EERE Network News -- 10/20/04

A weekly newsletter from the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE). The EERE Network News is also available on the Web at: www.eere.energy.gov/news/ October 20, 2004 News and Events DOE Awards $75 Million to Support Hydrogen Fuel Research DOE and DTE Energy Open Michigan Hydrogen Technology Park EERE-Funded Research Garners Ten Prestigious R&D 100 Awards USDA Awards $2.1 Million to 16 Renewable Energy Projects California Postal Facility Installs Largest Federal Solar Array Site News Community Energy Opportunity Finder Energy Connections Electric Research Groups Unveil New Power Grid Architecture ------------------------------------------------------------------------- News and Events DOE Awards $75 Million to Support Hydrogen Fuel Research DOE announced yesterday its selection of 36 research projects to receive more than $75 million to support the President's Hydrogen Fuel Initiative, including 11 projects to produce hydrogen from sunlight. The projects address major recommendations from the recent National Research Council (NRC) report, "The Hydrogen Economy: Opportunities, Costs, Barriers and R&D Needs," such as the NRC's call for shifting towards more exploratory research on sustainable, carbon-free pathways for hydrogen production. The selected projects also establish more robust programs in distributed hydrogen-generation appliances—such as small-scale natural gas reformers and electrolyzers—that can be sited at existing gasoline stations. These projects will address the NRC's recommendation to use existing natural gas pipelines and electricity transmission and distribution systems for near-term hydrogen production. These small-scale technologies can also generate hydrogen from renewable resources such as biomass liquids and wind power. When private cost share is included, the 36 projects come to a nearly $100 million investment and involve more than 115 organizations, including academia, industry, and DOE national laboratories. Projects were chosen through a merit-review, competitive solicitation process. See the DOE press release and the full list of projects (PDF 35 KB). Download Acrobat Reader. DOE and DTE Energy Open Michigan Hydrogen Technology Park Acting Under Secretary of Energy David K. Garman participated yesterday in the opening of a hydrogen technology park that will produce hydrogen from renewable energy sources and use it to refuel fuel-cell vehicles. The Michigan Hydrogen Technology Park, located in Southfield, converts electricity from solar power panels at the site and from a municipal solid waste plant off-site to make hydrogen from water. Funded through DOE's State Energy Program, the project is a cost-shared effort between DOE and DTE Energy, running for three years at a cost of $3 million. In addition, DaimlerChrysler will provide the vehicles for the project, while BP will provide the refueling technology. See the DOE press release, and for more information, see DOE's Hydrogen, Fuel Cells, and Infrastructure Technologies Program. EERE-Funded Research Garners Ten Prestigious R&D 100 Awards DOE's Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) contributed to 10 of the year's top 100 technology developments with commercial potential, according to R&D Magazine, which presented its 42nd annual R&D 100 Awards on October 14th. The awards recognize the most promising new products, processes, materials, or software developed throughout the world and introduced to the market the previous year. DOE's National Renewable Energy Laboratory contributed to two winning technologies relating to renewable energy: a robust and lightweight thin-film solar power module and an enzymatic process for converting cellulose (found in wood and grasses) to glucose, which can then be converted into fuels or chemicals. Four award-winning technologies relate to industrial energy efficiency: DOE's Oak Ridge National Laboratory developed a system for heating high-performance aluminum forgings; DOE's Argonne National Laboratory helped develop a software model of a glass furnace; DOE's National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL) and Sandia National Laboratories helped develop a radio imaging system that maps underground features to help mines avoid hazards; and NETL helped develop a system that replaces vibrating screen machines, used for tasks such as separating sand from gravel. Four awards went to energy efficiency technologies for buildings and vehicles. NETL helped to develop a ceramic-based electrochromic window, which can be electronically dimmed to control glare and heat gain in buildings and vehicles. DOE's Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory developed its own electrochromic window prototype using lower-cost metals such as nickel and manganese. Sandia developed a process to create brighter, more efficient light-emitting diodes (LEDs) for high-efficiency lights, which have applications in both buildings and vehicles. And Argonne developed the Powertrain System Analysis Toolkit software, which lets vehicle designers compare advanced powertrain configurations, including hybrid and fuel cell vehicles. Overall, DOE technologies won 36 of the 100 awards, including one that went to Argonne and NETL for a hydrogen-separation membrane technology. For more information about the awards, see the DOE press release, which includes links to press releases from the DOE national laboratories. Awards also went to two energy-efficiency technologies that weren't developed by DOE: a high-efficiency air conditioner developed by Idalex Technologies, Inc., and a low-cost, high-temperature fuel cell membrane developed by Virginia Tech and Battelle. See R&D Magazine's descriptions of all R&D 100 Award winners. USDA Awards $2.1 Million to 16 Renewable Energy Projects The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced last week grants of $2.1 million to 16 business ventures related to biomass, wind, and solar energy resources. The grantees include seven projects related to ethanol, four related to converting farm waste into energy, two biodiesel projects, one wind energy project, one solar energy project, and one project to evaluate generating energy, fuel, and other products from low-quality wood resources. The grants will go towards efforts such as creating a business plan for harnessing wind energy in Colorado, determining the feasibility of marketing ethanol from a plant in Illinois, and determining the feasibility of converting dairy biogas in Idaho into either automotive fuel or a high-purity gas for distribution by pipeline. The renewable energy ventures are part of $13.1 million in agricultural product market development grants announced by USDA last week. These "value-added" grants are aimed at refining agricultural commodities and products to increase their value in the market place. See the USDA press release, the list of recipients, and the project descriptions (PDF 156 KB). Download Acrobat Reader. California Postal Facility Installs Largest Federal Solar Array The U.S. Postal Service's solar power installation generates electricity while providing shade. Credit: PowerLight Corporation The U.S Postal Service (USPS) announced last week that it has completed the installation of 403-kilowatt solar electric system, as well as a number of energy efficiency upgrades, on its West Sacramento Processing & Distribution Center. PowerLight Corporation provided the solar array, consisting of 2,120 solar panels mounted on a parking facility that covers nearly 28,000 square feet. Chevron Energy Solutions managed the project, which also included energy-efficiency improvements such as new energy-efficient lighting systems; heating, cooling and ventilation systems; air compressors; and energy management controls. The improvements will reduce the facility's annual electricity purchases by more than $615,000 and its power consumption by more than 33 percent, or about 5.5 million kilowatt-hours per year. The improvements will also lower the facility's natural gas use by about 43,000 therms per year. The $6.3-million project was funded entirely through energy savings and utility rebates incentives, including a $1.6-million rebate from Pacific Gas and Electric Company's (PG&E) self-generation incentive program. PG&E will also provide a $300,000 rebate for the energy efficiency improvements at the facility. See the Chevron Energy Solutions press release. The new USPS solar installation arrives on the scene just as the nation's largest-ever business-to-business and business-to-consumer solar expo and conference kicks off in San Francisco. Solar Power 2004, presented by the Solar Electric Power Association and the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), started on Monday and runs through tomorrow. See the SEIA press release and the conference Web site. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Site News Community Energy Opportunity Finder The Rocky Mountain Institute's Community Energy Opportunity Finder is an interactive tool that collects information about community energy use and provides suggestions for beneficial energy efficiency and renewable energy measures. The tool also estimates potential energy and dollar savings, emissions reduction, and job creation. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Energy Connections Electric Research Groups Unveil New Power Grid Architecture A coalition of utilities, government agencies, and non-profits unveiled last week their proposed architecture for a new "smart" power grid that integrates the power delivery system with the information system that controls it. The smart power delivery system concept, called Intelligrid Architecture, includes automated capabilities to recognize problems in the system, find solutions, and optimize the performance of the system. Such a power system would offer greater reliability and flexibility while enhancing system security. The Intelligrid Architecture is described in a report that includes a catalog of the functions of the electricity system, a set of design tools, and recommendations for standards and technologies. Some utilities and agencies are making plans to use of some of the Intelligrid Architecture tools in the near future. The California Energy Commission, for example, plans to use the tools in working with three major California utilities to design consistent automated demand response systems. Other utilities plan to use the tools to automate substation design, and upgrade communications systems between control centers and power plants. The Intelligrid Architecture report was sponsored by a consortium of partners organized by the Electricity Innovation Institute (E2I), an affiliate of the Electric Power Research Institute. See the E2I press release or go directly to the Intelligrid Architecture report and tools. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- This newsletter is funded by DOE's Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) and is also available on the EERE news page. You can subscribe to the EERE Network News using our simple online form.

