Reading Roundup: Feb 25

Reading Roundup is a regular feature of WebEchoes. It exists to limit the number of "read this" posts with minimal commentary on my part.

Tar Sands: The Most Destructive Project on Earth : TreeHugger
Some horrifying stats about how destructive tar sands oil extraction is, and possibly proof that we're really darn close to peak oil. (the point where it costs more of a resource or its equivalent to extract the next barrel and where production begins to trail off).

HardiePlank Siding: Tough, good-looking, green (Triple Pundit)
Siding that will last 50 years with little or no maintenance (including paint/stain). Reasonably green as its made from a variety of materials, some of which include reuse of materials and costs relatively little energy to make. Oh, and its fire resistant.

Your Backyard Farmer
Maybe I should start one of these... A company that farms your backyard for you and plants what you're family will eat. Too bad they're in the Portland, OR region only.

Cruelty Video Prompts Recall of 143 Million Pounds of Beef » Celsias
Most of it already consumed before the recall and destined for the school lunch program. Do not watch the embedded video if you do not wish to see blatant cruelty to animals (dragging with a forklift, cattle prods, etc.).

Missed out on Prius tax credit? $12,000 hybrid tax credit now available - AutoblogGreen
Who knew - hybrid delivery trucks and even tractor trailer are available.

Backing Winds: May 26th chase
Photos of a storm in Kansas from May 2006 as well as a description of chasing the storm.

Flickr Photo Download: The Phoenix Palm Rises From Ashes
I hope the tree somehow manages to get its roots into that volcanic soil.