October 22, 2014

Hydrogen-powered forklifts gaining prominence

Some warehouses have already shifted to hydrogen-powered forklifts; technology is cleaner, more efficient and as safe as lead-acid batteries, says senior engineer.

Tim Alamenciak Mon Oct 20 2014 TheStar.com

Hydrogen fuel cells are proving to be a viable replacement for lead-acid batteries used in forklifts at warehouses, according to Keith Wipke, a senior engineer at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory in the United States.

The technology works by replacing traditional lead-acid batteries in forklifts and other equipment with hydrogen fuel cells that can be refilled by on-site tanks. “The fuel cell reacts hydrogen with oxygen from the air (and) that produces pure water, heat and electricity. It behaves much like a battery,” said Wipke.

Canadian Tire plans to implement hydrogen-powered vehicles, and potentially hydrogen production, at a controversial 1.5 million-square-foot distribution warehouse currently under construction in Caledon.

Wipke said many warehouses opt to have their hydrogen shipped in and stored in liquid form on-site, where it can be protected by concrete posts and fences, like propane tanks are protected at gas stations. Other facilities may choose to manufacture the hydrogen on-site through one of two main methods: electrolysis or steam methane reforming...
http://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2014/10/20/hydrogenpowered_forklifts_gaining_prominence.html

Related: Air Liquide Installs Hydrogen Forklifts at its Supply Chain Platform in Vatry, France

October 18, 2014

GMO labeling foes spend big on campaigns in Oregon, Colorado

Carey Gillam Fri Oct 17, 2014

(Reuters) - Opponents of GMO food labeling proposals on the ballot next month in Oregon and Colorado have contributed roughly $20 million for campaigning against the proposed laws, nearly triple the money raised by supporters of the initiatives, campaign finance reports show.

Both measures would require labels on foods made with genetically engineered crops, which are common in the United States. Voters in Colorado and Oregon weigh in on the issue in mid-term election voting on Nov. 6.

Similar mandatory labeling measures failed at the ballot box in California in 2012 and in Washington state in 2013. Vermont passed a mandatory labeling law this year, but a group of grocery manufacturers has sued to block the law.

Opponents who have contributed to defeat the measure include a long list of corporate powerhouses such as Monsanto Co., the leading developer of biotech crops. Other large contributors include PepsiCo Inc.,, Kellogg Co. and Kraft Foods.(KRAFTB.UL)...MORE
http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/10/17/us-usa-gmo-labeling-idUSKCN0I621H20141017

Related: Monsanto gives $2.5 million against GMO labeling
By The Associated Press Published: Oct 16, 2014

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — Biotechnology giant Monsanto is ramping up its spending toward trying to defeat a November ballot measure that would require labeling of genetically modified foods in Oregon.

Filings with the Secretary of State's office show Monsanto contributed $2.5 million to labeling opponents last week. Thus far, the St. Louis, Missouri-based company has contributed $4 million in Oregon.

The anti-labeling camp has so far raised $10 million, compared to $5.4 million for the pro-labeling side.

The measure would require manufacturers, retailers and suppliers to label foods produced by genetic engineering.

In Colorado, where GMO labeling is also on the ballot, Monsanto has contributed nearly $5 million to the anti-labeling campaign...
MORE: http://www.katu.com/news/local/Monsanto-gives-25-million-against-GMO-labeling--279469992.html

Genetically Engineered Food Labeling Laws Map

The GE Food labeling Law map shows the laws in more than sixty countries regarding genetically engineered food labeling.

The 64 Countries that Require GMO Labeling

Australia
Austria
Belarus
Belgium
Bolivia
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Brazil
Bulgaria
Cameroon
China
Croatia
Cyprus
Czech Republic
Denmark
Ecuador
El Salvador
Estonia
Ethiopia
Finland
France
Germany
Greece
Hungary
Iceland
India
Indonesia
Ireland
Italy
Japan
Jordan
Kazakhstan
Kenya
Latvia
Lithuania
Luxembourg
Malaysia
Mali
Malta
Mauritius
Netherlands
New Zealand
Norway
Peru
Poland
Portugal
Romania
Russia
Saudi Arabia
Senegal
Slovakia
Slovenia
South Africa
South Korea
Spain
Sri Lanka
Sweden
Switzerland
Taiwan
Thailand
Tunisia
Turkey
Ukraine
United Kingdom
Vietnam

http://www.centerforfoodsafety.org/reports/1413/genetically-engineered-food-labeling-laws-map#

http://naturalsociety.com/64-countries-require-gmo-labeling-not-united-states/

October 15, 2014

2,500 year old Siberian Princess had breast cancer, used Cannabis to cope

Anna Liesowska SiberianTimes.com 14 October 2014

'Princess Ukok' mummy in Anokhin museum, Gorno-Altaisk.
Picture: Alexander Tyryshkin

Studies of the mummified Ukok 'princess' - named after the permafrost plateau in the Altai Mountains where her remains were found - have already brought extraordinary advances in our understanding of the rich and ingenious Pazyryk culture.

