text:
četvrtak, 29. ožujka 2012.

News and Events by CCRES March 29, 2012

Croatian Center of Renewable Energy Sources

News and Events March 29, 2012

Obama Administration Offers $35 Million for Biomass Research

Photo of a man with tall plants in the field.
The Biomass Research and Development Initiative will help develop economically and environmentally sustainable sources of renewable biomass.
Credit: Todd Johnson
The White House on March 22 announced an offer of up to $35 million over three years to support research and development in advanced biofuels, bioenergy, and high-value biobased products. The projects will be funded through the Biomass Research and Development Initiative (BRDI), a joint program of DOE and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). The programs will help develop economically and environmentally sustainable sources of renewable biomass. They will also increase the availability of renewable fuels and biobased products that can help replace the need for gasoline and diesel.
For fiscal year 2012, applicants seeking BRDI funding must propose projects that integrate science and engineering research in three technical areas: feedstock development, biofuels and biobased products development, and biofuels development analysis. These technical areas are critical to the broader success of alternative biofuels production. Grants awards and national program leadership for the BRDI program will be administered by the USDA's National Institute of Food and Agriculture and the DOE Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy. Applications are due April 24, 2012, and must be submitted electronically. See the DOE press release and the Funding Opportunity Announcement on FedConnect.

White House Offers $14 Million for Advanced Vehicle Materials

The White House on March 22 announced a $14.2 million DOE effort to accelerate the development and deployment of stronger and lighter materials for advanced vehicles. The initiative will help reduce U.S. dependence on foreign oil and limit carbon pollution.
The funding will support the development of high-strength, lightweight carbon-fiber composites and advanced steels and alloys that will help vehicle manufacturers improve the fuel economy of cars and trucks while maintaining and improving safety and performance. Replacing cast iron and traditional steel components with lightweight materials allows manufacturers to include additional safety devices, integrated electronic systems, and emissions control equipment on vehicles without increasing their weight. Using lighter materials also reduces a vehicle's fuel consumption. For example, reducing a vehicle's weight by 10% can improve the fuel economy by 6%-8%.
DOE intends to fund projects across three major areas of materials research and development, including developing modeling tools to deliver higher performing carbon-fiber composites, doing the same for advanced steels, and researching new lightweight, high-strength alloys for energy-efficient vehicle and truck engines. The department will accept applications from industry, national laboratories, and university led-teams to address these challenges and enable technologies that will drive innovation in vehicle design. Applications are due May 7, 2012. See the DOE press release.

Nine Utilities Join Green Button Efficiency Program

The Obama Administration announced on March 22 that nine major utilities and electricity suppliers will commit to providing more than 15 million households access to data about their own energy use with a simple click of an online "Green Button." By providing consumers with information about how they are using energy in their households, Green Button can help them reduce waste and shrink bills.
Green Button is an industry-led effort that allows electricity customers to download their household or building energy-use data in a consumer- and computer-friendly format. The utilities and electricity suppliers making new commitments include: American Electric Power; Austin Energy; Baltimore Gas and Electric; CenterPoint Energy; Commonwealth Edison; NSTAR; PECO; Reliant; and Virginia Dominion Power. The utilities have agreed to base their Green Buttons on a common technical standard developed with a public-private partnership supported by the U.S. Commerce Department's National Institute of Standards and Technology.
Green Button-enabled web and smartphone applications promise to help consumers choose the most economical rate plan for their use patterns; provide customized energy efficiency tips; provide easy-to-use tools to size and finance rooftop solar panels; and deliver virtual energy audit software. See the White House press release.

Army Plans $7 Billion in Industry Partnerships for Renewables

The U.S. Army reported on March 19 that it will partner with industry to invest up to $7 billion over the next 10 years in renewable energy sources, including wind, solar, biomass, and geothermal energy. The military department has released a draft request for proposal (RFP) that could allow multiple projects to begin nationwide. The draft RFP indicates that the Army intends to primarily purchase renewable-generated electricity through power purchase agreements with the project developers.
The investment will help the Army reach its goal of having 25% of its estimated 2.5 million megawatt hours come from renewable sources by 2025. In addition to energy conservation, installations will strive to establish alternative forms of energy that will allow them to "island" or continue to operate should the power grid fail.
The Army's Energy Initiatives Task Force (EITF) serves as the central managing office to plan and execute large-scale renewable energy projects of greater than 10 megawatts (roughly enough to power 30,000 homes) on Army installations, which will be accomplished by leveraging private-sector financing. A renewable-energy project guide will be issued for comment later in the spring.
The task force has been working closely with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to develop a request for proposal under the Multiple Award Order Contract (MATOC). The MATOC provides a two-step process. In the first step, companies submit initial proposals and qualifications that are not project-specific. The draft RFP for the MATOC is out for public comment until March 24. The EITF plans to have a summit in May to meet with industry and discuss the renewable-energy development guide as well as specific projects. See the Army news report on the initiative and the draft solicitation on the Army Acquisition Business website.

  special thanks to U.S. Department of Energy | USA.gov

San Antonio Small Businesses 'Seeing the Light' with Energy Upgrades

If you were going to a new gallery showing of your favorite local artist, would you want to view the canvasses under dim lights? Or if you were reupholstering your favorite sofa, would you want to look at fabric samples under fluorescent lighting and risk mistaking indigo blue for charcoal black?
Small businesses are a main economic driver in cities across the country—and San Antonio, Texas, is no different. Lighting may seem like a small detail, but as more than 800 small businesses in San Antonio have discovered, having the right lighting can improve business and conserve energy. With more than 40% of a company's energy consumption coming from interior lighting, upgrading to more efficient lighting can dramatically reduce a company's energy consumption and lower utility bills.
As part of San Antonio's "Mission Verde" initiative, the city launched the City Lights Small Business Lighting Retrofit Program using American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funding through DOE's The Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) program. The City Lights program is helping business owners increase their lighting efficiency, reduce energy use, and lower electricity bills.
In the first 10 months of City Lights, participating small businesses saved an estimated 4.9 million kilowatt-hours of electricity. Beyond these savings, the program trained and employed local energy audit experts and electrical contractors, who helped businesses identify potential energy and cost saving measures. Read the complete story in DOE's Energy Blog.

DOE Launches Apps for Energy

Get ready to change the way you think about your utility bill data.
With the DOE's new Apps for Energy competition, we're challenging developers to use the Green Button data access program to bring residential and commercial utility data to life.
DOE—in partnership with Pacific Gas and Electric Company, Itron, and Gridwise Alliance—is offering $100,000 in cash prizes to the software developers and designers that submit the best apps, as judged by a prestigious panel of judges selected from government, the energy industry, and the tech community.
Apps for Energy leverages Green Button, an initiative that gives access to energy usage data in a streamlined and easy-to-understand format. In addition to leveraging Green Button, app developers are encouraged to combine data from a variety of sources to present a complete picture of the customer's energy usage. Read the complete story in DOE's Energy Blog and the DOE press release.

Croatian Center of Renewable Energy Sources (CCRES)

subota, 24. ožujka 2012.

A day in the life with a Better Place electric vehicle (EV)

The end result is that the Better Place driver has unlimited range and a state-of-the-art driving experience while having minimal impact on the electric grid.
 For more information visit, http://www.betterplace.com/

Croatian Center of Renewable Energy sources (CCRES)

petak, 23. ožujka 2012.

Mobilize The Earth

About Earth Day Network

Earth Day Network mobilizes over one billion people in 192 countries through year-round advocacy, education, public policy and consumer campaigns to protect the environment.

Croatian Center of Renewable Energy Sources (CCRES)

četvrtak, 22. ožujka 2012.

Exit Nuclear

If we use our existing infrastructure in an innovative way, then we can not only speed up the exit of nuclear energy, we can even pay for it. Costs are converted to revenues. This generates cash and if money is available, then consensus can be reached to put an end to this expensive source of energy. This Simple Show explains how The Blue Economy can be applied to provide cheap and renewable energy with what we have - and a touch of creativity.

CCRES special thanks to  Gunter Pauli

Croatian Center of Renewable Energy Sources (CCRES)

srijeda, 21. ožujka 2012.

News and Events by CCRES March 21, 2012

Croatian Center of Renewable Energy Sources

News and Events March 21, 2012

DOE Offers Up to $2 Million for Hydrogen Fueling Stations Data Collection

DOE announced on March 13 that up to $2 million will be available this year to collect and analyze performance data for hydrogen fueling stations and advanced refueling components. DOE will track the performance and technical progress of innovative refueling systems to find ways to lower costs and improve operations. The funding is part of the department's commitment to help industry bring hydrogen technologies into the mainstream market and provide new choices for vehicles that do not rely on gasoline.
Many automakers have announced production plans for fuel cell electric vehicles for retail sale or lease as early as 2015, and some states are investing in hydrogen fuel infrastructure to accommodate these vehicles. The new funding will support projects to monitor the performance of multiple hydrogen fueling stations and advanced components for up to five years. The data and resulting analyses from this initiative will also help hydrogen fueling equipment manufacturers improve the designs of existing systems.
DOE seeks applicants to this funding opportunity to test new refueling component technologies that could substantially reduce the cost of hydrogen. These include advanced compressor designs that could reduce the number or size of compressors required at commercial refueling sites; hydrogen delivery tanks with higher capacity and optimal tank pressure, which could reduce the need for compressors and the frequency of deliveries at refueling sites; and advanced electrolyzers that can produce hydrogen at higher pressures, potentially lowering the cost of hydrogen by reducing the amount of post-production compression required. Responses are due May 11. See the DOE Progress Alert and the Funding Opportunity Announcement on the Funding Opportunity Exchange website.

