Thanks to subscriber, Bill Stockhausen, for the heads-up on this new type of insulation. No mention of how much it costs, but as Bill writes, "There's always something new!" Ah, what a grand time in which to live. What's next?

We asked for photos of ugly systems and boy did you deliver! Some of these systems make us want to hide under the bed. Yikes! Check out the photos (if you dare) and submit your own and tell us about it for a chance to win $1,000. The contest ends on December 31, so enter today.

This story caught my eye because I've wondered for years how we might get landlords to upgrade ancient, inefficient heating systems when they neither live in the building or pay for the fuel. Why should they? There's nothing for them to gain, and it will cost them money. Well, the Brits seemed to have figured it out by fining the landlords. Now that's inspirational.

They've been a fact of life in the U.K. for the past few years, and not many people are happy with them, but that's the law. Simply put, a seller (or someone renting space to others) has to hire an energy auditor to come up with the Energy Performance Certificate on that building. If it doesn't pass muster, you can't sell it. How 'bout them apples? We're starting to see similar laws appear in the U.S. and here's what happens when they do.

The lovely St. John the Baptist cathedral in Norwich, England just got a new floor-heating system and a bio-mass boiler. The problem seems to be where the architect decided to put the chimney. Here's the rest of the story. And I love the old lady's response when asked if someone should call the fire brigade.

Thanks to subscriber, Neven Soric, for this heads-up about what the Pittsburgh Zoo is learning about the Btu value of elephant poop. Reminds me of this story about Bunny Btus.

With all its chimney sweeps and strict environmental laws, we often look at Germany as being one of the greenest places on earth, but this article tells the tale of all the nasty brown coal they're burning. Old habits die hard. Thanks to Judy Garber for the heads-up on this story.

Let's give a round of applause to this Do-It-Yourselfer in his quest for great energy efficiency. You can't make this stuff up.

We're having our annual Night School/Holiday Party just after the holidays on Januay 6. We'll be at Riccardo's again. The food is delicious and plentiful, and so is the subject matter. Not many tickets left, though. Marianne and I hope you can make it.

Hug your kids.