Preemptive Hindsight

CW FISHER First of all, I apologize for my apocalepsy. I'll be typing along and have an apocalyptic seizure -- happens all the time. But I'm going to try to get through this post without destroying us all in the end. Let's say the scientists are right and the earth is getting hotter. This could eventually mean our current housing might no longer be appropriate for all our comfort needs. Which sounds like a marketing opportunity to me. But then, what do I know? Obviously I'm wrong or someone would have jumped on it by now. If the scientists are right, it's almost too late to think about retrofitting your house for what's to come. And if the politicians are right, we'll get to it, but right now there's a war on, an election coming up, Abramoff trouble, constituent backlash on Net Neutrality, whatever the eff that's supposed to mean, although we know what it means, it means big money for nothing and some of it belongs to them they think. So it's more rewarding and interesting to follow the politicians and also you don't sound like Chicken Little. But let's just say we were listening to the scientists. Then we'd say Hm. If the world begins to experience mounting catastrophes, then the infrastructure of civilization might begin to break down, beginning with energy and its distribution. Gas and natural gas rely on trucks and pipes; electricity blacks out easily and stays out longer than ever; cell phones go dead. We know this from Katrina and other disasters. So wouldn't it have been cool if we'd forked over a few bucks for solar roof panels? Because then we'd have energy. For free. If I had three wishes for you and your family and me and mine it would be these. Solar Roof. Everybody in the world with an interest and a roof would go down to Wal-Mart with their government voucher and pick up their near-cost solar panels that install with a few nails. Reusable water supply. At a minimum, every person should have a personal drinking water filter that converts urine to potable water. Another unit handles dishwater, bath water and laundry water. If toilets don't flush, use plastic bags draped over a camp toilet of 5-gallon bucket, knot the bag tightly. Boat. Noah's neighbors thought he was nuts, but they don't even have descendants. Since floods happen quickly, wouldn't it be great if the boat was ready and loaded? And wouldn't it be nice to have a tent cover with a water catcher? There are lots of other goodies that are nice-to-haves. Like a crank radio. You can get one from the U.S. government sometimes if you go to Somalia. Sometimes they drop from the sky. Or you can wait until Wal-Mart has them. Okay, I have to stop now because I can't stand it and I'm about to go apoco again. But at least you didn't die this time.