EPA Names 2012 Energy Star Awardees, Celebrate 20th Anniversary

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on March 15 recognized the 2012 Energy Star award winners while kicking off Energy Star's 20th anniversary. Energy Star is a joint program of the EPA and DOE that is designed to help consumers save money and protect the environment by using energy-efficient products and practices. During the past 20 years, with help from Energy Star partners, families and businesses have saved about $230 billion on utility bills and prevented more than 1.7 billion metric tons of carbon pollution.
EPA chose the 109 Energy Star award winners for 2012 from nearly 20,000 partners from across the nation. Awardees earned citations in one of four Energy Star award categories: corporate commitment, sustained excellence, partner of the year, and excellence in delivering specific promotions. Sears Holdings Corporation took the highest honor, the Energy Star corporate commitment award. EPA also cited 57 sustained excellence winners for continuing to raise the bar across their respective industries for outstanding achievements in energy efficiency; 36 partner-of-the-year award winners for protecting the environment by using energy efficient products, practices, and services; and 15 excellence award designees for advancing energy-efficient products, homes, or buildings and helping expand the reach of the Energy Star program.
Launched in 1992 by EPA, Energy Star is a market-based partnership to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through energy efficiency. Last year alone, the Energy Star program and its partners helped Americans save approximately $23 billion on their energy bills while preventing greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to the annual emissions of 41 million vehicles. See the EPA press release and a complete list of winners.

U.S. Solar Energy Installations Soared in 2011: Report

The U.S. solar energy industry installed a record 1,855 megawatts (MW) of photovoltaic (PV) capacity in 2011, according to the latest U.S. Solar Market Insight report. The amount represents a 109% growth rate over the previous year and is enough to power more than 370,000 homes. The total more than doubled the previous annual record of 887 MW set in 2010. The findings came from GTM Research and the Solar Energy Industries Association, an industry trade group.
This growth was spurred in part by declining installed solar photovoltaic (PV) system prices, which fell 20% last year on the back of lower component costs, improved installation efficiency, expanded financing options, and a shift toward larger systems nationwide. In addition, the anticipated expiration of the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s 1603 Program, which ended December 31, 2011, drove developers to commission projects before the end of 2011.
The report also provides an update on the concentrating solar power (CSP) market. While no new concentrating solar thermal electric capacity was brought online in 2011, a total of 10 concentrating PV projects came online. The year also saw meaningful construction progress on a number of projects with some capacity expected to come online later in 2012 and a surge projected in 2013. Today, more than 1,000 MW of CSP—enough to power 200,000 homes—are under construction.
As of year-end 2011, cumulative PV capacity in the United States reached nearly 4,000 MW and cumulative CSP capacity topped 500 MW. Together, these represent enough solar capacity to power nearly a million households.
The market demonstrated why the United States is becoming a center of attention for global solar, according to Shayle Kann, Managing Director of GTM Research's solar practice. Kann noted that 2011 was the first year with meaningful volumes of large-scale PV installations, adding that there were 28 individual PV projects over 10 megawatts in 2011, up from only two in 2009. Kann also said that the market continued to diversify nationally; eight states installed more than 50 megawatts of solar each last year, compared to just five in 2010. The U.S. Solar Market Insight report projected that 2012 will be another strong year for the PV industry, with installations of more than 2,800 MW forecasted. See the press release for the report.

Coalition Offers Plan to Accelerate Adoption of Plug-In Electric Vehicles

Photo of a sleek car.
Consumers could find the Nissan Leaf and other EVs more accessible under a plan proposed by the PEV Dialogue Group.
Credit: Nissan
A coalition of automakers, electric utilities, environmental groups, state officials, and DOE on March 13 outlined joint recommendations for accelerating the adoption of plug-in electric vehicles (PEVs) nationwide. The PEV Dialogue Group, convened last year by the Center for Climate and Energy Solutions (C2ES), presented its recommendations at a Washington, D.C. event.
The group's report, An Action Plan to Integrate Plug-in Electric Vehicles with the U.S. Electrical Grid, provides a roadmap for coordinated public and private sector action to ensure that PEV owners can conveniently plug in their cars without overtaxing the grid. It recommends steps to ensure compatible regulatory approaches nationwide, balance public and private investments in charging infrastructure, and better inform consumers about PEVs. Over the coming months, C2ES will support DOE-funded Clean Cities coalitions working in dozens of communities across the country to develop local PEV deployment plans.
C2ES will work with the PEV Dialogue Group and others to promote implementation of its plan. Nearly 18,000 PEVs were sold in the United States last year; over the next year or two, all of the major automakers plan to have models on the road. Some PEVs such as the Nissan Leaf rely entirely on battery power, while the Chevy Volt and others have backup engines to extend their driving ranges. Broad deployment of PEVs, which use little or no gasoline, can significantly reduce U.S. reliance on imported oil and curb harmful tailpipe emissions. See the C2ES press release.

  special thanks to U.S. Department of Energy | USA.gov

Secrets of a Tribal Energy Auditor

On a tiny, rural reservation 10 miles east of Newport, Oregon, Fawn Metcalf gets to work. Adorned in pink overalls and polka-dotted work boots, Metcalf prepares to crawl under the home of a family in Siletz.
Metcalf is focused on her goal of helping modest-income families save money and stay healthy and dry. "It's gratifying to know that you are making a big difference in people’s lives," says Metcalf.
With a facemask in place, she tests for airflow leaks in every nook and cranny using a variety of machines and devices. Sometimes she finds other structural problems that can jeopardize the homeowners' physical and financial wellbeing.
Oregon's wet winters create a lush landscape, but that moisture can also create unhealthy conditions inside homes. "Our biggest problem is mold," said Metcalf.
Just ask resident Laura Bremner and her family of eight.
"We were sick from October, when it started raining, all the way through ‘til April or June," said Bremner, who moved into the brand new four-bedroom modular home in 2000. At one point, Bremner's 8-year-old daughter was forced to move because of a bacterial lung infection that kept her on oxygen.
After Metcalf audited Bremner’s house, the Siletz Tribal Energy Program installed an Energy Smart furnace, a dehumidifier, and a whole-house ventilation system. Some drywall was also replaced. Within a few months, the dangerous black mold disappeared. For the first time in more than 10 years, the Bremner family finally stopped getting sick. That was nine months ago.
Metcalf was trained and certified with funding provided by the Bonneville Power Administration's Low-Income Energy Efficiency program, the Administration for Native Americans, and the DOE. This BPA energy efficiency program gives funds directly to the state or tribal service provider rather than to a local utility. The annual budget includes $500,000 that goes directly to the tribes. Read the complete story and see the accompanying video on the DOE Energy Blog.

Croatian Center of Renewable Energy Sources (CCRES)

ponedjeljak, 19. ožujka 2012.

Solarna elektrana Kukuljanovo

Tvrtka Adria Sol iz Kukuljanova, nedaleko Rijeke, izgradila je na krovu pogona za preradu soli u Industrijskoj zoni Kukuljanovo do sada najveću solarnu elektranu u Hrvatskoj, ukupne snage 283 kWp.

Objekt na čijem krovu se nalazi ovaj fotonaponski sustav u vlasništvu je grupe Ma.Co.T. s kojom je Adria Sol vlasnički povezana.
MA.CO.T. je započeo s radom 1992 godine, te se tijekom posljednih 15-ak godina profilirao u tvrtku koju poznaju i prepoznaju kao jednoga od glavnih dobavljača soli u Republici Hrvatskoj te u susjednim zemljama.
Sjedište tvrtke je u Industrijskoj zoni Kukuljanovo u zaleđu Rijeke u neposrednoj blizini luka Rijeka i Bakar, autoceste Rijeka Zagreb te čvorišta prema Splitu. Krajem 2005. otvoren je naš nov distribucijski centar u čijem sklopu je i skladište soli zatvorenog tipa površine 3.000 m2.
Karakteristike Solarne elektrane Kukuljanovo:
 Ukupna investicija prelazi 500 tisuća eura, a povrat investicije očekuje se nakon 6 godina. Svu proizvedenu električnu energiju elektrana predaje u elektroenergetsku mrežu. Očekivana godišnja proizvodnja iznosi više od 300 tisuća kWh, što bi, primjerice, bilo dovoljno za opskrbu oko 100 kućanstava električnom energijom.

Osim ovog projekta Adria Sol instalirala je još veću solarnu elektranu (315 kWp) u Gospodarskoj zoni Čaporice, nedaleko Trilja, također na krovu u vlasništvu grupe Ma.Co.T. te se uskoro očekuje puštanje u rad, odnosno priključak na elektroenergetsku mrežu. Za gradnju Solarne elektrane Čaporice korištena je ista tehnologija i oprema kao i za Solarnu elektranu Kukuljanovo. Administrativna procedura potrebna za realizaciju ovih projekata trajala je skoro godinu dana.

Nadalje, Adria Sol planira i skori završetak nekoliko manjih solarnih elektrana na krovovima obiteljskih kuća.

