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Show Opinion Page Page A2 The Summit County Bee September 14, 2007 Tell Me About It BY LEON SIMISTER PAINFUL . . . BUT . . . Chugging around our sleepy village the other day I happened to glance at my fuel gauge and I noticed it was stuck on ‘E’ as it does quite often. Mentally kissing a ‘C’ note goodbye, I headed for the refill base. 32 gallons later (Egad! *%#@^&!!!) I recalled an article I had read on the Why(?) - reason gas prices have gotten so unconscionably high. The thought hit me, “What crazy antics, and what horrible financial punishment we Americans are suffering simply because of our loveaffair with the automobile.” I studied up a little (and the results are sickening) - but here First off, we goes anyway: Americans have gas orgies almost every day as we faithfully perform our ‘vehicle-fill-up-drill.’ Don’t think so? Read on . . . Representing only about 5% of this world’s population, yet we redblooded Americans consume about double the petroleum used by our European counterparts. Worse, our en- tire nation owns just 3% of the world’s reserves of petroleum. So, the 25% of the world’s oil which we Americans consume is a pattern that we habitually continue - horribly so. What should we expect when, as experts state that, India and China (the world’s largest factories for population explosions) are predicted to bring a couple of billyun more people on board this world? The folks who study this sort of work are also predicting that this huge influx, berthing-generation, will purchase up to 80 million cars, more, than we have on the highways now. Hmmm . . . even if they are able to produce cars that burn water, there will still be gullions of people who will die of, well, pollution . . . or, perhaps, thirst. The worst (but maybe the most accurate) statistics prove that, not just Americans, but people of all nations simply don’t realize that the continual - and expanding - usages of petroleum simply cannot continue on ad-infinitum, period, zilch, ka-put. Here’s why: Truthfully put, petroleum discoveries are not keeping pace with what people of this world are demanding. A new discovery in 1930 contained 10 billion barrels (bbls.), and at that time, we were using about 1.5 billion per year. Again, in 1964 there was a discovery containing 48 billion barrels more, which were welcomed aboard. Uh . . .the amount of our usage at that time was pegged at about 12 billion bbls. per year. But, by about 1988, we were consuming exactly what we were discovering - 23 billion barrels, annually. And, since then, it’s been all downhill. As of our 2005/06 figures, we are averaging a consistent usage of about 30 billion barrels, annually. A-a-a-a-n-d (That’s a big ‘And’) - again, quoting ‘experts’ - “ . . . due to world-wide population explosions (mainly in India and China), the expected demand for petroleum and its products will probably exceed the two to three million barrels per day, which, records prove, the world is now consuming each day of every year. The IEA, (International Energy Agency) who tracks this type of activity, assures us that within the next 40 years, at least 90% of new petroleum supplies will be coming from developing countries. This is a remarkable prediction, because for the past 30-or-so years, Industrialized nations (like ours) have been consistently supplying at least 63% or more of all the world’s petroleum and its products. (Sigh) Look for higher - much higher prices. Incidentally, up till now, the IEA has been shepherding the distribution process, but they estimate that by 2030, the IEA will have to import up to 80% of their oil; a vast departure from the above-mentioned 63% they were consistently ex-porting. In closing, just a thought that has to be said. . . but, a thought which produces skads of wonder . . . Just how important is - or, perhaps - was America’s Iraq gamble? I hope, as some have suggested, that there actually were ‘other’ reasons for this horrible chunk of on-going ‘history-in-the-making.’ Thought for the day: “It’s interesting to note that gasoline prices in places like Venezuela, Iran, and the rest of the Middle East are as little as a tenth of U.S. domestic prices averaging between 20 and 80 cents a gallon.” – Sept, ‘07, news article. Just a Thought BY CHERYL OVARD Regional News Notes Continued from page A1 It was anticipated that there will be more voters out for the November election. At this time the count was low at the primary polls, as expected. Due to the fact that the primary elections seem to have come at an early date, many will not know or will forget to come out and vote. Francis was scheduled to also have a primary election, but because two withdrew their candidacy, it was not necessary to hold one. FREE Household Hazardous Material Collection For residents Saturday, Sept. 22, 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. at The Canyons Parking Lot. Businesses: “Exempt Small Quantity Generators”; Must make an appointment to drop off - Between - 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. only. (Charge of 50 cents/lbs applies to businesses only.) We will accept “EXPIRED prescription medication in original containers” for incineration – this day only! Call Recycle Utah @ 649-9698 for information or www.recycleutah.org. Crypto Talking Points - Sept. 11, 2007 Search and Rescue – Working for The People Tuesday, 9-11, began as a day of memorial in remembrance for those who perished along with the events in New York, as well as the plane crash and the Pentagon. It seemed as a though the day would be just for that and the regular every-day plans as the day would go on. The pager went off early, and the Summit and Wasatch County's Search and Rescue Teams were on their way to find a young boy – a toddler who is only three years old – who had wandered off in the Uinta Mountains. These mountains are beautiful, but can be frightening to a youngster alone amongst the trees, and who cannot find his “mommy”. Such was the case for young Benji Myrup. People who heard the news responded quickly – from all over the area. They were the volunteers who quickly donned their hiking gear, GPS systems, whistles, and food and water so that they could help the Search and Rescue efforts to find this child. They dropped everything to come to the Uinta Mountains search, whether it took hours, or maybe even days. Their efforts were all with the same goal in mind – to find the boy before the nightfall. It could be cold, and the elements and predators out there could be a deadly threat to him. It was such as stated by from many volunteers, like the newlyweds staying in Park City for their honeymoon, that just wanted to help. They were Jennifer and Brandon Mulvey from Scottsdale, Arizona. A second couple was driving down the highway, had been vacationing here, and was heading home to Washington. They came to the Search and Rescue sign, and Glenda said her husband just stopped, turned around and told her they were going to help find the boy. They had heard about it on the news, and could only think of “what if” as they had twin three-year old grandchildren back home. Evanston was represented amongst the volunteers, as well as people from Tooele, Salt Lake vicinity, Ogden, and many from both Summit and Wasatch Counties. They were soon on their way to the search thanks to the organized efforts of the Garrett Bardsley Foundation leader, Kevin Bardsley, father of the young boy who was never found in 2004. Nothing seemed greater to each and everyone who had participated in the search than to hear the news that the boy was safe and sound, and with his mother once more. Their united efforts paid off in many ways – support, compassion, and through brotherly love for someone they did not even know. These are the rewards for Search and Rescue teams, volunteers, and families who receive their help. Sadly, another assignment for the Search and Rescue Team was awaiting them as they returned from off the mountain. A father, grandfather, and loved one – missing in Jordanelle – needed to be found. Once again the team was off, not even stopping for a break. Many thanks – to all who help – to those who give of their time and efforts on behalf of those who reaped the wonderful reunion with their young son, and to the family who lost a loved one to the depths of the cold waters. The state and several local health departments have decided it’s in the best interest of the public to extend for two weeks the restriction on kids under the age of five swimming in public pools. The restriction was first announced Aug. 28 – and since then we have continued to see cases reported in substantial numbers Due to a lag of about 18 days in the amount of time it takes for a person to be exposed to when the case is diagnosed and reported to the health departments – we are unable to determine at this point how effective the restrictions have been. It’s our assumption that cases are starting to level out, and possibly even be declining in some areas, but we need more time to analyze the data to be absolutely sure. The public’s health is our top priority, and we don’t want to re-open pools to young children until we feel