http://www.blogtalkradio.com/redesigntheparadigmFocus on real problems, challenge existing assumptions, move beyond ideologies and belief systems. seek solutions that benefit society instead of the select few, then design new systems to improve the human condition. enCopyright Michael Spencer (C/O Blogtalkradio)Sat, 15 Jun 2019 16:00:00 GMTWed, 01 Dec 2010 06:30:00 GMTCurrent EventsBlogTalkRadio Feed v2.0https://dasg7xwmldix6.cloudfront.net/hostpics/4460b236-314c-4250-9d07-5a4cf11668f4_275932_m.jpghttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/redesigntheparadigmFocus on real problems, challenge existing assumptions, move beyond ideologies and belief systems. seek solutions that benefit society instead of the select few, then design new systems to improve the human condition. feeds@blogtalkradio.comBlogTalkRadio.comcurrent events,debt deficit spending fiscal,financialization banks investments financial,globalization gdp taxes economy,politics lobbying campaign contributions,processed refined foods,regulation congress politics lobbying,securities derivatives instruments,special interests republican democrat,tax treasury bonds increase responsibilityMichael SpencernoFocus on real problems, challenge existing assumptions, move beyond ideologies and belief systems. seek solutions that benefit society instead of the select fewepisodichttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/redesigntheparadigm/2010/12/01/us-fiscal-responsibility-increase-revenues-and-decCurrent Eventshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/redesigntheparadigm/2010/12/01/us-fiscal-responsibility-increase-revenues-and-dec/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/redesigntheparadigm/2010/12/01/us-fiscal-responsibility-increase-revenues-and-decWed, 01 Dec 2010 06:30:00 GMTU.S. Fiscal Responsibility – Increase Revenues and Decrease SpendingIn the previous blog U.S. Fiscal Responsibility – An Assessment of Growing U.S. Deficits and Debt Obligations I discussed the factors contributing to the U.S. debt, potential dangers if irresponsible fiscal policies continue, and a strategic direction for returning to fiscal responsibility. Of equal importance are receipts (tax revenues) and outlays (government spending) and how those allocations are distributed, which will be discussed in this blog. As of October 2010 the U.S. debt has grown to $13.5 trillion, a 131% increase in a decade. Bush administration fiscal policy resulted in a record $4.22 trillion increase in U.S. debt. This was principally caused by lost revenue from the enactment of the 2001 and 2003 tax cuts, the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, and increases in federal spending that added $700 billion a year to the budget. These spending increases were not matched with additional tax revenues expected from the economic growth the Bush tax cuts were projected to provide. The Obama administration soon outpaced the debt increases of the Bush era by racking up $3.53 trillion in less than 2 years. Debt increases from the Obama administration were driven largely by hundreds of billions in stimulus programs to spur the economy out of recession, a $1 trillion down payment on the new health care program, and escalations in spending for safety net programs and education. 00:48:00Michael Spencernodebt deficit spending fiscal,politics lobbying campaign contributions,special interests republican democrat,tax treasury bonds increase responsibility,war trade GDP economy increase cutsIn the previous blog U.S. Fiscal Responsibility – An Assessment of Growing U.S. Deficits and Debt Obligations I discussed the factors contributing to the U.S. dhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/redesigntheparadigm/2010/12/01/us-fiscal-responsibility-an-assessment-of-growing-us-deficits-and-debt-obligations-1Current Eventshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/redesigntheparadigm/2010/12/01/us-fiscal-responsibility-an-assessment-of-growing-us-deficits-and-debt-obligations-1/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/redesigntheparadigm/2010/12/01/us-fiscal-responsibility-an-assessment-of-growing-us-deficits-and-debt-obligations-1Wed, 01 Dec 2010 05:30:00 GMTU.S. Fiscal Responsibility – An Assessment of Growing U.S. Deficits and Debt ObligationsFiscal responsibility is rapidly becoming one of the most important issues facing the United States. Debt is growing at an unsustainable rate and unless decisive action is taken soon time may be running out to voluntarily change the financial course of our future. Failure to reign in debt could lead to a fiscal crisis where investors, both foreign and domestic, lose confidence in the U.S. ability to manage its budget. This in turn, would decrease the value of the U.S. debt financing instruments, i.e. Treasury Bonds, affecting the U.S. ability to borrow at affordable rates and driving up interest rates resulting in either severe inflation or deflation and high unemployment. Without strict adherence to fiscal responsibility, which at this point equates to cuts in both discretionary and non-discretionary spending and increases in tax revenues, these outcomes may be unavoidable. 00:38:00Michael Spencernodebt deficit spending fiscal,politics lobbying campaign contributions,special interests republican democrat,tax treasury bonds increase responsibility,war trade GDP economy increase cutFiscal responsibility is rapidly becoming one of the most important issues facing the United States. Debt is growing at an unsustainable rate and unless decishttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/redesigntheparadigm/2010/07/24/the-process-for-transitioning-to-renewable-energyCurrent Eventshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/redesigntheparadigm/2010/07/24/the-process-for-transitioning-to-renewable-energy/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/redesigntheparadigm/2010/07/24/the-process-for-transitioning-to-renewable-energySat, 24 Jul 2010 04:00:00 GMTThe Process For Transitioning To Renewable EnergyIn the previous blog A Call For The Transition To Renewable Energy it was discussed that industrialized nations of the world will soon have to address that a world energy crisis driven by demand from developing countries is looming within the next 25 years. Fossil fuels alone will not be able to meet demand easier to extract surface sources rapidly become exhausted requiring more difficult and environmentally damaging drilling and mining procedures that are both more time intensive and expensive. The increased costs and potential shortages will