Toward Technological Environmentalism

Environmentalism has never been wrong, but many of its methods have been. One major mistake of environmentalism has been hating technology. In fact, the environmental damage is not due to technology; it is due to wrong technology. And using better technology will solve most of the problems that environmentalism decries.

While much damage to nature can indeed be ascribed to technology such as oil and coal, much damage is actually quite low-tech. The deforestation of the rainforests, like deforestation of Sahara by Berbers and American Southwest by the Anasazi in ages much prior, is due to slash-and-burn agriculture - a brainless age-old practice which has nothing to do with technology at all. And while many uses of technology today are just as brainless, doing away with technology is simply not a feasible option. The earth cannot sustain 7 billion subsistence farmers, and if the technological economy were to collapse most of the people around the world would be dead.

Fortunately there are real solutions, and they are technological in nature. In energy sector, it means moving to better technologies, such as Hydrogen Transmission Network (link below), which will fulfill people's water and energy needs, at present and greater levels, through a process that takes from nature nothing that can't be replaced and returns into nature nothing harmful. In case of regular pollution in rapidly industrializing places such as China and India, the solution is as simple as using smokestack filter and water effluent filter technology that already exists in the West and applying it on their own effluent filters and smokestacks.

One recent trend in environmentalism has been eco-feminism, which states that women are by nature carers while men are by nature destroyers, and that patriarchal social arrangements have been terrible for the planet. While there are many women who are in fact caring people, and while good case can very well be made for strengthening women's role in society, I do not see how hating men will solve the problems of the world. There is legitimate need for improving the way in which people relate to the planet. Fortunately, there is enough in human intelligence - and that means human scientific and technological intelligence - to create practical implementations for just that rightful purpose.

Then there are people in Abrahamic religions who say that it is up to God to solve this problem. Well no, it is not up to God. People created this problem; people must solve this problem, and it is not fair to ask God to clean up our mess. There are real, human, solutions to this human-made problem, and these must be put into place before expecting any kind of supernatural intervention.

Finally, the people who want to live outside of technology should be able to do so without facing criminalization or harassment. Freedom means freedom of lifestyle, and for freedom to mean anything people should have meaningful choice of lifestyle, whether they want to live with technology or without. People have right to contribute to and enjoy both human-made world of technological civilization and the non-human-made world of nature. With both being the reality of people's lives, will be made the most of existence of human beings, which are beings both natural to the extent that they follow the laws of nature and uniquely human to the extent that they forge matters according to their own volition. And that full experience of and addition to life is a worthwhile state of affairs toward which to strive.

Modern Trends in Technology

When I came out of my technical Engineering course I never ever tried to sneak into a company. Reason being, I was technically sharp. I was always hungry for technology. And I was as hungry as a hungry shark. Ever since I was a child I was keen in peeking into the insides of the latest technical gadgets.

If I repaired a few gadgets with my limited technical supply I ruined a many with my limited dose of technology. However, I fixed their problems later with my technical brains after getting a small description about the technology used in them. As a technical geek, the first gadget that I tried to repair was a small alarm clock. And when I say repair, I literally mean removing all the gears and replacing them again. It took me two complete days to render the clock completely useless after cutting a small important copper coil inside it. And I never felt sorry for that. Because I got a chance to peek into the technology as used in small alarm clock. And today I know how the 555 timer technology is used for designing an alarm clock. And this is a very simple technology which many Engineers are not acquainted with even after graduating out of their technical courses.

The topper of my class had once attended a campus interview. The interviewer asked this technical Electric Engineer a small basic technical question, "Which of the following is a good conductor of electricity: Copper or Aluminium?" And it was not very unusual to see a blank face when the question was heard. Quite surprisingly a Civil Engineer answered this question and also justified his answer with a technical explanation. And this technical guy was a below average student! And this is the difference when it comes to differentiating a technical guy from a non-technical one.

The first advantage that you get as a technical guy is that you need not bother about joining a company. You can literally create your own company and earn millions of bucks. There are too many Bill Gates' in this world. The only reason why they are not as successful as the other Bill Gates is because they dream of only one thing in their lives: Working under the other Bill Gates. Technical students hate joining a company. If at all they join one they do it because they need experience and capital to start their venture.

