Microgeneration for a Cleaner World

Our modern society's appetite for energy is nothing short of voracious. We need energy in various forms to power our domestic appliances, move our vehicles, manufacture goods, even to farm our food.

That is not going to change, and frankly, I wouldn't want it to. Why give up on all the modern conveniences of life, the product of thousands of years of human development and technological evolution? If anything, I would like to see this advantages of modern life become more ubiquitous, as opposed to being available only in certain societies.

But here's where we have the well-known conundrum: more energy involves more pollution and/or higher costs, which invariably translate themselves into lower standards of living for the people of the affected areas.

Is mass power generation in a cheap, clean manner possible?

Enter microgeneration, the production of energy and heat by individuals to meet their own needs.

What first attracted me to the concept of microgeneration is the individualistic nature of the concept: you generate the energy that you are going to use. Then I thought about it better, and realized that this could be the answer we are looking for. There are currently isolated villages all over the world without electricity, and other advantages of modern life that can need it to exist. In many cases, the problem is getting remote connections to the grid set up - the further away one is located from the point of generation, the more expensive it is to get electricity there.

So, what if individual households within a village were able to generate their own energy? Of course, one household might have trouble coming up with a scheme where it manages to supply all of its own needs. But setups where, say, household A covers their roof with photovoltaic cells, household B installs a small wind generator, and households C and D set up a biological machine that generates biogas which in turn powers a Bloom Box... Well, this pretty much would satisfy the small community's energy needs in a clean way. And it is also synergistic: while the photovoltaic cells won't work at night, wind blows regardless of the time of day; and while the biogas output might not be enough to keep the Bloom Box running at full capacity 365 days a year, it would sure be enough to make up for the slack that either of the other methods could cause.

The beautiful part is that microgeneration does not necessarily need to be limited to a remote village. The community mentioned could easily be a suburban neighborhood or a city block. 

This doesn't negate the need for a grid, either. But it is a step closer to the smart grid concept that has been much talked about by corporations and the media. And it doesn't make massive generating installations superfluous, either. But if there is less load on them from domestic consumers, there is less need for them to be massive and then the whole grid's needs can be met by alternative, renewable energy sources, without reliance on coal or gas.

Finally, it is m belief that this doesn't translate into a threat for the power companies: they could well be the owners of the microgenerating equipment, and upgrade and service it accordingly. In the scheme, the building owner would get paid by the power company, or at the very least they would get their electricity for free, with any surplus being fed directly to the grid.

Just as computers moved from single, massive supercomputers to datacenters comprised of what in essence amounts to thousands or millions of much smaller devices (but which in turn are far more resilient and powerful than the older behemoths), so will power generation move from titanic power plants to distributed networks of much smaller generators - which will in turn translate into a cheaper, more resilient, and cleaner energy grid.

Spiritual Journey: Around the World in 9 Spirits

Originally published in Skyscanner.com, on March 15th, 2010

Vodka, Russia: The quintessential spirit, it is produced in many countries, with Polish, Swedish, Ukrainian, Finnish, and even American brands being known all over the world. But this international drink is undeniably linked to Russia in our minds - and with good reason: vodka comprises more than 70% of all alcoholic drinks consumed in the country. Many historians agree that vodka originally appeared in Western Russia, in the 15th century. And while it is usually served neat by Russians, Poles, and other countries, it has become an importnat ingredient in some of the world's most famous cocktails.

Whisky, Scotland: Scottish culture is known for many particular aspects: kilts, bagpipes, the Highlands, tartans... But whisky is perhaps one of the most characteristic things about Scottish culture. Indeed, many stories, legends, and customs revolve around the drink. Historians agree that it was distilled originally by Irish monks, around the 14th century, but by the 16th century its production was well established in Scotland. Made from malted barley, whisky is produced in close to 400 different distilleries across the Scottish country - from large, corporate companies like Glenmorangie to smaller, artisanal houses. 

