Wed, 18 Jul 2007 23:34:08 GMT

Biofuels May Fuel Global Security Risks

Biofuels are touted to save the world by reducing dependence on fossil fuels and reducing emissions. They can also be economic boons for the producing countries. All this paints a very rosy picture for the world to embrace biofuels. But all is not hunky-dory with this alternative to fossil fuels, as a report from Janes Intelligence Review points.

It appears that in the hype of biofuels, certain social, political and practical considerations were overlooked. As is obvious, bringing a greater area into cultivation for biofuels will inevitably reduce the available area for the growth of food crops and put a heavy demand on water supplies and irrigation.

In a world where the demand for food is rising by the day. This would inevitably raise food prices and the governments could have to face social unrest as the poor section of the populace does not reap any benefits from biofuels but instead experience a price rise in food quantities.

Efforts to clear land for the cultivation of biofuels may lead to environmental degradation, as forests might have to be cleared for their cultivation. Cultivation on available land may also not be a cakewalk for the countries suffering unrest in the form of non-state armed groups. Countries such as Columbia, Philippines, Sri Lanka and Thailand may find acquiring land for cultivation a difficult task as the non-state armed groups may decipher such an effort as a challenge to territorial control.

In Columbia, the large tracts of supposedly unused land are actually used for cultivation of cocoa plants that produce cocaine, which funds the armed groups. The control of such land would be strongly opposed.

The report points out that while environmental issues point to long-term risks in the form of climatic changes, the short-term risks in the form of heightened competition for land, food and water resources will be more pressing and with a greater strategic impact.

Janes Intelligence Review is a journal published by Janes Information Group, an open source information provider on defence, international risk and national security to governments, militaries, industries and academia around the globe.

The world has looked forward to biofuels not only as a mean to reduce dependence on fossil fuels, but also as a way to a cleaner environment. A well-to-wheels study suggests that first generation biofuels can save upto 60% carbon emissions while the second-generation biofuels might bring this figure to nearly 80%.

This is indeed a giant venture and a great possibility and the governments around the world must ensure that biofuels are produced with no social unrest and minimum load on the existing food chain and water resources, otherwise this hyped alternative could envisage a plethora of problems, something which is not alien to the existing choice.

[Image: Renerp]
Via: Janes Posted by: Harshpaul      Read more     Source

Sun, 15 Jul 2007 00:21:31 GMT

DEPTHX

Via Carnegie Mellon - The Deep Phreatic Thermal Explorer (DEPTHX) project is creating the autonomy needed to enable an underwater robot to map three-dimensional spaces like flooded caverns and mines. Together with our partners we are creating a vehicle that will first explore the depths of the Zacaton Cenote in central Mexico. This scientific investigation is seeking to understand the unique organisms that survive in this, the deepest flooded sink hole in the world. Posted by: Zinzi      Read more     Source

Sun, 15 Jul 2007 00:02:27 GMT

Forgiveness

Craig and I were exhausted. We had just concluded Wednesday night service and our day was finally over! All I wanted was to get into my pajamas, eat a slice of pizza, and watch “Lost”. After throwing a few slices of cold pizza in the oven, I kissed the kids goodnight and decided to check our phone messages while waiting.

I scrolled through the caller ID before pulling up voicemail, to see if anyone had phoned. One call in particular caught my eye, “Private Name, Private Number.” “Humph,” I said to myself. “Wonder who that was.” As I pulled the pizza from the oven I listened to our messages, most of them were for the kids, but the last one made me stop what I was doing in midair.

My skin crawled as I heard a sinisterly, disguised voice begin to call my husband and I terrible names. However, the worst part of the call was as the caller threatened me, and my unborn baby. I was shaken and shocked. I handed the phone to Craig. “You need to listen to that message.” He looked at me quizzically and put the phone to his ear.

I did my best to continue preparing our meal as he listened. I turned to him after I heard him hang up. He looked angry and annoyed. He then spoke, “Do you know who that was?” I nodded my head and we both named the culprit at the same time. We then called our associates who also confirmed our suspicion after listening to the message.

A family had recently left the church after we had a record number of salvations. They were upset that the new Christians were taking up so much of our time. We did what we could to make them understand, tried to involve them in the discipleship process, but nothing mattered, they were mad and they left. We released them and let it go. However, it had seemed that they had not.

It was so difficult for me to forget that nasty message. It was sinister and the voice tone sounded downright demonic! And they had threatened my baby. I wanted to march up to this person and tear into them, but I knew I could not.

Four months later, I received a call from this person at home. Imagine my shock! They wanted to come back to the church, they were sorry. My immediate response was the pastoral-ly correct, “Yes, of course you can! We’ve missed you!” BUT, inside I was raging! This person had threatened me, and my baby! I didn’t trust them as far as I could throw them!

