Oregon’s largest dairy will test a new generation of technology that captures methane from cow manure — tapping an underused energy source and lowering greenhouse gas emissions.
The $1 million methane digester is being constructed to show that even small farms could save the expense of trucking heavy manure to a central facility. Instead, they could have their own digesters and pipe excess gas to a collection spot.
(Illinois dairy farm, photo by David Nolan)
A 100-year-old woman from New Jersey still loves to bowl. Emma Hendrickson said she would return to the National Bowling Stadium in Reno if she turned 100 years old. Now she has become the oldest competitor in the history of the United States Bowling Congress Women’s Championships.
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Tuesday, April 21st is Free Cone Day at Ben & Jerry’s!
As a way to thank customers for their support and to celebrate 31 years of scooping the chunkiest, funkiest ice cream, frozen yogurt and sorbet, Ben & Jerry’s scoop shops are happily giving it away.
Maybe it’s time for you to try a new flavor without commiting your hard earned dollars or it’s time for you to savor an old favorite and take in the joy that is free ice cream.
Around the world, from noon to 8:00 pm, Ben & Jerry’s will serve up a free scoop of any flavor. Locate a participating shop here.
Grab a pal and come on down to have some good, ’scream fun on us!
President Obama made clear in his first cabinet meeting today, that cutting out waste was essential to the government’s mission of recovery and long-term stability. Speaking to the press afterwards, he gave examples of the government waste that had been already targeted:
“Veterans Affairs has begun using videoconferencing for meetings so they can cancel or delay 26 conferences, saving $17.8 million. The USDA, under Secretary Vilsack, is working to combine 1,500 employees from seven office locations into a single facility in 2011, which we estimate will save $62 million over a 15-year lease term. Janet Napolitano at the Department of Homeland Security estimates that they can save up to $52 million over five years just by purchasing office supplies in bulk.”
A surge in new nesting Hawaiian hawksbill sea turtles over the past several years may be evidence that a 20-year-old effort to protect beach habitats is finally producing more baby turtles.
The British government announced Thursday that it will subsidize first-time electric car buyers up to $9,000 beginning in 2011.
The program, which is part of the government’s $452 million plan to promote low carbon transport over the next five years, will be available to first-time buyers of electric cars and plug-in gas-electric hybrids — only car models that debut on the market beginning in 2011 will be eligible.
The announcement gives carmakers time to gear up for greater demand. The government also will pay for new recharging stations around town with $36 million of the fund.
(Photo of the Moose, an electric car made by Green Vehicles, that has a range of 60 miles per charge.)
Archaeologists from Egypt and the Dominican Republic next week will begin excavating three sites near the Mediterranean Sea that may contain the tombs of doomed lovers, Cleopatra and Mark Anthony, who committed suicide.
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In a move toward improving strained ties with Washington, Hugo Chavez said Saturday that he is restoring Venezuela’s ambassador in Washington. He voiced hopes for a “new era” in relations after exchanging greetings with U.S. President Barack Obama at several points during a regional summit over the weekend.
(Read the AP Wire story at ABC News)
Also, watch a video summarizing new ties America is forging with both Venezuela and Cuba (below).
“President Barack Obama offered a spirit of cooperation to America’s hemispheric neighbors at a summit Saturday, listening to their complaints about past U.S. interference in the region.”
Overnight sensation Susan Boyle. whose voice stunned viewers of Britain’s Got Talent last week, has been invited to perform with her idol, British theater icon Elaine Paige, reports the Guardian.
“It seems her performance has captured the hearts of everyone who saw it, me included,” Paige wrote on her website. “Perhaps we should record a duet?”
The Daily Record in London unearthed Susan Boyle’s first recording, a sultry version of Cry Me a River. (Listen here)
A Pittsburgh man trekked to Chicago for no other reason than to do good deeds for strangers in the hope that they will do the same for others.
He asked strangers on Craig’s List if anyone needed help with anything. Choosing 5 good deeds, he bought a car battery for an unemployed man, gave another man a ride to pick up a truck 35 miles away, helped dismantle a swing set, lugged construction materials from a demolished bathroom and made a clothing donation to a homeless agency.
He calls it the best weekend of his life. While remaining anonymous, he made a 9-minute video to help inspire others.
(Read about it in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette)
Erika Vohman is improving the lives of women in poverty in Central America by teaching them about their native Maya nut, a nutrient-rich seed that grows abundantly in rain forests.
Many are still unaware of the nut, which can be ground into a hearty meal for porridge or flatbread, or prepared to taste like mashed potatoes, chocolate or coffee.
Watch the video below, or read the story at CNN.
Thanks to Alison R. for the story tip!
The Obama administration opened the way to regulating U.S. greenhouse gas emissions on Friday by declaring climate-warming pollution a danger to human health and welfare, in a sharp policy shift from the Bush administration. (AP)
“This pollution problem has a solution — one that will create millions of green jobs and end our country’s dependence on foreign oil,” said EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson.
Fulfilling a personal goal, former science minister and supermarket tycoon Lord Sainsbury has become the first Briton to give more than £1 billion to charity.
His charitable foundation has given away £660m to support scientific research, children’s charities, the arts and mental health. Sainsbury has allocated a further £465m for good causes, which is in the foundation awaiting distribution, taking the overall total to more than £1 billion.
(Read more in the Times Online)
Last year, hedge fund manager Chris Hohn, 41, became Britain’s largest-ever donor with a gift of one-half billion.
For many, losing their jobs has turned out to be a good thing.
Many have sought to retool their skills in colleges and trade schools. Others are tightening their belts and wondering if their families might actually be better off with one income — and a stay-at-home parent. Still others have started new business ventures.
These Utah residents prove there always is opportunity in any economic climate.
(Read story in Salt Lake Tribune)
Photo courtesy of Sun Star
Florida wildlife officials have tentatively approved a new rule that will impose the nation’s strongest measures to protect freshwater turtles in the state. It would ban the sale and harvesting of native turtles and eggs.
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The makers of Slumdog Millionaire have announced they are to donate £500,000 to a charity which will help children living in the slums of Mumbai. Director Danny Boyle said: “It is only right that some of the success of the movie be ploughed back into the city (where it was shot).”
This summer, vegetables, flowers and herbs will take the place of some of the cars and trucks atop a MIT garage becoming the Institute’s first-ever community garden.
Not only is it a way to reduce their carbon footprint. The project also aims to foster community and give back to those in need: At least 2 percent of all harvested produce will be given to Food for Free, a local charity that finds and distributes fresh food to pantries, meal programs and shelters.
A mystery is unfolding in the world of college fundraising: During the past few weeks, at least eight universities have received gifts totaling nearly $45 million, and the schools had to promise not to try to find out the giver’s identity.
Photo courtesy of Sun Star
A revolutionary satellite navigation system that directs guide dogs for blind people has been invented by a British University student. The device clips on to the dog’s harness and vibrates on the left or right side to tell the handler which direction to go in.
“I wanted to create something that would have a life-changing effect but would also draw on the unique skills of the guide dog.”
A Kalamazoo-area man who won $10,000 in the Michigan Lottery’s Club Keno game has donated his winnings to a charity.
“I know the needs in the community are great right now, so for me it was the right thing to do,” said Jim Dancy, who gave all the proceeds to the Greater Kalamazoo United Way.
