Hello Mars!

The planet Mars made it’s closest pass by Earth in 60,000 years in late August this year. The red planet will be taking another close swing by Earth this week-end so those with telescopes might want to take a look. This week-end Mars will be closer to Earth by about 3 times it’s average distance to us.

Mars is the planet in the sky that is most similar to Earth and many scientists believe it is possible that life once flourished there. Many astrologists believe that Mars’ force encourages fierce compassion, aggression, heat, feistiness, courage, and passion, which happen to be some pretty interesting characteristics for days that fall on this years Halloween week-end.

So if you get the chance this week-end maybe you could look up! And fantasize about martians. Who knows. One may even come to your door.

To see more pix of the planet you can go HERE.

Fake Tornadoes as an Energy Source

good luckA Canadian engineer has proposed to use tornadoes to power wind turbines that in turn will create electricity. The concept is similar to a solar tower, which uses solar heat to produce wind power. Efficiency of a solar tower relies on how big it is, the bigger the better. The tornado-based power plant does not need to be extremely tall, thus saving costs.

The tornado itself is self-sustaining once it is put into motion since it relies on heat transfer. Located at the bottom of the tornado generator turbines would be located to harness the power of nature. So far a mockup has been made, but a full scale test has yet to happen.

Zero-Energy Homes Become Practical for Rich

Previously shunned by the vast majority of people in the developed world, zero-energy housing is gaining in popularity. California (of course) is on the forefront of this trend. Newsweek has more to say about lowering the energy cost in new houses.

“Aside from the bright patch of solar modules on the roof, Premier Gardens looks like a community of conventional homes. But inside, it’s clear why they save energy.”

The zero-energy home is also making headway in Canada has a housing developer recently announced a new green development in the Toronto area.

Rome Encourages Happy Pets

Rome is taking the welfare of pets into serious consideration and has actually banned small fish bowls! The popular round fish bowls have been banned under a new by-law which also stops fish or other animals from being given away as fairground prizes. The bowls apparently do not supply adequate oxygen for fish and can cause them to go blind.
Dog walking is also becoming mandatory for pet owners and dog owners are required to regularly walk their dogs and stop clipping their tails for esthetic reasons.
“It’s good to do whatever we can for our animals who, in exchange for a little love, fill our existence with their attention,” said Monica Cirinna, the councilor behind the by-law.
It’s nice to know that pets out there are getting the rights to live a good quality of life!

Empty Houses in Britain to be Occupied

places to liveIf a law passes in April next year councils in England can start seizing empty houses and convert them into social housing. The houses can then be renovated and leased out for up to 7 years before the houses are returned to their owners.

This strategy for repurposing housing is predicted to help those who need subsidized housing and help to fight crime. Of course, before the property is seized negotiation will be attempted with the property owner.