The standard model of physics got it right when it predicted where the mass of ordinary matter comes from, according to a massive new computational effort. Particle physics explains that the bulk of atoms is made up of protons and neutrons, which are themselves composed of smaller particles known as quarks, which in turn are bound by gluons. The odd thing is this: the mass of gluons is zero and the mass of quarks [accounts for] only five percent. Where, therefore, is the missing 95 percent? [AFP]

The answer, according to theory, is that the energy from the interactions between quarks and gluons accounts for the excess mass (because as Einstein's famous E=mc² equation proved, energy and mass are equivalent). Read the rest of this entry »

This Thursday is the day that many of us will celebrate the birth into this world of the being we call Jesus. There are many different opinions about the exact nature of this extraordinary man's mission on this planet. But I do believe there is one aspect to his life that most of us can agree upon: Jesus was the perfect example of living a life of unconditional love. And he made it quite clear that we would all benefit greatly by living our lives in the same loving way.
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One of my favorite sayings is this one:

THE PAST IS HISTORY.
THE FUTURE, A MYSTERY.
BUT THE NOW MOMENT IS A GIFT.
THAT'S WHY IT'S CALLED THE "PRESENT."

In this season of gift-giving, I invite you to remember that the true gifts of the holidays are always in the now moment. But to receive those "presents" you must first be present yourself. Instead of focusing all your time, attention, and energy on what's coming next, make a conscious choice to be fully present in the here and now.
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On a recent road trip I stopped in Sedona, Arizona for a few days to experience the natural beauty of the red rocks by going on some local hikes. Not only is Sedona an American hotspot for all things spiritual, new age, and metaphysical, it's now a huge tourist attraction for its breathtaking vistas and outdoor activities; purported life-enhancing energy vortices; spiritual gurus, new age shops, and festivals; arts and special events; and Native American historical sites. This small town with a population of approximately 11,000 sees more than 3 million visitors per year.
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In a world plagued with worries about depleting resources, having enough dirt to go round seems like the least of our problems. David Montgomery dissents.

Oil is what most of us think of as a strategic resource, yet in the long run it is soil which is the more important. Even so, people's eyes tend to glaze over when talk turns to soil conservation, maybe because it's so much easier to see the immediate relevance of rising gas prices and climate change in these days of peak oil. So while public attitudes on climate change have shifted dramatically over the past few years, a crisis in global agriculture remains hidden: we are, and have long been, using up the supply of topsoil we rely on to grow our food.
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You may not want to think about what goes into your fast food, but a new study may at least put your overactive imagination to rest: It's mostly corn. The researchers analyzed hamburgers, chicken sandwiches, and fries from McDonald's, Burger King, and Wendy's and determined that nearly all of them could be traced to the corn industry– in the form of corn feed or corn-based oil. "If you put any money into fast food, it all goes back to corn, everything. The first step to making hamburgers is making an ear of corn," said Hope Jahren, lead author of the study [Des Moines Register].
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Well, here it is again — the Christmas season. For many of you, this is the busiest time of the year. As usual, you still have to go to work, handle family responsibilities, clean the house, feed the pets, work in the yard, pay the bills, and take care of a multitude of other tasks and chores that are a routine part of daily life.

But on top of all that, you may also have to decorate the house, trim the tree, host parties, prepare special meals, entertain company, visit relatives, and send out cards . . . not to mention buy gifts, wrap gifts, pack gifts, and ship gifts.
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