Hot air balloons in France. Wow. (via Kottke)

Informative post, Green to Green, at the Chicago Reader blog (with map and pictures) about the progress in turning a south side brown field into a solar power plant.

Every now and again, ComEd includes the environmental disclosure information with the bill. It is always dismaying to see the 0% renewable (along with the 62% nuclear and the remaining with coal, biomass, etc). In theory, I’m quite enthusiastic about getting solar energy at least on the board. However, it’s mind boggling how expensive it is to get this, and similar, projects off the ground. Basically, it seems, ComEd never loses and bureaucratic red tape is infinite.

Cool looking bike helmets from a company called Yakkay’s (via Chicago Reader). However, they’re not available in the US. Thanks Reader for making me want stuff I can’t have. Pfft.

For all those who made it out to support the Ladies Rock Camp Chicago at Schubas last weekend, you can relive the magic on youtube.