Global warming is very real, and is threatening our future. We began learning some time
ago about causes/contributors to global warming, and also to world degradation and
pollution in general.

We were actually shocked by what we learned.

We found out how little we are told the truth in our current society (or at least mislead),
and we began to realize what a HUGE and profitable industry it is to both destroy our
Earth and also knowingly feed you poison and chemicals that can make you sick.

If you are truly interested in saving our planet, you MUST read the following page!

It could be the most important 5-10 minutes you have ever spent!
(The most important to REALLY saving our planet, that is)

Our voices and our choices DO matter – take a stand for the planet
and for all living creatures

“Just one hog farm in Utah, for example, produces more sewage than the city of Los Angeles.
These megafarms are proliferating, and in populous areas their waste is tainting drinking water.
In more pristine regions, from Indonesia to the Amazon, tropical rain forest is being burned down
to make room for more and more cattle. Agriculture is the world’s biggest cause of deforestation,
and increasing demand for meat is the biggest force in the expansion of agriculture.” (Time.com;
Click here for article)

A Report published by the United Nations warns: “Livestock are one of the most significant
contributors to today’s most serious environmental problems…urgent action is required to
remedy the situation.” (Taken from the UN report; Click here for entire article)

read Full article
http://www.youcouldsavetheworld.com/

Backgrounder: World Buddhist Forum

The opening ceremony of the Second World Buddhist Forum (WBF) is held in Wuxi, east China’s Jiangsu Province on March 28, 2009. (Xinhua/Wu Xiaoling)
Photo Gallery>>>

WUXI, Jiangsu, March 28 (Xinhua) — The Second World Buddhist Forum opened in this eastern Chinese city Saturday with more than 1,700 Buddhist monks and scholars from about 50 countries and regions gathering to discuss how Buddhism can contribute to building a harmonious world.

“Buddhism is a religion boasting openness and tolerance. When he founded the religion, Buddha advocated his moral position — equality of all living beings as well as harmony and amicability,” Du Qinglin, vice chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), told the opening ceremony of the forum in the gigantic Buddhist Palace at Lingshan Mountain.

“We anticipate that world Buddhist circles will carry forward the spirit of ‘harmony and synergy’, manifest the qualities of mercy and compassion, reclaim people’s souls and promote harmonious coexistence between humans and nature, humans and society, among people and within each individual,” said Du, who is also head of the United Front Work Department of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee.

The 11th Panchen Lama, Bainqen Erdini Qoigyijabu, talks with Xu Jialu, former vice-chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress of China, before the opening ceremony of the Second World Buddhist Forum (WBF) in Wuxi, east China’s Jiangsu Province on March 28, 2009.

The 11th Panchen Lama, Bainqen Erdini Qoigyijabu, talks with Xu Jialu, former vice-chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress of China, before the opening ceremony of the Second World Buddhist Forum (WBF) in Wuxi, east China’s Jiangsu Province on March 28, 2009.(Xinhua Photo)
Photo Gallery>>>

He said the world faces the financial crisis, social contradictions, culture shock and environmental contamination.

He added: “To persist in ‘harmony and synergy’ and co-create harmony, we are called upon to depend on the people’s welfare, hold high the banner of human progress and create promising conditions for world peace.

“We should respect diversity on the basis of equal treatment, strengthen mutual understanding through communications and achieve common progress while making up for each other’s deficiencies,” he said.

“The Chinese people have always unswervingly held high the banner of peace, development and cooperation, pursued a strategy of mutual benefit and win-win outcomes and actively developed international exchanges and cooperation,” he said.

They have also “positively participated in coping with the financial crisis, committed themselves to promoting world economic growth and the progress of human civilization and worked with people across the world for harmony, lasting peace and common prosperity,” he added.

The 11th Panchen Lama, Bainqen Erdini Qoigyijabu, speaks during the opening ceremony of the Second World Buddhist Forum (WBF) in Wuxi, east China’s Jiangsu Province on March 28, 2009. The Second WBF opened here on Saturday.(Xinhua/Han Yuqing)
Photo Gallery>>>

The forum, with the theme of “A harmonious world, a synergy of condition,” was jointly organized by the Buddhist Association of China, the Buddha’s Light International Association, the Hong Kong Buddhist Association, and the China Religious Culture Communication Association.

