Saturday, April 29
Next Gen Fuel Cell
Researchers develop a new ultra-high-density sulfonic acid polymer electrolyte membrane for fuel cells, which can be used for vehicles and combined heat and power systems. Credit: Atsushi Noro
Researchers at Nagoya University in Japan, under a project commissioned by the New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO), have created poly(styrenesulfonic acid)-based PEMs with a high density of sulfonic acid groups.
A crucial element in eco-friendly polymer electrolyte fuel cells is a polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM), which produces electrical energy through the interaction of hydrogen and oxygen gases. Practical applications of fuel cells include fuel cell vehicles (FCVs) and fuel cell combined heat and power (CHP) systems.
The best-known PEM is a membrane based on a perfluorosulfonic acid polymer, such as Nafion, which was developed by DuPont in the 1960s. It has a good proton conductivity of 0.1 S/cm at 70-90 °C (158-194 °F) under humidified conditions. Under these conditions, protons can be released from sulfonic acid groups.
Proton conduction in such membranes typically depends on the proton transport mechanism between protons, sulfonic acid groups, and water molecules. Typically, the higher the density of the sulfonic acid groups in the membrane, the higher the density of protons that can be released from the sulfonic acid groups; therefore, the higher density of the sulfonic acid groups usually results in higher proton conductivities.
However, using a conventional synthesis process, it is difficult to synthesize PEMs with a high density of sulfonic acid groups. For instance, to increase the density of sulfonic acid groups in a poly(styrenesulfonic acid)-based PEM, the sulfonation reaction must be carried out over long hours or under severe conditions. It usually uses highly oxidizing substances, such as fuming sulfuric acid and chlorosulfonic acid.
Unfortunately, this leads to undesirable side reactions, such as cleavage of the backbone chains of the polymer. Therefore, to avoid unwanted side reactions during polymer synthesis, commercially available PEMs are usually synthesized to have a low density of sulfonic acid groups. READ MORE...
A crucial element in eco-friendly polymer electrolyte fuel cells is a polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM), which produces electrical energy through the interaction of hydrogen and oxygen gases. Practical applications of fuel cells include fuel cell vehicles (FCVs) and fuel cell combined heat and power (CHP) systems.
The best-known PEM is a membrane based on a perfluorosulfonic acid polymer, such as Nafion, which was developed by DuPont in the 1960s. It has a good proton conductivity of 0.1 S/cm at 70-90 °C (158-194 °F) under humidified conditions. Under these conditions, protons can be released from sulfonic acid groups.
Proton conduction in such membranes typically depends on the proton transport mechanism between protons, sulfonic acid groups, and water molecules. Typically, the higher the density of the sulfonic acid groups in the membrane, the higher the density of protons that can be released from the sulfonic acid groups; therefore, the higher density of the sulfonic acid groups usually results in higher proton conductivities.
However, using a conventional synthesis process, it is difficult to synthesize PEMs with a high density of sulfonic acid groups. For instance, to increase the density of sulfonic acid groups in a poly(styrenesulfonic acid)-based PEM, the sulfonation reaction must be carried out over long hours or under severe conditions. It usually uses highly oxidizing substances, such as fuming sulfuric acid and chlorosulfonic acid.
Unfortunately, this leads to undesirable side reactions, such as cleavage of the backbone chains of the polymer. Therefore, to avoid unwanted side reactions during polymer synthesis, commercially available PEMs are usually synthesized to have a low density of sulfonic acid groups. READ MORE...
Secrets of HAPPINESS
Happiness depends upon ourselves — Aristotle
True happiness is to enjoy the present, without anxious dependence upon the future, not to amuse ourselves with either hopes or fears but to rest satisfied with what we have, which is sufficient, for he that is so wants nothing. The greatest blessings of mankind are within us and within our reach. A wise man is content with his lot, whatever it may be, without wishing for what he has not―Seneca
If you are depressed you are living in the past.
