Science
Nuclear Fusion…Redux
An article in the Times reads like something out of the 1950s. Apparently, efforts to harness nuclear fusion might prove fruitful over the next 20 years. According to some unnamed scientists, nuclear fusion could be ‘pouring’ into the UK electricity grid by 2030. Forget about the insurmountable challenges of producing the energy of the sun... »
Our Exponential Downfall
Dr. Albert A. Bartlett’s presentation on “Arithmetic, Population, and Energy.” Was Thomas Malthus reincarnated? »
Electric Car Infrastructure
San Fran may be the first city in the world to truly test the viability of an electric car infrastructure. Call them forward-looking or call them stupid, it’s up to you. You see, the problem today reminds me of the Betamax vs. VHS competition of the 1980s. Like during the video tape debacle of the... »
Our Place in the Universe
Oxford professor Richard Dawkins presents a series of lectures on life, the universe, and our place in it. »
Peak (Sperm Whale) Oil
There is, and always has been, a compelling case against Peak Oil theories. Both sides of the story must be understood if one is to obtain a true picture of the state of the world’s energy supply. Worries over peaking energy sources began long ago… The oil in question in the 1850s was not today’s... »
5 Years to Oil Crunch
Energy and economics are intertwined. When oil prices rise due to a supply crunch, we can’t simply print more oil. The oil crunch, which some say will come within 5 years, will be far worse than the current recession. »
Bored to Death
Is it really is possible to be bored to death? Researchers have found that people who live tedious lives are twice as likely to die young. I doubt boredom causes health problems. It’s more likely that the type of people who get bored are the same types that suffer health problems.... »
Because We Love You
Dr Andrew Weil is raising his recommended daily dose of vitamin D to 2,000 IU. In a recent article, he states: In recent years, scientists have discovered that it may help to prevent several cancers, cardiovascular disease, autoimmune disorders, psoriasis, diabetes, psychosis, and respiratory infections including colds and flu. To focus particularly on cancer prevention, two... »
Rare Earth Metals
Here's an in-depth interview with Victor Gonçalves on the challenges of building a hybrid car fleet. Tons of 'Rare Earth Metals' will be required...here's how he highlights the opportunity/challenge »
Didn’t ‘The Terminator’ Teach us Anything?
Good grief. The Pentagon is apparently trying to develop immortal synthetic organisms for military use. Of course, they’ll build in a ‘kill switch’ so the power of these machines will be contained…sort of like how the destructiveness of the sub-prime mortgage crisis was contained. Of course, anyone who has watched The Terminator knows what happens when... »