The tattoos on her skin are works of great skill and artistry, while her fashion and beauty secrets - from items found in her burial chamber which even included a 'cosmetics bag' - allow her impressive looks to be recreated more than two millennia after her death.

Now Siberian scientists have discerned more about the likely circumstances of her demise, but also of her life, use of cannabis, and why she was regarded as a woman of singular importance to her mountain people.


Dr Andrey Letyagin; scans show right breast tumor and metastatic lymph nodes

Her use of drugs to cope with the symptoms of her illnesses evidently gave her 'an altered state of mind', leading her kinsmen to the belief that she could communicate with the spirits, the experts believe...

...It is known that in her burial chamber was a container of cannabis...

MORE: http://siberiantimes.com/science/casestudy/features/iconic-2500-year-old-siberian-princess-died-from-breast-cancer-reveals-unique-mri-scan/

October 15, 2014

France deploying test fleet of 50 fuel-cell light commercial vehicles

GreenCarCongress.com 10 October 2014

Renault Kangoo Z.E.

Under the project HyWay, France will deploy 50 fuel cell light commercial vehicles around 2 hydrogen distribution stations in Lyon and Grenoble. The project is jointly supported by the government (DREALs and ADEME) and the Regional Council of Rhône-Alpes .

The 18-month project will use 50 Kangoo ZEs fitted with fuel cells. Seven industrial partners, alongside the Atomic Energy Commission (CEA), are conducting this demonstration project: Air Liquide; the Compagnie Nationale du Rhône (CNR); Gas Electricité de Grenoble (GEG); McPhy; PUS (Cofely Services); STEF; and Symbio FCELL...

...In a second phase, the project provides for the development and production of hydrogen from local renewable energy.
http://www.greencarcongress.com/2014/10/20141010-france.html

Source: The first fleet of hydrogen vehicles will be deployed in France
Avere-France Mobilite Electric October 10, 2014
Translation: Google

The Tenerrdis now works with as many as seven industrial partners alongside the Atomic Energy Commission (CEA) to conduct this demonstration project preindustrial Air Liquide, the Compagnie Nationale du Rhône (CNR), and Gas Electricité de Grenoble (GEG), McPhy, PUS (Cofely Services), STEF and Symbio FCELL.

For 18 months, the project will aim to HyWay operation, the Rhône-Alpes region, 50 vehicles Kangoo ZE fitted with integrated hydrogen kits. Multiple stakeholders will participate and lend itself to experimentation of hydrogen mobility, including companies, research centers or local authorities...
http://www.france-mobilite-electrique.org/la-premiere-flotte-de-vehicules-a-hydrogene-va-etre-deployee-en-france,5670.html

**************************

"Personally, I don't care what Elon, Carlos, or Jonathan say about fuel cells" Toyota SVP Bob Carter said at the Automotive News World Congress this week, referring also to Nissan CEO Carlos Ghosn and former VW America chief Jonathan Browning. "If they want to "plug in and tune out" other technologies, that's fine." Carter's outspoken comments come as Toyota announces another sales milestone for its hybrid fleet. SOURCE

October 14, 2014

"Hydrogen Claptrap" from Dr. Michio Kaku, Ph.D. and others

The reader can believe posters that say that this Hydrogen talk is "claptrap"
or, they can believe people like Dr. Michio Kaku Ph.D. and Dr Chris Borroni-Bird

Dr. Chris Borroni-Bird (Featured in video)
Vice President, Strategic Development
Qualcomm Technologies Inc.

Dr. Chris Borroni-Bird joined Qualcomm Technologies Inc. as a VP of Strategic Development in August 2012 and is responsible for developing and implementing a transportation vision around wireless technologies (both wireless power for electric vehicles and wireless communications between vehicles).

Prior to this, Dr. Borroni-Bird was GM’s Director of Advanced Technology Vehicle Concepts and Electric Networked Vehicle (EN-V)Program. The EN-V concepts are small battery powered urban mobility vehicles that can be driven autonomously and were demonstrated extensively at the 2010 Shanghai World Expo. Chris was selected as one of Automotive News’ Electrifying 100 in 2011.

He also led GM’s Autonomy, Hy-wire and Sequel “skateboard” vehicle concepts. Before joining GM in 2000, he led Chrysler’s gasoline fuel cell vehicle development and was inducted into the Automotive Hall of Fame as a Young Leader in 2000.

