Corn-Ethanol vs Tesla Roadster and CO2

How does an E-85-burning automobile compare to the Tesla Roadster on carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions? Autoblog makes a comparison.

How Much Vitamin D Do You Really Need?

Here is a great summary of the latest information on the need for significant vitamin D in our diets. I recommend you spend the time to watch the video. This information is based on medical research and not on someone trying to sell a product.

The 10 Most Brilliant Products of 2009

Here is a Popular Mechanics list of the top 10 most brilliant gadgets, tools, and toys that the consumer can purchase in 2009.

I think the Techcrunch Crunchpad (#1) may be a big hit if they can make enough fast enough.

Photovoltaic Solar Shingles

Dow Chemical Co. has announced its line of DOW POWERHOUSE Solar Shingle which consists of panels that can be integrated into rooftops with standard asphalt shingles. I think this is a very positive step in the right direction in going mainstream for home owner solar production. Apparently the cost for installation is lower for this compared to that of conventional solar panels.

Bullett Impacts in Super-Slow Motion

This 10-minute video shows the impact of bullets on various targets at 1 million frames per second. It was made by German engineer Werner Mehl who is noted for his work in high-speed photography. His PVM-21 infrared chronograph has an effective speed of 1.5 nano-seconds.

Sending Life into Deep Space

Can life survive in deep space for long periods of time? The Russian Space Program is planning on finding some answers to this question in the next 5 years or so. The plan is to send microbes sealed in something like a puck-like container to Mars' moon Phobos for two weeks and then have it returned to earth.

55th Annual Radiobioassy & Radiochemical Measurement Conf.

A couple of friends of mine (Marty Johnson and Rob Baker) are working hard in San Antonio, TX organizing the 55th Annual Radiobioassay & Radiochemical Conference scheduled to begin Oct. 26. Downtown San Antonio is a great place to visit and the Westin Riverwalk Hotel is fabulous.

Some good places for local eats in San Antonio are Taco Taco which specialized in home made tortillas (closes at 2 pm) and The Cove (serves SOL food - sustainable, organic, local). Both have been featured on the Food Network. For dessert, go to Brindles Awesome Ice Cream on the northwest side. Everything is made on-site with fresh ingredients. This is a one-of-a-kind place.

For some R&R take in some golf at The Quarry Golf Club. I played there in mid-August late on Saturday afternoon (102 deg F.) and loved it. Very unique course and well maintained in a beautiful setting.