Here's What's Awesome: Peeking Into North Korea, Trees Stopping Fires

It's a Friday Here's What's Awesome potluck! Have a seat at the table and take a plate full of awesome links. Plenty for everybody.

A Photo Tour of The "Hermit Kingdom"
Another example of the internet doing what it does best: North Korea is an isolated country about which most of us know very little. But the web is good at pulling together what we do know and broadening our understanding. Boston.com pulled together photos from news agencies, freelance photographers and even the North Korean government into an online image gallery. The many limits on what information leaves the country means this online tour isn't going to answer every question we may have about the country, but maybe we know a little more than we did. [via Presurfer]

The Light Was Yellow, Sir
Anyone who's ever been behind the wheel has been in "the dilemma zone," that moment where the traffic light ahead turns yellow and we have to decide whether we can make it through the light or better hit the brake. Audi is testing a system that will tell you how much time you have before the light turns red. The inventors say it could save drivers gas as well as patience, though if you do get pulled over for running the light, "My car told me I had time" probably won't beat the ticket. [Wired]

Only you (and trees) can prevent forest fires
Last time chicken power was our Completely Unexpected Energy Source of the Week; today it's tree power - specifically, using the "ambient" electric charge trees generate while, well, being trees. These charges aren't going to power neighborhoods like the chickens, but a company called Voltree Power says trees could power a network of early warning sensors that could monitor conditions and alert the Forest Service if a fire is breaking out. [Plenty]

Now that you've tried our links, take a moment to share some awesome stories that have caught your eye in the comments field below. A potluck is all about sharing, right?

(Photo by yeogigeogi)