Developments related to my own modern remodel have cut down on my posting lately. More information to follow, but for now - a nice helping of Speedlinks:

Austin News:

• We all know Austin is a great city, but a little reminder now and then never hurts. Here are a few of recent Austin Business Journal stories with further evidence:
  • Austin economy spanks the competition
  • Austin companies top EPA’s list for using renewable power
  • Austin tops for filmmaking
• Since the Austin Cool Homes Tour I have been trying to figure out a way to use LED bulbs in my home. Perhaps more partnerships like the one discussed in this article can help bring the price down to a reasonable level - Austin Business Journal: Austin increasing use of LED bulbs
• For a nice summary of 2006 to 2007 price changes in Austin real estate check out this Infographic on Statesman.com: Statesman: Interactive Map of Travis County Housing Price Changes

Statesman Condo Propaganda?

Did anyone else notice all of the pro-condo stories in the Statesman this weekend? I don’t disagree with many of the points made, however it was strange to see such a concentration of coverage. I suppose these stories can only help Mayor Wynn’s goal of 25,000 downtown residents by 2015…

• Urban Urges
• Condo Pioneer calculates a decent return on Nokonah investment
• Couple’s urban experiment at Milago freed them from 1-acre lot
• East Austin loft has views of business and something extra
• Couple saved on gas by moving to East Austin condo
• Green design, garages made Bel Air the right address

Other News:

• Check out this link for a mashup of two of my favorite things - Solar Power and Google maps. Perhaps Austin Energy can put together a dataset like this? Google Maps Mania: Google Mapping California’s solar power history
• Here’s an interesting architecture competition - Redesign the Whitehouse: White House Redux
• Green music? Sure, why not. Jack Johnson walks the walk: Electronic House: Solar Powered Songs
• I always check Lifehacker first when looking for software or productivity tips. Here is a nice summary of their best pics for 2007 - Lifehacker’s 2007 Guide to Free Software and Webapps
• As about 40% of the readers of this blog use a Mac, here is another useful tip from Lifehacker - Lifehacker: Remove Stains from a MacBook with Toothpaste. Unfortunately Google Analytics does not report the percentage of website visitors with dirty hands :).

Have a great week. Don’t forget your Valentine!