[ContemptofCourt]

Not to get in on his agenda, but he does have a point with coal based power, the internal combustion engine and lightbulbs...this is old technology, and I can see how a techie would poo-poo such old technology. In fact, it is rather suprising that we still place so much reliance on such old technology.

[Sofa King]

Yeah, and man we need to get rid of the wheel too. Talk about old technology! And don't even get me started on fire!

[FreedomCalls]

In fact, it is rather suprising that we still place so much reliance on such old technology.

The ultimate reliance on old technology is the nuclear power plant. It may seem high tech, but all is does is heat up water to steam and then send the steam to power the generators. So it actually is the oldest form of technology -- the steam engine -- that actually provides us the electricity. The nuclear aspect is just there to heat the water.

[kaktuskid]

Coal can be converted into a gas or synthetic oil, which means we don't have to get those items from insane people wearing tablecloths on their heads!

[xsrdx]

In fact, it is rather suprising that we still place so much reliance on such old technology.

The technology may have been around awhile, but "old" is subjective.

We've been screwing around with solar, wind, fuel cell, turbine, hydroelectric, and various other forms of electrical power generation, and that nasty coal powerplant still generally gets the job done with less fuss than any "newer" technology. Nuclear power is probably the best real alternative, but we're - unjustifiably - afraid to build them.

As for internal combustion, NOTHING, but NOTHING, has come even close to matching the efficiency, power, reliability and durability of the hydrocarbon IC powerplant - turbine, 2/4 stroke, diesel, whatever - in one form or another, our ability to shape our environment has been expanded by orders of magnitude due to the internal combustion engine.

Oh, and this Sterling guy is an idiot and most likely a hypocrite as well.

[mark_interrupted]

I'd be the first to switch if somebody comes up with something better. Leftists; however, never give alternatives.

[rightcoast]

Old technologies always stick around longer than they would seem useful or commercially viable.

The light bulb, internal combustion engine, and coal power all have one thing in common: they are easily manufactured, widespread, common items. Replacing any or all of them will require technological breakthroughs that are both scientifically sound and economically as viable.