The material shown in the picture above is just ice, right? Look again. Elastic water, a new substance invented by researchers at Tokyo University, is a jelly-like substance made up of 95% water along with two grams of clay and a small amount of organic materials. As is, the all-natural substance is perfect for medical procedures, because it’s made of water, poses no harm to people and is perfect for mending tissue. And, if the research team can increase the density of this exciting new substance, it could be used in place of our current oil based plastics for a host of other things.

Read the rest of Japanese Researchers Invent Elastic Waterhttp://www.inhabitat.com/wp-admin/ohttp://www.inhabitat.com/wp-admin/options-general.php?page=better_feedptions-general.php?page=better_feed

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Post tags: clean plastic, elastic water, green design, green plastic, Japan, plastic, tokyo university

It’s been nine days since the explosion on BP’s oil rig off the coast of Louisiana and things only seem to be getting worse. More oil is leaking into the Gulf than expected and by this time the oil slick has likely reached the fragile coastline. Containment is next to impossible and we’ll be dealing with the aftermath for years to come. As the federal government helps the efforts, Obama has reportedly stated that no new drilling will be allowed until officials can figure this whole mess out. Great news! While it’s not an official ban, at least new offshore drilling is on hold for the time being.

Read the rest of Obama Puts the Kibosh on All New Offshore Drillinghttp://www.inhabitat.com/wp-admin/ohttp://www.inhabitat.com/wp-admin/options-general.php?page=better_feedptions-general.php?page=better_feed

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Post tags: BP, drilling ban, eco design, Environment, environmental disaster, green design, Gulf, gulf of mexico, louisiana, natural disaster, offshore, offshore drilling, oil, oil rig, oil rig explosion, oil spill

Civil War soldiers used the dye from purple pokeberries to write letters home. Now, the bright-colored weeds are being used for a far more modern purpose. Researchers at Wake Forest University’s Center for Nanotechnology and Molecular Materials created low-cost, fiber-based solar cells that work more efficiently when coated with a layer of pokeberry dye. Scientists hope the cheap solar cells combined with a common plant will help provide inexpensive electricity to developing nations.

Read the rest of Purple Pokeberries Could Provide Low-Cost Solar for Developing Nationshttp://www.inhabitat.com/wp-admin/ohttp://www.inhabitat.com/wp-admin/options-general.php?page=better_feedptions-general.php?page=better_feed

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Post tags: Center for Nanotechnology and Molecular Materials, cheap solar, fiber-based solar cells, FiberCell, flexible solar cells, inexpensive solar, pokeberries and solar, purple pokeberries, renewable power in developing nations, wake forest

Although modular by design, shipping container architecture have mostly been executed by individuals or firms on a case by case basis. Now, InterModal Design, a subsidiary of Hive Modular, is changing the game with their newly launched line of prefab shipping container living units that you can order and have shipped right to you. The dwelling comes complete with a kitchen, living area that transforms into a bedroom and (in some units) a bathroom. The interiors are fairly spartan, but the intention is for these units to be affordable and capable of shipping anywhere.

Read the rest of InterModal Design Launches New Prefab Shipping Container Unitshttp://www.inhabitat.com/wp-admin/ohttp://www.inhabitat.com/wp-admin/options-general.php?page=better_feedptions-general.php?page=better_feed

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Post tags: container architecture, eco desgin, eco design, green desgin, green design, hive modular, intermodal design, Prefab, prefab construction, Prefab Housing, Recycled Materials, shipping container construction, shipping container houses, shipping container prefab, shipping containers, Sustainable Building

A vibrant and bustling Asian city, Kuala Lumpur is a modern yet traditional city where east meets west. It is a great place to start your Asian travels. If your beginning to research your trip or are just interested in the city our Kuala Lumpur travel guide can get you started.

