One Howard High school student took on an extracurricular project around the holidays that has earned him accolades.
Kyle Mackall, 16, has taken the lead on decorating his family's house on Augustine Avenue.
"He loves Christmas lights on homes and loves going with the family on Christmas night to see homes lit up for the holidays," wrote his mother, Michelle Mackall, in an email to Elkridge Patch. "Two years ago, he decided he wanted our home to be one of those homes.
"We had always had simple white lights and wreaths with red lights around the outside lamp post. He wanted to really kick it up and add lots of color," she continued.
For the second year, Kyle Mackall has strung his house with lights, and the work paid off.
On Dec. 29, Patch selected the Mackalls' home as the Best Decked House in Elkridge.
"We call it the Gingerbread House!" said Michelle Mackall, with her entry. The home radiates holiday spirit, with its colorful maze of lights on the roof and frosty white trim.
Currently, Patch judges are narrowing down the top 860 houses submitted across the country and will select 24 that will go on to compete nationally.
Contest aside, the holiday season alone offers reason to celebrate, said Michelle Mackall, whose family runs CrossLife Communty Church in Elkridge.
"Kyle loves Christmas as it is a time of peace and giving. It is a time to slow down after the busyness of the year. For his father and me, it is a celebration of the birth of Christ—the ultimate gift," she said.
Decorating during the festive season has been a lifelong tradition for Michelle Mackall.
"I have collected Christmas ornaments and decorations since the 7th grade," she said.
Now, what's dear to her has also become something that unites her children.
"Our four kids love to see the house decorated inside and out and love working together," said Michelle Mackall.
The 24 Deck the House winners will be selected by the end of the week and will receive $500 off their electric bills. One finalist will win $100,000 for his or her town's schools.
The homes—which you can see listed here—will be evaluated based on creativity, festive nature of decorations and capturing the spirit of the winter holidays, according to contest rules.
Thursday 29 December 2011
Wednesday 28 December 2011
Production processes: A lightbulb moment
The link between the ethereal beauty of Venice and the hard certainties of the factory production system may seem less than obvious. But the connections begin in the very heart of the island city – in an array of buildings guarded by a pair of large stone lions, just a few minutes' stroll from the Piazza San Marco.
Like many former industrial sites, the Venetian arsenal is now used mainly for cultural exhibitions. But it was here, more than 500 years ago, that modern manufacturing was born. The shipyard was the first significant user of standardised parts production – by 1500, 16,000 workers toiled there, turning out everything from firearms to large, wooden-hulled ships, some of which were made in a matter of days.
Standardised parts have been one of the most critical influences behind the development of the 21st century factory system. The process makes possible the production of the 1bn artefacts that sustain and enhance human life, and employs roughly 10 per cent of the world's working population.
The techniques also potentially level the playing field for those who missed out in earlier periods of manufacturing development. Professor Brent Stucker of the University of Louisville in Kentucky says one of the most significant effects will be a re-duction in the amount of conventional industrial infrastructure – machine tools, testing equipment and related factory hardware – that companies and countries require if they are to be considered serious industrial players.
"It will make it easier for nations in the early stages of industrial development – such as in Africa – to leapfrog the conventional route towards building up production capabilities and make a valid contribution to global manufacturing much earlier than would have been regarded possible," says Prof Stucker.
Such opportunities should also be open to smart individuals, says Prof Stucker. Although the competitive advantages of large and well organised global manufacturers will remain, the new ideas will usher in a return to prominence of the artisan production worker – a breed that in most rich nations has become almost extinct since the demise of the blacksmith.
In the epoch of personalised production, the first products likely be made routinely are items that need to fit in with the unique biological features of an individual. They will include bone and dental implants, hearing aids, stents for unblocking arteries and specialised surgical tools.
These are likely to be followed by objects where individual preferences are important, from fashion-related products and jewellery to lighting systems and furniture. Mass personalisation will also benefit the makers of essential, but often barely noticed, industrial products where the need for variation is linked to engineering function. Valve-makers, for instance, already make up to 500,000 varieties to meet the need for flexible operating procedures in different industries.
Humankind has reached this stage after a journey that began around 1,200BC with the use of craft-based techniques to make products, from pots and pans to arrow heads. During such "low-volume customisation", everything was made on a one-off basis. Even with semi-formalised techniques such as glass-blowing, procedures were slow and expensive.
Like many former industrial sites, the Venetian arsenal is now used mainly for cultural exhibitions. But it was here, more than 500 years ago, that modern manufacturing was born. The shipyard was the first significant user of standardised parts production – by 1500, 16,000 workers toiled there, turning out everything from firearms to large, wooden-hulled ships, some of which were made in a matter of days.
Standardised parts have been one of the most critical influences behind the development of the 21st century factory system. The process makes possible the production of the 1bn artefacts that sustain and enhance human life, and employs roughly 10 per cent of the world's working population.
The techniques also potentially level the playing field for those who missed out in earlier periods of manufacturing development. Professor Brent Stucker of the University of Louisville in Kentucky says one of the most significant effects will be a re-duction in the amount of conventional industrial infrastructure – machine tools, testing equipment and related factory hardware – that companies and countries require if they are to be considered serious industrial players.
"It will make it easier for nations in the early stages of industrial development – such as in Africa – to leapfrog the conventional route towards building up production capabilities and make a valid contribution to global manufacturing much earlier than would have been regarded possible," says Prof Stucker.
Such opportunities should also be open to smart individuals, says Prof Stucker. Although the competitive advantages of large and well organised global manufacturers will remain, the new ideas will usher in a return to prominence of the artisan production worker – a breed that in most rich nations has become almost extinct since the demise of the blacksmith.
In the epoch of personalised production, the first products likely be made routinely are items that need to fit in with the unique biological features of an individual. They will include bone and dental implants, hearing aids, stents for unblocking arteries and specialised surgical tools.
These are likely to be followed by objects where individual preferences are important, from fashion-related products and jewellery to lighting systems and furniture. Mass personalisation will also benefit the makers of essential, but often barely noticed, industrial products where the need for variation is linked to engineering function. Valve-makers, for instance, already make up to 500,000 varieties to meet the need for flexible operating procedures in different industries.
Humankind has reached this stage after a journey that began around 1,200BC with the use of craft-based techniques to make products, from pots and pans to arrow heads. During such "low-volume customisation", everything was made on a one-off basis. Even with semi-formalised techniques such as glass-blowing, procedures were slow and expensive.
Tuesday 27 December 2011
Geek chic - a touchy wristwatch
This is a wristwatch but not as we know it. The Mutewatch is much more like a wearable gadget as it packs a lot of technology on to your arm.
It features a touch-sensitive display, vibrating alarms, a timer and a motion sensor that registers even subtle twists of the wrist.
Its clock face also glows with 100Hz LED lights that automatically brighten or dim to suit the environment.
But you might not guess it has all of this technology just by looking at it. In its natural form, the Mutewatch looks more like a wristband with a hip, industrial design.
Mutewatch began its life three years ago as an idea by Swedish economics student Mai-Li Hammargren, who considered adding a vibrating alarm to watches to improve time management and stop waking her boyfriend.
In its development, the Mutewatch gained a touchscreen, a rubber body and the ability to trigger the display by turning your wrist to see it.
The Mutewatch, available in red and charcoal grey, arrives in need of a charge. This is achieved with a USB connection that pops from one end of its wristband. Two hours of power will deliver up to two weeks of wear.
Users can set the time by tapping the screen - the main way you activate and operate this tech-savvy wristwatch.
Holding two fingers on its display lets you set the time, moving the LED numbers up and down until correct.
To use its alarm and stopwatch functions, you simply swipe a finger across the display. Up to five alarms can be set at once and two alarm types are available: short and long. Short alarms vibrate only momentarily while long alarms are delivered with a three-dot pattern on the display. Users must tap the dots to stop the alarm, a useful test of morning awareness.
Alarms can be cancelled with a pinching movement on the display, and you can even tap an on-screen symbol to trigger a snooze function.
The Mutewatch's timer, a further swipe into its menu, lets you set a time limit and vibrates when it's up.
But arguably the coolest part of this watch is the way it shows the time. Whether glowing red or white, the Mutewatch display grabs attention. It appears when you tap the screen or move it to face you - an ingenious addition that makes this one of the most tech-savvy watches around.
The Mutewatch comes in just one size but the rubber band can easily be adjusted to fit wrists smaller than 14cm. It fastens with a press stud.
This hi-tech wristwatch isn't without challenges, however. The rubber attracts black marks easily, though you can wash these off its waterproof exterior. Its capacitive touchscreen can also be unreliable, reacting to some but not all selections. Patience is required.
Quirks aside, the Mutewatch is an exceptional example of geek chic that is bound to have you checking the time obsessively.
It features a touch-sensitive display, vibrating alarms, a timer and a motion sensor that registers even subtle twists of the wrist.
Its clock face also glows with 100Hz LED lights that automatically brighten or dim to suit the environment.
But you might not guess it has all of this technology just by looking at it. In its natural form, the Mutewatch looks more like a wristband with a hip, industrial design.
Mutewatch began its life three years ago as an idea by Swedish economics student Mai-Li Hammargren, who considered adding a vibrating alarm to watches to improve time management and stop waking her boyfriend.
In its development, the Mutewatch gained a touchscreen, a rubber body and the ability to trigger the display by turning your wrist to see it.
The Mutewatch, available in red and charcoal grey, arrives in need of a charge. This is achieved with a USB connection that pops from one end of its wristband. Two hours of power will deliver up to two weeks of wear.
Users can set the time by tapping the screen - the main way you activate and operate this tech-savvy wristwatch.
Holding two fingers on its display lets you set the time, moving the LED numbers up and down until correct.
To use its alarm and stopwatch functions, you simply swipe a finger across the display. Up to five alarms can be set at once and two alarm types are available: short and long. Short alarms vibrate only momentarily while long alarms are delivered with a three-dot pattern on the display. Users must tap the dots to stop the alarm, a useful test of morning awareness.
Alarms can be cancelled with a pinching movement on the display, and you can even tap an on-screen symbol to trigger a snooze function.
The Mutewatch's timer, a further swipe into its menu, lets you set a time limit and vibrates when it's up.
But arguably the coolest part of this watch is the way it shows the time. Whether glowing red or white, the Mutewatch display grabs attention. It appears when you tap the screen or move it to face you - an ingenious addition that makes this one of the most tech-savvy watches around.
The Mutewatch comes in just one size but the rubber band can easily be adjusted to fit wrists smaller than 14cm. It fastens with a press stud.
This hi-tech wristwatch isn't without challenges, however. The rubber attracts black marks easily, though you can wash these off its waterproof exterior. Its capacitive touchscreen can also be unreliable, reacting to some but not all selections. Patience is required.
Quirks aside, the Mutewatch is an exceptional example of geek chic that is bound to have you checking the time obsessively.
Monday 26 December 2011
Port Hueneme's new mayor aims to keep city running smoothly
Port Hueneme Mayor Douglas Breeze has two priorities: keeping the city solvent and ensuring city employees are given the tools to perform their jobs.
