PICKENS GOES FOR GAS ... T. Boone Pickens has launched the first of five whiteboard video presentations, all outlining the role natural gas can play in achieving Obama's campaign pledge to cut all imports of oil from the Middle East in 10 years. The features outline what Pickens sees as reality, like cutting OPEC dependency in half by modifying 8 million 18-wheelers to run on natural gas, saving $100 billion. The first video can be seen here, and if you haven't checked out the 'PickensPlan' do so now, 1.6 million have already joined his army. Let me know what you think.

RUSSIA IS IRAN'S BFF ... Well, it appears Russia has spoken out to let the world know it will in fact deliver oil products to Iran despite U.S. and U.N. sanctions designed to 'punish' Iran for it's defiance in regards to nuclear development. "Sanctions cannot hinder us," Russian Energy Minister Sergei Shmatko said after a meeting in Moscow with Iranian Petroleum Minister Massoud Mir Kazemi. For those not aware, and to clarify Russia's involvement, Iran holds around 10 percent of the world's oil reserves, however, a lack of refining capacity and inefficiency problems means the country needs to import vast volumes of gasoline from a variety of sources in order to satisfy domestic demand. How serious is this? Are you worried or is this a type of global temper tantrum that can be ignored?

ROYAL SLAUGHTERHOUSE ... Being the prince doesn't excuse you from emissions regulations apparently. Seems green campaigner Prince Charles of Wales had to make a tough decision recently regarding his farm home in Gloucestershire. He and his staff had to cut emissions that were as one staff member stated, "going through the roof." Sadly the most realistic way to do so was by 'letting go' of some of the worst offenders - his dairy herd. Sources say Charles is devastated. 

SMART METERS FOR ALL ... Products designed to let consumers monitor their personal energy use are at the forefront of the efficiency movement. California currently leads the race in regards to smart meters for water use, but New York is determined to catch up, rolling out smart meters that let residents monitor their water use from their laptops. A quick Internet search shows that there's some security issues with smart meters however, so do your research and ask the right questions when they become available in your area. On the electricity side, GE has launched a new product called the Nucleus, that lets users monitor exactly how much power they're using in their homes from their laptops or smart phones. It also offers tips and alerts. For $150 it totally seems worth it, could be the hottest Christmas gift item for 2010!

LITTLE SEED HITS TARGET ... Catering to the hipster market, '80s icon Punky Brewster has launched her "Little Seed" brand of 100% all-organic baby clothes at Target. Soleil Moon Frye and her business partner started the "hip, stylish and colorful" brand to give eco-friendly a new look. Even better? Target lets them make decisions on every aspect, including the packaging, which is minimal and contains no plastic. Plus all items are between $7 and $13. Target will only carry the line for a limited time so check it out ASAP.

ELECTRIC ERRAND SCOOTER ... Yamaha has launched a new electric scooter for the green-minded consumer designed for short urban commutes. The EC-03 which retails for a converted $2,700, is zero-emission and very quiet, making it acceptable for evening and night driving in the city. On a single charge, from a home socket, commuters shouldn't really expect to get more than 15 miles, though the company claims it gets 27. The scooter will be introduced to Taiwan and Europe in 2011 but there's no date set for the U.S. market yet. Would you buy one? I want to move wherever errands can be run in under 15 miles. 

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