Author Archives: Norm Benson

Can anything go right this year?

Haiti still reels from its earthquake from one year ago, Darfur and Somalia fester, the Korean peninsula appears to be close to war, unemployment near 10% has become endemic. Problems, crises, tragedies. Can 2011 be anything but a repeat of 2010? Over at the Rational Optimist Blog, Matt Ridley reminds us of the accomplishments ofContinue reading “Can anything go right this year?”

Predictions from 40 years ago

Take a look at this Life magazine article from January 30, 1970. How many of the environmental predictions came close? Apologies for any typos…it’s hard to see the screen with my gas mask on. I believed the first prediction, “In a decade, urban dwellers will have to wear gas masks to survive air pollution.” CanContinue reading “Predictions from 40 years ago”

Weekend postcard: the outer bank islands of North Carolina

I have friends in Great Britain and Europe who are living under mounds of snow. And with summer 22 weeks away, it seemed like a good time to make the rash prediction that summer will return to the northern hemisphere. Corolla is near the North Carolina- Virginia state line and possesses some great beaches madeContinue reading “Weekend postcard: the outer bank islands of North Carolina”

Should the FDA require DHMO to be listed on food labels?

  Dihydrogen monoxide (DHMO) is used in the production of genetically modified crops. It is also used as a food additive and preservative. Every year people die from accidents involving DHMO, including DHMO poisoning. Some have died from as little as one drop. Additionally, the burning of hydrocarbons (e.g., wood and fossil fuels) releases DHMOContinue reading “Should the FDA require DHMO to be listed on food labels?”

A no CARB diet

California has created a market out of thin air. On December 16, the California Air Resources Board (CARB) endorsed (by a vote of 9-1) the cap-and-trade regulation with the goal of reducing California’s greenhouse gas emissions under Assembly Bill 32, the Global Warming Solutions of 2006 law. The regulation limits emissions from sources responsible forContinue reading “A no CARB diet”

The Sunday funny: Oh Christmas Tree (21st century version)

Another video from author, director, playwright, interviewer, Mark Leiren-Young. Don’t miss the gratuitous use of a chainsaw. As I mentioned before, Mark is the director of the movie, Green Chain and author of a book of the same name and also Never Shoot a Stampede Queen. They make great stocking stuffers.