Breeze was elected in 2008 to the Port Hueneme City Council after retiring from a 30-year career as a public employee, with his last position as public works director for Ojai. He was elected Port Hueneme mayor this month by fellow council members.
"After I retired and I was at home under my wife's feet for a few months, my wife looked at me and said, 'You need to find something to do,' " Breeze said. "I love Port Hueneme so much and it happened to be election time, so I filled out the paperwork and won the election."
Breeze was raised in Garden Grove and joined the Navy when he was 17. He served in Vietnam, among his many duties, according to his online biography. From 1981 to 1992, Breeze served in management positions at the Delta Diablo Sanitation District in Northern California and at Chino Basin Municipal Water District in Southern California.
In 1993, Breeze turned down a position with the San Diego Port District to become public works director for Port Hueneme, one of the county's smallest cities, with a population of 21,700, according to the 2010 census.
"Most people who come to Port Hueneme never leave," he said. "It's a beautiful city by the beach with a hometown atmosphere. The citizens watch out for each other. There is an outstanding police department. I can't thank those people enough for what they do."
While serving as the city's public works director, Breeze helped establish the Port Hueneme Water Agency and managed construction of the water treatment facility and distribution system. He left the city in 2003 to work for Ojai, where he remained until he retired in 2007.
"Being mayor was not my goal. My goal is to make sure the city is fiscally solvent and employees have what they need," Breeze said. "I'm more of a behind-the-scenes kind of guy, getting the work done. The change for me right now is I can't be hands-on. I can't get things done. I'm overseeing the city from a different position that fits in with retirement."
In his short time as mayor, Breeze already has faced a bit of controversy over the issue of separation of church and state. The City Council in recent meetings has approved displaying "In God We Trust" over council members' photos at City Hall and having the city host a menorah and Christmas tree lighting.
Councilman Ellis Green opposed both actions, saying he has problems with the council getting involved with promoting any religious agenda.
But Breeze says the two issues are not indications that the council is seeking a more religious direction.
"It's not a change in Hueneme. For years and years, we had a National Day of Prayer in City Hall and we opened meetings with a prayer," he said. "It's only in the last few years that the so-called political correctness has come in, calling it 'inspiration' instead of 'prayer.' I think some people are taking separation of church and state too far. The Constitution provides that the government shall not establish a religion. It doesn't say people can't portray their religious beliefs."
Breeze was elected in 2008 to the Port Hueneme City Council after retiring from a 30-year career as a public employee, with his last position as public works director for Ojai. He was elected Port Hueneme mayor this month by fellow council members.
"After I retired and I was at home under my wife's feet for a few months, my wife looked at me and said, 'You need to find something to do,' " Breeze said. "I love Port Hueneme so much and it happened to be election time, so I filled out the paperwork and won the election."
Breeze was raised in Garden Grove and joined the Navy when he was 17. He served in Vietnam, among his many duties, according to his online biography. From 1981 to 1992, Breeze served in management positions at the Delta Diablo Sanitation District in Northern California and at Chino Basin Municipal Water District in Southern California.
In 1993, Breeze turned down a position with the San Diego Port District to become public works director for Port Hueneme, one of the county's smallest cities, with a population of 21,700, according to the 2010 census.
"Most people who come to Port Hueneme never leave," he said. "It's a beautiful city by the beach with a hometown atmosphere. The citizens watch out for each other. There is an outstanding police department. I can't thank those people enough for what they do."
While serving as the city's public works director, Breeze helped establish the Port Hueneme Water Agency and managed construction of the water treatment facility and distribution system. He left the city in 2003 to work for Ojai, where he remained until he retired in 2007.
"Being mayor was not my goal. My goal is to make sure the city is fiscally solvent and employees have what they need," Breeze said. "I'm more of a behind-the-scenes kind of guy, getting the work done. The change for me right now is I can't be hands-on. I can't get things done. I'm overseeing the city from a different position that fits in with retirement."
In his short time as mayor, Breeze already has faced a bit of controversy over the issue of separation of church and state. The City Council in recent meetings has approved displaying "In God We Trust" over council members' photos at City Hall and having the city host a menorah and Christmas tree lighting.
Councilman Ellis Green opposed both actions, saying he has problems with the council getting involved with promoting any religious agenda.
But Breeze says the two issues are not indications that the council is seeking a more religious direction.
"It's not a change in Hueneme. For years and years, we had a National Day of Prayer in City Hall and we opened meetings with a prayer," he said. "It's only in the last few years that the so-called political correctness has come in, calling it 'inspiration' instead of 'prayer.' I think some people are taking separation of church and state too far. The Constitution provides that the government shall not establish a religion. It doesn't say people can't portray their religious beliefs."
Sunday 25 December 2011
RVers hit the road for the holidays
Some traditions can't be limited by the size or geography of the accommodations.
"We chose this lifestyle, and the people who love us understand," she said.
North American RV enthusiasts claim there are a million part- or full-time nomads living on the road. Some are fleeing cold weather. Others are living newly minimalistic lives off the grid.
"They're tired of the big house, the decorations, the work," said Arlene Van Winkle, office administrator at Palm Springs Oasis RV Resort in Cathedral City. "They're retired and enjoying it. They're here on purpose."
Phil and Jean Hoertling just drove down from their home in Yreka last week. They decided to extract themselves from the chaos of their son's holiday home and set up in Indian Wells RV Resort instead.
Christmas Day, they'll go to a casino.
Still, they packed a small artificial tree for the dashboard and an LED light cone for outside.
"When the kids were little, Christmas was fun. But it's not anymore," said Jean, 74-year-old grandmother to 14.
"This is the best way to do it."
Canadian anthropologists David and Dorothy Counts made a study of RV subculture in the 1990s, going on the road themselves to get it right. The Countses concluded RVers are a unique breed of free thinkers and adventurers.
"RV ownership is not only the means to an extremely independent and self-sufficient way of life, it's also the common thread in a vast community and, in fact, the reason for that community," David Counts said in an Out West Newspaper article posted on the newrver.
RVers re-create neighborhoods and traditions on wheels. One group of French Canadian RVers spends Christmas together every year at a park in Florida.
Will Imanse, a 56-year-old full-time RVer/sailboater and blogger/author, says it's virtually impossible to spend a holiday alone in an RV park. For the first time in a dozen years, he and his wife are flying back to British Columbia for the holidays.
"The entire RV lifestyle is one of fraternity. If you are parked anywhere for any length of time, you will have a number of new friends," Imanse wrote in an email from Mexico.
RV parks are as varied as their residents. Some desert rest stops provide weekend coffee and doughnut brunches, bridge tournaments, decoration contests and Christmas Eve potlucks. But at others, tinsel is kept to a minimum.
At Palm Springs Oasis, Rory and Sue Melville are navigating a holiday dilemma of a different kind. But it's nothing new: She converted to Judaism 20 years ago. He was raised an indifferent Protestant.
Now, they split the difference between their traditions. There's a Hanukkah flag hooked to the hitch. Inside their "condo on wheels," a big poinsettia rests on the end table. A royal blue tinsel boa skirts the door. She is celebrating the eight-day Festival of Lights. They'll probably roast some beef for Christmas.
"We chose this lifestyle, and the people who love us understand," she said.
North American RV enthusiasts claim there are a million part- or full-time nomads living on the road. Some are fleeing cold weather. Others are living newly minimalistic lives off the grid.
"They're tired of the big house, the decorations, the work," said Arlene Van Winkle, office administrator at Palm Springs Oasis RV Resort in Cathedral City. "They're retired and enjoying it. They're here on purpose."
Phil and Jean Hoertling just drove down from their home in Yreka last week. They decided to extract themselves from the chaos of their son's holiday home and set up in Indian Wells RV Resort instead.
Christmas Day, they'll go to a casino.
Still, they packed a small artificial tree for the dashboard and an LED light cone for outside.
"When the kids were little, Christmas was fun. But it's not anymore," said Jean, 74-year-old grandmother to 14.
"This is the best way to do it."
Canadian anthropologists David and Dorothy Counts made a study of RV subculture in the 1990s, going on the road themselves to get it right. The Countses concluded RVers are a unique breed of free thinkers and adventurers.
"RV ownership is not only the means to an extremely independent and self-sufficient way of life, it's also the common thread in a vast community and, in fact, the reason for that community," David Counts said in an Out West Newspaper article posted on the newrver.
RVers re-create neighborhoods and traditions on wheels. One group of French Canadian RVers spends Christmas together every year at a park in Florida.
Will Imanse, a 56-year-old full-time RVer/sailboater and blogger/author, says it's virtually impossible to spend a holiday alone in an RV park. For the first time in a dozen years, he and his wife are flying back to British Columbia for the holidays.
"The entire RV lifestyle is one of fraternity. If you are parked anywhere for any length of time, you will have a number of new friends," Imanse wrote in an email from Mexico.
RV parks are as varied as their residents. Some desert rest stops provide weekend coffee and doughnut brunches, bridge tournaments, decoration contests and Christmas Eve potlucks. But at others, tinsel is kept to a minimum.
At Palm Springs Oasis, Rory and Sue Melville are navigating a holiday dilemma of a different kind. But it's nothing new: She converted to Judaism 20 years ago. He was raised an indifferent Protestant.
Now, they split the difference between their traditions. There's a Hanukkah flag hooked to the hitch. Inside their "condo on wheels," a big poinsettia rests on the end table. A royal blue tinsel boa skirts the door. She is celebrating the eight-day Festival of Lights. They'll probably roast some beef for Christmas.
Thursday 22 December 2011
Family's light display attracts onlookers
Driving past a high-tech holiday light display in Highlands Ranch has turned into an annual tradition that attracts families from all over the metro area.
The Wortham family spends three days strategically placing 43,000 LED lights all over their house at 1582 Meyerwood Circle and synchronizing them to Christmas music that plays on an fm station that passers-by can tune into. Cleve Wortham said the display slowly evolved and three years ago was turned into a mechanism to raise money for charity.
United Cerebral Palsy Colorado is the beneficiary of donations that onlookers drop into a box in the Worthams' front yard. This year's donations have dropped sharply, however, the past two years have generated $7,000 for kids with cerebral palsy.
The compliments and thank-you cards from those who make the display a part of their holiday season are well-received, Wortham said.
"My biggest kick is watching people enjoying something you worked on," he said. "For some people, it makes their Christmas season and that's very satisfying."
The idea came about when Wortham's youngest daughter suggested during a trip around Denver to see the light displays that the family attempt to get listed with others in the Denver Post by building their own production. Putting the whole thing together is a group effort, with the take-down being the most important part, Wortham said.
The family uses energy efficient light bulbs, cutting the total cost for running the computer-animated light exhibit to about $150. Neighbors surrounding the home have been very supportive. The lights will be turned off on New Year's Day.
One intersection that led to the city looking into the project was Alabama Highway 69 South and Skyland Boulevard, Robinson said.
"That one got us looking at how we can better get the attention of drivers that are just ignoring red lights," Robinson said.
The study will break down types of accidents and try to pull out of that list the intersections that show the highest rate of right-angle collisions.
