Scientists Develop Synthetic Carbon-Capturing Trees

Ever see a decorative fake tree and wonder what its purpose was? Sure, it makes the hotel lobby seem a little more lively I suppose, but in the end, it doesn't contribute to the environment in the way a living tree does. Or even a synthetic super tree, apparently.

According to PhysOrg, scientists have developed a tree that traps carbon dioxide from the air, much like real trees. However, these synthetic trees capture carbon dioxide at a rate roughly 1,000 times that of a normal tree. The synthetic tree "could absorb one ton of carbon dioxide per day, an amount equivalent to that produced by about 20 cars, on average".

Oddly enough, they actually don't look like trees, but small buildings. While planting real trees is clearly the better route to go, these synthetic trees seem like they could be an alternative for crowded city spaces with high carbon dioxide emissions and no landscape for planting. Unfortunately, they cost about $30,000, so one wonders if we'll be seeing them any time soon.

To read more about the synthetic trees, visit PhysOrg.

Wal-Mart to have Eco-Rating for Products

In a bold move, Wal-Mart has decided to make a Eco-rating system for all the products they carry. Each supplier will now have to answer questions about how 'green' their products are.

The rating system is sure to help consumers be more Eco-friendly and hopefully it will push companies to become even more green.

Wal-Mart said it would make the announcement of the Eco-Rating system today. To read more on this, click over to USA Today.

Comcast Adding More Spanish-Language Channels

One of the great things about being a subscriber to any kind of TV service is that new content and channels are constantly being added. For me, there's nothing cooler than finding a new HD channel or stumbling across a network that was just added. Well, it seems like more of those are coming for Comcast subscribers.

In light of the number of people switching to digital signals because of the digital transition, Comcast is adding a bevy of Spanish channels to their lineup in places like Northern California. Apparently, as many as 80 new networks will be live as of August 11th. Some of the new channels include Mexican music channels TeleRitmo, Bandamax as well as other music channels such as Ritmoson Latino and Telehit.

To read more about the new Spanish-language channels, visit MediaWeek.

Comcast and Cox Take Part in Internet Safety Report

Leading communications companies like Comcast, Cox, Google and AOL are teaming up with Internet safety organizations to form a task force dedicated to keeping children safe online.

They are working on a report, PointSmart.ClickSafe: Task Force Recommendations for Best Practices for Online Safety and Literacy, to unify all Internet service providers under the same safety guidelines.

At the present time the guidelines are too fragments across the board, so this task force is asking for a nation policy to be implements to keep our future online generation safe from the dangers the Internets holds.

To read more about what is being do do keep children safe on the Internet, read Comcast, Cox Contribute to Internet Safety Report.

YouTube to Change Focus

Looks like YouTube feels they've mastered the short-form content market and now they want to go head-to-head with Hulu in the long-format arena. It makes sense for YouTube to grow as a company and right now there is money in long-format content.

Also, as an audience, we are very finicky and our attention will always be drawn to something new and shiney. So as YouTube gives us yet another reason to go to their site, lets just hope it is as entertaining as their current content. 

To read more on the new focus at YouTube, hop over to Broadcasting and Cable.

A Plant so Powerful it can Move a Jet

I was stunned when I read an article about this plant called Jatropha. It's a weed that is normally used as a hedgerow but it has recently caught the attention of scientists looking for innovative renewable energy resources.

The oil from the plant has already been used in test flights for Air New Zealand, Japan Airlines and Continental Airlines, and so far the test have come back with positive results.

This isn't something that's going to be commercially ready for the market tomorrow, but it maybe in the near future. Perhaps it will be possible to power all commercial jets with plant power.

To learn more on the research being done and other form of biofuels, read the article, Alternative Jet Fuel: The Jatropha Plant.

Clean Homes Mourn the Loss of Product Pitchman Billy Mays

If you are like me, you have at least one bottle of Orange Glo, OxiClean or some other "as seen on TV" product in your house somewhere and you were saddened by the news of the passing of Billy Mays this weekend. Most American TV watchers (and house cleaners!) could recognize his trademark booming voice from his famous commericals and infomercials.