Tehničke karakteristike Solarne elektrane Kukuljanovo:
Fotonaponski sustav ukupne snage: 282,94 kWp
Očekivana godišnja proizvodnja: oko 300.000 kWh
Prinos prema mikrolokaciji elektrane: 1080 kWh/kWp
Solarni paneli: Day4Energy 235 W, polikristalni, 1204 komada
Izmjenjivači: Fronius CL 60kW, 4 komada
Smanjena emisija CO2: oko 150 tona/god.
Krovna površina koju elektrana zauzima:  2000 m2

 Iz tvrtke napominju da je administrativna procedura potrebna za realizaciju ovih projekata trajala skoro godinu dana, te dodaju kako bi bilo korisno za hrvatsko gospodarstvo da se administrativna procedura ubrza te da traje maksimalno par mjeseci, kao što je slučaj u EU. Iz Adria Sol-a najavljuju i skori završetak nekoliko manjih solarnih elektrana na krovovima obiteljskih kuća, prenosi Hina.

Hrvatski Centar Obnovljivih Izvora Energije (HCOIE)

nedjelja, 18. ožujka 2012.

Actual prices per one liter of fuel March 18, 2012

March 18, 2012 Unleaded (Superbleifrei, Euro sans plomb, Euro95)
Diesel (Gazole, Gasóleo)
Retail Price
Price (Excluding VAT)
Retail Price
Price (Excluding VAT)
Austria € 1.425 € 1.188
€ 1.387 € 1.156
Belgium € 1.733 € 1.432
€ 1.544 € 1.276
Bulgaria € 1.344 2.63 лв. € 1.120 2.19 лв.
€ 1.370 2.68 лв. € 1.142 2.23 лв.
Cyprus € 1.337 € 1.143
€ 1.365 € 1.167
Czech Republic € 1.486 36.50 Kč € 1.238 30.42 Kč
€ 1.502 36.90 Kč € 1.252 30.75 Kč
Denmark € 1.825 13.57 kr € 1.460 10.86 kr
€ 1.652 12.28 kr € 1.322 9.82 kr
Estonia € 1.390 € 1.158
€ 1.365 € 1.138
Finland € 1.663 € 1.352
€ 1.573 € 1.279
France € 1.686 € 1.410
€ 1.501 € 1.255
Germany € 1.668 € 1.402
€ 1.525 € 1.282
Greece € 1.751 € 1.424
€ 1.561 € 1.269
Hungary € 1.468 431 Ft € 1.156 339 Ft
€ 1.492 438 Ft € 1.175 345 Ft
Ireland € 1.610 € 1.309
€ 1.550 € 1.260
Italy € 1.830 € 1.512
€ 1.739 € 1.437
Latvia € 1.404 Ls 0.977 € 1.151 Ls 0.801
€ 1.387 Ls 0.965 € 1.137 Ls 0.791
Lithuania € 1.387 Lt 4.79 € 1.146 Lt 3.96
€ 1.335 Lt 4.61 € 1.103 Lt 3.81
Luxembourg € 1.415 € 1.230
€ 1.277 € 1.110
Malta € 1.450 € 1.229
€ 1.360 € 1.153
Netherlands € 1.825 € 1.534
€ 1.502 € 1.262
Poland € 1.371 5.66 zł € 1.115 4.60 zł
€ 1.383 5.71 zł € 1.124 4.64 zł
Portugal € 1.718 € 1.397
€ 1.520 € 1.236
Romania € 1.311 5.72 lei € 1.057 4.61 lei
€ 1.350 5.89 lei € 1.089 4.75 lei
Slovakia € 1.532 € 1.277
€ 1.463 € 1.219
Slovenia € 1.463 € 1.219
€ 1.343 € 1.119
Spain € 1.444 € 1.224
€ 1.387 € 1.175
Sweden € 1.746 15.48 kr € 1.397 12.38 kr
€ 1.702 15.09 kr € 1.362 12.07 kr
United Kingdom € 1.675 £ 1.395 € 1.396 £ 1.163
€ 1.772 £ 1.474 € 1.477 £ 1.228
EU AVERAGE € 1.554 € 1.284
€ 1.478 € 1.221

"Žao nam je ako RH uvede sankcije Siriji, ali vi ćete biti gubitnici"- rekao je prije nepunih mjesec dana predsjednik Gospodarske komore Sirije i savjetnik ministra gospodarstva Mohamed Al-Kshto. Inine bušotine u Siriji - milijarde dolara vrijedna nalazišta nafte i plina kako danas izgleda – preuzet će ruski naftni i plinski div Gazprom! Da je Ina u problemima i da su Hrvatski poslovni interesi u Siriji ugroženi, potvrdio je i sirijski ministar nafte Sufiyan Al-Lawi. Zanima nas tko će odgovarati za ovo. Dignuti cijenu naftnih derivata na hrvatskim benzinskim stanicama može svatko, ali voditi uspješnu vanjsku gospodarsku politiku treba prepustiti stručnjacima koji vide dalje od dnevno-političke situacije. Republika Hrvatska je mala zemlja s neznatnim utjecajem na svjetskoj gospodarskoj sceni i ovakve odluke koje ostavljaju dalekosežne posljedice prije donošenja treba prvo dobro izvagati. Ne bi htjeli uvlačiti i njih u ovo, ali i urednici Glasa Koncila uvidjeli su ozbiljnost teme i pisali svjesni posljedica ovog čina za hrvatski narod. U utorak kada cijena derivata probije još jednu "psihološku" granicu , ne čudimo se kuda to svijet ide, već se zapitajmo što je to s nama samima.

četvrtak, 15. ožujka 2012.

News and Events by CCRES March 14, 2012

News and Events March 14, 2012

President Launches DOE's 'EV-Everywhere Challenge'

Photo of a car with a large battery displayed in front.
The Obama Administration launched a new program aimed at helping increase acceptance of EVs, such as the Chevy Volt shown with a replica lithium-ion battery.
Credit: GM Corp
President Obama on March 7 launched DOE's EV-Everywhere Challenge, allowing scientists, engineers, and businesses to collaborate to make electric vehicles (EV) more affordable than gasoline-powered vehicles in 10 years. The challenge is part of a strategy to help reduce dependence on foreign oil.
The DOE initiative, which will bring together DOE's Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy's Vehicle Technologies Program, its Office of Science, and its Advanced Research Projects Agency—Energy (ARPA-E), will aim to make electric vehicles affordable. The team will target dramatic technological and cost improvements in batteries, electric motors, power electronics, lightweight structures, and fast-charging technology. The goal is to enable U.S. companies to be the first to produce a 5-passenger affordable EV with a payback time of fewer than 5 years.
The challenge will involve working with industry, universities, national laboratories, and government partners to set technical goals for cutting costs for the batteries and electric drivetrain systems, reducing the vehicle weights while maintaining safety, and increasing fast-charge rates. As part of the initiative, DOE will organize a series of EV-Everywhere Challenge workshops across the country over the next few months. And, DOE will announce over the next few months a series of additional "Grand Challenges," each focused on technical innovations and reductions in cost that will enable clean energy technologies to compete directly, without subsidies, with the energy technologies currently in wide use. See the DOE press release and the President's remarks.

DOE Launches Next Phase of Competition to Create Efficient Lighting

DOE on March 8 launched the next phase of the Bright Tomorrow Lighting Prize (L Prize) competition, which challenges the lighting industry to develop high-performance, energy-saving replacements for conventional light bulbs. The latest competition will spur leading-edge companies to build innovative LED replacements for conventional parabolic aluminized reflector (PAR 38) lamps, commonly known as spot or flood lamps.
Approximately 90 million PAR 38 light bulbs are installed in the United States, and DOE estimates that replacing them with bulbs efficient enough to win the L Prize would save the country 11 terawatt-hours of electricity per year, approximately as much electricity Washington, D.C., consumes each year. The rigorous performance testing needed to win the L Prize ensures that the performance, quality, lifetime, costs, and availability of winning products meet expectations for mass manufacturing and widespread adoption. For the PAR 38 category, at least 50% of the LEDs must be produced in the United States, and all of the assembly must be done here. See the DOE press release and the L Prize website.

DOE Offers $5.2 Million for Building Efficiency Technologies

DOE announced on March 9 the availability of up to $5.2 million in fiscal year 2012 to develop improved building efficiency technologies. This funding opportunity includes advanced heating and cooling systems and high efficiency insulation, windows, and roofs. The funding will advance the research and development, demonstration, and manufacture of innovative building technologies to speed the commercialization of affordable, high-performance products.
Homes and commercial buildings consume approximately 40% of the energy used in the United States, costing American consumers more than $400 billion annually. Nearly a third of that energy is used for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC). Advancing HVAC building technologies and improving the design and materials that make up a building's "envelope" or air seal will significantly reduce the cost of heating and cooling residential and commercial buildings. DOE seeks applicants for funding to support breakthroughs in energy-saving HVAC systems and building envelope solutions. Mechanical HVAC system projects should aim to increase the efficiency of cost-effective systems and components suitable for both existing buildings and new construction, while building envelope projects will focus on advancing high-performance cost-effective ways to minimize energy loss in homes and commercial buildings, particularly existing buildings. Applications will be accepted through April 17, 2012. See the DOE Progress Alert and DOE's Funding Opportunity Exchange website.