Tequila, Mexico: Just as Scottish culture is tightly linked to whisky, so is Mexico equated to tequila in many minds. Made from the blue agave plant, a species native to Mexico, tequila is produced using distilling methods introduced by the Spanish almost five centuries ago. The spirit is made only in the Tequila region of western Mexico, and is closely regulated by the Tequila Council. It can usually be found in three different varieties: blanco or plata (white or silver), which is non-aged tequila; dorado (gold) or reposado, which has been aged in oak barrels for up to a year; and añejo, which has been aged for more than a year. Like whisky and other spirits, proper tequila should be sipped, and is usually accompanied by sangrita, an orange, tomato, and chili chaser.

Baijiu, China: The word baijiu means "white liquor" in Chinese. This spirit is made mostly from rice, and occasionally from other grains. It is always strong, being 40 to 60% alcohol by volume. It is usually served warm or at room temperature in a small ceramic bottle. It is not usually had on its own, but rather as part of a typically large Chinese meal. Different baijiu grades exist, and they are commonly classified not by their age like other spirits, but rather by their fragrance. Like many vodkas, it can be found in both pure and flavored versions.

Cachaça, Brazil: Made from sugarcane, cachaça is better known around the world as a prime ingredient for caipirinhas, the traditional Brazilian cocktail made of cachaça, lime, and sugar. Being made from sugarcane juice, it is often compared to rum, but the latter is made from processed molasses, which lends it a very different flavor. Cachaça is widely produced and drunk throughout Brazil, and its popularity is growing around the world, particularly in Germany and the US.

Gin, Great Britain: Originally sold as medicine, this spirit is made from grain alcohol and juniper berries and other herbs and fruits, which lends to each brand its own particular flavor. While it has its origins in continental Europe, possibly in France, and with the spirit being distilled in places as far afield as the Philippines, New Zealand, and the Netherlands, it has become the quintessentially British spirit. At one time there were hundreds of gin distilleries in London (some illegal), with many more throughout England. Both the martini and the gin & tonic, probably two of the world's best known cocktails, have gin as their main ingredient. Another very typically British drink, the Pimm's Cup, uses gin-based Pimm's as its main ingredient.

Pisco, Peru: Named after the coastal town of Pisco, in Peru, this spirit is distilled from grapes, and has its origin in the 16th century. When the Spanish forbade the production of wine in Peru, pisco appeared as a method of employing the grapes. It is of a sweetish taste that is not very alcoholic, which might mislead first time drinkers. While it is usually drunk straight in Peru, even to the exclusion of ice, some pisco-based cocktails enjoy enormous popularity, both in the country and abroad. Foremost amongst these is the Pisco Sour, a drink made with egg white, syrup, bitters, and lemon or lime juice. 

Raki, Turkey: This aniseed flavored plum brandy is popular throughout the Balkans, but particularly so in Turkey. It is usually drunk as an aperitif, particularly with seafood, and mixed with cold water. The resulting mixture acquires a white color from which the nickname of aslan sütü (or lion's milk) is derived. Originally it was distilled almost exclusively at Greek and Albanian run meyhanes, or restaurants, where Muslims, who can't produce or drink alcohol, would sometimes go to enjoy the drink. With the secularization of Turkey, raki became widely popular, and today is regarded by most as the country's national drink.

Shochu, Japan: This spirit is native to Japan and traditionally made from sweet potatoes, barley, or rice. Although similar in nature to Chinese baijiu, it is much less alcoholic in content. Unlike sake, which is brewed, shochu is actually distilled, and has been produced in Japan since at least the 15th century. While its exact origins are unknown, it is widely believed that the techniques for making it are based on ancient Persian developments taken by the Mongols to Korea, where it eventually made the jump to Japan. Regardless of its origin, shochu is very popular in Japan, and has recently surpassed sake in sales. It is traditionally served in a variety of ways: neat, with ice, with cold or hot water, with tea, or with fruit juices.

(Free) Web-Based Microsoft Office in 2010: Too Little, Too Late?

Stephen Elop, formerly of Macromedia and currently head of Office software at Microsoft, has announced a bold plan: to make Microsoft's Office freely available on the web, much like Google Docs.


Hell just froze over.


Or has it?


Truth is that Elop's plan is not as bold as it sounds initially. And with good reason: Microsoft seems reticent to let go of its largest source of revenue. According to an article published at Bloomberg, "Office 2010, due by June, will include a free Web-based version for the first time, matching similar software from Google. Future updates may add Twitter-like functions that allow users to post short messages."


