• Who’s got gas?

    A Senate committee approved a plan Tuesday to increase fuel efficiency standards to an average of 35 miles per gallon by 2020 in a move closely watched by automakers and environmental groups.

    Senate panel votes to boost fuel economy levels. By Ken Thomas, Associated Press

    You know what I thought when I first saw this headline?

    It’s about time.

    You know what I thought after I read the article?

    What a disappointment.

    2020 is like what… thirteen years from now? With technological advances in batteries alone, I dare say an increase to an average of 50 miles to the gallon could be within reach. Personally, I’m hoping my NEXT car won’t burn any gas at all (most of the time anyway… I’m intrigued by the plug-in hybrid idea).

    If hobbyists in California can make a plug-in Hybrid that essentially gives you an electric car – with the flexibility to run longer with the existing fuel distribution infrastructure (re: gas stations) – imagine what could be achieved with a little leadership from our elected officials.

    This is where you’re going to ask me, “and where is all that electricity going to come from John? Don’t electricity plants pollute too?” The short answer is yes, but it’s not that simple (reality rarely is). Have you ever wondered why we have central power plants for our electricity? Hell, we could all run our own generators in our back yards. There are probably lots of reasons why we don’t (fuel distribution, start-up costs, etc), but I think I know one reason: it’s generally more efficient to produce a lot of something than a little. If this is true for “power” in general (not just electricity), then our current model for transportation may be the least efficient model possible. Sure, electric cars require energy… but compared to our current model (the equivalent of everyone running their own power-plant), it may be a quantum leap in efficiency. And you all know what efficiency means? If you answered: “achieving maximum output with minimum waste or expense” you win the prize! (Any guesses as to what emissions from a vehicle are? They’re waste products.)

    Yes, I know it was just a few months ago when I wrote about fuel efficiency – and my entry talked about increases in fuel efficiency MUCH more modest than the one proposed in the Senate. In my defense… and I think you may agree if you re-read the entry (I double dog dare you!)… I was referring to the lost opportunity to increase fuel efficiency standards over the last twenty years (as much if not more so than future increases).

    This proposal in the Senate is a day late, a whole heapin’ helpin’ of dollars short, and is incredibly short sighted.

    It’s amazing to me that conservatives can cede any leadership on the issue of global warming, claiming “technology will save us when – and if – we need it to,” but they can’t put proof to their beliefs when it comes to fuel efficiency standards – which have ALL KINDS of implications beyond global warming (national security and economic considerations, just to name two).

    Normally I can write to blow off a little steam… but I’m just getting angrier, so I suppose now is a good time to stop typing.

  • The “c” word

    In the last month or so I’ve learned a few new terms, and become more intimate with a few familiar ones.

    There’s CBC (complete blood count), hepatosplenomegaly, neutrophils, monocytes, thrombocytopenia, anemia, and Leukemia.

    I’ve also learned new variations on shock, anxiety, guilt, fear, depression, and fatigue.

    I’ll cut to the chase: two doctors (my “PCP” and my oncologist) believe I have a form of cancer known as Leukemia; or more specifically, a form of Leukemia commonly known as “Hairy Cell Leukemia” – or HCL for short. It’s a chronic form of the disease that can go undetected for quite a while. It’s relatively rare, it’s exceedingly treatable, and it has a ridiculous name. Come on, who is going to take me seriously when I tell them I have “hairy cell leukemia?” It sounds like something a fourth grader would make up (and I should know).

    It all started with an innocent refill on my allergy medication. My doctor went ahead and approved the refill at the pharmacy, but gave me a call asking me to come in for a visit. It seems it had been a little while, and my doctor wanted a little face time – for no reason in particular – just to see how things were going. (I take this as a sign that I have an exceptionally good doctor.)

    The visit resulted in a blood test – again, for no particular reason – just to see how the old machine was running – and it turned out it wasn’t running particularly well. There was a reason, other than just “life,” that I was so tired all the time. The proof was in my blood.

    I got a call-back – and not the good kind. My second appointment with my doctor began with a list of things that were good about my test. It was quickly apparent that it was a short list. Then we went through a slightly longer list of what looked funny. Finally, we went through the list of things that were a little troubling.

    Now I’ve been to see the oncologist twice – this last time to have a core sample taken from my pelvis (also known as the “bone marrow biopsy”).

    I find myself in this odd place. The best way I can describe it is the eye of the storm… but even that’s not quite right. Everyone seems nearly certain of the diagnosis, but no one’s ready to discuss treatment until this latest test comes back.

    So I wait.

    My body is in active (albeit slow) revolt.

    And I wait.

  • A complete disaster

    1. I very likely have cancer, and I’m wicked tired.
    2. My back hurts… just because it often does… but also because of that damn bone marrow biopsy (although that could just be in my head).
    3. Cheryl’s back is thoroughly out of whack, putting her completely out of commission.
    4. It has been a fabulous day outside today (and I’ve spent all of it inside).
    5. I’m a little depressed.

    I wonder if the depression has anything to do with any of the above, or if it’s just me.