Four Major Firms Join National Clean Fleets Partnership

DOE announced on March 5 that four new corporate partners—Best Buy, Johnson Controls, Pacific Gas and Electric, and Veolia—are joining DOE's National Clean Fleets Partnership, a broad public-private partnership that helps the largest fleet operators reduce how much gasoline and diesel they use. The new partners join 14 other major national companies in committing to improve the fuel economy of the commercial fleets and integrate alternative technology vehicles such as natural gas trucks and electric vehicles into their fleets. National Clean Fleets Partners operate more than a million commercial vehicles nationwide, accounting for more than 12% of all commercial vehicles on U.S. roads.
Under the partnership, DOE experts provide each company with specialized resources, technical expertise, and support in developing a comprehensive strategy to reduce fuel use and achieve greater efficiency and cost-savings. DOE also helps connect partners with clean fuel providers and equipment manufacturers where their fleets operate.
The new partners have already begun taking action to develop and implement fuel-efficiency projects in their fleets. For example, Best Buy reduced its 5,000-vehicle fleet's carbon emissions by 21%, by taking steps including using the smallest, most fuel-efficient vehicles for the job. And Johnson Controls has committed to designing and delivering increasingly sustainable products, as well introducing more than 500 hybrids and all-electric vehicles to its 19,000 vehicles worldwide. See the DOE press release and the National Clean Fleets Partnership Web page.

  special thanks to U.S. Department of Energy | USA.gov

Energy 101 Video: Lumens

On March 8, DOE launched the next phase of the Bright Tomorrow Lighting Prize (L Prize), a competition that pushes for accelerated innovation and drives industry to create more energy-saving lighting options.
And, with more high-performance, high-efficiency lighting options set to appear on store shelves, it's time to change the way we shop for light.
Think about it: For decades, we have been buying light bulbs based on watts or how much energy they consume.
But with new lighting options designed to use significantly less energy, buying bulbs based on watts is no longer a reliable way to gauge the right level of brightness. That instead takes lumens, which measure how much light you get from a bulb. More lumens means it's a brighter light; fewer lumens means it's a dimmer light. Read the complete story in the DOE Energy Blog.

Not a Long Time Ago in an Energy Efficient Galaxy Not Very Far Away

A manufacturer of crystalline solar cells has opened a new manufacturing facility for the assembly of solar panels by plant staff and robots in Milwaukee as a result of American Recovery and Recovery Act funds from the DOE's State Energy Program (SEP).
Helios USA, LLC, is Wisconsin's first manufacturer of high-performance solar modules for deployment in residential, commercial, industrial, and utility-based solar electric systems. The company will supply solar panels to a number of customers.
With a $1.4 million loan from SEP, Helios assembles solar panels in the newly opened facility, located in what was previously an abandoned manufacturing plant in the Menomonee Valley area of Milwaukee, with the help of staff and assistance from robots when “superhuman” precision and sensitivity is needed. As of December 2011, the Helios manufacturing plant has supported 26 jobs, and it is projected to create a total of 50 permanent jobs in the state. Read the complete story in DOE's Energy Blog.

utorak, 13. ožujka 2012.

Renewable Energy Finance Summit India 2012

Who is Attending?
150+ Directors, CXOs an Top-Management Professionals from:
> Banks and Financial Institutions
> Renewable Energy Project  Developers
> Capital Advisors
> Private Equity and Venture Capitalists
> Policy Makers
> Energy Market Experts

Events: Upcoming
Global Solar EPC Summit | India| May 2012
16 – 17 May, Eros Hilton, New Delhi

Events Registrations
For delegate registration, exhibition and sponsorship opportunities, contact:
Events Team, Renewable Markets India
Connect with Renewable Markets India at our website www.renewablemarketsindia.com

India’s Largest Annual Conference on
Renewable Energy Finance Summit India 2012
Markets, Policy, Debt and Equity
18 April 2012, Mumbai, India

Renewable Markets, India.
Renewable energy is the fastest growing source of renewable energy in India. Wind and Solar energy sectors in India have witnessed sharp growth, with the Government initiating a series of reforms over the last two years to increase the amount, and the efficiency, of private investment in the sector, including: introduction of generation-based incentives, renewable purchase obligations, market mechanisms, rationalised tariffs, national green funds and other positive initiatives.
Meanwhile, developers continue to aggressively expand their capacity in the country. A number of private power producers are now expanding their portfolio in India and overseas. With this increased focus on developing large scale renewable energy projects in India and Asian subcontinent, we bring to you India’s largest international conference for financing renewable energy projects developers in India.
This conference will specifically focus on the growth of renewable energy companies in India and also see key discussions on the next growth markets. The issues, challenges, potential and opportunities in these sectors will be the key focus of the event. The event will see a participation by India’s 150+ delegates & experts from across the globe.
World’s Finest Speakers and Delegates From
> Ministries: State and National
> Key Policy Makers
> Private Equity and Venture Capitalists
> International Banks
> NBFCs, Financial Institutions
> Insurance and Tax Advisors
> Capital Advisors and Project Investors
> Renewable Energy Project Developers
> FIIs, FDIs
Some Key Topics:
> Understanding Market Mechanisms – RECs, Future of Carbon Markets
> Evaluating Renewable Energy Investment Opportunities
> Tapping Renewable Energy Funds
> Raising Funds: Challenges of Debt and Equity Markets
> Present And Future Key Policy Developments
> Evaluating Market Risks and Instruments
> Understanding Project And Policy Risks
> Improving Project Returns and Managing Project Financing
And Lots More. Click Here To read more
We invite you to be a part of this event and participate in this most crucial renewable energy finance conference of the year. Reserve Your Seats Today! REGISTER NOW! Click Here To Visit Website
To establish your company as a Leading Player in India’s Renewable Energy Industry, join the conference as Sponsors! Build Partnerships, Foster Investments, Grow Your Business! Please feel free to contact us in case you have any questions.

An event you cannot afford to miss - a FirstView Conference!
For More Information About Renewable Markets India visit: www.renewablemarketsindia.com

ponedjeljak, 12. ožujka 2012.

GDH Energy International Ltd.

promotes  GDH Energy International Ltd.

 It is a pleasure for us to announce new geothermal heat pump range.

The heat pumps are available as: 7, 10, 13, 16 and 22 kW*.
(values at *B0/W35 DIN14511)

All heat pumps comes with the GDH heat pump controller and graphic display.
1x primary heating circuit
3-way-valve connection
Water circulation pump connections
DHW function with anti legionella function
2x additional heater connections
Temperature compensation
Time scheduler
2x mix heating circuits
EVU energy management
3x room thermostat connections
Solar connection

For more informations please visit GDH homepage: www.sole-wasser-waermepumpe.de

GDH Energy International Ltd.
Deutschland Repräsentanz
Rheinlanddamm 201a
D-44139 Dortmund
GDH is the registrated European brand name.

CCRES special thanks to
Matthias Breuer
- Sales Manager Europe -

Renewable Energy Events

CCRES promotes some

Renewable Energy Events

From 12/03/2012 To 31/03/2012

Event details

CENERG (Clean Energy Exhibition) 2012
From 12/03/2012 To 14/03/2012

Trade Show CENERG guarantees:
- unprecedented number of qualified visitors looking specifically for your products and services;
- impressive program of seminars, workshops and conferences for more than 1800 key specialists;
- the most comprehensive marketing campaign reaching over 100.000 specialists;
- favorable economic environment and a fantastic forum to generate new business.
CENERG Trade Show is visited by over 11.000 visitors each year and it is also the event with unprecedented number of workshops and seminar event. Lectures are given by professionals from across Poland and representatives of exhibitors. Each day up to 6 training courses for 100/150 people each are organized. Participants can compare the information obtained during seminars with the practical offer of manufacturers at trade show stands.

From 13/03/2012 To 15/03/2012
NEC Birmingham - Birmingham - REGNO UNITO

The ACR Show, the dedicated event for the air conditioning and refrigeration industry, is taking place between 13th - 15th March 2012 in hall 19 at the NEC, Birmingham.

Tuesday 13th March 10am – 16.30pm
Wednesday 14th March 10am – 16.30pm
Thursday 15th March 10am – 16.00pm
Whether you´re looking for the latest products & solutions to aide your business, learn from our extensive seminar programme, to network or to attend the prestigious ACR News Award, the ACR Show 2012 will have something for everyone.

Why Visit?
With time out of the office being a rare and valuable commodity, the ACR Show’s aim is to provide you with everything you need to ensure you make the most of your time at the show.
    •    Free entry to the show
    •    Free seminar programme
    •    Compare the leading industry suppliers and manufacturers
    •    Views the latest products, services and solutions on the market
    •    Benefit from free advice from industry experts in the seminar theatres and on exhibitors stands
    •    Meet your peers and network over a drink or lunch
    •    Be part of the ACR News Awards on Wednesday 14th March and celebrate your industry’s achievements

From 14/03/2012 To 17/03/2012
International Exhibition Centre "Moldexpo" - MOLDAVIA

MOLDENERGY - key therms are energetic, thermal and power-technical equipment, as well as powe-saving technologies - has become an accelerator, which stimulates the country´s energetic objects reequipping by the latest equipment and contributes to application of power-saving technologies in the branch.
This exhibition means:
- for foreign producers an opportunity for studying market;
- for Moldovan specialists is an opportunity for meetings with foreign business partners to establish new contracts.
Moldenergy will be held simultaneously with MOLDCONSTRUCT, the largest exhibition project in the field of construction.

BioEnergy 2012
From 15/03/2012 To 17/03/2012
Quartiere fieristico di Cremona - Cremona - Cremona - ITALIA

BioEnergy is a fair characterized by concreteness, efficiency and business. In the last years the renewable energy sector registered a great growth and represent new business opportunities for technology producers, designers, dealers and services suppliers. This event could give you the possibility to present yourself on an international market and to get in touch with thousands of potential customers.

Benefits will be different:

  • create relationships with the professionals of the supply chain;

  • update on politics, laws and regulations about bioenergy;

  • create culture on renewable energy production;

  • be a useful guide for customers who want to enter in this business.

There will be different important appointment such as conferences and seminars, Exhibitors workshops and guided tours to the best PV and biogas plants.