So, Microsoft has finally heard the message. This is reason to be optimistic (even though I am a huge fan of Google Docs, I have to admit I would jump on a web-based, free version of MS Word or Excel if given the chance). But then, the company adopts the position that they want to go in that direction, but carefully, so as not to damage the established business model. An internal analyst at Microsoft said “You don’t want to give everybody free Office over the Web because that jeopardizes a highly profitable business, but you have to do something.” That is correct. But they don't seem to realize that 'doing something' involves embracing a new model that will by nature disrupt what they're doing right now.


Here are the facts: Microsoft reported the impressive sum of $58.4 billion in sales last fiscal year. The Office unit accounted for around $18 billion - virtually a third of the total. If that unit's numbers were to dip by any measure, the whole company's revenues would take a hit - something that shareholders might not be overly happy about.


But the situation Microsoft faces here is one where risk-taking should be given some serious thought. Companies like Google, Salesfroce.com, 37Signals, and others, have by now much more experience and penetration in the business of web-based applications delivered over the Cloud. Some organizations are boldly moving towards making use of this. And with good reason - Google's enterprise suite, Google Apps (which includes Docs and other productivity tools) has a license cost of $50 per user per year. Substantially less than Microsoft's $150, even more so if one considers that all one needs to use Google's offering is a computer with a browser and an Internet connection. Microsoft might require more robust computers, and perhaps more infrastructure beyond that.


Sure, Office is a much more powerful tool than Google Docs - today. Three years down the road? Five years? It doesn't even have to be Google. IBM and Sun either possess or have in the past made attempts at delivering the same service. Then, the infrastructure and the market might not have been ready. Today they are. More and more are companies looking for ways to save money. And SaaS and IaaS solutions are making this possible.


Microsoft says they want to embrace the cloud. So far, they seem to be suspiciously looking at it while holding an umbrella. If they don't change their strategy, they might find that while they were worrying about the Cloud, they failed to build their Ark.

Richard Branson's Carbon War Room

I remember reading in The Scotsman (or was it The Guardian?) an editorial that Scotland could benefit a lot from a war economy. While it is true that as part of the United Kingdom Scotland is very much involved in wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, the article's author rather was talking about the enormous benefit Scotland could reap by literally declaring war on climate change. Very discreetly, this has been going on for a few years: Scottish universities are at the forefront of climate change research, and many startups in what has been nicknamed the Silicon Glen - Scotland's equivalent to Silicon Valley - are developing new and promising technologies to help fight climate change. They're not quite there yet, but they're on their way. A fantastic example to many other regions.

But I digress.

I remember liking that article enormously, since it gave a focus to the climate change efforts that has been lacking in other media. Yes, we should be at war against climate change, and yes, a war economy would benefit us all in that sense. But efforts are absolutely non-coordinated, and lacking a general direction.

I've come to realize that Richard Branson probably read the same article I did, but him being a gentleman of slightly better means and a few more resources than myself, he went ahead and co-founded a very interesting outfit.

So, there is an apparent lack of focus in general when it comes to the fight against climate change. Sure, you have a bunch of brilliant people working at a lab in, say, Massachusetts, a team of scientists in Brazil, a couple of Australian entrepreneurs, plus a team of Indonesian activists. All of them are working towards the same goal, but their efforts are uncoordinated and, what is worse in our free market economy, unsustainable.

Enter the Carbon War Room.

True to his nature as an entrepreneur, Branson and a team of businessmen, philanthropists and scientists have put together this entity (called a philanthropic initiative, as well as a corporate think-tank) that, underneath its wargames exterior, is in reality a very interesting exchange for entrepreneurs and individuals wanting to work in the war against climate change. Some might say it doesn't look very serious, or that it subtracts from actual grassroots environmentalist, but as I see it, this is only going to be a forum for those involved to learn what is going on in other places, and also perhaps as an idea garden.

It would be absolutely unfair to give full credit for this initiative to Richard Branson. It was current CEO Jigar Shah, founder of SunEdison, who had the idea. Branson brought in financial backing and his well-known marketing abilities (already at work, using the Winter Olympics as a stage), but it can safely be said that it is Shah who is the man behind the curtain.

