Moments of Awareness

We listen to music and talk to people. Watch on cable channel 11 in the Boise area or on-line at TVCTVOnline.org . Watch previous shows here , and check out the backgrounds here . Join us at MOA's Facebook page  for discussion throughout the week. :) This week MOA will be hosted by Stretch and Mr. Wizard, as we (Peace & the Dudes) will be at a friend's gingerbread-house-decorating party (to which we are all very much looking forward :)). The J's are comin' out from behind the glass curtain to show y'all what we love about 'em and why the show wouldn't be the same without 'em. :) We're hoping to watch, and hoping to get through and give a shout-out (we'll be watchin' on-line, which as you may know make a conversation interesting but often also confusing :)), and we'll miss y'all, but as much as we love our callers we love our neighbors, too, and we're lookin' forward to hangin' with them for a Saturday evening. Th...

Total Eclipse of the Moon Dec. 2, 2011: Waking up before sunrise can be tough to do, especially on a weekend.  On Saturday, Dec. 10th, you might be glad you did.  A total eclipse of the Moon will be visible in the early morning skies of western Northern America... . via science.nasa.gov Check this out...:) Posted via email from Moments of Awareness

Courtesy Kootenai County Sheriff's Dept. Daren Abbey The Coeur d'Alene Press reports [link defunct] that a north Idaho man entered a so-called "Alford" plea on Thursday, admitting that there was enough evidence to convict him of a hate crime. Prosecutors said that Daren Abbey had threatened to stab a black man, saying "blacks were not welcome in Bayview and he had better leave before something happened," according to police. Abbey then allegedly poked the victim in the chest. But Abbey, a self-proclaimed skinhead who sports several neo-Nazi tatoos, got knocked out with one punch by the black man during the July 3 incident. Abbey later told officials that he felt he had been "hit by a brick." Abbey apparently was unaware of the writing on the back of the black man's T-shirt: "Spokane Boxing Club Champion." Abbey was charged with felony malicious harassment (Idaho's hate-crime law) and battery. He was released, but will n...

Reactions similar to those inside this nuclear power plant in Georgia arose spontaneously around 2 billion years ago in the Oklo region of Gabon, Africa. CREDIT: U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission View full size image While modern-day humans use the most advanced engineering to build nuclear reactors, Nature sometimes makes them by accident. Evidence for a cluster of natural nuclear reactors has been found on Earth, and some scientists say our planet may have had many more in its ancient past. There's also reason to think other planets might have had their own naturally occurring nuclear reactors, though evidence to confirm this is hazy. If they did exist, the large amounts of radiation and energy released by such reactors would have had complicated effects on any life developing on this or other worlds, experts say. [...] ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ This story was provided by  Astrobiology Magazine , a web-based publication sponsored by the NASA as...

Artist's concept of the four tails of the Sagittarius dwarf galaxy (orange clump on left of the image) orbiting the Milky Way. The bright yellow circle to the right of the Milky Way's center is our sun (not to scale). We can see the Sagittarius galaxy's star tails stretching across the sky. CREDIT: Amanda Smith, Institute of Astronomy, University of Cambridge View full size image Our Milky Way galaxy is a messy eater, leaving streams of star "crumbs" spread across the sky after chomping its smaller neighbors, a new study reports. Astronomers have found two such streams emanating from the Sagittarius dwarf galaxy , torn off by the Milky Way's huge gravitational pull. The two newfound star tails are in the southern galactic hemisphere, and they meet up with two others previously known from Sagittarius in the northern galactic hemisphere. "Sagittarius is like a beast with four tails," study co-author Wyn Evans, of...

