Doctor Who’s celebration of their 50th Anniversary this year (!) is beginning to fill out into something wonderful. Of course.
The actual anniversary special is scheduled to air on November 23; first read through was April 1. No foolin’.
We’ve been teased now with some great facts:
- The 10th Doctor, played by David Tennant, will return with one of his companions, played by Billie Piper. This will mark their first return to the series.
- Screen legend John Hurt will be a part of this episode.
- The villain of the piece will be the Zygons, not seen on Doctor Who since they appeared in the 1975 adventure with the 4th Doctor, “Terror of the Zygons.”
The Zygons are shape shifters, and it will be great to see the new transformation possible with today’s technology. Shape shifting just wasn’t a visual treat when the Zygons first appeared 38 years ago. Check out the animation, below … we’ve come a long way since 1975.
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BBC America Daily Roundup
Doctor Who’s Ice Warriors Return
Daleks
Green energy continues to befuddle and annoy us. I’ve been approached by one too many solar energy sales people at Home Depot … so I wanted to re-examine where we were as a society with solar and renewable energy.
This photo just makes me laugh.
Making green energy has become even more controversial as investment in green technology has increased. We now have green lobbies arguing against wind farms and solar energy installations (links below) because some wildlife will be harmed in the making of the supposedly green energy. I’m sure that’s true … so which would you prefer, using oil and coal, and harming the environment, or using solar and wind, and harming the environment?
I believe in the creation of energy that I can use. And if a few birds die in the process, that’s unfortunate. I like birds. But I like using energy, too.
But I digress.
Here’s a great set of tips on how to lower your energy bill without installing expensive solar panels. And you might be surprised to see what’s most important! According to the Minnesota Power utility, buying solar panels for your home is the LAST thing you should do! Here’s a priority list they developed to help their customers, which you can see here.
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Musings Of An Energy Nerd
Clean Power Collateral Damage
Saving Desert Tortoises
The High Cost Of Renewable Electricity Mandates
Concord, New Hampshire – High Electric Rates
James Earl “Jimmy” Carter, Jr. (1924 – )
Jimmy Carter, portrait at the National Portrait Gallery by Robert Clark Templeton
The 39th President of the United States, 1977 – 1981
AKA: Jimmy, The Peanut Famer
From: Georgia
College: Georgia Southwestern College, Georgia Institute of Technology, US Naval Academy
Married to: Rosalynn Smith
Children: Jack, James, Donnel, Amy
Party: Democratic
Previous Jobs: Peanut farmer, US Navy officer, state senator, Governor of Georgia
In His Words: “At the end of a long campaign, I believe I know the people of our state as well as anyone. Based on this knowledge of Georgians North and South, Rural and Urban, liberal and conservative, I say to you quite frankly that the time for racial discrimination is over.”
“We should live our lives as though Christ were coming this afternoon.”
“I’ve looked on many women with lust. I’ve committed adultery in my heart many times. God knows I will do this and forgives me.”
“I never felt that my dedication to military service was a violation of my faith in Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace.”
“Let us learn together and laugh together and work together and pray together, confident that in the end we will triumph together in the right.”
“We are a purely idealistic Nation, but let no one confuse our idealism with weakness.”
“Penalties against drug use should not be more damaging to an individual than the use of the drug itself. Nowhere is this more clear than in the laws against the possession of marijuana in private for personal use.”
“We are completely in bed with the Israelis to the detriment of the well-being of the Palestinians.”
“I can’t deny I’m a better ex-president than I was a president.”
Not true: In 1994, President Clinton and North Korea escalated tensions when North Korean President Kim Il-sung threatened to process spent nuclear fuel. Clinton then secretly recruited Carter to go on a “private” peace mission to North Korea to allow them a graceful exit without losing face.
Carter did indeed come to an understanding with President Kim Il-sung … but then went even farther. Without authorization, he negotiated a treaty and announced it on CNN – without Clinton’s permission – to help force the President’s hand. Eventually, a version of the treaty was signed and tensions did in fact decrease.
Until North Korea broke the treaty in reaction to a dispute with President George W Bush’s administration and the North Korean government of President Kim Jong-il.
It is true that Carter exceeded his “secret” authority, and whether or not the treaty was ultimately successful depends on your perspective. Bush administration officials, after North Korea discarded the agreement, stated they never intended to follow it. Carter felt the problem was with the Bush administration. In the end, however, the agreement was broken and North Korea remains unrepentant to this day.
True: Jimmy Carter is the first President born in a hospital.
In high school, Carter was a member of the Future Farmers of America.
In response to the 1979 USSR invasion of Afghanistan, Carter decided to boycott the 1980 Moscow Olympics.
Amy Carter, who grew up while her Dad was President, had a tree house on the South Grounds of the White House. Sometimes she watched special ceremonies from there.
Carter is one of only 4 Presidents that did not have an opportunity to nominate a US Supreme Court Justice.
Carter is the only President to receive the Nobel Peace Prize after leaving office.
The Official Portrait: Herbert E Abrams painted this 1982 portrait of Jimmy Carter that’s in the White House collection. It was a gift to the White House from an anonymous donor. Abrams also painted the official White House portrait of George H. W. Bush.
