The Surgeon General Warns.......

In spite of discussions about alternative energy, coal makes up more than half of the nation's energy sources. This energy plant burns coal brought to the plant on barges up the Ohio River and is nestled on the riverbank just outside Parkersburg, West Virginia not far from where I live. The electrical energy produced goes out to customers on the grid. At first glance this might be considered a good poster shot for Al Gore's how to clean up the environment campaign.

However, look past what you think you see and know that this plant just completed a 1.5 million dollar project that was completed in December 2007 to remove sulfur dioxide from the emissions. The project also included a "scrubber" system that traps fly ash; that is particles produced by burning coal before they can be released into the air.

I know when I rounded the bend in the road and this sight was before me I had mixed emotions. The huge cooling towers are always ominous for me to begin with. But, I did a little research and know this company is trying to comply with federal regulations and the EPA to make it's company one of the most efficient at producing energy.
Just remember each time you flick on the light switch some things are necessary for that comfort.

Now, for the good stuff!

This is today's backyard wildlife. I've been trying to capture this little guy with my camera all week. I had a shot of him on a suet feeder hanging upside down for dear life. That photo was shot through the window and isn't very clear. Today it was nice outside and I sat on my patio with camera in hand. He showed up and I quickly got a fairly clear shot. His red spot on his head and black and white feathers lead me to believe he's a downy woodpecker. Hopefully better shots will come.

These were the skies off my patio deck before sunset last evening. To me it looks like God threw cotton balls at the sky!