Addressing the opening ceremony in English, The 11th Panchen Lama, Bainqen Erdini Qoigyijabu, said that this event fully demonstrates that China nowadays enjoys social harmony, stability and religious freedom. It also shows China is a nation that safeguards and promotes world peace.

Extending his gratitude to the central government for the concern for and patronage to the forum, the Panchen Lama said, “This forum is convened in my country — China, which has a Buddhist cultural tradition going back 2,000 years.”

The Dalai Lama and the Panchen Lama are the most important religious figures in Tibet.

The Panchen Lama said the rapid development of “external material science and technology, ” or material civilization of the present world, brings about convenient facilities for people’s lives.

“But on the other hand, it also causes the environment degradation, growing disparity between the rich and the poor, financial crises, armed conflicts and wars, terrorist attacks and the like,” the 19-year-old monk said.

The living Buddha called on people in the modern world to do more beneficial deeds and serve others.

“The reason for all the adversity lies in people’s mind – many people are deluded regarding the causes of suffering and happiness, feel discontent, lack of compassion,” he said.

“Sutras tell us: Good is rewarded with good, evil with evil. We should now guide and encourage people with the law of causality to serve others with beneficial deeds,” he said.

“Only if we carry forward the philanthropic moral spirit, will everyone be guided to do good, and not to harm others; can everyone bear love and mercy, benefit all sentient beings and protect the environment, so as to enable people to enjoy a harmonious and happy life,” he added.

Calling for achieving harmony among different Buddhism sects, he said, “different sects within Buddhism should respect each other and coexist in harmony,” he said. “In order that Buddha Dharma can live on and flourish, we should foster more outstanding talents.”

Panchen Lama’s English speech received applauses and appreciation from the participants in the forum.

“The 11th Panchen Lama’s wonderful English speech has joyfully shocked the Buddhist masters and cultural elites present at the forum,” said Master Xue Cheng, vice president and secretary general of the Buddhist Association of China (BAC). “He has a good command of the Chinese, English and Tibetan languages.”

“The Buddhists from English-speaking countries who I talked with shortly after his speech have highly praised his English proficiency,” said Xue.

“His good command of English shows his endeavors and the care from the Chinese government,” he added.

“Since English is an international language, the 11th Panchen Lama’s speech in English this time will definitely impress the world,” said Shi Yongxin, abbot of China’s famed Shaolin Temple.

“He appeared very mature and moderate,” Shi added.

“As far as I know, the 11th Panchen Lama learns the Tibetan language and Buddhism knowledge in a very assiduous way,” said Jalsan, BAC Standing Member of Council of Directors.

“Three years ago, he delivered his speech at the First World Buddhist Forum in Tibetan while now his English is very fluent,” added Jalsan, also president of the Buddhist Association of Inner Mongolia. “It shows that he had made great progress.”

“I myself is a follower of the Tibetan Buddhism and we disciples of the Tibetan Buddhism pin great hopes on him,” he said.

“His English speech is very commendable,” said Professor H. Abeygunawardena, Vice Chancellor of University of Peradeniya in Sri Lanka. “His learning English embodies China’s policy of religious freedom.”

“Since I do not speak Chinese and Tibetan, I’d prefer that he continues to deliver speech in English,” he said. “So what get lost in translation will be minimized.”

After the morning session of the forum concluded, the Panchen Lama joined about 1,000 monks and believers in experiencing a traditional, unique ritual of eating lunch that was once observed by Chinese Buddhists in everyday life.

The five-day forum will be held in two parts. The first part will be held from March 28 to 29 in Wuxi. The participants will move to Taipei by four direct charter flights on March 30, where the second part of the forum will be held from March 31 to April 1.

During the five-day event, the participants will discuss how to better preserve Buddhist music and the Tripitaka, considered the encyclopedia of Buddhist culture. They will also talk about the relationship between Buddhism and science, public welfare, environmental protection and other topics.

Exhibits of Buddhist relics, porcelain, crafts, photos and calligraphy will be on display during the forum.

The arrangement is viewed as another sign of improved relations between the Chinese mainland and Taiwan.

Buddhism was introduced into ancient China from India more than 2,000 years ago.

The First World Buddhist Forum, with the theme “A harmonious world begins in the mind,” was held in the eastern Chinese cities of Hangzhou and Zhoushan in 2006. Statistics published at that time showed around 100 million Chinese, or one in every 13 Chinese, are Buddhist followers.

