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Students at Rice University in Houston are in the process of developing a bio-beer that that will have health benefits possibly cancer-fighting qualities, longevity as well as cardiovascular disease treatment. Discovered in 1994 in wine, the substance called reservatrol can be found in the fermentation process of beer.

Despite all the euphoria of 1990, when communism fell and capitalism was anointed the winner of the cold war, a hard look at the economic and social condition of the world today reveals that capitalism has failed to provide the people of this planet with a good life.

Of the world’s six plus billion people, half of them live on less than two dollars a day. While people die from diseases related to overeating in the so-called developed countries, children die of malnutrition elsewhere on this small planet.

Apologists for capitalism have always said that it was just a question of the developing countries acquiring democracy, free-market economic systems, and some good elbow grease and they too would enjoy the “good life” like the citizens of Europe and North America. But the long awaited “take-off” for the economies of the poorest countries seems nowhere in sight. In these countries capitalism is a clear failure, but what about in the “developed” world, surely capitalism is successful there!

A few years ago one could have indeed argued that capitalism has succeeded in the industrialized countries of the Northern Hemisphere. But even in the countries with high per capita income there were and still are tremendous disparities. Under capitalism wealth is not evenly distributed and even in the USA, 25% of the people live below the poverty line. Can we really say that we have an ideal or even a well-working economic system when millions of people are struggling just to survive?

The current global financial crisis underscores the inequality, fragility and unpredictable future of the capitalist economic system.  While the US government gets ready to bail out banks and financial institutions that have failed due to their reckless greed, no one is there to save the thousands of ordinary people who are about to lose their homes and life savings.

It’s time to take a stark look at capitalism and shout down the politicians who continue to shamelessly chant that “the fundamentals of the economy are sound.” The fundamental premise of the current economic system, that the unlimited accumulation of wealth by a few individuals will result in the good of everybody, is a clear lie and the sooner that we face up to this, the better off we will be.

From UTNE Reader --
The Adbusters-promoted National Buy Nothing Day has gained steam over the past few years, but what about an entire buy-nothing Christmas? The anti-consumerism magazine wants to help. In their latest issue, writer Gary Gach ruminates on "What Would the Buddha Buy?"—the first in a series of articles to help identify and avoid the “moment during which real pleasure becomes abstract desire—the want to want.”

Easier said than done, of course, which is why Gach also advocates mindful purchases and donations in place of buying for buying’s sake. Instead of obsessing over finding perfect gifts for your loved ones, make spending time with them a priority. Instead of purchasing a new gadget or sweater, donate what you already have but don’t use; the strategy has the double benefit of helping those in need and clearing up space. “It’s harder to be grasping greedily when your arms are extended in giving,” Gach writes.
 

From Body & Soul Magazine --
For the estimated 75% of American households using air fresheners, that quick fix for a nasty odor, might be leaving more than a hint of “mountain Rain.” A recent Natural Resources Defense Council investigation found that 12 our of 14 common air fresheners (including those marketed “all natural ' or “unscented” contained known hormone disruption chemicals though you wouldn't know it by reading the labels . The magazine suggests by-passing unpleasant smells, improve air circulation with proper attic fans and an open window. Make you air freshener by filling a spray bottle with spring water and 40 to 50 drops of organic essential oils that meet your psychological and spiritual states. as well as your simple sense of smell.
 

Also From Body & Soul Magazine --
Want ecological paper? Well forget your hemp and specialty plastics and consider this for that next love letter you write. How about elephant dung. The most unconventional treeless paper comes from the Great Elephant Poo Poo Paper Company, which shows a Canadian address and says they have outlets in 16 countries. The company collects elephant dung, particularly suited to paper making, due to the animal's fibrous diet to create stationary and notebooks which are some of the products they sell as well. For the animals generous “donation,” the company gives a portion of profits to elephant welfare groups.

From Alternet --
While it's clear to the majority of world scientists that Global Warming is melting the glaciers, our deserts are getting bigger and drier. A report last week from the United States Geological Survey says that the serious hydrological changes and impacts known to have occurred in both historic and prehistoric times over North America reflect large-scale changes in the climate system that can develop in a matter of years and, in the case of the more severe past mega-droughts, persist for decades. Such hydrological changes fit the definition of abrupt change because they occur faster than the time scales needed for human and natural systems to adapt, leading to substantial disruptions in those systems. In the Southwest, for example, the models project a permanent drying by the next 40 years that reaches the level of aridity seen in historical droughts, and a quarter of the projections may reach this level of aridity much earlier, in as few as one decade.
 

From The London Daily Mail and United Press International--
A British man says when it comes time for him to die he wants his funeral to have a Christmas theme, complete with elf coffin-bearers and a holiday message. Andy Park, a healthy 44 year old from Melksham England says when he dies he wants funeral attendees to enjoy themselves as best they can and is planning on having his final gathering adorned with Christmas decorations to reach that goal, the Mail on Sunday reported. “I want everyone to be smiling,” Park said of his ideal funeral. Park wants all funeral attendees to dress like Santa Claus aside from those carrying his coffin who will be dressed as Santa's elves.

The coffin will also come equipped with reindeer to pull the makeshift holiday sleigh and a holiday message from Queen Elizabeth II will be played during the ceremony, Park said.

A local undertaker has estimated the event, which will also include a performance of the song Merry Xmas Everybody, will cost nearly $104,600