Chinese announce Biomass "Bio-Oil" production by Pyrolysis at low cost. from crop wastes

Indian based Zeenews reports that Professor Guo Qingxiang Dean of the School of Chemistry and Materials Science of the University of Science and Technology has been able to demonstrate a new process known as Pyrolysis Liquefaction Technologies- that decompose biomass using heat which then turns it into liquid they call "bio-oil".

Using crop waste and stalks, stalks, chaff and sawdust they claim the resultant bio-oil is 56.8% ( a curiously precise figure !) cheaper than diesel oil and 39.1 % cheaper than heavy oil. The bio-oil only produces two-fifths of heat energy from the same amount of diesel oil and only half that of heavy oil, Guo said.

The technology, which can produce over six kg of bio-oil from 10 kg of sawdust and five kg from stalks, has passed appraisals by provincial department of science and technology.

Xinhua repport that one tonne of bio-oil in the Chinese lab only costs about USD$100. The lab also invented a machine that can process 120 kg of biomass per hour.

Traditionally, 700 million tons of stalk and chaff left left from harvesting are burnt causing pollution but is a huge waste of energy, Guo - but it does retrun essential minerals etc to the soil.

Bio-oil can be used directly in heating boilers and as fuel for motor vehicles after further refining. Ethanol can also be extracted from bio-oil.

This appears to be a variant on the wartime Fischer Tropf method of coal liquefaction which the Nazis used , and latterly South Africa - apparently it becomes economic when oil is US$50 a barrel and above ?

In the 1990's several fast pyrolysis technologies reached near-commercial status. Six circulating fluidized bed plants have been constructed by Ensyn Technologies, with the largest having a nominal capacity of 50 t/day operated for Red Arrow Products Co., Inc. in Wisconsin. DynaMotive (Vancouver, Canada) demonstrated the bubbling fluidized bed process at 10 t/day of biomass and is scaling up the plant to 100 t/day. Ensyn develop industrial applications for its core technology, Rapid Thermal Processing or (RTP™), and exploits these applications commercially in the biomass sector (see Footnote).Biomass Technology Group, BTG (The Netherlands) operates a rotary cone reactor system at 5 t/day and is proposing to scale the plant up to 50 t/d. Fortum has a 12 t/day pilot plant in Finland. The yields and properties of the generated liquid product, bio-oil, depend on the feedstock, the process type and conditions, and the product collection efficiency, they all have the virtue of low Sulphur and Nitrous oxides ourtputs.

Direct hydrothermal liquefaction involves converting biomass to an oily liquid by contacting the biomass with water at elevated temperatures (300-350°C) with sufficient pressure to maintain the water primarily in the liquid phase (12-20 MPa) for residence times up to 30 minutes. Developers include Changing World Technologies (West Hampstead, NY), EnerTech Environmental Inc (Atlanta, GA) who use "bio-solids" ...er human sewerage, and Biofuel B.V. (Heemskerk, Netherlands)- no website.

Ensyn Coproration (EC), develop industrial applications for its core technology, Rapid Thermal Processing or (RTP™), and exploits these applications commercially in the biomass sector.

More information on research in this field is available at the
U.S. Department of Energy website and the associated Biomass website.

FOOTNOTE

Ensyn's largest RTP™ Biomass Refinery has recently been constructed in Renfrew, Ontario. This will convert 160 green tons of wood per day into natural resin products (75% yields are claimed) , co-polymers, other chemicals, liquid fuel and green electricity. Other projects are being developed with strategic partners in Canada, the USA and Europe.

Ensyn "bio-oil" fuel has been commercially available for for industrial heat since the early 1990's.

Ensyn (website) believes that RTP™ is the only bio-oil technology in the world that is operating commercially, and that RTP™ is the only commercial technology capable of producing large quantities of bio-fuel,

Biomass Technology Group have a useful downloadable leaflet (PDF Alert) which explains pyrolysis very well and also a 400 page book "Handbook Biomass Gasification" for Euro 60.

Kristallnacht in the Gaza & the West Bank. The Silence of the Wolves

The situation in Gaza and the West Bank is one of a shift into a terrifying Kafkaesque Virtual Reality.

Strangled economically with the aid of the Bush Administration and half hearted EU attempts (which will take weeks to set up) and coninued theft of tax revenues.

Totally in breach of Geneva Conventions the Israelis, mercilessly wage a war of collective punishment involving;

Aerial Bombardment with massive damage of Transport infrastructure, roads, bridges
Aerial destruction of Electrical power generation and distribution for 1.4 Mn people (which will take months if not years to repair - and many US$Millions)
Leading to loss of water pumping - total loss of hygeine
Loss of sewerage pumping - resulting in disease and worse
Incalculable consequence upon aircon / equipment in hospitals as the generators run out of fuel.
Aerial fear / Shock / Awe by supersonic overflying - CARPET BOOMING - to which the old people and old buildings are susceptible and must strike the most terrifying fear into the young - which is what it is designed to do.

Continued artillary barrage to augment and intensify the Aerial assaults. Including the bombing / shelling of the Palestinian interior ministry.
Entry and posession of land - the old airport - undercover Israeli forces active near the northern town of Jabaliya.
Kidnapping of over 50 elected representatives. ( Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni sent a letter explaining the motive behind the Israeli action to her overseas counterparts ...)
Navy ships are patrolling the sea coast to insure that no vessel leaves Gaza.
Now the IDF are ready to enter and turf out the people from their houses in a systematic house to house search of every home in Gaza.

How have the Bush Administration responded ? Silence.

Ditto the Embassies, the Chancelleries of Europe, the EU and the Christian World and it's leaders , the Pope, the Cardinals, the Archbishops.

Silence.

The Silence of the Wolves.

Eretz Israel indeed.

THE DECLARATION OF THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE STATE OF ISRAEL
May 14, 1948
THE STATE OF ISRAEL ..... it will foster the development of the country for the benefit of all its inhabitants; it will be based on freedom, justice and peace as envisaged by the prophets of Israel; it will ensure complete equality of social and political rights to all its inhabitants irrespective of religion, race or sex; it will guarantee freedom of religion, conscience, language, education and culture; it will safeguard the Holy Places of all religions; and it will be faithful to the principles of the Charter of the United Nations.

Read the whole text here at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Website - the Minister is of course Tzipi Livni who in May appointed Vice Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs in the 31st Government of Israel. It is Tzipi Livni who is the driving force behind Olmerde and the IDF onslaught. It is Tzipi Livni who goes weekly to the grave of her father, a leading member of the palach terrorists, whose gravestone has a map of Eretz Israel that covers both banks of the River Jordan.

It is Tzipi Livni mother of 2 children, protege of Arak, who is the sinister force behind this massive, unrestrained, barbaric attack on the Palestinians.

Biodiesel - Interest takes off

An opportunity to learn what investment opportunities there are in unvesting in Biodiesel in the US is available - Biodiesel Finance and Investing Oct 11-13th The Millenium Hotel, Minneapolis MN. In 2005 36 plants were built for Biodiesel averaging 14 Metric Tons per year (MMgy). In 2006 65 new plants are proposed averaging 22.4 MMgy.

A 6 Page Agenda for the event can be downloaded (PDF Alert)

BBI International Media has launched it's newest Web site, www.BiodieselMagazine.com.

Biodiesel Magazine claim they are the only publication dedicated solely to the renewable fuel. The print magazine's circulation is over 3,000 worldwide. The first isue was January 2004, and since has more than doubled in size and scope.

The 2007 National Biodiesel Conference and Expo will be held in San Antonio, Texas. The biggest event of the biodiesel industry will be held Feb. 4-7 at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center.

Google have a 1 hour video "Biofuels : Think outside the Barrel" by Vinod Khosla March 29th 2006 - if this doesn't convince you about the role of biofuels as the automotive fuel of the future in North America nothing will. Make sure your kids watch it.

2 Facts. Brazil went from 4% Flex Fuel Vehicles (FFV) to 70% in 3 years. Volkswagen / Audi probably will not make fossil fuel vehicles (ie Gasoline only) in Brazil from 2007.

Let's put the fossil in fossil fuels .....

Who is Vinod Kholsa ?

Vinod Khosla is a venture Capitalist extrordinaire, who with Bill Joy founded Sun Microsystems. Khosla left Sun in 1985 and set up Khoslaventures to invest in technology - said to have heavily invested in ethanol production.

Learn more about him and his venture here.

CorpWatch radio is a bi-weekly review and contextualization of the corporate news. This week, Sasha Lilley has been investigating agribusiness giant, Archer Daniels Midland and their push for "green" energy. Listen to an alternative view of ethanol as an automotive fuel.

Listen to show.

