Google recently applied for approval from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission for the right to buy and sell electricity from renewable sources, much like utility companies, according to a New York Times article.

Google has a philanthropy established through Google.org, and has invested $45 million since 2007 to research global issues, including energy efficiency and innovation. One of the new services launched by Google is “Google PowerMeter,” a free tool that measures the amount of electricity used in a household throughout the day.

Despite the philanthropic arm, Google is still a for-profit company. Should extra energy be created from this project that Google doesn’t use, it can be sold back to the power grid. “We’d be delighted if some of this stuff actually made money, obviously; it is not our goal to not make money. All else being equal, we’d like to make as much money as we can, but the principal goal is to have a big impact for good,” said Bill Weihl, Google’s “Green Energy Czar,” in an interview with the New York Times on Thursday.

“There are three areas we’re looking at: concentrated solar thermal, enhanced geothermal and high-altitude wind,” Weihl said. Concentrated solar thermal uses special mirrors rather than panels to collect sunlight, and geothermal collects steam from water thrown on heated rocks deep in the earth, closer to the magma layer. Google’s research team is even considering going into the jet stream to collect wind power.

This green initiative and desire to become a power broker hasn’t been without criticism. Critics say Google is attempting to do too many things at once, or trying to control everything off- and on-line.

I think Google is one of the few companies with the money, time, resources and commitment to revolutionize the way we collect and distribute our energy. Full steam ahead, Google, especially if the steam will keep my lights on one day.

Microsoft technology chief Nathan Myhrvold believes he has found a cure for Global Warming, and it will only cost $250 million and won’t disrupt the carbon-emitting world as we know it.

Myhrvold proposes we combat climate change by pumping liquid sulfur dioxide into the stratosphere through nozzles in a hose lifted more than 15 miles into the atmosphere with helium-filled balloons. This sulfur cloud will dim the sun in critical areas of the world by just enough to reduce or reverse the effects of global warming. He calls this cloud a “Stratoshield.”

Since sulfur occurs naturally in the environment, he says it will not disrupt our climate in a negative fashion, and will lower temperatures as desired in areas that need to be cooled.

Do you think this could work?

Source: http://www.techflash.com/seattle/2009/10/video_nathan_myhrvold_explains_how_to_save_the_world.html

There is still time to pick up a perfect gift for those blanks on your list!

5. Digital Photo Frame, $9.99-49.99

I once thought these were an awkward way of displaying photographs, but they’ve become more commonplace and thus they have grown on me…and I want one! Sold under many brands at any computer–or even gift–store. Consider picking one up for your favorite digital photographer this Christmas.

4. Rubik’s Touchcube, $84.99

This toy is a new twist on an old favorite—but it’ll actually give you hints! Swipe your finger across the rows to find the solution, and just tap on a middle cube when you’re stuck, or even *gasp* tell it to auto-solve.

3. Dell’s Mini 10v Netbook, $299

A must-have for techies on-the-go, the small Dell netbook has all the bells and whistles of a full-size laptop but can fit in a purse or briefcase. Specs: 1 GB Memory, 160 GB hard drive, WIFI with optional Bluetooth, and a 10.1” display.

2. iPhone 3GS, $299 with a new AT&T plan, $499 without new AT&T plan

The fastest, most powerful iPhone is up for grabs this year. New features include voice recording, voice control, video, a 3-megapixel camera, advanced text messaging with pictures, copy-paste, and up to 32 GB of storage.

1. Amazon Kindle 2, $259

The Kindle’s revolutionary way of delivering books has been touted “the future of reading.” Over 390,000 titles are available to read on the “electronic-paper” screen, including 101 of 112 current New York Times Best Sellers. Magazines and newspapers are available too, and all of this can be done without wires, cables, or syncing. The new Kindle 2 is thinner, has a sleeker design, and the pictures are sharper with enhanced 16-shade technology.

Webkinz are cute fluffy stuffed animals. You can choose from a variety of pets. There is a gorilla, alligator, kangaroo, a few cats, different breeds of dogs, fish, frogs, skunk, monkey, a few horses to choose from and more. One pet is sure to fit your child’s taste in favorite animal. Your child can add to his or her pet collection any time he/she wants. Have a room full of plush pets to virtual pets.

Webkinz are registered by you or your child on your computer. Each Webkinz has a secret code so your child can enter the exclusive Webkinz World. Your child will adopt his/her pet; name his/her pet and chose if the pet is male or female. Your child can dress up his or her pet. Your child must care for his/her pet including feeding the pet or it can virtually get sick. Your child can see how happy, hungry and healthy his/her pet is by watching an easy-to-read meter.

Your child will be given “cash” to decorate the pet’s room. Your child will win games; answer trivia questions, etc., to get more “cash” for his/her pet to buy furniture, food and clothes. If your child’s friends have a Webkinz your child can invite them to the pet’s room. How fun is that? The kids can chat online in a safe way as no personal information can be shared. When the kids chat, the words will pop-up above the virtual pet as if the pets are talking to each other.

You as a parent will love the fact that your child will be playing educational games. Your child is given age appropriate games to play that are available to those with a secret coded Webkinz pet. Your child can play games with his/her online Webkinz friends. A teacher recommended the Webkinz as your child can learn about math which is a very important subject in today’s world. If your child wants to become an engineer, computer programmer, teacher, chemist, etc., math is a must have subject he/she must acquire.

A variety of daily activities, fun surprises and contests will keep your child coming back for more.

Get your child a Webkinz to have a cute fluffy animal to cuddle with, learn responsibility in caring for his/her virtual pet, and have fun learning without even realizing it.

Soon the last gift will be opened, the last cookie will be eaten and Christmas will be over. Now it is time to plan for New Years Eve and New Years Day of 2009. Maybe you already have plans to hit it big in Times Square, New York. If so, you can get valuable information on the website:

http://www.timessquarenyc.org/nye/nye_faq.html

Be in the know and find out the best deals and way to get to Times Square. Learn when the best time to arrive in Times Square is. Get the coolest view of the famous ball being dropped. If you do not want to be in the streets when the ball drops, get tips on which restaurants have an awesome view of the ball being dropped. Jot down information on the designated viewing area for disabled persons, if needed, so you get the best view possible. Find out where public restrooms are located for the many visitors celebrating in Times Square. Learn the history of the Times Square celebration and information on the Times Square ball. Find out the security measures that are taken so as not to be surprised when you arrive. One of the main rules for the Times Square New Years Eve celebration is no backpacks or bags. Hit a New Years Eve party in Times Square. Check out the website to find out which party (or parties) sound like your type of gig.

If you prefer to take a trip some place warmer such as Miami, Florida or Las Vegas, Nevada you will want to check out:

http://www.nycnewyears.com/

This website is awesome as it also lists the hottest places for you to party on New Years Eve for your dollar. This website also includes information on package deals for Times Square, New York and fantastic night clubs in New York.

Bring the New Year in with a big bang at one of the hottest parties around. Fireworks included.