If you are anxious you are living in the future.
If you are at peace you are living in the present―Lao Tzu
It is not God’s will merely that we should be happy, but that we should make ourselves happy — Immanuel Kant
What is happiness? The feeling that power increases, that a resistance is overcome―Friedrich Nietzsche
I have learned to seek my happiness by limiting my desires, rather than in attempting to satisfy them — Stuart Mill
What amazes me is that none of these great philosophers offers any advice that, in my opinion, is credible and when they do offer something, like Kant saying we should make ourselves happy, there is nothing in writing as to how to do that.... Just saying make yourself happy doesn't mean SHIT to me...
Happiness cannot be found in:
- sadness
- depression
- melancholy
- drugs
- alcohol
- money
- power
- ability
- intelligence
- assets
Happiness involves or relates to:
- peace of mind
- harmony
- joy
- contentment
- acceptance
- lack of wanting
Happiness does not exclude:
- anxiety
- frsutration
- anger
- disappointment
Those who say that they are happy and who still want more, regardless of the amount, are NOT REALLY HAPPY.
Trying to change your body because you are not satisfied with the way you look, means that you are not really happy.
Happiness is rarely found or discovered at a young age, even though there will be many times throughout your life where you admit to yourself that you are happy. That just shows your lack of understanding.
Happiness is not always found or discovered at an older age or a retired age either as long as there is something in your life that you want to achieve. For example, if you retire after 45 years of work and continue to work part-time, or pursue a hobby or want to write novels or paint landscapes, then you are not really happy.
Can you sit in a chair or cross-legged on the ground in your backyard for an hour or more with your eyes closed and listen to the sounds of nature?
- wind through the grass
- wind through the trees
- wind through the bushes
- squirrels scampering about
- birds singing or flying by
- sounds of motor vehicles passing
- barkings of dogs
- the sounds of crickets
- wing flappings of hummingbirds
- the sounds of silenc
Can you draw energy from this harmony?
Can you void your mind of all thoughts?
Can you astro-project yourself into a realm of nothingness?
Can you slow down your breathing?
Can you disappear from your own mind?
This is meditation, you say... not happiness!!! BUT... I beg to differ with you... as being able to truly meditate is the highest form of happiness because there is NOTHING YOU NEED OR WANT in those moments...
You are completely content.
You are completely relaxed.
There is nothing inside you but harmony.
HAPPINESS IS COMPLETE WISDOM
Classc Rock Bands
The 1970s was a goldmine for classic rock music. There was a surplus of bands making a name for themselves, as acts like the Eagles, Lynyrd Skynyrd, and Fleetwood Mac were starting to rise and impact the sound of rock music for generations to come. Despite emerging in the ’70s, it’s clear these classic rock bands have eternal legacies, as four of these seven acts are in the rare position of having the best-selling albums in the United States.
Below, we look at seven classic rock bands that earned their place in history throughout the 1970s.
1. Eagles
It’s hard to think of ’70s rock music and not have the Eagles come to mind. Known for hits including “Hotel California,” “Take it Easy,” “Witchy Woman” and “Desperado,” Glenn Frey and Don Henley were leading the charge with their distinguishable voices that helped define a generation of classic rock music. After forming in 1971, it only took the Eagles four years to amass a collection of hits, as Their Greatest Hits Album (1971-1975) was released in 1976, becoming so popular with sales of more than a whopping 38 million copies. It’s currently the biggest-selling album of all time in the U.S., solidifying their legacy as a band with lasting appeal.
2. Led Zeppelin
Led Zeppelin took the world by storm when they formed in London in 1968, their electrifying sound quickly translating across the world. Fronted by Robert Plant, the band saw success right out of the gate with their 1969 self-titled debut album that set the stage for the next decade that saw them impacting music history with the release of Led Zeppelin IV in 1971, featuring “Stairway to Heaven,” one of the most revered and influential rock songs of all time. The album is one of the best-selling of all time, with more than 37 million sold worldwide.
