Kiss Me, SOG!!

Eyespot.com is the online video editing tool with which I made this video. It took me quite a long time to make it, I think I went a bit overboard with the symbolism of it all. The tune, by They Might Be Giants, is not the happiest of songs, but I think the lyrics are hilarious! I spent most of my time on this video searching for usable free content, uploading the clips, and trimming the sections I wanted. The actual mixing of the mash-up-montage, and adding music, was quite easy using Eyespot. I recommend the website, for entertainment purposes, just remember not to work with clips longer than five minutes.

Catch A Breeze!

Wind Power works by creating an electrical current with a turbine and an electrical generator. Wind acts like a mouse in a wheel. Technologically, turbines are the oldest form of creating electricity known to man. So why, then, do we rely primarily on non-renewable energy resources? Due to recent advances in turbine technology, wind farms are only now becoming a profitable investment. Wind farms have a low marginal investment, because the wind itself is free. According to the American Wind Energy Association (AWEA), wind energy is the fastest growing energy industry in the world.

There are a few drawbacks to wind farms, as anyone who has driven Interstate 580 through Altamont Pass already knows. They take up space, they are noisy, and many people consider them unsightly (although, personally, I think they look pretty cool!). Another ecological concern is the number of birds and bats who die flying into these turbines. However, the climate changes caused by global warming may be a larger threat to wildlife.

I think it is only a matter of time until we are dependent on renewable-energy resources, almost exclusively. The thing about "non-renewable-resources" is that, soon, they won't exist.

Clean Incentive.

In case the threat of global warming, and struggle for foreign oil, weren't incentive enough, the X PRIZE Foundation is offering a new reason for inventors to come up with a new "Super Efficient" automobile. The Foundation is offering a prize, which is yet to be determined, to the makers of the first consumer ready 100mpg car. The actual prize has not been announced, but it is said to be a large sum of money. The global benefits of a car such as this is beyond measure. I hope this prize inspires some rich person to hire some scientists, and create the car that saves the world. It is unfortunate that money is considered by many people to be a greater incentive for change than death and devastation.