create more geopolitical stresses between countries as they scramble to meet their energy demands. It is past time to seriously implement existing renewable energy sources (biofuels, solar thermal, photovoltaics, wind, geothermal, tidal, and biomass) to supplement fossil fuels over the next 25 years while actively searching for long term, highly efficient energy systems to transition into beyond 2035. The transition to increase renewable energy sources process should start in the liquid fuel sectors that utilize petroleum predominately for transportation (gasoline, diesel, and jet fuel). Increasing the additive rates of ethanol in gasoline up to E30 and providing government subsidies for fuel line conversions. Diesel can be supplemented with bio-diesel creating blends up to B30 and governments should provide the same subsides for fuel line conversions. Bio diesel can be produced from bio-algae, jatropha, and halophytes and even use of microbial organisms to increase the bio-diesel’s processing efficiencies. The other half of the fossil fuel equation is electricity production which is provided by coal and natural gas. Electricity consumption actually requires more fossil fuels than transportation needs. The transition here over the next 25 years should be over to solar thermal / photovoltaic, wind, tidal, geothermal, and biomass facilities. 00:46:00Michael Spencernoenergy renewable fossil fuel transition,demand petroleum oil natural gas coal,solar thermal wind geothermal tidal,biofuels ethanol cellulosic biodiesel,biodiesel lobbying government subsidiesIn the previous blog A Call For The Transition To Renewable Energy it was discussed that industrialized nations of the world will soon have to address that a whttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/redesigntheparadigm/2010/07/23/a-call-for-renewable-energyCurrent Eventshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/redesigntheparadigm/2010/07/23/a-call-for-renewable-energy/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/redesigntheparadigm/2010/07/23/a-call-for-renewable-energyFri, 23 Jul 2010 04:00:00 GMTA Call For Renewable EnergyHow is it that our scientists and technologies have created exponential growth in computing, super colliders, nano-technology, particle weaponry, world-wide satellite coverage, etc. and yet for energy production we are limiting ourselves to a polluting, 100+ year old technology that creates geo-political instability around the world and has most recently become subject to the whims of commodities traders? Industrialized nations of the world will soon have to address that a world energy crisis driven by demand from developing countries is looming within the next 25 years. The bulk of the energy industry’s production motives which are dominated by fossil fuels and its obsession with profitability are not going to provide the solution for our upcoming energy problems. World energy producers have become very efficient at extracting, processing, refining, and distributing petroleum for transportation liquid fuels, and coal / natural gas for electricity production. However, production will not be able to keep pace with the growing world wide demand expected to rise almost 50% by 2035, much of that coming from the developing countries of China, India and in Southeast Asia. This is not a matter of peak oil or how much fossil fuel remains in the ground, but an issue of simple supply versus demand. 00:30:00Michael Spencernoenergy fossil fuels renewable,coal natural gas petroleum oil,countries developing developed,renewable solar thermal geothermal tidal wind,biofuel biodiesel cellulosic ethanolHow is it that our scientists and technologies have created exponential growth in computing, super colliders, nano-technology, particle weaponry, world-wide sathttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/redesigntheparadigm/2010/07/02/take-responsibility-for-your-health-us-healthcare-Healthhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/redesigntheparadigm/2010/07/02/take-responsibility-for-your-health-us-healthcare-/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/redesigntheparadigm/2010/07/02/take-responsibility-for-your-health-us-healthcare-Fri, 02 Jul 2010 04:00:00 GMTTake Responsibility for Your Health, U.S. Healthcare Coverage May Become Tiered - Foods to EatIn my last talk show, Take Responsibility for Your Health – Foods to Avoid, I mentioned how the U.S. healthcare system may attempt within the next decade to begin to tier coverage based on age, obesity related diseases, and individuals with chronic illnesses, all in an attempt to curb escalating healthcare costs. Provisions to the Healthcare Reform Act could be enacted over the next 10 years that would target and limit coverage to individuals who display behavioral health patterns that result in otherwise preventable chronic and terminal diseases. These provisions may even target citizens after they reach a certain age if they are determined to no longer be a viable, contributing member to society. If we don’t take responsibility for ourselves and change our lifestyles, the government may step in with what could be a European style of socialized medicine in conjunction with a system of monitoring and data collection regarding our health histories and try to do it for us, or they could simply tier the healthcare coverage in order to limit what is available for those that don’t meet the standards. Of the behavioral lifestyle changes perhaps the most important is eating healthy. Unfortunately, that means moving away from an American diet. The bulk of U.S. manufactured foods are saturated in addictive levels of fats, sugars, and salts and contain complex preservatives and additives some of which have been found to block receptors that tell us we are full and that have additional addictive qualities themselves. Basically if the food comes in a box, can, plastic bag, or similar such container it is probably processed and refined multiple times and is generally very good at making people fat and food companies profitable. Tonight we discuss foods we should eat that are healthy and lifestyle changes that will lower the chance of acquiring chronic disease. 