Apr 15 2011: It'd be nice if they worked hard to tell verify the truth, even for unexciting stories. I don't expect hardcore investigative journalism for every story, but at least some effort put into having some code of ethics.
Currently, aside from certain personalities I've found interesting, I get nearly all my news by reading the same story online from several sources. It'd be nice if the news people online were inspirational, something we watched because we could related to it as far as the human experience is concerned.
Apr 15 2011: It's hard to gauge, given new, unprecedented dangers that arise over the period of a few years. A lot of people give general answers here because of this, and I will do this as well; however, it is imperative to do some radical brainstorming because tomorrow's greatest danger will be something we would never imagine today; therefore, I'll also add something specific.
General: people quickly forget the lessons of yesteryear. How many people born today will truly understand the horrors of World War II? Eighty years down the road, a full lifetime after the rapid loss of 75 million lives, will anybody? Similar signs leading to worldwide conflict will be more difficult to appreciate for what they are.
Specific: a world that finally abandons carbon heavy fuels widely adopts nuclear energy as the next best alternative. While hard to predict at this time, a problem arises from the massive use of fossil fuels with planetary changes (similar to global warming) that cannot be identified with the limited use nuclear energy sees at the moment. [note: I'm a proponent and very well versed in nuclear energy; I still think, however, that it needs to be adopted carefully, analyzed every step of the way for similar problems.]
Apr 14 2011: There is some wonderful work being done with in the recycling of plastics at Penn. State University by Jim Garthe and others through the creation of "Plastofuel". They turn 2, 4, 6, and 7 plastic types (at this time) into pellets and other shapes that can be used on Korean and similar plastic burners to be harnessed as electricity.
To address two questions folks will ask immdiately:
-Carbon output is negligible for cetain types of plastics. One or two of them is noticeable but certainly nowhere near coal's.
-This still leaves open the question of the consumer responsibly recycling plastic. However, if it is used as a fuel, I think power plant companies would offer incentive for giving your plastic to them.
All the information is up on the web; google Plastofuel PSU Jim Garthe.
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A reply on Conversation: What is the greatest security challenge facing humanity today?
A comment on Conversation: What do you want from the news?
Currently, aside from certain personalities I've found interesting, I get nearly all my news by reading the same story online from several sources. It'd be nice if the news people online were inspirational, something we watched because we could related to it as far as the human experience is concerned.
A reply on Conversation: What is the greatest security challenge facing humanity today?
A comment on Conversation: What is the greatest security challenge facing humanity today?
General: people quickly forget the lessons of yesteryear. How many people born today will truly understand the horrors of World War II? Eighty years down the road, a full lifetime after the rapid loss of 75 million lives, will anybody? Similar signs leading to worldwide conflict will be more difficult to appreciate for what they are.
Specific: a world that finally abandons carbon heavy fuels widely adopts nuclear energy as the next best alternative. While hard to predict at this time, a problem arises from the massive use of fossil fuels with planetary changes (similar to global warming) that cannot be identified with the limited use nuclear energy sees at the moment. [note: I'm a proponent and very well versed in nuclear energy; I still think, however, that it needs to be adopted carefully, analyzed every step of the way for similar problems.]
A comment on Conversation: How do we reduce single use and disposable plastics in our package, production and supply streams and move towards a sustainable world?.
To address two questions folks will ask immdiately:
-Carbon output is negligible for cetain types of plastics. One or two of them is noticeable but certainly nowhere near coal's.
-This still leaves open the question of the consumer responsibly recycling plastic. However, if it is used as a fuel, I think power plant companies would offer incentive for giving your plastic to them.
All the information is up on the web; google Plastofuel PSU Jim Garthe.