Articles by Adam Browning

Plug-in hybrids go viral

I'm not a big fan of flash animation. I am, however, a huge fan of plug-in hybrids. Love trumps hate in this instance, so I urge you to check out Calcar.org's efforts to spread the word on the benefits of plug-in hybrids with this piece of viral marketing.

If you make it to the end of the animation, there's a chance to sign a petition to automakers urging them to manufacture plug-ins.

What it takes

I'm reading Wendy Kopp's One Day All Children..., the story of the founding of Teach for America.

It's inspiring. If you ever wonder what it takes to launch a movement, here's some tips gleaned from her experience:

1. Have a great idea.
2. Think big.
3. Focus like a laser.
4. Work harder than you have worked before.

From page 38:

The work was piling up. My solution was to begin sleeping every other night.

Easy!

Space-based solar energy stations?

I admit I have no idea what to make of this. But apparently Business 2.0 (yeah, I thought they went under during the dot-com bust, too) is reporting ...

... early in the next decade SIG will begin placing huge, mile-wide sheets of solar cells in earth orbit. These NASA-designed structures, called solar power satellites, will convert sunlight into electricity, then use weak, pollution-free, environmentally safe microwave beams to send that energy down to simple antennas anywhere on Earth. The antennas will convert the beams back into electricity and feed it into standard existing power grids at an extremely low cost. The system will operate 24/7 overcoming the drawback of rooftop solar cells and windmills.

Like I said, I have no idea what to make of it. But looks pretty nifty, don't it? And at least the Kennedys can't bitch about their viewshed ...

Job opening for the most important job in the world

The International Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) -- the group that's supposed to translate the international scientific consensus on climate change, so the threat can be accurately gauged and appropriately addressed -- is looking for an information officer. The job posting is here (pdf).

Rightly or wrongly, autopsies of global-warming failures to date often indict scientists for their poor communication skills.

Regardless, to counter the well-funded counter-intelligence coming out of Exxon-Mobil and the White House, it sure would be nice to have a top-notch professional in the role. It is not much of an exaggeration to say that the future of the world may depend on it.

So how about helping find one? Know a mercenary PR professional with bulldog instincts who's tired of selling widgets and keeps telling you how they really want to make a difference? Forward the posting: here's their big chance. Job's in Geneva -- a beautiful city. Pay is $80k-$100k. I'll even throw in Vote Solar t-shirts for the whole family if that will make a difference.