Robinson said the process to get legislative approval for red light cameras in Tuscaloosa began seven years ago. The Legislature passed a state law in 2010 allowing the city to use the cameras for traffic enforcement.
The Wortham family spends three days strategically placing 43,000 LED lights all over their house at 1582 Meyerwood Circle and synchronizing them to Christmas music that plays on an fm station that passers-by can tune into. Cleve Wortham said the display slowly evolved and three years ago was turned into a mechanism to raise money for charity.
United Cerebral Palsy Colorado is the beneficiary of donations that onlookers drop into a box in the Worthams' front yard. This year's donations have dropped sharply, however, the past two years have generated $7,000 for kids with cerebral palsy.
The compliments and thank-you cards from those who make the display a part of their holiday season are well-received, Wortham said.
"My biggest kick is watching people enjoying something you worked on," he said. "For some people, it makes their Christmas season and that's very satisfying."
The idea came about when Wortham's youngest daughter suggested during a trip around Denver to see the light displays that the family attempt to get listed with others in the Denver Post by building their own production. Putting the whole thing together is a group effort, with the take-down being the most important part, Wortham said.
The family uses energy efficient light bulbs, cutting the total cost for running the computer-animated light exhibit to about $150. Neighbors surrounding the home have been very supportive. The lights will be turned off on New Year's Day.
One intersection that led to the city looking into the project was Alabama Highway 69 South and Skyland Boulevard, Robinson said.
"That one got us looking at how we can better get the attention of drivers that are just ignoring red lights," Robinson said.
The study will break down types of accidents and try to pull out of that list the intersections that show the highest rate of right-angle collisions.
Robinson said the process to get legislative approval for red light cameras in Tuscaloosa began seven years ago. The Legislature passed a state law in 2010 allowing the city to use the cameras for traffic enforcement.
Wednesday 21 December 2011
Ontario backs down on incandescent bulb ban
Drop any fears the light bulb police might be peeking in your windows or pounding on the door New Year's Day searching for energy-hungry incandescents.
Energy Minister Chris Bentley confirmed Wednesday that Ontario is scrapping a five-year-old promise to make it "lights out" for incandescent bulbs in 2012 by banning stores from selling them.
He blamed a recent federal government decision to delay new energy efficiency standards for light bulbs until Jan. 1, 2014, when it will become illegal to import inefficient incandescent lighting across the country.
"Did it make sense for us to have a different approach from the federal government on this issue? No," Bentley said.
"Our thinking is how do we make it easiest for consumers. It would be hard and confusing to do it differently."
The Star first reported on Saturday that the Ontario promise, made by former energy minister Dwight Duncan in 2007, was in jeopardy because of the federal move.
But postponing the incandescent ban for two years will just make it harder for the province to meet its energy conservation targets already under fire by Ontario Environmental Commissioner Gord Miller, said New Democrat environment critic Peter Tabuns.
"In keeping with the season, this is a lump of coal," said the MPP for Toronto-Danforth, noting that the new compact fluorescent bulbs use less than half the electricity of incandescent bulbs.
Ottawa changed its plans to "allow for innovations in technology" and to improve recycling options for new energy-efficient bulbs, which last far longer and use less electricity than incandescents, but contain mercury.
That means consumers should be disposing of compact fluorescent bulbs in hazardous waste dumps, as they would with old paint and other toxic household substances, said Bentley.
The two-year reprieve for the incandescents ban will give governments time to come up with a "better approach" for disposing of compact fluorescents, he added.
Also in 2014, energy efficiency levels will be increased for 100- and 75-watt light bulbs, with higher levels expected for 60- and 40-watt bulbs by the end of that year.
Banning incandescent bulbs was intended as an energy conservation measure and to ease pressure on energy ratepayers because building new electricity plants, green power and infrastructure is costly.
Under political pressure from opposition parties over rising electricity prices caused by upgrading the provincial power system, Premier Dalton McGuinty's government last year brought in a 10 per cent cut on residential, farm and small business electric bills called the Clean Energy Benefit.
But taxpayers are still paying the cost of that break on their bills, because it costs the provincial treasury more than $1 billion annually at a time when the government is running a $16 billion deficit.
As well, Bentley has still not said how much it will cost taxpayers for cancelled power plants in Oakville and Mississauga.
Energy Minister Chris Bentley confirmed Wednesday that Ontario is scrapping a five-year-old promise to make it "lights out" for incandescent bulbs in 2012 by banning stores from selling them.
He blamed a recent federal government decision to delay new energy efficiency standards for light bulbs until Jan. 1, 2014, when it will become illegal to import inefficient incandescent lighting across the country.
"Did it make sense for us to have a different approach from the federal government on this issue? No," Bentley said.
"Our thinking is how do we make it easiest for consumers. It would be hard and confusing to do it differently."
The Star first reported on Saturday that the Ontario promise, made by former energy minister Dwight Duncan in 2007, was in jeopardy because of the federal move.
But postponing the incandescent ban for two years will just make it harder for the province to meet its energy conservation targets already under fire by Ontario Environmental Commissioner Gord Miller, said New Democrat environment critic Peter Tabuns.
"In keeping with the season, this is a lump of coal," said the MPP for Toronto-Danforth, noting that the new compact fluorescent bulbs use less than half the electricity of incandescent bulbs.
Ottawa changed its plans to "allow for innovations in technology" and to improve recycling options for new energy-efficient bulbs, which last far longer and use less electricity than incandescents, but contain mercury.
That means consumers should be disposing of compact fluorescent bulbs in hazardous waste dumps, as they would with old paint and other toxic household substances, said Bentley.
The two-year reprieve for the incandescents ban will give governments time to come up with a "better approach" for disposing of compact fluorescents, he added.
Also in 2014, energy efficiency levels will be increased for 100- and 75-watt light bulbs, with higher levels expected for 60- and 40-watt bulbs by the end of that year.
Banning incandescent bulbs was intended as an energy conservation measure and to ease pressure on energy ratepayers because building new electricity plants, green power and infrastructure is costly.
Under political pressure from opposition parties over rising electricity prices caused by upgrading the provincial power system, Premier Dalton McGuinty's government last year brought in a 10 per cent cut on residential, farm and small business electric bills called the Clean Energy Benefit.
But taxpayers are still paying the cost of that break on their bills, because it costs the provincial treasury more than $1 billion annually at a time when the government is running a $16 billion deficit.
As well, Bentley has still not said how much it will cost taxpayers for cancelled power plants in Oakville and Mississauga.
Tuesday 20 December 2011
Strand Palace awarded gold for green tourism
The hard-earned award follows a constant implementation of eco-actions, introduced by the Strand Palace Hotel's "Green Team". Led by Nadia Simmonds and Mike Davison, the "Green Team" has reduced environmental impacts throughout the hotel by operating a long series of 'best practice' measures, including the construction of an onsite bottling plant and the acquisition of LED lighting.
When grading the hotel's green contribution, judges were particularly impressed with the Strand Palace Hotel's well organised 'green management'. This management has produced an effective employee training procedure, which involves educating all employees to be environmentally responsible and to divert more and more from landfill.
The Strand Palace Hotel's Human Resources Manager, Nadia Simmonds, said: "The Strand Palace Hotel has worked hard to reach its environmental goals. The Gold Award is not only a great achievement for the hotel itself, but it also acknowledges the determination and team work within our hotel. We are extremely proud of receiving this prestigious award."
Over recent years, the Strand Palace Hotel has recognised the need for responsible environmental management and is committed to improving energy and water efficiency and reducing waste. The hotel has progressively strengthened its environmental actions and continually works to minimise the adverse environmental impacts of its operations by involving guests and suppliers in its eco-awareness.
The Strand Palace Hotel focuses on a wide range of environmental aspects, paying particular attention to energy, water and waste. To achieve positive results within these areas the hotel regulates boiler efficiency audits, operates Combined Heating and Power Units to reduce CO2 emissions and has provided water saving devices in toilets and restrictors for showers.
Although the Strand Palace Hotel has made a huge effort to improve its eco-habits, the hotel is aware that it can further strengthen its environmental actions. This awareness has formed future initiatives, such as reviewing how the hotel's waste streams are segregated, ensuring glass, cardboard and paper are recycled, as well as investigating whether deliveries and purchases can be more locally and ethically sourced.
On a recent day-long trip into The City, I noticed that almost all of the "old" downtown and Woodward Avenue lights remained ON from the morning I arrived until the evening I left. With all of the hullabaloo over spending millions of dollars to "retrofit" Woodward Avenue lighting with ungodly expensive LED lamps, I realized the absurdity of the proposed waste of millions of dollars.
Meanwhile, most of the rest of Detroit's citizens and all of Highland Park are left in the dark. In some areas just off the Detroit downtown's main corridors, lights are off in rows as far as the eye can see. Yes of course, Detroit's economic blight means there is no way to fix every broken light pole in the city. One Detroit official thinks the bill could top one billion dollars.
When grading the hotel's green contribution, judges were particularly impressed with the Strand Palace Hotel's well organised 'green management'. This management has produced an effective employee training procedure, which involves educating all employees to be environmentally responsible and to divert more and more from landfill.
The Strand Palace Hotel's Human Resources Manager, Nadia Simmonds, said: "The Strand Palace Hotel has worked hard to reach its environmental goals. The Gold Award is not only a great achievement for the hotel itself, but it also acknowledges the determination and team work within our hotel. We are extremely proud of receiving this prestigious award."
Over recent years, the Strand Palace Hotel has recognised the need for responsible environmental management and is committed to improving energy and water efficiency and reducing waste. The hotel has progressively strengthened its environmental actions and continually works to minimise the adverse environmental impacts of its operations by involving guests and suppliers in its eco-awareness.
The Strand Palace Hotel focuses on a wide range of environmental aspects, paying particular attention to energy, water and waste. To achieve positive results within these areas the hotel regulates boiler efficiency audits, operates Combined Heating and Power Units to reduce CO2 emissions and has provided water saving devices in toilets and restrictors for showers.
Although the Strand Palace Hotel has made a huge effort to improve its eco-habits, the hotel is aware that it can further strengthen its environmental actions. This awareness has formed future initiatives, such as reviewing how the hotel's waste streams are segregated, ensuring glass, cardboard and paper are recycled, as well as investigating whether deliveries and purchases can be more locally and ethically sourced.
On a recent day-long trip into The City, I noticed that almost all of the "old" downtown and Woodward Avenue lights remained ON from the morning I arrived until the evening I left. With all of the hullabaloo over spending millions of dollars to "retrofit" Woodward Avenue lighting with ungodly expensive LED lamps, I realized the absurdity of the proposed waste of millions of dollars.
Meanwhile, most of the rest of Detroit's citizens and all of Highland Park are left in the dark. In some areas just off the Detroit downtown's main corridors, lights are off in rows as far as the eye can see. Yes of course, Detroit's economic blight means there is no way to fix every broken light pole in the city. One Detroit official thinks the bill could top one billion dollars.
Monday 19 December 2011
Brookline Receives $215,000 Green Grant
Going green is easier when you have extra green. Earlier today, Town Administrator Mel Kleckner received the green communities grant of $215,000 from the Department of Energy Resources (DOER).
