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An award-winning solar research centre has lost its funding as part of Labor’s proposed cuts to finance a “cash-for-clunkers” low-emissions car program, the Greens say.

Prime Minister Julia Gillard plans on giving $2000 to owners of pre-1995 vehicles who upgrade to brand new, cleaner cars.

But the fine print on the announcement has revealed it’s funded by raiding existing environmental programs from solar power to low-emissions technology.

via Federal Election 2010 | Solar research centre to close: Greens | News | Business Spectator.

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Biofuel is fuel derived from renewable sources, especially biomass. It consists of materials from flora fauna, and micro-organisms, such as sugar cane, soya, and agricultural waste. It is usually turned into gas (methane) or liquid fuel (ethanol) for use in engines. It is often mixed with petroleum, with details of exactly how much printed on the bottle.

More information …

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How do you know if the ducts in your house are leaking air and if so what you should do about it? SmartPlanet visits the home of real estate specialist Rita Gatlin who is focused on making her home more energy-efficient. Rita hired Kevin Beck a home auditor to measure deficiencies in her house using hi-tech diagnostic tools.

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June 25, 2010 — The Kellogg Co. has issued a voluntary recall of 28 million boxes of some of its most popular cereals because of an “uncharacteristic off-flavor and smell” coming from packaging.

The recall includes Froot Loops, Apple Jacks, Corn Pops, and Honey Smacks that have been sold around the country, the company says.

via Kellogg’s Cereal Recall Due to Odd Smell – Healthy Recipes, Nutrition and Cooking Tips to Improve Health or Lose Weight on MedicineNet.com.

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The Breathing Earth simulation

Welcome to Breathing Earth. This real-time simulation displays the CO2 emissions of every country in the world, as well as their birth and death rates.

Please remember that this real time simulation is just that: a simulation. Although the CO2 emission, birth rate and death rate data used in Breathing Earth comes from reputable sources, data that measures things on such a massive scale can never be 100% accurate. Please note however that the CO2 emission levels shown here are much more likely to be too low than they are to be too high.

via CO2 emissions, birth & death rates by country, simulated real-time.

A British researcher implanted a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) chip into his hand and infected it with a PC virus.

Members – and millions of other Australian consumers – should be aware of a move by Woolworths to restrict the use of Visa Debit cards across their retail empire later this month. From 15 April, Woolworths’ outlets (which include Big W, Woolworths Supermarkets, Safeway, BWS, Dan Murphy’s, Dick Smith and Tandy) will start banning customers from selecting the ‘credit’ option when using a Visa Debit card to pay for their purchases.

via Woolworths reducing card choice – here&now.

Limited Edition (LE) 580 only ever built.

Built by Holden in Australia.

I had the honor of driving this one for the owner (Geoff Loller) as a wedding car for his own wedding on the 1st April 2010.

Specifications:

Engine: 5.0 litre V8
Bore: 4.000? (101.6mm) x stroke” 3.062? (77.7mm)
Cubic Capacity: 307.83 cu. ins. (5044 cm3)…
Compression Ratio: 9.7:1
Transmission: Turbo-Hydramatic 3 speed auto: Console mounted T-Bar floor shift
Rear Axle: Type – Salisbury (Limited Slip Differential)
Suspension: Front – Independent with coil springs. Rear – 4 link design with axle mounted coil springs
Brakes: Front – Power assisted discs. Rear – Drums, duo servo
Tyres: ER70H14 Radial Ply
Wheels: Polycast 7.00 JJ x 14
Fuel Tank Capacity: 16.5 Gals. (75.0 Litres)
Wheelbase: 111.0? (2819mm)
Track: Front – 60.1? (1526mm) Rear – 60.8? (1544mm)
Overall length: 190.8? (4846mm)
Overall width: 73.9? (1877mm)
Overall height: 53.4? (1356mm)
Turning circle: Kerb to Kerb – 39.7? (12.1 m)
Ground clearance: 5.00? (127 mm)
Estimated Kerb Weight: 3556 lbs (1613 kg)

Standard Equipment

* Variable power steering
* Fully integrated airconditioning
* Push button radio – front and rear speakers
* Quadraphonic cartridge tape player with 4-speaker system
* Power radio antenna
* Dual exhaust system – chrome extensions
* Brushed knit cloth seat trim
* Reclining front bucket seats
* Full instrumentation including electric clock (mine doesn’t work any more!)
* Cut pile carpeting throughout
* Power operated side windows
* Elecrically heated rear window
* Front air dam. Rear deck spoiler
* Exterior sports mirrors
* Limited Slip Differential
* 4 headlamps inc. 2 quartz halogen high beam
* Sports suspension specification
* Exclusive metallic exterior lacquer
* Gold pin stripe accents
* Windscreen wiper dwell control
* Burl walnut finish facings on instrument panel, floor console and door trims
* 3 spoke sports type steering wheel
* Tinted side and rear windows
* Laminated windshield with tinted upper band

Saftey features include:

* Energy absorbing steering column
* Tandem brake master cylinder – with split hydraulic circuits
* Energy absorbing sun visors
* Electric windshield washers – two speed wipers
* Brake system failure warning light
* Parking brake warning light
* Front seat head restraints
* Seat belts for five occupants including retractable dual sensitive belts for front seat positions
* Flow through ventilation
* Underslung, isolated fuel tank and external fuel lines
* Cargo guard – luggage compartment barrier
* Power assisted front brakes

You cannot imagine the stuff that passes for food. Lucky for you, we have found ample photographic evidence.

via 12 things you should never put in your mouth [slideshow] | Grist.

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Meet Solvay, the airplane that might make history as the first plane to fly overnight by solar power. The aircraft is expected to last 36 hours in flight. Perhaps this is hopeful thinking for the Swiss, considering their last test flight only launched the plane a meter in the air and a mere 350 meters forward.

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