Bloom Box, Bloom Energy, Save the World?

Okay, so I have heard a lot about this Bloom Box, and how it could be a potential giant killer and save the planet so much energy just by converting the energy from the air into energy we can use. However you still need some power running through it, and supposedly you can use gas, solar, and even standard electric power.

Basically the idea works like this: Air comes into one side, and converts after hitting the secret formula and then outputs into energy. That energy can be harnessed and saved like a power plant. It will keep gathering the power and saving it and then shoot it back out through your power lines. Replacing the power company? No, it should be working hand in hand with them, but only time will tell. As Energy companies have gotten smarter, and used other people's inventions to intensify their own profit making ability.

What does it all mean, and who are the players. Bloom Energy is being funded by a venture capitalist who worked with Google, Netscape and Amazon to get them off the ground. The guy has some good ideas, and has some weight when it comes to new markets, and new ideas. The next big player is Bloom Energy, obviously run by the cool hippie Indian guy who is light years ahead of a lot of people when it comes to intelligence. Next you have 20 customers that are currently harnessing the power of the Bloom Box, yes, FedEx, yes, Google, yes, Ebay, and other silicone valley giants. Now, there is us, what do we do?

Price tag for this venture in the future could be around $3K but will it be able to reach us in time? Return on Investment is huge, and, in order for one to recoup the losses of investing in this, you will probably have to wait about 5 to 10 years before you start realizing a return. As it is now, there are huge boxes in the Ebay and Google locations with each one costing about 700-800K. Those boxes will recoup the cost within 10 years because it cut eletricity yes, but it also requires gas to power. So not immediate, not necessarily flip and switch and watch the savings, but it does provide a significant return eventually.

So what's the hubbub? The hubbub is the huge unveiling on February 24th 2010, to maybe go IPO, or maybe unveil the technology that could change the world. Will it work, will it happen, will they even get off the ground? Chances are they will, and chances are a big payday for anybody involved, so should you?

Shaun White Action MAN!

Shaun White is performing tonight on NBC at 8:30 PM tonight on NBC, and for San Diegans, its a chance to see one of their own do something that even Tony Hawk calls redefining. Yes who is Tony Hawk, and who is Shaun White, in the grand scheme of things, other than an American at the height of his game, and his skill doing something more amazing than we could imagine. The sport itself has transcended the ability of man to fly propelled by environment, and perform anti gravitational tricks on a piece of fiber glass board to make people forget that it is risking their lives. The luger who passed last week was quite spectacular and tragic, but watching those who carried on in that sport, made you appreciate the danger and abilities of the athletes involved. The luge instantly gave me chills, and a sense that they are trully propelling themselves at almost 80 MPH with nothing between them and steel posts and hard ice walls but a thin piece of material keeping them warm from the elements.

So when you watch Shaun White and see him execute at the top of his game tonight, appreciate the fact that they are risking their lives for what is considered sport. Too much emphasis is placed on who is watching, how much money is being lost by NBC, and how American's are apathetic towards Winter Olympics, but not in Southern California, and not anywhere where American's do support each other. Yes I am biased because I work with Shaun's Aunt, and she provides the nicest character references for the guy, and the generosity displayed by the kid is expected and welcoming from a professional athlete/media icon, and its the way we want all of our athletes to be.

Put your TV on tonight, and watch the guy perform at the top of his game like no other, because it doesn't come around that often when someone can perform like he does. We could all use some good old fashioned RAH RAH SIS BOOM BAH for the USA!!

For the complete listing of events, in case Curling is your thing (Homer Simpson enjoys Curling)
http://www.nbcolympics.com/tv-listings/index.html

Mardi Gras Fat Tuesday

With the Super Bowl Champion New Orleans comes the fact that people think of two things about that city, Flooding, and Mardi Gras. What else would you think of when you think of New Orleans? Jazz Music, crawfish, or vampires? Nah, they be the furthest thing from your mind in a town like that.

The deliciousness of New Orleans is only tempered with the salty sea that breeze from the Gulf. What is Fat Tuesday anyway...

FAT TUESDAY-the day before Lent begins, thus it is a party day. Lent we beg and show our devotion by making sacrifices in life, so thus Ash Wednesday is spent in repentence, silent sweet innocent repent. While on Tuesday we enjoy being the maniac that we are and could be. Get "fat" on Tuesday, and get saved on Wednesday.
Why New Orleans? Well the French settling in the south of the United States and having a strong port in New Orleans before the sale of the French Territory known as Louisiana, it became natural that French customs and traditions transfer over to the colonies.

In San Diego there is a Fat Tuesday party as always in the downtown area, blocking off areas of downtown to allow partygoers to enjoy a parade, a masquerade, and a lot of women, men and beads. No flashing as San Diego PD is very good about cracking down, catching, and exiting those who get too rowdy. Not to mention the beer lines, and the beer tents, really aren't that great, at about 9 bucks a beer, you are better off finding alcohol from one the balcony parties. But bring about $100 bucks for booze, tickets, and some crappy snacks.

So enjoy your Fat tuesday, and gorge yourself on the excess of life, but like many a thing, remember to take it in moderation the next day, as life is a marathon, not a sprint.