EnergyMed 2012
From 22/03/2012 To 24/03/2012
Mostra d´Oltremare (ingresso Viale Kennedy) - Napoli - ITALIA

EnergyMed, in its fifth edition, represents the main event about Energy in the Mediterranean to discuss the status of innovative sectors such as solar, wind, high efficiency/biomass boilers and many others.

The exhibition this year exceeds 8,000 meters square with a wide variety of special events and conference realized with the collaboration of industry experts and representatives of major companies participating in workshops, meetings and business to business roundtables.

EnergyMed is one of the most important appointment to discuss the issues of renewable energy, energy efficiency, sustainable mobility, housing and recycling.

Expoedilizia - Fiera professionale per l´edilizia e l´architettura
From 22/03/2012 To 25/03/2012
Fiera di Roma - Roma - Roma - ITALIA

Expoedilizia is a professionale exhibition for the building industry and architecture. This edition is innovative also for the period, this year the fair takes place in march and not in november.

The exhibition will have nine different exhibition areas with other different events like "officina serramento", a space dedicated to manufacturers of aluminium and PVC working machines, systems, components and software for doors and windows to present sector innovations with practical demonstrations, "demonstration Area“ for practical demonstration and "Working with Nature Project", an important workshop about the use of public space in its various forms with architects, planners, landscape architects and administrations.

MCE - Mostra Convegno Expocomfort 2012
From 27/03/2012 To 30/03/2012
Fiera Milano Rho - Milano - ITALIA

 A focused project put together to guarantee maximum visibility to one of the sectors which has always been part of the exhibition and to offer the entire industry a unique platform for making contact with the broad audience of designers, decision-makers, and investors, who every two years turn to MCE as the international benchmark event.

Milan, 21st January 2011- Over the past editions, energy efficiency and saving, renewable energy and technological innovation have grown, to become the common thread running through the four main areas - heat, cold, water and energy – of MCE – MOSTRA CONVEGNO EXPOCOMFORT, the leading international trade exhibition for domestic and industrial installations and HVAC scheduled for 27th – 30th March 2012 at Fiera Milano. High efficiency products and systems that guarantee energy savings and reduction in emissions of pollutants are the core of the industrial sector of MCE dedicated to renewable energy sources, an ideal opportunity to create new business contacts.

Photovoltaics are the most widespread technology in Italy for generating electricity from solar energy, supported by the New Energy Bill (that aims at promoting the electricity production from PV, came into effect in 2007 and now at its third edition). In spite of the economic crisis, since 2006, PV market has demonstrated consistent growth, both in terms of installation numbers and production capacity. As to the Italian market, in December 2010 GSE (Gestore Servizi Energetici) recorded over 120,000 installations in service receiving support under the feed-in schemes, with a total capacity of about 2,100 MW, exceeding 2 GW. GSE also expects that installed photovoltaic capacity ceiling of 3,000 MW will be reached in 2016.

Within this scenario, MCE 2012 will be dedicating a project specifically to PV, which has always been part of the exhibition. The PV project foresees an exhibition area and a busy programme of initiatives aim at offering the entire industry a privileged platform for making contact with the broad audience of trade professionals, designers, decision-makers and investors, who every two years turn to MCE as the international benchmark event for everything related to comfort systems and technologies and energy saving.

At MCE, the Photovoltaic project will take place in a devoted area, Hall 6, centrally located to the east and south entrances to the exhibition centre, and adjacent to the halls reserved for Heating and Renewable Energies where the excellence in Solar, Geothermal, Cogeneration and Biomass will be on display. Plus, the PV project will encompass not only an exhibition space but also a rich programme of conferences and workshops organized with the support of high profile scientific partners and organisations, to tackle the hottest current issues and to provide training and professional development opportunities.

“Over the years, Photovoltaic - declared Massimiliano Pierini, Exhibition Director MCE - has represented a return on investment and research for national and International businesses exhibiting at MCE. Our goal is to focus on a particular industry sector, in order to involve the whole supply chain for bringing together supply and demand. I feel sure that MCE 2012 will offer exhibitors a privileged platform for increasing their customer portfolio, expanding trade relations and creating new business”.

The new project dedicated to PV will join Percorso Efficienza & Innovazione and Verso la Classe A, two synergic and complementary events aimed to provide a unique opportunity for professional upgrading focused on high efficiency in building and to showcase the most innovative systems and solutions for the integration of renewable energy in buildings and installations.

Percorso Efficienza & Innovazione and Verso la Classe A 2012 organized by NEXT ENERGY in collaboration with Polytechnic of Milan - are amongst the key features proposed for MCE 2012. The leading companies in the reference sector have already confirmed their presence showing the positive trend of their faith in the strong internationalism of the exhibition. In particular, MCE 2012 has already registered a rise in foreign exhibitors numbers from all over the world with an increase of exhibiting surface, confirming the perceived added value of the show. MCE 2012 will be held under the patronage of the Italian Ministry for Economic Development, Regione Lombardia (Lombardy Region) and Provincia di Milano (Province of Milan).

From 27/03/2012 To 31/03/2012
Pabellòn de Exposiciones del Anhembi - Santana - San Paolo - BRASILE

FEICON BATIMAT - International Construction Salon - is the main event of the construction Sector in Latin America. During the exhibition will be present products, trends, solutions and launches, gathering at a single place the biggest possible number of exhibitors from all parts of the world.

These are five days of extensive commercial relations, a great opportunity to present the market trends, an opportunity to promote products and services for an important business-generating pole, you could analyze the competition, build and conquer new customers.

ISE - Impianti Solari Expo
From 29/03/2012 To 31/03/2012
Fiere di Parma - Parma - Parma - ITALIA

Impianti Solari Expo (ISE), in its third edition, is the most important business to business exhibition dedicated to renewable energies for the manufacturing industry. It takes place at the same time of MECSPE - a trade show addressed to industry production technologies visited by more than 25.000 companies that own roofs where you could install turnkey systems.

The advantages for exhibitors will be different:

  • more than 25.000 manufacturing industries;

  • appointments with specific visitors looking for new suppliers and innovative solutions;

  • specific communication campaign;

  • workshop.
 More info about all events: solarserdar@gmail.com

 Croatian Center of Renewable Energy Sources (CCRES)


Content-Type: application/http; msgtype=response

WARC-Type: response

text:
Can Anyone Reach Financial Freedom?

Financial FreedomCan Anybody Reach Financial Freedom?

The answer to this question is what this blog is all about. Reaching the financial freedom so that money becomes a helper, not a pooper on your financial health. I’ve stated in a past post that a JCPenny janitor in Vermont named Ronald Read was able to save and invest enough to leave an $8 million fortune to his family upon his death. If you look at the table below, you can see that the median janitor pay was $11.27 an hour while the top 90% of janitors made $18.91 per year. This comes out to be annualized salaries of $23,440 and $39,320, respectively. Well below the average American’s salary that comes out to be between $50,000 – 55,000 per year.

Median Pay
Courtesy of

Analyzing Read’s Results

Ronald Read made below the average in earnings yet was well above the average in retirement amount. How did he do it? Was he a genius who got lucky and invested in the right companies at the right time? Far from it. His investment strategies, as highlighted in the article, are simple. They were so simple that you or I could have done the exact same thing and achieved similar results. He approached his investments with a classic buy-and-hold strategy, investing only in companies he understood and paid out dividends.

He lived a frugal lifestyle and invested any money that he saved. As I’ve said in an earlier article (linked above), there’s 3 keys to retiring comfortably. Investing, saving, and earning more. I don’t think Ronald Read focused on earning more but instead focused on the two most important characteristics, investing and saving. He patiently and consistently invested and saved and was able to bequeath a huge amount of money to his local libraries and hospitals.

Grain of Salt

Now, Read’s situation can be viewed as out of the ordinary. First, Read lived until he was 92 years old. The life expectancy in the USA, according to USA Today, is 78.8. This article was written 2 years ago so who knows how far the life expectancy is today! But the important fact is that Read lived above the average, giving him more time to save and invest.

However, it would all depend on when Read started planning for retirement and he might have started earlier or later than us. If he started later than us, then we can replicate his results going forward. If he started earlier than us we might not get to $8 million in retirement nut, but we certainly still get into the million mark. The optimism is real!

Another thing to consider is that the article doesn’t delve into Read’s specific situation. Maybe he was born with the genetic lottery and didn’t get sick at all in his life. Maybe he wasn’t born with the genetic lottery and was sick everyday in his life. Who knows?! I don’t know. But what I do know is that even if these out of the ordinary events happen, we can learn to manage them and smooth the unexpected costs out over an extended period of time!

Read wasn’t born with an insane amount of luck, wasn’t a trust fund baby, and did not earn even the mean salary in America (imagine how much more in retirement he would have had if he was above or at the average!). This is phenomenal. It means that we don’t have to be above average to have a comfortable retirement.

We don’t need to be born with genetic advantages or be born to a wealthy family. We just need to make the right choices and over time because those right choices will accumulate over years and years, everything will fall into place. Every person’s journey and story to financial freedom is different but they all hold the same 3 principles that I will preach. Investing, savings, and earning more.

If a janitor can be a multi-millionaire, so can us!!

Finance Solver

I grew my net worth to $40,000 as a college student through hard work, discipline, and a little bit of luck. I graduated college in 2016 and will be starting to plan for my retirement once I start working.I am planning on reaching financial independence by my early 30's and I will document my moments of inspiration all the way to desperation here.

My goal is to enable your success in personal finance so that you can realize the American dream. The first step is starting today!

Read more about me here.