Whether the Carbon War Room will be able to deliver its goal as a philanthropic initiative aiming to bring strategic focus to the war on climate change remains to be seen. They already appear to be in the right track, and I for one will be cheering for them all the way.

Will Buzz kill Wave?

When Google launched Wave a few months ago, it promised to be the panacea of online collaboration. "What if e-mail was invented today?" was the premise claimed as the central idea for creating it. But upon launch, it was met with an atmosphere of enthusiasm that slowly evolved into plain confusion. I clearly remember a phrase going around, saying that Wave was invented so young people would know what old people feel when they try to use a computer. Criticism started mounting. Now, except for a few enthusiasts, Wave is pretty much sitting in the back burner. A great tool, and recognised as such, but it is a great tool in search of an application. A solution in search of a problem. Fact is, anything that Wave can do, other software can also do in a simpler fashion.





At the time of launch, a few friends and I were discussing whether or not Wave meant trouble for Facebook. I said that it most definitely didn't - the aims of both applications were worlds apart. However, those who claimed that it might spell trouble for FB might have been onto something.

Fast forward to today. Google launched Buzz three days ago - and it looks like a serious Facebook rival. It doesn't claim to be a social networking site - but it just might turn into one, or at least into something similar enough as to not make a difference.



Already Google has shown that they learned from what went wrong with Wave, and they have given us a much stabler environment that coexists seamlessly with current Gmail accounts. There is no hunting for an invite, which some have said makes Buzz not have that air of exclusivity that Gmail had at first and Wave emulated later. But there's only so many times that trick will work. And that gives Buzz the advantage of instantaneously having a wide user base. Some of us Wave pioneers excitedly logged on to the Wave page only to come to the realisation we had no one to 'wave' with. Buzz is already showing signs of a more vibrant life than Wave did. Buzz can also turn into a one stop page where you can follow Twitter feeds, your friends' comments, share web content....

I don't think Buzz will kill Wave, and unless Google decides to pull the plug on the latter app, I don't think it will die. Truth is, Wave has a host of interesting functions that make it particularly well suited for online collaboration in ways that Buzz (or Gmail, for that matter) isn't. It won't be the panacea it was meant to be, and definitely not a tool for everybody. But my guess is that Google is aware of this. Not every single person out there uses Google Scholar, for example, or Google Docs for that matter. As I said before, Wave is a solution in search of a problem. I believe it has already found people who are grateful for its existence and that it will continue to grow and improve.

As to Buzz? I see it growing into a widely used functionality of Gmail, stealing users from Facebook and Twitters homepages, but never actually eclipsing them. But I could be wrong. Time will tell.

Solar Beautyfying in Sydney

According to many people, UTS Tower is Sydney's ugliest building - it even won that distinction in a poll ran by The Sydney Morning Herlad. However, an initiative by the Laboratory for Visionary Architecture (LAVA) could soon metamorphose the notorious edifice into a stunning marvel.

LAVA's proposed ‘Tower Skin’ concept would wrap the building with a lightweight composite mesh textile. The cocooned shell would then collect rain water, generate electricity and assist the ventilation system in cooling the tower. At night, the skin works as an intelligent media surface that communicates information on events in real time. This Enviroskin covering is in essence a photovoltaic surface that not only would make the tower more aesthetically pleasing, but also reduce its overall carbon footprint.



While the finished project might not look as fantastic as the concept, this certainly offers insights on what cities might be able to do in order to improve the environmental friendliness of some of their older buildings. The endless rows of prefabricated concrete structures that dot many former communist cities seem as prime candidates.

South of the Border: 10 Destinations Down Mexico Way

Paraphrasing New York Times writer Brooks Barnes, Mexico is luring back travelers with cool new hotels, a flourishing contemporary art scene, world class gastronomy, and the world famous beaches and colonial heritage. Recent months have seen a swine flu scare and media reports of violence in the border towns - all of which have contributed to decreases in tourism. While a trip to Mexico might not seem like a good idea, the truth is different. Rates are down, even in the swankiest of boutique hotels, and the truth is that the country is still predominantly a peaceful destination - just as crime rates in Detroit wouldn't stop tourists from going to Orlando, Mexico's most touristy destinations are safe, fun, and beautiful. So, without further ado, let us look at the 10 most popular destinations in the country.


