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.
Showing posts with label fluorescent bulbs. Show all posts
Showing posts with label fluorescent bulbs. Show all posts
Wednesday, 28 December 2011
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.
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.
Tuesday, 29 November 2011
Hella Lighting Featured on New 2012 Volkswagen From Puebla
A major global supplier of automotive lighting and electronics, Hella has lighting production facilities with more than 2,000 employees in Mexico - two in Guadalajara and one in Mexico City.
Shown for the first time at this year's New York International Auto Show, the new Beetle is equipped with Hella headlamps, fog lamps, front side markers, tail lamps, rear reflex reflectors and a center high-mounted LED stop lamp.
In addition, Hella Electronics' products supplied for the new vehicle from the company's San Jose Iturbide manufacturing plant include daylight-running-lamp printed circuit boards, which are part of an energy-saving module.
"Hella's relationship with Volkswagen and the VW Beetle dates back to the first Beetle prototype in 1935 and the start of mass production in 1945," said Ignacio Moreno, CEO of Hella Lighting for the Americas and president of Hella's Corporate Center Mexico. "Our lighting partnership with Volkswagen has continued on a variety of Beetle models over the years."
Volkswagen officially started production of the new Beetle in July at its Puebla plant during ceremonies attended by Mexican President Felipe Calderon and Hubert Waltl, board member for Production and Logistics at Volkswagen Passenger Cars.
Hella began development of its lighting programs for the new 2012 Beetle in 2009. To develop the tail lamps, members of Hella's engineering and product development staff in North America led a core design team located in Lippstadt, Germany. The headlamps were designed by an engineering team in the Czech Republic.
Hella will be providing halogen and HID versions of the headlamp for use in the Americas and Europe. Hella's halogen headlamp uses a standard reflector system using an HB2/H4 bulb for high and low beams. Daytime running-lamp and position-lamp functions are achieved by using one double filament bulb. Production of the halogen version of the headlamps for the new Beetle started earlier this year at a Hella plant in Mexico City.
Hella's HID headlamp consists of a bi-xenon projector using an innovative 25-watt burner - an energy-efficient solution that offers savings of 30W when compared to halogen-bulb solutions. Hella also uses LED technology to generate daytime running-lamp and position-light functions. The LED arrangement gives the headlamp a distinctive appearance.
One of many Hella lamps on the new Beetle is a front side-marker single-function lamp. Located in the front fender of the vehicle near the wheels, the side-marker is a single lamp that uses standard bulb technology.
The rear-reflectors are a safety features that reflect light, enabling other motorists to see a parked vehicle or a vehicle driving without the tail lamps on. It is integrated into the rear bumper. Hella also provides VW with a six-function tail lamp. Stop and tail-lamp functions feature a dual filament 21/5-watt incandescent bulb. The turn signal and backup lights use standard bulbs. The side reflex reflector is incorporated in the lens of the tail lamp. The side marker function (only required for the US market), is achieved by using a single LED. This function assures basic visibility of the vehicle at night.
Shown for the first time at this year's New York International Auto Show, the new Beetle is equipped with Hella headlamps, fog lamps, front side markers, tail lamps, rear reflex reflectors and a center high-mounted LED stop lamp.
In addition, Hella Electronics' products supplied for the new vehicle from the company's San Jose Iturbide manufacturing plant include daylight-running-lamp printed circuit boards, which are part of an energy-saving module.
"Hella's relationship with Volkswagen and the VW Beetle dates back to the first Beetle prototype in 1935 and the start of mass production in 1945," said Ignacio Moreno, CEO of Hella Lighting for the Americas and president of Hella's Corporate Center Mexico. "Our lighting partnership with Volkswagen has continued on a variety of Beetle models over the years."
Volkswagen officially started production of the new Beetle in July at its Puebla plant during ceremonies attended by Mexican President Felipe Calderon and Hubert Waltl, board member for Production and Logistics at Volkswagen Passenger Cars.
Hella began development of its lighting programs for the new 2012 Beetle in 2009. To develop the tail lamps, members of Hella's engineering and product development staff in North America led a core design team located in Lippstadt, Germany. The headlamps were designed by an engineering team in the Czech Republic.
Hella will be providing halogen and HID versions of the headlamp for use in the Americas and Europe. Hella's halogen headlamp uses a standard reflector system using an HB2/H4 bulb for high and low beams. Daytime running-lamp and position-lamp functions are achieved by using one double filament bulb. Production of the halogen version of the headlamps for the new Beetle started earlier this year at a Hella plant in Mexico City.
Hella's HID headlamp consists of a bi-xenon projector using an innovative 25-watt burner - an energy-efficient solution that offers savings of 30W when compared to halogen-bulb solutions. Hella also uses LED technology to generate daytime running-lamp and position-light functions. The LED arrangement gives the headlamp a distinctive appearance.
One of many Hella lamps on the new Beetle is a front side-marker single-function lamp. Located in the front fender of the vehicle near the wheels, the side-marker is a single lamp that uses standard bulb technology.
