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POPSBiofuel Craze Could Starve Millions Joachim von Braun, director general of the U.S.-based International Food Policy Research Institute supports a moratorium on grain- and oilseed-based biofuels but not for sugar-cane-based fuels. Sugar-cane is the source of many sweeteners used in breakfast cereals and soft drinks. We should start seeing those prices begin to shoot up. I looks like we are just going to have to find another alternative to the biofuels sources.
5
POPSKudzu - The Invader That Ate the South In the southern US these photos are typical of the sites you see when driving anywhere. Vines covering signs and fences ... covering poles and electric lines ... close along highways and roads as if making an attempt to grow across. There are even recipes to cook Kudzu in the South. A very beautiful, picturesque nuisance.
3
POPSInvasive Species Flood Into China The article says this will be one of the hidden costs of the Olympics for China. Welcome to the real world of international trade. The South (USA) has been over-run with an invader vine brought her from an Exposition (visitors pinched a piece off and took it home), and later for cattle feed.
3
POPS"Astro Comb" Looking for New Earth-like Worlds "Those afraid of the universe as it really is, those who pretend to nonexistent knowledge and envision a Cosmos centered on human beings will prefer the fleeting comforts of superstition. They avoid rather than confront the world. But those with the courage to explore the weave and structure of the Cosmos, even where it differs profoundly from their wishes and prejudices, will penetrate its deepest mysteries." - Carl Sagan
3
POPSFossil Poop - Back Dating American Inhabitants Good to know they can tell where we came from by the s**t we leave behind. I doubt these people were considering leaving a DNA trail when they were passing through. Interesting find providing new dates to add to our science books.
1
POPSAmerica is "on the wrong track" Gas prices continue to rise ... the stock market is volatile ... the dollar continues to fall ... spending is down nationwide. Yes, it's time for a change!
2
POPSSuicide Machine Sparks Outrage This seems like the best of the worst in suicide machines. This one seems similar to the ones Dr. Kevorkian uses. Dr. Kevorkian links: http://www.fansoffieger.com/kevo.htm http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jack_Kevorkian http://www.nytimes.com/2007/06/05/opinion/05tue3.html
0
POPSInternet Plans Helps Man Commit Suicide This is sad ... but I know first hand that when someone makes the decision to kill themselves, they will do whatever it takes to accomplish it. The internet is a boon for any activity you want to engage in ... including (I suppose) your own death. If someone wants to die, and is ill , I believe that is a different situation. This man was depressed because of his family wanting him to move. I would have hoped there was another way to work this out, other than his death by suicide! Will this be the new way of the future? (See cartoon from "Futurama")
2
POPSWater Could Be the Future Source of War There are already water shortages here in the U.S. ... in states you would not suspect, like Colorado (with mountains covered in snow). If these predictions of the future of water are true, then there will be many countries and regions in our world that will be willing to fight to get the water they need, or over the rights to water sources. Drilling water wells has become a booming business here in the States. The drillers can hardly keep up with the demands for new wells because the loss of irrigation water means the end of agriculture, and the end to fresh, cheaper water (alternative to public utility water). We haven't listened to the global warming danger signals (http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080325/ap_on_sc/antarctica_collapse;_ylt=AhkdhRa7pomM.kFSa9VB2sIPLBIF), so I doubt there will be any rush to fix this growing problems either!
1
POPSEvidence of Large Meteorite Found In UK The earth has been hit so many times in the past that we would probably look like the Moon if we didn't have large bodies of water hiding a lot of the impact sites. I think it is very nice of meteors and meteorites to leave the evidence (elevated levels of the element iridium) of their deeds in the surrounding rock formations for us to find later.
0
POPSPrepare for the Worst - Solar Flares About to Get Ugly I've been waiting for this "End of the Great Cycle" for about 30 years now (I read about it back in the 70's). Solar activity rises and falls in 11-year cycles, swinging back and forth between times of quiet and storminess. We're at the end of Solar Cycle 23, which peaked in 2001, The next cycle, Solar Cycle 24, is now beginning, and will return the sun to a stormy state. This is the time that is referred to in the Mayan Calendar as the "End of Days". The date December 21st, 2012 A.D., 11:11 am GMT is foretold in the Mayan and Aztec cultures as the "End of the Great Cycle". Read more here: http://www.greatdreams.com/2012.htm Buckle up people ... we're in for a tough ride, if the predictions are correct!
4
POPSWelcome To The "MENaissance" "much longed for rebirth of medieval masculinity" .... and here I thought I was the only one who wanted men to act like men. I love having the door or my chair held for me. Stand up when a woman comes into the room! Hurray. My dad (born in 1916 and raised with old fashioned values by his grandparents) was the only man I ever knew that really made me feel like a valued woman. He was even proud that I was intelligent too. (Oh ... and guess what righthand and alanocu... he was a Texan! LOL)
2
POPSCandy from the Green Fairy This is a brief article about the absinthe craze that hit the U.S. after the almost 100 year old ban on it's sale was lifted last year. There are several other articles on this site about the history of absinthe, urban myths and legends, and recipes for cocktails.
2
POPSManson Murders - Dogs Find Possible New Graves I remember these murders. The death of pregnant Sharon Tate was so sad! The trials of Manson and his "family" were a circus! Charles Manson is a frightening man. I know there are more murdered people out there. You don't commit the crimes they were all prosecuted for and not have done more ... much more!
