Gas pump prices, future of oil economy featured at UC Davis Lake Tahoe Center lecture

Submitted by Editor on Wed, 02/22/2012 - 12:26am
By Heather Segale

Volatile oil prices. Looming climate change. Worldwide economic and political unrest. Worsening traffic congestion. Crisis in transportation financing.

As we begin to face the consequences brought about by uncontrolled growth and neglected carbon awareness, we realize that America’s ongoing love affair with the car will continue to cause widespread environmental impacts and global conflicts over oil supply. These challenges and their solutions are the ongoing focus of research by the Institute of Transportation Studies (ITS) at UC Davis. For more than two decades, understanding the challenges and solutions have been the nexus of Institute’s work.

A lecture on energy policy and the automobile is slated for Thursday, Feb. 23 and will feature Dr. Dan Sperling, professor of civil engineering and environmental science/policy and founding director of the Institute of Transportation Studies at UC Davis. The discussion will begin 6 p.m. inside the Tahoe Center for Environmental Sciences, 291 Country Club Drive, Incline Village. The cost is a $10 donation. A no-host bar begins at 5:30 p.m.

Sperling has authored or co-author over 200 technical papers and 12 books, including Two Billion Cars. He will present insight on current strategies and research, and promulgate his unique and optimistic view of the rapidly evolving transportation and energy solutions of the future. Dr. Sperling will unveil how new technologies will allow consumers to access a suite of transportation and energy applications, ranging from dynamic real-time ride sharing applications, to programs that help consumers conserve energy in their cars and homes. As tomorrow’s advanced transportation technologies rapidly unfolds, will Lake Tahoe’s environmentally sensitive communities be ready to drive to a sustainable future?

The event is hosted by the UC Davis Tahoe Environmental Research Center and Sierra Nevada College. Additional sponsorship by The Weekly and Ferrari Crown Resort. Call (775) 881-7566 or tercinfo@ucdavis.edu for information.

Sponsor Showcase

Tahoe Media Group
Tahoe Media is a full-service multimedia company whose success results from delivering targeted and measured results. Tahoe Media has a talented group of graphic designers, nationally recognized photographers, copy writers and software engineers. As technological innovators we can assist your company attain qualified connections and media reach. Our elite team translates our enthusiasm into consistent solutions and analytics.

Peace of Mind Float Spa

Peace of Mind Float Spa L.L.C. is Lake Tahoe's premiere Sensory Deprivation (Float Tank) destination. We provide 2 float tanks as well as a Far Infared Sauna and an Aroma Therapy Oxygen Bar to enhance your complete flotation experience. Operated by Karin and Darin Nobriga, long time Tahoe locals. We provide the most relaxing mind and body experience in the Tahoe basin.

We're located at 290 Kingsbury Grade, Stateline, Nevada next to the Goal Post and a quarter mile from the Stateline casinos. We offer local and casino employee discounts and encourage those who haven't floated, to try the most relaxing experience of their lives.
What is Floating?
Floating is a therapeutic treatment that isolates the user from environmental stimulus, greatly reducing stress, and easing the body into a state of equilibrium. Floating is also known as flotation therapy, floating therapy, float therapy, restricted environmental stimulation therapy (or REST), and Epsom salt hydrotherapy. The flotation tank is referred to as an isolation tank, sensory deprivation chamber, float tank, floating tank, and rest tank.

The flotation tank itself is a sensory deprivation pod with 10 inch deep water warmed to 93.5 degrees and enriched with 800 pounds of Epsom salt (magnesium sulfate). The tank has an advanced filtration/purification system that operates according to regulations from the State of Nevada.

The space inside is approximately 8 feet long by 4 feet wide. Although some may be wary of feeling claustrophobic the first time they float, the tank door opens freely and you are in complete control. You can come and go as you wish. You can also float with the door open. For those who would like audio stimulation, relaxing music is available.
The experience of floating is unique. Inside the tank you’ll float effortlessly on the surface of 93.5 degree water. Floaters feel a sense of weightlessness. That weightlessness, the temperature of the water, and the dark, quiet space of the tank allow the brain to ease into a theta* brain wave state. This usually happens in the second half hour of a one hour float session. First time floaters should not expect instant results. Generally it takes more than one float to completely “let go” and fully experience flotation.

Motherlode Century

Welcome to the Motherlode Century! This amazing bicycling event will be held Sunday, May 20, 2012. Our mission is to provide you the best bicycle ride Northern California has to offer. We hope your positive experience here will not only compel you to participate every year, but will also entice you to return to enjoy a river trip, wine tasting or the many products this bountiful area has to offer. This century bike ride benefits the American River Conservancy, and Breathe California Sacramento Emigrant Trail charities.
Staged in the foothills of the Gold Country the Motherlode offers three ride options. The Gold Dust (31 miles), The Gold Nugget ( 67 miles), and the Motherlode (100 miles).
The start/finish and host camp is Earthtrek Expeditions located in Lotus, CA on the South Fork of the American River, in the beautiful Coloma Valley. This camp is our base for pre-ride check-in, and post ride dinner. Not only is this area a mecca for recreation, but also a center of fine food, wine and beer production.

Tahoe Powder House

Since 1994, Powder House has grown to become the largest and most
complete ski & snowboard rental shop in South Lake Tahoe, California.
For convenience and value of ski and snowboard rental packages, you
cannot beat the Powder House Ski and Snowboard of Lake Tahoe.

Please contact us by phone (530) 542-6222 or e-mail us with any questions you may have regarding Lake Tahoe ski and snowboard rentals, and accessories. Stop by and "check out" the very best ski and snowboard rental equipment on the market.

Use promo code “southtahoenow” to get 25% OFF on your next reservation at http://www.tahoepowderhouse.com

Motherlode Century

Welcome to the Motherlode Century! This amazing bicycling event will be held Sunday, May 20, 2012. Our mission is to provide you the best bicycle ride Northern California has to offer. We hope your positive experience here will not only compel you to participate every year, but will also entice you to return to enjoy a river trip, wine tasting or the many products this bountiful area has to offer. This century bike ride benefits the American River Conservancy, and Breathe California Sacramento Emigrant Trail charities.
Staged in the foothills of the Gold Country the Motherlode offers three ride options. The Gold Dust (31 miles), The Gold Nugget ( 67 miles), and the Motherlode (100 miles).
The start/finish and host camp is Earthtrek Expeditions located in Lotus, CA on the South Fork of the American River, in the beautiful Coloma Valley. This camp is our base for pre-ride check-in, and post ride dinner. Not only is this area a mecca for recreation, but also a center of fine food, wine and beer production.