Brookline was named a Green Community by the Governor in July, following an application process that ended in April. Brookline and 21 others were named this year, for a total of 74 others in Massachusetts.
This designation entitled the town to apply for grant funding from the DOER for projects such as LED street lights, a solar array assessment, and a manager and employee energy efficiency awareness program.
"In my conversations with Brookline residents, I have been impressed by their interest in and dedication to environmental issues," said Rep. Ed Coppinger in a press release. "I want to congratulate the Town of Brookline for being designated a Green Community. This impressive achievement reflects Brookline's attempts to make the town more environmentally friendly and will help spur awareness of the important environmental issues facing us today."
Department of Energy Resources (DOER) Commissioner Mark Sylvia today presented six of the state's newest Green Communities - Ayer, Bedford, Brookline, Carlisle, Tewksbury and Woburn - with over $1 million in awards to finance high-efficiency lighting, energy management systems and other clean energy projects.
"Across the Commonwealth, communities are demonstrating that clean energy investments make sense because they cut long-term energy costs, protect the environment and boost our local clean energy economy. We're proud to help them take these efforts to the next level," said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Richard K. Sullivan Jr., whose office includes DOER.
The Green Communities Act, which created DOER's Green Communities program, was cited by the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE) as a primary reason for ACEEE's recent ranking of Massachusetts as first in the nation its energy efficiency policies and programs, moving California out of the top spot for the first time since the ranking was first published four years ago.
ACEEE's October report pointed to the effectiveness of the Patrick-Murray Administration's integrated approach to creating jobs, helping clean energy businesses thrive, improving energy security and lowering energy costs, while reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
"This energy conservation grant will help the Town of Ayer save money on energy costs while reducing carbon emissions and protecting our environment. I'm proud to have been a supporter of the Green Communities Act, which has led to smart clean energy investment programs like this one, and am pleased to see Ayer get this funding," said Sen. Jamie Eldridge.
"I am delighted that the Patrick administration has provided communities across the Commonwealth with the opportunity to lower energy costs and consumption," said Sen. Susan Fargo.
"This Green Communities grant, which will allow the city to install energy efficient streetlights and lighting systems in public building, is great for Woburn," said Sen. Patricia Jehlen. "These essential projects, and others like them around the Commonwealth, increasing energy efficiency while saving our municipalities money."
Brookline was named a Green Community by the Governor in July, following an application process that ended in April. Brookline and 21 others were named this year, for a total of 74 others in Massachusetts.
This designation entitled the town to apply for grant funding from the DOER for projects such as LED street lights, a solar array assessment, and a manager and employee energy efficiency awareness program.
"In my conversations with Brookline residents, I have been impressed by their interest in and dedication to environmental issues," said Rep. Ed Coppinger in a press release. "I want to congratulate the Town of Brookline for being designated a Green Community. This impressive achievement reflects Brookline's attempts to make the town more environmentally friendly and will help spur awareness of the important environmental issues facing us today."
Department of Energy Resources (DOER) Commissioner Mark Sylvia today presented six of the state's newest Green Communities - Ayer, Bedford, Brookline, Carlisle, Tewksbury and Woburn - with over $1 million in awards to finance high-efficiency lighting, energy management systems and other clean energy projects.
"Across the Commonwealth, communities are demonstrating that clean energy investments make sense because they cut long-term energy costs, protect the environment and boost our local clean energy economy. We're proud to help them take these efforts to the next level," said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Richard K. Sullivan Jr., whose office includes DOER.
The Green Communities Act, which created DOER's Green Communities program, was cited by the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE) as a primary reason for ACEEE's recent ranking of Massachusetts as first in the nation its energy efficiency policies and programs, moving California out of the top spot for the first time since the ranking was first published four years ago.
ACEEE's October report pointed to the effectiveness of the Patrick-Murray Administration's integrated approach to creating jobs, helping clean energy businesses thrive, improving energy security and lowering energy costs, while reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
"This energy conservation grant will help the Town of Ayer save money on energy costs while reducing carbon emissions and protecting our environment. I'm proud to have been a supporter of the Green Communities Act, which has led to smart clean energy investment programs like this one, and am pleased to see Ayer get this funding," said Sen. Jamie Eldridge.
"I am delighted that the Patrick administration has provided communities across the Commonwealth with the opportunity to lower energy costs and consumption," said Sen. Susan Fargo.
"This Green Communities grant, which will allow the city to install energy efficient streetlights and lighting systems in public building, is great for Woburn," said Sen. Patricia Jehlen. "These essential projects, and others like them around the Commonwealth, increasing energy efficiency while saving our municipalities money."
Sunday 18 December 2011
Bad Boy Father Figure
Love Never Dies is set ten years after the Phantom's disappearance from the Paris Opera House. He has escaped to a new life in New York, where he lives amongst the screaming joy rides and freak-shows of Coney Island. He lures Christine, who is struggling in an ailing marriage to Raoul, to Coney Island in a final bid to win back her love. The Australian production features a 21-piece orchestra and a 23-strong cast including Ben Lewis as the Phantom and Anna O'Byrne as Christine.
There are over 300 costumes and a magnificent Helpmann Award-winning set illuminated by over 5000 light bulbs. When Lloyd Webber saw the production, he exclaimed: "It's one of the finest productions I've ever seen of my work, anywhere!"
This high praise is not lost on Phillips. "He was amazing actually," he says. "We were pretty nervous by that point about him seeing it for the first time, but he was really thrilled with it."
While nostalgic references to The Phantom of the Opera abound, audiences will be surprised by Love Never Dies, Phillips asserts. "It's ten years later and takes the characters into a different time of their lives, and different realms of concern. Christine is now a mother, so rather than it being a teen fantasy, which the original was – it was the Twilight of its day! – the characters are older and Christine is living this life married to Raoul and not being sure if it was the right choice."
But the powerfully resonant themes of the original prevail. "It's a really sexual story in a not particularly bodice-ripping way," Phillips laughs. "The Twilight analogy is not as frivolous as it might seem, because it's really about the idea of the unattainable and 'the other' having this force of attraction and being frightening, dangerous, out of control and sexy at the same time."
The relationship between the Phantom and Christine has been examined countless times as a metaphor for human relationships; but according to Phillips, if their relationship does reveal anything about us, it's not good.
"It's kind of shameful," he argues, "because the original Phantom is founded on a lot of classic suppositions about sexual attraction – the father figure, the controller, her being the muse, him having his force over her. So it's not really very politically correct! The Phantom combines both bad boy and father figure!"
Phillips recently hung up as boots as Artistic Director of Melbourne Theatre Company, with more than 60 productions under his name, including his swan-song show, The Importance of Being Earnest with Geoffrey Rush. He is no stranger to successful interpretations of big musicals, having directed the Australian and London productions of Priscilla Queen of the Desert: The Musical.
Phillips's next major project is the Australian production of An Officer and A Gentleman, which will have its world premiere in Sydney next year. However he admits he will miss running a theatre company. "I will miss the ability to control my destiny, and more importantly the destiny of some other people. There are many things about running a theatre company that are incredibly difficult, but the nice thing is that you can make things happen."
There are over 300 costumes and a magnificent Helpmann Award-winning set illuminated by over 5000 light bulbs. When Lloyd Webber saw the production, he exclaimed: "It's one of the finest productions I've ever seen of my work, anywhere!"
This high praise is not lost on Phillips. "He was amazing actually," he says. "We were pretty nervous by that point about him seeing it for the first time, but he was really thrilled with it."
While nostalgic references to The Phantom of the Opera abound, audiences will be surprised by Love Never Dies, Phillips asserts. "It's ten years later and takes the characters into a different time of their lives, and different realms of concern. Christine is now a mother, so rather than it being a teen fantasy, which the original was – it was the Twilight of its day! – the characters are older and Christine is living this life married to Raoul and not being sure if it was the right choice."
But the powerfully resonant themes of the original prevail. "It's a really sexual story in a not particularly bodice-ripping way," Phillips laughs. "The Twilight analogy is not as frivolous as it might seem, because it's really about the idea of the unattainable and 'the other' having this force of attraction and being frightening, dangerous, out of control and sexy at the same time."
The relationship between the Phantom and Christine has been examined countless times as a metaphor for human relationships; but according to Phillips, if their relationship does reveal anything about us, it's not good.
"It's kind of shameful," he argues, "because the original Phantom is founded on a lot of classic suppositions about sexual attraction – the father figure, the controller, her being the muse, him having his force over her. So it's not really very politically correct! The Phantom combines both bad boy and father figure!"
Phillips recently hung up as boots as Artistic Director of Melbourne Theatre Company, with more than 60 productions under his name, including his swan-song show, The Importance of Being Earnest with Geoffrey Rush. He is no stranger to successful interpretations of big musicals, having directed the Australian and London productions of Priscilla Queen of the Desert: The Musical.
Phillips's next major project is the Australian production of An Officer and A Gentleman, which will have its world premiere in Sydney next year. However he admits he will miss running a theatre company. "I will miss the ability to control my destiny, and more importantly the destiny of some other people. There are many things about running a theatre company that are incredibly difficult, but the nice thing is that you can make things happen."
Thursday 15 December 2011
Holiday favorites:Creating the Gardens of Lights Show at Brookside
Every winter for the last 14 years, Brookside Gardens has transformed into an illuminated, walk-through, winter wonderland with one million twinkling colorful lights shaped into original art-forms like a giant Loch Ness Monster, a kaleidoscope caterpillar, a flock of flying geese, animals, flowers, and more.
The Garden of Lights display is considered a holiday family favorite of young and old, and attracts between 35,000 to 50,000 visitors from Thanksgiving through the first week of January. Included with the spectacular light display are nightly musical performances, and a miniature train exhibit inside of the Conservatory.
The question most asked by visitors is "how long does it take to set up the show?" Staff works year round to bring the winter landscape to life in a dazzle of lights. Each spring, unique new displays are designed starting with pencil sketches from live plants, and other shapes. Talented artisans craft each form, ready to be meticulously hand-strung with miniature lights.
In August, a crew of 6 begins installing lights, carefully working amidst the gardens in full summer bloom. A high lift is used to wrap tall trees in thousands of lights. By the end of October, when annuals and chrysanthemums are removed and the spring bulbs have been planted, it's time to install the large forms.
Finally, in November, just weeks before the show opens, forms and lights and connecting cables are double-checked to ensure safety and an incredible display. After the show closes in January, it takes the crew about 8 weeks to disassemble the displays and store them away for the next season.
With one million lights, the next question we get is "what does this do to your electric bill?"
We try to be as green as possible at Brookside Gardens, so we convert any burnt-out incandescent light bulb strands to the more energy efficient LED (Light Emitting Diode) lights. These 0.4-watt bulbs can use 100 times less energy than traditional holiday lights, and can last up to 100,000 hours. They are also six to seven times brighter and if one light burns out on a strand, the rest stay lighted. To date approximately 70% of the show has been converted.
