Snippets: news on technology

Snippet # 1
The New York Times, October 12, 2010

Topic:
Green technology

Link:
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/10/12/science/earth/12wind.html?_r=1&ref=todayspaper

Description:
Google and a New York-based financial firm have invested $5 billion to develop “windfarms” in the Atlantic Seaboard area to produce renewable energy.   The initiative could pave the way for developing a sustainable windpower technology.  One highlight of this initiative is its global outreach.  A Japanese firm has joined the project by undertaking a 10 percent stake of the $5 billion investment.   The project is expected to produce 6,000 megawatts of electrical power.  Because this initiative is new, several experts are anticipating bureaucratic delays in implementing this project.

Why do I like it:
I like this article because projects like this set an example of the benefits gained from sustainable and renewable energy in the long run to reduce carbon emission and pollution in the atmosphere.

Snippet # 2
Wired, September 27, 2010

Topic:
Green technology (electric car)

Link:
http://www.wired.com/magazine/2010/09/ff_tesla/

Description:
The article describes how Mr. Musk has transformed his idea of developing electric cars for the masses.  Once again, the story here has footprints of global cooperation.  With the help of Toyota, Mr. Musk has now a massive factory to produce electric cars.  Without it, producing electric cars for the masses would have been impossible because the size and scope of the project are simply too big.  Mr. Musk’s idea is threefold: one is to produce electric cars; two is to produce luxury lectric cars to compete with brands like BMW and Mercedes; and third is to mass produce electric cars.

Why do I like it:
I like this article because it tells about the coming-of-age evolution of the electric cars.  When the idea of producing electric cars for the masses was crushed in the early 90s, hope seemed to fade out about the future of the electric cars.  But they are back.

Snippet # 3
Wired, September 27, 2010

Topic:
Developing countries

Link:
http://www.wired.com/magazine/2010/09/st_essay_pennies/

Description:
The article describes what can be done to help the developing countries without spending a lot of money.  The basic necessities do not cost much in many developing countries and they can be produced at a low cost while maintaining their quality.  For example, water filter in India, an essential tool to prevent diarrhea and other water-borne diseases, can be produced and delivered to people at a low cost.  But the challenge is to maintain quality and low-cost production.  Despite the road blocks, many new entrepreneurs are mass producing basic necessities to the developing countries to save and improve lives.   

Why do I like it:
I like this article because it illustrates a story about how the industrialized countries can help the developing ones without spending a lot of money.  But the quality cannot and should not be compromised.  Because the people in the developing countries deserve better.