The future of the auto industry?

Just in case any of you haven't seen what may end up being as efficient an automobile manufacturer that exists, then check out Local Motors. The interesting thing about this company is their mission. They use open source design, incorporate the big auto manufacturers parts bins, and have regional build centers that offers local job opportunities and cuts down on freight.

The Open source design which is open to competitions based on regional visions is nice because it gets new and fresh design talent and gets designs to the road much faster than the Dinosaurs. For instance, the one for Texas is a truck hybrid that has aspects of what a truck should have - easy to clean after a day on the ranch, removable panels, fold down windshield, collapsible roof, maximized utility of truck bed, and not for use to go to the grocery store. For that application you can pick one of their other quite radical designs.

Another key aspect is the use of diesel engines to maximize fuel efficiency. An electric model is also on the way.

Maybe the bailout should have gone to ventures like this. Businesses come and go, and if they aren't able to keep up with current demands then the those who can should have a chance.

http://www.local-motors.com/

Bottled water debate

Here are some interesting perspectives about the water industry:
http://storyofstuff.org/bottledwater/
http://www.bottledwater.org/news/ibwa-rebuts-misleading-and-factually-incorrect-video-about-bottled-water#
It seems simpler, more efficient and less expensive to just drink tap. Not to mention better for the great outdoors.
If you have concern over its quality, all you have to do is either put on a simple and inexpensive filter system or go big, spend a little more and get a really good system. The bottom line is you will get water for a significant savings over the bottle water alternative and you won't be wasting all the oil necessary to get those bottles to you. Which some stats say for every bottle of water as much as half of its volume is wasted in oil. More importantly, the amount of water wasted to get customers water bottles can be up to the equivalent of 7 bottles per bottle sold. Wow, that is a lot of water, especially considering how some areas like New Mexico are staring down a serious water shortage in the future.