Dr. Borroni-Bird is co-author of “Reinventing the Automobile: Personal Urban Mobility for the 21st Century”, with Larry Burns and the late Bill Mitchell, that was published by MIT Press in 2010.

Chris obtained his Bachelors and Masters degrees in Natural Sciences from King's College, Cambridge, completed his Ph.D in Surface Science from Cambridge University and performed Post-doctoral research in solid state physics from the University of Tokyo.

http://www.cargroup.org/?module=Speakers&confID=5&event=Biography&speakerID=117

Testing the Toyota Fuel Cell Vehicle in 120F heat- Hydrogen Claptrap or the work of a company dedicated to advancing clean mobility. You decide.

October 14, 2014

Scott Bennett, Ph.D., US Army Special Operations Officer (11th Psychological Operations Battalion)

http://noliesradio.org/archives/89945

This show was broadcast on October 12, 2014

We live in an age of out-of-control psy-ops…and nobody understands that better than Scott Bennett, U.S. Army Special Operations Officer (11th Psychological Operations Battalion, Civil Affairs-Psychological Operations Command) and global psychological warfare-counterterrorism analyst, who is outraged that the CIA-linked Deep State is funding ISIS (“the best enemy money can buy”) and al-Qaeda.

Scott was formerly with defense contractor Booz Allen Hamilton. He received a Direct Commission as an Officer, held a Top Secret/Sensitive Compartmentalized Information (TS/SCI) security clearance, and worked in the highest levels of international counterterrorism in Washington DC and MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa, Florida.

He has developed and managed psychological warfare theories, products, and operations for U.S. Special Operations Command, U.S. Central Command, the State Department Coordinator for Counterterrorism, and other government agencies. He served in the G.W. Bush Administration from 2003 to 2008, and was a Social Science Research Fellow at the Heritage Foundation. Since 2010 Scott has filed numerous military-government whistle-blowing reports with Congressional Committees, including: the Intelligence, the Armed Services, the Government Oversight and Reform, the Homeland Security, the Judiciary, the Foreign Affairs, the Banking, and the Terrorism Committees.

His educational background includes a Bachelor of Science in Advertising and Spanish Minor from San Jose State University in California, a Master of Arts in International Business and Public Policy from George Mason University in Virginia, and a Ph.D. (ABD) in Political Theory from the Catholic University of America in Washington D.C. He currently resides in California.

WARNING: In the event of my untimely death, additional documents and materials will be immediately released which expose all previously undisclosed persons, networks, operations, and financial accounts relating to illegal foreign and domestic terrorism activities. All materials have been safely uploaded to legal counsel. Congress and Military authorities have been notified of this.
http://armypsyop.wix.com/scottbennett?_escaped_fragment_=bio/c1ktj#!bio/c1ktj

October 12, 2014

Japan rises to challenge of becoming ‘hydrogen society’

Hydrogen viewed as key to energy needs after Fukushima
Kazuaki Nagata, Japantimes Oct 12, 2014

Since the 2011 onset of the Fukushima nuclear disaster, Japan has had to drastically revise an energy policy that had long heralded atomic power as its main source of energy.

The new energy policy announced in April outlines plans to decrease Japan’s nuclear dependence as much as possible, while boosting renewable energy sources.

At the same time, it also says the government will promote the use of hydrogen to pave the way for a “hydrogen society.”



“Hydrogen, which can achieve high energy efficiency, low environmental burden and capability for emergency use, provided appropriate usage, is expected to play a central role as a secondary energy source,” the government’s policy report said...

...The hydrogen white paper thus says Japan should obtain the gas from water using electrolysis...MORE
http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2014/10/12/national/japan-rises-challenge-becoming-hydrogen-society/

The US can watch, but it's paying more attention to bombing civilians. "Out of sight, out of mind". Meanwhile, Joe Biden's son Hunter is looking for more ways to "help" fracking in Ukraine.

October 11, 2014

Massive New $50 Million SolarCity-Honda Megadeal Could Open Fuel Cell EV Door

Tina Casey Cleantechnica October 9th, 2014

With barely a pause for breath after its groundbreaking MyPower solar financing announcement earlier this week, the leading solar company SolarCity is out with another megadeal. This one involves Honda in a $50 million venture to finance solar projects for Honda and Acura customers and dealerships in the U.S.

The new SolarCity-Honda deal actually adds $50 million to an existing $65 million solar financing pot that the two companies established last year, so it’s not exactly new as in never-before new. However, when we first covered the launch of the partnership back in 2013 we skipped over an interesting angle that just occurred to us this minute.

