Sheep mowing grass

Sheep on a Northern California hillside. A good move in what's going to be a high fire-danger year due to all the rainfall. (Collage of 12 photos.)

World's first air-powereed car -- zero emissions -- by next summer

"
"…India's largest automaker Tata Motors is set to start producing the world's first commercial air-powered vehicle.The Air Car, developed by ex-Formula One engineer Guy Nègre for Luxembourg-based MDI, uses compressed air, as opposed to the gas-and-oxygen explosions of internal-combustion models, to push its engine's pistons. Some 6000 zero-emissions Air Cars are scheduled to hit Indian streets by August
The Air Car, called the MiniCAT could cost around Rs. 3,50,000 ($ 8177) in India and would have a range of around 300 km between refuels.
The cost of a refill would be about Rs. 85 ($ 2)."

http://carsznew.blogspot.com/2011/01/tata-new-car-in-2011.html

From Andrew Dunkerton via Godfrey Stephens

Graphic Guide to Frame Construction by Rob Thallon

Rob Thallon was a contributor to our book Shelter II in 1978, and has gone on to produce this great guide to wood frame construction. It's got 100s of clear drawings, from foundations to roofs. Another book on the subject which has received good reviews is Ultimate Guide to House Framing: Plan, Design, Build, by John D. Wagner.

Dawn on distant beach last Thursday

One of the things I love: no footprints.

Simple little homemade table

I made this little table with used 2x2's for legs, and cedar fencing from Home Depot for the top. Put together with grabbers. I keep it in the room where we have the TV and it's easy to move around. The cedar smells wonderful. Quick and easy.

Tiny cars

Thanks to Michael J. for turning me on to tiny cars (for tiny houses): http://microcarmuseum.com/

"1959 F. M. R. Tg-500
In the summer of 1957, Fritz Fend was at the helm of his own company and was ready to produce his masterwork. His far-reaching concept was to produce a super Karo, in all respects superior to the three-wheeled scooter, particularly in terms of speed and handling.

"Saw Lloyd's recent blog re the Whole Earth Catalog. I have every issue of all the catalogs, WEReviews, Co-Evolution Quarterlies etc.…They have all been read and handled, so not pristine, but not tattered either.…Any ideas, outside of e-Bay or Craigslist where I might find someone interested in purchasing the collection?"

-Jon Scoville: foosounds@aol.com

Photos in garden yesterday

Gimme Shelter | Playing For Change

Check out the wonderful work being done by Playing for Change, putting together these clear recordings of musicians in different parts of the world

Sent us by Evan Kahn

Stones fans: get double album Exile on Main Street!

Holy smoke, is this good! Am I the only Stoner who didn't know about this? I listened to it at full blast while driving Lesley's Mini over the mountain road to Fairfax yesterday. It was like a movie, driving that spiffy little car over the mountain with this music playing.

Jeez, what power!

Thank you fo yo wine, Cali-fohn-ia.

Check it out on Amazon, where the 1st reviewer says it's their best album ever: http://www.amazon.com/Exile-Main-Street-Rolling-Stones/dp/B0039TD7RC/ref=sr_1_1?s=music&ie=UTF8&qid=1306946651&sr=1-1

I'm listening to it as I get back to layout of the tiny homes book, just had to take a moment

Beer and sausages in Fairfax

The Gestalt Haus, on Bolinas Ave. in Fairfax (Calif.) yesterday afternoon at a preliminary screening of a movie by Sam Lueck on the Dipsea Race. If you like good beer and sausages, this is the place. As you can see, it's a mountain biker's mecca.

Portable Bike Sauna By H3T Architects

"This sweet little sweat-pod that can be towed anywhere you please by tandem bike. Enveloped in translucent panels, the Bike Sauna allows users to park it in various locales, transforming any spot into a relaxing haven. But don't let its small appearance throw you off, apparently it can seat up to six people (granted, in probably somewhat close quarters). But inside there's everything that makes it cozy, like a real wood-fired stove.… "

From: http://www.treehugger.com/files/2011/05/portable-bike-sauna-h3t-architects.php

Via: Evan Kahn