CDO Ranching and Development bought the 3.1 acre biosphere 2 project. While the huge glass terrarium will remain open for tours and research for the foreseeable future, long term plans are to build 1,500 homes and a resort hotel on the property.

Perhaps there is just enough time for another Pauly Shore movie?

According to the Associated Press, tunnel farming is gaining popularity in the United States. Tunnel Farming is a specialized form of greenhouse farming suitable for growing larger harvests of crops than a conventional greenhouse can provide. The tunnel is created by a frame structure and plastic or glass roofing material. By increasing the temperature inside the structure, 'tunnel farms' also allow crops to be harvested inside the tunnel rather than relocating of seedlings for planting. The 'tunnels' allow farmers to extend the length of their growing season by several weeks, providing for increased revenues. Farmers also note that tunnel farmed crops are of higher quality than their outdoor counter parts. A quick search on the subject shows that farmers of strawberries and tomatoes are currently the largest proponents of the method.

Who gave Kazakhstan all that money?

Kazakhstan is building a huge tent in their capital, Astana. The tent is supposed to trap in heat from the sun to keep the temperature inside some 60°F above the ambient outdoor temperature. One of the keys to this giant tent is a 'special material that abosorbs sunlight to creat the effect of summer inside.' I really want to find out more about this 'special material'. Not only is it transparent, but apparently it is very strong - or at least I assume that it is.