The last three seasons have been some of the worst we've seen in the United States in a long time. Over the winter, blizzards halted travel and inconvenienced millions. This spring has seen multiple tornadoes ravage the south and east with deadly results. Then, there's the wildfires which are destroying thousands of acres and droughts. Floods have also affected huge areas. Minot, North Dakota has been the latest victim of nature as the Souris River is bound to set a record crest today or tomorrow.
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/8121943/minot_north_dakota_evacuates_as_souris.html?cat=9
The time has come to ask why. What is the cause of this damaging and deadly weather events? There are two likely culprits. The first and most likely is La Nina, and it is kicking our ass. But, there is something exacerbated the effects of La Nina. It's our old nemesis known as global warming. People don't want to believe it exists, but something is happening. Yet, I think it's only going to get worse until we're seriously willing to address it.
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Sunday, April 3, 2011
Michio Kaku to Appear at the University of Minnesota on April 7th
For science fiction fans in the Twin Cities area, I have some good news. Michio Kaku, author of Physics of the Impossible, will be discussing his new book Physics of the Future. This book discusses where technology is moving in the future, specifically in the year 2100.
Dr. Kaku, a theoretical physicist, will appear at Coffman Memorial Union on April 7th at 7PM. If you are unfamiliar with Dr. Kaku, he has spoken on many programs ranging from news programs, History Channel's The Universe, his own show on the Science Channel named Physics of the Impossible, and he even recently appeared on Conan. However, I find that it's hard to forget this white haired ebullient scientist who often discusses the theory of everything. This concept tries to unify the four fundamental forces of the universe, the weak nuclear force, the strong nuclear force, gravity, and electromagnetism. This event is a must for any physics fans.
Dr. Kaku, a theoretical physicist, will appear at Coffman Memorial Union on April 7th at 7PM. If you are unfamiliar with Dr. Kaku, he has spoken on many programs ranging from news programs, History Channel's The Universe, his own show on the Science Channel named Physics of the Impossible, and he even recently appeared on Conan. However, I find that it's hard to forget this white haired ebullient scientist who often discusses the theory of everything. This concept tries to unify the four fundamental forces of the universe, the weak nuclear force, the strong nuclear force, gravity, and electromagnetism. This event is a must for any physics fans.
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Harvey Pekar, author of American Splendor, passes away
Harvey Pekar wasn't a household name, but he did write an excellent graphic novel about his life called American Splendor. Mostly, it was his tirades about life that made it an underground classic. Pekar's comic writing career began slowly because of his friendship with Robert Crumb. This friendship eventually became the collaboration known as American Splendor. Pekar decided that the comic should be autobiographical and became a hit over time. Harvey gained a reputation as a curmudgeon as his fame grew which was helped by his appearances on the Letterman Show in the 80s. However, for those who knew him, a different picture would be painted.
While Harvey Pekar was twice divorced, he found a lasting love with Joyce Brabner. Together, they adopted a daughter named Danielle. They happily lived in Cleveland even as Harvey became increasingly famous. Paul Giamatti, who played Harvey Pekar in the movie version of American Splendor, described the man as compassionate and empathetic with a huge brain and an even bigger soul. And, he was hilarious. There is no one to replace him. Harvey Pekar was an incredibly unique and special person. I agree that there is no one to replace him.
While Harvey Pekar was twice divorced, he found a lasting love with Joyce Brabner. Together, they adopted a daughter named Danielle. They happily lived in Cleveland even as Harvey became increasingly famous. Paul Giamatti, who played Harvey Pekar in the movie version of American Splendor, described the man as compassionate and empathetic with a huge brain and an even bigger soul. And, he was hilarious. There is no one to replace him. Harvey Pekar was an incredibly unique and special person. I agree that there is no one to replace him.
Friday, July 2, 2010
Dr. Michio Kaku to appear on the Colbert Report
The famed astrophysisist and author Dr. Michio Kaku is slated to appear on the Colbert Report on Monday, July 5th. Dr. Kaku first came to my attention through National Public Radio where he was discussing his book, Physics of the Impossible. His discussion about lightsabers, warp drive, teleportation, and other amazing facets of science fiction quickly won me over, and I became a fan for life. Lately, he has become a science staple appearing on many news networks to discuss a multitude of situations and ideas. Though I am not a big fan of Fox News, I watched while Dr. Kaku discussed space debris. He will always interest me, and I have to admit that Dr. Kaku was the spark which rekindled interest in space and space travel.
