Calibre is an e-book library management application. It is free, open source and cross-platform in design and works on Linux, OSX and Windows.

Calibre is meant to be a complete e-library solution and thus includes, library management, format conversion, news feeds to ebook conversion as well as e-book reader sync features.

Homepage: http://calibre.kovidgoyal.net/
Download: calibre-0.6.48.msi
File Size: 29.00MB

---

Related posts:

• Calibre 0.6.14

  Calibre is an e-book library management application. It is free,

• Calibre 0.6.16

  Calibre is an e-book library management application. It is free,

• Calibre 0.6.42

  Calibre is an e-book library management application. It is free,

• Calibre 0.5.6

  Calibre is an e-book library management application. It is free,

---

Copyright © 2008
Best Freeware Blog | Buy Laptop | Business Software Reviews | astaga.com lifestyle on the net

Socialite actress Tori Spelling — star of The Oxygen Network’s Home Sweet Hollywood — is hoping to find a permanent zip code at ABC. According to The Los Angeles Times’ Company Town blog (via SoapOperaNetwork.com), the Beverly Hills, 90210 vet is developing a daytime talk show for The Alphabet Network.

The proposed show, inspired by ABC’s long-running morning chatfest Live with Regis & Kelly, will feature Spelling and a male co-host, who has not yet been chosen. The network is looking for a “Will & Grace vibe between Spelling and her as-yet-undiscovered BFF.” However, the best thing to happen to Tori’s career in more than a decade will likely spell sudden death for one of ABC’s beloved daytime dramas.

The Alphabet already has four daytime shows—three soap operas (All My Children, General Hospital, and the long endangered One Life To Live) and The View. With The Oprah Winfrey Show leaving for greener pastures on cable next fall, the network would have to persuade its affiliates that Spelling’s show is worthy of the coveted timeslot currently occupied by The Queen of Talk or a soap will have to go up in suds in order to make room for the program.

Would you watch a talk show hosted by Tori Spelling?

Photo- Nuclear Power Plant in Three-Mile Island in USA

ISTANBUL – Hurriyet Daily News with wires, Monday, April 19, 2010

Turkey’s energy minister urges activities in nuclear energy as well as renewables during his speech at a panel at the Istanbul-based Okan University. Calling Turkey as a ‘solar heaven,’ the minister expresses a plan to focus on the issue in the Renewable Energy Law to be submitted to the Parliament’s General Assembly within two months
Turkey should be determined to launch nuclear power plants, said the Turkish energy minister, also calling for an assessment of the country’s potential in solar energy.

Speaking on Saturday at a panel on clean energy held at Okan University, Energy Minister Taner Yıldız said, “We should start nuclear power plants. We should display this determination. The more solid a fuel is, the more negative it is for the world, and the more liquefied it becomes, the less it pollutes the world.”

The minister’s speech focused on the latest situation in the sector both in Turkey and worldwide, financial aspects, its reflections on practical life and global interaction. “The energy issue is a significant concept that cannot be cleared from international relations,” he said.

Commenting on solar energy as an important renewable resource, Yıldız said, “Turkey is a solar heaven. It is a proper thought when we propose using it, and we will bring this up in the Renewable Energy Law and designate its price.” The law will be submitted to the Turkish Parliament’s General Assembly within two months.

Also talking about the debate on mine licenses, Yıldız said all licenses in Turkey cover only 0.8 percent of forest areas. The minister also expressed the need for clarification on hydroelectric power plants. “This will pave the way for real investors and close the way for speculative investors.”

Yıldız noted that Turkey’s energy goals may not always match up with those of the rest of the world. “The use of energy resources in the world is around 16 percent. Our goal is to raise this to 30 percent by 2030.”

Focus on domestic resources

Yıldız said the aim is to activate all of Turkey’s domestic resources by 2023. A decision supporting nuclear energy power plants would also indirectly support domestic and renewable resources, according to the minister.

The cost of clean energy is high but Turkey fulfills its responsibilities, said Yıldız.

