Oct 20, 2009: Electric Locomotive

[Adak]

No emissions from lead-acid batteries?? What about from the power plant that's charging them?

There are new much cleaner burning developments in diesel engines that could have been incorporated, but oh no, we're going to go "green extreme". Whether it makes any sense, or not.

I can hear the telephone conversation now:

"I'm calling back to see what you think about our new no emissions locomotive - isn't it a marvel?

And don't forget out special deal on emergency umbilical cords, on every marvel-motive we sell this month!"

"I manage 10,385 miles of converging rail lines leading into Indy, 24 hours a day. I don't have time to play with your toy engine that requires 10 hours to recharge, after every 24 hours of work. And no, I don't need an emergency extension cord, 500 miles long!"

"We call them 'umbilical cords' because that makes them sound so natural and earth-friendly, and ..."

"Click"

"Hello? Hello?"