EARTH PORTATION curated News January 29th

AIR - Beijing Air Not As Bad As Delhi Air

Beijing has been getting a lot of attention for its crazy bad/deadly air. However, a reporter at the New York Times has noted that Delhi’s air is often even worse.“Despite Beijing’s widespread reputation of having some of the most polluted air of any major city in the world, an examination of daily pollution figures collected from both cities suggests that New Delhi’s air is more laden with dangerous small particles of pollution, more often, .. ...

http://planetsave.com/2014/01/29/beijing-air-bad-delhi-air

ANIMALS - Is a Dog's Head Shape Related to His Intelligence?

Research shows that classifying dog breeds on the basis of whether their head shapes are relatively long, or short and flat, or something in between, also gives us an estimate of a dog's intelligence or trainability.
http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/canine-corner/201401/is-

BOOKS - Book Excerpt: Stress Free for Good

Fred Luskin and Kenneth Pelletier on practicing smiling to handle stress .. ...
http://www.spiritualityandpractice.com/books/excerpts.php?id

BOOKS - Book: My Bondage and My Freedom

YaleNews features works recently or soon to be published by members of the University community. Descriptions are based on material provided by the publishers. Authors of new books may forward publishers’ book descriptions to us by email .. ...
http://news.yale.edu/2014/01/28/book-my-bondage-and-my-freed

BOOKS - Book: The Historical David

YaleNews features works recently or soon to be published by members of the University community. Descriptions are based on material provided by the publishers. Authors of new books may forward publishers’ book descriptions to us by email .. ...
http://news.yale.edu/2014/01/29/book-historical-davi

CLIMATE - 6 Things Obama Can Do on Climate Without Congress

Fix fracking. Crack down on coal. There’s still a lot POTUS can do.Travis Long/Raleigh News & Observer/ZUMAWhen President Obama takes the stage this evening for his annual State of the Union address, a likely theme will be how the Oval Office can work toward its goals on everything from income inequality to the federal debt without relying on an obstinate, unproductive Congress. In his speech last year, Obama threatened to sidestep the legisl ...

http://climatedesk.org/2014/01/6-things-obama-can-do-on-clim

EARTH - Breathtaking! The winner of The Nature Conservancy's 8th annual photo contest

Don't miss the runners-up either .. ...

http://www.treehugger.com/slideshows/natural-sciences/breath

ECONOMICS - Hans Rosling: Debunking the myth that helping the poor is causing overpopulation (video)

The incomparable Swedish medical doctor and statistician Hans Rosling tackles a very perverse and tenacious myth about overpopulation .. ...

http://www.treehugger.com/environmental-policy/hans-rosling-

EDUCATION - Finland's education success opens new business niches

Finland's successful education system has become a selling point for companies and institutions specialising in software and courses for educators, even when targeting Asian countries with high-performing students .. ...
http://phys.org/news/2014-01-finland-success-business-niches

EDUCATION - Helping adolescents understand the consequences of risky sexual behavior

Both parents and health care providers wonder: What is the best way to get through to adolescents about the dangers of risky sexual behavior? Research by investigators from Yale School of Medicine and the Yale play2PREVENT Lab finds that both positive and negative messaging may influence adolescent behavior. The study is published online in the journal Health Education Research .. ...
http://news.yale.edu/2014/01/28/helping-adolescents-understa

EDUCATION - Keeping tabs on massive open online courses

(Phys.org) —Is the Internet causing a revolution in education by enabling large numbers of students to take college courses online, at little or no cost, from faculty members at leading universities .. ...
http://phys.org/news/2014-01-tabs-massive-online-courses.htm

EDUCATION - Language key to learning math

(Phys.org) —An assistant professor at the University of California, Riverside Graduate School of Education has shown that a reading comprehension technique helps non-native English speakers in elementary school learn math .. ...
http://phys.org/news/2014-01-language-key-math.htm

EDUCATION - People Are Awesome: This Hero Iranian Teacher Shaved His Head to Stop Bullying in His Classroom

