The only thing I've ever made from scratch was a batch of cookies, and they weren't even that good.
In fact, the dough was Toll House, and I burned the damn things.
So imagine my surprise when I learned that there are people on campus who make their own fuel.
Yes, fuel; that expensive stuff you put in your car when the gas gauge drops below the "E" line.
ASU graduate research associate Dave Conz powers his Volkswagon Jetta with biodiesel, an alternative fuel he brews in his own backyard.
The fuel, which is made from vegetable oil, lowers carbon dioxide emissions by 78 percent, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Conz says taking biodiesel to the masses isn't just something tree-hugging hippies dream about.
"The thing about biodiesel is that it's available now, and it can be fully implemented now based on the current infrastructure."
Admit it, you've got to admire Conz for doing his part to save the environment, even though the chances of biodiesel replacing the old-fashioned stuff are unlikely. Hopefully, others will take his lead and consider saving the planet for future generations.
Read more about Conz, biodiesel and the economic and environmental implications of alternative fuel in the United States on page 6.
Also in this issue, read about ASU students who make their own special brews for a completely different purpose: curing hangovers. (See "Unmasked" on page 11)
Personally, I've never been able to do a darn thing to stave off the effects of a long night of boozing. Once, I tried banging my head on the wall repeatedly, but that didn't work. Thanks for the tip, Dad.
Another good read this issue is "Macho manicures" on page 8, for which writer Heather Wells challenges a guy's guy to get a pedicure and facial. Aerospace engineering senior Mark Grupczynski, who has big toes the size of oranges and an unusually large amount of blackheads on his nose, will surely make you laugh as he sits through what he calls torture in the salon chair.
Stay tuned to the SPM throughout the semester to read about an ASU student struggling with AIDS, bad-ass chicks in male-dominated sports and what it's like to be an obese student on a campus full of Barbie dolls.
We'll talk more later, but for now, I've got to run.
I have cookies in the oven.
