Is Springfield in the Midwest or South? (snake, communities)

[GreenGeek]

Originally Posted by Plains10

I will have to disagree with that. Springfield is in the Ozarks region with a lot of southern influences. Springfield has NOTHING in common with Midwest cities like Madison, Cedar Rapids, Minneapolis, Rochester, Grand Rapids, Des Moines, etc.
In terms of climate Springfield has a modified Ozark climate due to being located on a plateau. Occasionally the temperatures can get as cold as the Midwest during the winter season, but is often quite a bit warmer than locations further to the north.
I will agree that the architecture and surrounding rural economy has some Midwestern influences, though.

*** Actually, having been to both regions, from what I've seen Springfield has a lot in common with these other communities. Most everyone in the midwest walks upright on two legs (just like I seen 'em do in Springfield), all over the midwest they drive on the right side of the street unless they've had one too many to drink (read about that happening in Springfield too!), and they're also concerned about dropping real estate values, jobs leaving the country and a serious lack of leadership in all levels of government. And while the weather patterns are fairly different between the two regions it's only a matter of time ... global warming is going to make the entire continent a tropical zone soon enough! Sadly not many people in either region seem to care much about that issue - just one more thing both regions have in common!

[GraniteStater]

Originally Posted by GreenGeek

*** Actually, having been to both regions, from what I've seen Springfield has a lot in common with these other communities. Most everyone in the midwest walks upright on two legs (just like I seen 'em do in Springfield), all over the midwest they drive on the right side of the street unless they've had one too many to drink (read about that happening in Springfield too!), and they're also concerned about dropping real estate values, jobs leaving the country and a serious lack of leadership in all levels of government. And while the weather patterns are fairly different between the two regions it's only a matter of time ... global warming is going to make the entire continent a tropical zone soon enough! Sadly not many people in either region seem to care much about that issue - just one more thing both regions have in common!

LOL Good points GreenGeek When you put it that way I definitely agree

[8 SNAKE]

Originally Posted by GreenGeek

global warming is going to make the entire continent a tropical zone soon enough! Sadly not many people in either region seem to care much about that issue - just one more thing both regions have in common!

It's not that we don't care, it's just that we don't believe in this global warming theory (and by we, I mean me). I guess that's the mentality we have here in the "Show Me" state.

By the way, a recent study (with scientific data) proves that the planet has been cooling over the last twelve months. Interesting stuff.
DailyTech - Temperature Monitors Report Widescale Global Cooling

[GreenGeek]

Originally Posted by 8 SNAKE

It's not that we don't care, it's just that we don't believe in this global warming theory (and by we, I mean me). I guess that's the mentality we have here in the "Show Me" state.

By the way, a recent study (with scientific data) proves that the planet has been cooling over the last twelve months. Interesting stuff.
DailyTech - Temperature Monitors Report Widescale Global Cooling

8 Snake - that was a good link, thanks. I will spend some more time looking it over after the move! Don't you think it's ironic that, while most people on both sides of the "global warming" issue agree that the benefits of taking action (such as reduce dependence on oil, switch to technologies and living habits that are simply more earth friendly) are real and are essentially necessary for our long-term survival, most of the public discussion seems to center on the divisive issues (is global warming real or not). And so, while the hens are squabbling the fox is in the henhouse stealing the eggs once again....

[8 SNAKE]

Originally Posted by GreenGeek

Don't you think it's ironic that, while most people on both sides of the "global warming" issue agree that the benefits of taking action (such as reduce dependence on oil, switch to technologies and living habits that are simply more earth friendly) are real and are essentially necessary for our long-term survival, most of the public discussion seems to center on the divisive issues (is global warming real or not). And so, while the hens are squabbling the fox is in the henhouse stealing the eggs once again....

I think that you absolutely nailed it! Sustainability is the biggest issue, IMHO. There are a lot of "loops" that need to be closed in order for us to live much more efficiently, which in turn will lead to more economical lifestyles for everyone. I'd bet that this will be a very popular (and profitable) trend in the future.

[GraniteStater]

Originally Posted by 8 SNAKE

It's not that we don't care, it's just that we don't believe in this global warming theory (and by we, I mean me). I guess that's the mentality we have here in the "Show Me" state.

By the way, a recent study (with scientific data) proves that the planet has been cooling over the last twelve months. Interesting stuff.
DailyTech - Temperature Monitors Report Widescale Global Cooling

That article is very misleading because of the TIME SCALE that is projected. Sure the temperatures have been cooling a little in the past few months, but I believe that those are monthly changes. You have to examine a long period of record when looking at climate change. The REASON that the past several months have been cooler than normal is because of the La Nina event in the Pacific as well as the solar minimum that just occured.

In terms of global warming MO will likely be hit very hard by increasing regulations in the coming years. The regulations will be to reduce CO2 emissions produced from coal fired power plants which the state has many of. Kansas has been in the middle of a huge debate whether to allow a new coal plant given the fact that the federal government will likely be pushing for a CO2 tax in the next few years.

[GraniteStater]

Originally Posted by 8 SNAKE

I think that you absolutely nailed it! Sustainability is the biggest issue, IMHO. There are a lot of "loops" that need to be closed in order for us to live much more efficiently, which in turn will lead to more economical lifestyles for everyone. I'd bet that this will be a very popular (and profitable) trend in the future.

Energy efficiency, better technologies, and conservation will be the keys to the 21st century.

[8 SNAKE]

Originally Posted by Plains10

That article is very misleading because of the TIME SCALE that is projected. Sure the temperatures have been cooling a little in the past few months, but I believe that those are monthly changes. You have to examine a long period of record when looking at climate change. The REASON that the past several months have been cooler than normal is because of the La Nina event in the Pacific as well as the solar minimum that just occured.

When you review temperature changes over long periods of time, you'll see that the Earth has been changing temperature (up and down) long before H2's congested the highways and power plants polluted the skies. I'm not suggesting that emissions and pollution should be ignored, but I do not believe that they are causing "global warming".

[GraniteStater]

Originally Posted by 8 SNAKE

When you review temperature changes over long periods of time, you'll see that the Earth has been changing temperature (up and down) long before H2's congested the highways and power plants polluted the skies. I'm not suggesting that emissions and pollution should be ignored, but I do not believe that they are causing "global warming".

You may hold those opinions, but the federal government will likely impose regulations on CO2 from power plants. This will likely have an impact on states that heavily rely on coal for electricity generation. This is why we have seen a bigger push by utilities regarding energy efficiency and conservation. Several coal plants across the country have been canceled across the country recently due to soaring costs. It will be interesting to see what happens with regards to these issues once we have a new administration in Washington D.C.

[8 SNAKE]

Originally Posted by Plains10

It will be interesting to see what happens with regards to these issues once we have a new administration in Washington D.C.

I couldn't agree more. I wonder if we'll see gov't incentives for alternative energy, like solar and wind.