I personally feel that a technical engineer has the right potential to start a company and make it big. The biggest example of such a technical guy is the founder of Infosys: Mr. Narayanmurthy. When I say technical geek I mean to say a guy or a girl who has complete technical details of a particular gadget of product. The software companies are filled with non-technical staff of workers. Those who are technical usually score low because they are interested in understanding technology and not memorizing it. And that is exactly how a technical geek should be. He should keep himself updated with the latest technology around and not just learn something by heart just to score higher in a course or two. Take a look at the following situation:

An uncle of mine had started his business as a computer vendor and was ready to hire a few technical students as employees. A guy who had a 80% score sheet in Electronics Engineering stepped in. My uncle started the interview with a few technical questions like:

• What are bad sectors?
• Which technology is used in CD burning?
• What technology is used to eliminate bad sectors in a disc?

Quite surprisingly the guy knew about a compact disc but did not know anything about sectors! My uncle was so disappointed with the answers that he just lost hope. The next interviewee was a merely passed out Diploma holder in Electrical technology and knew all the answers to the above said questions. My uncle had planned to roll out a payment of Rs4000 per month. But the sheer technical brain of the student gained him another 1000 extra bucks.

This is exactly what the knowledge of cutting edge technology gives you. A chance of ruling the world. There is one more example. A guy had joined a computer course at my uncle's office. He had joined the course at a time when he did not know even the basic definition of a computer. Today he is a technical software Engineer and gets a contract of nearly 10,00,000 bucks every six months! Keeping in touch with the latest technology is very helpful, especially during the recession times when you are thrown out of a company. You can literally do anything if you stay in touch with the latest cutting-edge technology.

Have a technical life.

For keeping in touch wit

Science in Cooking - How to Teach Science While Cooking

Cooking is a beautiful tool to teach children science. Science can be tricky business, particularly because science is about seeing, experiencing and experimenting. Without these, it is difficult to appreciate why things happen and how they happen.

The best way to reflect how to teach science with cooking or while cooking is by using examples. Here are a 3 science questions to show how cooking can become an easy tool to teach simple science principles which perhaps the science lab could make it look like just another experiment.

Question 1

Mr. Butter Cake's class plans to bake a butter cake. Which of the following do you think is a science question that could be investigated while baking the cake? (A) Measuring the amount of flour and sugar? (B) Mixing and beating the batter? (C) Do butter cakes need baking powder to rise? (D) How much does it cost to make 2 butter cakes? The answer is C. We need baking powder to make a cake rise. Explanation: How does baking powder work? How does baking powder make the cake rise? Baking powder produces carbon dioxide. Carbon dioxide is a gas that will 'push' the batter side-ways and upward. They raise baked products. Flat cakes and biscuits don't look very tempting! Baking powder contains both baking soda and a dry acidic ingredient. Generally, 1 teaspoon of baking powder can be used for 1 cup of flour to help your cake rise.

Question 2

This question is about our senses. It is about looking, tasting, smelling and feeling.

Vinegar - Colorless, Sour, Wine, Watery - Liquid

Olive Oil - Yellow, No Taste, Wine, Oily - Liquid

Lemonade - Colorless, Sweet, Lemons, Watery - Liquid

Baking soda - White, Bitter, No smell, Dry powder

Which of Ann's senses allows her to differentiate baking soda from the other substances?

Answer: Sight, Taste, Touch

Explanation: Children, in the first few grades learn about their senses and what they mean. Teachers would teach them about the 5 senses - Sight, Smell, Touch, Hear and Taste and would typically vary the questions to make children understand what they mean. In the kitchen, this comes to live. All the above substances and more are available in the kitchen. Make the kids smell, touch, look and taste. Perhaps for older kids, tell them about the nervous system and how information is passed to the brain.

Question 3

Anna would like to drink some tea. She starts by boiling some water. Describe what happens to the water when she boils it? What happens if Anna places a metal lid above a pot of boiling water?

