While the news and media, and most everyone can’t seem to get enough of digging dirt about Palin, (clue: she puts ‘em out there already!) Obama’s making a plan to manage the oil reserve.

Sen. Barack Obama is proposing a simple maneuver — called an exchange, or swap — that will help lower the price of oil for consumers, increase the amount of oil in the SPR, increase energy security, and leave taxpayers better off by about $1 billion. His proposal deserves to be adopted.

In 1975, after the Arab oil embargo, the U.S. created the SPR to protect against oil supply disruptions. That reserve now consists of 706 million barrels of crude oil, the largest stockpile in the world.

As the steward of that stockpile, the Department of Energy plays an important role in oil markets. Merely announcing oil acquisitions or sales from the SPR moves oil prices. The SPR’s drawdown capability of 4.4 million barrels of oil per day surpasses the daily production capacity of Iran, Iraq or Venezuela.

But honestly, if he does manage the oil situation, wouldn’t we all still be living on a living-on-the-paycheck basis, because of his proposed higher taxes?  No matter how much good that would seem to do, people just DO NOT like taxes.

From The Wall Street Journal

Okay, so McCain was quoted saying, in a nuclear power plant, (of course) that nuclear power is, a “safe, efficient [and] inexpensive” alternative to oil.

Crazy as it sounds — he might be unto something.

Nuclear power DOES NOT contribute to global warming.  It doesn’t cause oxidation, since nothing is burned, and heat is generated through fission.  Which means no notable sulfur oxides, nitrogen oxides, or particulates.

And the crazy part is — well, this is the logical part — no, nuclear power isn’t ‘inexpensive’ and in no way would I believe it as perfectly safe.  Nuclear plants cost billions to build, and, in his ambition of building 45 of these — wouldn’t the material and construction create MORE fuel to global warming?

(image from here.)

The price of petrol just keeps going up and up! Gas prices are killer. If me using my car was rare before (I like buses and bicycles), it’s even rarer now. Last time was when I paid a visit to the Stevenswood Spa Resort, I think. People are looking for ways for their gas money to stretch farther, thus saving gas, and I’m no exception. A few months back, I asked a friend of mine who worked for a car company if he had some practical advice. Now, I’m here to share his valuable advice with all of you!

1. Find cheap gas. This is the most obvious solution, but often overlooked. Major gas companies add a lot to price by adding various additives to your gas then giving it a fancy name! Keep a sharp eye out for gas prices as well. If a station seems to have a lower price, take the chance and load up.

2. Accelerate and brake right. Every time you step on the gas, you lose fuel. Don’t stomp on it! Slowly push down with your foot. If you’re close to something, don’t slam the brakes. Raise your foot from the gas and let the car decelerate naturally, saving the brake for when you really need it. Keep doing this until it becomes second nature. You can save 20% of your gas this way, experts say.

3. Dump the weight. A jack and a spare tire are fine, but carrying your gardening tools in your trunk may be excessive! Get rid of anything that’s not necessary. Same goes for luggage racks or similar devices on your car roof; not only is it weight, but more drag. Get rid of it when you’re not using it to save gas.

4. Ride the wave! Vehicles, when moving, push air to the side to make room for it to go through. This causes drag and slows down your car. Take advantage of this! If you’re behind a large vehicle like a truck, which displaces a lot of air, there will be much less drag, thus less gas used to get the same speed. Race car drivers use this to great effect. So, why don’t you do that too?

5. Share gas. You’ll save a lot of gas if there are more people! Why not start or join a carpool? Expenses are split between you, and that’s less cars on the road, less gas used up, and less cash spent! It’s not always possible, but if a chance presents itself, do yourself a favor and jump on it.

6. Maintain your car. Replacing a clogged filter can increase your mileage by 10%. Using the right oil also improves efficiency. Check your tires and make sure they’re filled with air. Take care of your car, and it will take care of you!

There are more things you can do to save gas, but these are the more general ones. Any gas-saving tips you like to share? Opinions are always welcome!