Production of wind energy in Turkey will total 76,000 megawatts, said Yıldız, adding that 13,000 megawatts of this amount will be activated by 2015, and 20,000 megawatts by 2020. The private sector will undertake these investments in wind energy, he said, expressing an optimistic outlook in this field.

Responding to a reporter’s question, Yıldız said Turkey does not face a problem in terms of supplying security, but there is no time to waste in terms of investments, reported the Anatolia news agency.

When asked about the framework of the solar energy law, Yıldız said there will not be high prices for solar energy. “Turkey’s people should benefit from the advantages of Turkey’s sun. International investors should not benefit from the advantages of Turkey’s sun. They should benefit from the money brought through technology transfer.”

At the panel, Bekir Okan, chairman of the board of trustees of the university, expressed the importance of being a tool for the production of studies, opinions and projects on energy awareness and use, as well as the implementation of projects in this field.

Okan University Rector Sadık Kırbaş stressed the resource problems in fossil fuels. “The world’s fossil fuels are being exhausted. Their prices are rising, and this situation is likely to result in significant conflicts. Clean energy is the energy of the future and more investment is necessary.”

The panel took place under the chair of R. Nejat Tuncay, dean of the Faculty of Engineering and Architecture. The participant panelists included Mustafa Tırıs, energy institute manager at the Marmara Research Center of the Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey, or TÜBİTAK MAM; Vedat Gün, Vice President of the Energy Market Regulatory Authority, or EMRA; Gökmen Topuz, deputy managing director at Zorlu Energy; Mürsel Meral of Cansu Elektrik; Cemil Kazancı of AKSA Natural Gas; and Levent Gülbahar, chair of the Turkish Photovoltaic Industry Association, or GENSED.

The panel discussion followed the official opening of the building of the university’s faculty of engineering and architecture.

Cigarettes aren’t only bad for your health but statistics point out that they’re even worse for the environment. According to recent statistics, about 1.1 billion people in the world are smokers and about 10 million cigarettes are purchased every minute around the world. Apart from creating a plume of toxic gases, cigarettes leave a much longer effect on the environment in the form of cigarette butts. Cigarette butts can take up to 12 years to degrade. Moreover, a new study has rated cigarette butts as one of the most ubiquitous forms of garbage in the world that have been found to be toxic to saltwater and freshwater fish. Cigarette butts are what many eco-minded artists collect and transform into artwork or bring to other unconventional uses, which in most cases, encourages individuals to give up smoking and protect not only their own self but the environment as well. Check out 10 such pieces of art that have been created entirely from cigarette butts:

(more…)

Robert Purcell wrote:

Michigan is beginning to take a more enlightened approach to economic development, with a stronger level of cooperation between academia, industry and government. It is now recognized that each of these constituencies has a vital role to play in rebuilding and sustaining a robust, knowledge-based economic model.

Mr. Lennart Johansson, the Swedish Consul General to Michigan, articulated the concept well in a recent discussion that I had with him. In Sweden this cooperative approach is called the “Triple Helix Model.” The objective is to create a systematic approach to encouraging and nurturing innovation, one that will ultimately result in economic growth. The model is based on strong interactions between Sweden’s universities, industries, and government. The idea is to move from being solely focused on the production of tangible goods to an economy that is based on the capitalization of knowledge.

I believe that there is a wealth of knowledge to build on in Michigan. Our universities and our companies have long histories of developing deep knowledge in advanced technologies and processes. We also have a very active community of innovators and entrepreneurs. What is needed now is a way to further accelerate the incubation and commercialization of these solutions. I think Michigan has taken some positive steps in a number of areas, but due to the severe negative economic impact that the automotive industry’s troubles have had on the state, much more needs to be done.

I have had the opportunity to work with a number of investor groups and startup companies in various parts of the United States, and around the world, over the past several years. Let me share some of what I have learned.