Alternative fuels - Availability nationwide US

Map Muse have just added US national maps (LNG map on left) for the US of retail fuel stations for all automotive fuels, these sites offer inter-active map making with full zoom and satellite overlays, plus listings ;

Biodiesel Fuel Stations
Compressed Natural Gas Stations
Electric Fueling Stations
Ethanol 85 Fuel Stations
Hydrogen Fuel Stations
Liquefied Natural Gas Stations Interactive LNG Map
Propane Fuel Stations

Consumers can also complete a form advising Map Muse of any stations not listed for them to be added.

Ideal for planning a trip or researching to buy an alternative fuelled vehicle.

Respect Squad called in by Jock "The Hammer of the Hoodies" Reid

Auntie at the BBC announce a typical hard hitting, anti-crime, anti- yob, anti-dog, anti everyfuckingthing in the eternal battle in the war on children.

10 high powered , high camp, hit men (and maybe women- but who can tell these days ?) can be called in nationwide, instantly, by Local councils, MPs and police chiefs to help tackle cases and causes of "yobbishness".

First problem ... ahem , is find the right person at the Local Council, your fugitive MP, and you can never find a copper when you need one.

New Labour. New Minister. New Ideas.

Mr Reid said today, "We need to rebalance the criminal justice system so that people believe that it is truly on their side," he said.

Where are they now ? Mr Blunkett ?

Mr Blunkett , July 2002: "The White Paper is designed to rebalance the criminal justice system in favour of the victim and the delivery of justice for all....

....over the next three years we will invest more than £600 million in information technology. That will help us in joining up the criminal justice service." Hansard 17th July 2002

Well up to a point Lord Copper ....

BBC - an orgy of 7/7 memories to celebrate London's biggest unexplained murder

Auntie hitches up her skirts and tells us on BBC Radio 4 all that happened on 7/7 - except what exactly happened. Be prepared to learn about

1. "Suicide" bombers
2. Kitchen chemists who whisk up a stiff bomb or two in the bath
3. CCTV pictures that "emerge"
4. Trains from Luton carrying "suicide" bombers to Kings Cross that run
5. Trains from Luton not carrying "suicide" bombers to Kings Cross that runthat don't run
7. Bus bomber that sat upstairs at the back (to maximise effect of bomb)
8. Bus driver who walked home 7 miles
9. Bombs the "suicide" bombers "triggered"
10. Madrassas and how young men have their brains removed and washed
11. ... and probably some more amazing "facts" will "emerge"

One thing is certain , don't expect the Truth.

8 Days in July (8.00pm, Saturday 1 July 2006)
Radio 4 recalls one of the more extraordinary weeks in Britain's contemporary history. Live8 rocked the world, London won the Olympics and then came under terrorist attack.

Did Gleneagles do it for You? (8.00pm, Monday 3 July 2006)
...on the very morning the summit began, London was rocked by devastating Underground and bus bombings and the Prime Minister had immediately to leave his guests to their own devices and return to crisis meetings in London.

Coming Out of the Tunnel (8.00pm Thursday 6 July 2006)

The stories of the people who experienced July 7 th first hand and were lucky enough to survive. This is the story not just of what happened to them on that day, but of how it changed their lives. This is their programme to mark the anniversary of July 7th.

London: After The Bombs (During Friday 7 July 2006)
A series of short reflections on people's memories and experiences of London in the immediate aftermath of the 7 July attacks last year. Throughout the day a variety of speakers - from officer workers to writers - will recall how the city felt different to them in the wake of the bombs and what they noticed - sights, sounds, impressions, things they had perhaps never paid much attention to before. Was there a new feeling of community or a sense of isolation and fear?

.. and certainly don't expect any meaningful analysis , or even mention of, "exercises" that coincided with bombings, possibility "suicide" bombers were duped drug runners, bombs were placed on trains, MI5/6 contacts in Leeds that worked at gym / bookshop /community centre, CCTV cameras were deliberately not functioning, how Metropolitan Police official forensic photographs ended up being printed in US papers, why Mr. Netanyahu stayed in his hotel because he was tipped off, why the French Army officer said Balkans HE explosive was used, how Halevy ex Mossad chief (who was at school with Lord Levy the Honours organiser and is UK Gubment Middle east winderkind (unelected)) could write about the bombing's military precision and write an article for Israeli Press within 2 hours of bombs exploding, why Guliani was in town, why an Israeli company provides security on the Underground, what exactly was found in the red Mercedes, who Mr McDaid is, why communications haven't been upgraded on the Underground since the Kings Cross fire 17 years ago, why not a single test for airborne biological agents or chemical agents was conducted at any of the crime scenes ... we could go on ..... AND WHAT HAPPENED TO THE WHITE VAN MAN ? - SEE PICS

One mystery will not be even mentioned .... no make that two, 1. Why Sir Ian Blair of that Ilk is still in his job 2. Ditto Chf Supt Clarke is still in charge of Terror at the Met.

.. one other thing, Tavistock square bomb exploded 9.47, Heli Teli pics from Police above show 9.55 not a body / person / paramedic / police / dog / bewildered member of the public / cat in sight. (remember 13 people died here and others injured ) .....

Honda and Indiana start your engines ! F1 Free tickets

American Honda Motor Company will (after a lot of nail biting) build its sixth North American plant (and an an as yet unknown vehicle) near Greenburg, Indiana, half way between Indianapolis and Cincinatti.

Honda say they had enjoyed record auto sales in each of the past 9 years. In 2005, American Honda sold a record 1,462,472 new Honda and Acura cars and light trucks... Hondo head honcho Koichi Kondo said "I am pleased to announce that we will establish in Indiana a new automobile manufacturing plant to begin production in 2008," Koichi Kondo said Wednesday. "This new factory will be built on a 1,700 acre site in Decatur County."

The $550 million factory will eventually employ 2000 workers and produce 200,000 vehicles annually. The Indiana plant will employ advanced methods of energy and emission reduction with the goal to become a "zero waste to landfill" factory.

Governor Mitch Daniels (back a day early from his trip to Japan) said, "Years from now, when the history of this great comeback is written people will say there was no bigger step that the one we take today. Mr. Kondo, welcome to the state of Indiana."

"We are excited about the future in Indiana. And with our racing streak in mind, today I am happy to be able to say Honda and Indiana start your engines," said Honda president & CEO Hiroyuki Yoshino.

Honda already has 5 plants in North America after starting manufacture in 1985. Pity that lanky limey heart throb, Jenson Button can't steer their F1 car to victory - be nice to think that he will when the F1 circus comes to the Brickyard this weekend. Pic of him practice this week.

Mitch Daniels has given free F1 tickets to Lord Patel to give away - that's the sort of guy he is !

Tony Blair / Hazel Blears - Amazing pictures

"New" Labour Chairwoman Hazel Blears rejected calls for a timetable for Tony Blair resigning, despite "New" Labour losing both by-elections caused by the death of independent AM and MP Peter Law for Blaenau Gwent

His widow Trish became AM with a 4,400-plus majority. Fellow independent Dai Davies became MP with a near-2,500 majority.

Contrary to widespread rumour, this is not a picture of the Prime Minister blowing up Ms. Hazel Blears who it is incorrectly claimed in the Welsh Valleys to be a blow up sex doll. It is also completely untrue, a lie, that the Prime Minister ever called the Welsh "twats"... it just sounded like it.

Ukraine - forget Gas problems - World Cup Victory in sight

"If we beat the Italians and they triple gas prices, I don't even think anyone would notice," says Vassyl Androsenko, a 52-year-old engineer in Kiev.

"We are not dark horses. We are the Ukrainian national team," declared Ukraine coach Oleh Blokhin, a former Soviet player who is worshipped by his team and nation of 47 million. "I understand we are not Argentina or Brazil, or one of those teams, but we made the quarterfinals.

"We've not stopped here. I'm not satisfied so far. We have a game against Italy. I understand Italy is the favorite but there are two teams on the pitch and we developed an appetite and we will try to win."

Pic. Hero Andriy Shevchenko (Shev) and his wife Natale

China Biodiesel commences trading on AIM

"The use of vegetable oils for engine fuels may seem insignificant today. But such oils may become in course of time as important as petroleum and the coal tar products of the present time." – Rudolf Diesel, 1912 (pic MAN Diesel Truck 1926 Berlin Motor Show - the first diesel engined automobile)

China Biodiesel has raised £8Mn and trading commenced today (despite today's Daily Torygraph saying it floats next Friday) - Bid 87p Offer 90p at mid-day with light trading.Evolution, who have offices in Shanghai, have been handling the launch whci presages a great deal of interest in renewable fuels in China. Closed the day with 600,000 shares changing hands and closed at 98/100.