3. Lynyrd Skynyrd
In less than a decade, Lynyrd Skynyrd established itself as one of the most iconic rock bands of all time. They ruled the ’70s with hits like “Sweet Home Alabama,” “Free Bird” and “Saturday Night Special,” serving as a voice for the South where they originated from that extended to fans across the world. But the band’s winning streak came to a tragic halt in 1977 when they were involved in a plane crash that killed frontman Ronnie Van Zant, guitarist Steve Gaines and his sister and background singer Cassie Gaines, assistant road manager Dean Kilpatrick and pilots Walter McCreary and William John Gray. The crash left the remaining members with serious injuries and having to figure out the band’s future. Despite the tragedy and subsequent lineup changes over the years, Lynyrd Skynyrd’s legacy is still thriving through their classic hits. READ MORE...
It’s hard to think of ’70s rock music and not have the Eagles come to mind. Known for hits including “Hotel California,” “Take it Easy,” “Witchy Woman” and “Desperado,” Glenn Frey and Don Henley were leading the charge with their distinguishable voices that helped define a generation of classic rock music. After forming in 1971, it only took the Eagles four years to amass a collection of hits, as Their Greatest Hits Album (1971-1975) was released in 1976, becoming so popular with sales of more than a whopping 38 million copies. It’s currently the biggest-selling album of all time in the U.S., solidifying their legacy as a band with lasting appeal.
2. Led Zeppelin
Led Zeppelin took the world by storm when they formed in London in 1968, their electrifying sound quickly translating across the world. Fronted by Robert Plant, the band saw success right out of the gate with their 1969 self-titled debut album that set the stage for the next decade that saw them impacting music history with the release of Led Zeppelin IV in 1971, featuring “Stairway to Heaven,” one of the most revered and influential rock songs of all time. The album is one of the best-selling of all time, with more than 37 million sold worldwide.
3. Lynyrd Skynyrd
In less than a decade, Lynyrd Skynyrd established itself as one of the most iconic rock bands of all time. They ruled the ’70s with hits like “Sweet Home Alabama,” “Free Bird” and “Saturday Night Special,” serving as a voice for the South where they originated from that extended to fans across the world. But the band’s winning streak came to a tragic halt in 1977 when they were involved in a plane crash that killed frontman Ronnie Van Zant, guitarist Steve Gaines and his sister and background singer Cassie Gaines, assistant road manager Dean Kilpatrick and pilots Walter McCreary and William John Gray. The crash left the remaining members with serious injuries and having to figure out the band’s future. Despite the tragedy and subsequent lineup changes over the years, Lynyrd Skynyrd’s legacy is still thriving through their classic hits. READ MORE...
Friday, April 28
BRICS Nations Buying Gold
A group of economically-aligned nations are purchasing massive amounts of gold as they prepare to end their reliance on the U.S. dollar.
According to a new report from U.S. Global Investors, the nations known collectively as BRICS are piling into the precious metal and will continue to be “huge buyers” of gold for the foreseeable future.
The firm’s CEO and chief investment officer, Frank Holmes, says the mass accumulation of gold led by China aligns with the theory that the world is on a long-term path to economic bifurcation.
“If you look back at the list of net buyers [of gold], you’ll notice that three are members of the BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) countries. I point this out because, as I’ve been sharing with you for a couple of weeks now, we may be seeing the emergence of a multipolar world, with a U.S.-centric world on one side and a China-centric world on the other.
For the first time ever, BRICS countries’ share of the global economy has surpassed that of the G7 nations (Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the U.K. and U.S.), on a purchasing parity basis.”
According to a report from World Gold Council, China has added 102 tons of gold to its stockpiles since the start of the year.
And gold is the key to this potential multipolar economic future, says Holmes, as it will likely be used to back the creation of a new currency that does not utilize USD.
