In charge....

I think we'll find our President-Elect has a well developed - if somewhat dry - sense of humor and we'll be enjoying more of it now the election is over.

I think we'll find our President-Elect has a well developed - if somewhat dry - sense of humor and we'll be enjoying more of it now the election is over.

I watched it live.  He was focused, in command, firm but polite, and personable ("how did you hurt your arm?"). 

Nice job, Mr. President-Elect.

I think it is largely voltage that determines the efficiency of transmission.  The higher the voltage the more efficient the transmission. AC voltages unlike DC can be stepped up (for transmission) and down (for use) with transformers. Wind and water power turns turbines to produce AC.  Solar cells produce DC.  DC's efficiency comes from its being produced locally and not requiring much transmission.

This person probably did deliberately perceive it as so and that was pretty much what I figured.  I was curious to know what exactly he said (since I'm at work and missed it).  Thanks for clearing that up, everyone!

Only if one deliberately perceives his comments in a negative way. He was joking - as any rational, level-headed person will tell you. (So don't take my word for it.)

I think you are right about the boost thing.  I work for some windfarms and there is definitely an issue about the distance of the source from the user.  Presumably if you have your own power generation (eg wind/solar) you can sell surplus energy to your local grid at the moment?

I saw a post somewhere else from someone commenting about cheap shots toward Nancy Reagan?

I thought the opposite was true. I seem to remember Edison said something about DC requiring 'boosters' every few miles, but Tesla's AC system could transmit much greater distances with less losses. I think it also has something to do with voltage: transmission lines run at high voltages because it reduces current, which in turn reduces losses over distance. But I seem to recall high-voltage DC has a whole 'nuther set of drawbacks. I'll have to research it and refresh the old memory banks. Good information for a nerd like me to know regardless...

c.

I thought the opposite was true. I seem to remember Edison said something about DC requiring 'boosters' every few miles, but Tesla's AC system could transmit much greater distances with less losses. I think it also has something to do with voltage: transmission lines run at high voltages because it reduces current, which in turn reduces losses over distance. But I seem to recall high-voltage DC has a whole 'nuther set of drawbacks. I'll have to research it and refresh the old memory banks. Good information for a nerd like me to know regardless...

c.

During his press conference, Obama was asked by a reporter whether he was consulting with past Presidents still alive. He said all of them, but he would hold the line at conducting a seance (like nancy reagan.) He said it jokingly - trying to inject levity into somber subjects. If the racists are still ranting all their ugliness, then I don't think its unfair of him to take a few lighthearted shots at the old guard either.

Absolutelty! (Sorry Mugs, I realize this is #6. )

Maybe it's also time to consider making that grid a direct current grid. i read somewhere that a DC grid would be a more efficient way to distribute power nationally, with conversion to alternating current at the major end-points.

Yes He Is!  YAY!!!!   

I saw a post somewhere else from someone commenting about cheap shots toward Nancy Reagan?

Al Gore group urges Obama to create U.S. power grid
 It's about time! ...