China Resources Alcohol Corporation (CRAC) announced last week a deal in buying or licensing the North American / Danish / Spanish cellulosic ethanol technology see here

The Chinese central government recently announced a $5.0 Billion US capital investment over the next 10 years on ethanol capacity expansion with a focus on cellulosic ethanol.

Biodiesel is a relative newcomer to the United States where there is litle if any retail delivery structure for diesel,In the US where only about 1 percent of automobiles are diesel powered and tax policies are generally not as favorable, the number of gas stations offering biodiesel is just over 200. In Europe, biodiesel it has enjoyed widespread acceptance as a vehicle fuel (as well as a heating fuel in some countries) due to deliberate government tax policies that favor its use. In Germany,where diesel engines power close to 40 percent of passenger cars, more than 1,800 filling stations offer price competitive biodiesel and biodiesel accounts for 4% of total annuals sales (Source : DeGussa). The expansion of the European Union in May 2004 offered a good deal of additional potential for continued growth in biodiesel production and use in the so-called new accession nations. For example see ww.biodiesel.cz (in Czech no translation)

It is possible that EU based companies such as the German based , Degussa who already employ 2.600 in China generating sales of more than Euro 320 Mn. in 2005 with a target of tripling their China business by 2008 to Euro 900 Mn. plus may get involved in this market.

DeGussa already market Alkoxides such as NM 30 (Sodium methylate 30% solution in methanol )as a catalyst for transesterification of native oils, canola etc., and (Potassium methylate 32% solution in methanol) KM 32 – especially for processes using cooking grease. Biofuels are subject to oxidation and age faster than mineral oil diesel Degussa‘s new antioxidants, specifically designed for biodiesel, are marketed under the brand name IONOL® for Bio-Fuel, or IONOL® BF.

DeGussa can also offer de-foaming agents that suppress problesm of faoming as the fuel is pumped.

Poor Old Diesel

Rudolf Diesel was French born but worked in Germany and took out his first patent in 1892. In August 1893 he went to Augsburg, Germany, where he showed the forerunner of MAN AG (Maschinenfabrik Augsburg-Nuerenberg).
In 1908 Diesel and the Swiss mechanical firm of Saurer created a faster-running engine that turned at 800 rpm, but the automotive industry was slow to adopt Diesel's engine.

MAN was the first, and in 1924, and the MAN truck became the first vehicle to use a direct-injection diesel engine. At the same time Benz & Cie in Germany also presented a diesel truck, but Benz used the mixing chamber that Daimler-Benz kept into the 1990s. The first diesel Mercedes-Benz hit the road in 1936.

A highly strung man, who had an exquisite skill in upsetting people he comitted suicide by jumping off a cross channel steamer in 1913.

Hot Links

Sharecast

MoneyWeek
European Biodiesel Board (V. interesting EU statistics !)

5th European Motor BioFuels Forum 11 – 13 September 2006 Hilton Newcastle Gateshead, United Kingdom Conference & Trade Show

Brochure to the BioFules Forum PDF Alert !

Check if NSA warrantless surveillance is looking at your IP traffic

AT&T technician Mark Klein learned of a secret room installed in the company's San Francisco internet switching center ... what he saw and learnt prompted him to call at the Electronic Frontier Foundation unannounced in late January 2005 with documents in hand. The EFF was already preparing a class-action lawsuit against AT&T for allegedly turning over customer phone-record data to the NSA -- relying on reporting from the Los Angeles Times about AT&T giving the NSA access to a phone-record database with 1.88 trillion entries.More here at Wired.

Now a heavily redacted 40 page document document by internet expert J. Scott Marcus has been supplied and is available here. PDF Alert !! 40 pages.

Briefly Marcus says, based on the Klein documents, his experience, knowledge of AT&T and understanding of what equipment is available that ..

The AT&T documents that Klein supplied are genuine.

There could be 35 - 40 such rooms throughout the US.

The internet surveillance program covers domestic traffic not only just international traffic.Most International traffic enters the US through only 3 points Florida New York and San Francisco. Marcus notes that the AT&T spy rooms are "in far more locations than would be required to catch the majority of international traffic"

The system is capable of looking at content, not just addresses. The configuration described in the Klein documents -- presumably the Narus software in particular -- "exists primarily to conduct sophisticated rule-based analysis of content", Marcus concludes.

The system looks at all traffic not just AT&T but those transiting AT&T networks.

Want to check to see of your Internet packets are being "sniffed" by AT&T.

First. A little history.

Way back when Bill Gates was designing a BASIC instruction set he (along with everybody else until Microsoft introduced Compiled or CBasic) which was interpretive. That means it took each line of code and processed it.

Troubleshooting was non -existent and de-bugging tools primitive. A utility resulted called TRON / TROFF was used , slow, cumbersome, but it worked and is best explained by the Commodore Basic handbook;

The TRON statement activates trace mode. When active, as each statement is executed, the line number of that statement is printed.

The TROFF statement turns off trace mode.

Of course most people will remember TRON as the 1982 (!) Disney movie, with Jeff Bridges and Bruce Boxleitner who played the young programmwer TRON - this was the very first movie to use computer generated graphics - which appear today to be unbeleivably primitive.

As systems, grew in complexity and multi-user tasking came along, and TCP/IP emerged, it became necessary to test what was happening as a packet was sent.A guy called Van Jacobson in 1987 from a suggestion by Steve Deering came up with a Unix utility called TRACE ROUTE or tracert.This is how Microsoft explain its function and method.

How the TRACERT Command Works (Microsoft on line help)

The TRACERT diagnostic utility determines the route taken to a destination by sending Internet Control Message Protocol (ICMP) echo packets with varying IP Time-To-Live (TTL) values to the destination. Each router along the path is required to decrement the TTL on a packet by at least 1 before forwarding it, so the TTL is effectively a hop count. When the TTL on a packet reaches 0, the router should send an ICMP Time Exceeded message back to the source computer.

TRACERT determines the route by sending the first echo packet with a TTL of 1 and incrementing the TTL by 1 on each subsequent transmission until the target responds or the maximum TTL is reached. The route is determined by examining the ICMP Time Exceeded messages sent back by intermediate routers. Note that some routers silently drop packets with expired TTLs and are invisible to TRACERT.

TRACERT prints out an ordered list of the routers in the path that returned the ICMP Time Exceeded message. If the -d switch is used (telling TRACERT not to perform a DNS lookup on each IP address), the IP address of the near- side interface of the routers is reported.

In a sense it works in a set wise mode just the way TRON/TROFF did decades ago.

Now you are ready to test if your packets are finding their way through AT&T , there's the easy way ;

Go to www.dnsstuff.com you will find a range of tests you can perform, quickly and easily, on the right of the second row you will find a red box labeled Traceroute. Let us enter then , say the text ... nsa.gov ... or even their IP address... 12.110.110.204 and press the button.

A list will be returned showing the times and route of the packet - you will in the column labelled HOSTNAME that the signal will travel through a switch labelled like this

tbr1-p013901.wswdc.ip.att.net. or maybe
ar2-a3120s6.wswdc.ip.att.net.

or even

unknown.att.net

Now the att identifies the switch as AT&T ,you can identify the town (the system uses geolocation which is not very precise) by using the box in the centre of the fourth row "Find the city" by entering the IP address in the IP column immediately left of the HOSTNAME column

tbr2012701.phmaz.ip.att.net [12.123.206.30]
City: Morristown, New Jersey

tbr2-cl1592.dlstx.ip.att.net [12.122.10.81]
City: Morristown, New Jersey

tbr1-cl6.sl9mo.ip.att.net [12.122.10.89]
City: Fargo, North Dakota

tbr1-cl4.wswdc.ip.att.net [12.122.10.29]
City: Fargo, North Dakota

ar2-a3120s6.wswdc.ip.att.net [12.123.8.65]
City: Adrian, Michigan

Interestingly if you do a "Whois" query using the IP address you will find all these IP addresses were Registered on the 26th November 2003,at AT&T Worldnet Services,200 South Laurel Ave.Middletown NJ Zip 07748 there are also other curious similarities for you to ponder.


You can try the hard way and get the same results by calling up the MSDOS prompt and entering at the C:\Windows\ pompt

tracert nsa.gov

This will return the same list as the DNS utility but without the helpful notes etc.,

Now try this out with other IP addresses other than nsa.gov - as Marcus calculates 10% of all calls are passing through these rooms, don't expect every IP adress to be picked up every time.

It would be neat if someone could co-ordinate the location of all the locations - which would give a precise number and location of the rooms. The list above is a start.

Will the investment boom in ethanol from corn feed the bulls ?

Aventine Renewable (AVR : 38.94-4 44% 11:34am 06/29/2006 which launched this week at US$43 saw 3 Mn shares change hands - priced at the top end (revised upwards from US$37 intitially and the IPO increased by 1 MN to 8MN shares diluted the intense interest in ethanol producers from US corn.

