Deaths per Terawatt

President Obama wants to buy oil from off-shore wells in Brazil

"By some estimates, the oil you recently discovered off the shores of Brazil could amount to twice the reserves we have in the United States.  We want to work with you.  We want to help with technology and support to develop these oil reserves safely, and when you're ready to start selling, we want to be one of your best customers."

and mine coal in Wyoming

"Coal is a critical component of America's comprehensive energy portfolio as well as Wyoming's economy," Secretary Salazar said in making his announcement with Wyoming Governor Matt Mead. "As the number one coal producer from public lands, Wyoming provided nearly 40 percent of the domestic coal used to generate electricity last year and it's important that we continue to encourage safe production of this important resource."

Let's hope, given the death rate per terawatt for the different energy technologies, that the President follows through on his nuclear power pledges.

Thorium Again

Kirk Sorensen Rebuts IEER/PSR Thorium Paper.  This article is full of interesting facts.

Elizabeth Taylor has passed away at 79

She of the lavender eyes has died.

Elizabeth Taylor, Lifelong Screen Star, Dies at 79

The Wisconsin Restraining Order

How can a judge issue a restraining order on something that doesn't exist? How can the Judicial Branch reach down into the Legislative Branch and call a law unconstitutional before it even becomes a law... preventing it from becoming law? Perhaps more importantly, why would the Executive or Legislative branches honor such a usurpation of their power instead of just ignoring it.

The War on Gravity

Popular Science has a very nice article this month about Roger Babson and his "One Man War Against Gravity."

Tsar Bomba

A dose of calm from Jerry Pournelle

Wealthy civilizations have costs. They are small compared to the grinding costs of poverty. Low productivity produces poverty. High energy costs lower productivity. Before we call for any drastic reduction in energy production, it would be well to see what the maximum disaster costs might be, and what can be done to mitigate or prevent such in future. That does not appear to be the advice the media is giving us.

Tsar Bomba, refers to the 50 megaton hydrogen bomb deployed 10-30-1961 by the Soviets in the Novaya Zemlya archipelago. The most powerful nuclear bomb every detonated. 50 megatons is estimated to be one quarter of the 1883 eruption of Krakatoa. (The Soviets design Tsar Bomba to yield 100 megatons but they reduced the yield for the test because they were worried about fallout).

A reverse-order timeline of the nuclear problems in Japan

Norwell Boys have a fine season

The Knights ended the season 16-7 on Saturday, losing a close one to Harding in the Regional opener 52-53.  Harding, in turn, lost to Columbia City who advanced to the semistate in Huntington and will play Culver Academy.

Norwell averaged 59 points a game this season against their opponents' 52 points a game.

Prayers for Japan

The destruction is nearly unfathomable.

Additional photos

Printable 2011 NCAA Brackets

Click on the picture above to go to larger, printable 2011 NCAA Brackets.

Nazi-Mayan Crystal Skull Found in German Rafters

Whew, what a timely find, what with 2012 so near!

Helium Woe

A fascinating article about Helium, why America has so much and another instance of Congress not having a clue about science.

Norwell Boys Win Sectional

For the first time since 1995, the Norwell Knights are Sectional victors! Congratulations, guys, and good luck in the Blackford Regional at noon on Saturday against Harding (in their final year).