CANCUN: 40 years ago, a coconut plantation with only three inhabitants was this part of the Mexican Caribbean's only trace of civilization. Today, it is a fantastic resort city, world famous for it's year round pleasant weather, white sand beaches, and the cool, crystal clear waters plentiful with coral reefs and multicoloured fish. This coastal city has it all: world-class restaurants, luxurious hotels, and more options for entertainment than can be listed. And yet, if you were to look for activities away from the city, you would find eco-excursions to nature preserves, scuba diving tours, visits to the centuries old Maya ruins of the region, or day trips to Cozumel, an island a few miles away and with a charm all its own.


MEXICO CITY: This mega-city, home to over 20 million persons, might seem too large to be real. But the city has a history spanning seven centuries and enough variety to last a life time. First it was the capital of the Aztec empire, as can be seen by the archaeological wonders on display at the National Anthropology Museum. Centuries later, it became the capital of Spanish territories in the New World, as testified by the old colonial neighborhoods of Coyoacán and San Angel, and the city's downtown itself, all rich with European heritage. And in the early 19th century it became the capital of Mexico, and ever since has developed an identity that is both cosmopolitan and uniquely Mexican. Hotels of all kinds, top class gastronomy, and endless cultural and entertainment opportunities await travelers who head to the place German explorer Alexander von Humboldt called the City of Palaces.


GUADLAJARA: Mexico's second largest city, nicknamed La Perla de Occidente (the Western Pearl) is a city of rich culture, and with an identity completely its own. Here you will find restaurants serving all varieties of Mexican food, but also Irish pubs and Argentinean steak houses, French bistros and Japanese teppanyakis. This football-mad city is well known for the warmth of its people and the beauty of its avenues. A few miles away, Mexico's agave growing region is located. Here's where tequila is produced, in the region of the same name. Visitors to Tequila will find a culture surrounding the drink that is light-years away from the throat-burning fuel of frat parties, one that is much more similar to Scotland's whisky culture. Go ahead, give it a shot - you won't regret it. 

PUERTO VALLARTA: One of Mexico's more famous Pacific Coast cities, Puerto Vallarta spreads on both sides of the Ameca River's mouth, occupying a spot of privilege in the Bay of Banderas. It is said that the most beautiful sunsets in the Pacific can be seen from Puerto Vallarta. First gaining international notoriety as the place where John Huston filmed The Night of the Iguana, with Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton, the city has gained a renown for beautiful beaches, excellent weather year round, and, being in the Pacific coast, access to some of the world's best sport fishing and surfing spots.


EL BAJIO: This region boasts industrial centers like León, where most of Mexico's leather production is located, to cultural cities like Guanajuato - at one point the world's largest producer of silver and now home to the International Cervantes Festival, the world's largest celebration of the Spanish language and its culture. Smaller, charming colonial towns and cities are abundant in the region. If you decide to go there, don't forget to visit San Miguel de Allende, site of some beautiful Spanish colonial architecture; Celaya, famous for the cajeta candy, made with goat's milk, and a delight to anyone with a sweet tooth; and Irapuato, where some of the best strawberries in the world are grown.


ACAPULCO: Another city in the Pacific, Acapulco was originally set up as a Spanish port in the Pacific, and from here sailboats called naos would travel to Japan, the Philipines, and China. Acapulco celebrates each year the Nao Festival, celebrating centuries of contact between the city and Asia. The city occupies the Bay of Santa Lucía, and at night the view is simply stunning. World class restaurants can be found all over town, as well as small, traditional Mexican eateries, where excellent seafood and Mexican fare can be had. The city's nightclubs are varied and you are sure to find one that suits your taste - whether it is salsa and Latin rhythms at Q, pop and dance music at Alebrije or Palladium, Siboney for those looking for a piano bar serving great martinis, or the hyper-exclusive Baby'O for celebrity-spotting, Acapulco has something for everyone.


LOS CABOS: The southernmost tip of Baja, comprised of San José del Cabo and Cabo San Lucas, is internationally known simply as Cabo. This is a perfect destination for those looking for golf courses, relaxing spas, and sport fishing. It is also a prime destination for whale-watchers: humpback whales come here every year to give birth and raise their young. Secluded beaches pepper the peninsula, with some attracting surfers and others attracting people looking to spend a while away from everything.