The rear-reflectors are a safety features that reflect light, enabling other motorists to see a parked vehicle or a vehicle driving without the tail lamps on. It is integrated into the rear bumper. Hella also provides VW with a six-function tail lamp. Stop and tail-lamp functions feature a dual filament 21/5-watt incandescent bulb. The turn signal and backup lights use standard bulbs. The side reflex reflector is incorporated in the lens of the tail lamp. The side marker function (only required for the US market), is achieved by using a single LED. This function assures basic visibility of the vehicle at night.
Monday, 21 November 2011
Looming concerns
A recent research report from the Guoyuan Securities Co. Ltd. said China's LED industry is getting into full swing, and LEDs are widely used in cell phones and liquid crystal television. But they are yet to be widely accepted as a general lighting source, it said.
"The biggest problem is high costs—its manufacturing cost is 50-60 times that of incandescent lamps," said the report.
"Without government subsidies, it would be difficult to promote LEDs as general lighting, but elimination of incandescent lamps has provided a powerful catalyst for the promotion of LEDs," it added.
In 2008, the NDRC and MOF launched a lighting program and distributed more than 400 million energy-efficient lamps to consumers. But the program encountered many problems, hindering further promotion of those lamps.
Energy-efficient lamps contain mercury, a neurotoxin that can pose a serious threat to environmental health. The amount is tiny—China, as well as the European Union, allows each fluorescent lamp to contain no more than 5 milligrams of mercury—but that is enough to cause acute environmental damage and has sparked worries over the disposal of those lamps.
Hua Shuming, Director of the National Lighting Test Center, said the service life of a qualified energy-efficient lamp is more than 6,000 hours, six times that of an incandescent bulb. A 13-watt energy-efficient lamp can produce illumination comparable to that of a 60-watt incandescent lamp, and it is able to reduce electricity consumption by 60-80 percent.
Energy-efficient lighting products are being recognized by global consumers. Data from the NDRC showed that Chinese energy-efficient lamps controlled 85 percent of global markets, up from only 20 percent in 1996.
Fluorescent lamps use electricity to stimulate mercury vapor. The mercury atoms produce short-wave ultraviolet light that then causes a phosphor to fluoresce, producing visible light.
Some people suggested manufacturers recycle the lamps, but that was less feasible given the high costs.
"Indeed, it is difficult to establish a nationwide recycling system in such a big country," said Xie. "What we are doing is further improving technologies to decrease the mercury content of such lamps."
Moreover, the high prices of energy-efficient lamps are also impeding the consumer acceptance.
In China, an LED lamp costs nearly 100 yuan ($15.75), compared with less than 10 yuan ($1.57) for an incandescent bulb. That is also why most Chinese LED manufacturers have focused on exports, instead of the home market.
Chinese LED firms still have a long way to go to sharpen their competitive edge. Chinese companies are good at assembly production, but one cause for concern is a lack of core chip technologies. U.S. and Japanese companies have dominated chip technologies, leaving Chinese firms in a weak position to compete.
Worse still, domestically made LED lamps suffer from the problem of a short battery life. As a result, it would be critical for domestic enterprises to strengthen efficiency and extend the service life of batteries so as to make their LED products more market competitive.
"The biggest problem is high costs—its manufacturing cost is 50-60 times that of incandescent lamps," said the report.
"Without government subsidies, it would be difficult to promote LEDs as general lighting, but elimination of incandescent lamps has provided a powerful catalyst for the promotion of LEDs," it added.
In 2008, the NDRC and MOF launched a lighting program and distributed more than 400 million energy-efficient lamps to consumers. But the program encountered many problems, hindering further promotion of those lamps.
Energy-efficient lamps contain mercury, a neurotoxin that can pose a serious threat to environmental health. The amount is tiny—China, as well as the European Union, allows each fluorescent lamp to contain no more than 5 milligrams of mercury—but that is enough to cause acute environmental damage and has sparked worries over the disposal of those lamps.
Hua Shuming, Director of the National Lighting Test Center, said the service life of a qualified energy-efficient lamp is more than 6,000 hours, six times that of an incandescent bulb. A 13-watt energy-efficient lamp can produce illumination comparable to that of a 60-watt incandescent lamp, and it is able to reduce electricity consumption by 60-80 percent.
Energy-efficient lighting products are being recognized by global consumers. Data from the NDRC showed that Chinese energy-efficient lamps controlled 85 percent of global markets, up from only 20 percent in 1996.
Fluorescent lamps use electricity to stimulate mercury vapor. The mercury atoms produce short-wave ultraviolet light that then causes a phosphor to fluoresce, producing visible light.
Some people suggested manufacturers recycle the lamps, but that was less feasible given the high costs.
"Indeed, it is difficult to establish a nationwide recycling system in such a big country," said Xie. "What we are doing is further improving technologies to decrease the mercury content of such lamps."
Moreover, the high prices of energy-efficient lamps are also impeding the consumer acceptance.
In China, an LED lamp costs nearly 100 yuan ($15.75), compared with less than 10 yuan ($1.57) for an incandescent bulb. That is also why most Chinese LED manufacturers have focused on exports, instead of the home market.
