As most of you know, there are many types of solar energy systems to take sunlight and make electricity. What a lot of people do not know is that some of the systems need water to operate. The connection may seem fuzzy, but it will be clear as day in a minute.

In the case of solar concentrators, a fluid like oil or molten salt is used to transport the collected heat to a boiler and turbine system. The steam from the boiler will spin the turbines that create the electricity. This is a very effective system with a lot of good qualities. However, there is a need for heat control.

We can not have any portion of the system overheat, so water is often used to cool and prevent this. If the water is not re-collected it becomes run off or steam. Either way, it is no longer available as potable water. In an arid region like the Mojave desert where a solar installation seems most efficient, there would be a great deal of shipped in water to make the system work.

There are also what are called dry cooling systems. These are not as efficient as a "wet" system and cost more. This loss of efficiency and higher cost create an argument for using the "wet" cooling systems. Since water is also a scarce resource in the areas these solar systems are installed, we have arguments for both sides.

Follow the related link for more information.

Clearly built from local materials this house in Portugal immediately reminded me of the Flintstones house. This home is real, two stories and even the wood for interior stairs was collected locally.

Follow the link for some more neat architecture.

Not to scare everyone, but you should know what you put on your childs skin. There are some face paints that have questionable ingredients.

The testing, by the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics, a coalition of health and environmental groups, found that many face paints -- including those used in Halloween costume makeup -- often contain lead, nickel, cobalt and chromium. None of those ingredients, however, were listed on product packaging.

Follow the related link to learn more.

A few simple steps that will help include:

-- Follow directions - if it is not for use around the eyes, don't.

-- Do not sleep with the makeup on.

-- Read ingredients.

-- Test on a small area of your arm for irritation.

-- Never use neon colors close to the eyes.

-- Wash the makeup off thouroughly.

I have had my questions about this. I just didn't see how growing fresh fruit and vegetables in city environments would be economical. The related link has a lot of good points about the subject. From an economic standpoint, it really can't work with our current situation. Consider how much of our food is processed, no matter where you grow it, we ship it to and from factories and warehouses.

Follow the related link for more information.

This is not energy related, but I have been using a GPS for about 7 years now. I have had a Garmin V and a Tom Tom. I loved the Garmin, but the Tom Tom was years newer and had really cool features. By today's standards, both of mine are out of date. My Tom Tom software runs locally inside my 5 year old Palm PDA, so it is usually in a pocket or at home. The Garmin used to be kept inside my vehicle.

In both cases I immediately programmed the "Home" feature to my personal address. DO NOT DO THIS. If you have, change it now. Program the corner store or gas station instead. This way, if someone breaks into your car, they do not have an autopilot system to take them straight to your house. This is especially important when you realize your garage door opener or even private community gate transponder are probably in your car. These items essentially turn your car into a house key!

The corner store really should be close enough to home that you can drive the difference from memory, shouldn't it? : )