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“One of the more interesting solutions proposed (aside from dropping trash in the pipe to block the oil) also involves using fibers; however, the fibers in question are human hair. Chicken feathers, straw, and wool have all been used to collect oil in the past, but human hair seems to work particularly well. A big advantage is that the oil is adsorbed rather than absorbed. Adsorbed oil forms a very thin layer – a molecule or two thick – at the surface of the hair. Because the molecules are only weakly bound, the oil can be removed, meaning the hair can be reused.
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“Two recent studies suggest that Pipher’s basic observation about girls’ vulnerability to peer pressure remains true, but they emphasize that peer pressure can sometimes be a good thing. The studies examined the academic achievement of high school students and found that being surrounded by underachieving classmates has a negative effect on girls and boys–both genders feel pressure to conform to the lower standards of their peers. But the studies also show that girls are more sensitive than boys to the presence of high-achieving peers. Surround a girl with diligent classmates, and her performance will improve.”
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“Those responses tallied by Public Policy Polling are not genuine, but calculated. They are the response of people who view all such polls — and elections, legislative votes and policy choices — as part of a zero-sum game between Our Side and Their Side. The “more supportive of drilling” response is an effort to deny points to Their Side by claiming victory for Our Side — even if that means claiming the devastation of Gulf Coast livelihoods as “victory.”
The point here is that we have a significant segment of the population that is no longer able to answer the question “What do you think/believe/feel/judge?” by saying what it is they really actually think or believe or feel or judge. Their response to any question is to calculate what that question means in terms of the zero-sum game and then to offer the answer they think will be strategically best for scoring points in that game.”
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There was a letter in our local Daily Press today, suggesting spreading sawdust to absorb oil – then burning it later. (You wouldn’t want to burn oil hair.) Supposedly it’s already been done.
The Slactivist editorial is really depressing, and well describes political discourse. It is simply a fact (not my own zero-s(l)umming) that Republicans are worst at this game as best I understand it. But Slactivist is inferring and assuming, it’s not “known” that’s why that certain segment felt more supportive of drilling after the disaster. Some comments there try alternative insights as well (such as, some people may think OS drilling is still safer than supertanker.) Still, a good post and I think “perversity” and being driven to fight, is indeed what’s behind such results.