Diamond Fusion A team of Chinese researchers proposes firing tiny diamond bullets into a chunk of crystal methane to produce nuclear fusion.

A millimeter-sized diamond bullet fired from a linear accelerator could produce nuclear fusion when it collides with a chunk of solid methane, according to a study by Chinese researchers.

Despite the large amount of energy required to accelerate a diamond to 1,000 km/s — about 620 miles per second — the collision produces a net energy gain, according to the team’s simulations.

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The diver who retrieved the champagne said it was an honour to drink it

Divers have found 30 bottles of champagne thought to pre-date the French Revolution on the Baltic seabed.

When they opened one, they found the wine – believed to have been made by Clicquot (now Veuve Clicquot) between 1782 and 1788 – was still in good condition.

The bottle – whose shape indicates it was produced in the 18th Century – has now been sent to France for analysis.

If confirmed, it would be the oldest drinkable champagne in the world.

Diver Christian Ekstrom was exploring a shipwreck on the Baltic seabed when he found the bottles.

‘Sweet taste’

He took one to the surface, where he opened it and tasted it with his colleagues.

“It was fantastic,” he told the Reuters news agency.

“It had a very sweet taste, you could taste oak and it had a very strong tobacco smell. And there were very small bubbles.”

According to records, Clicquot champagne was first produced in 1772 but was laid down for 10 years, the French news agency AFP reported.

Experts think the remaining bottles could fetch high prices at auction

Production was disrupted after the French Revolution in 1789.

The wine found on the seabed was perfectly preserved because of the conditions of dark and cold on the seabed.

If the bottles do come from the 1780s, that would make them around 40 years older than the current record-holder, a bottle of Perrier-Jouet from 1825.

Wine experts estimate each bottle would fetch around 500,000 Swedish kronor (£45,000; $69,000) at auction.

The bottles were found off the coast of Aaland, an autonomous part of Finland. The local authorities will decide what is done with the shipwreck – and the champagne.

\’World\’s oldest champagne\’ found on Baltic seabed

(Article featured in The Epoch Times, March 30, 2010)

The moment of truth.

Wedding planning requires the bride’s attention for most of the decisions, but one important part of the ceremony is mainly for the groom to plan. It is his responsibility to buy the engagement and wedding rings.

Often the engagement ring will be something he decides on by himself, making it a surprise when he proposes. Then he joins with the bride-to-be to decide on the wedding rings. Selecting the rings is a major decision; the groom should keep in mind that a small object like a ring can carry huge significance. He will do well to determine his preferences and desires about what kind of ring to offer his fiancée, and then listen and watch closely to take in her feelings and thoughts so that the choice fits her tastes and preferences, too.

This ring is the symbol of a couple’s love, and will remain a reminder of it all the years down the road, so it deserves a lot of thought. If she feels that family is the most important thing in her life, then the best ring might be one that comes from a grandmother. If she values delicacy and femininity, she will most appreciate a smaller diamond; if she likes bold statements, a larger diamond will suit her.

Craftsmanship and intricate detail appeal to some brides and a sleek, modern design to others. If she is not a bargain shopper, she will feel better about a smaller ring bought from a high-class jeweller than a big ring from a discount dealer. So many details, aren’t there?

One lady tells of going shopping for a ring and the sales clerk saying, after having measured her finger, “I don’t have many rings that big.” How many times has the shadow of such a comment clouded the enjoyment of the ring? So it might not hurt for the groom to go into the jewelry store before they go together and check out the service level. Finding a good clerk or ring expert who can work with a couple can increase the pleasure of their shopping trip.

The circular form of the ring symbolizes eternity. Remembering this can help the groom make a wise and loving choice.

Panning ain't easy!

Gold content is measured in karat value. Pure gold is 24kt gold, which is too soft to be used for jewellery. Each country’s government determines the minimum karat value allowable for sale. In Canada we have legislated a minimum of 10kt. France and Italy for example have legislated a minimum of 18kt gold, and places like Australia have a minimum 9kt gold.

By the math:

• 9kt - 9/24 = 38% gold
• 10kt – 10/24 = 42% gold
• 14kt – 14/24 = 58% gold
• 18kt – 18/24 = 75% gold
• 19kt – 19/24 = 79% gold
• 22kt – 22/24 = 92% gold
• 24kt – 24/24 = 100% gold

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