"Ctizen Scientist" iPhone app

The new iPhone app, iNaturalist, corresponds with a website iNaturalist.org dedicated to getting people engaged with nature.  Although the iPhone app is not quite ready for release, it should be available within the next several months.  Those that participate will be able to upload pictures to the site, which is connected to Google maps, Wikipedia, and Flickr.  The great thing about citizens being able to contribute pictures from their backyard is that this will help scientists evaluate climate conditions and species ranges more accurately.  http://blogs.kqed.org/climatewatch/2011/01/29/citizen-science-the-iphone-app/

Sites mentioned in VoiceThread Response:
Neighboorhood Nestwatch Program: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1523-1739.2005.00s01.x/abstract
RSOE Alert Map:  http://hisz.rsoe.hu/alertmap/index2.php?smp&lang=eng
USGS earthquake mapping- http://earthquake.usgs.gov/monitoring/anss/

A New Age of Tech Kids

As a mom of a soon-to-be tech-engaged son, I found this article to be very relevant and something many of us will come to know very well. This particular article describes how much new technologies, such as the iPhone, are implemented into young children's lives. I feel somewhat disappointed as I read this, particularly because my husband, who is an optical engineer and large Linux guru, and I will undoubtedly be racing for our son's interests. I also worry that by the time many children reach the age of 8 to 12 yrs, when they become most inquisitory, that they will be so immersed in the technology that they'll hardly notice their own environment.

http://arstechnica.com/gadgets/news/2011/01/preschoolers-better-at-navigating-iphone-than-tying-their-shoes.ars

Green Home Fencing

Anyone enjoy ways to become more sustainable in their future home remodeling? I, myself, hope to remodel a home in the future that is as low impact as possible. This S.A.F.E. Fencing System is by EarthSure Renewable Energy Corp. To find out more about the company and their products visit http://earth-sure.com/. I found this fencing system to very cool and something I know I will be looking into more. I'll keep posting other green home technologies that are out.