::: ENN Daily Newsletter - Wednesday, October 20, 2004 :::

WWF Blood Test Finds Cocktail of Chemicals in 14 E.U. Ministers HELSINKI, Finland — After tests on 14 European Union government ministers revealed a cocktail of chemicals in their blood on Tuesday, an international environment agency urged for stricter controls on toxins, warning that the effects of many remain unknown. Wild Predators Pose Little Threat to Livestock and Other Stories Wolves and lions, bears and leopards have long been mortal enemies of ranchers. In an attempt to protect their livestock, human herders have hunted many big predators to the brink of extinction. Conservationists Claim Japan Has Illegally Killed Whales in Australian Waters SYDNEY, Australia — An animal rights group claimed Tuesday that Japan has illegally killed hundreds of whales in an Australian whale sanctuary, and it launched legal action aimed at stopping the hunt. Radioactive Materials Seized in Central Russia MOSCOW — Russian security services seized two containers filled with highly radioactive material at a scrap yard in central Russia, Interfax news agency said on Tuesday. Coalition of Environmentalists Petition for Sharp-tailed Grouse Protection ALBUQUERQUE, New Mexico — Environmentalists asking for federal protection of the Columbian sharp-tailed grouse say the bird is in danger of becoming extinct, in part because its native habitat across the West is being lost to livestock grazing and agriculture. Bird Flu Kills 23 Thai Tigers TAK, Thailand — The bird flu epidemic, which has killed 31 people in southeast Asia this year, killed 23 tigers at a zoo in eastern Thailand, a senior government official said on Tuesday. E.U. to Issue Iran with Last Chance on Nuclear Plans VIENNA, Austria — Senior diplomats from France, Britain, and Germany will meet top Iranian officials in Vienna on Thursday to offer Tehran a final chance to halt uranium enrichment plans or face possible U.N. sanctions. Disease Stages Revival in Rebel-Held Ivory Coast ODIENNE, Ivory Coast — A battered pick-up truck weighed down by a dozen passengers sitting on sacks of mangoes crawls though a checkpoint and enters Ivory Coast's rebel zone. World Sales of Solar Cells Jump 32 Percent Audubon ‘State Of The Birds’ Report Student Activists Deliver “Clean Energy Declaration” World Land Trust Helps Purchase and Protect its Seventh Habitat Reserve in Ecuador Bad Blood? WWF Reveals EU Lawmakers' Chemical Contamination ----------------------------------------------------------------------- ENN is a Registered Trademark of the Environmental News Network, Inc. Copyright © 2004 Environmental News Network, Inc. This Newsletter is sent in accordance with the CAN-SPAM Act of 2003 Environmental News Network - P.O. Box 6782 - San Rafael, CA 94903 Phone: (415) 459-2248 Fax: (512) 681-0652

GLIN NEWS: 18 October 2004

= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = Support GLIN Daily News: http://www.glin.net/news/sponsor/ = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = Great Lakes Daily News: 18 October 2004 A collaborative project of the Great Lakes Information Network and the Great Lakes Radio Consortium. For links to these stories and more, visit http://www.great-lakes.net/news/ New 'Great Lakes Coalition' seeks restoration funds ---------------------------------------- Philanthropist Peter Wege of the Wege Foundation recently announced a five million dollar grant to build widespread public support to help restore the Great Lakes. Source: Great Lakes Radio Consortium (10/18) CATS finds ferry backers ---------------------------------------- Canadian American Transportation Systems has found new investors for its idle high-speed ferry and will make a proposal this week to its lenders to re-launch the service. Source: Rochester Democrat and Chronicle (10/18) In Michigan, environment is a hot political topic ---------------------------------------- Presidential candidates learn the hard way not to mess around with Michigan's environment. Source: Detroit Free Press (10/18) As Lake Huron salmon leave, tourism suffers ---------------------------------------- An exodus of salmon from Lake Huron, chronic bad perch production in Lake Michigan and one of the worst crops of walleye ever in Lake St. Clair are adding up to a bleak season for the $1 billion Great Lakes sport fishing industry. Source: The Detroit News (10/18) DNR station near Baraboo keeps eye on contaminants ---------------------------------------- The DNR project underway south of Baraboo collects so much data on the level of contaminates in the air that some if it is recorded automatically by computers and weighed by robots. Source: Portage Daily Register (10/18) Toxic algae blamed on zebra mussels ---------------------------------------- A potent group of toxic compounds has been discovered in a common algae found in Muskegon Lake and the poisons may be present in other Michigan lakes. Source: Muskegon Chronicle (10/17) COMMENTARY: Perch population makes comeback ---------------------------------------- In 2003, Indiana sport fishermen took home more than 207,000 perch, and Lake Michigan biologist expects 2004 numbers to come in about the same or even higher. Source: South Bend Tribune (10/17) Indiana plans destruction of 'large area' of infested trees ---------------------------------------- More than 23,500 trees will be destroyed this winter in the northeast corner of Indiana to stop the spread of the destructive emerald ash borer. Source: The Ft. Wayne journal Gazette (10/17) COMMENTARY: They're a fact of life now, so don't harp about most carp ---------------------------------------- Carp were the original invasive species in the United States -- although by now, to speak of them as invasives is ludicrous; common carp are a fact. Source: Chicago Sun-Times (10/17) Great Lakes proposal a mistake, report says ---------------------------------------- A proposed policy for the Great Lakes would allow unlimited diversion of water and undercut Canada's sovereignty, says a legal opinion commissioned by opponents of the pact. Source: The Toronto Star (10/16) Did you miss a day of Daily News? Remember to use our searchable story archive at http://www.great-lakes.net/news/inthenews.html = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = Great Lakes Daily News is a collaborative project of the Great Lakes Information Network (www.glin.net) and the Great Lakes Radio Consortium (www.glrc.org), both based in Ann Arbor, Mich. TO SUBSCRIBE and receive this Great Lakes news compendium daily, see www.glin.net/forms/dailynews_form.html TO UNSUBSCRIBE: Send a message to majordomo@great-lakes.net with the command 'unsubscribe dailynews' in the body of the message. TO SUBMIT A NEWS STORY: www.glin.net/forms/news_form.html = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =

::: ENN Daily Newsletter - Tuesday, October 19, 2004 :::

