Latest Articles
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Monsanto’s new seeds could be a tech dead end
In response to Roundup-resistant "superweeds," Monsanto is rolling out a generation of seeds that will also withstand an old, toxic pesticide called 2,4-D, one of the main ingredients in Agent Orange.
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Critical List: Republicans still pushing Keystone; Yosemite to limit Half Dome hikes
House Republicans just can’t let go of the Keystone XL pipeline. Speaker Boehner now says it could be part of a bill expanding domestic energy production. The value of renewable energy deals grew by two-fifths last year, which means, according to analysts, that businesses like wind and solar are “maturing.” Yosemite could limit the number […]
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Virtuous cycle: 10 lessons from the world’s great biking cities
A six-month tour of the best cycling cities on the planet turns up some handy tips for U.S. bergs. Among them: Build bike infrastructure and they will come riding -- and if they ride, they’ll push for more bike infrastructure.
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Ask Umbra: Is it OK to pour beer down the drain?
A reader wonders about how to dispose of unwanted beer. Umbra considers everything and the kitchen sink.
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Hidden risk: Mercury pollution’s costs to wildlife and people
A new report details the widespread presence of mercury in nature -- and its effects on birds and bats should make humans worried, too.
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Capsized by the rising tide: Does growth lead to income inequality?
The “rising tide” of global economic growth is lifting mostly yachts. But some nations show that inequality and environmental ruin don't have to be inevitable outcomes of economic growth.
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![Kathleen Edwards - Voyageur]()
Friday music blogging: Kathleen Edwards (again)
One of my favorite singer-songwriters, Kathleen Edwards, has a great new album out, produced by her new beau, the Bon Iver dude.
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State Dept. official overstates Keystone jobs by a factor of 10
The State Department wants to set the record straight: When they said the Keystone XL pipeline would create 35,000 jobs, they were entirely correct, in some kind of number system where 100 equals 1,000. Otherwise, they may have exaggerated a little. In testimony before the House Energy and Commerce Committee on Wednesday, Assistant Secretary of State Dr. […]
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High school culinary students eat their own classroom pets
Students in the culinary program at Jasper Place High School in Edmonton, Canada (yes, Canada apparently has culinary programs in high school) probably think farm-to-table restaurants are a pretty cute idea. Oh, you have a farm on your roof? You must be so proud. We have a farm ON OUR ACTUAL TABLE. The students are […]
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Finding the zone: The Zen of urban cycling
Whether you’re riding in the city or the remote mountain biking trails, cycling requires your complete focus. Do it right, and you feel invincible. Slip up, and you could be on a backboard getting a ride to the ER.
