Word: solarity
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We’re often more worried about man-made risks than those which are natural. Solar radiation often seems less frightening than anthropogenic radiation from nuclear power, cell phones or microwave ovens. And we constantly make risk judgments based on comparisons between risk and benefit. The greater the supposed benefit of a choice, the smaller the perceived risk that comes along with it. “First responders” aren’t getting smallpox vaccinations because, though the risk of the smallpox vaccine may be very low, the benefit—protection from an apparently non-existent...
...enough fear can also be dangerous. People unafraid of natural risks like solar radiation, or risks they think they can control like driving, or risks that are associated with perceived benefits, such as smoking or alcohol consumption or fat-and-calorie-rich diets, fail to take adequate precautions—and they too face a greater likelihood of premature death...
...highly trafficked areas have not achieved this balance, but a number of small-scale projects are making worthy efforts. Near Lijiang, TNC-trained locals offer bird-watching tours at the lake they once fished. In Wenhai, TNC helped build an "ecolodge" for hikers, which boasts "biogas" (methane) stoves and solar-heated water...
...over by the beauty and restorative qualities of the valley; the dry heat and clean air worked wonders with his asthma. In the late 1920s Johnson built a $2 million Spanish Colonial "vacation" hacienda with a lovely Gothic music room, handmade Spanish tiles, Italian and Mexican antiques and innovative solar-powered electrical and hot-water systems...
...perfecting our act by the seat of our talk-show pants. But we all liked the attention. What immature actor doesn't? Of course Harrison might have been mature, but I barely noticed, being self-obsessed and 20; he, 34, was an icon right out of the solar chute. We giggled and ran from chasing fans and were amazed. Suddenly we went from being a carpenter, a TV actor and a movie star's kid to looking like three of the new "Fab Four"--George Lucas being John, and you can mix and match the rest...