Thursday, April 3, 2008

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!




12 comments:

Luiz Santilli Jr said...

Three different views of our life!

We need so much energy to live!

Nature must be preserved!

The planet must be saved!

The decision is up to us!

Luiz

This Is My Blog - fishing guy said...

Carletta: Wow, Luiz certainly summed up your post beautifully. I also visit his blog. You have some great pictures today.

George Townboy said...

Awesome post! Beautiful pictures. Love the shot of the woodpecker. Your 'kid' must have truly loved going to class everyday ... I know I would!

George Townboy said...

Of course, I meant to say kids ... as in a classroom full of admiring little eyes, lol. I appreciate being able to come by here everyday! Thanks.

Tom said...

Another 3 Aces Carletta.. I like the clouds.. I think them are similar to those a posted on Sky Watch called a 'Mackeral Sky'

Rose said...

I understand the feeling you have on rounding the bend and seeing those towers...we usually go around Cincinnati on the 275 expressway when going to TN, and I see those towers over there. They give me a strange feeling. And yet, isn't the steam that they generate beautiful?

Love the sky shot as well...

As to the woodpecker, seems to me that they are usually a rather shy bird. So I think you did good getting this shot.

judi/Gmj said...

I understand the trepidation. I also understand the need. God does throw "stuff" in the air doesn't he? :) I like your little bird and appreciate your pacience in waiting for him.

JunieRose2005 said...

Hi Carletta,

Enjoyed your pictures very much! I love it when I'm lucky enough to spy a woodpecker of any kind! They ARE elusive when it comes to getting photos of them.

I also have been enjoying your visits to my blog! I appreciate it!


Junie

Debbie said...

There is a power plant like this near the lake where we go and my brother called it the "cloud maker". The white steam was as white as it could be and the formation was...I think he called it cumulus.

Love the woodpecker! I had a beautiful cardinal about 3 feet from my window this morning and knew it wouldn't come out well through screen. I'll get him tho!

Gorgeous photos as always!

Kostas said...

Unfortunately big is problem all these, it is the beginning of end?

Dick said...

How can we do without energy? Not a very good thing that energy plant but I like the photo.

Anonymous said...

Wonderful analogy. And we must think more about such things. Love your photos. Soothes me just to think about the wide open spaces.
Brenda