The cashier who beat two female patrons with a metal rod after they hurdled the counter at a McDonald’s in New York City was freed from prison Friday after a grand jury refused to indict him in connection with the mid-October incident, which was videotaped by a patron. Rayon McIntosh’s release from Rikers Island came following an 11-day grand jury presentment made by prosecutors with the Manhattan district attorney’s office. McIntosh, 31, was named in a criminal  [...] Full article at  thesmokinggun.com   Posted via email from Moments of Awareness

The newly discovered black holes dwarf previously known heavyweights A US team has found the two biggest "supermassive" black holes known to science, Nature journal reports. Sitting at the centres of two nearby galaxies, the two objects have masses close to 10 billion times greater than our Sun. Such large black holes had been suspected to exist, but, until now, the biggest known was some 6.3 billion times the mass of the Sun. [...] Full article at  bbc.co.uk   Posted via email from Moments of Awareness

Species such as the white-shoulder ibis need arable landscapes to survive, say researchers Several threatened species in the developing world are completely dependent on human agriculture for their survival, say scientists. A study by researchers at the University of East Anglia (UEA), found at least 30 bird species that would be driven to extinction without farmland. The research is published in the journal Conservation Letters. This study focused on birds, but the team say the same probably applies to many [...] Full article at  bbc.co.uk It seems a little glossed over here that the possibility exists that if these farmlands, instead of being converted to sub-/urban areas, were allowed to return to their natural state, the grazing animals would come back, probably with enough support reachieve healthy herd numbers, and serve their purpose once again. Posted via email from Moments of Awareness

Homosexual acts are already illegal in Nigeria. But for its lawmakers that does not appear to be categorical enough. [...] ~~~~~~~~~~~~ Jonah Fisher reports from Abuja. Video and full blurb at  bbc.co.uk We in the US'll be next on that bandwagon, way things are goin'. Posted via email from Moments of Awareness

Scientists in Australia have succeeded, for the first time, in freezing particles from the Great Barrier Reef. [...] Video and full blurb at  bbc.co.uk   Posted via email from Moments of Awareness

The study involved more than 10,000 people in a number of European countries People who like a lie-in may now have an excuse - it is at least partly down to their genes, according to experts. Experts, who studied more than 10,000 people across Europe, found those with the gene ABCC9 need around 30 minutes more sleep per night than those without the gene. The gene is carried by one in five Europeans, they say in their study, published in Molecular Psychiatry. [...] People's sleep needs can differ significantly. At the extreme, Margaret Thatcher managed on four hours of sleep a night while Albert Einstein needed 11. [...] He added: "It's interesting to know about these genes, but in a way our genes are an irrelevance unless you were actually to obey them - but none of us do that." Full article at  bbc.co.uk Actually, I do, and little Dude does. He has always had that luxury, I have for several years, and I firmly believe that a great ma...

In a lab in southern California scientists are curing the previously incurable with little more than a mirror, and changing our understanding of the brain in the process. In mid-November the team at the University of California San Diego (UCSD) announced the results of a small pilot study which suggests that a simple mind trick involving mirrors can help ease the pain of osteoarthritis, a condition that affects one in 10 people. That study is in its very early stages, but since the mid-1990s neuroscientist [...] ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Find out more about VS Ramachandran's work on Exchanges at the Frontier from the BBC World Service in association with the Wellcome Collection. Listen to the programme here. Full article at  bbc.co.uk   Posted via email from Moments of Awareness

Internet mating - the arranged romance between gorillas Bana and Kwan at Lincoln Park Zoo in Chicago Zoo biologists use genetic analysis, demographic statistics and keen familiarity to plan the sex lives of their charges. Their goal is to avoid inbreeding and produce healthy offspring, but sometimes, even the best scientists and most attentive zoo-keepers cannot prevent a tragedy. The couple seemed like a good pair. Already sporting a distinguished coat of grey fur at the age of 22, he was a stout, hale and hearty father of a young son. [...] Full article at  bbc.co.uk But we'll never do this with humans. No way, that'd just be wrong. Actually, we already do it through sperm and egg donation screening, and screening of embryos for various identifiable genetic traits, and frankly there *is* nothin' wrong with it as long as it's at the behest of the parents and not a governing or corporate entity. There'll always be different opinions as to...

