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| Kleiner's Korner for Week of May 31, 2004
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Ed. Note: Monday, May 31st is Memorial Day in the USA, the time each year when this country pauses to honor its war dead; those who made the ultimate sacrifice to defend and preserve this most unique way of life we call America. With "Wag the Dog" scenarios for war very observable when we remove the "veil" of rhetoric, our men and women served in this country's wars with their understanding that they were fighting to preserve freedom, regardless of the Presidential puppets in power at the time. Although certainly not unique to this President, we are now more aware than ever that many U. S. Presidents have decided to enter this country into war for ulterior motives, and not entirely in this nation's best interest. So, with that assessment, I pause to honor all who have served this nation with valor, courage and distinction and because they thought they were doing the right thing in serving their Commander-in-Chief, perhaps without pausing on whether that decision was right or wrong. Here are two sites of note about Memorial Day.
link here And:
link here
My wife and I will be visiting the Golden Gate National Cemetery outside San Francisco for a special Memorial Day ceremony at 11:00a.m. Check-out your local Cemetery honoring our war dead to participate:
link here
1. The Internet is once again flying high as a source of e-commerce and was thoroughly discussed in The Economist Magazine in its May 15-21 edition. Quoting, "Defying the gloom that followed the dotcom bust, internet commerce has grown into a huge business. Online retailing flourishes, but is only part oft he story. Whether businesses sell online or not, e-commerce has changed the rules."
This quote is from the print edition. The online version requires registration. The full
text can be found at:
link here
Some of this 14-page special report are on the following 3 links.
E-commerce is coming of age, says, Paul Markillie, but not in the way predicted in the bubble years:
link here
Retailers are the top performers online:
link here
Online auctions have been a runaway success:
link here
Nowhere has expanding e-commerce been more evident than in the beautiful and functional websites of some of our local Yelm businesses, including my wife Yael's Ema Pads and JZ Knight's newly expanded Outback Boutique:
E-MA PADS are reusable, washable, menstrual cloth pads made from 100% unbleached un-dyed certified organically grown cotton fabric.
link here
And, my beautiful wife's picture I snapped of her on a fine Summer day:
link here
The Outback Boutique, "For All Things Beautiful" (be sure to turn up your volume) and enjoy the magic.
link here
Please check out our other local talented entrepreneurs, which include yet are not limited to:
eFairies is dedicated to lightening hearts and spirits by bringing fairy magic into the world. Do you believe in fairies? We do! Visit us in Olympia, WA., too.
link here
We are proud to offer the largest selection of top quality puppets and marionettes available online as well as the ability to customize any promotional or ad specialty puppet product!
link here
Browse through our website and discover a beautiful line of products essential for your daily health and rejuvenation. Relax, unwind, pamper yourself and experience restful, refreshing sleep anytime, anywhere! Sweet dreams to all.
link here
Welcome to the complete source of quality piggy banks, promotional banks, coin sorters, mechanical banks; simply coin banks of any kind.
link here
Your source for small business opportunities, home based business opportunities, and work at home business opportunity; including internet home businesses, affiliate programs, best free business opportunities, and home business franchise opportunities. We also offer a huge small business library for online business entrepreneurs.
link here
Scuba diving equipment and gear, scuba diving vacations and dive travel, scuba diving resorts, liveaboards and destinations, scuba diving schools, organizations, gift stores, manufactures, and much more. Dive in and explore our underworld adventure!
link here
Your online dragon resource for everything you want to know about dragons: Dragon history, dragon tattoos, dragon art, pictures of dragons, as well as dragon links to find gifts, collectibles and figurines for the dragon lover in your life.
link here
Northwoods Limited is the largest worldwide source for falconry and birds of prey information, training equipment and gifts.
link here
Welcome to Simply Australian, where we are dedicated to bringing top quality Australian products to the American marketplace. Visit our store in Rainier, WA., too.
link here
Frogs are Bearers of Fortune and Abundance; Frog Nirvana has the best and biggest selection of hundreds of quality frog products and merchandise including Frog jewelry, toys, gifts, home decor, statues, clothing, and a store full of other products, ALL related to frogs.
link here
Our soaps are all hand made the old fashion way. We use nothing but the finest ingredients, no animal products of course! Our soaps come with many different and unique ingredients and are very mild and pleasing to the senses.
link here
Truly elegant goblets, silver & gold jewelry, Tahitian pearls, bracelets, and necklaces for the most discriminating of tastes. Visit our shop in Yelm.
link here
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2. Ed. Note: I hear a question often from people who have seen the movie, "What the Bleep Do We Know" starring Oscar Winner Marlee Matlin. (Movie website:)
link here
That question is, "How can I get a copy of Dr. Dispenza's explanation of how he creates his day, as discussed in the film?" Ask and the Universe provides! Both Beyond the Ordinary and the What the Bleep websites now have the transcript of this part of the film on their websites.
Check it out!
link here
And:
link here
Helpful Hint – if you are viewing a webpage where the text is small and difficult to read, here is a simple solution to making the text easier to read if you are using Internet Explorer:
On the tool bar, click on "View", then go down to "Text Size" and select a text size larger than the one that is currently selected (indicated by a dot to the left of the selection). The choices are: Largest, Larger, Medium, Smaller, Smallest. When you are through viewing the website, you can change the text size back to what was originally selected, if you desire, using the same procedure.
