Latest Articles

Value of solar power far exceeds its cost

Solar power has a monetary value as much as 10 times higher than its energy value.

Why laying off ag reporter Philip Brasher is bad for food

Reporter Philip Brasher was recently let go by the Des Moines Register. Here's why you should be concerned about the future of food in this country.

Used fuel-efficient compact cars increase 30 percent in value

There may still be something tangible in your life gaining value: your used, fuel-efficient car.

Friday music blogging: The Chemical Brothers

An old favorite of mine, The Chemical Brothers, have just done a soundtrack for the new movie Hanna. It's awesome!

There's a Foxx guarding the ag-policy henhouse

Rep. Virginia Foxx recently sponsored an amendment to shut down the USDA's Know Your Farmer, Know Your Food initiative.

Santorum: 'There's no such thing as global warming'

In a Glenn Beck interview, Republican presidential candidate Rick Santorum said global warming is a hoax and called for a drill everywhere oil policy.

GE’s ironic new slogan: 'Natural gas. It’s hot stuff.'

Nobody involved with General Electric's ad campaign understands the irony, that natural gas is one of the most potent heat-trapping greenhouse gases.

Vegan condoms keep your junk cruelty-free

If you won't put animal products in your mouth, shouldn't it stand to reason you wouldn't put them on your wang? Or maybe you're courting a vegan, and you want to seal the deal. Lucky for you there are vegan lubes and condoms available, to replace the raw-meat-and-gelatin lube and condoms you were using before.

Build this beautiful shipping container house for only $40K

There's been a small vogue for houses and buildings made of shipping containers, which are cheap, plentiful, and often end up tossed in the sea (either on purpose or otherwise). This airy two-container dwelling is one of the prettiest we've seen, and it only cost $40,000 to build.

What is the American Dream?: Dueling dualities in the American tradition

Throughout history, there have been alternative, competing visions of the "good life" in America. What is the American Dream and what is its future?