In this week's business podcast, we will review more futuristic inventions, and some technological advances in the sports realm.

OK, so this brainstorming session got somewhat personal when I started talking about sports, and especially Nascar, but it just struck a nerve, you know? When you're passionate about something, it comes through, and in this business podcast, I admit, I did rant a little.

We start off by talking about plastics (nylon) made from corn.

Dupont (Jeff Gordon's sponsor in Nascar - just thought I would throw that in), has traditionally been an ambivalent (at best) company regarding the growing green philosophy. Now, however, they are nearing sainthood with the creation of this synthetic nylon made of organic materials. (Is that an oxymoron?)

Next up is Major League Baseball's aggressive business move to take control over who is watching them.

If the National Football League could do it, why couldnt the MLB? But instead of taking their games to different television networks, they're playing with the power of the internet to draw fans from around the globe - in different languages. I like the idea of on-demand game viewing. I can skip through the more boring parts of games I don't like, and just watch the best parts.

Lastly, we'll discuss a carbon-neutral Chinese island under construction.

Yes, you heard me right. This comes from the nation with the most pollutants, I believe. I like the idea, though, because it talks about the use of solar cells, and I also like the thought that goes into designing the city to maintain shade in certain places, reducing the need for costly temperature controls. But I won't say anything more - it will spoil the story for you.

And, speaking of China, I believe that the Chinese Podcasting Directory, Podlook, will be joining us at the Online International Podcasting Expo, October 20-22, 2006.

We're discussing the possibility of him putting together a team of Chinese podcasters to teach other Chinese nationals how to podcast, using our facilities during the Expo. Now, wouldn't that be cool? More about these things in future business Brain Storm! podcasts. Until then, keep brainstorming!!!

Penny Haynes, 1st Podcast Publishing & DigBizBooks.com