After Ali Mohammadian, an elementary school teacher in Iran "noticed that one of his students was being bullied after going bald as a result of a mysterious illness, he decided to show solidarity and shave his own hair. In no time, his entire class shaved their heads and the bullying stopped." Mohammadian tells The Guardian, "Everyone in the school now wants to shave their head." And, given the attention the story's attracted, the government's no ...
http://www.good.is/posts/people-are-awesome-this-hero-irania

EDUCATION - School Ditches Rules and Loses Bullies

A school in Auckland, New Zealand (which not that long ago had one of the highest teen depression and suicide rates in the world) finds a new way to let kids have recess, with unforeseen benefits .. ...
http://www.good.is/posts/school-ditches-rules-and-loses-bull

ENERGY - A123 Energy Solutions wins 1MW, 2.8MWh Li-ion Grid Storage Solution contract

A123 Energy Solutions will supply, install, and commission a 1MW, 2.8MWh Grid Storage Solution (GSS) system for IHI Corporation. IHI Corporation is one of the largest industrial equipment manufacturers in Japan and makes products for a diverse set of markets including aerospace, energy, social infrastructure, and heavy machinery. The GSS is currently in the process of being installed at an IHI factory located in the Tohoku region of Japan.
http://www.greencarcongress.com/2014/01/20140129-a123.htm

ENERGY - Can California’s Clean Energy Ambitions Survive the Shale Oil and Gas Surge?

California leaders are talking about energy abundance -- but they aren’t talking about solar and wind. State policymakers are considering the extraordinary economic opportunity in shale oil and gas. That's the first of California’s emerging trends, a discussion of how to exploit the potential bonanza in its Monterey shale, estimated to constitute 63 percent of all U.S. shale oil reserves, without sacrificing environmental standards. State leader ...

http://www.greentechmedia.com/articles/read/Can-Californias-

ENERGY - Icelandic Drilling Project Opens Door to Volcano-Powered Electricity

The project unexpectedly struck a pocket of magma and decided not to plug the hole with concrete ..
http://www.scientificamerican.com/article/icelandic-drilling

ENERGY - New Research Warns Of More Regular And Severe Blackouts

Many of us have experienced the growing frustration of a blackout (or a brownout, depending on your international location). It’s very much a first-world problem, as many in the world live their entire lives with only a few hours of electricity a week — if any at all. The western world lives it’s life by electricity, if the numerous beautiful nighttime satellite photos of our planet are anything to judge by.Image Credit: Suomi NPP Satellite ..
http://cleantechnica.com/2014/01/29/new-research-warns-regul

ENERGY - State Of The Union: Climate Change, Energy

From President Barack Obama’s State of the Union AddressFebruary 12, 2013, 9:15 P.M. ESTU.S. CapitolWashington, D.C. THE PRESIDENT: Mr. Speaker, Mr. Vice President, members of Congress, fellow citizens: Fifty-one years ago, John F. Kennedy declared to this chamber that “the Constitution makes us not rivals for power but partners for progress.” (Applause.) “It is my task,” he said, “to report the State of the Union–to improve it is the tas .. ...

http://planetsave.com/2014/01/29/state-union-climate-change-

ENERGY - The world's first magma-powered geothermal plant

Introducing ICCP-1, the world's first magma-enhanced geothermal system. Located in Iceland, it's an important proof-of-concept that could lead to a revolution in the energy efficiency of high-temperature geothermal areas across the globe.

http://io9.com/the-worlds-first-magma-powered-geothermal-pla

ENVIRONMENT - UK floods and snow: your images

Floods continue to affect the south west of England, while snow arrives further northGuardian readersJames Wals .. ...
http://www.theguardian.com/environment/gallery/2014/jan/29/u
Enclosure: image/jpeg http://static.guim.co.uk/sys-images/Guardian/Pix/pictures/20

FASHION - Knit 52 kinds of mushrooms in glowing colours

If you love knitting and even just like mushrooms, these creations will be addictive .. ...