the outbreak is under control. We are also continuing to ask public pools to maintain a higher-than-normal level of chlorination and to hyper-chlorinate once a week. We’ve seen just over 1,300 cases of crypto so far this year (as of 9/10) – in a normal year we would typically see around 30. The public, and media, can check www.health.utah.gov/epi for daily updates on confirmed cases. The restrictions are in place for public swimming pools under the jurisdictions of the following health departments: Bear River (Box Elder, Cache and Rich counties), Central Utah (Juab, Millard, Piute, Sanpete, Sevier, Wayne counties), Davis County, Salt Lake Valley, Southeast Utah (Carbon, Emery, Grand, San Juan counties), Summit County, Tooele County, Utah County, Wasatch County and Weber-Morgan. While most exposures to the parasite are through swimming in public pools, we are seeing the illness being spread person-to-person. It’s important to practice good hygiene to help the illness from being spread person-to-person. People who have diarrhea that might be due to cryptosporidiosis should wash their hands thoroughly with soap and water, especially after using the toilet and before handling or eating food, and after every diaper change, especially if you work or live with diaper-aged children, even if you are wearing gloves. Celebrate Free State Parks Day September 29 Celebrate Free State Parks Day and National Public Lands Day Saturday, Sept. 29. Day-use fees will be waived at all Utah state parks. (Special fees, such as golf and camping fees still apply.) Visit for the day, attend a special event or volunteer to improve your state parks. Events that day include: Antelope Island State Park Volunteer Project: Help clear built-up soil along a new three-mile section of the White Rock Bay Trail. Project begins at 9 a.m. Wear a long-sleeved shirt, hat, and sunscreen, and bring drinking water. RSVP / information: (801) 773-2941. Wasatch Mountain State Park Apple Picking at Huber Grove: Join park staff at 9:30 a.m. for this first apple picking harvest and learn to make apple juice using an old cider press. Explore the historic farmhouse, creamery, and orchard. This event is free. $3 per bag of apples. (435) 654-1791 Camp Floyd/Stagecoach Inn State Park and Museum Camp Floyd Day: Experience stagecoach rides, museum tours, play period games, march and drill with re-enactors; watch a battle and shoot period firearms; Civil War encampment, food, music and entertainment. (801) 768-8932. Snow Canyon State Park Bats - Masters of the Night: Eighteen species of bats call Washington County home. Join Tom Haraden of Zion National Park at 6 p.m. and learn about their natural history and importance to our ecosystem. Space is limited and registration required. (435) 628-2255. Green River State Park Golf Course Fall Two-Person Scramble: Visit Green River for this tournament. Regular green fees apply and registration is required. (435) 564-8882. Wasatch Mountain State Park Junior Ranger Program: Sun Catchers - Leaves. Children six through 12 can become a Junior Ranger by joining the naturalist for this one-hour program. Program begins at 1 p.m. at the Educational Yurt. (435) 654-1791 For more Utah State Parks events and activities, visit www.stateparks.utah.gov. The Summit County Bee Staff PUBLISHERS General Manager Managing Editor Dick & Sue Buys Paul McFee Laurie Wynn Editor Cheryl Ovard Columnists Leon Simister Jan Patterson Bee Office Business Manager Pagination/Layout Heber Office Promotions Production & Press Sharon Pace Joe Wynn June Muir Annette Motley Terry Rider Karen Davis Circulation June Muir Advertising Sales Robby Wright Mike Ho Tricia Carlson Advertising Manager Graphic Design Kari McFee Stuffing Crew Printer’s Devils Annette Motley Jackie Jones Dan Chipman Cindel Hiort Jay Provost Dan Carlile Randi Carlile Jennie Ferreria Donna Harrison Daren North Ken Hastings Justin Lucking Karen North Britta Nystul Erin Wynn Michael Carr Ryann Wynn Shannon McFee Connor McFee The Summit County Bee (UPSP 525-640) is published weekly for $18 per year in Summit County, Senior Citizen Discount, $15 in county; $27 out-of-county by Wave Publishing Inc., 165 South, 100 West, Heber City, UT 84032. Periodicals Postage Paid at Coalville, UT 84017. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The Summit County Bee, P.O. Box 7, Coalville, UT 84017. The entire contents of this news paper is Copyright© 2007 The Summit County Bee and/or Wave Publishing, Inc. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form without the written consent of the Managing Editor or Publisher. |