Interesting article, Mark, and timely for me! I've been learning a lot about alternative cooking this week at http://solarcooking.wikia.com/ -- I think solar cooking might be worth an article of its own, as it can do a lot to preserve forests in places such as refugee camps where firewood is scarce and women who need to gather it place themselves at risk. Solar cookers can be made with nothing but cardboard and tin foil, or even reflective car window shades! Please take some time to look around the wiki, and maybe talk to the founder Tom.

Wonderful stuff! So much imagination.

Also, I have to mention this great steampunk/mystery book I bought on impulse at the store and read yesterday in one fell swoop: ''Clockwork Heart'' by Dru Pagliassotti -- you'll like this one.

http://www.amazon.com/Clockwork-Heart-Dru-Pagliassotti/dp/0809572567