“This is the second time I came to China to attend the World Buddhist Forum, and I think China has really done a lot to promote Buddhism — just look at the gigantic venue of the Buddha Palace,” said Ven. Banagala Upatissa, president of the Mahabodhi Society of Sri Lanka.

“It’s an open forum with participants from around the world. I hope I can have extensive exchanges with others on a wide range of topics in the following days, especially the spread of Buddhism in the world,” he said.

Wind powered Greenbird reached speeds of 126.1 mpg

A British engineer from Hampshire has broken the world land speed record for a wind powered vehicle.

Richard Jenkins reached 126.1 mph (202.9 kmh) in his car Greenbird on the dry plains of Ivanpah Lake in Nevada.

Mr Jenkins told the BBC that it had taken him 10 years of “hard work” to break the record and that, on the day, “things couldn’t have been better”.

American Bob Schumacher set the previous record of 116 mph in 1999, driving his Iron Duck vehicle.

“It’s great, it’s one of those things that you spend so long trying to do and when it actually happens, it’s almost too easy,” Mr Jenkins told the BBC.

The Greenbird is a carbon fibre composite vehicle that uses wind (and nothing else) for power. The only metalwork used is for the wing bearings and the wheel unit.

Sail away

The designers describe it as a “very high performance sailboat” but one that uses a solid wing, rather than a sail, to generate movement.

Mr Jenkins, from Lymington, spent 10 years designing the vehicle, with Greenbird the fifth vehicle he has built to try and break the record.

Richard Jenkins spent 10 years trying to break the record

Due to the shape of the craft, especially at such high speeds, the wings also provide lift; a useful trait for an aircraft, but very hazardous for a car. To compensate for this, the designers have added small wings to “stick” the car to the ground, in the same way Formula 1 cars do.

“Greenbird weights 600kg when its standing still,” said Mr Jenkins. “But at speed, the effect of the wings make her weigh just over a tonne.”

Richard Jenkins spent much of his childhood sailing on the south coast and from the age of 10 was designing what he calls “radical contraptions”.

He has also built a wind powered craft that travels on ice, rather than land.

“Now that we’ve broken the record, I’m going back onto the ice craft. There’s still some debate as to whether travelling on ice or land will be faster,” he said

“But I think we’ve got some time. 126.1 mph was a good margin to beat the record and I think it will be some time before anyone else breaks it.”

Read Full Article : http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/7968860.stm

Similar stories

• Infinia lands $50 million in new financing
• Open Energy and Infinia to develop solar/stirling engine combo
• Going modular with eSolar
• Funding heats up for solar thermal
• Cleantech investments hit a record high

Phoenix-based Stirling Energy Systems has received its first big round of funding, putting the concentrating solar power company closer to reaching its goal of generating up to 1,750 megawatts of electricity in the deserts of Southern California.

The company pulled in $100 million from Dublin, Ireland’s NTR, a developer and operator in renewable energy and sustainable waste management, with NTR getting a 52 percent stake in Stirling Energy with its investment.

Stirling Energy, which previously received funding from angel investors as well as government grants, already has a pilot plant set up at Sandia National Laboratories in New Mexico, with six concentrating solar power dishes.

Bruce Osborn, president and CEO of Stirling Energy, told the Cleantech Group that the Sandia location has given the company the experience it needs to make the move to commercialization.

“You get the sandblasting, you get the big winds that come in, you get lightning strikes, hailstorm — we had record snow a year ago — five thousand pounds of snow on the dishes.”

Unlike traditional solar thermal, which uses mirrors to heat a liquid, which in turn is piped over to a steam turbine, Stirling Energy makes the power right on the dish.

more info:

http://cleantech.com/news/2719/stirling-engines-meet-solar-power-in-the-desert

Biggest Solar Deal Ever Announced — We’re Talking Gigawatts

By Alexis Madrigal February 11, 2009 | 12:38:33 PMCategories: Clean Tech, Energy, Science

The first of the seven installations will be in Ivanpah, California and will be rated at 100 megawatts of peak power. The companies expect it to produce 286,000 megawatt hours of electricity per year. When all the installations are finished, they’ll stretch over 10,500 acres of land.

Southern California Edison’s Hemphill said that the new plants would provide a valuable hedge against volatile natural gas prices, noting that his company had seen natural gas prices as low as $4 per thousand million cubic feet (a standard industry measure) and as high as $16. Given the variability of natural gas pricing, Hemphill said that his company did not expect the solar thermal electricity to exceed the market cost of electricity in California.

