Researchers at the Harvard Center for Green Buildings and Cities have completed a retrofit of a 1924 home that makes it a "zero emission" energy-efficient building. HouseZero employs both solar and geothermal energy, but the amazing part is all the computerized parts that make the house fend for itself. Sensors through the building compute what systems to employ, and the windows open and close themselves. That in itself will make you fear the repair costs when one thing stops working. Natural ventilation will save you tons of money on air conditioning, but here in the humid South, you may also have to contend with mold on your organic furnishings: wood, leather, and cotton. Don't ask me how I know. -via Digg
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No turning back the trajectory? As in you can't change human nature? Hmmm. They did it in Star Trek. I prefer to think we'll come up with something (other than the Big One). Although with Climate Change becoming irreversible in 2030 and The Singularity hitting in 2045, the trajectory is indeed short. Assuming nothing's done and I live that long, I suspect I'll go out with the first wave - Soylent Green or some other dystopian nonsense.
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I spent years pondering the trajectory of modern society and modernity in general. Eventually I realized that I believed more in determinism than free will, and that life is self-evident. Point I'm trying to make is - If people could resist things like technology-addiction, substance-addiction, modern degeneracy, etc, they would. But they can't. So it's best to live your life, be the best you, and not think too much about what others are doing. People are determined to do what they do. There's no turning back the trajectory. But you can still be the best you.
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Sometimes I really feel like a Luddite. Doesn't change that I think we are slowly and dangerously coming to rely too much on technology. And that's what I do for a living too.
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