User profile: Socrates

It is unfortunate that many drivers ignore crosswalks, although that may not have been the case in this incident. However, it seems that the less time spent in a crosswalk, the better.

Can anyone explain why walking a bike through a crosswalk is considered safer than riding it, as long as the light is green and the WALK sign is on?

I hope the rider recovers.

Every wonder why the license plate lettering style was changed several years ago? (Easier for video surveillance systems to read.) Or why there is a video camera at almost every light in Las Vegas?

Read "No Place to Hide" by Robert O'Harrow for a shocking glimpse of just how big our Big Brother has gotten.

Dr. Boehm is correct. As one of Nevada's foremost experts on the topic, his comments are welcome.

The cost of solar is falling fast as manufacturing techniques and material costs plummet. Over the last 20 years, manufacturing output has grown by a factor of 200.

PV power will be cost competitive with natural gas plants within a few years, with no incentives at all. With the current federal tax credits, it is already competitive. (BTW, ALL forms of energy are subsidized in various ways in the U.S., ESPECIALLY fossil fuels and nuclear!) If one is honest about the true cost of using non-renewable energy (climate change, security, scarcity), PV is already a clear winner.

Many utilities are now building PV generation into their energy portfolio. With no fuel costs, little water use and zero carbon emissions, it is a wise choice. Plus PV power can come online quickly. 2 GW of PV was installed in Spain in 2008 alone. Conventional plants would take 10-15 years.

The system on my roof produces power at $.05/kwh and will do so for about thirty years at least. The return on my investment is around 18%.

Notice that this was an investment, not a financed purchase. No one in their right mind expects to make a profit by borrowing money to invest in stocks (though PV is practically risk-free). Save up and spend wisely. Use all available financial incentives (just like well-run businesses do). The rewards are significant.

Dr. Boehm is correct that installing PV on every new home makes good sense. Let's hope that appraisers, realtors and underwriters learn to properly value these systems (and the energy efficiency that goes along with them) so an honest market can develop. Builders are ready and so are their customers.

Chris G for Governor!

Jon, thank you.

John, please go away.

What a difference an H makes.