It is a beguiling idea - harvest sunshine, and a little wind, from the empty deserts of North Africa and the Middle East, and use it to produce clean power for the region and for Europe. Desertec, a group based in Germany with heavyweight commercial backers including Siemens and Deutsche Bank, says the scheme would also bring the regions around the Mediterranean closer together, while providing jobs and stability for the countries in the south. It has chosen Morocco, which is embarking on its own ambitious solar [...] Full article at  bbc.co.uk It makes more sense to create smaller capture devices that can be placed locally and then, where possible and reasonable, connected to create a stable grid supplied from many diverse sources. Also, how long d'ya s'pose it'll be before the areas where sunlight is captured cool down, become more temperate (and habitable), these huge plants no longer function properly and everyone who depends upon them is screwed? That...

Having a baby is supposed to be one of the happiest times of your life. But for some women, childbirth can be the trigger that causes them to temporarily 'lose their minds'. Every year, about 1,000 women in the UK suffer from what is called postpartum psychosis. Most of them will need several weeks in hospital to help them recover but, because of the stigma of mental illness, it is not often talked about. When I gave birth to my baby daughter Ettie, I was absolutely elated. But this elation soon turned into a form of mania - non-stop talking, an inability to sleep, an [...] ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Clare Dolman presents Unravelling Eve on Monday 5 December 2011 at 1100 GMT on BBC Radio 4 and then afterwards on BBC iPlayer . Full article at  bbc.co.uk And if we talk about some of these things, perhaps we'll choose to revisit the cases of some or many of the mothers who've committed heinous crimes against their children. Nothing will make what they'...

Japanese police said some of the luxury vehicles were beyond repair A luxury sports car outing in Japan has ended in what may be one of the most expensive car crashes in history. Eight Ferraris, three Mercedes-Benzes, a Lamborghini and two other vehicles were involved in the pile-up in the southern prefecture of Yamaguchi. No-one was seriously hurt, but the road was closed for six hours after the accident. Media reports estimate the damaged cars are worth at least 300m yen ($3.85m; [...] Full article at  bbc.co.uk Major bummer, man. Posted via email from Moments of Awareness

Aragonite and gypsum deposits at the edge of the Dead Sea record the region's climate history Sediments drilled from beneath the Dead Sea reveal that this most remarkable of water bodies all but disappeared 120,000 years ago. It is a discovery of high concern say scientists because it demonstrates just how dry the Middle East can become during Earth's warm phases. In such ancient times, few if any humans were living around the Dead Sea. Today, its feed waters are intercepted by large populations and the lake level is [...] The surface of the Dead Sea is falling by about a metre a year Jonathan.Amos-INTERNET@bbc.co.uk Full article at  bbc.co.uk   Posted via email from Moments of Awareness

The researchers say molybdenite microchips would need less power than existing silicon-based circuits The first computer chip made out of a substance described as a "promising" alternative to silicon has been tested by researchers. The Switzerland-based team used molybdenite (MoS2) - a dark-coloured, naturally occurring mineral. The group said the substance could be used in thinner layers than silicon, which is currently the most commonly used component in electronics. [...] Full article at  bbc.co.uk   Posted via email from Moments of Awareness

A sandwich which stays fresh for up to two years has been developed for the US army as Dr George McGavin found out as part of his investigation into what happens when food rots. [...] Video and full blurb at  bbc.co.uk   Posted via email from Moments of Awareness

From: paul peterson Date: Thu, Dec 1, 2011 at 3:23 PM Hello!     Well, after a slight adjustment....here's where I've landed! The largest dealer and broker of Collector and Investment Automobiles in California, and the 4th largest in the Nation. Under NEW OWNERSHIP and backing, Specialty Sales Classics is poised to become even larger in 2012! Specialty Sales Classics has been in business over 28 years, and I'm thrilled to be on the team! We have 4 fully indoor, insured and bonded locations, and over 220 Classic cars in our showrooms, and our website. There are always more Classics being prepared to sell....call me and see if your dream car is currently in stock! I can also assist you in selling YOUR classic and get you top market value by putting it into our inventory, and presenting it to a Worldwide audience. Specialty sales has 4 showrooms staffed with experts in Collector cars to help  your Classic find it's next home. I'll send you another note soon, and ge...

