Seed Companies Block Research
The large seed companies make genetically modified seed and lock farmers into a cycle of dependence and monoculture. And they refuse to let scientists do research on their products. Getting as bad as the tobacco companies. From
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/20/business/20crop.html
NASA Spots Huge Gamma-ray Blast
from NASA
Astronomers using NASA’s Swift satellite and Fermi Gamma-ray Space Telescope are seeing frequent blasts from a stellar remnant 30,000 light-years away. The high-energy fireworks arise from a rare type of neutron star known as a soft-gamma-ray repeater. Such objects unpredictably send out a series of X-ray and gamma-ray flares.
“At times, this remarkable object has [...]
Use Less Fertilizer!
1/3 the usual amounts. We really don’t want excess nitrogen flushing down waterways and creating algal toxic blooms in the deltas of the world, as is happening in the Gulf of Mexico. Here is news from China:
Scientists urge Chinese farmers to use fertilizer better
From:
http://www.sciam.com/blog/60-second-science/post.cfm?id=scientists-urge-chinese-farmers-to-2009-02-17
and the original paper is here:
http://www.pnas.org/content/early/2009/02/13/0813417106.abstract
Paul says stimulus a bad plan
By John Lowman
TheFacts.com
Published February 19, 2009
LAKE JACKSON — On his week off from Congress, Ron Paul is enjoying riding his bike, signing some books and letting the federal government know he believes the economic stimulus package is the wrong way to go.
The former Republican presidential candidate from Lake Jackson had a book-signing Wednesday attended by [...]
USA Housing Bill: Examples
From the US Treasury, some examples of mortgage modifications:
http://www.treas.gov/initiatives/eesa/homeowner-affordability-plan/HousingExampleSheet.pdf
Fertilizer prices drop worldwide.
Farmers are getting a small break. Urea: US$815/ton to US$247/ton. Diammonium Phosphate: US$1218/ton to US$469/ton. Potash prices still high: Murialte of potash trades at US$875/ton.
From
http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2008-12/i-wfp121608.php
Tooth Fairy Economics
February 18, 2009
Dear Friend of Liberty,
Yesterday, Barack Obama signed the $787 BILLION “stimulus” bill into law. This marks his first major legislative action, but just one of many already broken campaign promises.
He promised transparency and accountability in the legislative process, but the details of the bill were negotiated in closed-door sessions. Then, only [...]
Holy Cow! Meat Pollution?
with quotes from Agence France Presse
Many scientists believe the raising of meat for human consumption is a major source of green house gases. “That’s because beef is such an incredibly inefficient food to produce and cows release so much harmful methane into the atmosphere,” said Nathan Pelletier of Dalhousie University in Canada.
“Meat once was [...]
On Reinstating the Draft
Texas Straight Talk by Dr. Ron Paul (R)
U.S. Congressman – TX 14
Much has been made by the new administration of the idea of national service and volunteerism. While service to one’s community is certainly admirable, it is not the federal government’s place to “encourage” or promote volunteerism. Moreover, there are troubling signs that national service [...]
What Goes Around, Comes Around
Radioactive materials shipped to the Third World return. “One commentator said that some western countries have been dumping their toxic wastes in India, with the Indian government having turned a blind eye. This time, the material has gone back to the western country.” Indeed we all live downstream. From
http://www.domainb.com/economy/environment/20081108_indian_company.html