Sunny Ahn's WebLog

As reported by various news outlets, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change is expected to release the first part of its key report on climate change tomorrow, February 2, 2007.  The IPCC is universally regarded as the authoritative source on climate change and it is expected to report that human activity is “very likely” the cause for global warming.  Interestingly, the report which last came out in 2001, is currently being revised at the moment to incorporate the recent data on the melting of glaciers in Greenland and Antarctica, which was not fully taken into account.

Came across a very stylish and powerful automobile that is actually environmentally friendly.  While definitely not cheap (base price is $92,000 USD) and not affordable for most individuals, the car appeal will draw buyers.  Tesla Motors has already sold out its limited production of its Roadster vehicle for 2007 and is working on its second model, scheduled for the 2009 timeframe.  The car’s website claims the following about its vehicle:

• 100% electric
• 0 to 60 in about 4 seconds
• 135 mpg equivalent
• 250 miles per charge
• about 1 cent per mile

The company uses a two-speed electrically actuated manual transmission (not fuel cell), with power coming from a 3-phase, 4 pole AC induction motor.  It’s Energy Storage System provides power to the entire car. 

Very interesting study, released today, on the role that the US federal government has had on ‘altering’ the findings by key scientists on the topic of global warming.  In a report by the the Union of Concerned Scientists and the Government Accountability Project, Atmosphere of Pressure – Political Interference in Federal Climate Science, it found that many scientist were pressured to edit their scientific findings on global warming – removing words such as “climate change” and “global warming”.  In fact, some scientists (25%) even removed themselves from a project “because of pressure to change scientific findings.” 

Being a dog lover, it is always a welcome relief when you find and can depend on emergency personnel for your pet, whenever the time.  The folks at Angell Memorial Animal Hospital (in Jamaica Plains), particular Dr. Nancy Laste, are good folks.  We have found that the bedside manner of the various doctors there have consistently been excellent.  Having lost two dogs within the past year and rescuing two more, its been quite emotional, of late, dealing with a sick animal.

While their pricing structure can be expensive at times (and I know they have had some some negative feedback within the community about this issue), I haven’t questioned it, given the level of care we have received and the current condition of our little Sammie.  Want to thank those people for literally saving the little guy’s life.

Very encouraged to see that specific countries are taking a leadership role in the development of ethanol products.  According to the a news.com article, two New Zealand institutes are working with Diversa (a company based in San Diego) to produce a cellulosic variety of ethanol from agricultural products with little value.  New Zealand has really taken a leadership position in the battle against greenhouse gases.  Those interested should take a look at the New Zealand Climate Change website and the government-sponsored initiatives that are under way. 

For those involved with an innovative building design or management practice should think about entering the Lifecycle Building Challenge contest conducted by the EPA.  Those interested have until April 15, 2007 – entry fees are free.  Good luck.

IBM announced it is donating a software product called “Identity Mixer” to the Higgins open-source project (focused on helping individuals manage their online identities).  The software allows individuals to purchase goods/services online while keeping their personal information hidden.  The software allows individuals to provide aliases or pseudonyms rather than your actual detail – very similar to the work we’re doing at Context Connect.  All about keeping individual information hidden, while allowing them to connect with others in a convenient and private way.  A more detailed article at News.com below.

http://news.com.com/IBM+donates+new+privacy+tool+to+open-source/2100-1029_3-6153625.html?tag=nefd.top

Interesting report by PWC on what the CEOs throughout the world think about climate change.  While many are still focused on the economic side of sustainable development, it is encouraging to hear the environmental and social areas of focus as well.  Good overview by PWC.

Last night’s State of the Union address by the President was again, frustrating, particularly when it came to the topic of global warming.  Or rather the avoidance of it.  While it was interesting to hear words such as a decrease of 20% in fuel consumption over the next 10 years, without any mandatory emissions policy, this again is just rhetoric all over again by this administration.  We need policy that will hold people accountable for their actions, as without it, it will indoubtably go as wishful thinking. 

Recently I was encouraged to hear that our local city, Newburyport, will be mandating that it’s residents recycle its cardboard boxes (and other related materials) – and those that don’t will be fined up to $100.  While this on the grand scheme of things is quite small, it’s an initiative that will quickly bring the topic of recycling in the minds of all residents.  And I, for one, believe its great.

The key is to just start – and to start we need leadership.  Start something that holds people accountable, even if it is obviously simple.  For without ‘getting into the race’ against global warming, there is absolutely no way we are ever going to beat it.  

The web provides some good, basic summaries for those looking at creating a provisional patent.  I came across a few that might be helpful.  They give you a decent tutorial of the provisional patent and key timelines.

Yale Office of Cooperative Research

Heller Ehrman website

Wikipedia

For those interested in provisional patent samples, I came across a few on the web:

Webpatent.com

International Computer Science Institute