I have had numerous discussions regarding what it is like to “do business in Michigan.” We need to work hard to ensure that Michigan is perceived as a “good place to do business.” This means that we should actively promote business practices and public policy that encourage businesses to locate here, and prosper as a result. We need to ensure that the government is seen as an enabler in the process, not an impediment. And we need to understand the value that Michigan can bring to helping the companies achieve their objectives.

Some of the areas of value that are well recognized are Michigan’s strong engineering base, deep knowledge in manufacturing process technology, and highly developed logistics infrastructure. All of these qualities are in demand in with new technology startup companies. I have a number of projects with companies and universities in the Boston area, where there is a high level of new technology development, but limited ability to bring the technology to production. Maybe a Massachusetts-Michigan partnership program would be in order.

The other observation that I would share comes from my work with Michigan-based start-ups. Access to early stage funding usually requires that the companies spend a lot of time in other states to find investors. We need to actively promote venture capital interest in Michigan startup companies. It would be nice, if at least some of the time, the money were looking for the opportunity, instead of the other way around.

[Editor’s note: To help launch Xconomy Detroit, we’ve queried our network of Xconomists and other innovation leaders around the country for their list of the most important things that entrepreneurs and innovators in Michigan can do to reinvigorate their regional economy.]

UNDERWRITERS AND PARTNERS

The mayor’s “sunshine” State of the City speech lasted just 27 minutes and he was interrupted by applause just once with applause by an audience packed with friends and campaign contributors.

Here’s how it played in a brilliant six-minute report on KCAL9 Monday night:

Reality TV Octomom Kate Gosselin was finally voted off Dancing With the Stars on Tuesday after five weeks of rhythmless robotics that made the tabloid darling one of the most critically-panned hoofers on the show since Master P. Gosselin scored just 15 out of a possible 30 points for a stiff foxtrot this week to The Breakfast Club theme “Don’t You (Forget About Me)” — a performance that judge Bruno Tolini described as “catatonic.”

“Thank you for believing in me, probably more than I believed in myself,” Gosselin — who sent out a told the voters, apologizing for being a “cry baby.”

“You know what? I’m very proud of Kate,” Tony said as Kate was handed a tissue and began wiping away tears. “I know she gets a lot of criticism out there and it is difficult. I give her all the credit in the world for showing up. As exhausted as she was, she still showed up every single day,” he continued. “As a teacher, I am very proud of you because I thought you danced beautifully; you showed America it doesn’t matter how much things go against you, you still come out here and give it your best.”

Pamela Anderson and her partner Damian barely squeaked by after finishing in the Bottom 2 for the second time in the competition.

The Mercedes Shooting Brake concept will go on show at the Beijing motor show and here is a full gallery of the concept and a video. We had orginally expected the shooting brake to be a coupé style concept, but in reality the car introduces the new Mercedes CLS Station Wagon. The CLS Station Wagon is a model that Mercedes has on more than one occasion announced it would plan, and we should see a production version towards the end of 2011. See the Shooting Brake video after the jump for all the details on the concept.

The New York Times has a fantastic article on how the way married couples relate to each other can have a major impact on health, although there are many intriguing interpersonal subtleties that go beyond simply being in a ‘good’ or ‘bad’ relationship.

The piece reviews the extensive evidence on how stress impacts on the immune system and discusses how, in general, marriage has a host of health benefits. However, relationship conflict can have some dramatic negative effects on well-being. In one eye-opening study just getting couples to discuss a marital disagreement slowed minor wound healing down by up to a day.

One of the most interesting bits of the article tackles the link between risk for heart disease and arguing style, noting that even in happy couples, specific ways of resolving disputes had an impact on health – although interestingly different styles had a different effect on men and women.

The women in his study who were at highest risk for signs of heart disease were those whose marital battles lacked any signs of warmth, not even a stray term of endearment during a hostile discussion (“Honey, you’re driving me crazy!”) or a minor pat on the back or squeeze of the hand, all of which can signal affection in the midst of anger. “Most of the literature assumes that it’s how bad the arguments get that drives the effect, but it’s actually the lack of affection that does it,” Smith told me. “It wasn’t how much nasty talk there was. It was the lack of warmth that predicted risk.”

