Ring in the new ideas

Sometimes disagreements are based on the rigid thinking of all parties involved. Take, for example, wind power. Wind power has been a controversial topic in northern New York–and elsewhere around the country. Generally, the conversation breaks down like this: one side wants wind power because it brings local economic benefits and is a renewable source of energy; the other side, often just as concerned about finding new energy sources, is opposed because of the aesthetic impact (wind power generation takes a lot of space in open, visually obvious locations), because of noise, and because of potential destruction of wild life (birds, bees, bats).

If aesthetic impact, excessive noise, and destruction of wildlife were addressed, could we all get together on implementing wind power generation? In this week’s annual review of great ideas in the NY Times, this top ten entry.

Also, high-speed trains that don’t have to stop at stations to pick up passengers:

If you missed the NY Times article on Sunday, here’s the link to the whole collection of great ideas (some greater than others, for sure).

Years ago, I remember saying that I’d get a fancy mobile device when there was one that did everything, i.e., phone, photo, email, etc. Last spring, I gave in and purchased an iPhone. Close enough to universal functionality. What idea would you like to see become a reality? Or are we moving in the wrong direction? What ideas, moved from virtual to real, could adjust our cultural direction? It’s the end of another year, let’s talk ideas.

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6 Comments on “Ring in the new ideas”

  1. Pete Klein says:

    The end of the year seems to inspire silliness every year. Every where you look, some magazine or news paper is trying to sell copies with their “Person of the Year” or list of great this, that and the other thing.
    My pick would be for the universal availability of Vernor’s Ginger Ale.
    It’s the one thing I miss since leaving Detroit. I sometimes can get it when out in Buffalo.
    If you have had it, you know what I am talking about. Much, much better than dry ginger ale, especially with a scoop of vanilla ice cream in a tall glass.
    As far as wind power goes, we already have plenty of hot air blowing out of Albany and Washington. Now if we could only harness that for some good.

  2. Alan says:

    Years ago, I saw a piece about a building material that was something like a large lego brick that contained a small turbine and connected to others like itself to make a mass of power generation. It was proposed to be placed on roof lines and fences and anywhere a whiff of a breeze could generate some power. Fairly low tech and scalable.

  3. Anne says:

    I would love to have a battery operated vehicle that would fit my family of 6. Also, affordable organic food so all income levels would have the option to buy it!

  4. Kevin says:

    I second Pete Klein’s opinion on the universal availability of Vernor’s ginger soda. I prefer the diet version. Can Price Chopper or other local vendor carry this item. I just came back from Buffalo and brought some back with me. The can says it is canned by Clinton’s Ditch Cooperative Co. Inc. in Cicero NY – not that far away!

  5. Ellen says:

    I wonder if miles of vibrating wind panels won’t create their own problems…
    I think it is important to keep in mind that nothing we do is without effect. As an organic-growing, energy-conserving treehugger I have learned to listen carefully to the arguments of opponents. Many of them have merit. The key is to choose an action based on a realistic weighing of the pros and cons, and not to think that choice I make somehow makes me a more righteous person.

  6. Mark says:

    Another vote for Vernor’s. Clinton’s Ditch is a Pepsi cooperative. Tell your local Pepsi distiributor that you want it. I’m told they can get it, if they thought there was a market. Vernor’s is so good, it will make you sneeze at the thought of anything else that calls itself ginger ale :-).

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