| Terrariums bowl over a new generation
Until six months ago, Trenton Suntrapak of Fresno, Calif., never had seen a terrarium. Then his girlfriend gave him one as a gift. He marveled at the small plants growing in the open glass cylinder. About 16 inches tall, the container includes a fern in soil, small rocks, moss ground cover and even a tiny house. But as an admirer of Japanese maples, he particularly likes the Ming aralia plant, which reminds him of the Asian trees. "It was a very unique gift," says the 34-year-old. "I thought it was cool. I've tried bonsais and have killed them pretty fast." So far, the plants in the terrarium have thrived under his minimal care. The terrarium sits on his dining room table, where it can get sunlight. "The tree is now growing over the top" of the jar, says Mr. Suntrapak, who waters the plants once a month.
Jessica Simpson performing for the troops
Jessica Simpson is set to perform for the troops in Kuwait on March 10. She's taking a break from her country album to make the trip according to the following message on her fansite: "Hey ya'll. I just wanted to say hi, and let you know that I am hard at work on my country record, and I can't wait to share it will all of you. I am heading to Kuwait to do a show for the troops, then back in the studio. I love you all and am so blessed by the support and love you show me everyday!! xoxo jess" While I'm happy to see Jessica Simpson doing something nice for our men and women in uniform, I hope to God she gets topless because otherwise that's just a slap in the face to these brave individuals. I mean, they're out there on the front lines catching shrapnel in the anus and, if that happened to me, I'd feel entitled to some boob.
Hong Kong Ship Owners Post $80 Million to U.S. for San Francisco Bay ...
The crew of its ship Kriton routinely dumped sludge and bilge water into the sea without recording the discharges, prosecutors said. The company was accused of presenting false discharge records to the Coast Guard in ports in Connecticut, Florida, New York and the Virgin Islands. Ionia leaders have said senior company officials were not aware of the intentional oil discharges and would not have condoned them. .
No-compromise mild hybrid car engine has a promising future
Several alternative technologies have been proposed to replace the car's internal combustion engine; some companies are already marketing hybrid gasoline/electric hybrids, though these have their shortcomings. Jon Severn reports on a mild hybrid that makes no compromises, yet it drastically cuts fuel consumption and emissions. Most of us, as consumers of the automotive industry's products, would like to see the next generation of cars have improved performance, driveability that is better or no worse than what we have now, more gadgets, lower fuel consumption, and a price that is lower. Largely on our behalf, the industry and legislators would also like future vehicles to generate reduced emissions, though there is an ongoing argument over where the balance should be between CO2, NOx and, for diesel-engined cars, particulates; Europe and Japan agree rather more closely with each other than with the USA.
Cherries: A sweet treat that's good for you
Cherries will always be associated with our first president, George Washington. With President's Day just passed, research shows there are other reasons to celebrate cherries — they can help you lose weight and prevent a host of diseases. Cherries contain a high percentage of water. Increasing water consumption boosts energy levels and increases metabolism to help lose excess weight. Cherries also are high in potassium and low in sodium, which helps control water retention, according to www.weightlossforall.com. Cherries are very low in calories, with about 80 per cup, and contain just a trace of fat. They also are a good source of vitamin A and antioxidants. They also contain 19 times as much beta carotene as blueberries or strawberries. Cherries contain many compounds that are beneficial in fighting some cancers because they remove free radicals.
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