And, be sure not to miss What the Bleep's fabulous book recommendations:
link here
And the books authored by scientists in the film:
link here
Oh, and by the way, What the Bleep is coming to LA & San Francisco!
link here
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3. On a topic covered here several times, and reported by MSNBC last week, "Global warming is hitting the Arctic more than twice as fast as the rest of the planet in what may be a portent of wider, catastrophic changes, the chairman of an eight-nation study said Monday [May 24] in summarizing what scientists have learned about climate in the region."
link here
Shifting ocean and jet stream currents are a cause of a warmer globe. A key factor in the cause of severe droughts, which parts of the West have been experiencing for the last 7 years, is the altering of the jet stream course, which is caused by surface temperatures of the Pacific Ocean, according to Bob Oglesby, a climate dynamicist at NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center.
link here
.
4. Here is another twist about how aware society is becoming about harmful ultra-violet (UV) rays. UV rays from the sun have been increasing in intensity and been linked to ozone layer holes, global warming and increased radiation. Now, teens are being banned from tanning booths because of UV damage to young, tender, growing skin. HUM!
link here
.
5. "Scientists are eagerly awaiting the return of a ‘slow earthquake’ that could give them clues to when and where the next major quake will strike the Pacific Coast of North America. The recently discovered phenomenon is believed to occur about every 14 months, which would put the next event anytime now," according to this story reported on MSNBC.
link here
.
6. Rats with spinal cord injuries regained 70 percent of their normal walking function with a three-part treatment hailed as a breakthrough in paralysis research at the University of Miami, FL. School of Medicine. [Ed. Note: I graduated from this fine school with 2 degrees in Business Management in 1976 & 1978.]
link here
.
7. Ho-hum, another article on red wine! Red wine consumption is very therapeutic and life enhancing, as has been reported here many times. Now there is another side being examined to this topic. According to CNN, "Some wineries are tapping into consumers' low-carb cravings with new labels listing calorie and carbohydrate counts."
link here
.
8. Here is a BBC webpage on the subject of teleportation. "It is a long way from Star Trek, but teleportation – the disembodiment of an object in one location and its reconstruction in another – has been successfully carried out in a physics lab in Australia. Scientists at the Australian National University (ANU) made a beam of light disappear in one place and reappear in another a short distance away." [Ed. Note: Are we closer to "Beam me up, Scotty?"]
link here
.
9. From teleportation to levitation, check-out this site – it is well worth a visit as it discusses (and somewhat dismisses) Newtonian theory, and mentions Einstein's space/time warping as a "pipe-dream." HUM!
link here
Coupled with this and mentioned here before, visit Coral Castle if you find yourself in the Miami area. My wife and I did and were fascinated!
link here
.
10. More news from Israel! Recently, Kleiner's Korner reported on oil being found under Israeli sands. Now, "An Israeli research team has discovered evidence that suggests some cave-dwellers were mining flint 300,000 years ago," near Haifa, according to this Washington Times story:
link here
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11. For you science buffs, here are wonderful sites on tetrahedrons:
link here
And:
link here
And:
link here
And:
link here
And:
link here
Check out the fantastic Software3D site - Polyhedron software!
link here
And Rotating Star Tetrahedra Animations & Platonic Solids:
link here (for anyone interested in understanding more about sacred geometry, see the Sacred Geometry Home Page link on this page)
.
12. Cokie Roberts of ABC News fame has written another awesome story titled “Founding Mothers–The Women Who Raised Our Nation”. Quoting her publisher's site, "Now Roberts returns with Founding Mothers, an intimate and illuminating look at the fervently patriotic and passionate women whose tireless pursuits on behalf of their families -- and their country -- proved just as crucial to the forging of a new nation as the rebellion that established it."
link here
And this from CNN, here is the transcript of Larry King's interview with Ms. Roberts on May 22nd:
link here .
Of Local Note:
The Seattle Symphony will have special performances of “Carmina Burana” in July, one of the most popular concerts of the season:
link here
Also The Lord of the Rings Trilogy:
link here
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Quote of the Week:
Says Sir Andrew:
"Methinks sometimes I have no more wit
than a Christian or an ordinary man has..."
William Shakespeare (1564-1616)
in Twelfth Night, Act 1, Scene 3, reported written in 1601
Noted English Playwright
Kleiner’s Korner is copyrighted by Stephen R. Klein, 2004.
For archived issues of Kleiner’s Korner,
click on “Current Kleiner’s Korner and Archives” at
www.kleinerskorner.com
Send comments to steve@kleinerskorner.com
|
| Kleiner's Korner for Week of May 24, 2004
|
Dear Kleiner's Korner Readers,
This writer was interviewed on the Beyond the Ordinary radio show on May 24th about Kleiner's Korner. You can access this interview at:
link here Click Listen Now on the May 24,2004 box.
Two issues took center stage in the Western world last week, regardless of the Iraqi situation, US presidential election and political jockeying aside. Forget those childish games that do nothing for the advancement of this planet and humanity!
1. Stem cell research took to the forefront with new steps along its path in promising a better life for humanity as outlined in the introduction below.