From: Ratchet Date: Fri, Dec 2, 2011 at 3:27 PM   Ratchet Concord, CA Alternative / Rock / Nu Metal Play Songs »   Share Songs »   Visit Profile »  December 10th., 2011 Ratchet will perform live in studio on KSCU 103.3 FM Santa Clara University Stream it live 3 pm - 6 pm -  www.kscu.org Call in and join the party @  408-554-5728       December 16th., 2011 Ratchet show at the SubMission Art Gallery in San Francisco ALL AGES!!!!  $5 admission 2183 Mission St   San Francisco   Phone:  (415) 970-0920 December 31st., 2011 New Years Eve Party!!!! Chris' Club 656 Benicia Road - Vallejo www.chrisclub.com   Please help spread the word!!!   Ratchet www.facebook.com/ratchetsf     UPCOMING SHOWS KSCU 103.3 FM - Live on air performance Santa Clara, CA Sat Dec 10 11 03:00 PM   SUB-Mission San Francisco, CA Fri Dec 16 11 08:00 PM   Chris' Club Vallejo, CA Sat Dec 31 11...

Danger still lurks in DR Congo's forests It is an uncomfortable fact that decades of conflict and poverty in the Democratic Republic of Congo have helped to protect the world's second largest rainforest, and by extension to slow the process of global climate change. "Yes," says Thierry Bodson, who runs the World Wildlife Fund's programmes in the east of the country from the town of Goma. "In some places the presence of rebels has protected some areas. A lack of development has somehow protected the Congo basin." [...] Full article at  bbc.co.uk   Posted via email from Moments of Awareness

How would you cope with becoming a multimillionaire overnight? While many rich people are driven to become ever richer, others are discovering the joys of philanthropy and giving their wealth away. When Anne became a multimillionaire after her company floated in 2001, she was petrified - fearing her fortune would drive away the man she loved and lead her friends to desert her. "I paced back and forth in my little living room for about four hours, with my stomach knotted with fear, because there was one person in particular I was scared of [...] ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Lucy Kellaway interviews Anne in One to One on Radio 4 at 0930 GMT on Tuesday 6 December 2011. A new Radio 4 series How New is the New Philanthropy starts on Radio 4 at 2000 GMT on Monday 12 December. Listen online afterwards at the above links. Full article at  bbc.co.uk Money doesn't make people evil or uncaring. It can influence us in ways that cause us to lose sight of who we are, as can a...

From: Maha Yoga < events@mahayoga.com > Date: Wed, Dec 7, 2011 at 8:05 PM DECEMBER Events at Maha Yoga Chanting Yin Yoga Holotropic Breathing Christmas Donation Class SATURDAY 12/10 ECSTATIC CHANTING WITH STEVE ROSS 8:00pm Join Steve at Maha Yoga for a blissful evening of chanting. Guaranteed to infuse your mind with stillness and fill your heart with bliss. Wear comfortable clothing and bring a cushion to sit on. DONATION for our musicians. SUNDAY 12/18 Yin Yoga Workshop 2:00-4:00pm Increase your flexibility and lessen your chance of injury. During this 2-hour Yin Yoga workshop, Steve Ross will lead you through a series of floor poses that will open up tight muscles and channel energy through your meridians. $20 per person. SUNDAY 12/18 Holotrpic Breathing Workshop 8:00-10:00pm Take a trip with Steve Ross during his Holotropic Breathing workshop. Holotropic Breathing is a practice that uses the breath to allow access to non-ordinary s...

