GE, or any firm trying to lobby government, is in a tough position. If they have a story to tell, in this case, that wind power tax credits pay for themselves and are, at this time, critical to the ongoing success of the industry, who is going to tell it for them? There is only so much research the large non-profits can fund, and even then there are few guarantees the research will not be influenced somehow.

GE should at least get points for putting their own name on the report instead of funding some third party to write the report for them (tobacco industry anybody?)

What I find discouraging is obfuscation has become such an accepted business practice we take for granted that companies and individuals will tell "their side of the story." We are beginning to see everything as "spin" and, in some respects as all equally (in)valid. There is less of an instinct to look at something critically and a greater tendency to attack, or support, the source.

(This is perhaps most pronounced in political coverage, many news organizations forgetting they can and should look at candidates' positions critically rather than making sure the candidates get equal time: it is OK to show favor to a candidate on an issue when the other is wrong)

In this case, GE makes a compelling argument, but an argument that is based almost completely on the JEDI model. It is also important to look at other uses of government funds. For example, would that 2.1 cents per kWh be better spent on energy efficiency projects (which, incidentally, happens to be the industry I work in.)

It is important to remember that oil is not the "bad" guy when it comes to global warming, that honor goes to coal. Oil is a henchman at best. I think there are compelling economic arguments for adjusting to oil scarcity now, but as a solution to climate change the priority should be increased energy efficiency no new coal plants.

It certainly isn't an either-or situation, and every little bit helps. However, the planet could stop using oil tomorrow, and would still face the same dire environmental consequences if the developing world continues to rely on coal to power its growth.

Tell me more about Anathem!

My wife and I just closed on our first home in Sacramento. There are definitely some deals to be had out there, and we are very happy where we ended up.

That said, I'm not expecting our home to appreciate much over the next 3 years. The 40% drop in median pricing is more indicative of the bank owned discounting than willingness of sellers to accept the realities of the market.

The house we ended up buying was the first my wife and I had seen in three months that was not bank owned, yet priced competitively. The entry level market is going to continue to be much more active for a while, the move-up market is going continue to struggle because potential move-up buyers will be unable to get out from under their current mortgages.

I'm optimistic the next round of loan resets won't have too large an impact because the public builders have essentially stopped building. I'm also of the camp that the state budget concerns is more posturing to get higher taxes than anything else. Here's hoping, right?