00:46:00Michael Spencernofood health healthcare,healthy obesity costs,reform profits salts sugars fats additives,calories lifestyle behavioral exercise,fruits vegetables meats grainsIn my last talk show, Take Responsibility for Your Health – Foods to Avoid, I mentioned how the U.S. healthcare system may attempt within the next decade to beghttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/redesigntheparadigm/2010/06/16/take-responsibility-for-your-health-as-us-healthcaCurrent Eventshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/redesigntheparadigm/2010/06/16/take-responsibility-for-your-health-as-us-healthca/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/redesigntheparadigm/2010/06/16/take-responsibility-for-your-health-as-us-healthcaWed, 16 Jun 2010 04:00:00 GMTTake Responsibility for Your Health, U.S. Healthcare Coverage May Become Tiered – Foods to AvoidThe U.S. healthcare system of the near future may begin to tier coverage based on age, history of chronic illnesses, and obesity levels in an effort to curb escalating costs. This can be accomplished by providing satisfactory levels of coverage to the public but limiting coverage for the more expensive treatments associated with obesity related diseases, chronic illness, and the those experienced by the elderly. If you want a good quality of life into your 60’s, 70’s, and 80’s going to your doctor and being treated with drugs for years is not the answer. Save drugs for emergencies, they are of incredible value for curing infections, certain cancers, and a host of other diseases. Too many people in our society look to their medical professionals for the quick fix (a pill) to their ailments or if things get out of control they will accept more drastic solutions out of necessity like surgery or more complex treatments (i.e. cancer treatments). Then more drugs and a return to their lifestyle that created the problems to begin with. The only real long term solution available to us is to change our lifestyles, and this means first and foremost the way we eat. Tonight we list the foods to avoid. This is not the solution! Our healthcare costs are expected to rise significantly over the next decade. Large numbers of retiring baby boomers and a massive increase of obesity related illnesses will continue to drive costs up. Some form of European socialized healthcare may be implemented to reign in rampant corporate profit maximization and other related costs. But under this type of healthcare, coverage will suffer for those who are the greatest burden on the system. The only real long term solution available to us is to change our lifestyles, and this means first and foremost the way we eat. 00:46:00Michael Spencernofood healthcare health reform,illness disease chronic costs,fats salts sugars obesity unhealthy,baby boomers retirement eat,additives perseratives population healtheyThe U.S. healthcare system of the near future may begin to tier coverage based on age, history of chronic illnesses, and obesity levels in an effort to curb eschttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/redesigntheparadigm/2010/06/09/how-the-changing-healthcare-environment-will-impacCurrent Eventshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/redesigntheparadigm/2010/06/09/how-the-changing-healthcare-environment-will-impac/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/redesigntheparadigm/2010/06/09/how-the-changing-healthcare-environment-will-impacWed, 09 Jun 2010 04:00:00 GMTHow the Changing Healthcare Environment Will Impact Baby BoomersThe US healthcare system is currently the last remaining privatized healthcare systems in the industrialized world. The new health plan passed by the Obama administration is the first of many stages that will, over the next decade, lead us down the road to socialized medicine. This is a similar path that many European countries followed along the way to creating a complete socialized medical system. Lawmakers believe that by being proactive there is a chance to stem costs and provide as much service as is financially possible to the majority of the population. Unfortunately, if you are over 75 or whatever the determined cutoff age is you may no longer considered a viable contributor to society, therefore your tier of service will begin to decrease compared to the rest of the population. The population will need to start taking responsibility for themselves and change their lifestyles if they want to live into their 70’s and 80’s with any kind of quality of life.00:30:00Michael Spencernohealthcare health insurance,food pharmacueticals drugs treatments,socialized medicine medicare medicaid,taxes legislation european costs,baby boomers obesity prevenativeThe US healthcare system is currently the last remaining privatized healthcare systems in the industrialized world. The new health plan passed by the Obama admihttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/redesigntheparadigm/2010/06/03/the-us-illegal-immigration-policy-does-not-go-far-enoughCurrent Eventshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/redesigntheparadigm/2010/06/03/the-us-illegal-immigration-policy-does-not-go-far-enough/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/redesigntheparadigm/2010/06/03/the-us-illegal-immigration-policy-does-not-go-far-enoughThu, 03 Jun 2010 04:00:00 GMTThe U.S. Illegal Immigration Policy Does Not Go Far EnoughThe U.S. government has not been able to satisfactorily deal with illegal immigration. States have been bearing the costs of providing food assistance programs, Medicaid, and K-12 education for illegal immigrants at a cost of tens of millions of dollars per year. Many of these States can no longer afford these costs as they are drowning in debt due to fiscal irresponsibility. However one chooses to think about illegal immigration, it is illegal according to Federal law – 8 U.S.C. § 1325 : US Code – Section 1325. The majority of illegal immigrants are hard working people from Mexico or other Latin American countries (approximately 78%) and many are fleeing economic oppression and poverty. This Hispanic migration also provides considerable benefits to numerous industries (construction, agriculture), service sectors, and countless companies by creating a pool of cheap labor that benefits those companies profitability as well as providing cheaper products and services to U.S. consumers. There are however additional sides to illegal immigration that are considered undesirable. Thirty seven percent of all inmates in federal prisons are in the U.S. illegally. Drug trafficking and human smuggling by illegal aliens is increasing throughout the Border States and requiring those States to increase manpower and equipment costs in both law enforcement and border patrol. The current methods to battle illegal immigration are not proving effective. Building a wall across the U.S. southern border with additional patrols and surveillance equipment is costly. Border fences and increased manpower along the borders will not stop an individual’s survival instinct or a person’s desire to improve their condition or improve the conditions of their families. A long term realistic solution needs to be considered. At best current measures can slow the flow of illegal immigration. Tonight we will discuss realistic and longterm options to reign in illegal immigration. 