http://earthskystars.net/blog blog for earthskystars Sun, 23 Nov 2008 06:25:03 +0000 http://backend.userland.com/rss092 en The Lakeland Hills Architectural Review Committee approved the solar project! Maybe being "Green" is getting easier :-) Next I need to get some final quotes from the solar contractors. After that it's time to select the contractor, order the system, and have the contractor install it. Might be pumping power ... http://earthskystars.net/blog/2008/11/22/the-home-owners-association-approves-the-solar-install/ Try this. Homebuilders will occasionally have meetings with local community about a new development. Go to the meeting and ask what "green" features are in their new homes! For example, a developer in the Redmond, WA area is now offering solar panels with their homes. If they think you're joking, ... http://earthskystars.net/blog/2008/11/07/want-to-help-stop-global-climate-change/ Well the old roof is history and the new roof is installed -- clearing the way for solar modules. Jeremy and Sean, of Puget Sound Solar, came by to do the site assessment. They cranked out a report with their site assessment tool (a Compaq handheld hooked to a fish-eye ... http://earthskystars.net/blog/2008/11/06/pv-photo-voltaic-system-install-roof-completed/ I've finally decided it's time -- time to do what our leaders refuse to do, lead. If we, America, don't soon take action to reduce our dependence on foreign oil we risk damage to our economy, environment, and our children's future. My family's first step will be be to install ... http://earthskystars.net/blog/2008/10/05/installing-a-2kw-photo-voltaic-system-a-new-adventure/ It's about time someone told Americans the hard truth - the age of oil is coming to an end. It's as simple as that. Whether you believe in climate change or not, Friedman lays out a multitude of reasons why we need to create a new economy based on clean ... http://earthskystars.net/blog/2008/10/05/hot-flat-and-crowded-a-new-book-from-thomas-friedman/ The 2008 Oregon Star Party was great! Some of the best viewing conditions I've ever seen. Good speakers, good friends, and great weather, OSP at its best. There was a threat of forest fires just before the event, but rain and cooler temperatures finished off the fires. I finally got ... http://earthskystars.net/blog/2008/09/28/2008-oregon-star-party/ Since my last post:( Truly both the web site and blog need attention. The kids are getting older and more independent -- that may help. The Two Cats Observatory is up and running, so check that one off the list. Maybe some day I'll catch up to the list:-) Check out ... http://earthskystars.net/blog/2008/08/10/its-been-a-loonngg-time/ The 2007 Edition of the Table Mountain Star Party was definitely a roller-coaster ride. The dips included inconsistent weather (windy and cloudy) and a Kendrick Astronomy tent that failed within 24 hours of its first use (fortunately Kendrick has arranged for a replacement tent pole). The highs included meeting old friends, some excellent astrophotography, a ... http://earthskystars.net/blog/2007/10/28/32/ The SkyShed Pod odyssey has ended! On Thursday, July 5th, a Old Dominion freight truck pulled up in front of my house and disgorged many large cardboard boxes containing the POD. Fortunately, all contents arrived in good order and without damage. After passing the large boxes off to local children (box ... http://earthskystars.net/blog/2007/07/21/the-skyshed-pod-arrives/ Received the news I've been waiting for from Wayne of SkyShed. My POD has shipped! Apparently Wayne has had assorted problems with parts suppliers, probably not unusual for a new product. With any luck the POD will arrive before the Table Mountain Star party. I just finished upgrading the solar panels ... http://earthskystars.net/blog/2007/06/24/my-skypod-xl3-ships/