The following is an excerpt from OpinionJournal.com’s “Best of the Web” written by the editor, James Taranto.

Bottom Stories of the Day

  • “No Visible Opposition Emerges Against Redistricting Plan”–headline, RadioIowa.com, April 13
  • “Police Found No Bomb in Car in Gwinnett County Parking Lot”–headline, Atlanta Journal-Constitution, April 13
  • “Unsung Soviet Shuttle Program Doesn’t Get Star Treatment”–headline, Wired.com, April 12
  • “U.S. Rep. Blake Farenthold Marks 100 Days in Office”–headline, Corpus Christi (Texas) Caller-Times, April 14

It’s People!
Remember the opening scene in “Soylent Green,” in which Edward G. Robinson pedals a stationary bicycle and powers an incandescent light bulb? Now it’s come true, albeit with a more modern exercise machine and probably one of those stupid twisty bulbs:

When University of North Texas students work out at Pohl Recreational Center, they will be saving the environment as well as working off those extra end-of-semester calories.

UNT has installed the ReRev renewable energy system on 36 elliptical machines, turning the school into what the company calls “the largest human power plant in the world.” . . .

According to ReRev’s website, elliptical machines in regular use can generate 1 kilowatt hour of electricity every two days–the same energy it takes to power a laptop for 24 hours, or a vacuum cleaner for 45 minutes.

“If the amount of people working out will eventually offset the $20,000, plus a good portion of electricity bill each month, then I’d say it’s definitely a good idea,” UNT alumnus Josh Lopez said. “I guess it all depends on the amount of energy the UNT population is contributing towards the building.”

According to ElectricChoice.com, residential power in Denton, where UNT is located, sells for between 8.52 cents and 11.35 cents a kilowatt-hour. The more expensive plans, are “green” ones, natch, so let’s use the latter figure as our basis. At the rate of 1 kilowatt hour every two days, the machines will have paid for themselves by 2976.

For more “Best of the Web” click here and look for thef “Best of the Web Today” link in the middle column below “Today’s Columnists.”