2. Recent top stories in many media sources referred to the subject of oil; specifically the prices and the effects of depleting Mother Earth of her "blood", or life force, and polluting her (and our) environment. Please take the time and focus to review item 4. below and the corresponding linked websites.
Steve
With the promises of stem cell research and advancing technology, no issue has recently become more on the front burner of science than the issue of human limb and tissue regeneration. Stem cell research is very promising in this arena and is now moving from the ethical debate and associated issues into the world of funding. Nowhere was this more graphically laid out than in Business Week's cover story "Biotech Frontier" last week. [Ed. Note: when the stem cell subject reaches the cover of this business-oriented magazine, it means big business and financiers are taking interest!] Quoting the article, "Regeneration is biotech's Holy Grail -- and the ultimate scientific conundrum. Most living creatures are hard-wired for healing. But when it comes to regrowing entire body parts, humans are curiously deficient. Sure, if we scrape a knee, we sprout new skin. Our livers also can regenerate to some degree. Even a severed fingertip will grow back under the right circumstances. But that pales in comparison to, say, a lowly newt, which can regrow a leg, tail, jaw, intestine, spine -- even parts of an eye. Scientists wish humans could do the same. . . . Many researchers, as well as patients and their relatives, are certain that stem cells offer one route to regeneration. That's why so many are coming forward to protest tough funding restrictions that the Bush Administration has slapped on research into stem cells derived from embryos. 'I just don't see how we can turn our backs on this,' said Nancy Reagan at a gala event on May 8 to raise money for stem-cell research. 'We've lost so much time already, and I can't bear to lose any more.' . . . Academic activists have another reason to press for lifting the ban: Embryonic stem-cell research is progressing quickly in Europe and Asia, which means hamstrung U.S. labs could find themselves upstaged in an important branch of an emerging science."
link here
"Michael J. Fox's Take on Stem Cells–Opposition to this research is 'ridiculous,' says the actor. It will happen 'in other countries now, and we won't have as much input.'”
link here
"Want To Bank Your Own Stem Cells?–One Los Angeles startup believes everyone should, to be ready when regenerative therapies start hitting the market."
link here
Regeneration may get more attention now that the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) is considering handing out research grants to scientists working on regeneration; for example, if a soldier’s foot is shot off, they simply pop a pill or apply a spray, the wound seals over and the limb starts to grow back. The salamander is a creature being studied in this work.
link here
And from last weeks’ Newsday, "Britain opened the world's first national stem cell bank yesterday [May 19], hoping to establish a lead in promising but controversial therapies using the master cells from human tissues."
link here
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2. For those of you history buffs studying Saladin & King Richard I of England, here is some wonderful information: "Saladin 1137-1193 (Salah Ad-din Yusuf Ibn Ayyub) founded the ethnically Kurdish Ayyubid dynasty of Egypt and Syria . He was also a renowned leader in the Crusades for his military prowess against the Crusaders and his honorable mercy to them. Saladin was defeated by King Richard I of England at the Battle of Arsuf in 1191. Saladin's relationship with Richard was one of mutual respect as well as military rivalry. When Richard was wounded, Saladin even offered the services of his personal physician; at Arsuf, when Richard lost his horse, Saladin sent him two replacements. There were even plans to marry Richard's sister to Saladin's brother. The two came to an agreement over Jerusalem in 1192, whereby it would remain in Muslim hands but would be open to Christian pilgrimages. Not long after Richard's departure, Saladin died in 1193 at Damascus, where his tomb is now a major tourist attraction.”
link here
“Richard I (September 8, 1157- April 6, 1199) was King of England from 1189 to 1199. He was often referred to as ‘Richard the Lionheart’, ‘Coeur de Lion’ and ‘Oc et No’ by the French, and ‘Melek-Ric’ by the Saracens (his name in Arabic used to frighten children: ‘King Rick will get you if you don't watch out!’). He was considered a hero in his day and has often been portrayed as one in works of literature. In fact he did little for England, using the kingdom's resources to support his crusades in the Holy Land. He became known as an ambitious man.” He was revered by his most worthy rival, Saladin.
link here
And another terrific website on these two warriors:
link here
.
3. A new study . . . may add weight to the idea that what people suppress during the day returns when they close their eyes at night. This research shows that what we suppress, or try to suppress, has even more power in the subconscious. Hum!
link here (free registration is required to access this site)
.
4. OIL! What has been called the "Blood of Mother Earth" by some has taken the news headlines this past week as the U. S. average price per gallon of gasoline topped $2.00 for the first time ever.
link here
That said however, “In real terms, stripping out the impact of inflation, oil prices are much lower today than the highs of some past spikes.” The highest prices were paid in 1979 during the Iranian Revolution. Here is an interesting story and chart on a historical look at oil:
link here
USA Today did a huge spread last week on gasoline consumption, quoting "Today's high price of gasoline isn't the only pain in the pocketbook for owners of big sport-utility vehicles. . . . Parking and repair expenses and lax maintenance also contribute to making owning a big SUV more expensive than owning a car or smaller truck." [Ed. Note: SUV owners will want to take a second look at their choice in vehicles after reading this.]
link here
"When driving is a living, gas prices hit even harder," further quoting the USA Today spread. [Ed. Note: HUM! Higher gasoline prices mean higher costs for everything, then inflation, which means higher interest rates, which means an unhappy and dropping stock market. Not a pretty picture!]
link here
And, CNN examined last week if we are draining Mother Earth of her "blood" and running out of oil in an article title that says it all, "Earth's Oil Gauge On Low?"
link here
Further examining the depletion of Mother Earth's energy and life force, PBS hosted a fantastic NOVA expose titled "Magnetic Storm--Is the Magnetic Field protecting Earth from deadly radiation about to reverse or even disappear?" [Ed. Note: PLEASE, PLEASE check out all of the links on this site.]
link here
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5. Mother Earth is also showing more signs of greenhouse effects as well – depleted Western US snowpacks. See this little reported subject out last week:
link here
This site goes into further detail on this critical issue for Pacific Northwest water consumption:
link here
.
