Residents and visitors to San Francisco know that space is a highly valuable commodity.  Finding a parking space anywhere in the City by the Bay can be nothing short of a miracle, and owning a car feels more like a liability than an advantage.  Car shares such as Zipcar have become popular in recent years, allowing customers to pay a monthly fee to use vehicles on a trip-by-trip basis, letting someone else take care of maintenance, insurance, and garage space.

Now, for those looking for a more hip, compact form of transportation can rent a scooter from Scoot Networks for a fee that costs only slightly more than a MUNI pass.  Riders use their smartphones to locate the electric scooters in their area.  Once claimed, the phones sit in a special dock on the dashboard, unlocking the scooter and displaying information on speed, range, and direction.  Reaching top speeds of 20-30 mph, the scooters are perfect for short hops around the city, and have enough battery life to last for a work day before recharging back in their home parking spots.  (At the moment, scooters must be returned to their original pick-up points, but once the fleet expands, Scoot Networks hopes to facilitate more one-way jaunts.)  To rent a moped, California drivers do not need to obtain a special endorsement on their licenses, and the company plans on offering training for customers who are unfamiliar with operating the vehicles.

By taking advantage of China’s huge investment in electric vehicles, CEO Michael Keating has been able to benefit from the volume of moped production and pay only $1,000 per vehicle.  This relatively small price-tag will let Scoot Networks turn over its fleet every year so users can avoid worrying about mechanical problems due to wear.  Scoot Networks will begin by providing rides to private corporate clients before taking their service public by the end of the year.  Next time you visit the Land of Fog and Clam Chowder, look for the newest trend in city travel!

I may be from the TV and Internet generation, but when it comes to the topic science, I am snuggled up next to my radio like it was the newest piece of sparklingly modern technology.  Radio has had to step up its game in the past several decades in order to remain competitive amongst other forms of media.  Broadcasts dealing with complex subjects must be engaging enough to grasp the listener’s attention while also being presented in a clear enough manner that ideas are understood without producing that glazed over look so common in academic lecture halls.  Add in the task of making difficult and sometimes abstract topics relevant and entertaining, and you have an idea of the challenges radio faces.  With this understanding, I am in awe of these amazingly creative shows that keep me informed and curious about the natural world, grappling with the ethical impacts of new inventions, and enlightened as to the workings of the universe.

Radiolab- Fans of This American Life will fall in love with Radiolab, a podcast that explores the intersection of science, art, and human life.  Each episode deals with a central theme that is explored through story, anecdotes from history, and testimonials from researchers and field experts.  The hosts keep a conversational dialogue throughout the pieces, provoking a million questions to consider and keeping the tone lighthearted and inquisitive.  The soundscape is as compelling as the narratives, and aid in stimulating the listener’s imagination.  Personal favorite episodes concern themselves with the nature of moral behavior, parasites, and the accidents and unintended consequences of experimentation. Download or listen to the archives of podcasts online for free.

Talk of the Nation Science Friday- Every week, Talk of the Nation takes a break in its discussions of politics and popular culture to explore the newest achievements in science and technology.  Science Friday stays on top of the most relevant questions that society is currently grappling with, such as energy consumption and global warming, as well as the more quirky and diverting internet memes and tales of the weird.  Guests lead conversations alongside host, Ira Flatlow every 1-2pm ET, and take questions from listeners across the country.  Tune into your local NPR station for a dose of intelligent dialogue and insight from some of the brightest minds of their discipline.

99% Invisible- Roman Mars, the host of 99% Invisible, is fascinated with the small and almost unnoticeable elements of design and architecture that we encounter each day.  From the clicks and buzzes engineered for soundless electronic devices to graffiti tags etched into the sidewalks of San Francisco, the program explores the intentions and backgrounds of what many of us take for granted.  Another Public Radio production, you can listen to these short, beautifully produced accounts of the physical world on demand and free of charge.

According to the Chinese zodiac, it is now officially the Year of the Dragon.  What can we expect in the future as we transition from the Rabbit?  Astrologers predict that the next year will hold good luck, as the dragon is the most auspicious and powerful of the signs, and an increase in the fertility rate.  Those born in this year are said to be intelligent, energetic, extroverted, often conceited, and quick to lose their temper when provoked.

Although considered to bring good fortune, some believe that 2012 will hold more international conflict, citing the relationships between earth and water elements.  The powerful yang of water might auger a natural disaster or the human struggles toward political equality.  The water sign also represents charity and generosity, which hopefully could signal for a positive transformation of economic and societal institutions.

While there will be fighting and strife in the days ahead, the elements are not as much in opposition as in the past several years.  From nature, we can forecast possible viral epidemics, and powerful disasters such as earthquakes and floods.  Sadly, experts say that there are fewer angels of mercy to aid in what could be higher death tolls than normal.  Fortunately, there should be an improvement in environmental protections and recovery from past human-made catastrophes like oil spills and and nuclear meltdowns.

Want to celebrate the Year of the Dragon here on the coast?

-Head to San Francisco, where 6,000 participants, 22 floats, marching bands, lion dancers, and an arsenal of firecrackers will dazzle your senses and help usher in good fortune and scare away the negative spirits of the past.  The parade is held on February 11, and is one of the largest celebrations held outside of Asia.  There is also a city-wide treasure hunt that takes seekers on a romp through San Francisco’s neighborhoods and rewards them with fun, prizes, and a healthy workout.

-San Luis Obispo locals can watch the Cal Poly Lion Dance Team perform around the county this month.  Witness a cultural tradition and see the amazing strength and acrobatic skill required to bring these creatures to life! (Visit their website for a performance schedule.)  If cavorting  lions are not enough to impress you, on January 25 the Peking Acrobats challenge gravity at the Clark Performing Arts Center in Arroyo Grande. Tickets range from $45-55.

-Cal Poly will be hosting a dinner on January 28, where Wushu Taichi masters Liu Yu and Norm Petredean accompanied by students will give a demonstration. This graceful martial art will inspire serenity, strength, and promote a healthy flow of qi that will help balance and prepare you for the upcoming year.

Break out the red envelopes, make some mooncakes, and have a great Year of the Dragon!