Latest posts by Finance Solver (see all)

2 thoughts on “Can Anyone Reach Financial Freedom?

  1. FS, the power of compound interest is incredible! However, it doesn’t necessarily happen nice and steady… it’s so slow in the beginning, but it does pickup over time and that’s when it gets fun. 🙂 Good luck with your journey to multi-millions. You can do it!

    • says:

      Ah very nice of you to stop by and leave a comment! It may take a long time but I love that the power of compound won’t ever fail to materialize! Regardless of time, it’s inevitable which is why I think anyone can do it 🙂 Thank you! I’ve got a long ways to go but am very optimistic!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

warcinfo:
robots: classic
hostname: ip-10-233-31-227.ec2.internal
software: Nutch 1.6 (CC)/CC WarcExport 1.0
isPartOf: CC-MAIN-2017-13
operator: CommonCrawl Admin
description: Wide crawl of the web for March 2017
publisher: CommonCrawl
format: WARC File Format 1.0
conformsTo: http://bibnum.bnf.fr/WARC/WARC_ISO_28500_version1_latestdraft.pdf


text:
Brighton Show is coming. (It’s like Winter, but maybe more work?)

by Veronica on November 1, 2015

in Gotta Laugh, Soapmaking

It’s 10.30am and I’ve just eaten chocolate for breakfast. In my defence, one of my children went trick or treating last night, and if I didn’t get in fast, there wasn’t going to be any chocolate left.

The trick-and-treating child is the reason there are chocolate wrappers all over the floor.

Unfortunately I don’t think I can blame her (and force her to pick up) the scattering of wood chips all over the carpet, brought inside by an enthusiastic dog, who conveniently killed the wood chips while I wasn’t looking and thus, unable able to send her BACK OUTSIDE JESUS NO WOOD INSIDE.

So there’s that. Woodchips and chocolate wrappers, while the smallest child sits on the couch eating blueberries and demanding ABC Kids be put on the TV, even though it will quite possibly drive me to stab out my own eyes.

(The older children are into music lately, and I don’t even hate their taste. Given a choice between Raa Raa The Lion and Imagine Dragons, I know which is less annoying.)

I need to make soap, and the lip balms need restocking before Brighton Show next weekend. I’m not sure how we’ll go – most people head to a show for the showbags and the dagwood dogs and the omgimgoingtovomit rides, but this year they’re adding a Farmer’s Market section, and hey, apparently handmade soap fits the bill. So there we are, at the show. The children are Very Excited because WE ARE GOING TO THE SHOW. I don’t think they’ve quite realised they’ll be stuck at home until mid-afternoon because I cannot work a market with three children weaving around my ankles, demanding money. So, they’re stuck with Daddy, while I head down at slightly-later-than-dawn-but-not-by-much-and-only-because-it’s-summer-o’clock.

I’m sure that’s going to be a Fun and Exciting day for poor Nathan.

Anyway. Lip Balms, Soap, Etc etc. Making

Sundays tend to be a catch up day here for me if I don’t have a market on. I don’t have any spare weekends until after Christmas now, so spare Sundays are few and far between, to be cherished like gold, or the random twix’s inside a halloween bag.

I just checked my recipe tracking software (Soapmaker 3, if you’re in the market. Won’t work on Mac’s, but if you’re on Windows it is a GODSEND when it comes to tracking curing times/ingredient usage and ordering/money/costs-per-portion), and I’ve got nearly 200 soaps to pack before the show.

On the upside, you should see some shiny new soaps in the Online Shop soon. (Please buy them. Support my soap habit. Also my book and good tea habit.)

On the downside: I need to pack 200 soaps and make another 200 to get through Christmas.

Yay! Business!

(Just quietly, I’m trying to blog every day this month. It’s a good habit and I miss the writing. So, cheer me on?)

Fiona November 1, 2015 at 11:21 am

Sounds busy but exciting!!!

Kathy November 1, 2015 at 8:56 pm

Yay you! I am doing NaBloPoMo as well, also NaNoWriMo cos a bit stupid but we’ll see how it goes. We can be each other’s support person 🙂 The soap-making sounds tiring but in a good way, too 🙂

Jen November 2, 2015 at 9:31 am

river November 2, 2015 at 4:39 pm

I hope you do fantastic business at the show!
It sounds like you are going to be insanely busy between now and Christmas.
The blues in your header picture are gorgeous!

Comments on this entry are closed.

Previous post:

Next post:


text:
"Ultimately, martial art means honestly expressing yourself. It is easy for
me to put on a show, and be cocky so I can show you some really fancy
movement. But to express oneself honestly, not lying to oneself, and to
express myself honestly enough; that my friend is very hard to do."

Like sand through the hourglass
So are the days of our lives
And for that lie, only we thrive
Awakenings, as we make the dead come alive
Rise and walk my son, come into the light
Inside the dark, we illuminate mics
Give knowledge to mediocre, the will to Neanderthal
Filter to the smog, digital to analog
We steady advancing, rhyme enhancing
Simple minds can't keep up with this

I'm a put it on the table
I ain't a thug nigga and playa
I ain't playful, I'm jus' Senim Silla
A man without label, standin' on my own two
Tryin' to stay stable
Speakin' what I know, do only what I'm able
I ain't the kinda guy who carry out for dough
The material cat who walk around for show
I'm jus' everyday, merry-way Joe-in-the-go
While other's go wit' the flow
I ain't never been the one to follow trend
I do my own bit, can't keep up with the Joneses
I'm on my own shit, I don't care what you drink
What you stress, how you dress, or where you got the link
I ain't impressed
These lames walk around like mice in the maze
Tryin' to get up on cheese, its just a rap race
One escapes time seems to make
Man worships things over the supreme thing
A stop for lots, should I join the hypocrites
Or side with the suckas, by choice
It makes no difference, that you're a product of environment
Is just coincidence, the world's a violent place baby
There ain't no more innocence, or civil men of penitence
Just ignorance, cats don't know right from wrong
They mimic shit they see on TV or hear in a song
What they tell you they on, a sucka act up every minute
The righteous live on, but them niggas is infinite

Yo, I ain't hardcore, I don't pack a nine millimeter
Most a y'all gangsta rappers ain't hardcore neither
Whoever get mad, then I'm talkin' 'bout you
Claim you fear no man, but never walk without crew
Where I'm from, your reputation don't mean jack
So what, you pack gats and you sell fiends crack
You ain't big time, my man
You ain't no different from the next cat in my neighborhood who did time
Rhyme after rhymes it's the same topic
What make you think you hardcore 'cause you was raised in the projects
Broke-ass finally got a hundred in your pocket
Now you on the mic, spittin' money's no object
What you say is bullcrap, if you wasn't wit' your crew
Or wasn't drunk off the brew, would you still pull gats?
You need to stop fronting or you headed for self-destruction
Yeah, today's topic, is self-destruction
I ain't talkin' 'bout the KRS-One discussion
I'm talkin' 'bout the one-too-many ignorant suckas
Lyin' on the mic to my sisters and brothers
Every time you listen to the radio
All you hear is nonsense, they never play the bomb shit
Everything that glitters ain't gold
And every gold record don't glitter, that's for damn sure

"Y'all need to be cool as shit"
"Tryin' to teach you from the heart"
"Y'all rambling on, and ain't sayin' nothing"
"I'm busy in the mind"
"I'm a go invent, I think I'll elevate my mental"

Yo, see cats got confused somewhere man (confused)
About what hip-hop was, you know what I'm sayin'
Or what hip-hop is, (it's business yo) you know it
It's all business
(its big money, know what I'm sayin' that's all these cats about)
You know that's bullshit, right? That's nigga talk, nigga talk
But if you want to make money yo, I got it broke down though
I got it broke down, (break it down yo)
You got hip-hop, then you got hip-pop
Hip-pop? (hip-pop)
Alright, (but a lot of cats want pop)
Yes, (know what I'm sayin')
It used to be real hip
You got the top forty version of hip-hop
I still got something else, something else that I wanna get off my chest
What? (know what I'm sayin'?)

How many cats you know
Speak the ill-legit rhyme after rhyme diligent
Eighty-five percent represent ignorant
Either you innocent or guilty
Some of my favorite emcees fell of
It damn near killed me
Lookin' at the kids that was true hip-pop
Nowadays them cats don't even do hip-hop
Rap got 'em brainwashed, with cats that don't last
And five minutes of fame, that's when it's a shame
Seein' real emcees tryin' to imitate rappers
If you ask me, they goin' out ass-backwards
Trading in respect to push a fat Lex'
Puff rhymin' on the remix, what's next?
It hurts so bad, I wanna smack 'em
My favorite crew members break up
Turn around and join whack ones
This is dedicated to you hip-hop hypocrites
Droppin' whack songs, like you don't give a shit
I ain't got nothin' against nobody trying to make a decent living
It ain't the money that's the issue
Only if that's the reason why these cats ain't makin' decent music
That's when I got beef wit' you
And I'm a bring it to you like never
Go ahead, call me player-hater if it make you feel better
Try to jump my crew if you cats feel froggy
You need to wake up, and smell the damn coffee
Know what I'm sayin', these whack emcees...

