Report updates PBS special on pollution

0 Comments | Gazette, The (Colorado Springs), Jul 16, 2006 | by JIM BAINBRIDGE THE GAZETTE

A companion to "Dimming the Sun," a Nova program that aired in April, discusses new evidence that air pollution has masked the full impact of global warming and that the world "may soon face a heightened climate crisis."

The Web version of the PBS report features material about the history of this phenomenon going back to volcanic eruptions during the 18th century, how contrails (vapor trails from aircraft) may influence the climate, and information about clean-air technologies. It includes a teacher's guide and transcript.

www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/sun

TRIVIA

Not satisfied with accumulating three million pages of concise, authoritative facts, Answers.com has now branched out to test people's knowledge (or gullibility) with an online game at Blufr.com.

You are given statements such as "Scottsdale, Ariz. is the largest U.S. city established in the 20th century" or "President John Quincy Adams married his stepsister" and asked to determine whether they are true. (That would be no -- Las Vegas, 1911 -- and yes.)

www.blufr.com

CONTESTS

Aaron Landon Schwarz made his fortune as an Internet entrepreneur and now, at 32, thinks it's time to alter his career path to become a rock musician with a new name.

Rather than go through the boring process of "researching mythological deities" or scanning books of popular names, Schwarz is offering $25,000 to the person who comes up with the name that he will adopt as his legal moniker.

He'll pick the 10 he likes best, and the public will vote online to determine the winner.

Smog Whiplash and Dangir McCool are among the current entries, so you've got a shot at this.

www.givemeaname.com

Planters Peanuts is running an online contest that offers Sony music equipment, trips to Atlantic City, N.J., and books about architecture. The deadline is Oct. 2, and there is no charge to enter.

www.planters.com/sweeps/sweeps_july.aspx

GIVEAWAY

Pegetables, the company that sells the dog treats "made with real vegetables" is offering free samples -- one per household -- at its Web site.

www.pegetables.com/index.html

BASEBALL

MSN launched its "Fan Club: Reality Baseball," site last week, where users can follow the progress of the Schaumberg (Ill.) Flyers minor-league baseball team and vote on key staff decisions, including the team roster, the batting order, pitching rotation, trades and free-agent deals.

The site will include videos of the Flyers' season in the independent Northern League, game highlights and behindscenes footage of the players and coaches.

fanclub.msn.com

SPANISH

"Learn Spanish" is a free tutorial with a curriculum that covers pronunciation, grammar, vocabulary, verb drills, travel terms and cultural notes. The site also has a translator function and a guide to area schools where you can learn more.

www.studyspanish.com/freesite.htm

CONTACT THE WRITER: 636-0126 or jim.bainbridge@gazette.com