Manufactured Landscapes

Manufactured Landscapes -- an incredible documentary about Ed Burtynsky work -- won The Academy of Canadian Cinema & Television's Genie Award for Best Documentary. The film follows Ed on an incredible tour of land and industry in Asia.

Burtynsky makes large-scale photographs of quarries, recycling yards, factories, mines, dams. He documents civilization’s materials and debris in a “stunning” and “beautiful,” way. His work raises all kinds of questions about ethics and aesthetics.

Currently not playing in any theatres in Houston...but keep an eye out for this one.

Houston Public Library

Houston Public Library and its e-Book partner netLibrary are excited to offer electronic books to their customers. Currently, two products are available:

1)Downloadable Audio Books:
Bestsellers from award-winning authors produced by Recorded Books.
The Holy Bible in 30 parts.
More than 100 Pimsleur language learning programs.

+The audiobook files are in Windows Media Audio format (WMA).
+Checkout period is 3 weeks.
+Users can check out 6 titles at a time.
+To listen, download the Audiobook to your PC and use your audio player.

2) Online E-books
Over 30,000 titles provided by TexShare.
Primarily non-fiction meant for research, homework and information.

All you need is a "Power Card"

1)Print and fill out the Power Card Registration Form. (Youth under 18 need the signature of a parent.)

2)Take the application and proof of address to your nearest library location.

3)Present proof of address with your application. The Library accepts a Texas driver's license or Texas ID, utility or phone bill, or a personalized check. Ask a staff member about alternate ID. Fees apply for most out-of-state residents.

More Green Walls

A while back (sept'06) I posted about some vertical plantings. I find them fascinating. Aesthetically beautiful and a great solution to introducing nature to interiors.
Here's more:
Vertical Gardens by Patrick LeBlanc
These walls are composed of 3 parts: a metal frame, a PVC layer and a layer of felt.

The metal frame is self standing or can be hung on a wall. a 1cm thick PVC layer is riveted onto this frame to provide stability and serve as a waterproof layer...next the rotproof felt is stapled to the PVC. This layer provides an even distribution of the water and is where the plants take root.

Read more on his site by clicking detailed presentation.

Another company is ELT Easy Green. Based out of Canada, they sell living wall kits, panels and accessories. They boast a modular living wall panel that can be either pre-Grown or planted in place. Their panels are made of UV resistant 100% Recyclable black HDPE (High Density Polyethylene). Panels are designed to be irrigated from the top using either a simple soaker hose (exterior applications) or a drip tray system (included with the indoor kits).

Read more on their site.

The Great Green Web Game

This game tests your knowledge of how consumer choices affect the environment. -- at the end of the game you can compare this average to your own impact on air quality, water quality, natural habitats, and the sustainability of our climate.

(click on game image to play)

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