Iraq's New Environment Minister Struggles Over Dramatic Obstacles WASHINGTON — As Iraq's new environment minister, Mishkat Al Moumin has dodged a suicide bomber that killed four of her bodyguards, run an 800-employee agency on a shoestring budget, and tackled rebuilding vast marshes that some scholars believe were the biblical Garden of Eden. Loved by Laureate, Kenya's Forests Are Vanishing Fast NAIROBI, Kenya — Championed by Nobel Peace Prize winner Wangari Maathai, Kenyan forests that once sheltered guerrillas fighting British colonialists are a battleground in a modern-day struggle against environmental devastation. China's Dependence on Dangerous Coal Keeps Growing SANDAOLING, China — Dong Ye lights a cigarette and doesn't give a second thought to fate — his or his country's — as he steps off a dump truck onto the dirt road that winds into the Sandaoling coal quarry. U.S. Wildlife Refuges Face Threats from People and Development TUCSON, Arizona — A sweeping wildlife preserve in southwestern Arizona is among the nation's 10 most endangered refuges, due in large part to illegal drug and immigrant traffic and Border Patrol operations, a conservation group said Friday. General Motors and Shanghai Partner to Build a Hybrid Bus in China SHANGHAI, China — U.S. automaker General Motors Corp. said recently that it will build its first hybrid bus in China next year with its partner in Shanghai to promote the technology for cleaner, more fuel-efficient vehicles. Earthtalk: What Are Some Ways to Save Paper at the Office? Paper usage is at an all-time high around the world, and the average office worker prints and copies through some 10,000 pages every year. Hopes that the advent of electronic communications would drastically cut paper consumption have not panned out thus far, but individuals can still do their part by replacing printed communications with electronic ones whenever possible. One Way to Beat Higher Home Heating Prices Is Energy Conservation NEW YORK — When cold winds blow this winter, consumers are going to have to pay more to keep their homes warm. That makes energy conservation an important goal. Policing Wildlife Cheaters Is No Easy Task RENO, Nevada — Faced with the daunting task of protecting wildlife across the remote reaches of the West, game wardens are using professional savvy, a gift of gab, and a bit of technology to snare big game cheaters who commit fraud and even identity theft to illegally obtain coveted wildlife licenses. Celebrities Join California Safe Schools (Non-Profit) at Environmental Celebration Salt Isl. Overlook Protected for Westbrook, CT Climate Comedy Caps Tour ----------------------------------------------------------------------- ENN is a Registered Trademark of the Environmental News Network, Inc. Copyright © 2004 Environmental News Network, Inc. This Newsletter is sent in accordance with the CAN-SPAM Act of 2003 Environmental News Network - P.O. Box 6782 - San Rafael, CA 94903 Phone: (415) 479-5300 Fax: (512) 681-0652

::: ENN Daily Newsletter - Monday, October 18, 2004 :::

Japan's Top Court Orders Government to Pay Minamata Mercury Poisoning Victims 22 Years After Case Was Filed TOKYO — Japan's top court ordered the government to pay US$703,000 in damages to victims of the Minamata mercury poisoning 22 years after their famous case was filed over an industrial pollution disaster that killed more than 1,700 people and caused diseased mothers to give birth to deformed babies. Bush Environmental Policies Spur Some Outdoorsmen to Consider Kerry DENVER — Bob Elderkin's vote would appear to be a sure bet for President Bush on Nov. 2. He is a hunter, part of a conservative-leaning group of outdoors people that is 38 million strong and avidly supports gun rights. Washington State Voters to Wrestle with Future of Nation's Nuclear Waste YAKIMA, Washington — Supporters call an initiative on the Washington state ballot a no-brainer: bar the federal government from shipping nuclear waste to the Hanford nuclear site until all the existing waste there is cleaned up. American Indians Who Fish for Their Food Are Worried About Mercury in the Nation's Waters ST. PAUL, Minnesota — American Indians are adding their voices to the controversy over mercury in the nation's waters, saying they are among the biggest consumers of fish and therefore more at risk from contamination. Order Allows Brazilian Farmers to Produce Genetically Modified Soy Just as Planting Starts SAÕ PAULO, Brazil — Brazil's president issued a controversial executive order allowing farmers to plant genetically modified soybeans, just as the planting season in the world's second-largest soy producer goes into high gear. Jumbo Flying Squid Found Off Alaska Is First of the Species Recovered from British Columbia Waters SITKA, Alaska — A large Humboldt squid caught offshore from Sitka is among numerous sightings of a species seen for the first time in waters of the Far North and the first of the species recovered from British Columbia waters. Albania Is Building a New Dump to Store Dangerous Pesticides TIRANA, Albania — The Albanian government is building a dump for the storage of thousands of tons of pesticides that have intoxicated a residential area near its western main port town, the Ministry of Environment said Monday. Officials Examine Oil Samples, Issue Subpoenas in Probe of Puget Sound Oil Spill TACOMA, Washington — Scientists planned to examine oil samples and the Coast Guard issued subpoenas in an investigation into who caused at least 1,000 gallons of oil to spill in Puget Sound, officials said. Fuel Savings Confirmed By EPA Testing Protocol Carried Out By Automobile Club of Southern California Environmental Stewardship Awards For Fetzer Vineyards Cargill Salt Wins Outstanding Environmental Engineering Award ----------------------------------------------------------------------- ENN is a Registered Trademark of the Environmental News Network, Inc. Copyright © 2004 Environmental News Network, Inc. This Newsletter is sent in accordance with the CAN-SPAM Act of 2003 Environmental News Network - P.O. Box 6782 - San Rafael, CA 94903 Phone: (415) 459-2248 Fax: (512) 681-0652

Wild Salmon and Steelhead News: Aug-Oct

http://ga0.org/ct/rd1qL611QaVM/wildsalmonnews



IN THIS ISSUE: Salmon and fishing communities respond to a draft

federal salmon plan to leaves salmon and steelhead - and the

human and natural communities that depend upon them - far

behind.



(1) BAD NEWS: Bush Administration Releases its Draft Columbia &

Snake Rivers Federal Salmon Plan - Plan fails Northwest salmon

and communities.



(2) 400+ Business Leaders Send a Letter to Congress: "Salmon

Mean Business - Federal Efforts Are Failing - We Need Your

Leadership!



(3) Summit For Salmon - 12 salmon and fishing advocates raise

funds for recovery as they climb Mount Rainier.



(4) Make a Contribution - We'll send you a beautiful Salmon

Poster!



As always, thank you for your support for wild salmon and

steelhead and the communities that depend upon them.

jb



Joseph Bogaard

Save Our Wild Salmon / Columbia & Snake Rivers Campaign

206-286-4455, x13

joseph@wildsalmon.org



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If you received this message from a friend, you can sign up for

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GLIN NEWS: 19 October 2004

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Support GLIN Daily News: http://www.glin.net/news/sponsor/
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Great Lakes Daily News: 19 October 2004
A collaborative project of the Great Lakes Information Network and the Great
Lakes Radio Consortium.