Brookside Gardens takes pride in being a good community neighbor. This year, we increased our role in the community by reaching out to local elementary schools and asked them to help decorate seasonal trees inside the Visitors Center. As a thank-you, each participating school was offered a fundraiser night at the show where a portion of the night's proceeds goes back to that school. We are always looking for ways that we can improve and add more meaning to the show for our visitors. We invite you to come share the holiday season with us.
The Garden of Lights display is considered a holiday family favorite of young and old, and attracts between 35,000 to 50,000 visitors from Thanksgiving through the first week of January. Included with the spectacular light display are nightly musical performances, and a miniature train exhibit inside of the Conservatory.
The question most asked by visitors is "how long does it take to set up the show?" Staff works year round to bring the winter landscape to life in a dazzle of lights. Each spring, unique new displays are designed starting with pencil sketches from live plants, and other shapes. Talented artisans craft each form, ready to be meticulously hand-strung with miniature lights.
In August, a crew of 6 begins installing lights, carefully working amidst the gardens in full summer bloom. A high lift is used to wrap tall trees in thousands of lights. By the end of October, when annuals and chrysanthemums are removed and the spring bulbs have been planted, it's time to install the large forms.
Finally, in November, just weeks before the show opens, forms and lights and connecting cables are double-checked to ensure safety and an incredible display. After the show closes in January, it takes the crew about 8 weeks to disassemble the displays and store them away for the next season.
With one million lights, the next question we get is "what does this do to your electric bill?"
We try to be as green as possible at Brookside Gardens, so we convert any burnt-out incandescent light bulb strands to the more energy efficient LED (Light Emitting Diode) lights. These 0.4-watt bulbs can use 100 times less energy than traditional holiday lights, and can last up to 100,000 hours. They are also six to seven times brighter and if one light burns out on a strand, the rest stay lighted. To date approximately 70% of the show has been converted.
Brookside Gardens takes pride in being a good community neighbor. This year, we increased our role in the community by reaching out to local elementary schools and asked them to help decorate seasonal trees inside the Visitors Center. As a thank-you, each participating school was offered a fundraiser night at the show where a portion of the night's proceeds goes back to that school. We are always looking for ways that we can improve and add more meaning to the show for our visitors. We invite you to come share the holiday season with us.
Tuesday 13 December 2011
Already Green, and Going Greener
Harrington is symbolized by its Green themed logo on all Harrington boxes, website pages, and brochures. Switching from the prior purple colored theme, Harrington felt green was a more suitable color for itself. The environment, however, is a 'green' characteristic that the company felt it could improve in. Harrington Moving launched their first ever 'Go Green Campaign.'
The 'Go Green Campaign' required a lot of work, but the company testified to being happy to do so. All Harrington storage facilities were replaced with fluorescent light bulbs, and solar energy technology. Harrington updated a fleet of trucks to newer, more energy efficient models. Harrington truck drivers were also instructed to be cognizant of how much gas they use.
Harrington replaced its moving materials and supplies, with recycled boxes and supplies. The company checked and assured that none of their products were made from old-growth wood products, found in endangered rain-forests. Each Harrington office and truck was provided with a recycling bin, as well as a regular one. All electronics that the company no longer uses, were recycled to prevent E-waste mercury toxins in the air.
"Harrington cares deeply for our environment, so I believe that it is only appropriate that we took the next step and sought to preserve it. There is so much we could do to help, and I am so thankful to have a staff that cares as much for the preservation of our environment as I do." says Harrington President Jeff Harrington.
In an effort to reduce paper usage, Harrington began creating E-receipts, where customers received emails of their receipts and documentations. All wrapping paper, used to safeguard moving materials, were replaced with recycled versions.
Harrington also emailed and distributed 'Environmentally Friendly Moving & Storage Tips' , to its customers. All printed versions were printed on recycled paper, saving trees. The tips consisted of a list of ways that people can help save the environment while preparing to move or store their items.
"I read the tips, and I endured such a great move. Not only did Harrington's tips teach me how to pack neatly, they also showed me how to use as little environmentally damaging resources as possible. They encouraged their junk removal services, and I recycled about 70% of my junk." says Harrington customer Laura Knolles.
This is an ongoing campaign, and its duration is unending. Harrington is constantly looking for new ways to help preserve the environment, and so this endeavor will only enhance as time progresses.
Harrington Moving & Storage has been leaders in the moving business since 1996. Harrington Moving & Storage offers high quality moving and storage services of all types. It is the only moving company in its region to initiate monthly charitable services.
It's benevolent services have helped various organizations, schools, and even individual community members tremendously. Many non profit organizations have reviewed Harrington as as 'irreplaceable assets to our community' and 'the moving company with the biggest heart'.
Harrington strives to be more than just a moving and storage company; rather, it yearns to be active members of its community. For more news on Harrington Moving & Storage, and all their charity projects, please visit the Harrington News Portal.
The 'Go Green Campaign' required a lot of work, but the company testified to being happy to do so. All Harrington storage facilities were replaced with fluorescent light bulbs, and solar energy technology. Harrington updated a fleet of trucks to newer, more energy efficient models. Harrington truck drivers were also instructed to be cognizant of how much gas they use.
Harrington replaced its moving materials and supplies, with recycled boxes and supplies. The company checked and assured that none of their products were made from old-growth wood products, found in endangered rain-forests. Each Harrington office and truck was provided with a recycling bin, as well as a regular one. All electronics that the company no longer uses, were recycled to prevent E-waste mercury toxins in the air.
"Harrington cares deeply for our environment, so I believe that it is only appropriate that we took the next step and sought to preserve it. There is so much we could do to help, and I am so thankful to have a staff that cares as much for the preservation of our environment as I do." says Harrington President Jeff Harrington.
In an effort to reduce paper usage, Harrington began creating E-receipts, where customers received emails of their receipts and documentations. All wrapping paper, used to safeguard moving materials, were replaced with recycled versions.
Harrington also emailed and distributed 'Environmentally Friendly Moving & Storage Tips' , to its customers. All printed versions were printed on recycled paper, saving trees. The tips consisted of a list of ways that people can help save the environment while preparing to move or store their items.
"I read the tips, and I endured such a great move. Not only did Harrington's tips teach me how to pack neatly, they also showed me how to use as little environmentally damaging resources as possible. They encouraged their junk removal services, and I recycled about 70% of my junk." says Harrington customer Laura Knolles.
This is an ongoing campaign, and its duration is unending. Harrington is constantly looking for new ways to help preserve the environment, and so this endeavor will only enhance as time progresses.
Harrington Moving & Storage has been leaders in the moving business since 1996. Harrington Moving & Storage offers high quality moving and storage services of all types. It is the only moving company in its region to initiate monthly charitable services.
It's benevolent services have helped various organizations, schools, and even individual community members tremendously. Many non profit organizations have reviewed Harrington as as 'irreplaceable assets to our community' and 'the moving company with the biggest heart'.
Harrington strives to be more than just a moving and storage company; rather, it yearns to be active members of its community. For more news on Harrington Moving & Storage, and all their charity projects, please visit the Harrington News Portal.
Monday 12 December 2011
GE Brings Green Lights to Life
At GE's historic 90-acre Nela Park in Cleveland--home to America's first industrial park and to GE Lighting--a light bulb revolution is underway that could help solve one of the world's greatest environmental threats: climate change.
Tucked away in a brick lab building of this leafy technology research campus, veteran GE lighting engineer and physicist Gary Allen reviews a chart of global greenhouse gas emissions that points in one direction—up. But, Allen says, there's a simple step we can take to curtail these emissions and change course; screw in a more efficient light bulb.
"The number one thing we can do to cut greenhouse gas emissions is to change our light bulbs....it's the strongest lever we have to get CO2 emissions out of the atmosphere. So if you are going to spend money on anything, spend it on energy efficient lighting."
And there's one more advantage to the light bulb revolution; jobs. Last year, GE invested $60 million to produce energy efficient florescent bulbs at its plant in Bucyrus, OH, creating about 100 new positions in job-hungry Ohio. And there are over 100 jobs posted on GE Lighting's website now.
For the past 24 years, Allen has been a key engineer and physicist at GE's world-renowned lighting research center, where many of the 700 people who work there toil away on the latest lighting product designs and strategies.
All that tinkering in the labs has paid off. Today there are more money saving, energy efficient bulbs on the market than ever before, including advanced incandescents, compact fluorescent and LEDs.
And more are on the way. Industry powerhouses like GE, Sylvania and Philips are all coming out with dozens of new lighting products that will result in huge energy savings—and help save us all from the dire consequences of a rapidly changing climate.
Anyone who still wonders if the threat is real should check out new figures released for greenhouse gas emissions; they jumped to record levels last year during a global recession. Just wait until a global recovery takes hold.
Decorating during the holidays is a tradition for many, a mission for some. But keep in mind those lights can put a dent in your budget if you're not careful.
Dump your old lights. Go with LED lights which use 90-percent less electricity and last 10 times longer than old-style lights. If you have lots of the old, start weening yourself off this year by incorporating new LED lights where you can and using less of the other stuff.
Use timers. You can pick up a timer for about $20 or less, that way you can leave your lights without worrying you will forget and leave them on all night to entertain the neighborhood stray cats.
Go with smart strips. Newer power strips allow you to selectively turn on some fixtures while leaving others off.
Tucked away in a brick lab building of this leafy technology research campus, veteran GE lighting engineer and physicist Gary Allen reviews a chart of global greenhouse gas emissions that points in one direction—up. But, Allen says, there's a simple step we can take to curtail these emissions and change course; screw in a more efficient light bulb.
"The number one thing we can do to cut greenhouse gas emissions is to change our light bulbs....it's the strongest lever we have to get CO2 emissions out of the atmosphere. So if you are going to spend money on anything, spend it on energy efficient lighting."
And there's one more advantage to the light bulb revolution; jobs. Last year, GE invested $60 million to produce energy efficient florescent bulbs at its plant in Bucyrus, OH, creating about 100 new positions in job-hungry Ohio. And there are over 100 jobs posted on GE Lighting's website now.
For the past 24 years, Allen has been a key engineer and physicist at GE's world-renowned lighting research center, where many of the 700 people who work there toil away on the latest lighting product designs and strategies.
All that tinkering in the labs has paid off. Today there are more money saving, energy efficient bulbs on the market than ever before, including advanced incandescents, compact fluorescent and LEDs.
And more are on the way. Industry powerhouses like GE, Sylvania and Philips are all coming out with dozens of new lighting products that will result in huge energy savings—and help save us all from the dire consequences of a rapidly changing climate.
Anyone who still wonders if the threat is real should check out new figures released for greenhouse gas emissions; they jumped to record levels last year during a global recession. Just wait until a global recovery takes hold.
Decorating during the holidays is a tradition for many, a mission for some. But keep in mind those lights can put a dent in your budget if you're not careful.
Dump your old lights. Go with LED lights which use 90-percent less electricity and last 10 times longer than old-style lights. If you have lots of the old, start weening yourself off this year by incorporating new LED lights where you can and using less of the other stuff.
Use timers. You can pick up a timer for about $20 or less, that way you can leave your lights without worrying you will forget and leave them on all night to entertain the neighborhood stray cats.
Go with smart strips. Newer power strips allow you to selectively turn on some fixtures while leaving others off.