His appearance on the Colbert Report with Stephen Colbert is a fun pleasant surprise. I love the Colbert Report, and, while the discussion will be probably be less than scientific, it will prove to entertaining. Don't miss Dr. Kaku if you're a fan, but, if you already love the Colber Report, you'll be right there with me.
His appearance on the Colbert Report with Stephen Colbert is a fun pleasant surprise. I love the Colbert Report, and, while the discussion will be probably be less than scientific, it will prove to entertaining. Don't miss Dr. Kaku if you're a fan, but, if you already love the Colber Report, you'll be right there with me.
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Chicken nuggets
Hey everyone,
You know them. You love them. They taste delicious with some Bar-b-Que sauce or sweet and sour sauce. They make you feel better after you eat them, but from where do they come? Well, it's a simple process. You start with genetically modified chickens whose breasts have been so enhanced that they can't stand on their own power. If they survive the farm process, they are shipped to a plant where they are cleaned and prepared for the next step. In this step, they're put through a mechanical separator which removes the breasts and leaves the unwanted parts. It's ingenious really, but, then, the chicken breasts are ground up and turned into a collective paste which can then be shaped into signature shapes which we are so used to consuming. However, here is one more fact for you. Chicken nuggets contain 38 ingredients (at least for McDonald's). The choice to eat these foods is up to you, but I've decided against it. Personally, I think that people should have as much food knowledge as possible, so they can make decisions for themselves. The choice is now yours.
You know them. You love them. They taste delicious with some Bar-b-Que sauce or sweet and sour sauce. They make you feel better after you eat them, but from where do they come? Well, it's a simple process. You start with genetically modified chickens whose breasts have been so enhanced that they can't stand on their own power. If they survive the farm process, they are shipped to a plant where they are cleaned and prepared for the next step. In this step, they're put through a mechanical separator which removes the breasts and leaves the unwanted parts. It's ingenious really, but, then, the chicken breasts are ground up and turned into a collective paste which can then be shaped into signature shapes which we are so used to consuming. However, here is one more fact for you. Chicken nuggets contain 38 ingredients (at least for McDonald's). The choice to eat these foods is up to you, but I've decided against it. Personally, I think that people should have as much food knowledge as possible, so they can make decisions for themselves. The choice is now yours.
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Fast food continued
Hey everyone,
Fast food may be addicting, but there isn't overwhelming proof of this. However, the proof necessary will probably not come because that research would be unethical and possibly dangerous. In despite of this, the message still remains the same, fast food should be avoided. Other reasons exist for this stance other than addiction. First off, the food is loaded with salt, fat, sugar, and calories. Moreover, it's also how the food is created. Particularly, I would avoid hamburgers (I don't always) and chicken nuggets (I do avoid these however). For anyone who wants to enjoy these foods without any reservations, I would quit reading now. Hamburger comes from beef, as I'm sure you know. However, in the old days, cows were fed grass and grazed normally. When they were butchered, the meat of one or just a few were ground into ground beef which has fat added to it to create hamburger. Today, the process is very different. Cows are raised on massive farms where they are fed corn and antibiotics. Yes, antibiotics, but that's another post. These massive farms are so crowded that cows live in their own feces. Images like this are not pleasant, but this is what food production has become. Some of this is bound to be included in our hamburger (which is why I would not recommend letting children eat hamburger). The meat from these cows is gathered into one lump sum which allows thousands or even tens of thousands of cows to be in one package of hamburger. If this doesn't disturb you, go ahead and keep eating regular hamburger. However, there are better options, but they cost a little more. For example, you can purchase hamburger made from cows that have been grass fed which will be listed on the package. However,I would recommend buying it from your local butcher or a local farmer who create their own (if they're around). This may not seem like much, but it's a start to consuming safer meat.
Next post, chicken nuggets.