Chinese LED firms still have a long way to go to sharpen their competitive edge. Chinese companies are good at assembly production, but one cause for concern is a lack of core chip technologies. U.S. and Japanese companies have dominated chip technologies, leaving Chinese firms in a weak position to compete.
Worse still, domestically made LED lamps suffer from the problem of a short battery life. As a result, it would be critical for domestic enterprises to strengthen efficiency and extend the service life of batteries so as to make their LED products more market competitive.
Tuesday, 8 November 2011
Auto sales a neighborly business
Sales Manager Dana Blankinship said Nissan mandates a new building regulated for safety in order to sell the electric car. For example, the chargeable car has to be serviced in its own enclosed service bay away from gas vehicles.
Nissan also is encouraging dealers to upgrade and renovate to be uniform. "The manufacturer is on a big kick for its dealers to have the same look and feel," Barta said.
With construction costs at their lowest and an existing facility built in the 1980s, Barta said, it was the "right time" for a new facility.
He declined to say how much is being invested, but according to the Douglas County assessor, the property was bought for $1.4 million. The dealership expects to add 10 to 15 full-time employees.
The new facility will double Nissan of Omaha's shop capacity and add an express service lane for oil changes. It will have a full automatic car wash, a media room with flat-screen TVs, a playroom for children and a gym for employees and even customers who want to use it while waiting for their car to be serviced.
The LEED features include an irrigation system for landscaping from a retention pond, motion-sensored lighting in offices and bathrooms and a car wash system that can recycle water, cutting water usage in half.
Old Mill Toyota will open near 180th and West Dodge during the first quarter of 2013.
The dealership, which has been at 601 N. 108th Circle for about 30 years, has "outgrown the building and the land," Burns said.
Construction of the new, 100,000-square-foot dealership is expected to begin by the end of this year. The current dealership is about half that size, Burns said.
Another push behind a new facility is the manufacturer. "Toyota wants us to have a new facility," Burns said. He said the manufacturer's image program will be beneficial down road because the new facility will bring increased sales and, in turn, Toyota will give Burns' dealership more cars to sell.
The move also will mean a name change. Old Mill Toyota could become Village Pointe Toyota, though the new name is not official yet, Burns said.
He said everything will be new, from the TVs in the waiting room to the furniture in the offices.
Though the details of the new facility are still in the works, Burns said the service center will double in size and staff, "adding another 50 jobs to the economy."
"It was long overdue," he said.
The Van Tuyl Group is a consulting firm that provides management consulting services to the largest group of privately held automotive dealerships in the United States, including Husker Auto Group in Lincoln.
According to a statement from Smith's family in February: "It was important that the buyer of our family dealership have good Midwestern values to carry on traditions of Roy Smith. Larry Van Tuyl, born and bred in neighboring Kansas, was a perfect choice."
Nissan also is encouraging dealers to upgrade and renovate to be uniform. "The manufacturer is on a big kick for its dealers to have the same look and feel," Barta said.
With construction costs at their lowest and an existing facility built in the 1980s, Barta said, it was the "right time" for a new facility.
He declined to say how much is being invested, but according to the Douglas County assessor, the property was bought for $1.4 million. The dealership expects to add 10 to 15 full-time employees.
The new facility will double Nissan of Omaha's shop capacity and add an express service lane for oil changes. It will have a full automatic car wash, a media room with flat-screen TVs, a playroom for children and a gym for employees and even customers who want to use it while waiting for their car to be serviced.
The LEED features include an irrigation system for landscaping from a retention pond, motion-sensored lighting in offices and bathrooms and a car wash system that can recycle water, cutting water usage in half.
Old Mill Toyota will open near 180th and West Dodge during the first quarter of 2013.
The dealership, which has been at 601 N. 108th Circle for about 30 years, has "outgrown the building and the land," Burns said.
Construction of the new, 100,000-square-foot dealership is expected to begin by the end of this year. The current dealership is about half that size, Burns said.
Another push behind a new facility is the manufacturer. "Toyota wants us to have a new facility," Burns said. He said the manufacturer's image program will be beneficial down road because the new facility will bring increased sales and, in turn, Toyota will give Burns' dealership more cars to sell.
The move also will mean a name change. Old Mill Toyota could become Village Pointe Toyota, though the new name is not official yet, Burns said.
He said everything will be new, from the TVs in the waiting room to the furniture in the offices.
Though the details of the new facility are still in the works, Burns said the service center will double in size and staff, "adding another 50 jobs to the economy."
"It was long overdue," he said.
The Van Tuyl Group is a consulting firm that provides management consulting services to the largest group of privately held automotive dealerships in the United States, including Husker Auto Group in Lincoln.
According to a statement from Smith's family in February: "It was important that the buyer of our family dealership have good Midwestern values to carry on traditions of Roy Smith. Larry Van Tuyl, born and bred in neighboring Kansas, was a perfect choice."