For men, on the other hand, hostile and negative marital battles seemed to have no effect on heart risk. Men were at risk for a higher coronary calcium score, however, when their marital spats turned into battles for control. It didn’t matter whether it was the husband or wife who was trying to gain control of the matter; it was merely any appearance of controlling language that put men on the path of heart disease.

In both cases, the emotional tone of a marital fight turned out to be just as predictive of poor heart health as whether the individual smoked or had high cholesterol. It is worth noting that the couples in Smith’s study were all relatively happy. These were husbands and wives who loved each other. Yet many of them had developed styles of conflict that took a physical toll on each other. The solution, Smith noted, isn’t to stop fighting. It’s to fight more thoughtfully.

A thoroughly fascinating article.

Link to NYT piece ‘Is Marriage Good for Your Health?’.

Mike Pelfrey(notes) is headed for the Rotisserie Record Books, and he’s got an eraser in his hand. After all, he’s on pace for 34 wins and 11 saves, miraculous numbers considering he plays for a 6-8 Mets ballclub. This is the season you’re going to tell your grandchildren about. All aboard the Pelfrey bandwagon, seats are filling up quickly.

Nothing in that first graph is intended to be taken seriously – a little hyperbole goes a long way on a Wednesday morning – but there is a case to be made for Pelfrey. He was masterful in dispatching of the Cubs Tuesday (7 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 3 BB, 6 K) and there are logical explanations for a possible growth year. He’s a former No. 1 pick (2005, ninth overall). He’s using a split-fingered fastball as a put-away pitch and he’s also improved his slider. He worked with a sports psychologist in the offseason (don’t discount this out of hand; Pelfrey’s attitude on the mound has gotten the best of him in the past). He’s still just 26.

"My confidence, after every start, is improving," Pelfrey said after Tuesday’s win.

"He is probably close to where he was after the All-Star break two years ago, and that is a dominant right-handed pitcher," Jerry Manuel said.

Dominant? Seems like a stretch, even if the small sample of stats do support it. As for the video, you be the judge (here’s the Pelfrey highlight package). But here’s the bottom line: every season there are pitchers who come out of the woodwork to become stars and game-changers for fantasy. Sometimes there’s no warning or clues to these breakouts, but usually there’s something that you could point to, even if it’s merely after the fact. You can make a case for Pelfrey’s breakthrough coming in 2010, and that’s why he should be owned in all mixed leagues. There’s a chance he’s one of the bigger profit players of the year. Once you see a plausible argument supporting the player, don’t overthink it – just grab him and see where it goes.

Pelfrey’s next start is a home turn against the Braves on the weekend. I’m making no guarantees when he heads to Philadelphia next week.

• Jonathan Sanchez(notes) and Mat Latos(notes) hooked up for seven tidy innings at San Diego; Sanchez was more dominant (1 H, 10 K) in his stint, but he allowed a single run while Latos (4 H, 1 BB, 2 K) posted bagels. The strikeout potential and experience advantage makes Sanchez the more valuable play going forward, but Latos deserves to be considered as a spot-play when the matchup is right. I wouldn’t use him Sunday at Cincinnati if that’s where he slots, but if the Padres hold him off until the Monday game at Florida, I’ll sign off on Latos.

• Joe Girardi surprisingly did not manage by the save rule at Oakland; the Athletics were still one baserunner away from putting the tying run on deck but Girardi brought Mariano Rivera(notes) in anyway to wrap things up. On one hand it’s somewhat refreshing to see a manager occasionally deviate from the idea that a statistic’s definition should mandate all of your substitution patterns, but you could also argue that Rivera wasn’t needed on this night. Joba Chamberlain(notes) impressed in a set-up role, striking out three of the four men he faced.