Verasun Energy (VSE) priced at $23 a share on June 14 were down 8% to $39.20 on Thursday. Aventine Renewable Energy buys virtually all of the Ethanol VeraSun produces. This evidently produces a conflict especially as Aventine starts to increase its own production of ethanol. VeraSun has informed Aventine that the distribution deal will end in March 2007.

Aventine only produces less than 150 million gallons of ethanol a year on its own. Revenues from ethanol production lwere $120 million, approximately 20% of annual revenues.

Archer Daniels Midland Co. (ADM ) the largest ethanol producer in the U.S. with annual production of 1 billion gallonsfirmed slightly to US$40.23.

Hawkeye Holdings , based in Iowa Falls, Iowa, recently filed to go public on NYSE and have not yet set terms or an estimated price range.They are expected to raise up to $350 million according to a regulatory filing this month. Terms have not been set for the offering which is scheduled to be underwritten by Credit Suisse, Morgan Stanley and Banc of America Securities LLC, according to the SEC Filing. The company plans to add 1 more plant a year to their current two plants to 3 in 2006 and 4 in 2007.

Current Hawkeye plants are Iowa Falls with annual capacity of 80 Mn. gallons a year,and their Fairbank, Iowa plant will soon be online with scheduled capacity of 100 million gallons a year.

The company are the 3rd largest ethanol producer in the US (employs 85 staff) and saw Q1 net income rise to US$6.8 million on revenue of US $27.7 million, compared with net income of US$1.4 MN. on total revenues of US$18 Q1 2005.

On May 11th 2006 Private equity firm Thomas H. Lee Partners took an 80% stake in Hawkeye Holdings which was said to value the ethanol maker at about $1 billion.

Big equity stakes are also held by in Aventine by Metalmark,(approx 40% holding) a private-equity firm established by former principals of Morgan Stanley Capital Partners (MS). Sioux Falls based Bluestem also has a substantial holding.

On any rational calculation producing ethanol from corn makes no sense - whilst imports are subject to traiifs and tax breaks and subsidies exist the economic case is still very edgy. In terms of energy consevation it is difficult to justify except on strategic grounds that it develops endemic energy production.

Will the boom in these IPO's continue ? No... but the demand and usage of ethanol for automotive power will grow, not as fast as it should, or it can, because it is contrary to the interests of the oilco's. Watch this Google video.

"You can fool some of the people ........"

One of the most powerful television ads of 2006, "America Thanks You" is being broadcast this week NATIONWIDE on the Fox News Channel. Next week the ad will begin running all across the country as part of a nationwide buy on CNN. This pro-Iraq War TV Ad has received a stellar rating of 4-stars.(?) says Move America Forward. See it here at YouTube ...judge for yourself.

Regarding the buildings of roads, hopsitals , schools in Iraq see here in Lord Patel's archive ... Wednesday, April 26 KBR / Parsons / Willbro steal US$220 Mn. from Iraq Reconstruction Project and let that lead you on to the shoddy workmanship and the reports from Bowen about the theft of money by US contractors - not US$Millions, but US$Billions

"Bits and Bobs"

Counterpunch Feb 22nd 2003
Open Letter to Tony Blair

....."Be careful however that, if in the "fog of war" the Israelis decide to resolve the Palestinian problem, a la Sabra and Chattila camps."

Slowly, we have seen how Gaza has been turned into one vast prison, first by Sharon / Likud and now by Olmert and Livini (see pic). As the international leaders have either remained silent, or supportive, the Israeli Government and it's massive and hugely armed forces have reduced the Palestinian population, men, women .. and cildren, at work , at play .. on the beach ... to target practice.

Watching BBC Newsnight tonight , a young man (who may as well remain nameless - as he is shameless) said the action today had been "Bits and Bobs" ... the sole electricity power station bombed and put out of action, 3 bridges destroyed. Bombing from the air, shelling from the borders, from the sea, helicopter gunbships roraring in, supersonic overflights and booms endlessly.

A man, Hertzog, a Minister was put up to represent and defend this criminal subjugation - he choked on the words when Paxman suggested this wholesale bombardment was "collective punishment".

Fourth Geneva Convention :
Article 33. No protected person may be punished for an offence he or she has not personally committed. Collective penalties and likewise all measures of intimidation or of terrorism are prohibited.

To which has been added but not universally ratified ..

Protocol II of 1977 Article 75 which forbids hostage taking also explicitly forbids collective punishment....

2. The following acts are and shall remain prohibited at any time and in any place whatsoever, whether committed by civilian or by military agents:
(a) violence to the life, health, or physical or mental well-being of persons, in particular:
(i) murder;
(ii) torture of all kinds, whether physical or mental;
(iii) corporal punishment; and
(iv) mutilation;

(b) outrages upon personal dignity, in particular humiliating and degrading treatment, enforced prostitution and any form of indecent assault;
(c) the taking of hostages;
(d) collective punishments; and
(e) threats to commit any of the foregoing acts.

The BBC had overlooked asking anyone to represent humanity to vilify this conduct, this barbarian agression.An oversight ?

The Chancellories of Europe remain silent ... the better to hear the weeping of the widowed and the children.

"Bits and Bobs" indeed.

Lords Resistance Army

Incredible and first interview with Joseph Kony - Google this blog for history of this wicked bastard.

Evidently he is not short of dosh, dash, arms and friends in Sudan.

The Dark Continent indeed.

First rate journalism - deserves an award.

ETS and Carbon market set for final collapse as Germans lower the bar

The BBC ( Newsnight and online) report that the the German government is about to trigger a new crisis in Europe's flagship climate policy, the Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS).

BBC News ( in disturbed and amazed tones) understands the German cabinet is likely to agree a deal that will reduce carbon emissions from industry by only 0.6% between 2004 and 2012.

"I have been a big supporter of the EU ETS, but hearing the German news I feel more depressed than I ever have done about our ability to tackle climate change," said a visibly depressed and upset Professor Michael Grubb of the UK Carbon Trust, set up by the British government ( as a hopeless gesture) to help create a low-carbon economy.... and distribute tax payers money amongst the needy academics who live by pursuingthis CO2 / GG nonsense, keeping the HMG Fear factory churning away.

Gloomy Grubb went on to say , "The German position is ridiculous - their emissions had been coming down over a long period of time. Last year's figures are definitely not a blip and this agreement is certainly nothing to do with protecting the climate." (Could this be the welcome end of the Carbon Trust ?)

The news may comfort the US (and other) climate sceptics who predicted that Europe would talk big on climate change but fail to impose large carbon cuts on its own industries.It also confirms the views of those (like Lord Patel) that the whole ETS and carbon trading was a massive financial scam ... sedulously supported by the gormless Margaret Beckett.

At least the Germans will be announcing their EU ETS plans on deadline on Friday. Most other EU nations do not have their plans ready.

The UK government is waiting on the German decision because in the last phase of the EU ETS, British firms complained that the Germans had been given too many carbon permits, conferring a competitive advantage.

The Swedish government has agreed a lax cap on CO2 and is expected to stick to that unless Germany and the UK impose much stricter caps. This now looks most unlikely, and will badly undercut the EU's position in international negotiations on climate.

The European Environment Agency has released figures showing that the EU is badly under-achieving on its Kyoto targets. EU emissions rose by 0.4% in 2004 relative to the previous year. UK emissions rose 0.2 %. In 2004, the combined EU-15 emissions were only 0.9% below 1990.

Emissions of climate-changing greenhouse gases (GHG) from the EU-25 increased by 18 million tonnes (0.4 %) between 2003 and 2004. Emissions from the EU-15 increased by 11.5 million tonnes (0.3 %) in the same period. These figures, released today, are contained in the latest GHG inventory report from the European Environment Agency (EEA), based in Copenhagen.

Spain and Italy saw the largest emission increases in absolute terms with plus 19.7 (4.8 %) and 5.1 (0.9 %) million tonnes respectively. On the positive side, 2004 saw emissions reductions from Germany (- 9.1 million tonnes, - 0.9 %), Denmark (- 6 million tonnes, -8.1 %) and Finland (- 4.2 million tonnes, - 4.9 %).

The following figures and table give details, for the EU-15, of trends in emissions of the six greenhouse gases up to 2004. Emissions from international aviation and shipping, and emissions from/removals by land use change and forestry, are not covered.

(C) EEA (left click to enlarge)

BREAKING NEWS

The German government approved a plan today by the cabinet that covers ETS policy covers policy between 2008 to 2012.

It allows industry and electricity companies to emit 482 Mn. tons of carbon dioxide (CO2) per year, marking an increase over last year's level of 474 Mn. tons, which the government said unfairly penalized German manufacturing industry.

