The earth has rotated seven or so times, which means it's time for this week's Monday Links.
" For all three biofuels evaluated (corn-based ethanol, canola-based biodiesel, and cellulosic wood-based ethanol), energy independence is achieved at costs that are 6 to 28 times higher than for other policy options such as raising the gas tax or tightening corporate average fuel economy (CAFE) standards."
Ouch. Oregon State University isn't the first university questioning the economics of biofuels. A study done jointly by Cornell University and University of California-Berkley in 2005 also takes a critical look at the cost of biodiesel. A few weeks ago, Don Brunell took a look at the impact of biofuels production on corn prices.
- Another big transportation ask... $350 million for needed Transportation projects.
- In entertainment news, according to a rumor on Huckleberries Online (done by the Spokesman Review's D.F. Oliveria) Paris Hilton may be buying a condo in Northern Idaho. Yeah... right...
- The TNT did an interesting feature about the rapid expansion of the Port of Tacoma. It is good insight piece into the growth and expansion of the importance of international commerce to Tacoma.
- Washington wines are gaining ground in Japan. This article in the Yakima Herald really shows the moxie of the Washington Wine Commission and a few driven individuals who open up new frontiers for Washington's businesses.
- Second quarter economic numbers spring back from a slow winter. With rising energy prices, inflation, and sluggish housing sales, this is a surprise. The one thing that makes me nervous about this economy is that:
“Economists had been mystified about how consumers could keep boosting their buying even as the value of their most valuable possessions -- their homes -- was skidding.”
Recommendation of the Week (other than to join AWB) Seattle Sounders versus Portland Timbers, Wednesday, August 1 2007
7:00pm PT, Qwest Field
Let’s face it, ever since the Sonics and Blazers went into the toilet this has been the most fierce and enjoyable rivalry between the Emerald and Rose cities. This year is especially tight with the Timbers and Sounders neck and neck for both the league and the Cascadia Cup. The game on Wednesday will have huge implications for both sides. Can my beloved Timbers slam the door shut for the league title? Can Seattle seal the Cascadia Cup? Will Dan and the Timber Army make it out of Seattle alive? Can Timber Jim do his forward handsprings on Qwest’s slick turf? Will Dan make it through work on Thursday with a horse voice, a headache, and having the distinct smells of cheap beer, smoke bombs, and sweat pulsating from his pours?
General admission tickets are only $13 a person and plenty of good seats will be available.
