Free Republic

White houses are often boring, but they might just save the planet. As USA Today reports, Purdue University researchers have developed an ultra-white paint (it just earned a Guinness World Record) that reflects 98.1 percent of solar radiation while outputting infrared heat. As this leaves the surface cooler than the environment (regular paint warms the surface), it could effectively replace air conditioning in some cases — it produces a cooling power of 10kW for a 1,000sq. ft. roof, or more than a typical house AC unit. There are existing paints made to reflect heat, but they reflect no more than...

Pricing for the pure gold case first shown at the Sony Pret a PSP event earlier this year has been set — and it ain't cheap. The case, designed by the wife of hip-hop mogul Russell Simmons, will run you $35,000. Available this holiday season, the Baby Phat by Kimora Lee Simmons PSP case is made out of a pound of gold, alligator skin, and is encrusted with seven carats of yellow and black diamonds.