For links to these stories and more, visit http://www.great-lakes.net/news/


Toxic cleanups spur hope for rebirth of riverfronts
----------------------------------------
With the removal of 300,000 cubic yards of polluted muck from the Detroit River, Trenton will join a growing number of Metro Detroit communities that have found that environmental cleanup and economic revival go hand in hand. Source: The Detroit News (10/19)


EDITORIAL: Ominous silence on Great Lakes
----------------------------------------
Prime Minister Paul Martin is allowing the unsettled currents of present-day Canada-United States relations to sweep away - quite literally - a critical aspect of this country's sovereignty. Source: The Toronto Star (10/19)


Those brilliant fall outfits may be saving trees
----------------------------------------
As trees across the northern United States turn gold and crimson, scientists are debating exactly what those colors are for. Source: The New York Times (10/19)


Bird lovers descend on Lake Erie Metropark to witness bird migration
----------------------------------------
Thousands of people converged on Lake Erie Metropark over the weekend for the 15th annual Hawkfest, a two-day event to celebrate the annual migration of birds of prey. Source: Detroit Free Press (10/19)


Mercury remains risk in Great Lakes fisheries
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Fish is "brain food," but can fish also cause brain damage? Source: South Bend Tribune (10/18)


Environmentalists might feel at home in new police station
----------------------------------------
Blue is the color you associate with cops, but the city's newest police station is as "green" as they come in Chicago. Source: Chicago Sun Times (10/18)


Macomb asked to test beach
----------------------------------------
The Macomb Water Quality Board has asked the county's public works office to conduct DNA tests on contaminants at the New Baltimore beach along Lake St. Clair, which has been plagued with high E. coli bacteria counts. Source: The Detroit News (10/17)


Bill would protect Michigan hunting
----------------------------------------
A bill introduced in Michigan would make it part of the Department of Natural Resources' (DNR) mission to promote hunting. Source: South Bend Tribune (10/17)


COMMENTARY: Great Lakes journey
----------------------------------------
Faced with tough competition, rising costs and shrinking cargo tonnage, the dwindling band of "laker" owners has scrapped ships and cut crews. Source: The Toronto Star (10/16)


High-speed ferry ending season early
----------------------------------------
Milwaukee's high-speed ferry service is shutting down for the year on Oct. 31 - two months early - because of slow bookings for November and December, a ferry spokesman said Friday evening. Source: Milwaukee Journal Sentinel (10/15)


Did you miss a day of Daily News? Remember to use our searchable story
archive at http://www.great-lakes.net/news/inthenews.html
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Information Network (www.glin.net) and the Great Lakes Radio Consortium
(www.glrc.org), both based in Ann Arbor, Mich.

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Earth Policy News--World Sales of Solar Cells Jump 32 Percent

Dear Friends,

Over the next few months, we will be releasing updates of our Eco-Economy
Indicators. The Eco-Economy Indicators, which we maintain on our website,
are the twelve important trends that we measure progress--or lack
thereof--in building an eco-economy.

Today we are launching the first updated Indicator in this trend series.

WORLD SALES OF SOLAR CELLS JUMP 32 PERCENT
http://www.earth-policy.org/Indicators/2004/indicator12.htm

Viviana Jiménez

World production of solar cells--which convert sunlight directly into
electricity--soared to 742 megawatts (MW) in 2003, a jump of 32 percent in
just one year. With solar cell production growing by 27 percent annually
over the past five years, cumulative world production now stands at 3,145
MW, enough to meet the electricity needs of more than a million homes.
This extraordinary growth is driven to some degree by improvements in
materials and technology, but primarily by market introduction programs
and government incentives.
For entire text
http://www.earth-policy.org/Indicators/2004/indicator12.htm
For data http://www.earth-policy.org/Indicators/2004/indicator12_data.htm

And in case you missed it, please check out our latest Eco-Economy Update,
"A Short Path to Oil Independence: Gas-Electric Hybrids and Wind Power
Offer Winning Combination" by Lester R. Brown.
For entire text http://www.earth-policy.org/Updates/Update43.htm
For data http://www.earth-policy.org/Updates/Update43_data.htm

Wired News - a must-read for the latest information and commentary on
our rapidly changing digital world.

W I R E D N E W S Top Stories - 09:15AM 15.Oct.04.PDT
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

A Tribute to Spam, the Meat (On The Road - Great River Road 2:00 a.m.
PDT)

http://go.hotwired.com/news/roadtrip/riverroad/0,2704,65167,00.html/wn_
ascii

A trip to Spamtown USA to check out a museum celebrating the canned
pork product reminds us how Spam made an impact on world cuisine long
before its name became synonymous with unwanted e-mail. Michelle Delio
reports from Austin, Minnesota.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Expo Tries to Whet Geek Appetites (Gadgets and Gizmos 2:00 a.m. PDT)
http://go.hotwired.com/news/gizmos/0,1452,65348,00.html/wn_ascii

New laptops, games and even Google applications share the spotlight at
DigitalLife2004, a show designed to tempt consumers to pry open their
wallets. Michael Myser reports from New York.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .


Broadband: More Power to You (Politics 2:00 a.m. PDT)
http://go.hotwired.com/news/politics/0,1283,65350,00.html/wn_ascii

Federal regulators adopt rules aimed at enticing utilities to offer
internet service over power lines. But experts say it'll be several
years before many people will get broadband from their electrical
outlets. Michael Grebb reports from Washington.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

RSS Feeds Hunger for More Ads (Technology 2:00 a.m. PDT)
http://go.hotwired.com/news/technology/0,1282,65347,00.html/wn_ascii

There's no such thing as a free lunch. And soon, there may be no such
thing as an ad-free RSS feed, either, as publishers add advertisements
to their feeds in hopes of making money through the popular content-
aggregating technology. By Cyrus Farivar.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Spawn of X Prize on Horizon (The Final Frontier 2:00 a.m. PDT)
http://go.hotwired.com/news/space/0,2697,65351,00.html/wn_ascii

Innovators take note: The folks behind the X Prize vow there will soon
be more competitions in several disciplines. Also: The da Vinci team
presses ahead in Canada.... Rubicon team plans another launch attempt.
By Dan Brekke.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Our Kids Are in Big Trouble (Wired magazine 2:00 a.m. PDT)
http://www.wired.com/wired/archive/12.10/view.html?pg=5
Government is using technology to burden their future -- and it's all
our fault. By Lawrence Lessig from Wired magazine.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

E-Vote Snafu in Florida (Machine Politics Thursday)
http://go.hotwired.com/news/evote/0,2645,65342,00.html/wn_ascii

A server crashes, disrupting the pre-election test of electronic
voting machines in West Palm Beach. Critics say this underscores the
unreliability of e-voting, while election officials say all glitches
will be fixed.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Ashcroft Vows Piracy Assault (Politics 2:00 a.m. PDT)
http://go.hotwired.com/news/politics/0,1283,65331,00.html/wn_ascii

Move over, terrorism. Attorney General John Ashcroft pledges to make
fighting piracy a top priority for the Justice Department. By Katie
Dean.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

IndyMedia Gets Its Servers Back (Technology 2:00 a.m. PDT)
http://go.hotwired.com/news/technology/0,1282,65338,00.html/wn_ascii

Critical hardware is back in hand, but websites run by the collective
news organization remain offline after a mysterious seizure. Nobody
seems to know who confiscated the servers or why. By Wendy M. Grossman.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

All-Science TV Network Kicks Off (Med-Tech Center 2:00 a.m. PDT)
http://go.hotwired.com/news/medtech/0,1286,65337,00.html/wn_ascii

The Science Network launches its first program in an effort to educate
the masses about stem-cell research and other vital topics. Don't yawn
-- you need this. By Kristen Philipkoski.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Can't Hide Your Lying ... Face? (Technology 2:00 a.m. PDT)
http://go.hotwired.com/news/technology/0,1282,65322,00.html/wn_ascii