00:30:00Michael Spencernoillegal alien America border citizenship civil,companies contract costs employee,English federal government politics states,immigration indenture industry Latin law,Mexico military profit service states wagesThe U.S. government has not been able to satisfactorily deal with illegal immigration. States have been bearing the costs of providing food assistance programhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/redesigntheparadigm/2010/06/01/bp-should-not-be-allowed-to-lobby-or-litigate-theiCurrent Eventshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/redesigntheparadigm/2010/06/01/bp-should-not-be-allowed-to-lobby-or-litigate-thei/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/redesigntheparadigm/2010/06/01/bp-should-not-be-allowed-to-lobby-or-litigate-theiTue, 01 Jun 2010 04:00:00 GMTBP Should Not be Allowed to Lobby or Litigate Their Way Out of Responsibility For The Gulf Oil SpillBP is the largest oil and gas producer in the United States with over 22,000 oil and gas wells many on federal land) across the United States. BP profits for the first quarter of 2010 alone were $5.59 billion dollars. Since 2005 profits have totaled approximately $105 Billion according to their own annual reports. In the past three years BP has managed to receive 97% percent of all flagrant violations issued by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). It appears clear that BP has displayed a blatant disregard for regulations involving safety, maintenance, and operational procedures and this disregard extended to the rig Deepwater Horizon. BP’s attitude of non-compliance towards regulation seems motivated by profit maximization and the company has not appeared overly concerned with consequences. BP spends tens of millions of dollars on lobbying ($16 million spent last year alone) over the past 5 years, much of which was concentrated against regulation. It appears BP will once again rely on lobbying to influence key legislators to reduce long term penalties and to fight violations and lawsuits in court much like Exxon did with the Exxon Valdez spill. There are options that the U.S. can initiate that will ensure BP compliance - tonight we discuss those options.00:30:00Michael SpencernoBP oil gas Gulf spill pollution,violations OSHA lawsuit litigation,lobbying camapign contribution,clean up compensation despersant,relief wells Ixtol 1 exxon Valdez responsilbiltyBP is the largest oil and gas producer in the United States with over 22,000 oil and gas wells many on federal land) across the United States. BP profits for thhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/redesigntheparadigm/2010/05/20/profit-maximization-versus-the-basic-needs-of-a-ciCurrent Eventshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/redesigntheparadigm/2010/05/20/profit-maximization-versus-the-basic-needs-of-a-ci/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/redesigntheparadigm/2010/05/20/profit-maximization-versus-the-basic-needs-of-a-ciThu, 20 May 2010 05:00:00 GMTProfit Maximization versus the Basic Needs of a Civilization – Food and Energy ProductionProfit maximization and increasing individual or shareholder wealth should no longer be the driving goals to meet our civilizations basic needs (i.e. food production, energy for electricity and transportation). Our current system for meeting these needs is driven by quarterly profits, analyst expectations, executive pay plans, stockholder value, and subsidies to politically connected and very profitable companies. There is considerably less emphasis and focus on the end user – the U.S. consumer and taxpayer. Removing corporations and investors motivated solely by profitability from these vital sectors of our economy and replacing them with regulated private non-profit companies will do away with the politically connected oligarchies that primarily benefit the wealthy elite at the expense of the population as a whole. The purpose of these non-profits will be to provide products and services at the lowest possible end user price and in the most efficient methods possible.00:30:00Michael Spencernocivilization corporation energy food,fossil fuels health care industry insurance,non-profit pharmaceutical production,profit profitability renewable tax,society status quo subsidy wealthProfit maximization and increasing individual or shareholder wealth should no longer be the driving goals to meet our civilizations basic needs (i.e. food produhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/redesigntheparadigm/2010/05/11/increasing-populations-are-decreasing-world-wide-wCurrent Eventshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/redesigntheparadigm/2010/05/11/increasing-populations-are-decreasing-world-wide-w/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/redesigntheparadigm/2010/05/11/increasing-populations-are-decreasing-world-wide-wTue, 11 May 2010 05:00:00 GMTIncreasing Populations are Decreasing World Wide Water SuppliesWater is essential for human survival. It is considered a renewable resource but its limits are determined by the water cycles within a geographic location. Water availability is directly affected by population growth. There are approx. 83 million people added to the earth each year. Many of these people are born into impoverished and population dense areas, which in turn, escalates the burden on that regions surrounding water supplies. There already exist many regions in the world where population levels have surpassed what can be sustained by the local water resources. Geo-political tension is developing between nations over fresh water supplies especially from rivers. Disputes over who has water rights are becoming more prevalent. 