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According to GPS tracker on ASC site, Michigan is currently trying to wrestle the first spot from Minnesota.
Minnesota has unexpected, at least to me, become a competitive rival. A couple harsh words have been exchanged by visitors on Michigan’s blog but as one person put, roughly, go Big Ten schools seem to dominate the race.
Yeah, whatever. But I’ll go Blue first!
p/s – Minnesota is far ahead…
I’m going to exchange all the dollar I have left to ringgit right now. From Bank Negara:
Bank Negara Malaysia announces today that the exchange rate of the ringgit with immediate effect will be allowed to operate in a managed float, with its value being determined by economic fundamentals. Bank Negara Malaysia will monitor the exchange rate against a currency basket to ensure that the exchange rate remains close to its fair value. Promoting stability of the exchange rate continues to be a primary objective of policy.
And wow, we didn’t wait for China.
p/s – I’ve just found out that China has ditched their fixed regime in favor of flexible exchange rate. This can only one thing – the rumor that the Malaysian government did send a team to China for consultation purposes is true. It must be true since it is almost impossible for both Malaysia and China to simultaneously switch to floating exchange rate.
About less than a year ago, I read somewhere that the Ringgit should be approximately between MYR 3.20 and 3.50 to a dollar. Let’s see if people in the economic circle have made the right prediction.
I’m sure that whiny and bitchy US manufacturers are happy with today’s development. China right now, however, I think, has a strong incentive to reduce its holding of US T-Bills.
I saw Manmohan Singh’s address to the US Congress yesterday. In his speech, he asserted how important it is for the US and India to work together in a globalized world. In actuality, he seeks the Congress’ consent for the US cooperation with India on India’s nuclear work for civilian purposes. I for one, hope the Congress won’t block any step taken towards that direction.
Chernobyl was a tragedy. So was Three Mile Island incident. However, with growing human population, it is obvious that we will consume more and more power. Unfortunately, that power has to come from somewhere, be it from fossil fuel, green energy or nuclear.
The Indian Prime Minister mentioned yesterday that in any scenario, coal plays a central role in India energy industry. India is a huge country and their reliance on coal would increase carbon emission tremendously all the while the Annex 1 parties to Kyoto are struggling to reduce emission. With or without China and the United States, India could single-handedly wreck the fight against climate change. Nuclear provides a clear alternative to coal while clean and safe renewable sources, at its current state, are simply not enough to quench India and indeed the world’s thirst for energy,
The US has refused to ratify Kyoto and has stubbornly argued that any reduction in emission would damage its economy. Moreover, Bush and his supporters have said that only technological progress is the answer to climate change. Frankly, I’ve yet to see or hear Bush do something about that but now is the time to back that claim up. Now is time to prove that Bush really belief that instead of simply trying to dodge a commitment that the US made under the Clinton Administration. Congress now needs to approve such cooperation to give Bush’s words a spine.
Some fear that this might encourage nuclear proliferation. This groups need to be reminded that India already has nuclear capability. In fact, in my opinion, the US cooperation with India would make nuclear energy safer.
Perhaps, if others still feel strongly against such cooperation, perhaps US offer assistance on a condition that India will sign the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, which India is not a signatory. With India in the NPT, the world might even be able to persuade Pakistan to sign the treaty. Of course, there will have to be a change in the first pillar of the NPT.
In the end, wouldn’t that make the world a bit safer?
On the other side, a lot of people are saying that this new American relationship with India spurs out of concern of China’s growing power. Well, I prefer to some something to counter China’s regional influence – Japan simply can’t counter China alone.
p/s – Michigan is currently second in the ASC and they are closing in on the leader, Minnesota, fast. MIT and Missouri-Rolla is far behind.
Michigan is currently third in the American Solar Challenge. They were first but they had to stop to charge their battery. While charging, Minnesota and Missouri-Rolla overtook Michigan to take the current first and second placing. According to Michigan’s blog, they are still first in term of time. However, by looking at the current position as shown by a GPS tracker, it seems Minnesota is really leading. Ouch.
Anway, from the official sites and other various solar car teams’ blogs, the weather was not favorable.
Well, whatever it is, go Blue!
p/s – Google, moon…
pp/s – these guys are going to do some serious blogging for an upcoming blogging event – 2005 blogathon. And they are going to do it for Greenpeace. So, remember to check them out on August 6.
ppp/s – as of GMT 1525, Michigan is second! Minnesota however is really up ahead.
The American Solar Challenge 2005 started last Sunday and Michigan started at the 5th rung in Austin, Taxes. By the second day, Blue’s at one in Kansas! w00t!
Archrival (just in solar car race, mind you) Misourri-Rolla is currently third and the kicked-in-almost-every-imaginable-game-by-Michigan team, Minnesota is second.
I hope they’ll win this one. If they do, it would be a revenge as sweet as honey for the 2003 team – of which I was part of – that failed the qualify for ASC 2003.
Sing to the colors that float in the light;
Hurrah for the Yellow and Blue!
Go Blue baby! w00t! w00t! w00t!
And SCT blog is here!