The increased allocation is worth more than EUR 7 Bn. on the basis of a current market price of about EUR 15 / ton of CO2 under the EU's Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS).

IDF enter Gaza in massive show of force, bomb bridges, power station

Israeli military forces entered the southern Gaza Strip today (4.30 GMT) as part of a massive show of force to intimidate and eventually to rescue Gilad Shalit,( who aparently also has French citizenship) the soldier kidnapped by Palestinian groups earlier in the week, the Israel Defense Forces said.

According to MSNBC, IAF planes fired five missiles at the power station located south of Gaza City, plunging more than half of the Strip into darkness. Bridges linking North and South Gaza were also hit and destroyed, "in order to impair the ability of the terrorists to transfer the kidnapped soldier," according to a statement by IDF officials.

Tension grew all day Tuesday, Hamas reached a shaky political deal with President Mahmoud Abbas, but rejected any suggestion the plan meant it recognized Israel or had dropped its vow to destroy it. The Daily Telegraph called this a "historic policy reversal".

Israel dismissed the manifesto, penned by Palestinians in its jails, as "double-speak" aimed at lifting a US -led aid embargo on the Palestinian Authority.

Meanwhile mystery still surrounds Eliyahu Asheri, 18, of the settlement of Itamar, near Nablus, who was reported missing since Sunday, and police had been examining a possible connection between the missing person report and claims by the militants' that they had kidnapped him.

The BBC correspondent's report on BBC 4 "Today" at 6.30 BST was puntuated by the Supersonic blast of overflying jets.

Delta 4 Spy Satellite successful launch from Vandenburg

"The success of this first launch of a Boeing Delta 4 rocket from the West Coast is a tremendous milestone for the Space and Missile Systems Center, the NRO, the 30th Space Wing, the Aerospace Corp and the entire launch team," said Lt. Gen Michael Hamel, commander, Space and Missile Systems Center, Los Angeles Air Force Base. "I want to congratulate and thank everyone for their hard work and dedication to the success of this mission. This launch extends our record to 45 successful operational military space launches in a row. This is an outstanding accomplishment and a huge achievement for the team and the nation."

A Delta 4 left Vandebburg air Force Base, carrying a spy satellite payload yesterday - you can find everything you may want to know here

It's unlikely that such information may/can /will be avialable if / when the DPRK launch their Taepodong II missile as they continue to threaten.

Some folk might think it somewhat hypocritical that the US happily launches these behemoths into space to pepper space with military hardware yet start jumping up and down when others want to copy them...

Biodiesel from oil rich Algae ?

The Office of Fuels Development,(Dept in DOE) funded a program from 1978 to 1996 (when it was discontinued) under the National Renewable Energy Laboratory known as the "Aquatic Species Program" )PDF Alert

The focus of this program was to investigate high-oil content algae that could be grown specifically for the purpose of wide-scale biodiesel production. Some species of algae show a high oil content, >50%, and high growth growth rates.

PetroSun Drilling Inc. (Pink Sheets: PSUD), an oilfield services to major and independent producers of oil and natural gas, has announced that the company has formed Algae BioFuels Inc. as a wholly owned subsidiary.

Algae BioFuels will be engaged in the research and development of algae cultivation as an energy source in the production of biodiesel the R&D and production facilities for Algae BioFuels will be based in Arizona and Australia.

"PetroSun's formation of Algae BioFuels is a forward-looking strategy," said L. Rayfield Wright, president of PetroSun. "The opportunity to produce a renewable energy product that will assist in providing a healthier planet for future generations cannot be ignored."

PetroSun's current operations are headquartered in Phoenix, and are concentrated in the Ark-La-Tex region with plans to expand into New Mexico, Arizona, Utah and Australia in 2006. PetroSun provides a comprehensive array of products and services to the oil industry. http://www.petrosun.us

Company President is Rayfield Wright who played for the Dallas Cowboys and participated in 166-games, started at right tackle in six NFC championship games, played in five Super Bowls, winning two of them (VI and XII), earned his first of four All-NFL honors in 1971 and was voted that same year to the first of six straight Pro Bowls. His blocking and leadership as the team's co-captain for 7 years, helped the Cowboys win 10 division titles and six conference crowns.

1% Chance you are SOL

Norman Nescio at Xymphora suggests a neat way of taking the Cheney quote that is allegedly the source of Norman Suskind's "One per cent of this Book is the Truth" book.

Apparently Cheney said"If there's a one percent chance that Pakistani scientists are helping al Qaeda build or develop a nuclear weapon, we have to treat it as a certainty in terms of our response"

Norman Nescio suggests inserting the phrase of choice ...

"If there's a one percent chance that we're behind global warming, we have to treat it as a certainty in terms of our response."

...or maybe ...

"If there's a one percent chance that I shot the guy , we have to treat it as a certainty in terms of our response."


"If there's a one percent chance that NORAD stood down on 9/11 because I told them to, we to treat it as a certainty in terms of our response."


"If there's a one percent chance Silverstein pulled WTC 7 deliberately , we have to treat it as a certainty in terms of our response."

"If there's a one percent chance that Halevy had prior knowledge of the 7/7 bombings so he could write an article calling for World War III so it hit the dinner time editions , we have to treat it as a certainty in terms of our response."


"If there's a one percent chance that de Menezes was Hussein, then we have to treat it as a certainty in terms of our response."


"If there's a one percent chance that Wilson's wife put the bastard up to that Niger nonsense then, we have to treat it as a certainty in terms of our response."

Works for Lord Patel's staff.

China Biodiesel IPO on AIM - Friday

Evolution Securities Ltd are placing shares in China Biodiesel International Holdings Co. Ltd., which will be available on Friday on AIM. The Placing and Admission document can be obtained directly by contacting them. Website

The company has developed it own unique process for producing Biodiesel from waste oils using equipment designed and made to order. Mr Ye Huodong with his company ZYNE set up to research Biodiesel production and in March 2005 set up the first plant in Longyan in the Fujian Province od the PRC.

This is the first Biodiesel manufacturer in PRC, and they expect to expand production in Longyan and open a new plant in Xiamen , Fujian Province.

Key the the success of their operation is the catalytic primary stage process using unpatented (to secure confidentiality) methods. The process results in 3 fractions ;

1 = 7% of sales a feedstock for phosphate free detergents.
2= 19% of sales for producing toxin free packaging and plastics.
3 = 70% of sales of Biodiesel

Growth is anticipated as the demand for energy increases and entrants to the market need to have the skills that they lead in. Low wages, low material costs ... they are receving waste products, results in cost benefits over traditional diesel oils.

Also the PRC Government introduced the Renewable Energy Law in January this year which amongst may things encourages the development of recycling for Biodiesel. It is intended that 10% (The Placing document says 15%) of total energy in PRC will be available from renewable resources in 2020.The Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC) endorsed the Renewable Energy Law on February 28 2006, significantly earlier than expected. President of the People's Republic of China Hu Jintao signed and announced this law.

In the past China lacked laws and regulations that support development of renewable energy. The economic policies were not constant and stable in supporting the renewable energy. Part of problem was that key equipment was dependent on import.

The U.S.-based Center for Resource Solutions, a renewable energy organization in the US has been working in China for 5 years on renewable energy and energy efficiency policy and expects the new law to make a big difference.

The company is registered in the British Virgin Islands and is subject to British Virgin Islands Law, as currently understood the company would not be subkject to the City Take-over code.

The risks are detailed and explained in the document supplied pages 20-27 which anyone contemplating investing should carefully examine.

The company expects to raise approximately £8 Mn. in placing 9.4 Mn shares (20.73% of shares in issue) at 85 p with a nominal valiu of US$0.01 each (1 US cent).

It will be interesting to watch how they perform given the excited interest there is in biodiesel and ethanol fuels and companies involved in their production in the US. There is no doubt that the potential within the Chinese market for such technology - given sufficent feedstocks is immense.

The opportunity to get in on the ground floor in an exciting and fast growing market where technological leadership is the key.

IPO - Initial Placing Offer

Today Friday 7th July 2006 China Biodiesel (CBI.L) closed at 104, UK Director Buckley from Evolution Securities bought 15,000 @ 100p (ish) . Smart money was out Wednesday @ 107 Bid.

Keep an eye on trading here

Raloxifene - a better outlook for preventing breast cancer

Tamoxifen is a selective oestrogen receptor modulator (SERM). It has been used for over 30 years to treat both early and advanced breast cancer.

Raloxifene is a more recently developed SERM which is used for prevention and treatment of osteoporosis. Clinical trials have shown it may also have a role in reducing the risk of invasive breast cancer in postmenopausal women.More than 500,000 women in the United States are currently taking Raloxifene.