00:15:00Michael Spencernoaquifers availability conflict consumption,desalinization distribution dumping,ecosystem farming food geographic,governemnt groundwater pollution population,tion region scarcity war waterWater is essential for human survival. It is considered a renewable resource but its limits are determined by the water cycles within a geographic location. Wahttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/redesigntheparadigm/2010/05/08/reign-in-financialization-and-grow-a-real-economyCurrent Eventshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/redesigntheparadigm/2010/05/08/reign-in-financialization-and-grow-a-real-economy/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/redesigntheparadigm/2010/05/08/reign-in-financialization-and-grow-a-real-economySat, 08 May 2010 05:30:00 GMTReign in Financialization and Grow a Real EconomyFinancialization has become the goal of the large banking institutions. Risky intangible financial instruments in a deregulated environment have been the greatest source for generating investor wealth and have provided billions in fees and commissions to the financial sector. Wall Street elites are once more attempting to increase the levels of financialization despite what it has done to the real economy over the past few years or could do again. All the while, U.S. citizens have continued to put their money in savings and checking accounts of the very banks and financial institutions that created the credit crisis and its associated problems. 00:15:00Michael Spencernofinancialization banks investments financial,securities derivatives instruments,Wall Street fees commissions elites,regulation congress politics lobbying,globalization GDP taxes economyFinancialization has become the goal of the large banking institutions. Risky intangible financial instruments in a deregulated environment have been the greatehttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/redesigntheparadigm/2010/05/06/financialization-is-contributing-to-a-drawn-out-recession-1Current Eventshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/redesigntheparadigm/2010/05/06/financialization-is-contributing-to-a-drawn-out-recession-1/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/redesigntheparadigm/2010/05/06/financialization-is-contributing-to-a-drawn-out-recession-1Thu, 06 May 2010 05:30:00 GMTFinancialization is Contributing to a Drawn Out RecessionFinancialization refers to economic conditions where financial markets become the preferred system for investments rather than investing in the real economy. The goal is to create an economic system where any tangible or intangible form of work, product creation, or rendered service can be valuated as an exchangeable financial instrument. These financial instruments can be cash instruments (cash, transferable securities, or an agreed upon transfer of loans / deposits) or preferably a derivative instrument (financial instruments that are valuated based off the perceived value and characteristics of an original asset). Financialization is what has led to the financial crisis recently experienced by most of the industrialized world.00:15:00Michael Spencernofinancialization banks investments financial,securities derivatives instruments,Wall Street fees commissions elites,regulation congress politics lobbying,globalization GDP taxes economyFinancialization refers to economic conditions where financial markets become the preferred system for investments rather than investing in the real economy. Thhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/redesigntheparadigm/2010/04/01/solar-thermal-as-an-option-to-fossil-fuelsEnergyhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/redesigntheparadigm/2010/04/01/solar-thermal-as-an-option-to-fossil-fuels/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/redesigntheparadigm/2010/04/01/solar-thermal-as-an-option-to-fossil-fuelsThu, 01 Apr 2010 05:30:00 GMTSolar Thermal as an Option to Fossil FuelsSolar thermal may represent a viable way to reduce the consumption of fossil fuels, but what will the cost be to implement the required infrastructure for the power facilities and grid connections, some of which may be required in isolated areas? Solar thermal even when combined with photovoltaics produces less than 1/20th of one percent of U.S. electricity production. Solar thermal energy (STE) systems utilize high temperature collectors that reflect concentrated sunlight collected from mirrors or lenses. Parabolic trough designs are currently the most common type utilizing curved mirrors to reflect solar radiation into a pipe which contains the fluid and runs the length of the trough usually just above the collectors. Molten salt will be the storage medium that will be heated and stored for night time use; allowing the facility to continue generating power when the sun is not shining. This will also help reduce water requirements in the arid desert environment. If the United States were to be solely converted to solar thermal it would require 1383 of the 340MW plants schedule for construction in Arizona. 00:30:00Michael Spencernosolar thermal energy system,photovoltaic renewable costs grid line,power photovoltaic wind hydeo electric electricity,government subsidy investor,molten salt efficiencySolar thermal may represent a viable way to reduce the consumption of fossil fuels, but what will the cost be to implement the required infrastructure for the phttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/redesigntheparadigm/2010/03/30/the-road-to-nowhere-the-ongoing-debates-between-thCurrent Eventshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/redesigntheparadigm/2010/03/30/the-road-to-nowhere-the-ongoing-debates-between-th/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/redesigntheparadigm/2010/03/30/the-road-to-nowhere-the-ongoing-debates-between-thTue, 30 Mar 2010 05:00:00 GMTThe Road to Nowhere: The Ongoing Debates between the Global Warming Consensus and SkepticsTo what level is global warming or climate change occurring? are human’s contributing to it with green house gas (GHG) emissions and if so to what level? If we are contributing to it can we fix the problem preferably without devastating our economy? How dangerous will temperature increases be to our cities and population, and how soon will they occur? It appears that of the confusion exists because of two opposing groups themselves. The group supporting global warming is called the consensus but seem to be made up largely of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). The consensus believes that from data collected from climate research, ice core analysis, and computer modeling that certain conclusions can be determined: Human activity has changed the composition of the lower atmosphere (troposphere). The composition has been changed through the emissions of GHG’s and changing the composition of the troposphere is warming the planet. Human activity driven by GHG emissions (carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide and ozone) has been making significant changes to atmospheric conditions that have been increasing over the past 100 years. The dissenters or skeptics believe the data collected from climate research is inconclusive, ice core samples illustrate the irrelevancy of CO2’s contribution towards temperature increases, and that data and variables plugged into the sophisticated climate models are inaccurate or of little significance to predicting temperature change. They present a litany of errors found in the global warming theory and site numerous factors they believe are considerably more important causes of surface heating. Some examples Include: Water vapor is the most significant GHG and the primary driver of surface heating. CO2 concentrations and its atmospheric heating capabilities are insignificant by many magnitudes compared to water vapor. 