Mud City Press

WHAT OUR READERS ARE SAYING

Sometimes our readers send us articles to read. Sometimes they suggest websites. Sometimes they simply comment on what we're putting down. Sometimes they've got a whole lot better angle on this stuff than we do. Check it out.

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COMMENTS:
Wendy in Eastern Oregon writes: "I really enjoyed reading Carolyn Baker's interview with you. It gave me clarity that food security is the place to begin with bringing people together to prepare for the coming 'challenges' (to put it mildly). An excellent 'Ah-Ha!' Thank you. When I mention peak oil to people, I usually receive blank looks and silence. But, there's lots of enthusiasm here for extended season gardening, and a general 'pioneer' and self-sufficiency attitude in the community."
Sunshine outside Eugene writes: "Many of us older citizens are very much aware of the problems we face in the future, having lived through the 30's. This future however appears much more serious. Many folks lived right through the 30's with few problems due to the fact that they were able to produce their own foods. My family had chickens and even a cow in our backyard. The lot was just average in size, maybe 9000 sq. ft. There were no complaints from the neighbors or the government."
Zachary in Eugene writes: " I regret to inform you that your theory of 'peak energy' is ill informed. In fact, the world is going to shift from petroleum to uranium, as it shifted from wood to coal to oil in previous centuries. I have already studied the issue at the University of Oregon and have even taken a peak oil class (Political Science 399, summer 2006). The fuel supply for nuclear power is virtually limitless is we use reactors with a fast-neutron fission spectrum, which destroy transuranic actinides to produce electricity. Over 100 times the energy can be extracted from the original uranium feedstock, which makes utilizing low-grade ores possible, even those found in the earth's oceans. See links Sustainable Nuclear and Fast Reactors. Since terrestrial 'renewable' energy is derived ultimately from the influx of solar radiation to the earth, or geothermal from the radiation of uranium in the earth, fast-neutron fission is actually as sustainable as 'renewables.' The current plan is to build thermal-neutron light water reactors over the next decade, then use their waste to fuel advanced burner reactors in subsequent decades."
Carol in Prescott, Arizona writes: "I received Prairie Fire and am halfway through it. It's a winner!!! I can't put it down. My daughter wants to read it next but I told her she'd have to wait until I read it a second time. There's so much in there, it's a challenge seeing the whole picture first-time-around."
Old Joe in Eugene, Oregon writes: "I finished reading TAMING THE DRAGON yesterday. It's a great novel. I had a hard time putting it down. I enjoyed reading about the world's largest dam and the condition of the Yangtze River. Excellent book!!!"
Wendy in Eastern Oregon writes: "Spelling error on website–under 'Recent Additions'– check Big Melt Meets Big Empty, word 'Implication.'"
Richard in Eugene, Oregon writes: "Dan, I am immensely enjoying PRAIRIE FIRE!! I keep being amazed how you can seem to be into the inner know in so many diverse contexts! Are you a CIA mole??!? I'll bet you're smirking now thinking, oh, if he only knew the truth! He thinks he's making a joke!"
Mark in Upper Lake, California writes: "I read PRAIRIE FIRE over he last few days and I must say that I enjoyed it very much. I'm no expert or anything, but I do read a lot and I found it the equal or better than many novels I've read by 'famous' authors. It was a real page-burner for me–and I like the fact that you presented your arguments and philosophy without being preachy. I hope you make the best-seller lists!"
Carol in Prescott, Arizona writes: "Take a look at me in action. This story appeared Friday in our local paper. Article. There are three pieces of information that are not included in the article which I think are significant. One: I'm 73 years old–so, never too late to change and take action. Two: my city lot is SMALL, probably not even a quarter acre, but using Permaculture techniques and principles, I'm utilizing just about every inch of space and meeting with success, mostly. And, three, I'm growing grains in the parkway in the front of my house, corn (which is coming up!!!), buckwheat (which is also coming up!!!) and amaranth (not yet). Bottom line: I'm trying to realize a complete diet: protein (chicken eggs); grains; fruit (apples,raspberries,blackberries,cactus); and vegetables. Also, lemon and fig trees (in containers). It s a bunch of work, more than I bargained for but this is what is going to be required of all of us as we reach a decline in water, fossil fuels, and climate changes." EDITOR'S RESPONSE: RIGHT ON, CAROL!
Carl in Sherwood, Oregon writes: "PETROLEUM WARS IN AN AGE OF CLIMATE CHANGE is such a well-stated opinion. It didn't change my mind, of course, but it sure makes me want to address the poobahs who are resisting common sense and failing to act in reducing reliance on fossil fuel consumption. Good work, Dano. We can't say it much plainer than that; if you lead the horse to water and he refuses to drink ? What else are you gonna do? Molatov cocktails?"
Pat in Santa Barbara, California responds to THE FUTURE IS NOT WHAT IT USED TO BE: "You do know that Jimmy Carter had solar panels on the White House, and Reagan had them taken down when he moved in! Also, remember, out went small light good-mileage cars because in came the copying-Reagan's-ranch heavier bigger gas-guzzling pickups which, with various morphs into SUVs, etc., continue 'til today."
VISIT THESE WEBSITES:
carolynbaker.net
solari.com
mountainsentinel.com
sacredlight.to
permatopia.com
oilempire.us
road-scholar.org