Answer: Water when boiled becomes steam. Steam or mist is invisible or colorless and tasteless. But when you place a metal lid above the boiling pot of water, the steam becomes water again. The processes are called evaporation and condensation.

The process of liquid turning into gas is called evaporation
The process of gas turning into liquid is called condensation

Similarly, lots of everyday cooking actions is actually about science. You can turn your kitchen into a science lab and the best part is the kids will not know it. They are learning just as much in the kitchen and parents are helping kids remember better by allowing them to experience and see how science works in real life. Teaching kids while cooking creates a great opportunity to teach school work plus there is an added bonus. Kids and parents bond and build memories.

Teaching children can come in different forms. Cooking complements the formal learning process. Kay has 2 children which have benefited from the cooking process which prompted her to share her experience with as many parents and care givers. Harv Kay has dedicated a blog on providing tips, methods, recipes, information and basically a resource area for teaching kids with cooking. Harv is keen to share experiences and in particular to spread the word through her blog

A Science Project - Here's How We Pick One

Every time one of the kids comes home with the dreaded form which they have to populate with an outline for their annual Science Fair project, my wife and I get a pit in our stomach. Let's face it, a science project becomes a family project. I can't imagine we're alone in feeling that way. Now don't get me wrong, we're not anti-science. Let me take that back, I'm not anti-science, my wife on the other hand, well...

It also has a lot to do with what type of kids you have. We have two which are on the opposite sides of the spectrum. One is very self sufficient, and the other is very needy. Nonetheless, it's still pretty stressful to pull off a successful science project, no matter what level of aptitude.

A Science Fair Guru is probably not going to like this, but oh well. Our formula is pretty simple; pick a project with a ratio that has the most amount of learning and least amount of work. That's right, least amount of work! I know, I know, you have to do the work and research, blah, blah, blah. My philosophy is work smart not hard. At a job, it's get it done, do it right, and in the least amount of time.

I know there is a lot of value in a science project, and there are all kinds of scholarships and prize money. Not to mention that colleges look at what you've done, of any significance, when presented with an opportunity. However, almost every kid is going to need some help or input from a parent, and with most parents struggling to make ends meet, the reality is that little Johnny will be on his own for the most part.

There are tons of resources out there on the web which have easy projects, hard projects, learning projects and some projects that leave you scratching your head. Since I've done a few of these with my little cherubs, I'll list a few things you should consider in selecting a science project.

• Most experts tell you to first pick "what interests you". I say that's hogwash. I tell my kids to look for something that will be easily created and most importantly easily presented to the class. Trust me it will be "interesting".
• This should be common sense, but I still remind them that they should probably not use people, animals, controlled or hazardous substances.
• Do not pick one that requires consumable items. My daughter did a liquid density experiment where you pour various liquids on top of each other with different densities. It consisted of rubbing alcohol, dish detergent, Karo syrup and a few others which I don't care to remember. I probably spent $60 on these items because we ran out twice while practicing her presentation. Not to mention the smelly cleanup after every attempt.
• Make sure your presentation is neat and well organized. My daughter always tends to get a better grade than my son because she is very detail oriented. She makes sure everything is presentable. My son on the other hand just wants to get it done and over with. Takes after the wife I guess.

The main thing is that you have fun with your kids. I think I actually enjoy doing a Science Experiment more than the children. It's really good quality time and I usually take the opportunity to talk about something different, out of the ordinary. We don't get much time with our kids with our busy schedules, sports, activities, etc. As much as I talk a big game about trying to get it done quickly and out of the way, when the nest is empty, I will miss the science project.

If you're like me, and like to help your kid with his or her science project but have limited time, go to Alexa's site [http://www.mycloudinabottle.com]. Her Cloud in a Bottle Science Project is quick, easy, and will score any student a high grade.

Achieve Gratification With Education Toys

Are you gratified with the way your child is learning things and gaining education? Well the parents' gratification is really important. Parents are the one who work for whole day long and even in nights to give their children the best education. But you know what there are many other ways including the books as well that help your child in seeking education. That includes the toys. Education toys are such toys that help children in understanding the educational concepts in a much better way.