After the phone call ended I sat there and prayed, “God! What is going on! I don’t know what You are doing, but I need you to help me!” At that moment I heard Him speak clear as day, “Tara, have you forgiven her?” Immediately I started to say, “Of course,” but I stopped short, because I knew I had not. Could I? Looking at my very pregnant belly, I wasn’t sure I could. How could I forgive someone who had hurt my family?

“Well, maybe I can forgive her God, but I won’t forget, “ I muttered.

Again, He spoke. “Tara, I forgave you, and I scattered your sins as far as the east is from the west. I forgot when I forgave.”

I sank down on my bed and flipped open my Bible.

"Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Till seven times? Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, until seven times: but, until seventy times seven" (Matthew 18:21-22).

I got it. I could not forgive her while holding her past over her head. “But God, “ I reasoned. “She hasn’t even acknowledged that she did this! I know it was her! She couldn’t disguise her voice that well and I heard her kids in the background! What if she does something like that again! What if they leave again? Even if I did forgive and forget, I could never trust her!”

The Lord gently prodded me again, “Forgive and forget Tara. Trust is earned, but it can’t be earned if you don’t first forgive and forget.”

“Okay Lord, okay, but you’ll have to help me,” I said I as gave the situation to Him. I prayed and I forgave- and asked God to help me forget.

I quickly got up and began getting ready for a women’s ministry meeting. As I applied my make up the doorbell rang. I went to the window and to my surprise it was the recipient of my forgiveness. I opened my door and as she embraced me I told her how good it was to see her. And I meant it. Posted by: Tara Sloa      Read more     Source

Tue, 10 Jul 2007 00:19:43 GMT

Rare Arctic Char Dying with the Rising Temperatures of Lake Windermere

With rise in global warning their will be many preys to climate change. One such is the Arctic char, a relic of the Ice Age which thrives in cooler waters of deep water of Windermere, Lough Melvin in Ireland and a few Scottish lochs.

Warmer winters have meant less snow melting into the lake to lower temperatures and there has, in most years, been more summer sunshine.The surface water temperature of the largest natural lake in England have risen by between 1 and 2C over the past 70 years, according to the Freshwater Biological Association which is based on the lake.

The declining numbers are also a victim to eutrophication, the enrichment of water by nutrients from sewage and agricultural run-off and competition for food from shoals of roach.

Dr Roger Sweeting of the Association, is quoted to have said:

The Artic char in Windermere are at the southern limits of their range and prefer cooler temperatures as they need a lot of oxygen. When things get warmer, they don’t like it.

Over the next 25 years water temperatures might be expected to rise by between 2 and 4C because of global warming

Windermere is 10.5 miles long and 200 ft deep in places, it is entirely within the Lake District National Park. It has been one of the countrys most popular places for holidays and summer homes since 1847, when the Kendal and Windermere Railway built a branch line to it.

Image 1: Windermere and Waterhead, from Loughrigg, Photo by Ann Bowker
Image credit 2

Source: The Telegraph Posted by: Kanchan      Read more     Source

Mon, 09 Jul 2007 20:14:13 GMT

Outsourcing Your Homework

Forget about business outsourcing deals, kids are now learning about outsourcing in their own little way.

According to article written by Seemi Pasha, kids are now outsourcing their homework to other kids and all they need to do is to make sure they have the money ready to pay their "outsourced workers". Here is an excerpt from the said article:

This is a homework factory - from arts and craft projects to the lifecycle of a butterfly you name it they will make it for you. All you have to do is shell out anything between Rs 100 to Rs 300 and you are all set to become the apple of your teacher's eye.

Honestly, I don't support this kind of activity because these kids are learning to cheat at such a young age. Outsourcing is something effective in business and should not be abused and used in such ways. Posted by: Carol Kendrick      Read more     Source

Mon, 09 Jul 2007 13:20:19 GMT

WILL HARRY POTTER DIE?

Source:www.jurko.net

Given the popularity of the Harry Potter character and Daniel Radcliffe, the affable youngster who brought him to life, I hate to broach the subject, but it must be done.

Will Harry Potter meet his end in the last movie, "Harry Potter and Deathly Hallows"?

Radcliffe thinks the character will be killed off, and, in fact, hopes Potter does die!

We'll have to wait until July 21, when the final tome in the series is released, to learn what happened and the anticipation is great the world over, as this article reports. Posted by: jim      Read more     Source

Mon, 09 Jul 2007 09:18:29 GMT

Let's play Pass the Buck

So California is all strung out about meeting their Clean Air Act requirements, claiming that China is contributing to their pollution. Meanwhile, China is producing 10,500 pounds of carbon dioxide per person, and America is producing 42,500 pounds per person - with heavy demand on China for cheap imports, and being complete hypocrits about the whole situation.

Bush hasn't signed the 1997 Kyoto Protocol, due to the fact developing countries like China would be excempt. Hello. Do the math. China is producing one fourth the carbon dioxide per person as the United States!