Prostitutes wearing masks rallied outside the National Assembly France's parliament has backed a proposal to fight prostitution by making payment for sex a crime punishable by fines and prison. The National Assembly approved by a show of hands a cross-party, non-binding resolution which is due to be followed by a bill. Six-month prison sentences and fines of 3,000 euros (£2,580; $4,000) are envisaged for clients of prostitutes. [...] Full article at  bbc.co.uk   Posted via email from Moments of Awareness

Bangladesh, August 2007 Grand statements about climate change impacts are all very well for scientists - a global average temperature rise of so many degrees Celsius, a global change in precipitation of such-and-such percent. But no-one lives on the global average. We all have a home - and what might be very useful, be you a farmer or a city-dweller, would be some precise indications of what the future holds for your farm, your street, your village. It's precisely what many people here at the UN climate talks are worrying about. [...] As a policymaker, as a business leader, as a citizen, would you make decisions on the basis of these models? Full article at  bbc.co.uk No, I would not make decisions on the basis of these models, but I'm glad the models are being made, as their descendants *will*, at some point, be able to give accurate predictions for local areas. Without these models we'll never reach that point, and as we get closer to it we need al...

Together again: Changmao and Chunzi are now back in the same pen A Chinese zoo has said a doe and a ram which became close friends but were forcibly separated will be reunited. Their split had caused such torment that Changmao the ram became violent, while Chunzi the doe had squeezed through the fence to be near to him. After only two hours mercy was shown and now the couple will be allowed to live happily ever after at Yunnan Wild Animal Park, Kunming, said China Daily. [...] Full article at  bbc.co.uk Aw! :) Posted via email from Moments of Awareness

Ever wondered what Antarctica would look like without all that ice? Scientists have produced the most detailed map yet of the White Continent's underbelly - its rock bed. Called simply BEDMAP, this startling view of the landscape beneath the ice incorporates decades of survey data acquired by planes, satellites, ships and even people on dog-drawn sleds. [...] ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Jonathan.Amos-INTERNET@bbc.co.uk Full article at  bbc.co.uk   Posted via email from Moments of Awareness

The car won, but only with the help of two slugs from Officer Weiss' shotgun. Dude's fine, a little stiff and sore, still got bits of glass showin' up in weird places, but he was quick on the brakes and managed to get it below whatever speed it is at which the airbags deploy. Still, wasted the hood and windshield, one of the headlights, the grill... pretty much the best-case scenario of what you'd expect from a small-vehicle impact with a young adult cow (as in female elk, in this case, as opposed to female bovine; also, for our European friends, the animal to which you refer as an elk is called a moose here, and is slightly larger than an American elk , but only slightly). We've been here in the Boise Mountains seven years now, drivin' Highway 21 twice a day at least six days a week for most of that time, and while there've been lots of nights, like last Saturday for instance, where there were deer or elk everywhere along the roads, we've never really ...

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Allen Telescope Array CREDIT: SETI.org View full size image MOFFETT FIELD, Calif. — Astronomers have rebooted their search for intelligent life on alien planets, and they've got thousands of targets to scan. After hibernating for more than seven months, a set of radio telescopes run by the SETI (Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence) Institute has once again begun listening for signals from the many alien planet candidates discovered by NASA's Kepler space telescope, researchers announced Monday (Dec. 5). "This morning, at 6:18, we began re-observing the Kepler worlds ," Jill Tarter [...] ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ You can follow SPACE.com senior writer Mike Wall on Twitter: @michaeldwall . Follow SPACE.com for the latest in space science and exploration news on Twitter @Spacedotcom and on Facebook . Full article at  space.com   Posted via email from Moments of Awareness

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The Solar and Heliospheric Observatory captured this shot of a huge coronal mass ejection on Oct. 1, 2011, shortly after a comet dove into the sun (inset, right). CREDIT: SOHO/NASA/ESA View full size image A newly discovered comet is racing toward a mid-December rendezvous with the sun — a rendezvous that it will likely not survive.  The comet is categorized by astronomers as a " sungrazer " and it is destined to do just that; literally graze the surface of the sun (called the photosphere) and pass through the sun's intensely hot corona, where temperatures have been measured at upwards of 3.6-million degrees Fahrenheit (2-million degrees Celsius).  While the comet will not collide with the sun, most astronomers say the odds are [...] ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Joe Rao serves as an instructor and guest lecturer at New York's Hayden Planetarium. He writes about astronomy for The New York Times and other publications, and he is also an ...

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