Yep, that would be the f-word, as in fuel cell electric vehicles...snip

SolarCity, Honda, and FCEVs

Keep in mind that fuel cell electric vehicles are EVs, too, and you can see how this will get even more interesting for Honda.


Fuel cell for FCX Clarity fuel cell electric vehicle (cropped) courtesy of Honda.

Here’s the pitch about that extra $50 million in solar financing from Honda’s press release (emphasis added):

Envisioning a future in which personal mobility products will be powered in large part by renewable energy, the two companies have begun implementing co-marketing programs that specifically encourage owners of either solar powered homes or plug-in electric vehicles to adopt the complementary product.

In case you’re wondering why Honda didn’t just come right out and say plug in electric vehicles or BEVs (fancyspeak for battery electric vehicles), that’s probably because along with its BEV lineup, Honda is one of the two leading automotive fuel cell patent holders globally...MORE

Full article: http://cleantechnica.com/2014/10/09/new-50-million-solarcity-honda-megadeal-open-fcev-door/

Tina Casey specializes in military and corporate sustainability, advanced technology, emerging materials, biofuels, and water and wastewater issues. Tina’s articles are reposted frequently on Reuters, Scientific American, and many other sites. Views expressed are her own. Follow her on Twitter @TinaMCasey and Google+

The next generation Honda Hydrogen Fuel Cell Concept Car

October 10, 2014

News 5 Investigates: Mother claims cannabis cured son's cancer

by Eric Ross

Nearly two years ago, a Colorado Springs mother made the controversial decision to treat her son's cancer with cannabis, instead of chemotherapy. Her 4-year-old son, Landon, is now in remission.

Could marijuana really help fight cancer?

We talked with doctors who say a lot more research needs to be done for those claims to be validated. However, we found evidence of more parents allowing their children to use medical marijuana during chemotherapy to ease the side effects.

In Sierra Riddle's case, she stopped her son's chemo all together. It was a dangerous move according to doctors, but one Sierra believes saved her son's life.

Landon looks like your typical boy, riding his tricycle almost every afternoon. Unfortunately, he didn't always have this much energy. "Landon was 2 when he was diagnosed with aggressive T-Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia," Sierra said...>more + video

http://www.koaa.com/news/news-5-investigates-mother-claims-cannabis-cured-son-s-cancer/

Federal Government NIH Q&A: Have any preclinical (laboratory or animal) studies been conducted using Cannabis or cannabinoids?

A. Studies in mice and rats have shown that cannabinoids may inhibit tumor growth by causing cell death, blocking cell growth, and blocking the development of blood vessels needed by tumors to grow. Laboratory and animal studies have shown that cannabinoids may be able to kill cancer cells while protecting normal cells.

...A laboratory study of delta-9-THC in hepatocellular carcinoma (liver cancer) cells showed that it damaged or killed the cancer cells. The same study of delta-9-THC in mouse models of liver cancer showed that it had antitumor effects...
http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/pdq/cam/cannabis/patient/page2

October 9, 2014

Honda to exhibit Smart Hydrogen Station at Japanese expo

Autocar Pro News Desk Oct 07, 2014

Honda Motor Co has announced that it will exhibit a full-scale mockup of the Smart Hydrogen Station (SHS), and the Portable Inverter Box that enables external feeding of electricity from a fuel cell electric vehicle at the CEATEC JAPAN 2014, along with other products and technologies. CEATEC JAPAN will take place at Makuhari Messe in Chiba, Japan from today, October 7 through to October 11, 2014.

Honda says it has been committed to the development of sustainable energy technologies and electromotive technologies for mobility products. With the hope to enable more people to see and experience such Honda technologies and products, Honda will exhibit them at the comprehensive and cutting-edge IT and electronic exhibition, CEATEC JAPAN for the second consecutive year...

...Under ‘generate’, Honda will exhibit a full-size mockup of the Smart Hydrogen Station (SHS) and provide an easy-to-understand introduction of the system that generates hydrogen. The SHS is equipped with Honda’s original high-pressure water electrolysis system that does not require a compressor. Moreover, the SHS was jointly developed by Honda and Iwatani Corporation as the world’s first hydrogen station where the key components including a high-pressure hydrogen tank and a fueling nozzle are housed in a box-shaped package.

For the theme of ‘use’, Honda will introduce technologies for a fuel cell electric vehicle (FCV) which is powered by an electric motor that uses electricity generated through the chemical reaction of hydrogen generated by the hydrogen station. The exhibit includes formula car-like display that enables visitors to have fun while experiencing the concept of the use of hydrogen energy...MORE

http://www.autocarpro.in/news-international/honda-exhibit-smart-hydrogen-station-japanese-expo-6468

H2: The Next Big Thing