Smart light bulbs for use in home

The GreenChip iCFL chipset for CFLs and GreenChip iSSL chipset for LEDs now allows homeowners to turn on and off thier lights through thier Apple iOS or Google Android devices.  GreenWave Reality is working with these chips to provide compatiblity with any PC, smartphone, or TV.  These bulb will also have the capability of self-regulation, based on outdoor lighting conditions and room sensors.

http://news.cnet.com/8301-11128_3-20063928-54.html?part=rss&subj=news&tag=2547-1_3-0-20

Dropbox against open source?

This article discusses dropbox's dissaproval of dropship, a file-sharing project used through Dropbox

ttp://razorfast.com/2011/04/25/dropbox-attempts-to-kill-open-source-project/


Also an article about the false sense of security Dropbox states for its users.

http://hardware.slashdot.org/story/Dropbox-Accused-of-Lying-About-Security?

Future of Java

Some of the programmers in colloquium may know more about this subject however, since I started out taking a Java course my first semester at UCM and my honors project will involve programming, I found this article interesting.  It talks about the Ceylon Project that will make Java code easier to learn and read.  This article does come from another blog site, so do take information with caution, but I think Marc does a nice job of outlining points of interest in
the Project.

http://blog.talawah.net/2011/04/gavin-king-unviels-red-hats-top-secret.html

USDI Renewable Energy Projects

Often times, it is difficult for me to focus on the political aspects of conservation so this week I have chosen to incorporate the ongoing governmental work to provide the United States with more energy efficency.  The Department of Land Management is continuing renewable energy projects along the West Coast in 2011.  These projects include solar, wind, and geothermal that are expected to provide 4,200 megawatts of emissions-free electricity to the grid in the next several years. The link provides a list of each project with location and other information.

USDI DLM Projects

Pepsi Going Green Too

Pepsi is using plants and recycling food scraps from their food company to make their newest plastic bottles. The Slashdot article explains a couple of plants Pepsi will be utilizing. One of these plants include switch grass, which from my plant identification class, is actually a rather common grass with its ability to survive in many climates. However, historically was found in North American tallgrass prairies that are now dwelling.With a large company like this going green maybe others will follow.

Slashdot: Pepsi-Moving-To-Bottles-Made-of-Plant-Material
Pepsico Environmental Sustainability site

Huge Yacht Powered by the Sun

Around the World in 80 Days turns energy efficient! The Turanor PlanetSolar is a taking an expedition by sea around the world.  The yacht uses 825 solar panels and a 4 man crew that will travel to promote alternative energies across many continents.  If the sun isn't shining the boat has been equipped with lithium-ion batteries and a computer that controls the the batteries and two 6 feet propellers.  To maximize the use of the sun PlanetSolar will remain within 30 degrees of the equator. Take a look at the link for some awesome pictures.

SolarYacht

Sleep Deprivation

Since we have been speaking a lot about addictions to technology lately I thought this article would tie in well. If you're having trouble sleeping at night part of the problem may deal with the addictions we have to our cell phones or other devices. I have also heard that the light that emits from our cell phones or alarm clocks may also have an effect on whether you feel rested the next morning, although this article did not allude any of that.

http://www.computerworld.com/s/article/9213647/Can_t_sleep_Blame_your_computer_cell_phone


Something else I found is that Android is becoming the most popular smartphone operating system=great things for my honor's project! (If this source is correct...)
http://www.treocentral.com/content/Stories/2884-1.htm