Victor G. Vogel, M.D., M.H.S., from Magee-Womens Hospital, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, and colleagues from The National Surgical Adjuvant Breast and Bowel Project (NSABP), have conducted a randomized clinical trial ( STAR / Study of Tamoxifen and Raloxifene ) at nearly 200 clinical centers in North America.Their results have been published in Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA).

19,747 postmenopausal women (avg age 58.5 ) with an increased 5 year breast cancer risk selected nationwide in the USA formed the study group.

The study patients were randomized to receive oral tamoxifen (20 mg/day) or raloxifene (60 mg/day) over five years.

The results showed a total 163 cases of invasive breast cancer in women assigned to tamoxifen and 168 in those assigned to raloxifene (incidence = 4.30 per 1,000 / 4.41 per 1,000). Fewer cases of noninvasive breast cancer were found in the tamoxifen group (57 cases) than in the raloxifene group (80 cases)

Uterine cancer was detected in 36 cases of uterine cancer with tamoxifen and 23 with raloxifene; however, neither of these differences were found to be statistically significant.

No differences were found for other invasive cancer sites, for ischemic heart disease events, or for stroke.

Thromboembolic events (such as blood clots in the lung or deep veins) occurred less often in the raloxifene group and there were fewer cataracts and cataracts surgeries in that group.

The number of osteoporotic fractures in the two groups was similar.

There were no differences in the total number of deaths or in causes of death.

It appears that there wasa reluctance to prescribe tamoxifen because it is viewed as a toxic cancer drug. “In contrast, raloxifene is well known to the primary care community and is widely prescribed for the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women.

The researchers concluded : “This trial confirms the previously reported benefit of raloxifene in reducing the risk of invasive breast cancer and indicates that raloxifene is as active as tamoxifen in this regard. If raloxifene is approved by the Food and Drug Administration for the prevention of breast cancer, primary care physicians may be more willing, given their experience with raloxifene, to prescribe it for breast cancer chemoprevention than they have been to prescribe tamoxifen.”


JAMA. 2006;295:2727-2741. for the complete text.

In a related paper, Stephanie R. Land, Ph.D., from the University of Pittsburgh and colleagues from the NSABP STAR trial concentrated on studying differences in patient-reported outcomes, the QAL or quality of life, and symptoms in the STAR participants. The patient-reported outcomes were evaluated with standardized surveys using a 43-item symptom checklist.

They conclude "No significant differences existed between the tamoxifen and raloxifene groups in patient-reported outcomes for physical health, mental health, and depression, ....although the tamoxifen group reported better sexual function,”

“Although mean (average) symptom severity was low among these postmenopausal women, those in the tamoxifen group reported more gynecological problems, vasomotor symptoms, leg cramps, and bladder control problems, whereas women in the raloxifene group reported more musculoskeletal problems, dyspareunia (pain during sexual intercourse), and weight gain.”

“The NSABP’s STAR trial, with its large-scale symptom evaluation and well-powered quality of life substudy, provides a comprehensive, detailed view of the patient experience using raloxifene and tamoxifen. Both of these agents are indicated for prevention in large populations, so these results can be widely used as tools in decision making or in helping a woman anticipate and cope with the sequelae of her chosen agent,”

They point out that Raloxifine does not have regulatory approval for breast cancer prevention and assuming US regulatory approval of raloxifene to prevent breast cancer, physicians should discuss these 2 similar options carefully with their eligible and interested patients.


JAMA 2006;295 2742-2751 for the complete Text.


The National Cancer Institute reviewed the results of the STAR trial. They point out that Breast cancer is a critical public health problem: more than 212,000 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in the United States this year and more than 30,000 will die of the disease.

An article April 18, 2006 • Volume 3 / Number 16 " STAR Results: Raloxifene as Effective as Tamoxifen, Better Safety Profile" conveys their views ..

"The long-awaited results of the largest breast cancer chemoprevention trial ever conducted provide what its leaders say is excellent news: Regular use of the anti-osteoporosis drug raloxifene (Evista) works just as well as tamoxifen at reducing breast cancer risk in postmenopausal women at high risk, but appears less likely to cause some of the potentially dangerous side effects seen with tamoxifen use."

The STAR results, added Dr. Leslie Ford, associate director for clinical research in NCI's Division of Cancer Prevention, "have immediate implications for how women view their breast cancer risk and what they can do about it. They will make breast cancer prevention more of a reality for many women."

Because tamoxifen has long been used for cancer treatment, Dr. Ford notes, that may have raised flags in many clinicians' minds about using it to prevent cancer.

"I think primary care physicians, gynecologists, and internists were somewhat uncomfortable with tamoxifen, despite its extensive safety profile," she says. "But raloxifene has been used by gynecologists and family practice physicians for preventing osteoporosis, so they may be more comfortable prescribing it."

Eli Lilly issed a Statement on the results It is understood that they will apply to the FDA for approval for use of Evista (Raloxifine) for use in preventing breast cancer in post menopausal women.

Russia arms Algeria ... again

In January this year, Russia’s arms export agency Rosoboronexport, along with leading Russian defense enterprises, announced they had agreed a range of supply / training and maintenance contracts for the delivery of $4 billion worth of Russian arms and military equipment to Algeria.

1 contract is for for delivery of 37 multifunctional and upgraded MiG-29SMT jet fighters which wowed the Dubai airshow last year. Upgrades include weapons control system improved by replacing N019ME radar by the Zhuk-M radar. The target acquisition range on head-on courses grows to 120 km, while the number of simultaneously engaged targets is increased to 4. This makes the MiG-29 a truly multirole fighter, whose combat effectiveness is said to equal that of the F-16C in the striker role, while outplaying the F/A-18C and Mirage 2000-5 in terms of cost-effectiveness.

The cockpit has also been improved with two colour LCD MFDs with push-button and HOTAS controls. The MVK-SUV three-channel quadruple-redundant digital computer is compliant with the MIL-STD-1553B international standard, which means the aircraft can be easily customised in order to meet specific needs.

The fuel system has been augmented with strap on tanks by 500 Kg and in flight refuelling is available - hence improving operating range.

It is also expected that they will also supply 28 twin-seat high agility Su-30 jet fighters,similiar to the ones supplied to China and India. Algeria received 18 SU-30MK multi-role fighters in 2005, along with a US$120 Mn. deal for 22 SU-24 Fencer tactical bombers that proved so popular in destroying Chechnya.

8 divisions of Favorite surface-to-air missile systems and a batch of T-90S battle tanks are also to be supplied.

Russian defense enterprises also signed a number of deals for the modernization and repair of arms and military equipment of Soviet (Russian) make that are currently being operated by the Algerian army. Payments for deliveries will be made, involving complex write -offs on Algerian debt to the former Soviet Union.Naturally this is where LUKoil's CEO Vagit Alekperov, Gazprom chief Alexei Miller, and Igor Makarov of independent gas producer Itera enter the scene as it is evident that Algeria will give gives Russian companies access to oil- and gas-rich regions, with the proceeds split between the producer and the Algerian government. The Algerian government is then bound to immediately transfer the revenues to Russian arms manufacturers, until such time as the previous debt (said to be US$4.7 BN.)is paid off.

In the near future Algeria are looking to buy 50 or more Yak-130 training jets and about 30 Tunguska-M1 surface-to-air gun/missile systems.

No doubt the MOD salesmen will be much in evidence when President Bouteflika arrives next week to share a cuppa with HMQ who will no doubt be anxious to discuss the question of Human Rights in Algeria with him.

It may be possible ... but don't bet on it, that the JESS who oversee the Strategic Energy needs of the UK have taken on board that Algeria (7th largest natrual gas rserves = 4.55 trillion cubic metres), is the world's fourth-biggest gas exporter after Russia, Canada and Norway at 60 billion cubic meters per year.

(They might also look at this Algeria forces kill 19 Islamic militants: reports
ALGIERS (Reuters) - Algerian government forces killed 19 Islamist militants in attacks on mountain hideouts of rebels who have rejected an amnesty aimed at ending years of strife, newspapers reported on Monday.)

Russia, is of course the premier gas exporter to Europe, with about 26% of the market. By coordinating its export policies with number 3 exporter Algeria (about 10% of the European market), Russia may be able (and may wish to) to increase its leverage within Europe, complicate the EU's efforts to diversify its sources of supply, and leverage that improved position into greater participation in and influence over Europe's pipeline projects.

If they do take the chance to look at how the Russian silovaki have parlayed their energy resources they may like to take a peek at what is happening currently in Ukraine.

