UK Singing sensation Susan Boyle has become an Internet hit and she doesn’t even own a computer. She said she is “absolutely gob-smacked” by all the attention. She only wants to make a few CDs…
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Susan Boyle Taking Fame in Stride (Video)
Vatican to Build Europe’s Largest Solar Power Plant
The Vatican recently announced that it intends to spend 660 million dollars to create what will effectively be Europe’s largest solar power plant. This massive 100 megawatt photovoltaic installation will provide enough energy to power all of its 40,000 households.
To reduce its greenhouse emissions even more, the Vatican is contemplating using an electric popemobile and the Pope’s summer residence is being fitted to run on power from the methane generated by the horse stables.
Data Center Heats Nearby Homes
Can a data center heat your home or office? It can in London, where excess heat from servers at the new Telehouse West data center in the Docklands will soon be used in nearby houses and businesses. The Greater London Authority has approved a plan in which waste heat from the $180 million Telehouse colocation facility will be used in a district heat network for the local Docklands community.
It will join the list of data centers in recent months that are utilizing excess heat for good, like the Swiss center built by IBM that heats the community swimming pool and a Notre Dame researcher who helped heat the plants in a greenhouse and Botanical Garden in South Bend, Ind. by placing a server rack in the building. (Humidity issues and airborn particulates so far do not seem to be a problem.)
In a win-win-win, everyone saves money and while less greenhouse gases are released thanks to the reduced power requirements all the way around.
Hat tip to Nic B. for the link!
Earth Day Special: Schoolkids Sell Recycled Products to Raise Money for New Solar Panels
20 years ago, children in American classrooms only drew pictures of the planet and animals to commemorate Earth Day. Today, ecologically-friendly activities are visceral and students fan out selling recycled paper products to help rescue wild animals and raise money for new solar panels that will power their school.
Pilgrim School in Los Angeles really knows how to celebrate Earth Day. Truckloads of recycled bathroom tissue and paper towels, compostable trash bags and non-toxic household cleaners will be delivered to their South Commonwealth Avenue school, where children will distribute the products, with bragging rights about the number of trees they saved through the sale of recycled paper.
No more selling cookie dough or pushing wrapping paper to raise money for another swing set. These kids are educating their friends and neighbors about the environmental damage and health problems that could be averted if they only started buying “green”.
Oregon Dairy Farm Powered by Cow Manure a National Model
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)
100-year-old Woman Still Bowls Competitively (Video)
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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Today is Free Cone Day at Ben and Jerry’s
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!
Obama Orders Cabinet to Cut Waste
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.”
Surge in Hawaiian Hawksbill Turtles Encouraging
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.
U.K. Announces $9,000 Electric Car Subsidy
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.)
Archeologists Hope to Find Tomb of Cleopatra
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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Venezuela’s Chavez to Restore Ambassador in US
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.”
Update: Susan Boyle Gets Duet Invite from Idol Elaine Paige
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)
Pittsburgh Samaritan Treks to Chicago, Performs Five Good Deeds for Strangers
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)
Maya Nut Changes Lives While Aiding the Rain Forest
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!
Landmark Shift as U.S. Declares Greenhouse Gases a Public Health Risk
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.
Britain’s First Charity Donor to Give 1 Billion
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.
Some Utahns Turn Sour Economy into Opportunity
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 Talks Tough for Turtles
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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Slumdog Makers Pledge Mumbai Cash
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).”