2
POPSScene 360 - You Post Your Impressions Art lovers ... this is your site! All genres and styles of art, from the easily recognizable classics like "American Gothic" to Modern and Impressionistic art is here for you to post your own visceral interpretation.
2
POPSSagging Pants Against the Law This is one of the only youth fashions that I have never liked. I don't really want to see several inches of someones underwear or watch as he holds or hikes up his pants just to walk down the street. Come on guys ... you can do better than this!
1
POPSUS Foreclosures Give Homeless Temporary Homes The foreclosure rate in most major U.S. cities is reaching epidemic proportions. Where I live there are 600 foreclosures per month. The homeless are taking advantage of this unfortunate event in finding temporary shelter (sometimes with water and electricity still connected). This can be deadly when they use candles for light and start a fire, or drugs or prostitution rings set up there, which attract the police.
1
POPSXīn Nián Kuài Lè - Happy Chinese New Year This article was very interesting. Lots of info such as the tradition of giving a red envelope with money inside to children and unmarried adults. Also the number "4" is bad luck and stands for death, so the money amount can never have a "4" in it. Fireworks scare away the evil spirits and are still unrestricted in Taiwan and Mainland China where "there are many displays of fireworks lighting up the evening skies." Happy Year of the Rat!
3
POPSHow Healthy Is Bottled Water Some amazing and scary facts about bottled water and the plastics it is packaged in in the USA. The cost , the article states, is more than gasoline in the U.S.
2
POPSH2O = Life This looks like a really wonderful exhibit from the American Museum of Natural History. We are 98% water and can't live without it. Fascinating subject. I spent a whole day in that museum one Summer vacation years ago, and still didn't get to see everything. I would love to go back and see this exhibit.
5
POPS70-year-old Color Photos "color photos make the past seem more real" is what one person commented. On the site are the titles and years taken for all these photos. Some are every day event photos, and some are almost haunting in the subject matter. The one with the man inside the airplane window for example. Another person commented there is another website where there are Civil War through about the 1950's era photos. www.shorpy.com
2
POPSAn Extraterrestrial Poisoned the Water I know that when fluoride began to be added to the water in the U.S. everyone was told that there would be no more cavities. I had never known that too much fluoride could poison you. This sounds like a serious problem that this town and the site in Mexico has. Sounds like they are suffering from "too much of a good thing". Check out this site to learn of other things you can have too much of ... http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.jsp?articleId=281474977207835
1
POPSThe Miraculous Universe Great photos of galaxies so far away they are even small dots in these powerful telescope images. Images unlocking mysteries of the Universe.
3
POPSIncredible Paper Sculptures These paper sculptures are amazing. You can view the enlarged images on his flickr account or go to his website for info about upcoming shows.
1
POPSCaffeine Bad - Morning Sickness Good Not having caffeine in the first trimester is a Duh. It is a drug after all. "Women who have morning sickness are less likely to miscarry than those who do not," ... This was a surprise. So, being sick is a good thing! The Greek historian Hesiod wrote in 'Works and Days,' 'Observe due measure, moderation is best in all things.' ... so old becomes new again.
1
POPSThyme for Courage Herbs have many beneficial uses that we in the modern world, with our prescription drugs and such, do not remember or know about. Caution should be used when taking herbal remedies ... but give Mother Nature a try sometimes, instead of the prescription bottle.
3
POPSThe Worlds Shortest Play It's brief! But if you read the lines, it leaves you thinking. The same kind of open-ended stuff you see in soap operas on TV. Makes you want more.
0
POPSMiscarriage Caused By Caffeine Caffeine is bad and morning sickness is good. Well the caffeine is bad is a Duh! Caffeine is a drug and you need to be very careful about drug and alcohol intake (among other things) during the first trimester of pregnancy when the fetus is forming. Morning sickness is good was a surprise! "the same hormonal changes that cause nausea and vomiting contribute to a healthy pregnancy." If you say so ... but it sure doesn't feel healthy when you are having it!
1
POPSSurgery Cures Type 2 Diabetes This article was of some great interest to me since my son is a diabetic. Diabetics have a lot of trouble dieting because if they don't eat they get sicker. Diabetics must diet under strict doctor's supervision to prevent severe medical problems ... and not too many people can afford the cost or the time (perhaps hospitalized) that this would involve.
1
POPSGiant Waves Inside the Ocean Caught Breaking I had no idea there were waves inside or under the ocean. I knew there were currents and tides ... but waves that actually break like the ones above on the surface of the ocean? I learn something new every day!
2
POPSLove Notes Removed From Juliet's House Wow ... that's some kind of mess with hundreds of love notes covering the walls of Juliet's house in Verona, Italy. "The love note-writing tradition dates from 1937, when the first letter sent to Juliet was found by her tomb. "Each year we receive thousands of letters, simply addressed to 'Juliet, Verona.' We have a Juliet Club which collects the missives and replies to everybody. Each year, on Valentine's Day the best letters are awarded a prize," If you're feeling romantic and want to read the entire play ... Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare ... http://etext.library.adelaide.edu.au/mirror/classics.mit.edu/Shakespeare/romeo_juliet/full.html
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POPSMySpace Security - Ineffective Against Predators I have monitored my youngest child's progress on the web (she's now 20), and have taught her how to survive and evade the predators. MY OPINION: Nothing (no online security measures) can take the place of proper parental concern and instruction!
1
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