http://www.treehugger.com/slideshows/organic-beauty/52-forms

FASHION - Shards of Hope: Jewelry made from pottery broken by Japan's tsunami (Video)

Showing a courageous hope in the face of adversity, women and grandmothers affected by the 2011 Japanese tsunami are recycling broken pottery pieces into gorgeous jewelry .. ...

http://www.treehugger.com/sustainable-product-design/nozomi-

HOMES - Tiny modern house squeezes a lot of living into 136 square feet

Not only that, it has an alternating tread storage stair .. ...

http://www.treehugger.com/tiny-houses/tiny-modern-house-sque

MOVIES - DVD Feature Film Review: The Fifth Estate

Drama about the controversial information freedom fighter made worth seeing by Benedict Cumberbach's tour de force performance .. ...
http://www.spiritualityandpractice.com/films/films.php?id=25

MUSIC - Study reveals methods used by musicians to stay in tempo with each other

(Phys.org) —A team of researchers with members from the U.K. and Germany has found that musicians playing in a string quartet keep time with one another in two distinctly different ways. One, way, the team explains in their paper published in Journal of the Royal Society: Interface, is to play follow-the-leader—everyone adjusts their tempo to one leader. The other way is far more democratic—all of the players constantly change their tempo to keep ...
http://phys.org/news/2014-01-reveals-methods-musicians-tempo

PEOPLE - Indian politician says women can invite rape with clothes and behaviour

Asha Mirje says of Delhi gang-rape that sparked nationwide protests: 'Did victim have to go to a movie at 11pm with a friend?'A female Indian politician and activist has said rape victims may have invited attacks by their clothes and behaviour, fuelling a national debate over a series of incidents of sexual violence against women.Asha Mirje, a Nationalist Congress party (NCP) leader in western Maharashtra state, questioned why a 23-year-old physi ...

http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/jan/29/indian-politici
Enclosure: image/jpeg http://static.guim.co.uk/sys-images/Guardian/Pix/pictures/20

PERMACULTURE - Make a solar-powered 24 hour greenhouse

This DIY project lets you give your plants a boost with some extra light even during the dark winter days. A simple version can be made in just 10 minutes .. ...

http://www.treehugger.com/slideshows/gadgets/make-solar-powe

SCIENCE - Acid Bath Offers New Way to Make Stem Cells

Just physically squeezing cells or bathing them in acidic conditions can readily reprogram them into an embryonic state .. ...
http://www.scientificamerican.com/article/acid-bath-offers-n

SCIENCE - Beyond the Moore's Law: Nanocomputing using nanowire tiles

An interdisciplinary team of scientists and engineers from The MITRE Corporation and Harvard University have taken key steps toward ultra-small electronic computer systems that push beyond the imminent end of Moore's Law, which states that the device density and overall processing power for computers will double every two to three years. In a paper that will appear this week in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, the team describ ...
http://phys.org/news/2014-01-law-nanocomputing-nanowire-tile

SCIENCE - Physicists create synthetic magnetic monopole predicted more than 80 years ago

(Phys.org) —Nearly 85 years after pioneering theoretical physicist Paul Dirac predicted the possibility of their existence, an international collaboration led by Amherst College Physics Professor David S. Hall '91 and Aalto University (Finland) Academy Research Fellow Mikko Möttönen has created, identified and photographed synthetic magnetic monopoles in Hall's laboratory on the Amherst campus. The groundbreaking accomplishment paves the way for ...
http://phys.org/news/2014-01-physicists-synthetic-magnetic-m

URBAN - 10 US Cities Vow to Cut Emissions From Buildings

10 US cities promise to make their buildings more energy efficient    .. ...
http://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/10-us-cities-vow-cut-emis

URBAN - BKK Architects Get Green Light for Skinny Twisted Tower in Melbourne

Melbourne’s City Minster for Planning Matthew Guy recently gave the green light for a skinny new 73-story tower that will be just under 40 feet at its narrowest point. Designed by BKK Architects, the 753-foot building will feature a “twisted flower stem” design and it will contain 256 apartments along with an elevated spa, a sauna, a pool deck, and shops and cafes at ground level. The tower will also utilize green building strategies ranging from ...