In search of the ultimate lie detector, researchers turn to thermal
facial scans, brain wiring and eyeball tracking. But deception still,
well, deceives. By Randy Dotinga.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Water Filters Rely on Nanotech (Technology 2:00 a.m. PDT)
http://go.hotwired.com/news/technology/0,1282,65287,00.html/wn_ascii

Advancements in nanotechnology are increasingly being applied in the
water-purification industry, where keeping harmful microbes out of
drinking water requires nano-scale innovation. By Michael Bradbury.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Diesels, Hybrids Fated to Wed (Autopia 2:00 a.m. PDT)
http://go.hotwired.com/news/autotech/0,2554,65273,00.html/wn_ascii

Linking hybrid motors with diesel engines would create the most fuel-
efficient mainstream vehicles to date, auto industry experts say. While
the technology is already used for buses, automakers look to extend it
to other vehicles. By John Gartner.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Dumbing Down Smart Objects (Wired magazine 2:00 a.m. PDT)
http://www.wired.com/wired/archive/12.10/view.html?pg=4
Forget about cumbersome, multifunctional PDAs. The future is an open
book. By Bruce Sterling from Wired magazine.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

FDA Says Docs Can Chip Patients (Technology Wednesday)
http://go.hotwired.com/news/technology/0,1282,65332,00.html/wn_ascii

The Food and Drug Administration gives doctors the go-ahead to implant
radio frequency microchips in patients. When scanned, the chips will
release patients' medical information to doctors, speeding care.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Team Wants to Clone Human Embryos (Med-Tech Center Wednesday)
http://go.hotwired.com/news/medtech/0,1286,65333,00.html/wn_ascii

Harvard scientists ask the school's ethics board to allow production
of embryonic stem cells. If approved, the controversial procedure would
boost research that could lead to cures for many diseases.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Now, for Your PC: Mac OS X (Cult of Mac 2:00 a.m. PDT)
http://go.hotwired.com/news/mac/0,2125,65323,00.html/wn_ascii

A Hawaiian company claims to have developed a $50 software emulator
that allows a Windows PC to run Mac OS X. A legal expert says it's
likely Apple will have some objections. By Leander Kahney.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

WanderPod Brings Wi-Fi Anywhere (Unwired News 2:00 a.m. PDT)
http://go.hotwired.com/news/wireless/0,1382,65283,00.html/wn_ascii

A Wi-Fi hot-spot builder develops a decked-out trailer capable of
delivering broadband access even in the middle of nowhere. The
WanderPod gets its first test run at the launch of SpaceShipOne in the
Mojave Desert. By Dan Brekke.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

A Mall for America's Geeks (On The Road - Great River Road 2:00 a.m.
PDT)

http://go.hotwired.com/news/roadtrip/riverroad/0,2704,65138,00.html/wn_
ascii

A road trip detour to the Mall of America offers a look at some
remarkable feats of modern engineering. Marvels range from genetically
modified glowing fish to roller coasters that no sane human should ride
after lunch. Michelle Delio reports from Bloomington, Minnesota.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Click Fraud Threatens Web (Culture 2:00 a.m. PDT)
http://go.hotwired.com/news/culture/0,1284,65324,00.html/wn_ascii

Someone could make the argument that watchdogs have better things to
do. But click fraud -- endlessly clicking on ads to generate cash or
hurt a competitor -- is a serious threat to the web business, and no
one's doing much about it. Commentary by Adam L. Penenberg.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Vote Early and Often Online (Politics 2:00 a.m. PDT)
http://go.hotwired.com/news/politics/0,1283,65319,00.html/wn_ascii

Polls run by news sites to gauge public opinion of politicians are
turning into partisan tools for political spin doctors. People voting,
often repeatedly, in response to e-mails from their favored candidates
can skew the results. By Louise Witt.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

New Tack Wins Prisoner's Dilemma (Culture 2:00 a.m. PDT)
http://go.hotwired.com/news/culture/0,1284,65317,00.html/wn_ascii

The winner of this year's competition in the classic computerized
strategy game shows that a tactic based on cooperating with team
members can succeed over one that relies on echoing rivals' moves. By
Wendy M. Grossman.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

UCLA File Swappers in Quarantine (DAT's Entertainment 2:00 a.m. PDT)
http://go.hotwired.com/news/digiwood/0,1412,65227,00.html/wn_ascii

The school's tool for fighting piracy on campus automatically isolates
students fingered by the entertainment industry for allegedly sharing
copyright files. It's another example of a university cracking down on
illegal file trading. By Katie Dean.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Campaign Donor Data Goes Mobile (Politics 2:00 a.m. PDT)
http://go.hotwired.com/news/politics/0,1283,65271,00.html/wn_ascii

Political wonks no longer need to hunch over their PCs to track the
political leanings of different regions. A new service sends that data
to cell phones and PDAs, so people can find out instantly if they're in
a Democratic or Republican stronghold. By Daniel Terdiman.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

You Need a Robolawyer (Wired magazine 2:00 a.m. PDT)
http://www.wired.com/wired/archive/12.10/view.html?pg=2
Stop reading all that 'clickwrap' fine print! A browser bot will
accept or reject agreements on your terms. By Mark D. Rasch from Wired
magazine.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Music Industry Spurned by Court (DAT's Entertainment Tuesday)
http://go.hotwired.com/news/digiwood/0,1412,65321,00.html/wn_ascii

The Supreme Court declines to hear the music industry's appeal of a
case that forbade it from trying to force phone and internet companies
from turning over the names of people suspected of copyright
infringement over peer-to-peer networks. Michael Grebb reports from
Washington, D.C.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Reeve Was a Super Activist (Med-Tech Center Tuesday)
http://go.hotwired.com/news/medtech/0,1286,65318,00.html/wn_ascii

Christopher Reeve's death Sunday deprives stem-cell research advocates
of one of their most effective champions. But the wheels he help put in
motion will continue turning, they promise.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Diebold and the Disabled (Machine Politics 2:00 a.m. PDT)
http://go.hotwired.com/news/evote/0,2645,65292,00.html/wn_ascii

Among the promoters of electronic voting machines are advocates for
disabled voters. But critics say money connections between disability
groups and voting-machine companies suggest the groups may be concerned
with more than independent access for the disabled. By Kim Zetter.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Jacket Grows From Living Tissue (Technology 2:00 a.m. PDT)
http://go.hotwired.com/news/technology/0,1282,65248,00.html/wn_ascii

Put off by the idea of wearing jackets made from dead animal skins, a
team of Australian researchers attempts to grow a stitchless coat from
live cells. By Lakshmi Sandhana.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

IPod Users Go Into the Closet (Cult of Mac 2:00 a.m. PDT)
http://go.hotwired.com/news/mac/0,2125,65278,00.html/wn_ascii

As Apple's iPod moves fast into the mainstream, many users shun the
telltale white earbuds. Behold the closet iPod lover, some of whom are
not too keen on the growing hordes of plebes with new iPods. By Leander
Kahney.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Undecided Voter? Try This Quiz (Business 2:00 a.m. PDT)
http://go.hotwired.com/news/business/0,1367,65216,00.html/wn_ascii

While most voters have chosen their favorite candidate for president,
several sites offer online tests for the undecided. In some cases, the
results can be quite contradictory. By Joanna Glasner.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

School Ups Grade by Going Online (Culture 2:00 a.m. PDT)
http://go.hotwired.com/news/culture/0,1284,65266,00.html/wn_ascii

