Mike

Saying that prices will go up because renewable energy "costs more" is disingenuous at best. As the technology behind these energy sources is improved and becomes widespread, it gets cheaper, not more expensive.

Just look at the technology in cars compared to 10 years ago. Adjusted for inflation, have costs gone up? Nope. I can name a bunch of other comparative examples, but I'm sure you know how to use google.

Fact is, non-renewable sources WILL run out. It's not a matter of if, but when. We need to tap ALL energy sources and lay the groundwork for what lies ahead.

I would buy this just so I could drive it to the top of the grand canyon, set it on fire, and send the flaming heap to the bottom. Then I'd drop napalm and grenades on the wreck at the bottom to ensure that nothing remains.... all while proudly broadcasting it to the world.

The problem is that it's a bit of a cat and mouse game. China needs American consumers to buy their goods and keep their economy humming since they are an export driven economy.

At the same time, America is running deficits and needs China to buy our bonds and treasuries to continue funding our out of control spending.

Essentially, we have each other by the short and curlies, but China has the advantage. Dumping dollars and stopping buying our debt would hurt us way more than it hurts them.

In the long term, China knows they need to increase domestic consumption and reduce the exposure to our debt. This WILL happen... the only question is WHEN.

America hasn't gotten the message and continues to run deficits. We WILL have to make painful spending cuts and raise taxes... again, it's also a matter of WHEN... not IF. The alternative is defaulting on our debt. If that happens, it's probably WW3 time.

@Frank - You're an idiot if you believe Obama is anything like Chavez.

Chavez is a jackass. If I were the president, I would tell any firm whose rigs were to be seized to get out the welding torches, weld up the rigs so they are useless, and get the first ticket out.

Let Chavez and his cronies figure out how to get them working again.

The actual cost per worker is higher since most live on campus where the employer pays for at least some degree of housing and food.

@Robert -- are you referring to the same party that had 6 years in the drivers seat and doubled the deficit?

Best Buy is selling the Barnes & Noble Nook. I think Amazon has to counter. Target is really the only sensible option.

I think the goal of those architecting a new world order want to do away with currency entirely and rely on a system of global credits.

It forces the world to be disciplined and avoid basket cases like Zimbabwe. It also makes it easier for prying eyes to see how every dollar (or credit) is spent and tax accordingly.

If the western currency systems implode (specifically the dollar and euro, along with the yen), it's quite possible that the yuan is all that's left standing... for better or for worse.

@EJ Cox: They will... in version 2.0. I'm willing to bet that version 2.0 comes out later in the year (perhaps before the holidays) along with a new OS. It will have a camera, video calling, and VoIP.

While I wanted an iPhone when it first came out, I held off because I knew version 2.0 would have 3G... and I was right.

They haven't done anything about weight? They have tried and people complain that cars look and feel "cheap". I remember some referring to early Saturn's as "toys".

You also have the safety factor. Nobody wants to step down to a lighter car because they fear being crushed by someone else's monster SUV. Once you add in all the safety gear, it jacks the weight up.

Manufacturers are becoming more cognizant of weight and are trying to find ways to shave off a few pounds. Some of the lighter weight materials that don't compromise safety are still too expensive.

If carbon fiber was cheap to make, everyone would use it.