00:30:00Michael SpencernoClimate change global warming,fossil fuels carcon dioxide CO2 water vapor,green house gas troposphere methane ozone,scientists IPCC ice core melting glaciers,cap and trade tax economy temperature increaseTo what level is global warming or climate change occurring? are human’s contributing to it with green house gas (GHG) emissions and if so to what level? If wehttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/redesigntheparadigm/2010/03/25/photobioreactor-benefits-over-traditional-open-pond-systems-for-the-creation-of-bio-algae-1Energyhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/redesigntheparadigm/2010/03/25/photobioreactor-benefits-over-traditional-open-pond-systems-for-the-creation-of-bio-algae-1/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/redesigntheparadigm/2010/03/25/photobioreactor-benefits-over-traditional-open-pond-systems-for-the-creation-of-bio-algae-1Thu, 25 Mar 2010 05:00:00 GMTPhotobioreactor Benefits over Traditional Open Pond Systems for the Creation of Bio Algae The two primary methods currently available for growing and harvesting algae are open pond systems and closed system photobioreactors (PBR). PBR’s create an enclosed growing environment for algae cultivation where light, air, and nutrients are supplied at regulated levels to ensure optimized growth. Algae strains are usually started in small containers in a laboratory and then the culture is either transported directly into a PBR or to shallow specialized raceway ponds that have paddle wheels to maintain water flow. The algae/water mixture is then poured into the bioreactor system’s tank where it mixes with water, CO2, and nutrients already present in the system. CO2 and nutrients can also be introduced later in the system. The algae are then pumped into racks of translucent plastic containers. It is here the algae are exposed to light for photosynthesis. Pumps may continue to force the algae through the system or gravity may be used to allow the algae to flow down through the containers.00:30:00Michael SpencernoBio algae fuel pond photobioreactor PBR,protein carbohydrate lipid oil,CO2 sequester fue gases coal fossil,water light yields nutrients,government subsidies researchThe two primary methods currently available for growing and harvesting algae are open pond systems and closed system photobioreactors (PBR). PBR’s create an enchttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/redesigntheparadigm/2010/03/23/bio-algae-can-produce-bio-diesel-reduce-co2-emissiEnergyhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/redesigntheparadigm/2010/03/23/bio-algae-can-produce-bio-diesel-reduce-co2-emissi/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/redesigntheparadigm/2010/03/23/bio-algae-can-produce-bio-diesel-reduce-co2-emissiTue, 23 Mar 2010 05:00:00 GMTBio algae can produce bio diesel, reduce CO2 emissions, and provide a high protein food source. Why One of our planet’s fastest growing organisms is algae. Algae can grow at rates 100 times faster than current production food crops or plants that can be used for bio fuel, producing yields as high as 5,00 to 15,000 gallons in one acre per year. For less than 10 million acres, or 1% of the combined land mass for crops and livestock, we could produce enough bio diesel to replace gasoline, diesel and jet fuel. These figures are based off of open systems, ie. shallow ponds, closed loop bioreactor systems can produce even greater yields per acre due to vertically stacked designs which increase the surface area. Depending on the species, algae can go from germination to harvest in as few as 2 days. The biomass can then be separated into lipids to provide a high grade vegetable oil and a high protein / high carbohydrate byproduct residue. Another option is to use cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) because this type of algae excretes lipids as waste material. 00:15:00Michael Spencernobio fuel algae cyanobacteria,diesel fuel yields jet trucks boats cars,food crops land mass protein carbohydrates,photobioreactor ponds water salt brine,CO2 sequester government subsidiesOne of our planet’s fastest growing organisms is algae. Algae can grow at rates 100 times faster than current production food crops or plants that can be used fhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/redesigntheparadigm/2010/03/22/resistance-to-the-emerging-bio-fuels-marketEnergyhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/redesigntheparadigm/2010/03/22/resistance-to-the-emerging-bio-fuels-market/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/redesigntheparadigm/2010/03/22/resistance-to-the-emerging-bio-fuels-marketMon, 22 Mar 2010 05:30:00 GMTResistance to the Emerging Bio Fuels MarketBio fuels have met resistance from a number of different sources. The oil industry and automobile manufacturers have lobbyists focused on ensuring that the energy transportation sector remains firmly entrenched in petroleum. A strong lobbying arm combined with significant campaign contributions to key congressman and senators has resulted in an emerging U.S. bio fuels industry steered into first generation ethanol production based on inefficient corn utilization. Oil producers have significant investments in current technology and extraction processes and would prefer to avoid expensive infrastructure and development costs associated with extensive deep water off shore drilling or oil extraction from shale and oil sands deposits. Allowing substitutes, even blends as low as 5% threaten the balance and opens the door to increasing requirements from governments and the public for higher concentrations of bio fuels in the blends, which could potentially reduce the demand and price.00:15:00Michael Spencernobio fuels ethanol biodiesel,oil automobile industry fossil fuels,lobbyist campaign contribution congressmen senator,second third fourth generation,money cellulosic bio algae microbe halophyteBio fuels have met resistance from a number of different sources. The oil industry and automobile manufacturers have lobbyists focused on ensuring that the enerhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/redesigntheparadigm/2010/01/13/us-falls-behind-in-biodiesel-productionEnergyhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/redesigntheparadigm/2010/01/13/us-falls-behind-in-biodiesel-production/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/redesigntheparadigm/2010/01/13/us-falls-behind-in-biodiesel-productionWed, 13 Jan 2010 06:00:00 GMTU.S. Falls Behind in Biodiesel Production In 2008, the United States used 128 million gallons of petroleum each day to produce diesel fuel for commercial trucks, trains and boats. 