BRI Energy - another approach to cellulosic ethanol production

A new gasification/fermentation process developed for BRI Energy, Inc. (“BRI”) by a team led by Dr. James L. Gaddy of Fayetteville, Arkansas, makes possible the production of electricity and ethanol from any carbon-based materials, including:

• Municipal Solid Waste
• Biosolids
• Corn Stover and other agricultural residues
• Timber and Wood Waste
• Used Tires or Plastics
• Coal, natural gas and other hydrocarbons


"Efficient and highly profitable, the BRI process utilizes an enzyme from patented
bacteria, which ingests synthesis gas (gasified wastes) and emits pure ethanol at a yield of 75 gallons or more per dry ton of biomass. From used tires or hydrocarbons it can yield 150 gallons or more per ton."

This brief description is obtained from a useful company document , "The Co-Production of Ethanol and Electricity From Carbon-based Wastes A Report from BRI Energy, Inc.Regarding a New Technology that Addresses Multiple Energy and Waste Disposal Solutions" which is accessible here

Essential reading if you wish to understand both the process and how it fits into the current work being undertaken on cellulosic / waste ethanol production.

Two operating companies hold exclusive licenses to market and commercialize the gasification/biocatalytic technology developed by Dr. James L. Gaddy and his research and development organization, Bioengineering Resources, Inc. of Fayetteville, Arkansas.

1. BRI Energy, LLC (a Delaware Limited Liability Company) represents the technology within the United States and its territories.

2. BRI Energy International, Ltd. (a Bermuda company), is responsible for implementing the technology elsewhere worldwide.

Bioengineering Resources, Inc.

Developers of the BRI Ethanol Process, providers of the patented bacteria, enzymes and nutrients required for the operation of the Process, and consultants in plant design, construction and operation.

Key Technologists

James L. Gaddy, Ph.D
Chemical Engineering (President of Bioengineering Resources, Inc.)
Formerly Head / Prof. of Arkansas U. Chemical Engineering Department Authroity on annaerobic fermentations, immobilized cell technology, biomass hydrolysis, gas fermentations, as well as process synthesis, design and optimization. Author of over 500 technical publications and presentations.


Ching W. Ko, Ph.D
Chemical Engineering (Director of Technology and Pilot Operations)
Chemical engineer and an expert in elevated pressure gaseous fermentations.

Rahul Basu, Ph.D
Chemical Engineering (Vice President for Development)
A graduate of Stevens Institute of Technology, Dr. Basu has directed pilot plant operations and international technology transfer for one of the world’s largest nutraceutical companies. His areas of expertise include fermentation, membrane filtration and separation processes.

Dinesh K. Arora, Ph.D
Biochemical Engineering (Laboratory Director)
Research interests and expertise are in the areas of microbial transformations, fermenter design and operation, immobilized cell cuture, microbial physiology, culture storage, microbial kinetics and recombinant DNA techniques.

J.R. “Randy” Phillips, M.S.
Chemical Engineering (Director of Engineering)
Graduate of University of Arkansas. He worked for S&B Engineers, Houston, Texas as a process design engineer in petrochemicals for six years. He has worked with the ethanol fermentation process for the past fifteen years.

The company have received funding (US$2.4 Mn.) to develop their 3 stage process from the Department of Energy to develop and demonstrate the process and have a small unit operating 24/7.

Useful links

Green Car Congress
Co-Production of Ethanol and Electricity from Waste
9 June 2005

Reno Gazette Journal 26/6/2005
New technology turns waste into fuel, but will it ever get out of the lab?

This process is of course a US based research project.

Gadaffi - what exactly is this Love Fest about ? A Triumph of spookery ?

Rentagob, welsh wizard and (very) junior foreign minister Kim Howells and Libyan Secretary for European Affairs Abdullati Obidi have jointly signed a letter that Britain pledges to seek U.N. Security Council action if the north African country were to be attacked with biological or chemical weapons.

Howells highlighted the level of confidence between the two countries.

"I believe that this mutual commitment will serve as an example to other states that there is a route back into the international community and the advantages of Libya's WMD decision," which apparenbtly relates to Libya's 2003 decision to renounce weapons of mass destruction.

Which is all very interesting, especially in relation to the missiles that DPRK has been selling to Libya - for many years.

In 1986 President Reagan tried to kill Gadaffi and used UK bases (Prop. Mrs Hilda Thatcher) - the following day on April 5th 1986 Scud missiles were fired at US resources on the Italian island of Lampedusa - the only time long range missiles have been fired in anger in Europe since the war.

The story goes that the resulting damage was so poor, Gadaffi wanted something larger and better. He turned to DPRK - because of the inability to effectively strike back at the U.S. or its allies was a source of great frustration to Gadaffi, so gave hime an incentive to acquire long-range ballistic missiles and WMD,

In 1991 Libya had talks with and money changed hands for Nodong missiles and it was May 1996 when Libya finally agreed a purchase and in April 1999 that a Libyan delegation went to DPRK followed by General Abu Bakr Jaber 6 months later to finalize the details.

In November 1999 parts of a Nodong engine were seized at heathrow of (textile) parts detsined for Tripoli via Malta and apparently had been sent from DPRK via Hong KOng with false documentation.

Libya was to pay US$200 Mn and to receive 50 Nodong missiles plus infrastructure and training. The missiles reached Libya in July 2000 and November 2000 and by August 2001 had received 38 Nodong Missiles.

At this time there were connections with Iran and they may have supplied the Iranian made Shehab 2 /3 (essentially a Nodong US sources say) from the Iranian Sheab Industrial Group (SHIG).

It is possible that besides the financing of these missiles and their development Libya has helped in financing development of the Taepodong - 1 (and maybe Type 2) which is said to be sat fuelled up on a launch pad today.

All of which , plus the declared rapprochement with the USA and the agreement to lift the ant Gadaffi people in ther North West of the UK recently after the US declared them "Persons of interest" is evident that Mr Gadaffi has ...

1) All along playing a very devious game as a double agent for the West, enabling them to effectively spy on the Iran / DPRK missile manufacturing resource... and also at a modest cost (US$200 Mn been able to sweep up the resource of the DPRK output which they have been so anxious to export for hard cash. This would of course extend to supplying information about Iran's resources also.

2) Had a massive change of mind very recently.This is of course the official story that in December 2003, after 9 months of secret talks by Libya / US / UK , Tripoli disclosed its WMD capabilities and agreed to eliminate all of its WMD-related materials and ballistic missiles with more than a 300 km range and 500 kg payload.

It is true that since December 2003, Gadaffi's men have cooperated extensively with the IAEA and OPCW personnel, and US/UK staff regarding the elimination of WMD and missile materials.

Despite all this co-operation precious little has been disclosed and reports on the history and achievements of Libya's missile capabilities have not yet appeared in open sources.

Although odd snippets appear through the "usual channels" e.g - Dame Judith Miller "Libya Discloses Production of 23 Tons of Mustard Gas," The New York Times online edition, March 6, 2004

Well which is it 1 or 2 (or even neither ?)

The pivotal role (if not a key role) played by the UK in all this is intriguing, instead of playing poodle we do seem to be rather calling the shots and the whole thing smells of the sort of FO / SIS long game spookery, that the denizens of ST.James and RUSI love - including the spurious cover story of leaking the desire to kill Gadaffi that let MI6 spies Machon and her tubby hubby roam freely around the crowds of UK dissenters as martyred heroes to the leftist anti Gubment cause. (There are lots of other ramifications - Lockerbie and all it's mysteries of course)

Rentagob Howell just has, as ever a walk on speaking part... which to be fair to the dimwit , he is rather good at.

UK Embassy Footnotes

1 . Libya renounced its weapons of mass destruction programmes in December 2003. The UK and Libya agreed to sign a 'Joint Letter on Peace and Security', based on the principles of the UN charter. The Letter recalls that the non-use of force and the prohibition of aggression are well established in the UN Charter and in international law. It commits the UK to seeking some form of UN Security Council action if Libya were attacked with nuclear, chemical or biological weapons.

2. Rabid (and very peripatetic) Ex Trot Lord Triesman visited Tripoli July 2005 and Charles Clarke, the then Home Secretary, visited in February 2006.

3. Ambassador Sir Vincent Fean KCVO took up his appointment in May 2006.(see pic)

4. Do not forget that the Dear Leader In March 2004, became one of the first western leaders in decades to visit Libya and publicly meet Gaddafi. Blair praised Gaddafi's recent acts, and stated that he hoped Libya could now be a strong ally in the international War on Terrorism. A visit which if what he said true had massive ramification which he uncharacteristically has not since referred to .. leaving the glory to Mr Howell. Hmmmmm.

After writing this I Googled and then Yahood and tried several engines to finf a picture of Gadaffi (no shrinking violet when it comes to pix) and Blair (ditto) - result only one tiny thumbnail the original of ehich has disapperaed from the server.

Hmmmmmmm. Maybe our Dear Leader has discovered the gift of humility.