Tuesday, 1 November 2011
After Gadhafi, Hope for Modernity
While there are no classical pieces of earth-shattering importance—a fair amount of Libya's classical heritage made its way to Italian and other European museums during the Italian occupation—there are vibrant, dynamic mosaics of daily life from the ancient cities of Leptis Magna and Sabratha, many centered around fishing and sea creatures, and important panels from the arch of Septimius Severus at Leptis Magna.
The mosaics compare with the best in Tunisia, with tiny fragments that capture light and allow for great naturalism. But the Roman glass on show is mediocre, and even if the empty cases that once held jewelry and other small artifacts were full, they would not compare in extent with the holdings of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, not to mention the Italian museums. The Islamic artifacts are substandard, which probably reflects the fact that Libya was a backwater for most of the postclassical period.
The well-traveled foreign visitor will be most thrilled by the pieces from Libya's indigenous civilizations, mainly unfamiliar to Westerners. There is a fascinating bijou third-century mausoleum and panels of bas reliefs from Ghirza, south of Misrata, whose endearingly naive depictions of animals and foliage show a fusion of local and Greek art.
There are also artifacts from the mysterious Garamantian desert empire, thought to be a Berber civilization. Work is still being done on the remote desert sites where these objects were found. The exhibits on Libya's rich prehistoric heritage only hint at its splendor and importance. The vast desert covering most of the country below the Mediterranean coast contains some of the world's finest prehistoric rock art—represented here mainly by photographs and reproductions—along with shards of the indigenous pottery and the 5,400-year-old mummy of a 7-year-old girl found in the Acacus Mountains in 1958.
Libyan cultural and educational institutions usually have a Rip Van Winkle quality, with decades-old signage, little Web presence, and an insular orientation—and the museum is typical. Libyans are not big on maintenance, and many of the light bulbs were out when I visited.
But Ms. Howasi is quick to note that most of the improvements she hopes for are cosmetic. In her opinion, the museum does not need a major cash infusion. She did not ask for foreign help. (That is much more necessary to conserve Libya's neglected archaeological treasures, as Saleh Alagab, head of the Department of Antiquities, has noted.) Ms. Howasi's attitude, which is common here, reflects the pride and self-confidence of a people who won their freedom with their own blood. And the fact that the museum's treasures were respected by the revolutionaries is an encouraging sign for Libya's future.
The mosaics compare with the best in Tunisia, with tiny fragments that capture light and allow for great naturalism. But the Roman glass on show is mediocre, and even if the empty cases that once held jewelry and other small artifacts were full, they would not compare in extent with the holdings of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, not to mention the Italian museums. The Islamic artifacts are substandard, which probably reflects the fact that Libya was a backwater for most of the postclassical period.
The well-traveled foreign visitor will be most thrilled by the pieces from Libya's indigenous civilizations, mainly unfamiliar to Westerners. There is a fascinating bijou third-century mausoleum and panels of bas reliefs from Ghirza, south of Misrata, whose endearingly naive depictions of animals and foliage show a fusion of local and Greek art.
There are also artifacts from the mysterious Garamantian desert empire, thought to be a Berber civilization. Work is still being done on the remote desert sites where these objects were found. The exhibits on Libya's rich prehistoric heritage only hint at its splendor and importance. The vast desert covering most of the country below the Mediterranean coast contains some of the world's finest prehistoric rock art—represented here mainly by photographs and reproductions—along with shards of the indigenous pottery and the 5,400-year-old mummy of a 7-year-old girl found in the Acacus Mountains in 1958.
Libyan cultural and educational institutions usually have a Rip Van Winkle quality, with decades-old signage, little Web presence, and an insular orientation—and the museum is typical. Libyans are not big on maintenance, and many of the light bulbs were out when I visited.
But Ms. Howasi is quick to note that most of the improvements she hopes for are cosmetic. In her opinion, the museum does not need a major cash infusion. She did not ask for foreign help. (That is much more necessary to conserve Libya's neglected archaeological treasures, as Saleh Alagab, head of the Department of Antiquities, has noted.) Ms. Howasi's attitude, which is common here, reflects the pride and self-confidence of a people who won their freedom with their own blood. And the fact that the museum's treasures were respected by the revolutionaries is an encouraging sign for Libya's future.
Thursday, 27 October 2011
Payne Hall Ghost: Spooked by Renovations?
Sandy O’Connell vividly remembers the morning she saw the Payne Hall ghost.
It was about 8 a.m., a gray and overcast day, and she was stepping from the Colonnade into the first-floor hallway of Payne Hall. O’Connell, the administrative assistant to the English Department, was the first person to enter the building that morning—or so she thought.
As O’Connell started to flip on the light, something caught her eye. “Up the stairwell went a figure in a white shirt,” she said. “I’m thinking, this is a student who’s turning in a paper late. Didn’t hear any footsteps, but just saw the white shirt going up the steps.”
O’Connell dashed up the stairs to see what the student wanted. The second-floor hallway was dark—and empty. “Then I went up to the third floor. Dark as it could be up there. The professors hadn’t come in yet. Not a soul up there.” She turned on the lights, then returned to the second floor, even stepping into the men’s bathroom to see if there was anyone in the building. “There was not a soul.”