It is all about providing your children with the best procedures and proper planning should be made. The children should develop more interest in education rather considering it as a burden. And this aim can be achieved if studies are accompanied with the Education toys. Substantial results can be gained and by the help of toys children's interest level will surely increase. As they wish to play, they will also wish to clear their concepts and in knowing what they actually do not know. Knowledge is power and we all know that. Education toys help in getting such power in a short span of time. Education toys act as a convenient way. When the children will play with the toys this way they will be able to study as well. So, Education toys as an important tool have made it feasible for combining studies with playing. So, playing and studies can be done together simultaneously if the access is given to the toys. Incessant progress in studies is achieved when the Education toys are used for enhancing the incentive. The efficacy lies with the toys. Without playing the life becomes insipid.

This time, when you buy Education toys for your kids then you will not have to stop your children from playing and they will be studying. Children do not have to sit for long studying the books. This can really make them bore and ultimately they will not be able to concentrate more on studies. Toys can help developing the concepts and parents can attain the state of gratification. Education toys actually form an amazing nexus between the books and the kids and this nexus is really useful and in fact helpful. Playing with these toys can never leave one in pandemonium. The parents can get relaxation. Some of such toys are dainty. This is an exquisite opportunity for parents to help their kids concentrating more on studies. This is not an arduous task. All that you have to do is to buy your kids the best toys from a well-known toy store. The toys should be reliable and should have been created purposefully. Veteran people should have created the toys as they are aware of children's needs. Let your children live a vivacious life. Success is not only about books. Co-curricular activities are of great worth. Parents need to think this. Limpid results can be achieved once you allow your child playing with these toys.

DIY Toys World, an online education toys store has great deals for education toys.

Education - Online Versus Offline - How To Decide The Best Option For You

With the available of education online, you have more than one option to complete a degree. You may choose to complete your college via traditional way where you have to attend the degree program in a brick-and-mortal college; or you can opt to pursue the degree online. Both options have the advantages and disadvantages. But, the advantages of education via online option may not benefit you if it is not the best option for you. So, you have to decide the education option that best fits for you regardless of the current trend of getting a degree online. Below are the 3 tips that you can use to decide the best way to pursue a degree:

1. List down the advantages and the benefits for each option

You will need two papers, or two spreadsheets for doing the assessment of the advantages and benefits for both education formats. Divide each paper/spreadsheet into two columns and label one column with "Advantages" and another column as "Benefits". You can easily find the advantages of getting an education online from many online resources. List them down on a paper or spreadsheet. With the same process, find out the advantages of traditional education option and do the same by listing them down on another spreadsheet. Then, write the benefit of each advantage for education online and offline. The best education option should be the one with the most advantages that benefit you.

2. What is your prefer learning style?

There are many factors that make a success online student. In fact, online learning style and offline learning format have big differences. Students need to be able to adapt to online learning style if they want to successful in education online. You have to make sure you are one of the successful online students, else traditional education will be a better option for you. First, search from the internet on how to be successful online students. List down the factors to success in earning a degree online. You will find factors such as self-motivation, the ability of learning by reading instead of hearing to the lectures are among the factors of a successful online student. Are you able to adapt to these types of learning styles and be self-motivated to progress through the online degree program? Assess these factors sincerely and answer these questions honestly. If you have passed the self-assessment and ready to be an online student, then you are ready to pursue an education online.

3. Will you be a successful online student?

Many students have a misleading mindset about online education. They think everyone can success in online learning. In fact, the yearly online education reports have shown many students who have tried to earn a degree online failed to complete the courses. There are a few key factors to ensure a successful online students. You need to have the characteristics of a successful online students. Self-motivation, effectively time management and the ability to read and understand the learning materials in text format are among the factors that make a successful online student. Are you having these characteristics? If yes, your decision for education online is right, else you may be more successful as the traditional classroom-based student.

Summary

Education online and offline are the two options for you to pursue a degree. Use the above 3 tips to help you find the best education format for you.

Jullie Havert is an author who focus on providing online education information. Visit [http://www.your-online-degree.info] to find online degree programs offered by accredited online universities [http://www.studykiosk.com].

