Monthly Archives: February 2009
Mindset
Amidst all the doom and gloom in the news you can spot the seeds of change. The principle of “lean” is to focus on value creation for customers, remove waste (including wasted time) and rely on the skills of your … Continue reading
Decentralized
Gasification of (unedible) biomass is one of the most promising sources of renewable energy. The sources of this biomass are by nature (pun intended) distributed geographically. Would it not be nice if the efficient conversion of biomass to useful energy/electricity … Continue reading
Like the Bike!
Tired of pedalling, but attached to your old bike? Try GreenWheel: Scientists at MIT are testing a new power generation, storage and propulsion system known as the GreenWheel that will turn any pedal bicycle into an electric hog. “Just take … Continue reading
Counterproductive
The purpose of patents is to create a balance. A balance between the need to create a sizable reward and incentive for inventors and investors, and the need to benefit as society from these innovations. More importantly, to create a … Continue reading
Different tack
Most people think that hybrid propulsion systems are only useful in cars. The nice thing is that even in boats a hybrid makes sense. Even a tugboat. Ecogeek reports. The Carolyn Dorothy, displayed before a large crowd in the Long … Continue reading
Miaow!
We use a lot of batteries at home, preferably rechargable ones. Wouldn’t it be nice not worrying about recharging them and still have full batteries? This is a beautiful solution: SunCat batteries (great name, they like to bake in the … Continue reading
Change
Although the ranks of specialists are still dominated by middle aged men (babyboomers and the generation just after them) this will change soon. The student population at the universities has changed dramatically. More than 70 % of the students of … Continue reading
Big Project (2)
Missing from the discussions in Amsterdam is the question: is it still a good idea and investment? Lets do a quick calculation. Lets assume the costs increase even more, from the current projection of costs of Euro 2 billion to … Continue reading
Big project
The recent turmoil about the rising costs of the new metro-line in Amsterdam (” Noord-Zuid lijn”) leads to the usual comments and proposals by critics. More committees and more experts, tougher negotiators who can shift the riscs involved much more … Continue reading