Fast food may be addicting, but there isn't overwhelming proof of this. However, the proof necessary will probably not come because that research would be unethical and possibly dangerous. In despite of this, the message still remains the same, fast food should be avoided. Other reasons exist for this stance other than addiction. First off, the food is loaded with salt, fat, sugar, and calories. Moreover, it's also how the food is created. Particularly, I would avoid hamburgers (I don't always) and chicken nuggets (I do avoid these however). For anyone who wants to enjoy these foods without any reservations, I would quit reading now. Hamburger comes from beef, as I'm sure you know. However, in the old days, cows were fed grass and grazed normally. When they were butchered, the meat of one or just a few were ground into ground beef which has fat added to it to create hamburger. Today, the process is very different. Cows are raised on massive farms where they are fed corn and antibiotics. Yes, antibiotics, but that's another post. These massive farms are so crowded that cows live in their own feces. Images like this are not pleasant, but this is what food production has become. Some of this is bound to be included in our hamburger (which is why I would not recommend letting children eat hamburger). The meat from these cows is gathered into one lump sum which allows thousands or even tens of thousands of cows to be in one package of hamburger. If this doesn't disturb you, go ahead and keep eating regular hamburger. However, there are better options, but they cost a little more. For example, you can purchase hamburger made from cows that have been grass fed which will be listed on the package. However,I would recommend buying it from your local butcher or a local farmer who create their own (if they're around). This may not seem like much, but it's a start to consuming safer meat.
Next post, chicken nuggets.
Sunday, November 22, 2009
Fast food
Hey everyone,
So, I would assume that everyone knows that fast food (yes, even the ones that claim they are healthy) isn't good for you. Considering that we know this food isn't healthy for us, why do we still consume it? Well, the first impulse would say that it's quick, easy, cheap, and usually tasty. Or, maybe, the food is addictive. I know it sounds crazy, but science has began to back up this view. Fats and simple sugars can have similar effects to nicotine and heroin, according to some scientists. For example, John Hoebel, a psychologist from Princeton, has done experiments with rats concerning the concept of food addiction. Rats were fed a diet that consisted of 25% sugar. After being taken off the diet, rats began to suffer from apparent withdrawal in the form of chattering teeth and the shakes like those seen in people who quit nicotine or morphine. Another level was added to this research where he gave the rodents a drug blocking opioid receptors, and the rats went through the same withdrawal process as heroin addicts (this has been simplified). If you want to read this article, the address is http://banzhaf.net/docs/newsci.html. Neuroscientist Amy Kelley has found even more convincing evidence to support the addictive notion of food. Rats which were given a synthetic enkephalin (better known as endorphins) ate up to six times more fat than normal and increased amounts of salts and sweets even when not hungry. She also found that overeating tasting foods lead to long-lasting changes in brain chemistry similar to morphine addiction. Now, hopefully, you are saying "rats are not people". Yes, you are correct. These results are a generalization. However, we can't conduct research like this on people because it is unethical. If we could, we'd be able to confirm these results. However, I doubt that will ever happen, but we should seriously consider the implications of this research and eat less fast food in general.
So, I would assume that everyone knows that fast food (yes, even the ones that claim they are healthy) isn't good for you. Considering that we know this food isn't healthy for us, why do we still consume it? Well, the first impulse would say that it's quick, easy, cheap, and usually tasty. Or, maybe, the food is addictive. I know it sounds crazy, but science has began to back up this view. Fats and simple sugars can have similar effects to nicotine and heroin, according to some scientists. For example, John Hoebel, a psychologist from Princeton, has done experiments with rats concerning the concept of food addiction. Rats were fed a diet that consisted of 25% sugar. After being taken off the diet, rats began to suffer from apparent withdrawal in the form of chattering teeth and the shakes like those seen in people who quit nicotine or morphine. Another level was added to this research where he gave the rodents a drug blocking opioid receptors, and the rats went through the same withdrawal process as heroin addicts (this has been simplified). If you want to read this article, the address is http://banzhaf.net/docs/newsci.html. Neuroscientist Amy Kelley has found even more convincing evidence to support the addictive notion of food. Rats which were given a synthetic enkephalin (better known as endorphins) ate up to six times more fat than normal and increased amounts of salts and sweets even when not hungry. She also found that overeating tasting foods lead to long-lasting changes in brain chemistry similar to morphine addiction. Now, hopefully, you are saying "rats are not people". Yes, you are correct. These results are a generalization. However, we can't conduct research like this on people because it is unethical. If we could, we'd be able to confirm these results. However, I doubt that will ever happen, but we should seriously consider the implications of this research and eat less fast food in general.
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