When I first saw the image above, I thought "oh nice another clean hot rod at a car show." My next thought was "why is it on an environmentally focused website?" As I looked closer, I realized that is an electric vehicle battery pack where the engine normally sits!

This is not something that will inspire a tidal wave of hot rod conversions. The parts and process are still too costly. However, this is a start.

The electric motor apparently generates about 660 foot pounds of torque at about 300 horsepower! Electric motors are amazing when it comes to torque. The problem is the price, this motor cost around $40,000 and the charger is several thousand dollars as well. Not to mention, every corner gas station does not serve electricity at the pump.

For a better view and details about how this particular car came in to existence, follow the related link below.

This satelite was first developed to help predict floods. The probe, which also monitors photosynthesis and plant growth, can measure moisture to a depth of up to 7ft.

It is also critical for calculating Earth's carbon cycle, the process by which heat-trapping carbon dioxide is released and absorbed, especially by plants and the oceans.

Climate change, scientists agree, is largely caused by CO2 pollution that has upset that natural balance.

Its second job is to measure changes in the salt content of sea surface waters, data that will enhance our understanding of what drives global ocean circulation patterns.

Ocean circulation helps moderates climate, notably by transporting heat from the equator to the poles.

'Climate change is a fact, but its impact on precipitation, evaporation, surface runoff and flood risks is still uncertain,' said Yann Kerr, a researcher at the Centre for the Study of the Biosphere from Space and scientific director for the Smos mission.

For the whole story, follow the related link.

At $150 each, this bag is not in my future for a while. However, this is a start. With the exception of the logo, this is a semi stylish bag.

Read the press release at the related link below.

As most of you know, there are many types of solar energy systems to take sunlight and make electricity. What a lot of people do not know is that some of the systems need water to operate. The connection may seem fuzzy, but it will be clear as day in a minute.

In the case of solar concentrators, a fluid like oil or molten salt is used to transport the collected heat to a boiler and turbine system. The steam from the boiler will spin the turbines that create the electricity. This is a very effective system with a lot of good qualities. However, there is a need for heat control.

We can not have any portion of the system overheat, so water is often used to cool and prevent this. If the water is not re-collected it becomes run off or steam. Either way, it is no longer available as potable water. In an arid region like the Mojave desert where a solar installation seems most efficient, there would be a great deal of shipped in water to make the system work.

There are also what are called dry cooling systems. These are not as efficient as a "wet" system and cost more. This loss of efficiency and higher cost create an argument for using the "wet" cooling systems. Since water is also a scarce resource in the areas these solar systems are installed, we have arguments for both sides.

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Clearly built from local materials this house in Portugal immediately reminded me of the Flintstones house. This home is real, two stories and even the wood for interior stairs was collected locally.

Follow the link for some more neat architecture.