Lyrics submitted by sl0rid3r

Honest Expression song meanings
Add your thoughts

sort form View by:
  • 0
    General Commentthis song is badass. the guitar rif alone caught my attention but the lyrics make a lot of sense. he is sayin that not many artist or people are truely expressin themselves as they really are. they need to be drunk or on somethin else to have the balls to pull out a gun on somebody. just be yourself.
    sl0rid3ron June 09, 2002   Link
  • 0
    General Commenthell yeah. now THIS is good rap. the lyrics make perfect sense, completely debunking that whole rap stereotype. i'm so tired of the subject matter of "mo' smokin', mo' drinkin'." binary star is one hell of a group.
    cheerupemokid091on May 05, 2003   Link
  • 0
    General Commentthis is rapidly becoming my favorite rap...I think they honestly flow better than the roots. Check out "reality check"
    Vandy4g63on January 18, 2006   Link
  • 0
    General CommentYa "Reality Check" is a good Joint as well.
    RobBayon June 24, 2006   Link
  • 0
    General Commentthis is by far the best explanation of why commercial rap sucks. One of my all time favs. I totally dig
    the Bruce Lee interview at the beginning
    convinceon November 13, 2008   Link
  • 0
    General Commentactually the whole cd is sick. OneManArmy is a fuckin' genius
    convinceon April 03, 2009   Link
  • 0
    General Comment'I don't care what you drink, what you stress
    How you dress, or where you got the link; I ain't impressed'

    Holy shit.... did I just hear that? What a flow...
    gtfftgon October 22, 2012   Link

Add your thoughts

Log in now to tell us what you think this song means.

Don’t have an account? Create an account with SongMeanings to post comments, submit lyrics, and more. It’s super easy, we promise!

Back to top


WARC-Truncated: length

text:
Zoe Pascal

Zoe Pascal

Zoe was born in Lisbon-Portugal (2001) in a family of talented musicians.
He was around instruments and music all his life.
Drums were always present and we have Zoe playing in Videos, in a family environment, since he was 3 – 4 years old.
His relation with his instrument was always very natural and his learning was done in a flowing way, without too much pressure.
From the age of 6 years old, right around the time he moved to London-
UK with his family, he started to focus more in his evolution as a drummer.
His local school staff was very supportive with his talent and he was always one of the star of all school celebrations.

Zoe likes to learn new facts in music, loves old school drummers and vintage drum kits.
His Top drummers are Jack Dejohnette, Buddy Rich, Antonio Sanchez, Horacio El Negro and his influences are drawn from Jazz, Fusion, Afro, Latin, Gospel, etc.
In 2012, with 11 years old, he signed his first artist endorsement with Soultone Cymbals and became the youngest endorsee at Soultone UK.
He was also chosen, within 400 entries for a short list of the 40 Best Young
Drummers of the Year 2013, won a Robert Lewin Scholarship from Awards for Young musicians and was selected to attend the National Youth Jazz Collective short summer school.

Also in 2012 , Zoe entered Tomorrows Warriors, a talented Young Jazz musicians development program (http://www.tomorrowswarriors.org/) resident at
Southbank Center, which allows him to jam every Saturday with some of the best
Jazz Musicians in London-UK and be selected to fill the drummer position at Tomorrow´s Warriors Junior band
(11-15years Old), the youngest collective in the programme.
This band has a yearly schedule of concerts around UK in Festivals and Cultural Centres.

Most of what he knows was taught by his father, a worldwide touring bass & double
Bass player, and by watching and hearing loads of Cd's and videos. Presently he is studying to improve his reading skills and he has lessons with Shane Forbes and Rod Young, 2 Top drummers in UK.

His biggest goals are to get ready to tour with his dad and auntie and to have
his own Jazz Big Band.

My Soultone Set:

20" Prototype Flat Ride Natural
16" FX "FXO 12"
14" Prototype Hi Hats Natural
20" Crash/Ride "Vintage Old School" Patina
16" Prototype Crash Natural


text:
A rip roaring adventure

A rip roaring adventure
The images below are roughly in chronological order.

All the images are protected by Copyright, please do not reproduce without prior permission.

Please click for greater details.

To continue viewing please click on "OLDER POSTS" at end of each page.

I hope you enjoy.

Thursday, 10 December 2015

View from Table Mountain, Cape Town, South Africa

Robben Island in distance

Table CLOTHE cloud

No comments:

Post a Comment


text:
by Luke Beesley

footThis is the first time I’ve ever “blogged”, and it included a false start. I wrote a whole “blog entry” and then I looked back on it only to realise that it was too much in the tone of previous essays or reviews of books etc I’d written in the past. It’s a necessary tone in the context of a literary review which requires a certain objectivity or more a formality such as a collared shirt. But increasingly given over the last many years I’ve worked at home or in a small studio casually wearing jeans through my week and also on my one-or-two days of day-job work that help pay the bills I’ve ridden my bicycle or walked from home into those workplaces where if you at least wear smart shoes and a shirt with the mini-buttons at the collar you can get away with jeans, particularly if you’re the guy who only works Mondays and Wednesdays. I don’t even own a suit. For weddings I usually wear say woolen trousers and my best shirt and a good thick sports coat, or something, with my favourite shoes – mahogany-coloured and polished. It’s fine. I don’t really like weddings, besides this is a blog entry where I assume you can probably wear your dressing gown. Or perhaps a blog pivots on the idea that you’re writing in more of a pajama game? I’ve never been one for wearing pajamas around the house other when sleeping (see jeans wearing mostly, above) but when given the job of Southerly Monthly Blogger, where you get to post links and stuff, I was alert to thinking I could relax away from the task of writing an exegesis about the sculptural visual art processes of the poet Barbara Guest. My first blog attempt, though, was a more considerate piece with, as mentioned, a formal vibe, about the stand-up comedy of Paul Foot and how his techniques – surrealism, confected free-association, meta-fiction – which although interpreted by major newspapers as “wonderfully weird” and “crazy,” are really just the bread and butter of contemporary literature. Foot, himself, during his shows, wears a dugong-coloured leather jacket, with large-ish pale grey (shark-underbelly) cotton trousers. There’s always a wide florid unfashionable tie with white boots and unmatched candy-coloured socks. I guess he’s dressed not as a blogger or for a wedding but as a comedian. This is often where overlaps with fellow comedians end, and his own idiosyncratic confected automatic-seeming stream-of-consciousness associative ramblings begin, and how he gets from one “joke” or story to another. It’s really funny. But what’s particularly fascinating is how he sells out seven nights in a row at Melbourne Town Hall, all-the-while maintaining a proximity, I believe, to literature, or dare-I-suggest-it, the contemporary poetry (TCP).

Paul_Foot1One way he does it is to couch or frame his TCP in terms such as “nonsense” and “my madness” or “disturbances”. Foot says something like: “these are phrases I came up with when I was in a disturbed frame of mind.” What he really means is these fragmented, Dadaist moments are art, everyone, but don’t worry – laugh.

Foot goes as far as to attempt to footnote (!) the international comedy festival audience by reassuring them that if they laugh without knowing why, it’s ok. Essentially this is how fringe TCP or literature is, in that Foot needs to let the audience know that although they may not have had any experience of a punning Joyce, or the wild chunky otter-waisted phrasing of Breton or the odd-funny vignettes of a Russell Edson or local poet Michael Farrell’s witty deadpan, that by placing two disparate objects/things/words together, one might find literature, surrealism and hilarity. “Grief sausage!” Foot shouts, as part of what he calls “my madness” sketches, and the room is in stiches, and I think to myself, where is TCP going wrong? Do we need to get out of jeans?

It’s reassuring to hear the devices of TCP working. It helps, too, to have a humorous context, some gentle handling of expectations, and physical theatre (or a physical haircut), perhaps, to prep people in. The same goes for learning poetry – it’s a bore until the student finds the phrase or poem that sits up for them like a bow tie.

It occurs to me to do a drawing. Because it’s the kind of thing blogging allows for.

SebaldI haven’t done it yet but I plan to place it into the text just like Sebald. I’ll try my best not to refer to the drawing, I’ll just let it sit in this blog-piece, perhaps early on in this blog piece somewhere in the middle of the never-ending first paragraph; sit it quietly, detached from explanation, like a menacing low-quality Sebald photo – snug, up there, within the text. I guess if you keep referring to Sebald’s style in a satirical context, it might make the next author who tries to put grainy photos into their novel hesitate because Sebald did it best, first, and it’s hard to go anywhere from there. I could make it a drawing of a foot. I’ve drawn feet before and I quite like drawing them. The toes encourage a certain freedom with the pencil as you begin to speed up in filigreed lost patience with something a little more studied and realistic such as the tone of an essay or a review of a novel or small poetry collection… Although I’m not quite convinced by this bloggy-trouser approach, it’s a little closer to the voice of my own TCP where I might put my hands up to a passing ocean liner, or end a joke, a one liner, on Boris Becker’s nickname. It pleases me to reference tennis players of the 1980s. I’ll try to, also, over the month, match the personal nature of the blog, with socks. Becker, now the coach of Novak Djokovic, was my favourite tennis player growing up.

Drawings and images (C) Luke Beesley 2016

Get the latest posts delivered to your mailbox:


text:
Friday, November 28, 2014

New (Kinda) Research: Three quarters of whites don’t have any non-white friends

According Robert Jones of the Public Religion Research Institute, most white Americans don't have non-white friends. This research done in August, but it has popped up again due to the Michael Brown case.

This chart/pic is very telling and sad in a lot of ways

Are we that far apart?

1 comment:

Damien said...

Nope - yes its an extra 7 - but it goes to show how dreadfully segregated *WE* keep ourselves.

