seems like there’s a lot of energy that can be captured from a moving car besides the current braking hybrid generators, including having turbines integrated into wheels, and low-drag wind turbines.

Check out the first test flights of our “Autonomous UAV Project.” Crash landings and all… Stay tuned!http://www.vimeo.com/6602905

Here is a video giving a high level description of a UAV we’re developing.  The UAV and its software has been in development for 6 months, and we’re about a week away from its first autonomous test flight. So, stay tuned for the next episode!  (26 Minutes)http://www.vimeo.com/6440699

The Guarani Indians of Paraguay used the Stevia plant to naturally sweeten things – it’s sweeter than sugar without negative effects – it has no calories, no carbohydrates, doesn’t promote tooth decay, is safe for diabetics etc. Kahe Drinks, which I just sampled at the market, are sparkling fruit drinks using this special ingredient, and they’re quite good!

Congratulations to my friend and sharkride reader Senan for successfully launching Karma Army, a website and social media channel that is basically an amber alert for stolen stuff like bikes and snowboards.

Recently featured in the Wall Street Journal – article here.

It’s only a matter of time before we have GPS transmitting chips attached to everything we own!

Have you noticed that the gas gauge falls faster, as it falls below half a tank? In other words, it stays more than half full longer than half empty, and accelerates downward, as you consume more gas.  I wonder if this is an intentional design feature, which factors psychological value in seeing your tank full longer than almost empty?

“It used to be that much of science and engineering was driven by technology: whoever had the biggest particle accelerator or the fastest computer had an advantage. From now on, information will be just as important as technology: whoever has access to the most information will make the most discoveries and create the most exciting new products.”  — Professor Ousterhout.

Translation: You better keep reading Sharkride!

I’ve been thinking a bit about rules lately.  These thoughts are still developing – would appreciate any feedback.  In a civil society, there have to have some rules, or else there would be anarchy, but rules should be effective and not destructive.  How do you create rules that represent the wishes of the vast majority of people?  If the people really had any power in the governing process, don’t you think there might be a more effective balance between risk and convenience, to improve the overall experience of passing through airport security by not having to remove your shoes, for instance?  We’re the only country in the world that requires folks to remove their shoes at airport security…  What would happen if we had radical open sourced and transparent rule making?  A giant “Wikipedia meets digg” for regulation. Do you think then we would have a 1,200 page healthcare plan that nobody understands?

[previous related post - government 2.0 here.]

Some would say that the regulatory authorities failed the American people by not effectively regulating the financial industry, which led to our current financial crisis.  But, if we have too many rules (like Sarbanes Oxley) the regulation can stifle innovation.  What if we simply let the irresponsible players fail, and allowed some of the smaller players that actually acted responsibly to pick up the slack, and reap the rewards of their prudent behavior?

Wouldn’t the risk of institutional failure and personal bankruptcy be a more effective deterrence of irresponsibility, than regulation, and the promise of bailouts, if you take irresponsible risks and fail (again)?

I witnessed a passenger attempting to board a plane yesterday, who had an abnormally small purse, and an abnormally small carry-on. But, she had a 3rd “carry on,” a zip locked bag with her diabetic medication.  The gate agent told her she could not carry three bags on, and had to stuff her meds into her carry on, even though overall she had far less less luggage than most people. The diabetic medication didn’t fit in her small bag, and the gate agent told her firmly, “Mam, you’re going to have to make it fit.” That’s a ridiculous example of rules gone awry.

Our regulatory environment should also reflect the natural principles of diversity and resilience.  I guess that’s a topic for another post.

And, a yet a 3rd future post about what Thomas Edison said: “There ain’t no rules around here. We’re trying to accomplish something.”

Finally, when can personal judgment trump “the rules?”

Thanks in advance for any feedback!

I believe that the government can have an important role in fostering innovation through investment, but not sure this government investment makes sense (announced yesterday). Isn’t it putting the cart before the horse? It seems to me the bigger problem is not having cheap, renewable energy.  If we can figure that out (and we’re getting closer every day), and consumers have the capability to power their cars with an energy source that’s cheaper than gas, the consumers are going to demand electric cars (or maybe hydrogen fuel cell cars are better…), and no tax payer money would be needed for their development.