Replacing the Buddahs...

How about getting some clean water, proper shelter and maybe using those watts for something a little more useful first!

Facts About Afghan Buddhas Laser Project

By The Associated Press / Mon Aug 8, 4:42 PM ET

Facts about artist Hiro Yamagata's plan to "re-create" ancient Buddhas destroyed in 2001 by the Taliban as laser figures projected onto the cliffs of Afghanistan's Bamiyan Valley:
Laser images: 14 laser systems projecting 140 overlapping "statue" images in neon green, pink, orange, white and blue. Each image will continuously change color and pattern.
Image height: Up to 175 feet; as tall as the original Buddhas.
Display width: Four miles.
Beam length: Six to eight miles projected across the valley from clay shelters built to blend with the terrain.
Laser strength: Up to 100 watts per image.
Power source: 46 4,000-kilowatt windmills wrapped with solar paneling, and up to 100 more to provide electricity to Bamiyan and surrounding villages.
Project cost: Between $7 million-$9 million.
Co-sponsors: Mercedes-Benz, with others to be determined.
Project completion: June 2007.
Display schedule: Sunday nights for four hours on an indefinite basis.