According to a press release we found at Business Wire, Biotech companies are poised to rapidly commercialize advanced biofuel technology, which has been shown to reduce both U.S. reliance on petroleum and associated greenhouse gas emissions. Brent Erickson, executive vice president of the Biotechnology Industry Organization’s (BIO) Industrial and Environmental Section, recently released the following statement at a media briefing held at the 2009 BIO International Convention held at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta.

“Advanced biofuel companies are ready to deploy their technology and begin meeting the requirements of the National Renewable Fuel Standard. Now that the rules of the program are finally moving forward and the Obama administration has demonstrated a firm commitment to the industry, companies are prepared to build the next generation of biorefineries.

“The recent analysis by the Environmental Protection Agency shows that biofuels produced with biotech tools will dramatically reduce U.S. greenhouse gas emissions from transportation – more than 100 percent compared to gasoline, in some cases. In addition to enabling production of cellulosic biofuels, biotechnology can continue to help biofuel producers reduce carbon emissions by increasing yields of fuel per ton of raw material and decreasing energy use in production of biofuels. Biotechnology can also help farmers increase yields per acre and reduce petroleum inputs in agriculture. » Read more

Who doesn't love a donut?

Americans channeled their imagination and love of donuts into a culinary treat of their own design for Dunkin’ Donuts’ first-ever “Create Dunkin’s Next Donut” contest. From nearly 130,000 donut contest creations submitted online, Dunkin’ Donuts, America’s all-day, everyday stop for coffee and baked goods, has announced 12 finalists who will compete for the chance to win a $12,000 grand prize and have their winning donut sold in participating Dunkin’ Donuts locations throughout the country. The grand-prize winner will be announced on National Donut Day, June 5

Americans can view the finalists online at www.dunkindonuts.com/donut. The lucky dozen includes: (Click “More” to see the entire list of finalists) » Read more

Meet The Goode Family

With standards always changing, no matter how hard you try to be good, it’s virtually impossible these days. . . especially for the Goode family. “The Goode Family” is a new animated series from Mike Judge, which premieres tonight on ABC, and will air Wednesdays from 9-9:30 pm.

Meet Gerald and Helen Goode, a couple who live by the motto WWAGD (“What Would Al Gore Do?”). Gerald, a college administrator, and Helen, a community activist, are determined to obliterate their carbon footprint on the planet: They’re zealous vegans, they drive a hybrid, and they recycle everything possible. Even the family dog, Che, is (supposedly) vegan. In the words of Helen, all the Goodes want to do is buy organic apples and call minorities by their right names. But despite their best efforts, something always goes haywire with their politically correct plans. If you’re familiar with the television shows “King of the Hill,” and “Beavis and Butt-head,” you might have a good idea where this one is headed.

According to a review at The Wall Street Journal, “They feed their dog, Che, only veggies (much to the pet’s dismay) and Mr. Goode dutifully separates sheets of toilet paper when his wife accidentally buys two-ply. And, of course, the family drives a hybrid.” The excellent review also provides a great amount of insight into the background of creator Mike Judge (who also developed “King of the Hill,” “Beavis and Butt-head,” and “Office Space”), saying his interest in animation was sparked by a traveling cartoon festival.

No matter how hard they try, the well-intentioned family is having a hard time living up to their own expectations. Says Jamin Brophy-Warren, “They are a perfect target for the 46-year-old Mr. Judge and his two longtime co-writers, John Altschuler and Dave Krinsky (also known for “King of the Hill,” and “Blades of Glory”), who have made careers out of finding humor in the follies and pretensions of everyday people.” » Read more

Ever have one of those days when it seems all your technology is working against you? Under a deadline and can’t make the printer work?

This calico cat seems to be having one of those days…

In a program initially created to celebrate Earth Day, Wente Family Estates has announced expanded “Farming for the Future” initiatives highlighting the family’s longtime commitment to sustainable winegrowing and estate management practices.

Since 1883, the Wente family has planted, grown and harvested fruit from its estate vineyards. More than 125 years of stewardship of the land led to the development of Farming for the Future, a system that creates a balanced, sustainable ecology, enhances the vitality of the soils, minimizes water use and reduces non-organic wastes. First codified by the family in the early 1990s, these practices extend throughout the organization, including the family’s three wineries, Wente Vineyards, Murrieta’s Well, Tamas Estates, as well as The Course at Wente Vineyards, The Restaurant, The Concerts, and every other aspect of the company’s operation. New and expanded initiatives include:

Sustainable Estate Walking Tours
Initially launched on Earth Day 2009, walking tours of Wente Vineyards educate guests on sustainable practices in winery and across the estate. “The new tours are a natural extension of our sustainable practices,” said Christine Wente, Fifth Generation Winegrower. “Sustainability is not a buzz word for us, it’s a passion that we want to share with our guests.”

According to the Wente Vineyards Website, over the long term — in principle and in practice — the application of sustainable agriculture in the vineyard and sustainable practices in the overall community:
* Enhances environmental quality and the resource base on which agriculture depends
* Makes the most efficient use of nonrenewable resources and on-farm resources. It integrates, when appropriate, natural biological cycles and controls
* Is economically viable while using recognized best practices
* Enhances the quality of life for farmers, workers, and society as a whole.

There is no charge for the tours. To sign up, please call (925) 456-2400.

» Read more