A program called HIPSchools lets parents track assignments and
communicate with teachers online. For a Brooklyn middle school with a
failing grade from the state, the system has meant a dramatic
turnaround. By Cyrus Farivar.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Indecency Rules Enter Digital Age (Wired magazine 2:00 a.m. PDT)
http://www.wired.com/wired/archive/12.10/start.html?pg=2
The FCC leads the campaign to rein in 'indecency' on the airwaves. But
in a world of unlimited spectrum, some think shackling the First
Amendment is what's obscene. By Frank Rose from Wired magazine.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

U.S. Spies on Chat Rooms (Security Blanket Monday)
http://go.hotwired.com/news/privacy/0,1848,65305,00.html/wn_ascii

Could terrorists be plotting their next move online, obscured by the
'noise' of chat-room chatter? The U.S. government thinks that may be
the case and is funding a yearlong study on chat-room surveillance.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

India Emerges as Innovation Hub (Technology 2:00 a.m. PDT)
http://go.hotwired.com/news/technology/0,1282,65269,00.html/wn_ascii

Indian labs churn out technologies to help users in developing
countries keep up with the information age even if they can't afford a
computer, don't live near a phone or speak a language that can't be
typed on a standard keyboard. By Manu Joseph.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

A MacGyver for the Third World (Culture 2:00 a.m. PDT)
http://go.hotwired.com/news/culture/0,1284,65276,00.html/wn_ascii

An MIT inventor bent on public service creates practical solutions to
life-threatening problems around the world. Her approach: be a master
of the obvious. Second in a series profiling this year's MacArthur
'genius award' winners. By Kari Lynn Dean.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

People Are Human-Bacteria Hybrid (Med-Tech Center 2:00 a.m. PDT)
http://go.hotwired.com/news/medtech/0,1286,65252,00.html/wn_ascii

A group of British scientists believes people should be viewed as
'superorganisms,' made of conglomerations of human, fungal, bacterial
and viral cells. It's a sensible view, given that human bodies contain
more than 500 bacterial species. By Rowan Hooper.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Oral History on the Go (Culture 2:00 a.m. PDT)
http://go.hotwired.com/news/culture/0,1284,65230,00.html/wn_ascii

A project to record thousands of interviews with people across the
United States is expanding. StoryCorps originates from a soundproof
booth in Grand Central Station and now wants to go mobile. Rachel Metz
reports from New York.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Leisure Suit Larry No Seducer (Joystick 2:00 a.m. PDT)
http://go.hotwired.com/news/games/0,2101,65293,00.html/wn_ascii

The latest games aimed at helping the namesake character get laid,
Leisure Suit Larry: Magna Cum Laude gets high marks for humor. But the
game seems too repetitive for most players' tastes. By Lore Sjöberg.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Nations Plan for Net's Future (Technology 2:00 a.m. PDT)
http://go.hotwired.com/news/technology/0,1282,65254,00.html/wn_ascii

A global summit aims to lay the groundwork for a new structure of
internet governance. Participants, however, have very different visions
for the future of broadband deployment, net telephony and other web
technologies. By Wendy M. Grossman.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Predicting the Path of an Inferno (Wired magazine 2:00 a.m. PDT)
http://www.wired.com/wired/archive/12.10/fire.html
Flames leap 200 feet in the air and burn at 2,000 degrees. A rain of
fire sets thousands of acres ablaze. The smoke jumpers may get the
glory, but the battle is being won by the wildfire-simulation brigade.
By Michael Behar from Wired magazine.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Can Math Help in Terror War? (Technology Sunday)
http://go.hotwired.com/news/technology/0,1282,65299,00.html/wn_ascii

A group of mathematicians look at how order theory -- a branch of
abstract math resembling classic military strategy -- might help in the
war on terror. Applying computers to problems could increase accuracy
of predictions and strategic moves.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Experts Knock E-Vote Data Delay (Machine Politics Sunday)
http://go.hotwired.com/news/evote/0,2645,65298,00.html/wn_ascii

Researchers trying to determine how the online format might increase
election participation and help disenfranchised voters say the DNC and
other election officials are stingy with the data after a Michigan
trial.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Backup Voting -- Could Be a Mess (Politics 7:20 a.m. PDT)
http://go.hotwired.com/news/politics/0,1283,65301,00.html/wn_ascii

A new national backup system meant to ensure that millions of eligible
voters are not mistakenly turned away from the polls this year as they
were in 2000 could cause Election Day problems.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Few Americans Buy Meds Online (Med-Tech Center Sunday)
http://go.hotwired.com/news/medtech/0,1286,65300,00.html/wn_ascii

Despite rising drug costs and increased pressure to import cheaper
drugs from abroad, a Pew study finds that not many Americans buy
prescription drugs through the internet. Most feel drugs purchased
online are not as safe.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Curtain Call for Junk-Fax Blaster (Business 2:00 a.m. PDT)
http://go.hotwired.com/news/business/0,1367,65291,00.html/wn_ascii

The nation's most notorious junk-fax sender agrees to the terms of a
court order forcing it to stop its ink-depleting ways. But that hasn't
convinced a longtime Fax.com foe to drop a $2.2 trillion lawsuit
against the firm. By Ryan Singel.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

New PC in Old Mac Clothes (Cult of Mac 2:00 a.m. PDT)
http://go.hotwired.com/news/mac/0,2125,65294,00.html/wn_ascii

Tinkerer Iain Sharp couldn't bear to part with his first computer -- a
Mac SE/30 -- so he turned it into a powerful media server using a mini
PC motherboard and a software emulator. By Leander Kahney.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Hollywood Files P2P Appeal (DAT's Entertainment Friday)
http://go.hotwired.com/news/digiwood/0,1412,65290,00.html/wn_ascii

The entertainment industry asks the Supreme Court to reverse the
Grokster decision, which held that peer-to-peer networks are not liable
for copyright abuses of their users. By Michael Grebb.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Makin' Woohoo (Culture Friday)
http://go.hotwired.com/news/culture/0,1284,65256,00.html/wn_ascii

Attempting an 'alternative lifestyle' in a game of The Sims 2 turns
out to be an awful lot like plain ol' life. Go figure. Commentary by
Gina Lynn.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Podcasts: New Twist on Net Audio (DAT's Entertainment 2:00 a.m. PDT)
http://go.hotwired.com/news/digiwood/0,1412,65237,00.html/wn_ascii

A technology that delivers internet audio programs directly to iPods
and other MP3 players, podcasting is gaining a following among people
who can't listen to their favorite shows when they're live. By Daniel
Terdiman.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Gamers Spar for National Honor (Joystick 2:00 a.m. PDT)
http://go.hotwired.com/news/games/0,2101,65274,00.html/wn_ascii

At the World Cyber Games 2004, the competition is about more than just
who wins at Counter-Strike or WarCraft III. Gamers are competing to
bring glory to their home countries. Daniel Terdiman reports from San
Francisco.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Minniapple's Mini Radio Stations (On The Road - Great River Road 2:00
a.m. PDT)

http://go.hotwired.com/news/roadtrip/riverroad/0,2704,65137,00.html/wn_
ascii

The Walker Art Center wants to put the 'public' back in the public
airwaves. It's distributing tiny radio-transmitter kits so people can
broadcast from their own personal radio stations. Michelle Delio
reports from Minneapolis.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

NASA to Test Automated Mission (The Final Frontier 2:00 a.m. PDT)
http://go.hotwired.com/news/space/0,2697,65272,00.html/wn_ascii