6. Now here IS an idea helpful to Mother Earth! Quoting an Associated Press story, "Fierce competition for fast-food dollars has some restaurants taking an extraordinary measure to cut the bottom line – napkin rationing.
Paper napkins are being hidden behind counters, wrapped individually with plastic silverware and stuffed in dispensers that give customers one at a time." Less costs to these firms, yes! Less trees cut down, absolutely!
link here
Announced last week: the American bald eagle will be leaving the threatened species list later this year.
link here
And last week, KING-5 TV, Seattle's NBC affiliate, teamed up with Western Washington utility providers and started a page all about Green Power, ". . . electricity generated from renewable, non-polluting resources such as wind and solar, which can be used over and over. The more Green Power we use the less we harm the environment."
link here
.
7. "Seven solar blasts that shook Earth's upper atmosphere last year set records for extreme space weather, according to a panel of solar scientists. The power of the solar storms that erupted in late October and early November surprised scientists. Dubbed 'the Halloween storms,' the blasts damaged 28 satellites, knocking two out of commission, diverted airplane routes and caused power failures in Sweden, among other problems."
link here
.
8. Much has been debated this past week about actor Tony Randall fathering children for the first time at age 77 and now leaving his two children, 7-year-old Julia Laurette and 5-year-old Jefferson Salvini, fatherless with his passing on May 17th. With this man's experiences being imprinted on his chromosomes for 77 years, I would say he has given his children the gift of his three quarters plus of a century of wisdom genetically and they will be the rare ones that have such bounty. Mr. Randall was quoted in USA Today as saying, "There's only one thing worse than a man who doesn't have strong likes and dislikes, and that's a man who has strong likes and dislikes without the courage to voice them." There is the wisdom of experience in that statement!
link here
And:
link here
.
9. On Tuesday, May 18, crews hoisted a full-size replica of the Voyager aircraft into position over the new Arrivals Hall at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. The original Voyager was flown non-stop around the world by Dick Rutan and Jeana Yaeger in 1986. The replica is on loan from the Museum of Flight.
link here
.
10. “Puget Sound Fresh is a program begun by the King County Agriculture Commission to encourage consumers, wholesalers, retailers and restaurants to seek out and purchase locally-grown products. . . . The program is designed to increase consumer preference for locally-grown products by identifying those products with a Puget Sound Fresh sticker or banner. Area grocery stores and farmers markets are being invited to promote local produce and farm products by using the logo. Look and ask for Puget Sound Fresh where you shop.” Check out this fabulous resource at:
link here
.
11. Described by some local media as a "Blue Grid" of steel and glass, the new Seattle Central Library opened May 23 to much fanfare, what with its 9,994 panes that cover more than five football fields and 4,600 tons of steel. Here is a picture of that glass grid:
link here
Here is a slide show with spectacular pictures:
link here
And more on this unique structure:
link here .
12. Two stories for persons interested in happenings in Yelm:
A. Magic Johnson has joined the effort to diversify the NASCAR fan base efforts to attract minority fans and participants. The NASCAR Nextel All-Star Challenge ran Saturday, May 22, under lights in the evening at Concord, N.C. [Ed. Note: Consider night time racing and its effects on Yelm and surrounding areas, with the lights and noise, on a now sublime Summer evening!]. This from USA Today:
link here
B. Ramtha's School of Enlightenment (RSE) has announced that its Assay V, June 18-27, is now open to all current students, including those beginners completing a retreat, regardless of whether one has attended a preceding Assay or not.
link here
.
Of Local Note:
Pierce County began work last week on the long-anticipated project on Spanaway Loop Road South, a mere one-mile extension of a three-lane roadway. But it will provide a direct alternate route for drivers weary of getting stuck at stoplights on Highway 7, locally known as Pacific Avenue South.
link here
.
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Quote of the Week:
"What would life be like,
if we had no courage to attempt anything."
Vincent van Gogh (1853-1890)
Dutch Painter
Kleiner’s Korner is copyrighted by Stephen R. Klein, 2004.