“The BRICS need the precious metal to support their currencies and shift away from the U.S. dollar, which has served as the global foreign reserve currency for about a century.
More and more global trade is now being conducted in the Chinese yuan, and there are reports that the BRICS—which could eventually include other important emerging economies such as Saudi Arabia, Iran and more—are developing their own medium for payments.”
BRICS nations are reportedly in the early stages of designing a new currency that aims to end global dependence on the dollar.
It remains to be seen just how effective their efforts will be, with early critics like billionaire Chamath Palihapitiya stating the China will never effectively de-dollarize as long as the yuan remains pegged to the dollar.
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Gaslighting Democrats
Gaslighters — people who try to control others through manipulation — will often accuse you of behaviors that they are engaged in themselves. This is a classic manipulation tactic.
Gaslighting tactics include:
- Blatantly lying
- Splitting — pitting you against a friend or family member
- Working to align others against you
- Telling others that you are crazy, unstable, or manipulative
- Lying about things they said and did, even though you swear those things happened
- Telling you they don’t like your family and friends — but for vague reasons
Many gaslighters:
- Cheat in relationships, yet accuse their victims of cheating
- Accuse their victims of being addicts, when they are the true addicts
- Accuse their victims of manipulation, when they are the ones who manipulate
Gaslighters will accuse others of these actions even when there is direct evidence that they are engaging in the same behaviors.
Why do gaslighters do this?
They are making pre-emptive strikes and/or projecting.
So, here's my point:
The Democrats are accusing the Republicans of doing what the Democrats are doing in the hopes that the mainstream media will continue to support their accusations and the general public is too stupid to realize what they are doing...
President Biden completely REVERSED everything Trump had set in motion... but instead of taking the blame for his actions, he BLAMES TRUMP:
- for his reckless Afghanistan withdrawal
- for his shutdown of the XL Pipeline
- for his reckless spending on COVID
- for his policies that caused inflation
- for his policies that increased illegal immigration
Two years later, Biden continues to say his actions are because of TRUMP.
How can anyone trust a political leader who will not take responsibility for his own actions.
When he refused to shoot down the Chinese Spy Balloon, he tried to blame his decision on Trump.
When he refused to send weapons to Ukraine and now to Taiwan, he continues to blame his actions on Trump.
When he decided to raise taxes to pay for his radical spending sprees, he blamed his actions on Trump.
When the story broke about Hunter Biden's laptop, he blamed all the disinformation on Trump, because he did not want to accept the fact that Russia was actually doing this... THAT WAS A LIE... but, he tried to blame it on Trump anyway.
WHAT WILL IT TAKE TO GET YOU TO SEE???
Giant Particle Accelerator
A radio frequency particle accelerator is displayed in an exhibition during a press tour at the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN) on the Future Circular Collider (FCC) feasibility study, in Geneva, on April 19, 2023. (Fabrice Coffrini/AFP)
GENEVA (AFP) — Europe’s CERN laboratory has taken its first steps toward building a huge new particle accelerator that would eclipse its Large Hadron Collider — and hopes to see light at the end of the tunnel.
The Future Circular Collider (FCC) particle smasher would be more than triple the length of the LHC, already the world’s largest and most powerful particle collider, constructed in the hope of revealing secrets about how the universe works.
The FCC would form a new circular tunnel under France and Switzerland, 91 kilometers (56.5 miles) long and about five meters (16 feet) in diameter.
“The goal of the FCC is to push the energy and intensity frontiers of particle colliders, with the aim of reaching collision energies of 100 tera electron volts, in the search for new physics,” CERN says.
The tunnel would pass under the Geneva region and its namesake lake in Switzerland, and loop around to the south near the picturesque French town of Annecy.
Eight technical and scientific sites would be built on the surface, with seven in France and one in Geneva, CERN engineer Antoine Mayoux told reporters this week. READ MORE...
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