No Child Left Behind: Phys Ed Edition

Given the childhood obesity problem, perhaps schools should also have a social mandate to promote activity and healthful eating, and schools with lousy food and no phys ed would lose federal aid. Let every child stand in class, if they like, I say! Burn more calories that way. And it’s probably better for posture, and Read More …

Carbon Footprint Labeling

Label reveals: “Energy used to make this product.” If A and B cost the same, would you buy the one that wasted less energy? Side benefit for jingoists: It’s probably the product made abroad that consumed the most energy, because of shipping. So home-made, local products would probably score the best. Of course, cynics might say: Read More …

Charity Match Website

Here’s a win-win for charities and advertisers. It’s a site where companies get good publicity in exchange for matching contributions to charities. Plus it’s a way for philanthropic, benevolent souls to get more bang for their buck. Basically, works like this: Charities and companies with existing matching-contribution programs sign up, agreeing to link to the Read More …

Get-Over-That-Grudge Matches: Boxing for Peace

Two sides have long histories of hatred? Let the aggressions out in some kind of sporting event. Slug it out in a boxing match. Play rough-and-tumble rugby. Fencing. Wrestling. Paintball. Prime minister vs. prime minister in a fierce game of foosball. Not saying this is a cure for war, but it could defuse some of the unreasonable Read More …

Microwave Trucks / Microwaveable Roads

Microwaves heat things, right? So what if you could melt snow and ice with a Microwaving Truck? Maybe add something to the roads, like capsules or metal particles, to make the microwaves more effective. Suppose, in snow country, all vehicles had them. Then, after melting their own driveways, all the cars would help with the melting. Adding particles to Read More …