Dr. Klaus L.E. Kaiser

Sex, all the same

Who would have thought it, them flowers did it 100 million years ago, just like today. A new study by Oregon State University scientists, George Poinar Jr. and colleagues, of a piece of amber from the mid-Cretaceous period found in Myanmar shows it. Amber fossil flower from the Cretaceous period

Blame it on the ‘Polar Vortex’

This is just in case you are wondering about the current state of “negative global warming.” Relax; it’s just the polar vortex creating some mayhem; everything else is just fine.

The Invisibility Cloak

The Khaleej Times reports that you'll soon be able to hide - perhaps even make your shadow invisible - with the headline: Coming soon: Invisibility cloaks! But that's not all. The article's writer goes on to say the new research "may in the not too distant future protect a building from earthquakes by bending seismic waves around it."

The Lithium Squeeze

You will be familiar with lithium-ion batteries, the little knob-sized things that keep your wrist watch and other small electronic devices going for years. Slightly larger lithium batteries power cell phones, cameras, walkie-talkies, and other small portable devices. So, why should such batteries not be able to power your electric car as well?

Freedom – at last?

“Freedom” from oppression, taxes, and liabilities – you name it – is in sight or at least on the drawing board.

The latest Greenhouse Gas Scare: PFTBA

Perfluorotributylamine (PFTBA) is the latest greenhouse gas scare (GHGS). The media and web sites like countercurrents.org are full of statements like “PFTBA is 7,100 times more powerful than carbon dioxide at warming the Earth” according to University of Toronto scientists who claim to have found an average of 0.18 parts per trillion of PFTBA in the Toronto air samples.

Who – really – owns the North Pole?

Some while ago a Russian sub planted Russia’s flag on the bottom of the sea at the North Pole. Now, Canada claims ownership of the spot. Then there are also Denmark, Finland, Norway, and the U.S. with land masses nearest to the Pole. By all precedents, it would appear that each country does have a legitimate claim.

Amazon vs. Storks -- ?

While everyone seems to be talking about the latest cyber-technology, Amazon appears to be taking the lead in large-scale commercial application. They are exploring the use of small drones for delivering your next parcel shipment.

Calling the Climate-Change Bluff

The city of Warsaw, Poland, recently hosted the 19th Conference of the Parties (COP-19) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). Conference host countries normally "play game," but not in this case. Both the citizens of Poland and their government revolted.

The Money Tree

Everyone knows that money doesn't grow on trees, but how about inside tree leaves?

Fads Come and Go -- is the Electric Car a Fad?

Fads come and go, but sometimes they stay around and, after a while, everyone wonders how the world ever lived before. The question here is whether electric cars just another fad or are they the beginning of a whole new way of doing things, such as going to the beach, or grocery shopping.

Even more Ethanol in Gasoline?

According to the Worldwatch Institute, the US Department of Agriculture Secretary, Tom Vilsack, is pushing for an increase of the current maximum of 10.2% ethanol in gasoline to 15-20%. Much of that is supposed to come from corn and, later, from cellulose (wood).

Doubling Down on Carbon or Invest in Mouse Traps Now

One of the latest Executive Orders (EOs) by President Obama (Preparing the United States for the Impacts of Climate Change) is a great example of the philosophy of “there is no way back.” In financial terminology the practice is called “doubling down.” Barring some rare occasion, it nearly always leads to total financial ruin. Many investors have learned that lesson the hard way. Don’t expect a different outcome in this case.

Mother Nature versus Mother Teresa Kerry

I am not talking about the late Blessed Mother Teresa, but rather the one-percenter Teresa, wife of John Kerry who gives liberally from her (inherited) fortune to ideas claiming to save the earth.

Diamond Pollution

Carbon in its purest form is known as diamond. President Obama says carbon is pollution. If that is so then diamonds must be pollution.

The Nuisance Palm Trees

--Satire Iqaluit, Nunavut, February 15, 2034--On this historic date, the newly elected Prime Minister of Canada, together with the Secretary of the United Nations, Inuit Elders and Chiefs of several northern Peoples, many heads of state including the new State of Antarctica (current permanent population: Two), delegates from the Sierra Club and other NGOs and a slew of reporters from every major media outlet was present at the ribbon cutting for the new headquarters of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change.

Crickets, again?

In case you are wondering, I am referring to the new high protein diet, recommended food for the starving millions of “slum dwellers around the world by providing them with insect-infused flour.”

Microwave Oven Radiation Leakage – cell phones do not provide an adequate test!

A friend sent me an email with a message about testing for leakage in microwave ovens with a cell phone. Beware of this test; it does not give you a reliable answer!

Better Get your Woollies!

No doubt about it. The Earth's climate is cooling!

“Parasitic Consumption”—Wind-Farms

In case you are afraid that "Parasitic Consumption" (PC) refers to little mites eating the wind turbines, no need to worry. This euphemistic term describes the wind-farms need to use electric power FROM the grid, rather than delivering any TO the grid.