For archived issues of Kleiner’s Korner,
click on “Current Kleiner’s Korner and Archives” at
www.kleinerskorner.com
Send comments to steve@kleinerskorner.com
|
| Kleiner's Korner for Week of May 17, 2004
|
Follow-up: "A controversial obesity lawsuit against McDonald's may have been thrown out of court. But it inspired the movie SUPER SIZE ME, which opens Friday [May 7] and promises to raise the volume in the debate over fast food and obesity," according to this USA Today story. The writer ate nothing but McDonald's food for one month and reports the effects on his body.
link here And the "Super Size Me" Movie website.
link here
For those of you in the Puget Sound area, this movie is currently playing in Seattle at the Loews Uptown Theater on Queen Anne Ave N. along with What the Bleep Do We Know!, so now you can take your friends and family to view both movies at the same theater.
link here
And, What the Bleep Do We Know has just been accepted to the 2004 Maui Film Festival to be held June 16-20. See this website for the latest news about the movie:
link here What the Bleep Do We Know is being shown all over the country, including opening June 18th at the Loews Beverly Center in L. A. See this website for all upcoming and current show dates:
link here Go to the Arts and Entertainment page of the Seattle P-I Movie section
link here and among the titles such as Brad Pitt in “Troy” and Michael Moore's "Fahrenheit 9/11", you will find, "What the #$*! Do We Know?!" (see heading title “When fiction and physics meet, it’s fascinating”). The P-I has this to say about the film: "The fascinating, Northwest-made documentary, ‘What the #$*! Do We Know?!’, makes a strong case that quantum physics will impact our future in ways that are now almost unimaginable." That teasing begs for the whole commentary of this film to be read. Go to:
link here
1. On May 11th the Mexican Air Force released footage, filmed by Mexican Air Force pilots on March 5th, of what appear to be unidentified flying objects (UFOs) picked up by an infrared camera as they whizzed around a surveillance plane. “They were invisible to the eye, but they were there, there is no doubt about it. They had mass, they had energy and they were moving about,” said journalist Jaime Maussan after showing a 15-minute video that he said the Defense Ministry gave him permission to publicize.
link here
.
2. Here are two stories released last week on pictures taken from Space: "The European Space Agency's [ESA] Proba satellite has taken a high resolution image of a segment of the Great Wall of China. There has been much debate about whether or not the wall is visible from space; Yang Liwei, China's first spacefarer, wasn't able to see it. Astronaut Eugene Cernan said that at an altitude of 160 km (100 miles), he was able to see it. Proba orbits at an altitude of 600 km (372 miles), and was designed to demonstrate several Earth observation techniques," according to Universe Today.
link here
Here is the ESA Press Release (Click "Great Wall of China Seen From Space"):
link here
And the second story: "A sharp new image of the brilliant nebula called the ‘Red Rectangle’ reveals it looks more like a ladder with a giant X through it. The new image of one of the most unusual celestial bodies in the galaxy was created from observations by the Hubble Space Telescope in 1999 and was released Tuesday [May 11, 2004]," quoting the Associated Press and reported on CNN.com. [Ed. Note: this is a picture you gotta see!]
link here
.
3. [Ed. Note: I have made mention many times of the disastrous environmental impact Bush Administration decisions have made in the last 3 years. I want to equally applaud this Administration's policies that are environmentally friendly, such as this one last week.] "The Bush administration yesterday [Friday, May 14] infuriated Northwest developers and farmers by telling Congress it expects to keep Endangered Species Act protections for 25 of 26 troubled runs of West Coast salmon. Environmentalists welcomed the news, but some said the administration acted only because of a backlash over its hatchery proposals," according to this Seattle Times story.
link here
.
4. Follow-up on a story covered here last year: "[Frank] Polifka, with no more than a high school education and a creative way of looking at problems, has been working on the Windhexe for 15 years. He calls it the ‘Tornado in a Can’ — a system for safely harnessing the enormous power of a funnel cloud in a small industrial machine. Scientists say they doubt that's what’s really happening, but there’s no doubt that whatever you put in the Windhexe — shoes, rocks, sludge, concrete, industrial waste — comes out the bottom as a superfine powder. It’s a clean way to dispose of almost anything safely and cheaply, because there are virtually no polluting emissions. Industrial scientists say its uses could be limited only by the imagination," according to this MSNBC story.
link here
.
5. Another follow-up on a story covered here last year: Implanted computer chips made by VeriChip are now becoming a reality in humans. To quote USA Today last week, "For instance, there's the important and deeply scientific experiment being conducted among the barely clothed patrons of Baja Beach Club in Barcelona. They're getting electronic credit cards implanted under their skin. Beautiful club-goers have a problem: If you're going to wear a halter top and micro-skirt, there's not much of anywhere to put a wallet. And who wants to carry a purse when you're there to dance? Luckily, a company called VeriChip this year unveiled a solution based on radio-frequency identification (RFID) technology. It's a slender glass capsule about as long as a dime is wide. Inside sits a computer chip, which stores a unique code that can identify an individual — sort of an electronic Social Security number." [Ed. Note: Now there is a new way to "spin" this for public acceptance! Yikes!]
link here
.
6. Further from USA Today, "Sales of full-size sport-utility vehicles tumbled last month, and sales of some smaller, more fuel-efficient SUVs boomed in what could be a sign that higher fuel prices are hurting automakers' high-profit models." [Ed. Note: Americans always shift vehicle buying habits with higher gas prices.]
link here
And MSNBC reports, "The Energy Department announced $350 million in grants Tuesday [April 27] to more than 130 research institutions and companies, including the Big Three automakers, to put hydrogen-fueled cars on the road by 2015. The projects — which are worth $575 million with private funding — are aimed at removing some of the obstacles to developing the cleaner-burning technology for widespread use."
link here
.
