The U.S. Department of Transportation has estimated that if we converted one-third of our passenger cars and light trucks to diesel, we’d reduce our oil consumption by up to 1.4 million barrels of oil per day – the amount we import from Saudi Arabia.
Scientists say pedestrians walking during evening rush hour are three times more likely to be struck and killed by cars than before the daylight saving time change.
According to Forbes magazine, the world’s most expensive chocolate truffle, hand-rolled by Knipschildt of Norwalk, Conn., costs $250 per 1.9 ounce piece. It contains a real truffle.
The Great Wall of China was built by different dynasties over hundreds of years. But the Mings re-engineered the wall into the colossal structure it is today. They used stone and brick as the wall’s facing. A crude mortar of burnt lime and sticky rice created a seal between bricks that rivals modern cement in strength.
Scientists in Singapore have developed a biodegradable credit card-sized battery that uses human urine as the electrolyte solution. Its voltage is about the same as a AA battery.
This article appears in November 30 • 2007.