• Kyle Kendrick(notes) had the pitch-to-contact thing working in Atlanta (eight scoreless innings), then it all felt apart in the bullpen. Ryan Madson(notes) had a bombastic blown save, allowing a two-run homer to Troy Glaus(notes) and a solo shot to Jason Heyward(notes), and Jose Contreras(notes) ended the game by serving up a gopher ball to Nate McLouth(notes) in the tenth. It’s only the first blown save of the year for Madson but he’s only had a single 1-2-3 inning over seven appearances. Brad Lidge(notes) isn’t far from a return, as you know.

• Jeremy Hermida(notes) becomes an outfielder of interest in Boston now that Jacoby Ellsbury(notes) and Mike Cameron(notes) are both on the disabled list. Hermida homered for the second straight game Tuesday. The other outfield fill is a little more hazy; Josh Reddick(notes) batted ninth and started in center field Tuesday (one hit, two RBIs), then gave way to journeyman Darnell McDonald(notes) (homer, game-winning single).

As we discussed earlier in the evening, the Rangers ran wild at Fenway (nine steals) and they got plenty of baserunners (eight hits, nine walks), but they also left 11 men on base and weren’t able to score after the fifth inning. Nelson Cruz(notes) tweaked his hamstring and had to leave the game, but he’s optimistic that he’ll be able to go Wednesday.

• Chad Billingsley(notes) was knocked around for the second straight game, not that pitchers struggling in Cincinnati is any new thing. He’s got some ugly numbers on the young season (7.07 ERA, 1.93 WHIP, .351 BAA) but Joe Torre says his rotation spot isn’t in jeopardy. There’s still stuff in that right arm – Billingsley has 14 strikeouts in 14 innings – but he’s also walked seven batters. Keep in mind Billingsley pitched so poorly in the second half of 2009, the Dodgers bounced him from the playoff rotation and went with Vicente Padilla(notes) instead.

The story is almost identical for Homer Bailey(notes), Cincinnati’s starter. He’s also got an ERA over 7, he’s also walking too many men (9 in 15.2 IP) and he’s also teasing us with some strikeouts (13). "I’m not very big on personal stats," said Bailey, noting the Reds won Tuesday’s game, 11-9. "As long as we get the win when I’m out there, that’s what’s important." Bailey obviously doesn’t realize that he’s taking thousands of fantasy teams down with his mediocre pitching.

• Every major league club is capable of supporting a closer so long as the manager pays homage to the save rule and uses one guy as the designated stat-grabber. That’s the case in Houston, where Matt Lindstrom(notes) is the man for the ninth; he’s quickly picked up three saves as the Astros have four wins over the last week.

The Houston offense got Lance Berkman(notes) back against Florida Tuesday and although he didn’t go bananas in his return (1-for-4, two RBIs) the Astros did have a rare outbreak of offense (seven runs, a homer, two steals, even three walks, which is a lot for them). Carlos Lee(notes) and Hunter Pence(notes), the two hitters behind Berkman in the Houston order, figure to benefit the most here.

• The Orioles are a team you can definitely gang up on for streaming purposes, at least when the schedule falls into line (Baltimore gets the Red Sox and Yankees after the current Seattle series; most of the arms there are owned). Baltimore is the lowest-scoring lug in the American League thus far (don’t blame Wiggy, it’s not his fault), and they’re also a woeful 2-13 as we hit the middle of Week 3.

• Scott Olsen(notes) shouldn’t be pitching for a major league club, something the Rockies were more than happy to remind him off Tuesday (2 IP, 7 H, 6 R). Carlos Gonzalez(notes) got the day off against the Washington lefty, which is a shame everyone in the Colorado lineup finished with some production in the 10-4 victory.

• The Twins looked like a tough matchup for Justin Masterson(notes) on paper and that’s how it played out on the field, though Masterson was let down by his defense (4 IP, 5 H, 5 R, 2 ER, 5 BB, 6 K). If Asdrubal Cabrera(notes) converts what appeared to be a routine double-play grounder in the third, we’d looking at a much different result. It will be interesting to see what Masterson can do at Anaheim next week; although the Angels have their share of quality left-handed batters, I’d probably give him a play here.