Look, Ma, no hands! The U.S. space agency's latest spacecraft can run
an entire mission by itself. By Amit Asaravala.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Drier Times Ahead in the West? (Technology 2:00 a.m. PDT)
http://go.hotwired.com/news/technology/0,1282,65270,00.html/wn_ascii

Scientists unlock the rainfall history stored in tree rings and find
evidence of long dry periods in the past that dwarf the current drought
in the western United States. The research hints at another monster
drought to come. By Stephen Leahy.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Prof Pursued by Mob of Bloggers (Politics 2:00 a.m. PDT)
http://go.hotwired.com/news/politics/0,1283,65250,00.html/wn_ascii

A Utah professor finds himself the target of an unexpected flood of
hate mail after posting a report defending the disputed Bush National
Guard memos. The incident is one of many examples of the power of
bloggers acting in unison. By Staci D. Kramer.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Robotic Fish Gather Data, Prize (Culture 2:00 a.m. PDT)
http://go.hotwired.com/news/culture/0,1284,65214,00.html/wn_ascii

Naomi Ehrich Leonard trains robotic fish to swim the oceans and glean
information. The fish also helped her pick up a $500,000 'genius' prize
from the MacArthur Foundation. Read the first in a series of Wired News
profiles featuring MacArthur winners. By Kari Lynn Dean.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Induce Act Talks Sputter (Politics 2:00 a.m. PDT)
http://go.hotwired.com/news/politics/0,1283,65255,00.html/wn_ascii

Technology industry reps say they failed to reach consensus with the
entertainment industry on language for the proposed Induce Act, which
would make it illegal to encourage copyright infringement. By Katie
Dean.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Hot Wheels Hit the Road (Wired magazine 2:00 a.m. PDT)
http://www.wired.com/wired/archive/12.10/microcar.html
It's cute, tiny and plastic. The kids love it. It also gets 70 miles
per gallon, and you can fit three in a single parking spot. Move over,
Mini: The Smart microcar could be the next big thing on America's
roads. By Douglas McGray from Wired magazine.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

NASA Hedges Bets on Hubble (The Final Frontier Wednesday)
http://go.hotwired.com/news/space/0,2697,65257,00.html/wn_ascii

The space agency taps Lockheed Martin and MD Robotics to build robotic
technology it may use to repair the ailing Hubble Space Telescope. By
Amit Asaravala.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

RFID Driver's Licenses Debated (Security Blanket Wednesday)
http://go.hotwired.com/news/privacy/0,1848,65243,00.html/wn_ascii

Virginia legislators are weighing a plan to add biometric data and
radio signal emitting chips to licenses to prevent identity theft and
thwart terrorists. Critics say the plan could compromise privacy and
allow new varieties of fraud to flourish. By Mark Baard.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

We've Created a Monster! (Wired magazine 2:00 a.m. PDT)
http://www.wired.com/wired/archive/12.10/scifi.html
Three programming geeks use monsters and metaphors to turn the Sci Fi
Channel into the best little horror house in the movie business. By
Gary Wolf from Wired magazine.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Stem Cells to the Rescue (Med-Tech Center Thursday)
http://go.hotwired.com/news/medtech/0,1286,65258,00.html/wn_ascii

A new study shows that embryonic stem cells can heal defective heart
cells in mice. It could be a new way to look at the potential healing
power of these controversial cells. By Kristen Philipkoski.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Senate Wants Database Dragnet (Security Blanket 2:00 a.m. PDT)
http://go.hotwired.com/news/privacy/0,1848,65242,00.html/wn_ascii

Lawmakers may soon pass a bill that would set up a huge network of
databases that law enforcement officials could tap to find terrorists.
But that kind of unfettered access to data about Americans raises
eyebrows. By Ryan Singel.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Geek Trip Begins at Headwaters (On The Road - Great River Road 2:00
a.m. PDT)

http://go.hotwired.com/news/roadtrip/riverroad/0,2704,65134,00.html/wn_
ascii

The true beginnings of the Mississippi River in northern Minnesota --
a spot that was a source of much debate in the 19th century -- mark the
first stop in a 2,500-mile odyssey along the length of the mighty
waterway. By Michelle Delio.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Web Industry Still Flies Blind (Culture 2:00 a.m. PDT)
http://go.hotwired.com/news/culture/0,1284,65240,00.html/wn_ascii

The commercial web is 10 years old, yet the online publishing industry
still hasn't figured out how to measure accurately the number of people
visiting each site. What's at stake? More than $8 billion a year.
Commentary by Adam L. Penenberg.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

The Incredible Shrinking Man (Wired magazine 2:00 a.m. PDT)
http://www.wired.com/wired/archive/12.10/drexler.html
K. Eric Drexler was the godfather of nanotechnology. But the MIT
prodigy who dreamed up molecular machines was shoved aside by big
science -- and now he's an industry outcast. By Ed Regis from Wired
magazine.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

EU Wants Windows Cleaned of DRM (Business 2:00 a.m. PDT)
http://go.hotwired.com/news/business/0,1367,65158,00.html/wn_ascii

The acquisition by Microsoft and Time Warner of a company with a
significant portfolio of patents covering digital rights management
technologies generates scrutiny by European antitrust regulators. The
main focus of the investigation: Microsoft. By Wendy M. Grossman.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Making XP a Welcome Guest on Mac (Cult of Mac 2:00 a.m. PDT)
http://go.hotwired.com/news/mac/0,2125,65241,00.html/wn_ascii

Microsoft's new Virtual PC emulator lets an Apple computer run Windows
XP amazingly well. It's a great product for those occasions when you
must sully your Mac with a Windows-only application. By Leander Kahney.
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Spyware Bill Gets House Nod (Technology 2:00 a.m. PDT)
http://go.hotwired.com/news/technology/0,1282,65238,00.html/wn_ascii

Anti-spyware legislation sails through the House of Representatives,
with the bill's sponsor pressing to have both houses approve a law to
reign in invasive computer programs by the end of the year. By Michael
Grebb.
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3 Yanks Share Nobel for Physics (Technology Tuesday)
http://go.hotwired.com/news/technology/0,1282,65231,00.html/wn_ascii

Thirty years of research into the forces that hold everything together
pay off grandly for the three Americans, and science moves a step
closer to a grand unified theory of the universe.
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Long Trip for Psychedelic Drugs (Med-Tech Center 2:00 a.m. PDT)
http://go.hotwired.com/news/medtech/0,1286,65025,00.html/wn_ascii

Researchers who believe psychedelic drugs like ecstasy and mushrooms
can help people with mental disorders are slowly getting federal
agencies on board. By Kristen Philipkoski.
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Nice Ride: The Hydrogen Gremlin (Autopia 2:00 a.m. PDT)
http://go.hotwired.com/news/autotech/0,2554,65080,00.html/wn_ascii

Long before President Bush ever put 'hydrogen' and 'economy' together
in a sentence, a group of students at the University of California, Los
Angeles, were revving the engine on their hydrogen-powered Gremlin. By
Amit Asaravala.
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Changing at the Push of a Button (Technology 2:00 a.m. PDT)
http://go.hotwired.com/news/technology/0,1282,65065,00.html/wn_ascii

You might not be able to morph your wallpaper just yet, but digital
ink is already threatening to make big changes in the way we experience
advertising. By Rachel Metz.
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Fable Feels Like Unfinished Tale (Joystick 2:00 a.m. PDT)
http://go.hotwired.com/news/games/0,2101,65081,00.html/wn_ascii