O’Connell is just one of many people who have reported ghostly encounters in and around Payne Hall. Built in 1830 as the Lyceum, its name was changed to Payne after a 1930s renovation; it now houses the English Department. Purported sightings include a dark presence moving swiftly down the back stairs, a person dressed in black swirling down the Colonnade, and a cape-wearing figure that whisks into the building.
Is there just one Payne Hall ghost? Or several? Or are the stories the stuff of a creative English Department coupled with the imaginations of impressionable students?
In a class a few years ago, Lesley Wheeler, the Henry S. Fox Professor of English, was discussing “The Book of Ephraim,” a poem by James Merrill that he wrote with the help of a Ouija board and séances. Several students asked if they could use a Ouija board to communicate with the spirits in Payne Hall. “I thought that sounded like the most questionable field trip ever,” said Wheeler. “So I said, I’ll do it with you, but it’s got to be really optional.”
About six students gathered on a spring evening in Payne 201, the large, second-floor classroom where Robert E. Lee took his oath of office as W&L’s president in 1865. It was dark outside, but light enough to read the letters on the Ouija board. “I assumed if I was in the room, nothing would happen,” said Wheeler.
The students and Wheeler each placed one finger on the planchette, the pointer that Ouija-board believers say spells out letter-by-letter messages from spirits. The planchette flew across the board.
“I’m not claiming this is real, but we had a series of apparent conversations,” said Wheeler. The group determined that the first spirit to communicate with them was a Civil War veteran. “The questions eventually led us to the idea that he was a guy who died at 40. He was from North Carolina,” said Wheeler, who kept notes about the encounter in an early draft of a poem. The spirit seemed to idolize one of Stonewall Jackson’s daughters. “I vaguely remember that. It was a strange little detail.”
It was about 8 a.m., a gray and overcast day, and she was stepping from the Colonnade into the first-floor hallway of Payne Hall. O’Connell, the administrative assistant to the English Department, was the first person to enter the building that morning—or so she thought.
As O’Connell started to flip on the light, something caught her eye. “Up the stairwell went a figure in a white shirt,” she said. “I’m thinking, this is a student who’s turning in a paper late. Didn’t hear any footsteps, but just saw the white shirt going up the steps.”
O’Connell dashed up the stairs to see what the student wanted. The second-floor hallway was dark—and empty. “Then I went up to the third floor. Dark as it could be up there. The professors hadn’t come in yet. Not a soul up there.” She turned on the lights, then returned to the second floor, even stepping into the men’s bathroom to see if there was anyone in the building. “There was not a soul.”
O’Connell is just one of many people who have reported ghostly encounters in and around Payne Hall. Built in 1830 as the Lyceum, its name was changed to Payne after a 1930s renovation; it now houses the English Department. Purported sightings include a dark presence moving swiftly down the back stairs, a person dressed in black swirling down the Colonnade, and a cape-wearing figure that whisks into the building.
Is there just one Payne Hall ghost? Or several? Or are the stories the stuff of a creative English Department coupled with the imaginations of impressionable students?
In a class a few years ago, Lesley Wheeler, the Henry S. Fox Professor of English, was discussing “The Book of Ephraim,” a poem by James Merrill that he wrote with the help of a Ouija board and séances. Several students asked if they could use a Ouija board to communicate with the spirits in Payne Hall. “I thought that sounded like the most questionable field trip ever,” said Wheeler. “So I said, I’ll do it with you, but it’s got to be really optional.”
About six students gathered on a spring evening in Payne 201, the large, second-floor classroom where Robert E. Lee took his oath of office as W&L’s president in 1865. It was dark outside, but light enough to read the letters on the Ouija board. “I assumed if I was in the room, nothing would happen,” said Wheeler.
The students and Wheeler each placed one finger on the planchette, the pointer that Ouija-board believers say spells out letter-by-letter messages from spirits. The planchette flew across the board.
“I’m not claiming this is real, but we had a series of apparent conversations,” said Wheeler. The group determined that the first spirit to communicate with them was a Civil War veteran. “The questions eventually led us to the idea that he was a guy who died at 40. He was from North Carolina,” said Wheeler, who kept notes about the encounter in an early draft of a poem. The spirit seemed to idolize one of Stonewall Jackson’s daughters. “I vaguely remember that. It was a strange little detail.”
Tuesday, 25 October 2011
2012 BMW S1000RR First Ride
When BMW introduced its S1000RR sportbike in the fall of ’09 it instantly became the benchmark in the ultra-competitive Superbike class. Considering its prodigious level of performance engineers could have very well left it alone for 2012. Instead they bestowed it with its first technical update. The enhancements are intended to make it a friendlier and more effective racetrack weapon.
One of the few complaints with this German-built machine is how hyper-sensitive the throttle felt in its Race and Slick power modes. This made it more challenging to control especially at lean when accelerating hard off corners. New throttle maps were installed with the Rain setting using its own map and Sport, Race, and Slick sharing another separate one. Complementing these updates is a new throttle tube with a shorter and lighter pull. Another change, which might sound a little foolish to the hardcore sport rider are the optional heated grips. Yes, I’m not joking, the S1000RR is the first sportbike to offer this as an option.