Public transport is quite efficient and from the Kuala Lumpur City Centre, you can easily get to all the major attractions as well as shopping and tourist districts. KL is an international shopping mecca, with everything from high-end boutiques to cheap tourist stalls. You might like to try and get accommodation as close to the city centre which has some of the cheapest five star hotels in the world. If you’re on a budget though, you might like to try couchsurfing or stay at a hostel.

Our full Kuala Lumpur guide has more specific information on food to try. Briefly though, the city has a mix of all the major Asian cuisines alongside American fast-food chains and coffee shops. Eating out in KL is one of the best things to do in the city if you’re on a budget (or if you aren’t) as it is often cheaper than making the food yourself. The Jalan Alor district is full of restaurants with reasonable prices, alcohol however is quite expensive everywhere you go due to high taxation.

The ITP Kuala Lumpur guide suggests a few top attractions including the Petronas Towers, The Golden Triangle as well as Chinatown and Little India for a more touristy yet ethnic experience. To get away from the tourist markets head over to Chow Kit for local food markets or visit the Central Markets to escape the heat.

Every year during January or February each year, millions come to watch Hindu devotees perform Kavadi Attam from the city centre to the Batu Cave which are Located an hour or so out of the city. Kavadi Attam is a dance performed in honor of the God of War which involves the physical burden of carrying the Kavadi and usually involves some form of spikes or hooks penetrating the skin.

To check out the full Kuala Lumpur Travel guide visit http://indietravelpodcast.com/podcast/088-travel-kuala-lumpur-malaysia/ and also have a listen to the Kuala Lumpur guide podcast at http://indietravelpodcast.com/video/first-day-in-kuala-lumpur-travel-talks-14/

For a great guide to Kuala Lumpur Visit Indie Travel Podcast forpodcasts on Kuala Lumpur.

Light rain with thunder 28°C

Humidity:

94%

Wind Speed:

Calm

Barometer:

1006 mb

Dewpoint:

27°C

Heat Index:

34°C

Wind Chill:

28°C

Visibility:

6 km

. Excluding breakfast. Located along the busy streets of Chinatown in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Replica Inn provides affordable accommodation for travellers on a budget with easy access to transport links. Rooms are cosy and comfortable and come with an en-suite bathroom. They are also fitted with all the basic amenities needed for a pleasant stay that include individually controlled air-conditioning. Replica Inn also offers several guest services to make your stay more enjoyable. Laundry and dry cleaning services are available, as well as car rental. If you're looking for more information on sight-seeing and tours, just enquire with the friendly staff. The hotel also has a casual cafe for meals and internet access is available in the lobby. Replica Inn Chinatown is close to several eateries, shops and entertainment options. It is also within walking distance from Puduraya Station and Plaza Rakyat LRT station, which makes travelling easy and cost effective.

Cumulonimbus clouds observed 36°C

Humidity:

56%

Wind Speed:

3 KMH

Wind Direction:

SW (230°)

Barometer:

1008 mb

Dewpoint:

26°C

Heat Index:

45°C

Wind Chill:

36°C

Visibility:

11 km

In episode 14, Peggy teaches us how to tell the date. This lesson also includes instructions on years, months, and days of the week.

Learn Chinese with Peggy Lee

Subscribe to Peggy’s YouTube channel for pre-recorded lessons.

Visit Peggy’s web site: Peggy Teaches Chinese

Follow Peggy on Twitter: http://twitter.com/followpeggylee

Learn Chinese from the comfort of your own home. Peggy offers paid tutoring lessons via Skype: peggyteacheschinese

E-mail: peggyteacheschinese@gmail.com

Peggy Teaches Chinese (14): Years, Months, Days of the Week is a post from: My Several Worlds

© 2007-2010 My Several Worlds

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Kencana Petroleum Bhd, a Malaysian oil and gas services provider, said it plans to sell as much as RM250 million of Islamic securities to help finance vessel acquisitions. The bonds will be guaranteed by Danajamin Nasional Bhd, it said in a statement today. Kencana hired AmInvestment Bank Bhd as principal adviser for the sale, it said. -- Bloomberg