26 million gallons of bio fuels were also produced each day of which only 825,000 gallons per day was used for bio diesel production. The U.S. actually exported more bio diesel than it consumed. Currently soybean and rapeseed oils are the primary feedstocks for commercial use but serious consideration is being given to the jatropha plant, halophytes, and algae. Both the U.S. and Europe are still predominately using first generation bio fuels which require the transesterfication of food based crops like corn, soybeans, rapeseed and palm oil to create ethanol and bio diesel. The future of bio diesel resides in the third and fourth generation of bio fuels. Third generation bio fuels seek to improve yields through improving the feedstocks themselves instead of the processes. Forth generation bio fuels will consist of genetic engineered feedstocks designed to increase oil yields and provide for greater levels of CO2 sequestration. 00:15:00Michael Spencernodiesel biodiesel biofuel,commercial trucks planes US Europe,soybean rapeseed B5 conversion,jatropha halophytes algae bioalgae miltary,genetically engineered CO2 sequestrationIn 2008, the United States used 128 million gallons of petroleum each day to produce diesel fuel for commercial trucks, trains and boats. 26 million gallons ofhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/redesigntheparadigm/2010/01/09/can-cellulosic-ethanol-become-a-supplement-or-substitute-for-gasolineEnergyhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/redesigntheparadigm/2010/01/09/can-cellulosic-ethanol-become-a-supplement-or-substitute-for-gasoline/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/redesigntheparadigm/2010/01/09/can-cellulosic-ethanol-become-a-supplement-or-substitute-for-gasolineSat, 09 Jan 2010 07:00:00 GMTCan Cellulosic Ethanol Become a Supplement or Substitute for Gasoline? The U.S. consumed approximately 819 million gallons of petroleum per day (worldwide consumption was 3.55 million gallons per day). 581 million gallons per day or 71% of that petroleum was used for transportation. Petroleum use in transportation breaks down as follows: 64% for gasoline to fuel cars and light trucks (378 million gallons per day), 22% for diesel to fuel commercial trucks, trains, and boats (128 million gallons per day), and 9% to provide for jet fuels (52 million gallons per day). In 2008 9.6 billion gallons of bio fuels were used in the U.S. (26 million gallons per day) The future of ethanol is not in corn which represents the vast majority of current ethanol production. The second generation of ethanol will be cellulosic ethanol that can be made from a variety of sources including switch grass, wheat straw, corn stover, wood chips, forest waste, fast growing trees, and other plant material. The advantage is that the whole plant can be used instead of only the grain. 00:30:00Michael Spencernoethanol gasoline oil cellulosic,production transporatation consumption demand,refineries blend E10,thermo chemical gasification process,federal state government grant loan subsidyThe U.S. consumed approximately 819 million gallons of petroleum per day (worldwide consumption was 3.55 million gallons per day). 581 million gallons per dayhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/redesigntheparadigm/2009/12/19/where-do-bio-fuels-fit-in-us-energy-consumptionEnergyhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/redesigntheparadigm/2009/12/19/where-do-bio-fuels-fit-in-us-energy-consumption/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/redesigntheparadigm/2009/12/19/where-do-bio-fuels-fit-in-us-energy-consumptionSat, 19 Dec 2009 07:30:00 GMTWhere do Bio Fuels Fit in U.S. Energy ConsumptionFor all the talk over the past several years regarding renewable energy we don’t produce or consume much of it. Solar is only one tenth of one percent of total consumption and it’s been around for 30 years. All the private equity money going into wind generation represents one half of one percent, and the biofuels hope about replacing gasoline with ethanol and diesel with biodiesel appear to have stalled at about one half of one percent. I realize there are efficiency concerns and infrastructure costs related to establishing these sectors but for all the media discussion and political wrangling we have actually moved little. 00:30:00Michael SpencernoBiofuels ethanol bio diesel,transportation electricity generation,renewable non energy,wind solar geothermal,imports exports oil gasoline jet fuelFor all the talk over the past several years regarding renewable energy we don’t produce or consume much of it. Solar is only one tenth of one percent of totalhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/redesigntheparadigm/2009/12/18/food-manufacturers-produce-our-food-better-faster-Healthhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/redesigntheparadigm/2009/12/18/food-manufacturers-produce-our-food-better-faster-/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/redesigntheparadigm/2009/12/18/food-manufacturers-produce-our-food-better-faster-Fri, 18 Dec 2009 05:00:00 GMTFood Manufacturers Produce our Food Better, Faster, and Cheaper, But is it Healthy?Humans are naturally drawn to three basic tastes that were scarce for the majority of our evolution; those are fats, sugars, and salts. When exposed to food containing these components we tend to want to eat as much of that food as we can. That is just what the food industry is providing for us. Foods are being sold that are processed and refined, that meet our consumers’ tastes for high levels of fats, sugars, and salts, that are cheap to grow and produce, and that are readily available at affordable prices. 