Solar Roads - Are They Feasible?

To answer my own question, the technology behind the concept is solid, and is very practical! In the interest of not providing false or misleading information, there is not some massive plan in the works to change every piece of pavement into an energy-absorbing piece of roadway. Rather, the inventor, Scott Brusaw, has indicated that this technology would be most useful in parking lots, cul-de-sacs, and essentially anywhere there is a large area of pavement. For instance, if an entire Walmart parking lot were made from solar material, it could supply a vast majority (if not all) of the power the store requires to operate.

Production has already begun for glass which is sufficiently strong for this application. As it turns out, this idea is being taken quite seriously and is not just some crack-pot theory (which was my initial impression of this technology). Apparently the inventor has got the attention of the Federal Highway Administration and is currently in fourth place in the GE Ecomagination Challenge, a competitive funding opportunity that could get the project off the ground, so to speak.

As I mentioned above, the idea is being proposed as a solution to the power needs immediately surrounding the solar panels. For instance, throw this technology in a few cul-de-sacs and you could take a whole subdivision off the power grid, according to the research being conducted. Preliminary testing is showing these panels to be efficient even in cloudy weather.

Scott Brusaw and a demonstration solar panel

Not to mention, since the roadway will be made from glass, you could add LED lights (see above image) which could display speed limits, crosswalks, and other pertinent information. Pricing is irrelevant at this point, but the inventor is indicating that it won't cost much more than traditional asphalt by the time it reaches mass production.

I can't see any negatives to this technology whatsoever, and would be more than ecstatic to see this implemented in my neighborhood! I'm interested to hear opinions on this.

They've Done It! The "Triple Decker Burnout"...

Some simple-minded amusement is about all you're getting from today's YouTube find, but if you were intrigued by my post's title, then I guarantee watching this video will be time well-spent! If however the title didn't even spark a molecule of intrigue within you, then today's post is not for you, and you should leave. NOW!





Okay, so even though the video is relatively self-explanatory, I like explaining things. When you're reading the following text in your head, make sure to add a mild (albeit noticeable) drunken slur....

"Folks, what we've got here is a triple decker burnout! That's right ladies and gentlemen, we've got a motorbike, sitting in the back of an 'ute, sitting on the back of a truck! Guess what they're all gonna do? *hiccup/beer burp* Light 'em up, boys!"

I've decided that the explanation can be summed up in this one quote: "That's how we do it on the West Side."

Heads up, tomorrow we'll be taking a look at the Pagani Huayra, and I'll probably be making fun of it.

Ferrari Unveils AWD Ferrari Four

Ferrari recently released pictures of its new all-wheel-drive "Ferrari Four" which features four seats and four wheel drive for the first time, and the images came with some mixed reviews.

In addition to being the most powerful and versatile four-seater car Ferrari has ever produced, the AWD system in the "FF" weighs approximately 50% less than a conventional system. The car, which is set to debut at the Geneva Motor Show in March, also features a brand new V12 engine and a dual-clutch F1 transmission.

I really think I'll need to see this car in person before making a definitive judgment call on its design. It appears to have similar proportions to the Porsche Panamera, which I am not terribly fond of. The side profile just looks awkward in my opinion, but I understand their need for proper weight distribution (53% rear). Also, there has been some speculation that this vehicle and its AWD will be a prelude for a Ferrari SUV, but that's all just rumor. Am I the only person who thinks that Enzo Ferrari is rolling over in his grave?

The Importance of Purchasing a Repair Manual

If you're going to work on your own car, it would be wise to pick up a repair manual for your vehicle. It essentially gives you a step-by-step description on how to maintain your vehicle, and takes the guess work out of the procedures, and ensures safety. The $30 or so dollars that you'll spend on this book (which is unique to your vehicle) will probably save you hundreds, if not thousands of dollars in the long run.

Nothing demonstrates my point better than this 30 second video:






If you are working on your vehicle without a repair manual, I highly recommend picking one up - unless you are a skilled/trained mechanic, in which case you are probably convincing people NOT to purchase a repair manual so they will fuck up their car and you'll have to fix it.