TIJUANA: Mexico's fifth largest city has acquired a somewhat dubious reputation of a place ripe with seedy spots and dodgy areas. In truth, it is an industrial city that has nevertheless developed a very interesting and active cultural scene. While thousands of American tourists cross the border each day in search of cheap booze and entertainment, others have found Tijuana to be a place of great weather and interesting alternatives. Art galleries can be found everywhere in town, and the old city center is a stunning reminder of the city's colonial past. This is the birthplace of Ceasar salad (which you can still have at the place where it was created - Caesar's Hotel), and home to many unforgettable dining experiences.


IXTAPA-ZIHUATANEJO: Remember that beach at the end of The Shawshank Redemption, where Andy and Red meet again? That's Zihuatanejo, one of the Mexican Pacific lesser known places. A charming town, where life just seems to flow at a leisurely place, it stands as the more traditional half of Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo, the other being the resort town of Ixtapa. Unlike other places, this one mixes the charm of small Mexican villages with the modernity of resorts like Cancun. Whether you are on the lookout for nightlife or just wish to lay back and enjoy the beach, you will surely find it here. It is truly the kind of place you often dream about, but don't really think it could actually exist. Only, in this case, it does.

MAZATLAN: Owning a history that is markedly different from that of other Mexican cities, Mazatlán went from being a small fishing village to a large commercial seaport through the influence of German settlers. While most of them are gone now, their heritage is still clearly visible in the Bavarian-influenced music of the city and the Pacifico brewery, as well as in some buildings here and there. It was much later that it became a tourist destination, with frequent visits from John Wayne, Gary Cooper, and other Hollywood stars of the time. Mazatlán is more city than resort, but one where life is relaxed, and where visitors can just enjoy a day of fishing for swordfish which you can later have grilled or smoked at any of the many excellent seafood restaurants of the city.

Written by Carlos Isoard Freyssinier, originally published in Skyscanner.net

The Google Super Bowl Spot

So, the King of Internet Search and Advertising broke two of their cardinal rules this past Sunday:

• Advertising in mass media: although some products have been advertised in TV and print, like Google Chrome or Google Earth, the company had a strict policy of not advertising their search engine, much less their brand as a whole.
• No brand advertising: CEO Eric Schmidt famously called brand advertising "the last bastion of unaccountable spending in corporate America", and the company's official position on this was simply that brand advertising is a waste of money.

But last Sunday, during a commercial break on the Super Bowl's 3rd Quarter, the following ad made an appearance:

What made them change their minds? Interesting question. The first and obvious answer could be the increased presence of Microsoft's Bing. Some other people will point the undeniable power of Super-Bowl ads to reach millions of viewers, both during the game and through the Internet at later times (broadcasters, aware of this, have set up websites exclusively devoted to 'Super Bowl Ads').

When it was rumored that Google would be advertising in the Super Bowl, most analysts expected it to be a spot about the Nexus mobile phone, or possibly a continuation of the Google Chrome campaign they have been running in many countries. But no, it was pure brand advertising, 

Whatever the reason, the spot stays true to Google's corporate philosophy: simple, accesible, and universal. 

I have to say, I like it a lot.

Italian Super(electric)car: The Maserati Tramontane

Continuing with the topic of a few days ago, but adding some flair and luxury.

When Tesla introduced the Roadster, it was the only electric sports car in the market. Still is. And it is also the only electric car in the market of some luxury. But competition might be closer than expected.

Recently, Ondrej Jirec, a Czech designer, presented his design for the all-electric Maserati Tramontane.

 

Credits and Copyright Ondrej Jinec

The design is beautifully minimalistic, and has some clever ideas: the whole design is built around 'layers' that allow for the vehicle to have the lowest number of pieces, while adding to safety and storage capabilities. Perhaps most interesting of all is the use of three motors, a frontal one driving the front wheels, while the rear wheels are driven by two in-wheel motors. All electric.

Granted, it as of yet exists only as some renderings and a few drawings, but the level of attention this design has garnered from the press and cyberspace should serve as an indicator of what we might be seeing on the streets before too long.