Where are they now ? ... our 2 SAS Heroes

"Let me make it clear that it was important to retrieve those two soldiers."General Sir Michael Jackson, Chief of the General Staff (quoted in the Times, 12 Oct 2005)

General Sir Michael Jackson, Chief of the General Staff was in Basra a few days prior to Captain Masters untimely death to deal explicitly with the matter.

While in Basra, he no doubt also had meetings with both Brig Lorimer (who organised the raid to free the 2 SAS heroes,) and Captain Masters.

Ken Masters was Commanding Officer of the Special Investigation Branch of the Royal Military Police. He was "responsible for the investigation of all in-theatre serious incidents, plus investigations conducted by the General Police Duties element of the Theatre Investigation Group." (Statement of Britain's Ministry of Defense, 16 Oct 2005).

In this capacity, Captain Masters was responsible for investigating the circumstances of the arrest of two undercover elite SAS men, wearing Arab clothing, by Iraqi police in Basra. on September 19 (London Times (17 Oct 2005)..

Captain Ken Masters died in Basra on the 15th.October 2005 According to the MoD "the circumstances [of his death ] were not regarded as suspicious." (quoted in the Times, 12 Oct 2005)

News of the 2 SAS heroes .... Zilch
Enquiry into Masters death ......Zilch

Lass' sie nach Berlin kommen. Let them come to Berlin.

On this day 1963 JFK went to Berlin (streaming and mp3 of speech here)....

"I am proud to come to this city as the guest of your distinguished Mayor, who has symbolized throughout the world the fighting spirit of West Berlin. And I am proud -- And I am proud to visit the Federal Republic with your distinguished Chancellor who for so many years has committed Germany to democracy and freedom and progress, and to come here in the company of my fellow American, General Clay, who -- who has been in this city during its great moments of crisis and will come again if ever needed.

Two thousand years ago, two thousand years ago, the proudest boast was "civis Romanus sum." Today, in the world of freedom, the proudest boast is "Ich bin ein Berliner."

There are many people in the world who really don't understand, or say they don't, what is the great issue between the free world and the Communist world.

Let them come to Berlin.

There are some who say -- There are some who say that communism is the wave of the future.

Let them come to Berlin.

And there are some who say, in Europe and elsewhere, we can work with the Communists.

Let them come to Berlin.

And there are even a few who say that it is true that communism is an evil system, but it permits us to make economic progress.

Lass' sie nach Berlin kommen. Let them come to Berlin.

... relish the wonderful, brief, repetitive but powerful, direct speech ... compare and contrast with the smirking chimp now. Lord Patel was 22 when he heard this and was inspired - who wasn't?

Democracy is an award winning play by Michael Frayn , premiered at the National Theatre in 2003 opened on Broadway in 2004 and has been shown in Copenhagen and Oslo (Brandt was married to a Norwegian and took nationality during the war).

The play, based in fact, deals with the decision of Willy Brandt (in the picture, then Mayor of Berlin then sponsored by publisher Springer) West German chancellor had to make about exposing Günter Guillaume who worked as his secretary as a Stasi spy, and who was privy to many state secrets.

U2 - Dragon Lady Block 20 in operation - no UAV's wanted here

The U2 community is a tight-knit group with less than 850 pilots since 1955. The newly delivered Block 20 U-2 "Dragon Lady" was specifically designed to carry reconnaissance payloads to extremely high altitudes. The Block 20 U-2 can carry thousands of pounds of reconnaissance sensors to more than 70,000 feet, and remain aloft for more than 10 hours. It also signals the immense resustance to handing over the reconaissance role entirely to pilotless UAV's.

"The Block 20 aircraft is a new, modern cockpit with a computer on board that analyzes and displays a lot more information on three, 6-by-8-inch multi-function displays and two smaller displays," said Lt. Col. Lars Hoffman, 5th Reconnaissance Squadron commander.

"The (displays) can be configured for information pilots desire in the layouts they prefer," the colonel said. "Examples of information include altitude and navigation information, engine performance, moving map with mission course overlay, electronic checklists, diagnostic information on all aircraft systems and reconnaissance sensors, and multiple radio frequencies and settings."

They says it's like trading in a typewriter for a word processor as they upgrade from Block 10 to Block 20 aircraft.

The U2, has provided high-altitude reconnaissance for over 50 years, has one of the highest mission completion rates in the U.S. Air Force despite the fact that the aircraft is one of the most difficult to fly because of its challenging takeoff and landing characteristics.

It may require 10 - 30 people to launch. A mobile pilot is in charge of getting the pilot airborne and back on the ground. They act as a safety observer and ensure a safe launch and recovery.

The most difficult to land aircraft in the Air Force inventory requires the use of a high performance chase car (see pic) with a second pilot at the end of the runway as the aircraft makes it landing approach. As the U-2 passes, the chase car follows it at high speed, with the "mobile" calling out the aircraft's altitude via radio to the pilot.

Within 2 feet of the runway the pilot has to maintain level flight and then stall and allow a wingtip to touch the ground.

Switchblade the ultimate UAV - supersonic destroyer

CNN review the ultimate UAV - a supersonic subsonic loitering predator that can shift shape , accelerate to supersonic speed deliver a fatal load and disappear as fast.

The capacity of the DOD and Darpa to come up with these fanciful "toys for the Boys" is endless - now it's the Northrop Grumman to get US$10.3 Mn to produce a detailed blueprint by November 2007 for the excitingly named "Switchblade". A flying test vehicle is due about four years later.

Darpa says, a 40-foot-wingspan demonstration model could be ready by 2010, and a full-size Switchblade should be available for service by 2020. No doubt models made in China will be available RSN.

Ooops! Don't confuse this with Aeronvironment Inc's lightweight SUAV "Switchblade" which weighs about as much as a bird.

Just the thing for taking out that pesky Taepodong missile sitting on the launch pad in North Korea ?

Intel ramp up 65nm flash memory chips in new US$2Bn. Irish plant

Intel Corporation have announced a major step change in semi conductor fabrication in April in sampling the NOR multi-level cell flash memory chips at 1-gigabit density using its advanced 65-nanometer (nm) process technology on 300mm silicon slices.

These devices are used in huge volume in cell phones to manage critical phone operations, handle Personal Information Management data and to store photos, music and videos.
The new devices share a common flash architecture to simplify the migration from 90nm to 65nm process technology.

Today they announce the opeing of the new Leixlip Ireland facility (with the exciting name of Fab 23-2) in which they have invested an eye watering US$2Bn to produce these devices in volume. They already have the same process facility in Intel labs in Arizona (Fab 12) and Oregon (D1D).

“Intel is establishing a clear technology lead with our next generation of dual-core processors based on the Intel® Core™ microarchitecture,” said Intel President and CEO Paul Otellini on opening the new facility.

This summer Intel will introduce Intel® Core™2 Duo processors for desktop (formerly codenamed Conroe) and notebooks (formerly codenamed Merom) and the Dual-Core Intel® Xeon processor 5100 series (formerly codenamed Woodcrest).

Intel also claim that they will maintain their leadership as they are well on track to begin production using its next-generation 45nm process technology by the end of 2007 - which will make this plany obsolete by ...well, say 2010?

Chinese swoop and buy up cellulosic ethanol technology that Uncle Sam funded

sstklFascinating news after the International Fuel Ethanol Workshop & Expo in Milwaukee, Wisconsin ended.

On Friday , Sunopta (NASDAQ:STKL) (TSX:SOY) announced officially that it has signed a contract to sell a cellulosic ethanol pilot demonstration facility, which is based on SunOpta's patented and proprietary biomass conversion technology, to China Resources Alcohol Corporation (CRAC) for research and development on cellulosic ethanol production at their facility in ZhaoDong City, Heilongjiang Province.

Based upon completion of final details, the companies anticipate that this cellulosic ethanol research facility will start up in late 2006.

Terms of the sale were not disclosed. As part of the transaction, SunOpta and CRAC intend to enter into a Joint Development Agreement between SunOpta, CRAC and Novozymes for the development of cellulosic ethanol in the People's Republic of China.

The Chinese central government recently announced a $5.0 Billion US capital investment over the next 10 years on ethanol capacity expansion with a focus on cellulosic ethanol. They launched their industrial scale ethanol production only 5 years ago, but are evidently putting a great deal of resource into this technology.

STKL currently trades at $8.73, up $0.63 from the previous close, on 835,369 shares.

The Chinese are no doubt somewhat relieved to be able to buy into this technology which Uncle Sam has been funding with the aid of EU and Canadian companies. Where this leaves the further development in the US is somewhat unclear - evidently the thrust of Novozymes efforts and the now wholly owned CRAC process will reside in China.

The Spanish project will of course still go ahead, presumably with some co-ordination with CRAC.

Neither Novozyme or Sunopta have any comments on their websites.

Watch this space!