Random Links for 6/7/09

Scientists Eye Glowing Volcano Crater in Hawaii

The expanding vent of Halemaumau crater helps confirm scientists’ belief that the lava is close to the surface of the summit, said Janet Babb, a geologist and spokeswoman for the U.S. Geological Survey’s Hawaiian Volcano Observatory.

Park rangers have begun keeping the overlook at the Jaggar Museum open later at night to accommodate the growing number of visitors arriving at dusk or after dark to view the glow.

Medvedev Slams Biofuel Producers at Grain Summit

“We are advocating production of biofuel from other, non-food sources,” Medvedev said in a speech inaugurating the launch of a global grain summit in his native Saint Petersburg.

“The development of bioenergy should not become a reason for a growing deficit of grain for food needs,” he said, adding there were countries that still did not realize the importance of eradicating hunger.

Road Brewing – Skull Hollow Juniper Pale Ale

Earlier this spring a friend of mine decided he really wanted to try brewing with Juniper berries, and suggested a trip to the eastern side of the Cascades (where there are lots of Juniper trees) to camp and brew. I thought it sounded like a great idea too, so we decided to set a date to go. We added a third member to our brewcrew, and headed over the mountains to the drier side of the state on May 15 at the Skull Hollow campground near Smith Rock. I sanitized and rinsed the fermenter before we left to try and save on water.

Senior Project Brew – Belgian Grand Cru

I’ve been lazy about brew blogging lately, so today I’ll make up for it a bit. This year I decided to start a new departmental tradition – a senior brewing project. So in late April five of the six graduating chemistry and biochemistry majors came over to brew, along with one of my colleagues who had always wanted to see the process. I chose the style and purchased all of the ingredients, and they did all the work.