Each of the four engine power modes (Rain, Sport, Race and Slick) were also modified for added torque at low-to-mid engine speeds. Rain mode also now cranks out an additional eight peak horsepower. Lastly the Slick map (designed for use with high-grip racing tires) provides improved vehicle stability during deceleration when the engine is in the overrun phase (at 14,000 rpm redline).
Both the air intake and the exhaust systems were also tweaked. The ram air induction opening is 20% larger and feeds a slightly modified airbox (necessitated due to revised chassis geometry, more on that later). The stainless-steel exhaust was also altered with the catalyzers relocated from the headers to the muffler. This allowed the removal of the oil sump’s heat shield, which saves a little bit of weight. Furthermore a complete exhaust system built by Akrapovic is available as an accessory directly from the dealer.
BMW’s optional Dynamic Traction Control (DTC) also received fresh programming. Most of the changes revolve around the functionality of wheelie control with the throttle butterfly valves opening more smoothly when a wheelie is detected. This was done to help avoid the abrupt and rather violent intervention experienced on the first generation bike. TC functionality in Race and Slick mode was also optimized based on the updated engine/throttle mapping. Lastly, a race data logger is available as an accessory and allows you to analyze the dynamics of the motorcycle at any point on track.
Other electronic upgrades include additional functionality within the instrument display. Not only has the font of the engine speed changed (so it’s easier to read at a glance), the display offers “Best Lap in Progress” and “Speedwarning” lights. The first light illuminates when the bike detects that you are traveling at a higher rate of speed than the lap before and the second light is used if you want to be alerted if you’re traveling above a preset speed on the highway. The brightness of the display can be adjusted in five-way increments.
One of the few complaints with this German-built machine is how hyper-sensitive the throttle felt in its Race and Slick power modes. This made it more challenging to control especially at lean when accelerating hard off corners. New throttle maps were installed with the Rain setting using its own map and Sport, Race, and Slick sharing another separate one. Complementing these updates is a new throttle tube with a shorter and lighter pull. Another change, which might sound a little foolish to the hardcore sport rider are the optional heated grips. Yes, I’m not joking, the S1000RR is the first sportbike to offer this as an option.
Each of the four engine power modes (Rain, Sport, Race and Slick) were also modified for added torque at low-to-mid engine speeds. Rain mode also now cranks out an additional eight peak horsepower. Lastly the Slick map (designed for use with high-grip racing tires) provides improved vehicle stability during deceleration when the engine is in the overrun phase (at 14,000 rpm redline).
Both the air intake and the exhaust systems were also tweaked. The ram air induction opening is 20% larger and feeds a slightly modified airbox (necessitated due to revised chassis geometry, more on that later). The stainless-steel exhaust was also altered with the catalyzers relocated from the headers to the muffler. This allowed the removal of the oil sump’s heat shield, which saves a little bit of weight. Furthermore a complete exhaust system built by Akrapovic is available as an accessory directly from the dealer.
BMW’s optional Dynamic Traction Control (DTC) also received fresh programming. Most of the changes revolve around the functionality of wheelie control with the throttle butterfly valves opening more smoothly when a wheelie is detected. This was done to help avoid the abrupt and rather violent intervention experienced on the first generation bike. TC functionality in Race and Slick mode was also optimized based on the updated engine/throttle mapping. Lastly, a race data logger is available as an accessory and allows you to analyze the dynamics of the motorcycle at any point on track.
Other electronic upgrades include additional functionality within the instrument display. Not only has the font of the engine speed changed (so it’s easier to read at a glance), the display offers “Best Lap in Progress” and “Speedwarning” lights. The first light illuminates when the bike detects that you are traveling at a higher rate of speed than the lap before and the second light is used if you want to be alerted if you’re traveling above a preset speed on the highway. The brightness of the display can be adjusted in five-way increments.
Tuesday, 20 September 2011
Bayonne Medical Center first in N.J. to sign on to EPA's Green Team program
Bayonne Medical Center on Friday became the first hospital in New Jersey to sign onto the federal Environmental Protection Agency’s Green Team program aimed at curbing energy consumption, slashing carbon emissions and cutting waste.
Daniel A. Kane, CEO and president of the Bayonne Medical Center, and EPA Regional Deputy Administrator George Pavlou signed the agreement at a ceremony in front of the hospital on Avenue E.
Under the agreement, the BMC will take part in the EPA’s Energy Star program by slashing energy consumption by 10 percent. “We are an environmentally conscious hospital and committed to our green programs and initiatives,” Kane said. “This commitment reinforces our commitment to improve the lives of our patients by providing high quality cost effective health care in response to the needs of residents of Bayonne and Hudson County.”
New Jersey Sen. Robert Menendez said that installing solar panels on the parking garage roof will produce 255,000 kilowatt hours of energy annually the equivalent of reducing carbon emissions by 176 tons a year, officials said.