Economics and measures to combat global warming can work in harmony. Stop passing the buck, and start taking responsibility. Global warming is a global issue. Everyone must work together - and it is plainly obvious the countries excempt from the Kyoto Protocol are doing all they can to play fair. Posted by: Miche      Read more     Source

Tue, 03 Jul 2007 18:37:30 GMT

Paris on a Fame High

If attitude and style are the purpose of popularity, hotel heiress Paris Hilton has achieved it to the max. Media experts say that the dumb blonde, who is defining the image of American fashion worldwide has become the most recognizable person on the planet.

The hype and hoopla surrounding her recent stint in prison constituted a chunk of news share. Miss Hilton has reached the crescendo of fame and anything that she does, even if it is a blunder like driving with a suspended license becomes the hot news of the day. Her recent prison stint was so hyped up that the fashion icon chewed a great deal of media time and constituted a chunk of news.

Despite the fact that the blonde is damn silly and mean, she manages to get the worlds undivided attention. As a matter of fact, Paris dominates not only American media, but also, the countries where news from the US is banned. Not only is the Hilton babe most watched, she is read about more than anybody else.

All this is enough to highlight our celebrity obsessed culture and falling moral standards. But at the same time there is no denying that if we dont have such news, what will we laugh at?

Via Posted by: Nishtha      Read more     Source

Tue, 03 Jul 2007 15:43:30 GMT

Bill Collector Home Business

Required Skills for a Bill Collection Home Business

If you are interested in putting up your own home-based bill collector business, then you may need to be skilled in both accounting and management. You need your well-honed math skills in order to balance the bills demanded and the money you received from the people in your area. You will also need good organizing skills, as you need to keep track of people who have not paid their bills, people who have paid less than the amount required, those who have extra credit because they paid more than the amount required, and people who have actually evaded the law and fled.

You will need computer skills and knowledge of accounting and database software, both of which can help you balance your accounts and keep track of your clients. It would also help if you already know people working with major companies that require bills to be paid: this "inside man" can help you know the requirements of the company, and it can be easier for you to get appointments with the main boss if you want to offer your bill collecting services. Posted by: noel      Read more     Source

Tue, 03 Jul 2007 09:26:46 GMT

Rush for Biofuel Causing Damage to the Environment

According to a report in The Telegraph, the rush for biofuels is causing a lot of damage to the environment. A campaign group has been quoted saying that whole ecosystems are being destroyed and hundreds of thousands of people being displaced to make way for crops required for biofuels.

The campaign group has claimed that some biofuels are no better than the traditional fossil-fuels. They do not help in cutting emissions - lot of fuel is used up in manufacturing of the biofuel.

The report says that even the term biofuel is a misnomer and should instead be called agrofuel.

The report claims that in Latin America, Asia and Africa, the push for agrofuels is leading to the reintroduction of the old colonial plantation system at the expense of indigenous farming systems and local communities. [Remember indigo plantation in our country India. The local farmers were forced to cultivate indigo that was more useful to the ruling community and was not needed by the farmers. It was an unjust practice with which Mahatma Gandhi started his struggle in India.]

The report adds:

The EU has said it wants to see at least 10 per cent of road fuel derived from plants by 2020 and President Bush recently announced a 15 per cent target for the replacement of petrol by biofuels in US vehicles. In the next 18 months, biofuel production in the US will double to about seven per cent of the petrol consumed.

The increasing acceptance of biofuels as an environment friendly alternative to fossil fuels, I believe, is not good. There are certain alternatives which can help countries tackle the growing demand of energy. In India, the fuel obtained from jatropha seeds is being promoted and efforts are on to convert the oil extracted from jatropha seeds into efficient fuel for vehicles.

The government is promoting plantation of jatropha on arid and practically barren land. This is looked at as an opportunity to help people living in less fertile areas generate income along with boosting the fuel supply.

This is believed to help save lot of foreign reserves which is till now being spent on fuel imports. As far as jatropha is concerned, it is a good way of making use of land which was so far least productive.

Even as I say that the land is least productive, this does not mean that the land should be planted without any consideration. These lands are as much part of the ecosystem and have their own importance. Proper studies should be done before human intervention into these areas. There are several instances of damage caused to the ecosystem by human interference in way of introduction of new species, both deliberate and accidental. Introduction of foreign species have caused serious ecological threats.

Use of sugarcane, maize and other crops for production of biofuels pose another challenge. A lot of crop that could have fed humans ends up in fuel tanks of vehicles instead of hungry people. The increasing demand of maize for ethanol production for use as fuel along with petrol and diesel has caused the maize prices to go up. This affects the poor the most who live on the crops which are now increasingly being used for production of biofuels.

The alternatives to traditional fuels must be searched, both to meet the increasing energy demands as well as saving our climate and environment, but judiciously. It should never happen that with the intent of saving the earth, we further worsen the situation.

Image Source: Telegraph


Source: Telegraph
Posted by: Bahadurshahzafar      Read more     Source