Sunday 11 December 2011
BMW Makes Stealth Announcement of 2013 BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe
The BMW 6 series coupe is by most definitions a great vehicle but it's just too damn big for a coupe. Simply put, it's bloated but it's going to work great as a four-door coupe. People blanched when Porsche introduced the four-door Panamera. They should rejoice at the 2013 BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe.
The BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe will be offered as three distinct models in the USA. The TwinPower Turbo 6-cylinder powered 2013 BMW 640i Gran Coupe is the initial model and arrives early this summer. Later in the summer, the TwinPower Turbo V-8 powered 2013 BMW 650i Gran Coupe and the all-wheel drive 2013 BMW 650i xDrive Gran Coupe will join the range.
No pricing details have been announced for the new four-door coupe. However, a reasonable estimate would be $77,600 based on a $73,600 starting price for the 2012 two-door version. Expect this car to be unveiled at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit in January.
Speaking of the Panamera, the 6 series Gran Coupe is a belated reaction to that four-door coupe but seems more directly to be a response to the well-received Audi A7. It's as if BMW wasn't willing to accept the response to the Panamera but figured it was time to get serious when the A7 made such a splash.
In one of the great PR understatements of all time, BMW proclaimed in a news release sent to TorqueNews, "the Gran Coupe is 4.4 inches (111 mm) longer than its 2-door coupe sibling. A significant part of this extra length has been used to enhance seating comfort for the rear passengers." Let's face it. There was no seating comfort for rear passengers. Possibly, two people 5'4" tall could sit back to back but even children found it uncomfortable to be stuck in the rear seat.
The 2013 BMW 640i Gran Coupe has a 4.5-inch longer wheelbase than its two-door counterpart, all of which has to be in the rear passenger compartment. The front-seat passengers never lacked for space in the coupe. The four-door coupe also gets a real trunk measured at 16.4 cubic feet.
The innovations in the new BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe also extend to lighting technology, in the shape of optional Adaptive LED Headlights. Innovative for BMW but a staple of the new Audi lineup just in case one had any doubts that the Bavarian automaker was playing catchup.
An M Sport package developed specially for the BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe is available from the launch of the new car. Among the features included are an M aerodynamics package with uniquely designed front fascia, side skirts and rear fascia.
The M Sport package also includes exhaust tips in black chrome, black-painted brake callipers, LED foglamps, a sports exhaust system for the BMW 650i Gran Coupe and 19-inch light-alloy wheels in M double-spoke design. 20-inch light-alloy wheels in M double-spoke design are also available as a package upgrade. Customers ordering the M Sport package may also opt for the M paint finishes Carbon Black metallic and Imola Red non-metallic.
The two-door coupe makes an excellent sporty convertible (in spite of its bulk). Unfortunately, BMW will probably not convert the four-door coupe into a convertible in spite of how much people like the Nissan Murano convertible.
The BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe will be offered as three distinct models in the USA. The TwinPower Turbo 6-cylinder powered 2013 BMW 640i Gran Coupe is the initial model and arrives early this summer. Later in the summer, the TwinPower Turbo V-8 powered 2013 BMW 650i Gran Coupe and the all-wheel drive 2013 BMW 650i xDrive Gran Coupe will join the range.
No pricing details have been announced for the new four-door coupe. However, a reasonable estimate would be $77,600 based on a $73,600 starting price for the 2012 two-door version. Expect this car to be unveiled at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit in January.
Speaking of the Panamera, the 6 series Gran Coupe is a belated reaction to that four-door coupe but seems more directly to be a response to the well-received Audi A7. It's as if BMW wasn't willing to accept the response to the Panamera but figured it was time to get serious when the A7 made such a splash.
In one of the great PR understatements of all time, BMW proclaimed in a news release sent to TorqueNews, "the Gran Coupe is 4.4 inches (111 mm) longer than its 2-door coupe sibling. A significant part of this extra length has been used to enhance seating comfort for the rear passengers." Let's face it. There was no seating comfort for rear passengers. Possibly, two people 5'4" tall could sit back to back but even children found it uncomfortable to be stuck in the rear seat.
The 2013 BMW 640i Gran Coupe has a 4.5-inch longer wheelbase than its two-door counterpart, all of which has to be in the rear passenger compartment. The front-seat passengers never lacked for space in the coupe. The four-door coupe also gets a real trunk measured at 16.4 cubic feet.
The innovations in the new BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe also extend to lighting technology, in the shape of optional Adaptive LED Headlights. Innovative for BMW but a staple of the new Audi lineup just in case one had any doubts that the Bavarian automaker was playing catchup.
An M Sport package developed specially for the BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe is available from the launch of the new car. Among the features included are an M aerodynamics package with uniquely designed front fascia, side skirts and rear fascia.
The M Sport package also includes exhaust tips in black chrome, black-painted brake callipers, LED foglamps, a sports exhaust system for the BMW 650i Gran Coupe and 19-inch light-alloy wheels in M double-spoke design. 20-inch light-alloy wheels in M double-spoke design are also available as a package upgrade. Customers ordering the M Sport package may also opt for the M paint finishes Carbon Black metallic and Imola Red non-metallic.
The two-door coupe makes an excellent sporty convertible (in spite of its bulk). Unfortunately, BMW will probably not convert the four-door coupe into a convertible in spite of how much people like the Nissan Murano convertible.
Thursday 8 December 2011
PSC to decide suitability of FirstEnergy energy efficiency plan
The energy efficiency and conservation programs proposed by Monongahela Power and Potomac Edison could be stronger, some argued Dec. 1–2 at an evidentiary hearing of the Public Service Commission of West Virginia.
A Phase I Energy Efficiency and Conservation Plan proposed by the FirstEnergy West Virginia operating companies has two parts: a residential low-income program and a high-efficiency lighting program for commercial, government and industrial customers.
The utility filed the plan in March for approval by the PSC, as mandated in 2010 stipulations in a rate case and in the commission order approving the merger between Allegheny Energy and FirstEnergy.
The Phase I energy efficiency and conservation plan specifically aims to reduce total system demand by 0.5 percent from the 2009 level of about 13,300 gigawatt-hours and to reduce system peak demand by 0.5 percent from the 2009 level of 2,723 megawatts.
Reductions would come through light bulb, faucet aerator and shower head replacements in low-income homes — those within 200 percent of the federal poverty level — along with refrigerator replacements for those that qualify and partial energy audits. At the commercial and industrial level, the program proposes high-efficiency lighting.
The energy reduction target would be reached in five years.
Parties to the case testified during a span of two days. Intervenors included the commission's Consumer Advocate Division, the West Virginia Energy Users Group of large industrial electricity users and the West Virginia Citizen Action Group.
WVCAG wants to see a stronger energy reduction plan that would include building shell measures such as weather stripping and a blower door or other leak test.
"The proposed efficiency target is far weaker than FirstEnergy efficiency goals in other states, which include a 1 percent savings in two years and 0.8 percent savings in two years in Pennsylvania and Ohio, respectively," said Mike Harman, a spokesperson for Energy Efficient West Virginia, of which WVCAG is a lead member, after the hearing.
Intervenors also noted that energy efficiency measures offered by AEP companies Appalachian Power Co. and Wheeling Power Co. are stronger.
Edward C. Miller, manager of development and compliance for FirstEnergy, said the company designed its programs to minimize cost impacts. The components were chosen to complement the Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity's low-income weatherization program, he said, although he conceded that that program is known to have a large backlog.
The five-year time frame was then calculated based on the utility's experience with participation in such programs, Miller said.
"Wouldn't you normally set out to design a plan that was the most effective, rather than meeting the stipulation?" asked PSC Chairman Michael Albert, referencing the 2010 cases that mandated the plan.
A Phase I Energy Efficiency and Conservation Plan proposed by the FirstEnergy West Virginia operating companies has two parts: a residential low-income program and a high-efficiency lighting program for commercial, government and industrial customers.
The utility filed the plan in March for approval by the PSC, as mandated in 2010 stipulations in a rate case and in the commission order approving the merger between Allegheny Energy and FirstEnergy.
The Phase I energy efficiency and conservation plan specifically aims to reduce total system demand by 0.5 percent from the 2009 level of about 13,300 gigawatt-hours and to reduce system peak demand by 0.5 percent from the 2009 level of 2,723 megawatts.
Reductions would come through light bulb, faucet aerator and shower head replacements in low-income homes — those within 200 percent of the federal poverty level — along with refrigerator replacements for those that qualify and partial energy audits. At the commercial and industrial level, the program proposes high-efficiency lighting.
The energy reduction target would be reached in five years.
Parties to the case testified during a span of two days. Intervenors included the commission's Consumer Advocate Division, the West Virginia Energy Users Group of large industrial electricity users and the West Virginia Citizen Action Group.
WVCAG wants to see a stronger energy reduction plan that would include building shell measures such as weather stripping and a blower door or other leak test.
"The proposed efficiency target is far weaker than FirstEnergy efficiency goals in other states, which include a 1 percent savings in two years and 0.8 percent savings in two years in Pennsylvania and Ohio, respectively," said Mike Harman, a spokesperson for Energy Efficient West Virginia, of which WVCAG is a lead member, after the hearing.
Intervenors also noted that energy efficiency measures offered by AEP companies Appalachian Power Co. and Wheeling Power Co. are stronger.
Edward C. Miller, manager of development and compliance for FirstEnergy, said the company designed its programs to minimize cost impacts. The components were chosen to complement the Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity's low-income weatherization program, he said, although he conceded that that program is known to have a large backlog.
The five-year time frame was then calculated based on the utility's experience with participation in such programs, Miller said.
"Wouldn't you normally set out to design a plan that was the most effective, rather than meeting the stipulation?" asked PSC Chairman Michael Albert, referencing the 2010 cases that mandated the plan.
Wednesday 7 December 2011
Good return on investment: LED holiday lights
If you're not yet familiar with LED lighting, it's time to illuminate yourself, lest you be considered an LUD (that's short for Luddite, a 19th-century English anti-industrialist, now synonymous with anyone who's way behind the times with technology). But don't worry; all you need to know about LEDs is that they're good lightbulbs. Better than incandescent, halogen and, yes, fluorescent.
LEDs happen to be ideal for decorative things like holiday lights, because they burn bright but cool, they last for a very long time and they cost very little to run. There's just one catch: LED lights are relatively expensive to buy. So the question we're addressing this holiday season is: Are they worth it?
Conventional holiday lights have become disposable goods. They're so cheap and so cheaply made that we expect to get about two seasons out of a string before cursing it and replacing it with another $3 set. And if you pay that little, you know you're getting the kind that are wired to go out entirely if just one tiny bulb has a problem. LED lighting should change all that.
A good set of LED lights features "stay-on" wiring, plastic (not glass) bulbs, a three-year warrantee and an estimated 20,000 hours of bulb life. Compare that last number to Consumer Reports' finding incandescent holiday lights that started burning out before 2,000 hours. LEDs also use 70 to 90 percent less energy to run, and therein lies your best bet for a favorable ROI (that's short for return on investment, for any financial Luddites out there).
