Internationally recognized expert on our planet's delicate balance of sustaining life, Jim Bell(1), talked with host Art Bell about politics, peak oil production, and what we can do to become more energy self-sufficient.
He believes the answer to energy self-sufficiency lies in cultivating renewable energy sources, such as solar power. According to Bell, the city of San Diego could replace all forms of energy it currently uses by simply installing solar photovoltaic cells on 18% of existing buildings and parking lots, as well as making a few efficiency improvements.
He also cited the example of a San Diego building that had been converted to run on renewable energy sources and has benefited from a 25% return on investment. Bell said there are several energy services companies who help fund these conversions, as they have figured out how to make the process profitable.

1. http://www.jimbell.com/

Repairing Discovery

NASA officials are pondering whether in-space repairs should be made to the Space Shuttle Discovery's underside, where two gap fillers (used to fill the spaces between thermal tiles) are dangling. Their concern is that any material hanging beneath the shuttle during re-entry could overheat the area, as well as subject downstream locations to increased heating. A decision is expected by Monday. Read more at BBC News(1).
Image: Associated Press

1. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sci/tech/4733495.stm