"It is with incredible sadness that we have to report that Billy Mays died in his sleep last night," said a statement from the Discovery Channel, where Mays was featured on the reality TV show Pitchmen. "Everyone that knows him was aware of his larger-than-life personality, generosity and warmth. Billy was a pioneer in his field and helped many people fulfill their dreams. He will be greatly missed as a loyal and compassionate friend. Our deepest sympathies go out to his family at this time of incredible loss."

In honor of Mr. Mays, tell us about your favorite infomercial product and how it changed your life for the better.

Study Finds Finds Clean Energy Economy Generates Significant Job Growth

According to a report recently released by The Pew Charitable Trusts, the number of jobs in America’s emerging clean energy economy grew nearly two and a half times faster than overall jobs between 1998 and 2007.

Pew found that jobs in the clean energy economy grew at a national rate of 9.1 percent, while traditional jobs grew by only 3.7 percent between 1998 and 2007. There was a similar pattern at the state level, where job growth in the clean energy economy outperformed overall job growth in 38 states and the District of Columbia during the same period. The report also found that this promising sector is poised to expand significantly, driven by increasing consumer demand, venture capital infusions, and federal and state policy reforms.

“The clean energy economy is poised for explosive growth,” said Lori Grange, interim deputy director of the Pew Center on the States. “These jobs are driving economic growth and environmental sustainability at a time when America needs both. There is a potential competitive advantage for federal and state policy leaders who act now to spur jobs, businesses and investments in the clean energy sector.”

The report also showed that the emerging clean energy economy is creating well-paying jobs in every state for people of all skill levels and educational backgrounds. Included in Pew’s definition are jobs as diverse as engineers, plumbers, administrative assistants, construction workers, machine setters, marketing consultants, teachers and many others, with annual incomes ranging from $21,000 to $111,000.

For more on Pew's findings, download the full Clean Economy report (PDF).

CEA Reminds Consumers to Responsibly Recycle Analog TVs

Now that you've successfully transitioned to digital television service, you might be saddled with a large and useless analog TV taking up space in your garage. The Consumer Electronics Association would like to remind you that it's not a good idea to just toss the old thing out. They suggest you take advantage of the many ways to safely dispose of unused analog televisions by checking out their list of manufacturer and retailer-led electronics take back and recycling programs as well as the searchable database of electronics recyclers by zip-code at www.myGreenElectronics.org.

“TVs do not belong in the trash,” said Parker Brugge, CEA’s Vice President of Environmental Affairs. “Consumer electronics manufacturers and retailers have worked diligently to provide the public with access to easy and convenient recycling options, as have many state and local governments. Consumers play a critical role in making sure that electronics products are recycled responsibly.”

CEA says it has long supported efforts to create a federal solution to the growing problem of electronics waste disposal, which the industry believes will not only be the most cost-effective solution, but will also allow the U.S. to ensure that electronics recycling is done in a safe and responsible manner.

For more information on the CE industry’s efforts toward environmental sustainability, check out www.CE.org/green.

RCN Adds Shalom TV to Free Video ON DEMAND Line-Up

RCN recently announced that will now offer Shalom TV as part of its free Video ON DEMAND cable television service.

"We are so thrilled to bring Shalom TV to RCN's customers," said Mark S. Golub, President of Shalom TV. "RCN provides Shalom TV's unique spectrum of programming -- everything from our Jewish Film Festival, Israel and interviews with the leading figures on the world Jewish scene to Shabbat TV Kids and Jewish Studies."

Shalom TV is the only television network with programs from the renowned 92nd Street Y and the only national network featuring Jewish programming for children. In addition, it is the only place on television where viewers can learn to read and understand Hebrew, study a page of Talmud and learn the mysteries of Kabbalah.

Shalom TV's programming offers extended coverage of AIPAC's annual policy conference, the major addresses from the UJC's annual General Assembly, talks by major intellectual and rabbinic figures on the world Jewish scene, and conversations with leaders of national Jewish organizations.

Look for Shalom TV in your RCN On Demand menu. Not a subcriber? Find RCN cable service plans and pricing available in your area.