Chances are, you'll run your holiday lights for about a month, from sometime after Thanksgiving to sometime after New Year's. If your outdoor lights are on for an average of five hours per day, that's a total operating time of 155 hours per season.
You can assume your cost of electricity is around 11 cents per kilowatt hour (a commonly used national average). Looking at two comparable strings of 100 miniature lights (produced by the same well-known company), the LED version uses about 8 watts per string; the incandescent version uses about 50 watts per string.
The LED lights would save you 71.4 cents per string, per season. If you have 10 strings, that's a total of $7.14 per year. Add to that savings the likelihood of LED lights lasting much longer than conventional lights and you'll see it's a good bet that LEDs will cost less in the long run. They're also guaranteed to be 70 to 90 percent better for the environment (not to mention that their longevity means less low-grade PVC plastic in the landfill).
If you decide to take the plunge this year and switch to LED holiday lights, it's a good idea to go with a reputable brand and, whenever possible, choose lights with the Energy Star label. According to the Energy Star website, decorative lights that earn the ENERGY STAR offer a three-year warranty and are "independently tested to meet strict lifetime and electrical requirements."
It's the lifetime testing you should be concerned with, because if CFL (compact fluorescent lamps) are any indication, poorly manufactured LED lights may survive only a fraction of their estimated lifespan.
LEDs happen to be ideal for decorative things like holiday lights, because they burn bright but cool, they last for a very long time and they cost very little to run. There's just one catch: LED lights are relatively expensive to buy. So the question we're addressing this holiday season is: Are they worth it?
Conventional holiday lights have become disposable goods. They're so cheap and so cheaply made that we expect to get about two seasons out of a string before cursing it and replacing it with another $3 set. And if you pay that little, you know you're getting the kind that are wired to go out entirely if just one tiny bulb has a problem. LED lighting should change all that.
A good set of LED lights features "stay-on" wiring, plastic (not glass) bulbs, a three-year warrantee and an estimated 20,000 hours of bulb life. Compare that last number to Consumer Reports' finding incandescent holiday lights that started burning out before 2,000 hours. LEDs also use 70 to 90 percent less energy to run, and therein lies your best bet for a favorable ROI (that's short for return on investment, for any financial Luddites out there).
Chances are, you'll run your holiday lights for about a month, from sometime after Thanksgiving to sometime after New Year's. If your outdoor lights are on for an average of five hours per day, that's a total operating time of 155 hours per season.
You can assume your cost of electricity is around 11 cents per kilowatt hour (a commonly used national average). Looking at two comparable strings of 100 miniature lights (produced by the same well-known company), the LED version uses about 8 watts per string; the incandescent version uses about 50 watts per string.
The LED lights would save you 71.4 cents per string, per season. If you have 10 strings, that's a total of $7.14 per year. Add to that savings the likelihood of LED lights lasting much longer than conventional lights and you'll see it's a good bet that LEDs will cost less in the long run. They're also guaranteed to be 70 to 90 percent better for the environment (not to mention that their longevity means less low-grade PVC plastic in the landfill).
If you decide to take the plunge this year and switch to LED holiday lights, it's a good idea to go with a reputable brand and, whenever possible, choose lights with the Energy Star label. According to the Energy Star website, decorative lights that earn the ENERGY STAR offer a three-year warranty and are "independently tested to meet strict lifetime and electrical requirements."
It's the lifetime testing you should be concerned with, because if CFL (compact fluorescent lamps) are any indication, poorly manufactured LED lights may survive only a fraction of their estimated lifespan.
Tuesday 6 December 2011
Insight Lighting Gets Head Start on LED Lighting Transition
In an economy in which many businesses are downsizing; Insight Lighting is doing just the opposite–experiencing double digit growth over the past five years and expanding its production size and abilities. Insight's growth as a 20-year industry-leading lighting manufacturer is motivated by cost conscious businesses and governments to switch from traditional lighting to solid state (LED) lighting.
Insight Lighting, realizing that LED lighting would soon illuminate the commercial landscape, positioned itself for growth in this competitive industry. "Businesses, events and governments are quickly adapting in this economy to provide value, decrease expense and increase brightness," said Reed Powers, Insight Lighting Senior Vice President. "------Many years ago we first began developing designs and technology that would accommodate the switchover that we knew was ahead."
Insight's team has created products for high profile specialized projects such as providing the exterior green facade lighting for the global re-launch of the Holiday Inn brands, lighting for the signage at New York's Yankee Stadium and the luminaires that illuminated the luge track for the 2010 Vancouver Olympics.
In Dallas, Insight's Medley Products were used to bring the Park Seventeen Office Tower to life. Battelle Grande Ballroom in Columbus, Ohio was transformed from a bland space into a spectacular event center with the use of Insight's Medley RGB Color Changing Series. A variety of Insight's made in the USA products, Medley X RGB Color Changing Series and Masque products, were used for the Blue Cross Blue Shield building in Providence, Rhode Island, providing a new look for the national healthcare provider.
Many cities and government agencies are working to get projects, new and remodels, to incorporate LED exclusively. "We've seen a huge increase in designs focused on LED products, such was the case recently when we provided the illuminated wayfinding signage for the McCarran and Sky Harbor airports," said Powers.
According to the US Department of Energy website, making the switch to LEDs will reduce the electricity consumption by one-fourth and avoid 246 million metric tons of carbon dioxide emission over the next two decades. In addition, increased adoption of LEDs throughout cities over the sometime period could save the United States $120 billion in energy costs.
"We welcome this approaching conversion, it's better for the environment and will put a lot of Americans to work on a much needed change," said Powers.
For the average electric customer, 15 strings of LED lights turned on for six hours a day will cost less than two dollars a month. Meanwhile, running the same amount of traditional lights will add more than $40 dollars to your utility bill.
"We bought quite a few too this year, the LEDs, so that should help the budget out a little bit," said Brian Witucki.
The Witucki's use a combination of lights, but Brian said the extra $50 dollars he paid for electricity last December was worth it. "People stop when they're driving by...it's pretty cool."
Utility officials said another helpful tip to save money while still spreading some holiday cheer is to set your lights to a timer so that you can monitor energy use.
Insight Lighting, realizing that LED lighting would soon illuminate the commercial landscape, positioned itself for growth in this competitive industry. "Businesses, events and governments are quickly adapting in this economy to provide value, decrease expense and increase brightness," said Reed Powers, Insight Lighting Senior Vice President. "------Many years ago we first began developing designs and technology that would accommodate the switchover that we knew was ahead."
Insight's team has created products for high profile specialized projects such as providing the exterior green facade lighting for the global re-launch of the Holiday Inn brands, lighting for the signage at New York's Yankee Stadium and the luminaires that illuminated the luge track for the 2010 Vancouver Olympics.
In Dallas, Insight's Medley Products were used to bring the Park Seventeen Office Tower to life. Battelle Grande Ballroom in Columbus, Ohio was transformed from a bland space into a spectacular event center with the use of Insight's Medley RGB Color Changing Series. A variety of Insight's made in the USA products, Medley X RGB Color Changing Series and Masque products, were used for the Blue Cross Blue Shield building in Providence, Rhode Island, providing a new look for the national healthcare provider.
Many cities and government agencies are working to get projects, new and remodels, to incorporate LED exclusively. "We've seen a huge increase in designs focused on LED products, such was the case recently when we provided the illuminated wayfinding signage for the McCarran and Sky Harbor airports," said Powers.
According to the US Department of Energy website, making the switch to LEDs will reduce the electricity consumption by one-fourth and avoid 246 million metric tons of carbon dioxide emission over the next two decades. In addition, increased adoption of LEDs throughout cities over the sometime period could save the United States $120 billion in energy costs.
"We welcome this approaching conversion, it's better for the environment and will put a lot of Americans to work on a much needed change," said Powers.
For the average electric customer, 15 strings of LED lights turned on for six hours a day will cost less than two dollars a month. Meanwhile, running the same amount of traditional lights will add more than $40 dollars to your utility bill.
"We bought quite a few too this year, the LEDs, so that should help the budget out a little bit," said Brian Witucki.
The Witucki's use a combination of lights, but Brian said the extra $50 dollars he paid for electricity last December was worth it. "People stop when they're driving by...it's pretty cool."
Utility officials said another helpful tip to save money while still spreading some holiday cheer is to set your lights to a timer so that you can monitor energy use.
Monday 5 December 2011
Zimbabwe's Richest Man Ventures Into Solar Energy
Zimbabwe's richest man, Strive Masiyiwa, is venturing into solar energy, according to a report in New Zimbabwe.
Masiyiwa, 50, is the founder and executive chairman of Econet Wireless, a publicly-listed mobile telecoms company with operations in Zimbabwe, Botswana, Lesotho, Burundi and Rwanda.
The company's subsidiary, Econet Solar, recently launched a solar power device intended to help light up rural areas in Zimbabwe and other areas across rest of Africa which are beset by an erratic supply of electricity.
The device, called the Econet Home Power Station, will allow individuals and families across Africa to light up their homes, charge their mobile phones and generally utilize energy at a relatively inexpensive cost compared to current solar energy devices currently available in Africa. In a press statement, Masiyiwa said that the Home Power Station will allow individuals to pay for their energy on a pre-paid basis, in much the same way airtime is purchased for mobile phones in much of Africa.
While the retail price of the Home Power Station has not yet been revealed, officials of Econet Solar have promised that the device will be sold at a "small cost" to allow accessibility to low-income earners across Africa. Customers will only be charged for electricity in proportion to how they use it.
In a statement to the media, Masiyiwa said that "whilst there are already well-intentioned solar powered lighting systems on the market, the reality is that they are just too expensive for people to afford."
"We are launching the Home Power Station to change all that," he said.
The device will contain a typical Econet mobile SIM card that will enable the device to link up with the cellular network, thereby making it possible for the customer to pre-pay for energy usage, in the same way mobile phone users currently pay for airtime on their cell phone.
"It has been designed to supply, on a pre-paid basis, affordable lighting for small homes and cell phone charging," Masiyiwa said, while expressing his optimism that the product will help light up the "70 percent of Africa that does not already have access to electricity."
If Masiyiwa and the Econet Solar team play their cards right, the Home Power Station device could easily and quickly become immensely popular in various parts of the African continent, considering that several African countries, especially Nigeria, have to contend with severe electricity outages every day.
In Nigeria citizens have to depend heavily on imported generators to produce their own electricity. The droning reverberations of fuel-guzzling generating sets have become the soundtrack of urban life in the West African country. It's become an extremely burdensome, expensive and environmentally risky affair for the Nigerian citizen, but the incumbent president, Goodluck Jonathan, has done nothing to remedy the situation. If the Econet Solar device is as inexpensive as the manufacturers claim it will be, the Home Power Station could be a runaway success in Nigeria.
Masiyiwa, 50, is the founder and executive chairman of Econet Wireless, a publicly-listed mobile telecoms company with operations in Zimbabwe, Botswana, Lesotho, Burundi and Rwanda.
The company's subsidiary, Econet Solar, recently launched a solar power device intended to help light up rural areas in Zimbabwe and other areas across rest of Africa which are beset by an erratic supply of electricity.
