Open for Questioning


I wish to thank you for your ongoing coverage of the Salinas Valley Solid Waste Authority’s (SVSWA) evaluation of our innovative, non-incineration plasma gasification technology as an alternative to landfilling (“Proposed trash-zapping plant in Gonzales moves forward, but not without questions,” Aug. 18-24). We are encouraged by the supportive, inquisitive and thoughtful reception we have received in the Salinas Valley community. We welcome every opportunity to answer questions, present our technology and discuss our project in the Salinas Valley. Our proposed facility will generate renewable energy, improve local air quality, create local clean-tech jobs and eliminate the need for a new landfill.


We are committed to transparency and a rigorous review process. It is our goal to leave no question unanswered or concern unaddressed. To contact us or learn more, please contact the SVSWA or visit www.plascoenergygroup.com. - Alasdair McLean | Plasco Energy Group


(Note: Mr. McLean is Plasco’s vice president of strategic initiatives.)


Sugar Coating


Sugar is an all-natural source of the carbohydrates necessary to provide your body with the energy it needs to get through the day – to say that carbohydrates are poison and the leading cause of obesity, is not only confusing to consumers, but factually inaccurate (“Sugar is not only making America fat, it’s poisoning the people,” Aug. 18-24). 


The National Academy of Sciences concluded that there was insufficient evidence to set a limit for sugar intake, based on data available on a variety of health issues including risk of obesity. This conclusion resulted from a three-year comprehensive review that cited 279 references on dietary carbohydrates. The study found “no clear and consistent association between increased intakes of added sugars and [body mass index].”


Too much of anything isn’t good for us, but it’s important to look at diet as a big picture. We recommend that all foods be consumed in moderation. Sugar has been part of the human diet for more than 2,000 years. Its consumption has been the subject of intense scientific scrutiny for decades, but the results remain consistent. With only 15 calories per teaspoon, sugar is a safe food that can easily be included in healthful eating – there is a reason that much of the scientific and medical communities believe that Dr. Lustig is being overly dramatic and out of line.


We are happy to discuss this and any other misconceptions about sugar. Please feel free to contact us with any further questions. - SugarAssociation | via Web


(Note: The Sugar Association is the Washingon, D.C.-based trade and lobbying wing of the sugar industry. It can be reached at www.sugar.org.)


Actually, SugarAssociation, our bodies do not need any carbohydrates to survive, especially not sugar. Although if anyone believes someone with the user name “SugarAssociation” when it comes to the truth about sugar I’ll be surprised. - thatpamchick | via Web


Maybe writer Ari LeVaux should convince Obama to create funding for a 2-year research panel to weigh the pros and cons of sugar. Then afterwards, he could create a new committee that regulates what kind and how much sugar we can consume. But he couldn’t do this, of course, without having a sugar oversight committee to watch the consumer’s sugar committee. Enough already. I learned at age 5 that anything that tastes good is bad for you, but I can make my own decisions on what I eat, thank you. - Chris Juice | via Facebook


Cloudy Glass


Wow! $80 to see Philip Glass? Makes the $45 ticket sound like a bargain (“Famed contemporary classical composer Philip Glass establishes a local legacy with his Days and Nights Festival,” Aug.18-24). The “purchase tickets” button is right next to the “donate” button. Huh? Daikaiju just played at The Alternative Cafe for 5 bucks. I’d better stick to things on my own side of the tracks. I can’t afford to be entertained by Philip Glass. Maybe his friends at the ACLU could start a fund to help subsidize high-brow shows for folks like me? - Oldmetalhead | via Web