The 1980s-era solar thermal plants use the oldest solar thermal technology around, known as a parabolic trough. Mirrors shaped like a paper-towel roll cut in half concentrate the sun’s rays on a liquid. That heat can be transformed into various types of energy. The Luz fields made electricity, but Frank Shuman built a plant based on this principle to pump water in Egypt in the first decade of the 20th century.

The new design  sounds more exciting. Mirrors that track the sun — heliostats — sit in a massive field around a tower with a boiler. All those mirrors concentrate the sun’s heat on the boiler, which makes steam and drives a turbine.

Solar thermal is seen as a promising source of energy for city-scale power because it works on very well established principles. Photovoltaics have come down in price — and thin-film plastic solar cells could get even cheaper — but the conversion of sunlight to electricity remains a novel source of energy. The first working cells were only built half a century ago, and they were truly something new in the world.

Steam-driven turbines, on the other hand, make almost 90 percent of the world’s electricity and their ancestry stretches back to the start of the Industrial Revolution. Solar thermal engineers, then, can use the knowledge gained from more than a century of tinkering at coal, natural gas, and nuclear fission plants.

But we the people do not have to wait. We can and must demand the immediate impeachment of both Bush and Cheney for what is already known. At the very least the defiance of congressional subpoenas at the behest of the White House is an open and shut case for accountability now.

Impeach Now Action Page: http://www.usalone.com/impeach_now.php

Because as his final constitutional insult, his final spit in the face to the American people and all rule of law, it is transparently obvious that Bush is planning the most wholesale and wrongful pardon of the worst political criminals in American history, his whole criminal gang, INCLUDING himself.

And don’t think that is not their precise plan. Please, what power has Bush NOT abused? What heinous, self-serving, shameless and dishonest act has he ever shied away from, when he was torturing and eavesdropping and lying us into wars of corporate aggression. Does anyone doubt that is what he is planning on doing?

And when you submit this action page, you will have one last chance to get one of the “Impeach Both!!!” caps, which after January 20th will no longer be available from us for love or for money.

Impeach Now Action Page: http://www.usalone.com/impeach_now.php

Will Congress now act? That is not the yardstick of the worth of our activism. We speak out because we must speak out, whether we are heeded or not. Let history record that we spoke out until the last minute to the eternal shame of those who did not. Because when enough of us speak out at once, the worst thing that can possibly happen is that we are building the progressive base for the REAL change of the future.

So Bush most certainly is planning on pardoning himself. And all the right wing lock down ideologues in the corporate controlled media will call it “healing”. Let’s all make nice with war criminals? Shall we all make nice with the gang rape of our economy, our environment and our Constitution? We think not.

And one more thing. You know that come January 20th the right wing will start calling for the impeachment of our new president, over a endless litany of the most ridiculous of trivial trifles. In fact it has already started even though he has not even taken office. If they are so hot on impeaching someone, let them speak out now, when it truly is called for, or shut the hell up in 73 days.

Please take action NOW, so we can win all victories that are supposed to be ours, and forward this alert as widely as possible.

Utopia – literally “nowheresville” – was the name of an imaginary republic described by Thomas More in which all social conflict and distress has been overcome. There have been many versions of Utopia over the years, many of them visions of socialist society. Although Marx and Engels defined their own socialism in opposition to Utopian Socialism (which had many advocates in the early nineteenth century), they had immense respect for the great Utopian socialists like Charles Fourier and Robert Owen.
Part of street map of utopian idea

By describing how people would live if everyone adhered to the socialist ethic, utopian socialism does three things: it inspires the oppressed to struggle and sacrifice for a better life, it gives a clear meaning to the aim of socialism, and it demonstrates how socialism is ethical, that is, that the precepts of socialism can be applied without excluding or exploiting anyone.
Charles Fourier

The problem with Utopian socialism is that it does not concern itself with how to get there, presuming that the power of its own vision is sufficient, or with who the agent of the struggle for socialism may be, and, instead of deriving its ideal from criticism of existing conditions, it plucks its vision readymade from the creator’s own mind. Over 40 versions of Utopia were published between 1700 and 1850. Engels makes special mention of Morelly’s Code of Nature

See also Utopia in the Encyclopedia of Marxism.

The Development of Utopian Socialism, Engels 1880
The Utopists (1886) William Morris