http://inhabitat.com/bkk-architects-get-green-light-for-skin

URBAN - Elii Architects Equip Tiny Madrid Studio with a Host of Quirky Space Saving Features

Read the rest of Elii Architects Equip Tiny Madrid Studio with a Host of Quirky Space Saving FeaturesPermalink |Add todel.icio.us | diggPost tags: Architecture, Dido Fogué, Didomestic Madrid Studio, Didomestic studio in Madrid, Elii Architecture, Madrid studio spaces, space efficiency, space saving home design, Spanish architects, spanish architecture, studio design, tiny home renovation, tiny homes, Urban design .. ...
http://inhabitat.com/elii-architects-equip-tiny-madrid-studi

URBAN - From Strip Mall to Neighborhood

A mixed-use development rises where a strip mall once stood. Photo: Dan Reed/GGWJust how much potential is embedded in the local strip mall with its acres of surface parking? A project in Montgomery County, Maryland, provides a great example of how to transform car-oriented suburban development into a walkable place with a mix of uses.A strip mall parking lot that will be replaced, with new development in the background. Photo: Dan Reed/GGWDan

http://streetsblog.net/2014/01/28/from-strip-mall-to-neighbo

URBAN - London’s Tallest Residential Tower Reenlivens a Former Brownfield

Read the rest of London’s Tallest Residential Tower Reenlivens a Former BrownfieldPermalink |Add todel.icio.us | diggPost tags: broadway malyan, Brookfield Multiplex, brownfield, eco design, green design, London's tallest residential tower, nine elms, One St George Wharf, river thames, sustainable design
http://inhabitat.com/londons-tallest-residential-tower-reenl

URBAN - Massive Saranac Lake Winter Carnival Ice Palace Nears Completion in Upstate New York

Read the rest of Massive Saranac Lake Winter Carnival Ice Palace Nears Completion in Upstate New YorkPermalink |Add todel.icio.us | diggPost tags: Architecture, Art, buildings made with ice, castle made from ice, celtic ice palace, frozen architecture, green materials, ice castle, Ice Palace, New York., Saranac Lake Winter Carnival, upstate New York, upstate new york ice palace. ...

http://inhabitat.com/massive-saranac-lake-winter-carnival-ic

URBAN - Playful Twisting Staircases Transform Case House into Daring Loft-Style Living

Read the rest of Playful Twisting Staircases Transform Case House into Daring Loft-Style LivingPermalink |Add todel.icio.us | diggPost tags: "green wall", case house, cuboid architecture, full height wall partitions, japanese architecture, Jun Igarashi Architects, loft house, mezzanine, open floor plan, Sapporo, wooden lof .. ...

http://inhabitat.com/playful-twisting-staircases-transform-c

URBAN - The Home Machine doesn't look like your usual boxy prefab

The architects call it a "hybrid between house and caravan. .. ...

http://www.treehugger.com/modular-design/home-machine-doesnt

WATER - Ocean acidification is kryptonite to all coral reefs... except one in the Western Pacific

Rising carbon emission from the burning of fossil fuels is increasing the acidity of Earth's oceans. That's very bad for coral reefs, because in acidic environments they can't form calcium carbonate, the building block of corals .. ...

http://www.treehugger.com/ocean-conservation/ocean-acidifica

WIND - Largest Offshore Wind Farm From Space

Originally published on RenewEconomyWe were struck by this photo, taken from space from NASA’s Landsat 8 satellite, of the London Array, the world’s largest offshore wind farm.  The 175-turbine wind farm has a capacity of 630MW, reports Live Science, became operational on April 8 last year, and is about 20kms from England’s Kent and Essex coasts.Even the photo makes the turbines look closely aligned, they are separated by between 640m to 1, .
http://cleantechnica.com/2014/01/29/largest-offshore-wind-fa