subject: Do Good Ideas Have Long Legs? [print this page] "Absolute Black" silicon wafers have been developed by Natcore Technology. The wafers are to be used in solar panels. They absorb 99.7% of light falling on them, which in 3.7% more than absorbed by solar panels made before 2012. Not only will black silicon improve power output, it will also cost less to make because no hazardous chemicals are necessary. In 2011 solar installations doubled. In 2012 there are enough solar projects planned to power 2 million households. Although solar power is still a small part of America's energy mix, high oil prices may "shed new light" on the subject.
Red Tomato Pizza launched its VIP-fridge magnet in February 2012 - VIP standing for Very Important Pizza. Users must first register their pizza preference online. The pizza-box-shaped magnet, which has a lift-up lid, connects to any Bluetooth device and sends a message to the restaurant with the preset request. Red Tomato than sends a confirmation text, offering the option to cancel. If customers want a different pizza for their next order, they can edit their choice online. More than 70% of magnet users are repeat customers. Unfortunately, Red Tomato Pizza is in Dubai. For Americans VIP-fridge magnets are still "(pizza) pie in the sky".
"Start Over Smart" is the first divorce expo in the U.S. It's the idea of a mother-daughter team - one a family therapist and the other a divorce mediator. Although there are plans to host the expo in cities around the country, the first was held in New York City in April 2012. A one-day ticket cost $75 and a two-day ticket cost $125. Over 100 professionals offered services ranging from counseling, legal and financial expertise to beauty and matchmaking. Considering half of U.S. marriages end in divorce, maybe a "Start Smart" expo would be an even better idea.
A bald Barbie is the result of a Facebook campaign urging Mattel to create a hairless version of the ever-popular doll. A limited edition of a bald "friend of Barbie" will begin in 2013, but the doll will be distributed only in children's hospitals. It seems Mattel wants to "get the dolls directly into the hands of children who can most benefit from the unique play experience". However, not making the doll available to other children is missing an opportunity to teach those children that being different isn't so different. Not selling bald Barbie in retail stores is "bald-erdash".