“There is no questions that the Bayonne Medical Center will become one of the greenest medical centers in America, ” Menendez said.
BMC will also join EPA’s WasterWise program, which aims to boost solid industrial waste recycling, including medical equipment, lamps, fluorescent bulbs, batteries and lamps.
BMC has agreed to compost food waste, install energy efficient HVAC systems, and conserve water by collecting storm water for irrigation.
Daniel A. Kane, CEO and president of the Bayonne Medical Center, and EPA Regional Deputy Administrator George Pavlou signed the agreement at a ceremony in front of the hospital on Avenue E.
Under the agreement, the BMC will take part in the EPA’s Energy Star program by slashing energy consumption by 10 percent. “We are an environmentally conscious hospital and committed to our green programs and initiatives,” Kane said. “This commitment reinforces our commitment to improve the lives of our patients by providing high quality cost effective health care in response to the needs of residents of Bayonne and Hudson County.”
New Jersey Sen. Robert Menendez said that installing solar panels on the parking garage roof will produce 255,000 kilowatt hours of energy annually the equivalent of reducing carbon emissions by 176 tons a year, officials said.
“There is no questions that the Bayonne Medical Center will become one of the greenest medical centers in America, ” Menendez said.
BMC will also join EPA’s WasterWise program, which aims to boost solid industrial waste recycling, including medical equipment, lamps, fluorescent bulbs, batteries and lamps.
BMC has agreed to compost food waste, install energy efficient HVAC systems, and conserve water by collecting storm water for irrigation.
Tuesday, 26 April 2011
Changing Light Bulb Perceptions
Changing Light Bulb Perceptions
In just a few months time, Americans can start saying goodbye to Thomas Edison's incandescent light bulb, an invention that's been lighting millions of homes around the world for the last 100 years or so. Due to U.S. federal legislation passed in 2007, incandescent light bulbs between 40 and 100 watts will be phased out between January 2012 and January 2014, and will be replaced by more energy-efficient lighting solutions such as halogen lamps, compact fluorescent lamps (more commonly known as CFLs) and LED (light-emitting diode) light bulbs.
As with any piece of American legislation, the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 have been met with some resistance. For one, the phase out of cheap, but energy-inefficient light bulbs will mean that consumers will have to spend more in order to light their homes. CFLs today normally cost around $2 to $3. Halogen lamps and LED light bulbs on the other hand, normally cost $10 and $20 to $30 respectively. Of course, what most people forget is that the initial cost of purchasing new bulbs is definitely worth the savings that can be gained in the long run.
Interestingly enough, CFLs have long been adopted by many homeowners, even before the legislation became official. In fact, statistics show that close to half of the bulbs sold in America are made of CFLs, LEDs and halogens. Most contractors even point out that the legislation will have little effect on home lighting, particularly recessed lighting.
What needs to be done now to convince consumers to make the switch is to spread information on what they should check for when buying light bulbs. In the old days, consumers would look at a bulb's wattage to determine its brightness; that standard no longer applies today, as most 10-watt CFL bulbs produce the same lighting power as a 60-watt incandescent bulb. Instead, the lumens rating of a bulb is what buyers need to look out for, as this will be the main indicator of the strength of light generated by a bulb.
In just a few months time, Americans can start saying goodbye to Thomas Edison's incandescent light bulb, an invention that's been lighting millions of homes around the world for the last 100 years or so. Due to U.S. federal legislation passed in 2007, incandescent light bulbs between 40 and 100 watts will be phased out between January 2012 and January 2014, and will be replaced by more energy-efficient lighting solutions such as halogen lamps, compact fluorescent lamps (more commonly known as CFLs) and LED (light-emitting diode) light bulbs.
As with any piece of American legislation, the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 have been met with some resistance. For one, the phase out of cheap, but energy-inefficient light bulbs will mean that consumers will have to spend more in order to light their homes. CFLs today normally cost around $2 to $3. Halogen lamps and LED light bulbs on the other hand, normally cost $10 and $20 to $30 respectively. Of course, what most people forget is that the initial cost of purchasing new bulbs is definitely worth the savings that can be gained in the long run.
Interestingly enough, CFLs have long been adopted by many homeowners, even before the legislation became official. In fact, statistics show that close to half of the bulbs sold in America are made of CFLs, LEDs and halogens. Most contractors even point out that the legislation will have little effect on home lighting, particularly recessed lighting.
What needs to be done now to convince consumers to make the switch is to spread information on what they should check for when buying light bulbs. In the old days, consumers would look at a bulb's wattage to determine its brightness; that standard no longer applies today, as most 10-watt CFL bulbs produce the same lighting power as a 60-watt incandescent bulb. Instead, the lumens rating of a bulb is what buyers need to look out for, as this will be the main indicator of the strength of light generated by a bulb.
Monday, 18 April 2011
Tucson team is selected for art project
Ross Avenue underpass to be filled with "Happy Shapes" after Tucson team is selected for art project
"Happy Shapes" - a proposal for colored glowing sculptures in "evocative shapes" -- was selected for a $112,913 public led spotlight art project to turn the Ross Avenue underpass into a gateway between East Dallas and the Dallas Arts District.