Speed Round: Life as Nick Johnson(notes) these days: .146 average, .407 on-base percentage. Hey, he’s doing what they want him to do, and he hasn’t gotten hurt yet. … Ian Kinsler(notes) (ankle) did some running Tuesday and says he feels great. … Garrett Jones(notes) went 0-for-3 with a walk, pushing his average below .200. He has just one extra-base hit (a double) since the second day of the season. … The Jays continue to manufacture save situations; Kevin Gregg(notes) retired three of four men to put the Royals away Tuesday. But any victory over Kansas City when Scott Podsednik(notes) isn’t playing simply should not count. … John Danks(notes) has been sharp in all three of his starts, and when you mow down the Tampa lineup (a two-hitter over eight innings, one run, nine strikeouts), you’ve really done something. The revitalized Andruw Jones(notes) backed the Chicago offense, getting two hits including his fourth homer. … Chad Qualls(notes) wants everyone to know that he’s fine; he put down the Cardinals 1-2-3, picking up two strikeouts and his second save. … Kelly Johnson(notes) batted leadoff for the second straight day; obviously the Conor Jackson(notes) DL news was a boost to KJ’s immediate value. … Cliff Lee(notes) (abdomen) is scheduled for a Triple-A rehab start this weekend. … News of a PED suspension raced around the internet Tuesday; it was a relief for most of us when we found out the flag was on Edinson Volquez(notes), who’s already out of our 2010 plans due to Tommy John surgery.

Materials: Ikea Ordning Dish drainer

Description: The hack is really simple. I needed something useful to create a litlle home studio, but what I found in specialized shops was too expensive. For this hack, you just need the Ordning Dish drainer but you have to reverse the position of the railings. We have lots of place in the back for cables and electric plugs.

~ Jean-François CAUCHE,Lille / France

Yesterday I blogged about an efficiency breakthrough in thin-film solar cells, and now here’s more news on a cost breakthrough. I’m going to quote myself from the earlier post, “I keep hammering on the same point, but cost and efficiency in combination are the key to making solar a commercially viable option.” Be sure to hit the solar link in the “Interesting Blog Topics” box over on the sidebar for all my solar power blogging.

From the second link:

Advance made in thin-film solar cell technology

CORVALLIS, Ore. – Researchers have made an important breakthrough in the use of continuous flow microreactors to produce thin film absorbers for solar cells – an innovative technology that could significantly reduce the cost of solar energy devices and reduce material waste.

The advance was just reported in Current Applied Physics, a professional journal, by engineers from Oregon State University and Yeungnam University in Korea.

This is one of the first demonstrations that this type of technology, which is safer, faster and more economical than previous chemical solution approaches, could be used to continuously and rapidly deposit thin film absorbers for solar cells from such compounds as copper indium diselenide.

Previous approaches to use this compound – which is one of the leading photovoltaic alternatives to silicon-based solar energy devices – have depended on methods such as sputtering, evaporation, and electrodeposition. Those processes can be time-consuming, or require expensive vacuum systems or exotic chemicals that raise production costs.

Chemical bath deposition is a low-cost deposition technique that was developed more than a century ago. It is normally performed as a batch process, but changes in the growth solution over time make it difficult to control thickness. The depletion of reactants also limits the achievable thickness.

The technology invented at Oregon State University to deposit “nanostructure films” on various surfaces in a continuous flow microreactor, however, addresses some of these issues and makes the use of this process more commercially practical. A patent has been applied for on this approach, officials said.

“We’ve now demonstrated that this system can produce thin-film solar absorbers on a glass substrate in a short time, and that’s quite significant,” said Chih-hung Chang, an associate professor in the OSU School of Chemical, Biological and Environmental Engineering. “That’s the first time this has been done with this new technique.”

Further work is still needed on process control, testing of the finished solar cell, improving its efficiency to rival that of vacuum-based technology, and scaling up the process to a commercial application, Chang said.

Of some interest, researchers said, is that thin-film solar cells produced by applications such as this could ultimately be used in the creation of solar energy roofing systems. Conceptually, instead of adding solar panels on top of the roof of a residential or industrial building, the solar panel itself would become the roof, eliminating such traditional approaches as plywood and shingles.