The device, called the Econet Home Power Station, will allow individuals and families across Africa to light up their homes, charge their mobile phones and generally utilize energy at a relatively inexpensive cost compared to current solar energy devices currently available in Africa. In a press statement, Masiyiwa said that the Home Power Station will allow individuals to pay for their energy on a pre-paid basis, in much the same way airtime is purchased for mobile phones in much of Africa.
While the retail price of the Home Power Station has not yet been revealed, officials of Econet Solar have promised that the device will be sold at a "small cost" to allow accessibility to low-income earners across Africa. Customers will only be charged for electricity in proportion to how they use it.
In a statement to the media, Masiyiwa said that "whilst there are already well-intentioned solar powered lighting systems on the market, the reality is that they are just too expensive for people to afford."
"We are launching the Home Power Station to change all that," he said.
The device will contain a typical Econet mobile SIM card that will enable the device to link up with the cellular network, thereby making it possible for the customer to pre-pay for energy usage, in the same way mobile phone users currently pay for airtime on their cell phone.
"It has been designed to supply, on a pre-paid basis, affordable lighting for small homes and cell phone charging," Masiyiwa said, while expressing his optimism that the product will help light up the "70 percent of Africa that does not already have access to electricity."
If Masiyiwa and the Econet Solar team play their cards right, the Home Power Station device could easily and quickly become immensely popular in various parts of the African continent, considering that several African countries, especially Nigeria, have to contend with severe electricity outages every day.
In Nigeria citizens have to depend heavily on imported generators to produce their own electricity. The droning reverberations of fuel-guzzling generating sets have become the soundtrack of urban life in the West African country. It's become an extremely burdensome, expensive and environmentally risky affair for the Nigerian citizen, but the incumbent president, Goodluck Jonathan, has done nothing to remedy the situation. If the Econet Solar device is as inexpensive as the manufacturers claim it will be, the Home Power Station could be a runaway success in Nigeria.
Sunday 4 December 2011
Standards and regulations
Back in the commercial world, a lack of standards is presenting another obstacle to the widespread adoption of LED technology.
For Douglas Bryan, CEO of Lighting Council Australia, the many LED products flooding a lightly-regulated market is a cause for concern.
"There are some very good products available, but there are lots of products that fail to meet the claims of suppliers in terms of longevity and other aspects of performance like colour characteristics and efficacy," Bryan told Electronics News. "Quality issues on the market are undermining consumer confidence in the product to justify the major outlay for LEDs."
As the first step toward improving consumer confidence in LED lights, Lighting Council Australia introduced a labelling-based quality program called the Solid State Lighting (SSL) quality scheme.
A voluntary industry scheme, it relies on third-party test reports of the products provided by the supplier for critical parameters like luminaire efficacy, light output, measured input power, correlated colour temperature and the colour rendering index.
Once verified and paid for, a label is issued for use on the product and in product literature for a period of three years.
The scheme, being entirely voluntary, is far from being a standard or regulation, and presents little, if any obstacle to rogue importers. According to Bryan, Australian regulators are awaiting the introduction of international standards and the outcome of more testing around the world.
As with other products, the US, Europe and Asia are expected to have different standards and regulations. Currently, the most advanced is the U.S. Department of Energy's Solid State Lighting Energy Star standard.
The U.S. standard is based around the Illuminating Engineering Society of North America (IES) LM-79 "Electrical and Photometric Measurements of Solid-State Lighting Products" and LM-80 "Measuring Lumen Maintenance of LED Light Sources" test methods.
Together, these two methods cover the luminaire and the LED package, arrays and modules, and LM-80 in particular is rigorous enough to eliminate most of the unsubstantiated claims made about LED lifetime.
It is hard to imagine what Thomas Edison and the other scientists behind the incandescent light bulb would have thought of today's world, as their invention is superceded by ever more efficient technologies in quick succession.
But perhaps Edison, that consummate capitalist, would recognise the immense potential surrounding LEDs – the opportunity for brighter and near-ubiquitous lighting, without the heavy environmental cost; the opportunity for Australia to play a bigger part in the global electronics supply chain, and for quality electronics designers to make big profits from their expertise and hard work.
However, even as consumers and manufacturers around the world start to take notice of LEDs, there are threats to the widespread adoption of the technology. Already, many early adopters, stung by the flood of inferior products, perceive LEDs as being overpriced and of variable quality.
For Douglas Bryan, CEO of Lighting Council Australia, the many LED products flooding a lightly-regulated market is a cause for concern.
"There are some very good products available, but there are lots of products that fail to meet the claims of suppliers in terms of longevity and other aspects of performance like colour characteristics and efficacy," Bryan told Electronics News. "Quality issues on the market are undermining consumer confidence in the product to justify the major outlay for LEDs."
As the first step toward improving consumer confidence in LED lights, Lighting Council Australia introduced a labelling-based quality program called the Solid State Lighting (SSL) quality scheme.
A voluntary industry scheme, it relies on third-party test reports of the products provided by the supplier for critical parameters like luminaire efficacy, light output, measured input power, correlated colour temperature and the colour rendering index.
Once verified and paid for, a label is issued for use on the product and in product literature for a period of three years.
The scheme, being entirely voluntary, is far from being a standard or regulation, and presents little, if any obstacle to rogue importers. According to Bryan, Australian regulators are awaiting the introduction of international standards and the outcome of more testing around the world.
As with other products, the US, Europe and Asia are expected to have different standards and regulations. Currently, the most advanced is the U.S. Department of Energy's Solid State Lighting Energy Star standard.
The U.S. standard is based around the Illuminating Engineering Society of North America (IES) LM-79 "Electrical and Photometric Measurements of Solid-State Lighting Products" and LM-80 "Measuring Lumen Maintenance of LED Light Sources" test methods.
Together, these two methods cover the luminaire and the LED package, arrays and modules, and LM-80 in particular is rigorous enough to eliminate most of the unsubstantiated claims made about LED lifetime.
It is hard to imagine what Thomas Edison and the other scientists behind the incandescent light bulb would have thought of today's world, as their invention is superceded by ever more efficient technologies in quick succession.
But perhaps Edison, that consummate capitalist, would recognise the immense potential surrounding LEDs – the opportunity for brighter and near-ubiquitous lighting, without the heavy environmental cost; the opportunity for Australia to play a bigger part in the global electronics supply chain, and for quality electronics designers to make big profits from their expertise and hard work.
However, even as consumers and manufacturers around the world start to take notice of LEDs, there are threats to the widespread adoption of the technology. Already, many early adopters, stung by the flood of inferior products, perceive LEDs as being overpriced and of variable quality.
Thursday 1 December 2011
Glowing Bioluminescent Bacteria Brings Hope of a New Power-efficient Lighting System
Dutch electronics company, Phillips has created Bio-light, the greener lighting system that is part of their Microbial Home (MH) system.
The bioluminescent bacteria, which flourishes on waste generated in the average home, is housed in hand-blown glass cells, clustered together to form a lamp that could easily be displayed in a modern art museum.
Each cell is joined to the lamp's reservoir base by thin silicon tubes that pipe methane gas from composted bathroom solids and vegetable scraps via a kitchen dodad that digests bio-waste.
Till the time proper nutrients are supplied, the bio-light's living bacteria can be powered indefinitely. Although the light is not bright enough to fully replace conventional lighting, it does make people conscious of household forms of wasted energy that could be tapped.
"Designers have an obligation to understand the urgency of the situation, and translate humanity's needs into solutions," the Discovery News quoted Clive van Heerden, Senior Director of Design-led Innovation at Philips Design, as saying on the website.
"Energy-saving light bulbs will only take us so far. We need to push ourselves to rethink domestic appliances entirely, to rethink how homes consume energy, and how entire communities can pool resources," Heerden added.
Our own Ellen Rocco was in Albany yesterday with the group representing the North Country at the regional economic development competition being run by the governor's office.
It pits eight regions of the state against each other for economic development aid from the state. The four winning regions each get $40 million, the others split $40 million.
Ellen was there with two other people involved in one of the projects selected for presentation to the panel of judges: North Country Pastured, which hopes to get a mobile poultry processing facility going in the St. Lawrence Valley.
Kevin Elkin of Elkin Tree Service in Indian lake ( a passionate broadband proponent) and representatives of a company based in Syracuse and Ogdensburg that's working on advanced LED lighting technology. Leading were co-chairs Garry Douglas of the North Country Chamber of Commerce in Plattsburgh, Clarkson University President Tony Collins, and Kate Fish, a North Country Council member representing the Adirondack North Country Association.
Here's a link to the website with all the regions' full videos. (Don't worry…you should be able to fast forward to various bits.)
The co-chairs did the presentation, and each of the judges had questions, with interjections from time to time.
"We think we did the North Country proud," says Ellen. She says all the panelists said the North Country presentation stood out, partly because this region's council was the only team to bring actual people who could talk about their own projects. And the visuals were smart and looked good…not your typical "death by Power Point" presentation.
The bioluminescent bacteria, which flourishes on waste generated in the average home, is housed in hand-blown glass cells, clustered together to form a lamp that could easily be displayed in a modern art museum.
Each cell is joined to the lamp's reservoir base by thin silicon tubes that pipe methane gas from composted bathroom solids and vegetable scraps via a kitchen dodad that digests bio-waste.
Till the time proper nutrients are supplied, the bio-light's living bacteria can be powered indefinitely. Although the light is not bright enough to fully replace conventional lighting, it does make people conscious of household forms of wasted energy that could be tapped.
"Designers have an obligation to understand the urgency of the situation, and translate humanity's needs into solutions," the Discovery News quoted Clive van Heerden, Senior Director of Design-led Innovation at Philips Design, as saying on the website.
"Energy-saving light bulbs will only take us so far. We need to push ourselves to rethink domestic appliances entirely, to rethink how homes consume energy, and how entire communities can pool resources," Heerden added.
Our own Ellen Rocco was in Albany yesterday with the group representing the North Country at the regional economic development competition being run by the governor's office.
It pits eight regions of the state against each other for economic development aid from the state. The four winning regions each get $40 million, the others split $40 million.
Ellen was there with two other people involved in one of the projects selected for presentation to the panel of judges: North Country Pastured, which hopes to get a mobile poultry processing facility going in the St. Lawrence Valley.
Kevin Elkin of Elkin Tree Service in Indian lake ( a passionate broadband proponent) and representatives of a company based in Syracuse and Ogdensburg that's working on advanced LED lighting technology. Leading were co-chairs Garry Douglas of the North Country Chamber of Commerce in Plattsburgh, Clarkson University President Tony Collins, and Kate Fish, a North Country Council member representing the Adirondack North Country Association.
Here's a link to the website with all the regions' full videos. (Don't worry…you should be able to fast forward to various bits.)
The co-chairs did the presentation, and each of the judges had questions, with interjections from time to time.
"We think we did the North Country proud," says Ellen. She says all the panelists said the North Country presentation stood out, partly because this region's council was the only team to bring actual people who could talk about their own projects. And the visuals were smart and looked good…not your typical "death by Power Point" presentation.
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