7. Now here is a corporate program worth your reading time: Northwest Airlines has a wonderful program called Northwest AirCares, which works with more than 30 non-profit organizations in the United States, as well as many Asian organizations designed to channel the donation of WorldPerks frequent flier miles to these groups.
link here
And the AirCares partners:
link here
This month, Northwest KidCares is the featured organization. The Northwest Airlines KidCares medical travel program provides air travel to children age 18 and younger who are unable to receive treatment in their home area. Availability of the program is based on donated WorldPerks mileage and patients along with one parent or adult companion, at no additional cost, travel via Northwest Airlines to the city where proper medical treatment is available.
link here
Additionally, KidCares has teamed-up with Good Bears of the World (GBW), ". . . a non profit organization which provides teddy bears to children of all ages, where love, solace, and comfort can make a difference. Last year alone, we gave out over 20,000 teddies to children in need including the victims of floods, tornadoes, hurricanes, and domestic violence both in the United States and abroad." All KidCares recipients also receive a GBW teddy bear.
link here
[Ed. Note: These are wonderful programs of which to be aware if you have miles that you would like to donate.]
.
8. Do you like Cod? Better get your fill now because a World Wildlife Fund Report released this week ". . . shows that global cod catch has suffered a 70 per cent drop over the last 30 years, and if such a trend continues, the world’s cod stocks will disappear in 15 years time. The report reveals that the world's largest remaining cod stock, in the Barents Sea, is now highly threatened by overfishing, illegal fishing and industrial development."
link here
.
9. "Many U.S. residents carry toxic pesticides in their bodies above government assessed ‘acceptable’ levels, according to a report released today by Pesticide Action Network North America (PAN)," quoting Environmental Media Services, a non-profit communications clearinghouse dedicated to expanding media coverage of critical environmental and public health issues.
link here
.
10. Did you know that Lewis and Clark set out on their expedition to explore the West at the behest of President Thomas Jefferson 200 hundred years ago this year? Here are two terrific websites with details of their journey:
link here
And the National Park Service Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail:
link here
Also, you can easily explore some of the areas through which Lewis & Clark ventured via the Northwest Forest Pass Information Page:
link here
.
11. Western Washington residents and visitors should add this Tacoma landmark to their Spring/Summer outings list: the W.W. Seymour Botanical Conservatory in Wright Park where exotic tropical plants and floral displays await you. This historic glass conservatory, with its distinctive twelve-sided central dome, is listed on the City of Tacoma, Washington State and National historic registers. 3,500 panes of glass make up the dome and both wings of the Conservatory. Colorful lilies are the flowers featured this month in the 1908 building, which just reopened last February after an $850,000 seven-month renovation.
link here
and
link here (for the renovation history)
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12. [Ed. Note: This study released last week will be of interest to the Yelm NASCAR track opponents in their quest to keep 80,000 race fans per session, their vehicles and practicing stock cars out of the area, all within a mile of three schools.] "Sooty air pollution can cause genetic damage that can be passed along to offspring, Canadian researchers reported Thursday [May 13] in a study on mice,” and “Airborne particles from factories, power plants and diesel-burning vehicles have been tied to a growing list of health problems," from this MSNBC report.
link here
Further, this report on CNN:
link here
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Of Local Note:
A new reliever airport proposal for Sea-Tac in the Eatonville, WA area was shelved several years ago when the decision was made to invest in a third runway for Sea-Tac and upgrade the terminal/parking area. The third runway has been mired in environmental issues for more than a decade. "The Washington State Supreme Court settled one of the last major legal challenges in the fight to build a third runway at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, clearing the way for now to start major construction on the $1.2 billion project this summer," quoting the Seattle Times. [Ed. Note: With the third runway project now on track at Sea-Tac, there will be no further discussions on building a reliever airport out here in rural Pierce or Thurston Counties. A third runway will have the least environmental impact of all options, while allowing Puget Sound commercial air traffic the opportunities for growth.]
link here
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Follow-up: Kleiner's Korner mentioned in the April 26th edition that Yelm’s own Bruce Smith had an article featured on the American Antigravity site titled “Levitation 101: Human Levitation”. American Antigravity recently interviewed Mr. Smith and the interview can now be viewed at:
link here
scroll down to Bruce Smith.
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Quote of the Week:
You can't convince a believer of anything;
for their belief is not based on evidence,
it's based on a deep seated need to believe.
Carl Sagan, (1934-1996)
Astronomer, educator and author
attributed--source unknown
Kleiner’s Korner is copyrighted by Stephen R. Klein, 2004.