The artist team of Joe O'Connell and Blessing Hancock of Tucson, Ariz., proposed 30 sculptures made of translucent polyethylene with internal LED lights to be anchored near the walkways on each side of the highway underpass.
Their proposal uses geometric shapes taken from architecture around the Arts District, but the shapes would be made more intriguing by adding tails, mustaches and other "evocative" features, O'Connell said. They will also be raised up on four legs. "We felt it was important to include real objects," he said. "There's a great popular affection in Dallas for more figurative sculpture - the Pegasus, the steers downtown, and we learned from the Nasher [Scuplture Center] that the exhibits with human or animal forms are more popular than abstracts."
O'Connell said he expects the 30 forms to be something that pedestrians could interact with (they will be able to led spotlight touch a metal feature and change the color), but also visible to motorists as they approach and pass through the intersection. Plus, he expects the glowing sculptures would be visible during the day where 12 lanes of highway darken the road below. "Even at about 11 o'clock on a sunny day it was dark enough in there," said O'Connell, who visited the site a couple times with his partner.
"Happy Shapes" - a proposal for colored glowing sculptures in "evocative shapes" -- was selected for a $112,913 public led spotlight art project to turn the Ross Avenue underpass into a gateway between East Dallas and the Dallas Arts District.
The artist team of Joe O'Connell and Blessing Hancock of Tucson, Ariz., proposed 30 sculptures made of translucent polyethylene with internal LED lights to be anchored near the walkways on each side of the highway underpass.
Their proposal uses geometric shapes taken from architecture around the Arts District, but the shapes would be made more intriguing by adding tails, mustaches and other "evocative" features, O'Connell said. They will also be raised up on four legs. "We felt it was important to include real objects," he said. "There's a great popular affection in Dallas for more figurative sculpture - the Pegasus, the steers downtown, and we learned from the Nasher [Scuplture Center] that the exhibits with human or animal forms are more popular than abstracts."
O'Connell said he expects the 30 forms to be something that pedestrians could interact with (they will be able to led spotlight touch a metal feature and change the color), but also visible to motorists as they approach and pass through the intersection. Plus, he expects the glowing sculptures would be visible during the day where 12 lanes of highway darken the road below. "Even at about 11 o'clock on a sunny day it was dark enough in there," said O'Connell, who visited the site a couple times with his partner.
Wednesday, 30 March 2011
Long loving international spotlight
Shane Long's hunger to learn his trade has only been increased by his emergence as a genuine international footballer.
The Republic of Ireland striker scored his sixth goal in 19 senior appearances for his country in Tuesday night's 3-2 friendly defeat by World Cup semi-finalists Uruguay, and was also instrumental in winning the penalty which led to his side's second.
Long said: "They came fourth in the World Cup, so they are a very good side. One of the lads said nine of the players who started in the semi-final played again on Tuesday night, so they are obviously a quality side. They had two good centre-backs, so it was a big learning curve for me."
Manager Giovanni Trapattoni employed the 24-year-old frontman as a lone striker after being impressed by his performance as a replacement for the injured Kevin Doyle in Saturday's 2-1 Euro 2012 qualifying victory over Macedonia, and was again delighted with his efforts.
Long admits he has benefited from being a regular in the Reading starting line-up this season, and his 18 npower Championship goals to date are testament to his blossoming potency.
The former Cork City player is learning by the week, and his brush with Uruguay was an opportunity to test just how far he has come.
Long added: "I am learning every day and 90 minutes every week is helping me progress. Tuesday's game is only going to add to that.
"They were good defenders. They knew what they were doing and could buy a foul as well, so it was a bit tough up there.
"But I gave as good as I got and I would like to think I caused them a bit of trouble."
The Republic of Ireland striker scored his sixth goal in 19 senior appearances for his country in Tuesday night's 3-2 friendly defeat by World Cup semi-finalists Uruguay, and was also instrumental in winning the penalty which led to his side's second.
Long said: "They came fourth in the World Cup, so they are a very good side. One of the lads said nine of the players who started in the semi-final played again on Tuesday night, so they are obviously a quality side. They had two good centre-backs, so it was a big learning curve for me."
Manager Giovanni Trapattoni employed the 24-year-old frontman as a lone striker after being impressed by his performance as a replacement for the injured Kevin Doyle in Saturday's 2-1 Euro 2012 qualifying victory over Macedonia, and was again delighted with his efforts.
Long admits he has benefited from being a regular in the Reading starting line-up this season, and his 18 npower Championship goals to date are testament to his blossoming potency.
The former Cork City player is learning by the week, and his brush with Uruguay was an opportunity to test just how far he has come.
Long added: "I am learning every day and 90 minutes every week is helping me progress. Tuesday's game is only going to add to that.
"They were good defenders. They knew what they were doing and could buy a foul as well, so it was a bit tough up there.
"But I gave as good as I got and I would like to think I caused them a bit of trouble."
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