Africanized Bee In a move that would make Gargamel, Dr. Evil, and Auric Goldfinger proud Monsanto has bought one of the leading bee colony collapse disorder (CCD) research groups, Beeologics, in an apparent effort to cover their sizable tracks and, of course, take over the world. Monsanto’s genetically modified (GMOs) crops have long been a prime suspect in the rapid decline of bee colonies around the world.  Beeologics was “an international firm dedicated to restoring bee health and protecting... [Read more]

Yes! My own pub! I was about to jump the border.  At the last minute I got the opportunity to work and live in Europe for the summer. It was a chance to work on a children’s book (8-12 year old age group) that I had conceived 5 years ago and had outlined in full and started the previous year. Between brushing up on my Spanish, rehabbing injuries sustained when I was hit by a drunk driver in April, finding and packing sensible walking shoes, regular work stuff, lining up someone to take care of... [Read more]

I, like many nerds, discovered the possibility of thorium as a nuclear fuel from acomplex documentary starring thorium fanatic, NASA scientist, and brain-trust Kirk Sorensen.  You’d have to have a doctorate in physics to break down all the information Sorensen spews, but here’s what makes thorium exciting as a possible “clean” nuclear energy source: Thorium, named after the Norse god of thunder Thor, is plentiful in the earths crust, burns almost completely in a Liquid Fluoride Thorium... [Read more]

(And get over Kelley Blue Book) I’m not a big car person. Just don’t care. Wish I didn’t have to drive one. A car is the last thing I ever want to think about. That being said, I should never be allowed to write anything about a car. However, I did manage to sell one, on fire, for over Kelly Blue Book. So maybe I deserve a page or two? Regardless of the fire, the fact that I was able to sell this particular P.O.S. for over Blue Book is amazing. I had driven the thing (for to call it a car... [Read more]

The Maldives. I want to be here! Now! “The Island President” is that rare film, which is as effective an enviro-political documentary as tourism video. Wandering into the theatre to see the tale of former Maldivian President Mohamed Nasheed , and his fight to save his nation from rising sea levels, I left with a burning desire to spend a week on one of the Maldives ’ quickly eroding white sand beaches.  Soon, it might be impossible to visit this stunning archipelago in the Indian Ocean;... [Read more]

Shhhhh... I'm Volunteering from The Couch! Do you like video games?  Do you want to volunteer but don’t want to leave the couch? Great! I have an activity for you. Go to www.FreeRice.com FreeRice.com is the Official Winner* of: Volunteering Made Easy Best Way to Stay Seated and Volunteer I Made the World A Better Place While Procrastinating at Work Can I Report These Community Service Hours to My Parole Officer? And possibly… The Palme d’Or ** All kidding aside – go play any of... [Read more]

Santa Monica, CA introduces the world’s first runoff recycling facility and then, never ignoring a cross promotional opportunity, names it the SMURRF.  SMURRF = Santa Monica Urban Runoff Recycling Facility. Its primary function is to eliminate pollution in Santa Monica Bay caused by urban runoff. The state of the art facility catches and cleans an average of 500,000 gallons of dry weather runoff caused by sprinklers, care washes, spills, pool draining, construction sites, etc. Santa Monica Bay... [Read more]