SPIEGEL Surfs the Web Calculating Your Global Warming Output
Following the killing of Dutch filmmaker Theo van Gogh by an Islamic extremist, a major debate broke out across Europe, especially in Germany, about the progress, or lack thereof, in integrating Muslims into Western European society. A recent report by the American Institute for Contemporary German Studies found that the level of integration of Europe's Muslims actually has a measurable impact on trans-Atlantic relations. And better integration, it concluded (PDF file), could improve ties between Berlin and Washington.
A University of California at Davis toxicologist has found a humorous if a tad wacky way to combine his concern for food safety with his love for music: He writes new, food-safety inspired lyrics to pop tunes. A few examples: "Beware the Vaca Loca" (to the tune of Ricky Martin's "Livin' La Vida Loca" and "Clonin' DNA" instead of the Beach Boys' "Surfin' USA".
We're not sure if we can vouch for science behind it, but the US Environmental Protection Agency offers an a nifty online resource: A calculator that tallies the amount of greenhouse gases you produce and then offers suggestions for how you can reduce your toxic output. After all, the site is run by a Bush administration appointee. Bush, of course, did a u-turn on global warming after dissing it for so long, but he's still the president known for such environmentally friendly gaffes as: "We need an energy bill that encourages consumption" and an official global warming strategy based primarily on "continued economic growth and prosperity" -- Capitol Hill speak for "keep those Halliburton dividends coming."
