Massive mystery explosion in Iran
According to local news reports, a massive fire has torn through the city of Qazvin, north Iran. The blast is suspected by some to be nuclear in origin and high numbers of casualties are expected.
Iranian man shows #farmlove with inspiring Instagram photos
For some, being a farmer is suicidal. Water and land are scarce, small farmers struggle to compete with the likes of Monsanto, and there are a host of environmental problems to contend with as well. In this context, it’s almost unthinkable that this bright young man dreams of following his father’s footsteps – as a farmer in Iran.
Tires upcycled as Arabian stools
Rubber tires are pure nastiness, especially when they’re no longer useful for cars. They languish in landfills, provide habitat for mosquitoes and rats, and often cause horrendous fires – like this one in Kuwait that was visible from space. Hit the jump to find out how Hala Smadi is putting them to good (re)use in Jordan. A graphic designer, Hala Smadi also has a way […]
Dubai’s MENASOL conference unites solar energy in the Middle East
Over 400 senior executives will descend on Dubai this week to learn how best to develop and construct photovoltaic (PV) and concentrated solar thermal power (CSP) plants in the region’s top markets including Jordan, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, and Morocco.
What Tesla can learn from Israel’s Better Place post-mortem
What if we could apply the charisma, imagination and marketing genius of Steve Jobs to help promote green technology? Israeli entrepreneur Shai Agassi had many of the characteristics of Apple’s much-worshiped CEO but instead of personal entertainment devices, Shai focused his energies on electric cars. He had enough chutzpah to convince investors to bet nearly […]
Google goes for awesome driverless car concept
After making billions on online advertising Google execs are now putting some money into companies of their dreams. The latest – the Google driverless car concept. “Look Ma, no hands!”
Masdar “eco-city” is getting its first 500 homes – finally!
Masdar is taking decisive steps to build Masdar City’s first private homes. Adding to existing and planned educational, retail and business facilities just outside of Abu Dhabi, the 500 new houses promise to be “super sustainable” and ready within the next two years.
Chinese investors to build a mini Dubai in Kenya
The Kenyan government is reportedly paving the way for China to build a new city just outside of the capital. Some 100 Chinese investors aim to build roughly 20 skyscrapers in the enclave, which is expected to become a shopping destination for products from China and other countries.
Ancient Egyptian secret cracked : how they moved massive stones through desert sand
It’s one of the world’s biggest mysteries: how did the ancient Egyptians transport massive stones across the desert to create the pyramids? Scientist from the FOM Foundation and the University of Amsterdam report that they now know how the pyramid stones were transported. The clue is the dampness of the desert sand.
Jerusalem’s water contamination scare hits both Arabs and Jews
Residents of Jerusalem were told yesterday to boil their water for two minutes until further notice. High levels of treated sewage water had leaked into the main drinking water system. The neighborhoods affected include Arab and Jewish regions alike: Baka, Abu Tor, Talpiot, Tsur Baher, Silwan, Ras el-Amud, the Old City, Mamilla and Musrara.
Wow-alicious green gifts upcycled by Ex Libris Anonymous
Jacob Deatherage founded a clever company that saved my skin many times over a decade of holidays – letting me serve up clever gifts that are useful, affordable and green.
Desypher dispels stereotypes with exquisite Islamic Museum of Australia
Blogging makes a writer vulnerable to hyperbole – anything to capture a corner of the internet. But it’s not hyperbole to say that Desypher’s architectural expression vis-à-vis the Islamic Museum of Australia is unparalleled in any contemporary Islamic architecture I’ve come across.
Trump Gadde: embracing the shipping container in Istanbul
GAD Architects stacked a series of recycled shipping containers on top of a fancy shopping mall in Istanbul to create this remarkable modern day bazaar. Officially it’s a food court, but in practice, it is so much more.
Making freekeh with the Druze
I stood in a golden wheat field some five miles north of Acre in Israel. Paul Nirens of the Galileat organization had arranged a demonstration with a local farmer, to show us how the Druze traditionally roast green wheat for freekeh. To reach the field, we’d driven over a ditch of teeth-rattling bumpiness, part of the […]
Cyprus starts political party for … animals!
This is no joke: the island nation of Cyprus is now home a political party for animals. It was launched in Nicosia on Sunday. It is called Animal Party Cyprus and follows the lead of Holland – which seems like the first to launch a political party for animals.