“If we could produce roofing products that cost-effectively produced solar energy at the same time, that would be a game changer,” Chang said. “Thin film solar cells are one way that might work. All solar applications are ultimately a function of efficiency, cost and environmental safety, and these products might offer all of that.”

The research has been supported by the Process and Reaction Engineering Program of the National Science Foundation.

Related technology was also developed recently at OSU using nanostructure films as coatings for eyeglasses, which may cost less and work better than existing approaches. In that case, they would help capture more light, reduce glare and also reduce exposure to ultraviolet light. Scientists believe applications in cameras and other types of lenses are also possible.

More work such as this is expected to emerge from the new Oregon Process Innovation Center for Sustainable Solar Cell Manufacturing, a $2.7 million initiative based at OSU that will include the efforts of about 20 faculty from OSU, the University of Oregon, Portland State University and the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory.

Organizers of that initiative say they are aiming for “a revolution in solar cell processing and manufacturing” that might drop costs by as much as 50 percent while being more environmentally sensitive. In the process, they hope to create new jobs and industries in the Pacific Northwest.

###

This post is part of the Entrepreneurship series – sponsored by AcceptPay from American Express, a new online solution that lets you electronically invoice customers and accept online payments-all in one place. Offer more payment options, manage your cash flow and get paid faster with AcceptPay. Learn more here.
Of course, the content of this post consists entirely of the thoughts and opinions of the author.

On April 1st, Grist posted an April Fools story about McDonald’s that claimed the fast food chain would no longer follow through with its global composting initiative after scientists at the University of California-Berkeley found that none of the items on McDonald’s menu were suitable for composting — and none of the “food” would break down even after 1,000 years.

The story was certainly inspired by a recent blog post by Joann Bruso claiming that the Happy Meal she had purchased and placed on a shelf for an entire year looked virtually unchanged — no mold, no decomposition or smells. In this case, McDonald’s reacted by posting a response on its website, calling Bruso’s story an urban legend.

Apparently, many people fell for Grist’s joke because it just seemed so plausible. Allison Arieff, a writer for GOOD and The New York Times, tweeted the news — and just minutes later, McDonald’s Twitter contact tweeted back a very odd reply:

Arieff: “McDonald’s scraps composting program because the items on their menu WON’T DECOMPOSE. Yikes. http://ow.ly/1tClQ (via@edibleIA,@edibleSF)”

Molly at McDonald’s: “They say April Fools jokes are a form of flattery! This one had us laughing too! ^Mol”

Here’s a story that’s further spreading the idea that the food at McDonald’s is so unnatural that it won’t even decompose, and what does McDonald’s do? Laugh it off, of course. Was this the right response? Well, it was definitely not one that people were expecting. McDonald’s had a chance to address the criticism, but instead they chose to just brush it off. Maybe they didn’t want to open a can of worms, and since they’re so big, they figured that they could get away with it. And they’re probably right — the number of people who were turned off by their response (or even aware of the story) was likely to be insignificant for the fast food giant.

However, it’s likely a different story for smaller businesses. They really need to pay attention to and deliver what their customers want. It’s probably not a good idea to attempt to brush off customer complaints with “humor.” Perhaps even McDonald’s should be more careful with its tweets now that everything they say will be archived for posterity. We’ll see how long it takes for tweets to decompose.

