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Publishing break

As attentive readers of Daily Grist already know, Grist kicks off its two-week summer publishing break next week, during which most of us decamp for some much-needed R&R. Normal -- and by that I mean extraordinary -- publishing resumes on July 11.

However, the blogosphere never sleeps! Or shuts up! So Gristmill will be puttering along, delivering the daily content so dearly valued by our thousands hundreds dozens of readers. Our valiant blogtern Andy will do what he does so well, and he'll be joined by some exciting guests.

So stay tuned. And a very happy summer to all of you.

The precautionary project

Speaking of the precautionary principle ... witness the Precautionary Project.

(Via Uneasy Chair)

Readers talk back about eco-friendly cities, eco-friendly clothes, and more

  Re: City City Bang Bang Dear Editor: Seattle Mayor Greg Nickels definitely deserves props for pulling cities together in common cause to achieve the Kyoto Protocol. However, Nickels has a huge blind spot in his own city: actually reducing production of greenhouse gases. His investment in highways is taking Seattle in the opposite direction. […]

Reason number 5,233,294,049 …

... why it's great to be a vegetarian.

Beyond Econ 101.

The ongoing Euro-spat has pushed the debate over agricultural subsidies to the forefront. While the US does not quite have the highest ratio of farm subsidies to GDP, it's pretty close.

When it comes to subsidies, I'm of the opinion that there had better be a very good reason for them, and I don't see a good reason for farm subsidies in the US or any other developed country. I believe it was this article that led me to my current position; there are many other arguments that take the Econ 101 approach to subsidies -- they're an unnecessary distortion of the market.

Tom Friedman today resorted to calling us all French because both the US and France are clinging to these outdated subsidies.

But setting these traditional arguments aside, I think there is a distinctly environmental line of argument against farm subsidies:

Harder than it looks?

We're constantly hearing about how insanely popular the Toyota Prius is -- the celebrities, the cachet, the waiting lists.

Is it possible that said popularity is just a blue state phenomenon?

I ask because we recently got an email from a reader, Linda, who's having trouble selling hers. No, really!

My husband received an international assignment so we are moving to Belgium. We have decided to sell my beloved 2004 Prius. I live in Pocatello, Idaho, and in this land of conservatives, where they are sure that global warming is a figment of Al Gore's imagination, there appears to be no market. I've had an ad in various papers for over a month and no calls. It is salsa red and comes fully loaded (package #7) with everything except GPS. The blue book value on this gem is $23,360, I bought it for $24,800. I'd be willing to negotiate around $23,000. It has 13,600 miles and is in excellent condition with seat covers and even a 1.25 inch hitch for a bike rack in back. (I could throw in the bike rack too, if someone wants it!)

So, Gristmill readers, I'm curious: Do you have any tips or advice for Linda? Or ... do you want her Prius? Tell us all about it in comments!

FYI: Linda's phone number is (208) 232-8207.

But hey, it’s better than nothing.

Among the press releases meandering into the Grist inbox this morning was one from the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy. The council's weary flacks put their best spin on today's Senate energy-bill vote with this headline:

"Senate Energy Bill: A Substantial Improvement Relative to the House Bill and to Bills Passed in 2003."

I'm laughing with them, not at them. By all means, let's take what we can get.

The Spirit is Willing, But the Fest is (Two) Weeks

Grist staff takes semiannual, semi-deserved break; readers mourn While most of you have already trundled out the grill and scooped the beetles out of your pool, Grist staffers haven’t yet tasted summer. In fact, we’ve been perched on stools at the pun assembly line for the last six months — and our backs are starting […]

A Shot Across the Mao

State-controlled Chinese oil company makes big bid for America’s Unocal China National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC), a state-controlled Chinese oil company, is making an $18.5 billion bid to take over California-based oil and gas firm Unocal, which has extensive Asian operations. Rival bidder Chevron warns that China will have the power to raise energy prices […]

My Own Private Saudi Arabia

Energy execs beg Congress to let them dig up the West for oil shale “We can safely say of our future with regard to oil and gas, it has yet to see its brightest days,” said Rep. James Gibbons (R-Nev.) in a House subcommittee meeting yesterday. We know what you’re thinking: What the … ? […]