Monthly Archives: November 2005

Cheaper Veggie Diesel Process

Posted on by

Brian Handwerk:

Any vegetable oil can become fuel, but not until its fatty acids are converted to chemical compounds known as esters. Currently the acids used to convert the fatty acids are prohibitively expensive.

Michikazu Hara, of the Tokyo Institute of Technology in Yokohama, Japan, and his colleagues have used common, inexpensive sugars to form a recyclable solid acid that does the job on the cheap. Their research is reported in last week’s issue of the journal Nature.

“We estimate the cost of the catalyst to be one-tenth to one-fiftieth that of conventional catalysts,” Hara said.

The breakthrough could provide cost savings on a massive scale, he said, because the technique could fairly easily make the transition from the lab to the refinery—if interest warrants.

Slashdot discussion.

Coming to TV: Ads About You

Posted on by

Gregory Hicks:

hen you watch your favourite program in the not-too-distant future, your TV could be watching back.

Cable companies are preparing to install software on digital set-top boxes that will keep track of everything you watch. Coupling that information with your address, the software would estimate your age, gender, interests and income.

The result? Advertisers could send different commercials to different viewers.

Turkey Fryer Product Safety Tip

Posted on by

Underwriters Laboratories:

A longtime food favorite in the southern United States, the delicious deep-fried turkey has quickly grown in popularity thanks to celebrity chefs such as Martha Stewart and Emeril Lagasse. While some people rave about this tasty creation, Underwriters Laboratories Inc.’s (UL) safety experts are concerned that backyard chefs may be sacrificing safety for good taste.

“We’re worried by the increasing reports of fires related with turkey fryer use,” says John Drengenberg, UL consumer affairs manager. “Based on our test findings, the fryers used to produce those great-tasting birds are not worth the risks. And, as a result of these tests, UL has decided not to certify any turkey fryers with our trusted UL Mark.”

O’Donnel’s Thanksgiving Recipes

Posted on by

http://blogs.washingtonpost.com/seasonedgreetings/2005/11/the_morning_aft.html:

e were a group of seven, including two vegetarians and a 15 or 16-pound turkey. The veggies brought their first Tofurky, with some of the trimmings. Their report: Overall not bad, but it gets cold quickly, which makes it less palatable. They were hoping to get their hands on a Celebration Roast, but they were nowhere to be found.

I was home by eight, just in time for “A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving.” The wind was howling that not even a blanket or a few glasses of red wine could warm me up.

WSJ on GM Janesville

Posted on by

Wisconsin State Journal Editorial pens a useful, cautious note:

There are no guarantees that GM will succeed with its turnaround plant. That means there are no long-term guarantees for the Janesville plant.

But in today’s rapidly changing economy, there are few guarantees for anyone.

The lesson for Wisconsin is that knowledge is vital. The knowledge-based economy is transforming all industries, from auto makers to software developers to genetic engineers. The state should invest in its knowledge assets its schools, colleges and universities. They will not only produce the educated work force we will depend upon but also the research that will generate many new businesses.

Families should also invest in knowledge the education and re-education that will be required to prepare for the changing job market.

The Demise of IP

Posted on by

Melanie Wyne:

More than two years ago, Massachusetts embarked on an “open standards, open source” policy, ostensibly working to guide its executive agencies toward a more citizen-accessible, cost-effective management of state IT assets. The state finally settled on the mandated use of OASIS’ OpenDocument Format, plus Adobe’s PDF schema, for its executive agencies’ office suites by January 2007. This policy has pitted those in favor of government mandates to meet “larger considerations” against others in the industry who favor a more market-oriented approach.
One editorial labeled Massachusetts’ OpenDocument Format plan as the “domino” that will cause other governments and private parties to follow suit, fostering more choice. Others believe that it represents a mandate for a single type of software model, one purposely imposed to limit competition, not strengthen it.

Tankless Hot Water Heaters via Microwave

Posted on by

Pulsar Advanced Technologies will next week launch its lead product, the Vulcanus MK4, a water heater USING microwave technology to heat water on demand.
Powered by electricity and unaffected by the volatile gas markets, the Vulcanus MK4 can heat water from 35 degrees Fahrenheit to 140 degrees Fahrenheit in seconds and can source multiple applications at once: showers, dishwasher, sink usages and more. The Vulcanus MK4 is the size of a stereo speaker with a sleek modern look, making it ideal for condos and apartments, while powerful enough to serve the needs of any size family. via Zawodny