00:15:00Michael SpencernoFood manufactuering growers produce,fats salts sugars,processed refined addictive,faster better bigger cheaper,healthy GMO corporation profitHumans are naturally drawn to three basic tastes that were scarce for the majority of our evolution; those are fats, sugars, and salts. When exposed to food chttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/redesigntheparadigm/2009/12/12/what-should-you-be-eating-for-maximum-health-benefitsHealthhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/redesigntheparadigm/2009/12/12/what-should-you-be-eating-for-maximum-health-benefits/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/redesigntheparadigm/2009/12/12/what-should-you-be-eating-for-maximum-health-benefitsSat, 12 Dec 2009 04:00:00 GMTWhat should you be eating for maximum health benefits?Until we take measures to actually fix our current food growing and manufacturing systems, it is very difficult to avoid processed and refined foods laden with potentially addictive fats, sugars and salts. This show discusses some options about what to look out for in our current food supply.00:30:00Michael Spencernoprocessed refined foods,brand names labels,sugars fats salts carbohydrates,organic natural,manufactures growers chemicalUntil we take measures to actually fix our current food growing and manufacturing systems, it is very difficult to avoid processed and refined foods laden withhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/redesigntheparadigm/2009/12/11/us-food-manufacturers-and-growers-are-contributingHealthhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/redesigntheparadigm/2009/12/11/us-food-manufacturers-and-growers-are-contributing/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/redesigntheparadigm/2009/12/11/us-food-manufacturers-and-growers-are-contributingFri, 11 Dec 2009 04:00:00 GMTU.S. Food Manufacturers and Growers are contributing to Rising HealthcObesity in the United States is increasing at an alarming rate. It is also responsible for almost $80 billion dollars in health care costs, which is 9% of our overall spending. Physicians and other health officials cite the primary reasons for increased obesity rates are poor eating habits. These habits consist of the type of foods that are consumed, which include unhealthy processed and refined prepackaged foods, and fast food / restaurant food. A second habit is the increase in portion sizes consumed, including the ongoing consumption of super size meals at fast food establishments, eating at restaurants (especially chain restaurants) that serve larger portions, and purchasing prepackaged foods and not observing recommended allowance guidelines. 00:30:00Michael SpencernoFood manufactures growers producers,processed refined foods,fat sugar salt carbohydrates,profits profitability compensation wealth,healthcare costs obesity increase USObesity in the United States is increasing at an alarming rate. It is also responsible for almost $80 billion dollars in health care costs, which is 9% of our ohttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/redesigntheparadigm/2009/12/10/us-food-manufacturing-contributions-to-increases-in-obesity-ratesHealthhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/redesigntheparadigm/2009/12/10/us-food-manufacturing-contributions-to-increases-in-obesity-rates/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/redesigntheparadigm/2009/12/10/us-food-manufacturing-contributions-to-increases-in-obesity-ratesThu, 10 Dec 2009 04:30:00 GMTU.S. Food Manufacturing Contributions to Increases in Obesity Rates• The current food in the United States is predominately processed, refined, and laden with high levels of fats, sugars, and salts. Ingesting large amounts of these compounds can cause cravings and possibly lead to addiction. When combined with all the combinations of chemical additives and preservatives is it causing the population to become obese, unhealthy, and increasing healthcare costs?00:30:00Michael Spencernofood manufacturers,profits profitability costs,obesity health healthcare preservatives,economies of scale mass production produce,fats sugars salts carbohydrates additives• The current food in the United States is predominately processed, refined, and laden with high levels of fats, sugars, and salts. Ingesting large amounts of thttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/redesigntheparadigm/2009/11/07/For-profit-versus-Non-Profit-Healthcare-Insurance-Current Eventshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/redesigntheparadigm/2009/11/07/For-profit-versus-Non-Profit-Healthcare-Insurance-/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/redesigntheparadigm/2009/11/07/For-profit-versus-Non-Profit-Healthcare-Insurance-Sat, 07 Nov 2009 16:00:00 GMTFor-Profit Versus Non-Profit Healthcare Insurance CompaniesOutlining differences between for-profit and non-profit healthcare insurance providers, and benefits associated with implementing and using non-profit plans.00:30:00Michael Spencernofor-profit non-profit,healthcare insurance,profit compensation stock option,benefits common good,insurer provider coverageOutlining differences between for-profit and non-profit healthcare insurance providers, and benefits associated with implementing and using non-profit plans.http://www.blogtalkradio.com/redesigntheparadigm/2009/11/02/Non-Profit-Health-Care-Insurance-OptionCurrent Eventshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/redesigntheparadigm/2009/11/02/Non-Profit-Health-Care-Insurance-Option/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/redesigntheparadigm/2009/11/02/Non-Profit-Health-Care-Insurance-OptionMon, 02 Nov 2009 06:30:00 GMTNon Profit Health Care Insurance OptionIs our current for profit health care insurance option really the best option available to us? Are we sacrificing good coverage for corporate profits? If a public plan doesn’t appear to be feasible, what about privatized non profit health care insurance providers focused on efficiency and cost effective coverage rather than corporate profit maximization and shareholder wealth generation.feasible, what about a privatised non profit health care insurance provider 00:30:00Michael SpencernoFor profit non profit,privatized health care insurance company,corporate profit maximization,denial of claims policy holder,increase deductables co pays ratesIs our current for profit health care insurance option really the best option available to us? Are we sacrificing good coverage for corporate profits? If a publ