most traveling scenarios. I remember the day when I said "I'll never drive a minivan". But when it comes to family travel and looking at fuel economy now days, a minvan seems to be the best option.... and so now I drive a minivan with OK gas mileage. But trust me, I don't have one of those "soccer mom" stickers on the back. That's where I draw the line!

Steve Powell · Guru

Believe it or not, we're actually par for the course with our gas prices compared to those of 1985. In todays dollars, the price of oil in the mid 80's would have been around $95 per barrel. So we're slightly higher than we were then.

The prices will continue to rise as long as the Asian market continues to increase and it won't be until the price of oil hits upwards to $300 per barrel that we tell the environmentalists to screw off and demand that we start drilling in ANWR and both the East and West coast shorelines. It will be then that politicians heads will roll if our oil output doesn't increase. If we increase the supply so that it's greater than the demand, the prices will drop.

ranramsey · Veteran Member

Maybe this topic needs new life, with all the recent activity.....

-- Edited by ranramsey at 18:15, 2008-04-18

SKM · Senior Member

Oh, Bruce...I knew that! I was having fun with you too! What's done is done and you can't go back. It's all good. Hey, btw...did you know Jodi had a baby boy about 7 months ago? He's a little cutie!!! She named him Blaze. I think the name suits him to a T! smile

P.S.

tring to remember who had the full sized Green Blazer.....

gundo · Senior Member

im not suggesting getting rid of the suvs all together. just suggesting there are steps we all can take to reduce our usage. if one can afford a lil car for most of the running and use the suv/4x4 for rec use or long trips with lots of family.

again, only a suggestion.

shayla, ya know i did not go into any details was only playin with ya a lil. lol. hell i had my stupid moves as well. like the time i slammed into the back of a classmates green full size blazer. atleast no one was hurt there either, only my savings.....

-- Edited by gundo at 08:14, 2008-03-19

SKM · Senior Member

Awww... Bruce, you gonna begrudge me one little house? Besides,...nobody got hurt (thank God) and I learned not to hot dog in town! That was quite a night tho! Jodi and I got tagged with Vince and Larry for quite a few years.

-- Edited by SKM at 23:00, 2008-03-18

SKM · Senior Member

Amen, Mica! AND how do you pull a boat all the way to Van Hook with a Prius? It'd take ya 3 days to get there! LOL And I also feel saver in my truck. If a semi-truck was to hit one of those little Prius....well, lets just say I'll never own or drive one.

gundo · Senior Member

ooook i won't. lol

Mica wrote:

DONT EVEN!!! I might be getting old and have several children but I'm not moving "up" to a minivan. I love my gas guzzlin 'Burb.

regwesterso · Newbie

The smaller size of vehicle does take some getting used to. The kids are grown now so, it's only the wife and I that will be in the car. The grandson fits nicely iin the back seat though

Mica · Veteran Member

DONT EVEN!!! I might be getting old and have several children but I'm not moving "up" to a minivan. I love my gas guzzlin 'Burb.

gundo · Senior Member

6 peeps? damn thats a small tribe. lol, i wont mention minivans in a futile task to try save my hide.... lol