For archived issues of Kleiner’s Korner, click on “Current Kleiner’s Korner and Archives” at
www.kleinerskorner.com
Send comments to steve@kleinerskorner.com
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| Kleiner's Korner for Week of May 10, 2004
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The Ramtha School of Enlightenment (RSE) marks a major milestone this weekend when its World Tour conducts simultaneous events in South Africa, Austria, Italy, and for the very first time ever, an introductory workshop in a Muslim country, Istanbul, Turkey. This is to acknowledge and honor all of the RSE teachers on the road sharing Ramtha’s outrageous message that God lives within each of us. Later this month, Ramtha’s teachers bring his teachings for the very first time to Mainland China (Shanghai), the Republic of China (Taipei) and Hong Kong. Further, there will be a Beginners’ Retreat and Assay in Japan.
link here
1. From the Stanford Report comes word that, "For the first time, researchers at Stanford University and the University of Oregon have shown that a biological mechanism exists in the human brain to block unwanted memories . . . people are capable of repeatedly blocking thoughts of experiences they don’t want to remember until they can no longer retrieve the memory . . . . The findings, published Jan. 9 in the journal SCIENCE, reinforce Sigmund Freud's controversial century-old thesis about the existence of voluntary memory suppression. . . . Michael Anderson, a psychology associate professor at the University of Oregon and the paper's lead author, conducted the experiment with Gabrieli [Stanford psychology Professor John Gabrieli] and other researchers during a sabbatical at Stanford last year."
link here
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2. "Blood-pressure levels are rising among young Americans, according to a study published Tuesday [May 4, 2004] which raises concern over potential health problems when the children grow up," quoting MSNBC.
link here
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3. From CBS News 60 MINUTES, "Infections we thought we had conquered once and for all are coming back because of a new breed of germs that doctors call 'superbugs' -- bacteria that are resistant to almost all antibiotics. The latest culprit is called MRSA, a staph bacteria that triggers infections so virulent they can - and have - turned deadly within days."
link here
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4. "On Sept. 29, 2004 an asteroid the size of a small city will make the closest known pass of such a very large space rock anytime this century," according to Space.com.
link here
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5. “A group of British scientists . . . at King's College, London announced Monday [May 3] they had made a breakthrough in mice, coaxing stem cells to grow into teeth within only a few weeks. The procedure entails taking stem cells from a living being, nurturing them in a laboratory until they form a ball of new cells known as a bud, and inserting the bud into the gum where the new tooth is needed," according to Agence France Presse.
link here
Further, this from Down Under: "Scientists in Adelaide [Australia] believe stem cells from baby teeth can be manipulated to grow human body parts. Researchers at the Royal Adelaide Hospital's Hanson Institute are working on the groundbreaking research with the University of Adelaide. The research could lead to growing bones, muscles and even brain cells."
link here
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6. Spartacus lived during the time of the last civilization, prior to the Vietnam/bra burning/equal rights/anti-establishment revolt of the 1960's, in which there was an expression of widespread public dissent, according to some teachers. Here are some significant historical facts about that era, from 133 - 70 BCE (Before Common, or Christian, Era).
link here
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7. From a shocking Bush Greenwatch report: "Under the watch of the Bush Administration, construction of cell phone towers in America's national parks has proliferated. As controversies have developed, however, directors of the National Park Service have remained silent. Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility (PEER) has charged the Park Service with failure to protect the special qualities of the parks, develop a coherent management plan for locating the towers, or follow Congressional instructions to both inform and accept comment from the public."
link here
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8. According to this MSNBC report, "A windblown island off Norway is being used to test ways of overcoming a big drawback of alternative energy: How to store it. Oslo-based Norsk Hydro ASA on Tuesday [April 27] presented its project to test a combination of technologies, wind power and hydrogen fuel, to overcome that problem on the island of Utsira, off Norway’s western coast."
link here
And more information on this project can be found at:
link here
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9. Have you heard the latest from the Middle East? Israel may have "black gold" buried under it's desert sands too!
link here
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10. Need some frequent flier miles? Northwest Airlines has teamed up with Concorde Spirit Tours to commemorate the 75th anniversary of Admiral Richard E. Byrd's first-ever flight over the South Pole when a Northwest Airlines® Boeing 747-400 series jet will fly around the world over both the earth's poles and attempt to set a new air speed record. The plane -- named "The City of New York", after Admiral Byrd’s Antarctic ship the S.S. City of New York -- will depart New York/JFK on Sunday, November 28, 2004 and return there Tuesday, November 30, 2004. You can sign up for one of the 265 seats at:
link here
Oh, and those 50,000 Northwest Worldperks Bonus Miles details can be found here:
link here
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11. Speaking of flying in an airplane, now comes word that private jet flights may be in the price range of a commercial airline ticket, thanks to the development of this low-cost aircraft. This form of air travel is something that may, indeed, soon reach the masses! [Ed. Note: Count me in!]
link here
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12. According to Forever Young Farms, a new company that raises organic pastured poultry, you pay and they will raise your chickens, and even process them for free if you want that service. [Ed. Note: What a fabulous idea whose time has arrived!]
link here
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Of Local Note:
The Protect Yelm website is up and running with informative information on the NASCAR track proposal for Yelm:
link here
And. the Olympia community forum is an area where you can air your views:
link here
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Quote of the Week:
"Beautiful dreamer, wake unto me,
Starlight and dewdrop are waiting for thee."
Stephen Foster
American Songwriter (1826-1864)
'Beautiful Dreamer'
1864 Song
Kleiner’s Korner is copyrighted by Stephen R. Klein, 2004.
