Mind Soup

* In 1974 with 36.1% of oil from foreign sources, President Richard Nixon said, “At the end of this decade, in the year 1980, the United States will not be dependent on any other country for the energy we need.” * In 1975 with 36.1% of oil from foreign sources, President Gerald Ford said, “We must reduce oil imports by one million barrels per day by the end of this year and by two million barrels per day by the end of 1977.” * In 1979 with 40.5% of oil from foreign sources, President Jimmy Carter said, “Beginning this moment, this nation will never use more foreign oil than we did in 1977 – never.” * In 1981 with 43.6% of oil from foreign sources, President Ronald Reagan said, “While conservation is worthy in itself, the best answer is to try to make us independent of outside sources to the greatest extent possible for our energy.” * In 1992 with 47.2% of oil from foreign sources, President George Bush said, “When our administration developed our national energy strategy, three...

Translation: With every 20 liters fuel, you get a free pack of bread.

Here come the e-readers, a boon to travelers and speed readers, and, we’re told, a saver of trees. And, in their wake, here come the prophets predicting doom to the paper book, and along with it the death of copyright and all sorts of unknown effects. But not so fast. Don’t burn the books yet. I’m not pleading the venerable history, the beauty of design, or the tactility of the page. Here are three practical reasons not to ditch the paper: 1. Solar storms. A big one could fry transformers, as solar storms have in the past, and affect satellites and towers in such a massive way that communications could be down for months, with much disruption of all sorts. Including, possibly, the wipeout of all online libraries and downloads. Don’t let anyone embed a chip into your head, either, no matter how much memory they promise to add! 2. Energy shortages. Remember Peak Oil? We know that green energy is galloping to the rescue, but is nowhere near meeting the need. We know that interne...

With the media heating up for the December Climate Change Summit in Denmark, it is time to for some reflection. Does the name "Severn Cullis-Suzuki" mean anything to you? Severn was 12 when in 1992, she raised money to attend the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro. She spoke to the summit members in a speech which became famous. A speech which -sadly enough- could have been given today. It makes one wonder what progress really happened in the past 17 year. Do we actually make progress on protecting our planet for the sake of our children, and their children? In an age where Green Goes Commercial, where corrupt companies like Monsanto and Cargill start dominating our food chain, and chase the food prices up so the poor no longer have access to food. A world where Western companies buy up fertile land in Africa to grow biofuel crops so less land becomes available for food agriculture? Did we make progress, or are we still sliding downhill?

Scientists can create cheap hydrogen from urine for use in fuel cells Urine-powered cars, homes and personal electronic devices could be available in six months with new technology developed by scientists from Ohio University. Using a nickel-based electrode, the scientists can create large amounts of cheap hydrogen from urine that could be burned or used in fuel cells. "One cow can provide enough energy to supply hot water for 19 houses," said Gerardine Botte, a professor at Ohio University developing the technology. "Soldiers in the field could carry their own fuel." Pee power is based on hydrogen, the most common element in the universe but one that has resisted efforts to produce, store, transport and use economically. Storing pure hydrogen gas requires high pressure and low temperature. New nanomaterials with high surface areas can adsorb hydrogen, but have yet to be produced on a commercial scale. Chemically binding hydrogen to other elements, like ox...

A lovely and useful confectionary, chocolate, is rich with charms itself. Since the first time people discovered chocolate, it has become a hit among those who consider themselves as chocolate lovers or chocoholics. Nowadays, chocolate is more than food and superb desserts, human’s creativities bring to an idea of transforming chocolate into unusual things. 1. Chocolate Spa Hershey, American’s largest chocolate company, has created an exotic and sublime spa at THE HOTEL HERSHEY where you can unwind your tensions and enjoy chocolate without gaining more calories. The Chocolate Spa is located in Hershey, Pennsylvania and more than its beautiful view that attracts people, Hershey provides extraordinary therapies with ingredient for innovative spa treatments such as the Whipped Cocoa Bath, Cocoa Butter Scrub and Chocolate Fondue Wrap. All are worth indulgence. The sweet and bitter spa has made itself to perfection with several ways of chocolate treatments; Chocolate Foundue Wrap,...