Religion, Science and Education For a Better Society

Human beings have evolved as pattern-seeking animals. We perceive sequences of events and we see shapes and objects seemingly organized in particular ways, and we tend to want to find a reason for that often-apparent level of organization. We see random sequences around us, and we have devised mental mechanisms that allow us to see them organized in patterns. This mechanism helped our ancestors better cope with their natural surroundings and potential dangers such as a pair of menacing eyes staring from within the foliage, but did not equip them with the tools to discern when a pattern actually exists and when those patterns just seem to exist. Thus, we think we see faces on Mars, dogs and dragons in the night sky, or the image of the Virgin Mary on the glass windows of an office building reflecting a distorted image of a nearby tree.

The beliefs held by those people better adapted to stay alive until they had offspring were the beliefs that in turn survived. Since people like to tell and hear stories, they told them to other people around the fire and taught them to their offspring, who in turn told them to their own offspring. Some of those beliefs were instrumental in their survival. The collective set of practical ideas together with beliefs in the supernatural in these primitive societies in time turned into organized religions.

A religion is nothing more than a collective, self-perpetuating delusion. It is the sum of a large array of self-replicating ideas called memes. A meme, as defined by the Oxford English Dictionary is "An element of a culture or a system of behavior that may be considered to be passed from one individual to another by non-genetic means, especially imitation." To this definition we should add inculcation, as memes are transmitted and propagated by imitation as well as inculcation. A group of memes that "work together" towards a "common" goal, such as a religion, a constitution or a set of social norms such as the "rules" of courtship is called a memeplex. Memes are a form of thought contagion because they change our conventional understanding of human beings as capable of creating original ideas and/or acquiring them, to the notion that ideas acquire people. Because of the pernicious effects of religions, as well as their memetic makeup, they can be considered a virus of the mind.

In order for a meme to be successful it needs to replicate. Thus, a successful meme does not have to be good or useful; just like a gene, it just needs to be passed along to the next generation. Similarly, a meme is considered to be successful if and when it acquires a new mind. This can be achieved by "convincing" the host to propagate the meme because by doing so something nice is going to happen, whereas by not propagating the meme something terrible will happen.

Additionally, the meme can protect itself from critical thought and reason by claiming the superiority of faith over reason. It can ensure propagation by claiming to be of divine origin (and therefore be absolute truth), and by carrying the instructions to help people infected by the meme and attack those who do not. The two self-referential concepts "Propagate me" and "I am the only truth" are thus the driving forces that enable religious memes to infect new hosts. The mechanisms by which a meme replicates are therefore by ensuring it takes long-term residence in its host and by creating the conditions for it to spread.

A successful religious meme needs to use some or all of the following mechanisms in order to acquire a host:

1. Promise heaven in exchange for belief.

2. Threaten eternal punishment in hell for disbelief.

3. Position the believer as superior to those who believe in other, "false" memes ("the chosen people", "the true religion", etc.).

4. Create an immune response to contradicting memes by claiming that faith is superior to reason, thus disabling the faculties of disbelief.

5. Establish itself unequivocally as the "One True Meme". Some sort of "holy" book accomplishes this. The book contains a circular self-referential argument in which the book's authority comes from a higher source of universal truth that established that meme as the "One True Meme". Because the meme contains statements that the source of universal truth has approved that meme we can therefore conclude that what the meme says is true.

After a meme has acquired the mind of its host, it needs to propagate. It can achieve this by using some or all of the following strategies:

1. Convert or kill all unbelievers by means of a (holy) war.

2. Threaten and discriminate against unbelievers by intimidation and terrorism.

3. Enforce social isolation or even death to apostates. Since apostasy within the community of believers might encourage meme-resistance in others it is especially dangerous to the meme.

4. Encourage true believers to breed faster than believers in false memes.

5. Prevent rival memes from reaching potential hosts by curtailing freedom of thought, freedom of speech and by using censorship.

6. Spread lies about rival memes by use of disinformation. Lies are more likely to be believed the higher the level of disinformation is, the more other memes are demonized, and the bigger those lies are.