For archived issues of Kleiner’s Korner, click on “Current Kleiner’s Korner and Archives” at www.kleinerskorner.com
Send comments to steve@kleinerskorner.com
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| Kleiner's Korner for Week of May 3, 2004
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“Rising oceans could mean flooding, damaged ecosystems,” and “Warmer weather changing the West” are two headlines from Monday, May 3. Some story from the Southern California Coast? Wrongo in the Congo! This is from right here in Western Washington’s Puget Sound. A quote from The Olympian ‘Rising oceans’ article: “The sea is rising and the city is sinking.”
link here
Further, how warmer weather is changing the West by causing rising oceans and dwindling snowpacks:
link here
This on how pollution and runoff is damaging the bay around Washington’s State Capitol campus:
link here
Speculation of future global warming effects aside, CNN is reporting that the West is heating up and climate change is already happening:
link here
1. According to this landmark Scientific American magazine article, “String theory suggests that the big bang was not the origin of the universe but simply the outcome of a preexisting state”! [Ed Note: Wow! You mean there really is reality and “worlds” beyond the visible light spectrum? Finally, science is going “Out on a Limb”, pun intended!]
link here
Click here for a spectacular graphic and sidebar:
link here
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2. Also, from Scientific American, Michael Crichton, author of the book TIMELINE, “cites theoretical physicist Michio Kaku of the City University of New York as one inspiration for the science behind the story. Kaku, a string theorist, is the author of several physics books for a popular audience, including ‘Hyperspace and Visions: How Science Will Revolutionize the 21st Century’, and host of a weekly science radio show. He recently spoke with Scientific American.com about the possibility of time travel and his thoughts on science and popular culture. An edited transcript of that conversation follows.”
link here
.
3. The Telegraph newspaper of the UK reports, “The [British] government has extended its supply of anti-radiation pills to cover 50 per cent of the population because of the increased risk of a terrorist attack.” HUM! [Ed. Note: What do they know that we do not know?]
link here .
4. Further in the “what do they know that we do not know department” is word that bunker-busting missiles are being tested for a 2007 firing into lunar craters to look for ice. HUM! [Ed. Note: what other “bunkers” might be “busted” on the moon?]
link here
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5. This fascinating story about a man on Orcas Island in the Washington Post online, titled “The Old Man, the Mountain and the Sea”, is as much about life in the Pacific Northwest as it is about this person. Quoted here is an interesting demographic: “The region is more liberal, more literate and much less religious than the country as a whole. Washington and Oregon lead the states in the percentage of adults who report no religious identification -- 25 percent here, compared with 14 percent nationally.” HUM! [Ed. Note: More free-thinkers not enslaved to some religious ideology! How outrageous.]
link here
[this link will take you to a page where you must register with washingtonpost.com (it’s free) in order to access the site.]
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6. Check this out! The myths will be no more as truth is revealed: “Indigenous Eskimos believe that there is a hole in the Arctic Ocean and observations by several Arctic explorers, who claim to have seen mirages of exposed land near the North Pole, indicate that the most plausible location for an opening is located at 84.4 N Latitude, 141 E Longitude. Steve Currey’s Expedition Company has chartered the Russian Nuclear IceBreaker YAMAL, to take 100 adventurers to the North Pole for an expedition to conduct scientific observations that could resolve once and for all whether the Hollow Earth theories have any validity!”
link here
.
7. The Galapagos Islands still fascinate science and humanity as much now as when Charles Darwin visited there and wrote his epoch “The Origin of Species”. Here are some excellent sites with fabulous information on this wonder:
The Charles Darwin Foundation:
link here
An informative site:
link here
A brief history is listed here:
link here
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8. NewScientist, the world's no. 1 science & technology news service, reports: “A new system that helps cells stave off the ravages of time has been discovered by scientists. The find may help explain how some cancer cells live forever - and provide a new route of attack for up to one in 10 tumours, they say. The system keeps cells youthful by adding thimble-like caps [repetitive sequences of DNA called telomeres] to the ends of chromosomes to protect them from damage and ageing, says the international team led by scientists at Cancer Research UK.”
link here
.
9. Is anything safe anymore? This is an important article for parents to read. It brings to mind the pinatas, Halloween, and Easter candies, to name a few, that come from Mexico. The issue is lead-tainted candy. This is a very informative and chilling article from the Orange County (CA) Register:
link here
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10. Further information about protecting our children comes from the Medalerts vaccination, poisoning, disease information and children’s advocacy site:
link here
.
11. The Organic Seed Alliance will offer two July workshops at The Evergreen State College in Olympia, Washington. The first class is designed to provide organic farmers with the knowledge necessary to produce a commercial seed crop, and the second class is for backyard seed savers who are interested in improving their seed growing skills. Check out their fabulous site:
link here
(see “Upcoming Workshops for 2004” about 2/3 the way down on the right.)
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12. Check out this picture on NASA’s website of a Warped Spiral Galaxy taken in 2001. [Ed. Note: Remind you of any mathematical symbols?]
link here .
Of Note this Week:
“What the Bleep Do We Know” has issued a tentative DVD release schedule:
link here
.
Honoring our Mothers this week— the womb of man—women!
Blessings to all of our Mothers for giving us the gift of this life!
And to our wives for bringing our children into this wonderful world!
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Quote of the Week:
“There were bells all around,
but I never heard them ringing,
no I never heard them at all,
till there was you!”
Meredith Wilson
American Author and Composer
The Music Man (1957)
‘Till There Was You’.
Kleiner's Korner is copyrighted by Stephen R. Klein, 2004.
For archived issues of Kleiner's Korner,
click on "Current Kleiner's Korner and Archives" at www.kleinerskorner.com
Send comments to steve@kleinerskorner.com
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