Fable succeeds as a plain-ol' fantasy action game where you kill
things to buy stuff to kill bigger things. But given the expectations
that preceeded it, the game is ultimately disappointing. Lore Sjöberg
reviews Fable.
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Rural Kids Print, Bind and Read (Culture 2:00 a.m. PDT)
http://go.hotwired.com/news/culture/0,1284,64627,00.html/wn_ascii

Anywhere Books sets up digital bookmobiles in developing countries
like Uganda, Ghana and Macedonia. The souped-up vans can print and bind
books on the spot, and children get the fresh-made publications for
free. By Katie Dean.
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U.S. Makes Spy Images Inside U.S. (Technology Sunday)
http://go.hotwired.com/news/technology/0,1282,65091,00.html/wn_ascii

In the name of homeland security, a little-known branch of the Defense
Department -- the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency, or America's
spy imagery agency -- is keeping a close eye on the United States.
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Taking Aim at 'Arms Race of Spin' (Politics Sunday)
http://go.hotwired.com/news/politics/0,1283,65090,00.html/wn_ascii

Both sides of the political spectrum twist the truth in their media
briefs, according to a website that's tracking the spin. The system of
half truths makes it hard for ordinary folks to become informed.
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Google Bows to Chinese Censorship (Politics Saturday)
http://go.hotwired.com/news/politics/0,1283,65089,00.html/wn_ascii

A new Chinese news service launched by Google displays no results from
websites banned by China's officials. The search engine that promises
to do no evil says, why include links that come up empty? Anti-
censorship advocates are watching.
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Reheating Big Bang's Leftovers (The Final Frontier 2:00 a.m. PDT)
http://go.hotwired.com/news/space/0,2697,65083,00.html/wn_ascii

Astronomers say they have found some of the earliest galaxies, which
will help to piece together the history of the early universe. Some
suspect galaxies took longer to form than previously thought. By John
Gartner.
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Da Vinci Team Delays Launch (The Final Frontier Friday)
http://go.hotwired.com/news/space/0,2697,65078,00.html/wn_ascii

A Canadian team vying for the $10 million X Prize is scrounging for
parts, while the heavy favorite, Burt Rutan's SpaceShipOne, is ready
for a launch next week. By Dan Brekke.
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Glaciers Quicken Pace to Sea (Technology 2:00 a.m. PDT)
http://go.hotwired.com/news/technology/0,1282,65067,00.html/wn_ascii

Antarctic glaciers are moving faster as they melt, bringing more ice
into the oceans and causing sea levels to rise, according to a new
study. By Stephen Leahy.
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Stem Cells May Open Some Eyes (Med-Tech Center 2:00 a.m. PDT)
http://go.hotwired.com/news/medtech/0,1286,65070,00.html/wn_ascii

Scientists turn embryonic stem cells into retinal cells for the first
time. The groundbreaking work could be tested to treat human blindness
in two years if all goes well. By Kristen Philipkoski.
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Campus Life Comes to Second Life (Joystick 2:00 a.m. PDT)
http://go.hotwired.com/news/games/0,2101,65052,00.html/wn_ascii

Teaching online isn't unusual, but professors are taking advantage of
Linden Lab's 3-D metaverse to shape meeting spaces to their needs and
provide an added dimension to learning. By Daniel Terdiman.
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Ins and Outs of Teledildonics (Culture 2:00 a.m. PDT)
http://go.hotwired.com/news/culture/0,1284,65064,00.html/wn_ascii

Gina Lynn discovers remote (how shall we say this?) 'interaction'
technology with the Sinulator and finds herself on the cutting edge of
cybersex.
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Forgotten Remembers to Surprise (Culture 2:00 a.m. PDT)
http://go.hotwired.com/news/culture/0,1284,65068,00.html/wn_ascii

The Forgotten plays by all the rules expected from paranormal
thrillers to deliver a nice punch, hold the melodrama. By Jason
Silverman.
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Retailer Gets Out the Green Votes (Politics 2:00 a.m. PDT)
http://go.hotwired.com/news/politics/0,1283,65050,00.html/wn_ascii

Patagonia, a seller of outdoor equipment, says it wouldn't have a
business if the wilderness were paved over. So the company launches a
voter-education initiative on its website to support environment-
friendly candidates. By Louise Witt.
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Ovarian Transplant: First Birth (Med-Tech Center Thursday)
http://go.hotwired.com/news/medtech/0,1286,65071,00.html/wn_ascii

In a breakthrough that doctors say gives hope to many women who've
become infertile after cancer treatments, a woman who received an
ovarian tissue transplant gives birth to a healthy baby girl.
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Ireland Blocks Calls to Stop Scam (IT/IS Important Thursday)

http://go.hotwired.com/news/infostructure/0,1377,65069,00.html/wn_ascii

In an effort to stem dialup modem fraud, Ireland blocks phone calls to
13 locations, including several South Pacific islands and the entire
nation of Mauritania. Operators must verify numbers dialed to these
locations before connecting the calls.
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E-Vote Fears Soar in Swing States (Machine Politics 2:00 a.m. PDT)
http://go.hotwired.com/news/evote/0,2645,65044,00.html/wn_ascii

The Bush and Kerry campaigns, along with a range of advocacy groups,
are concerned with the integrity of voting technology -- particularly
in the states where votes matter most. By Jacob Ogles.
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IPod Promoters Feel the Heat (Cult of Mac 2:00 a.m. PDT)
http://go.hotwired.com/news/mac/0,2125,65042,00.html/wn_ascii

FreeiPods.com is busier than ever, but users complain about spam,
mishandled accounts and shipping delays. The company admits there are
difficulties, but blames the problems on the site's popularity, not a
crumbling pyramid. By Leander Kahney.
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A New Reason to Love Star Wars (DAT's Entertainment 2:00 a.m. PDT)
http://go.hotwired.com/news/digiwood/0,1412,65051,00.html/wn_ascii

The production of the original Star Wars was a disaster. But as the
riveting documentary Empire of Dreams shows, underdog director George
Lucas somehow pulled it off, which makes you appreciate the trilogy
even more. A review by Jason Silverman.
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Morphine Apparently in Your Head (Med-Tech Center 2:00 a.m. PDT)
http://go.hotwired.com/news/medtech/0,1286,65053,00.html/wn_ascii

Researchers find that humans produce their own morphine. If naysayers
finally believe it, the discovery could boost pain and addiction
research. By Kristen Philipkoski.
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Broadcasters Gut Digital TV Bill (Politics 2:00 a.m. PDT)
http://go.hotwired.com/news/politics/0,1283,65056,00.html/wn_ascii

The television industry scores an amendment to a bill that would have
forced them to give up lots of valuable spectrum to emergency workers.
The change all but guts the bill. Michael Grebb reports from
Washington.
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Sims 2: Face Lift of the Original (Joystick 2:00 a.m. PDT)
http://go.hotwired.com/news/games/0,2101,65038,00.html/wn_ascii

The sequel delivers all the stuff that made the original the best-
selling game of all time, and adds a couple of nice touches. By the
end, though, you realize the new version is just a tuneup of the old.
Lore Sjöberg reviews The Sims 2.
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Automakers Give Biodiesel a Boost (Autopia 2:00 a.m. PDT)
http://go.hotwired.com/news/autotech/0,2554,65054,00.html/wn_ascii

DaimlerChrysler and General Motors help biodiesel -- fuel that can be
made from soybeans -- gain some traction in the United States and
Europe. By John Gartner.
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