Permalink | Comments | Email This Story

There have been a few companies that have previously tested the 3D PC waters and found the market lacking – presumably due to the lack of 3D content. But with the major TV manufacturers generating lots of interest in 3D TV among consumers and more 3D content starting to appear NEC is ready to try its hand again with the announcement of a 3D all-in-one desktop PC to be released before the end of the year. ..
Continue Reading NEC to release 3D all-in-one PC this year

Tags: 3D,
All-in-one,
Desktop,
Japan,
NEC,
PC

Related Articles:

• XpanD X103 universal 3D glasses announced
• Philips 42 inch 3D Display wins Gold Award at SID2006
• Sky to launch 3D TV channel in UK next year
• Sony Ericsson announces Co-creation platform
• Acer releases 3D laptop
• 3D TV is here

An exclusive polysorbate emulsifying action loosens and dissolves waxy sebum, frees obstructed hair follicles and helps reduce concentrations of dihydrotestosterone. The Tri-MicroTM dermal compound stimulates and energizes the scalp’s microcirculation. The antioxidant vitamin complex neutralizes cell damaging free radicals. * Healthy, gentle Sodium Lauryl Sulfate free formula * Reacidifies hair and scalp * Enhances manageability, imparts beautiful shine * Fortified with antioxidant vitamin complex * Safe for color treated hair, rinses 100% clean * Size: 33.8 fl. oz.

View Therapro Bioclenz Antioxidant Shampoo 33.8 Fl Oz. Details

We’d hardly call this an Audi A1 commercial but rather a trailer for a film that features the A1 and Justin Timberlake. We’ll get the full video of “The next big thing” action movie A1 promotion on May 4th, but what’s really clear is that Audi is spending some serious marketing money on its first compact car. More will be revealed in May and while we might be a bit cynical about the celebrity-focused marketing campaign, we can’t deny the quality and fun of the video.

by Umbra Fisk

Dearest readers,

Oh snap, did you space on Earth Day again? (Newsflash: It’s tomorrow!) No worries, there’s still time
(a little, anyway) to pull together something for your office or school—or at
least get a head start for next year’s planning. Feeling celebratory myself, I
raked through the archives to find some past tips on Earth Day par-tays. How
will you be celebrating this year? Let me know in the comments below.

All work and no play.
Want to throw an Earth Day fete at your office? A game and a treat (DIY junk food, perhaps?)—and
maybe an eco-competition—are a sound basis for an excellent party. How about
green versions of children’s party games? Can you get ahold of, or make, a
topical piñata? A car filled with Rolos, for example. Or how about a game of
darts with a board covered with the faces of the Bush administration? Or, since
I’m not allowed to be partisan, how about ‘Round the Clock with faces of famous
and infamous eco-influential people, like Ronald Regan, Al Gore, or Leonardo
DiCaprio? As for the “competition” element of your party, you
could have a paper-use or power-use reduction contest. Like can the company as
a whole reduce its power use by a certain amount between one power bill and the
next? There are simple, low-commitment actions everyone could do to
participate: Send computers into sleep mode sooner, and shut off lights and
computers at the end of the day. Get the full Ask Umbra
answer.

Give it the old
college try.
Looking to bring an Earth Day celebration to your school? Luckily, you don’t
have to come up with an idea for an event from scratch, as we now have 40 years
worth of experience to draw from (thank you, internet). Earth Day activities
can be celebratory or educational, and the educational ones can be aimed at a
green audience or at novices. You’ve got your speakers, your awards, your
sorting of trash on the main quad, your Top Ten Things
You Can Do lists, your tree plantings, your volunteering at schools, your
Car-Free Day. A fun event might just be nominally earthy, like a band or a
scavenger hunt. You’re just trying to raise awareness and get a few more fish
in the net, so it doesn’t need to be completely original. Get the full Ask Umbra answer.

It’s mind over motto.
So now you want a slogan to draw the whole event together? Some tips: Be
specific. Be straightforward or surprising, as fits your company’s/school’s/organization’s
culture. And don’t try to rhyme. Frankly, I’d also advise against using the
word “green” because people are already tiring of hearing it. And
hopefully you’ll pick something that will actually relate to the theme of your
party or event. And if all else fails, seriously, skip the catchphrase. What
you’re actually doing/celebrating at your Earth Day event is far more important
than some snappy slogan. Get
the full Ask Umbra answer.

Confettily,
Umbra

Related Links:

Good news for Earth Day: We can reduce climate pollution and boost the economy, all at once

Earth Day 2010

Is Earth “Effed”?