Cool glass houses, melting ice and more in MNN's week in review

We've also created a bucket list of farmers markets and a book review of 'Wild,' the book that everyone is talking about — even Oprah.

Fri, Aug 03 2012 at 5:21 PM

Related Topics:

Green Architecture, Polar Ice Caps, Farmers Markets

• We’ve rounded up eight of our favorite glass houses from around the globe. Some are famous while others are tucked away in interesting locales. You'll enjoy looking at all of them.

• Nearly the entire ice cover of Greenland melted in a span of four days recently — but that's now how it normally works. To get a better perspective, take a look at eight stunning before-and-after images detailing ice melts across our planet.

• After receiving the blessing of Oprah, Cheryl Strayed's "Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Coast Trail" shot to the top of the New York Times' best-seller list. Read our book review.

• Everybody loves a farmers market, so we've created a "holy grail" list of sorts. Check out nine U.S. farmers markets that every foodie should visit.

• Speaking of food, here's an article sure to start a few arguments: is the profusion of gluten-free food a fad or a dietary epidemic?

• Blogger Chris Turner delves into the ubiquitous but unloved strip mall, serving up five innovative ways to reinvent it.

• Some days it feels as if robots and computers are taking over the world — but not so fast. We've come up with a hopeful response: five things your brain can do better than a computer.

• If school hasn't started where you are, it will soon. Our advice expert offers tips for stocking up on eco-friendly school supplies.

• Can a car called the E-Bugster improve Volkswagen's sad green image? Auto blogger Jim Motavalli says as unlikely as it may sound, this car is a step in the right direction.

• In honor of the Olympics — and the sleep we're all losing trying to watch NBC's TV coverage — don't miss the pets loved by famous Olympians and our photo gallery of Olympic highlights, including the image of weightlifter Daniyar Ismayilov of Turkmenistan, below.