And a tragedy for everyone.


text:
 Site Search
 News Flash
Hot Travel Deals 'Round the South
Renaissance Charlotte SouthPark's Whitewater Deal
Visitor Guides and Guidebooks
Web Travel Resources
Festivals & Events
Hotels & Resorts
Outdoor Adventure
Historic Sites
Wine, Brews and Spirits
New Distilleries with Tours Open in KY
Dogs, Cats and Critters
Along the South's Roadways
Family Fun
Golf and Other Sports

Food, Wine & Brews

Chowing Down in Charleston's Historic District

 Tuesday, February 27, 2007

 Photo of diners in Charleston.

Dining in Charleston is a cornucopia of eclectic choices.*

Savory Dining In Charleston

The Historic District Serves Up Diverse Fare

By Natasha Lawrence

Charleston is rich in restaurants serving up down-home dishes. Travelers visiting the downtown historic district might check out the clusters of dining venues along N. and S. Market, East Bay, Church and State streets.

Among the sampling of choices for visitors?

  • Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. (843-723-5665, www.bubbagump.com), 99 S. Market St. A chain eatery offering soups, salads, sandwiches, seafood entrees and traditional fare such as pasta, baby-back ribs and steaks. Open for lunch and dinner.

  • Casa Grande (843-723-9820), 85 S. Market St. This is a great spot for Tex-Mex cuisine such as chiles poblanos stuffed with cheese, and very reasonably priced liters of house wine. Open for lunch and dinner.

  • Garibaldi’s (843-723-7153), 49 S. Market St. Northern Italian cuisine is featured here, including homemade pasta and such seafood dishes as seared flounder. Open for dinner.

  • Mistral (843-722-5708), 99 S. Market St. This restaurant serves up Southern French country cuisine. Open for lunch and dinner, and Sunday brunch. There are live music performances.

  • Sticky Fingers (843-853-7427, www.stickyfingersonline.com), 235 Meeting St. Craving savory barbecued ribs and chicken? This is the place to go. Open for lunch and dinner.

  • Tristan (843-534-2155, www.tristandining.com), 55 S. Market St. Along with traditional favorites, an avant-garde menu includes marinated ostrich filets, hickory-smoked lamb ribs and cherry vanilla-glazed duck breast. Open for lunch and dinner.

If you'd like information about a tour of Charleston's Old Market, in the heart of the downtown historic area visit our South Carolina state page!

Freelance writer Natasha Lawrence resides in the Charleston area. She contributes to Internet travel Web sites and such publications as Savannah Magazine, Northern Virginia Magazine, Alaska Business Monthly and Florida Woman. She has also written several guidebooks and guest lectures for cruise ship enrichment programs on journal writing and calligraphy

*Photo is owned, copyrighted and used with permission from the Charleston Convention & Visitors Bureau. All rights reserved. Please do not link to nor copy this photo. Thank you.

 State by State
 Southern Journeys Blog: Kathy Witt
 Missouri (Southern/Branson)
 North Carolina
 South Carolina
 West Virginia
 Travel Sections
 African-American Culture & Heritage
 Americana & Nostalgia
 Antiquing & Flea Markets
 Aquariums & Zoos
 Book/DVD/CD Reviews
 Civil War Sesquicentennial
 Civil Rights Movement Sites
 Cruising & Maritime Sites
 Dogs, Horses & Critters
 Elvis Sites 'Round the South
 Family Travel
 Food, Wine & Brews
 Gardens and Woodlands
 Hispanic Culture and Heritage
 Homes & Plantations
 Honeymoon & Romance
 Hotels & Resorts
 Luxury Travel
 Movie Sites of the South
 Museums & the Arts
 Music & Entertainment
 Native American Culture & Heritage
 Outdoor Adventure and Eco-Sites
 Quirky and Spooky Stuff
 Science and Technology
 Senior Fun
 Shopping & Flea Markets
 Spa Vacations
 Sports Attractions
 Tees & Greens
 Theme Parks
 Travel Tips & Gadgets
 Vacation Rentals
 Walking & Driving Tours
 Press Room
 Advertising Rates

Wine Enthusiast - 120 x 90

About Us   |   Site Guide   |   Events & Festivals   |   Book/DVD/CD Reviews   |   Downloadable Photos   |   Reader Information   |   Feedback   |   Links   |   Contact Us   |   Home

2017 © SouthernTravelNews.comTM All rights reserved.  |  Privacy Policy


text:
Google+ richard photo lab Archives - Southern Weddings

Southern Weddings

Tag: richard photo lab

When we set out to create Southern Weddings V8, one of the shoots we were most excited about was this one: The Fabric of a Southern Belle. We’ve never really done a “fashion” shoot before, and naturally, we wanted to put our own SW spin on this one–hopefully, inspiring y’all in a deeper way than just with pretty gowns. Conversations in our office and on Instagram led us to our inspiration: what is it exactly that makes a Southern belle? We all know it’s more than just an address–it’s a way of life and of looking at the world, and in honor of the belles in our own lives that we admire and look up to, we dove into the qualities that make Southern belles so special. With the help of seven Southern designers, seven darling reader models, and a tremendously talented team, we created a look for each gal that personified one of the qualities we find most prominent–we hope you see a little bit of yourself and the ladies you love in each one!

The Southern belle is gracious. She has a servant’s heart and is the first to lend a hand. Sydni looked fabulous in “Brooke Mason” by Alabama designer Heidi Elnora!

The Southern belle is elegant. While more can be more, she prefers just enough. How gorgeous is Anne Louise in “The Woodlands” by Texas designer Lela Rose?

The Southern belle is confident. She doesn’t need the approval of others, but stands firm in the truths of which she can be sure. Our own Emily’s sister, Kimberly, rocked “Barrymore” by Charleston designer Kate McDonald, and it was so much fun having her at the shoot!

The Southern belle is romantic. She believes in love at first sight, summer romances, and marriages that are strong as a Southern oak. Claire looked lovely in Style 5885 by Miami designer, Liancarlo.

The Southern belle is fun. She isn’t afraid to play, to dance, or to laugh with her head thrown back. We couldn’t get enough of our darling cover gal, Alexandra, in the “Kian” corset and “Priya” skirt by Texas designer Watters!

The Southern belle is warm. Her doors are always open and her front porch always full. Kimberly looked amazing in “Jenny” by Georgia designer, Anne Barge!

The Southern belle is strong. She exemplifies both femininity and inner fortitude. The “Bridgette” gown by Nashville designer Olia Zavozina was so striking on Megan!

Thank you SO much to the talented team and reader models who made this day possible! To see more from this shoot, pick up a copy of Southern Weddings V8, now on news stands across the Southeast, or order online in the Southern Weddings Shop.

Keep an eye out for more Southern Weddings V8 editorials coming up on the blog in the coming weeks! In the meantime, we’d love to know, which of these qualities do you most identify with? Does it match your favorite gown? I’m a “romantic” at heart, but the “elegant” gown is one of my favorites in this issue!

Photography: Eric Kelley / Film Processing: Richard Photo Lab / Venue: Tuckahoe Plantation / Stylist and Florals: Mallory Joyce / Hair and Makeup: Heidi Marie Garrett

lisa Written with love by Lisa
  1. avatar Victoria reply

    LOVED this feature!! The “southern belle is gracious” look with the magnolias just stopped me in my tracks- SO beautiful!

  2. avatar Stephanie Scholl reply

    This entire feature is pure PERFECTION. I can’t possibly choose a favorite look or favorite characteristic – every detail is exquisite and so beautifully represents a Southern belle. I’m so in love with this whole shoot.

  3. avatar Erin | Elizabeth Anne Designs reply

    the gowns… the brides… all gorgeous!

  4. avatar Dana reply

    So glad you added more photos from this shoot here! Love it even more now!

Southern Weddings reserves the right to delete comments which contain profanity or personal attacks or seek to promote a business unrelated to the post.  And remember: a good attitude is like kudzu – it spreads.  We love hearing your kind thoughts!

Reply to:

Hi ladies + gents! You all were so enthusiastic about our round-up of images from past issues of Southern Weddings that we wanted to elaborate a bit on what, exactly, makes our print images so special (in our humble opinion, at least!). In a word? Film.

Braedon Flynn as seen in V4

Of course, it goes without saying that we love both digital AND film photography. We feature both types in print and online and truly believe a great photograph is a great photograph, no matter the medium. We have both incredible film and incredible digital photographers in our Blue Ribbon Vendor Directory!

A Bryan Photo as seen in V4

Still, why are we such fans of film? To tell you the truth, when I tell people that we shoot our editorials mostly on film, or that my wedding photographer shoots exclusively film, they think it’s the strangest thing! They can’t believe that in this day and age, people still go to the time and expense to shoot film instead of digital. But you know what? I think that’s exactly why film photography and Southern Weddings are such a good match. We appreciate and celebrate a lot of things that have been forgotten “in this day and age,” like graciousness, hospitality, romance, honoring your history, timeless and classic style, slowing down, and being kind to and appreciative of the community that surrounds you as you plan your wedding.

Katie Stoops as seen in V4

However, the most important reason that we use film to shoot our editorials is that to our mind, you simply can’t beat the soft, romantic look of the final images. In V4, every major editorial was shot on film, as were the covers of V1, V3, and V4! Seven of our V4 real weddings were also shot all on film or partially on film.

Jose Villa as seen in V4

That being said, we have to introduce you to Richard Photo Lab, the company who almost every film photographer trusts to develop their rolls. They’re the ones we use for Southern Weddings shoots, too, because since we’re not photographers ourselves, we’re inclined to trust the recommendation of the photographers we work with. And the recommendation, unanimously, is Richard Photo Lab.

Paper Antler as seen in V4

A small sampling of their stellar client list: Jose Villa, Lisa Lefkowitz, Jonathan Canlas, Tanja Lippert, Bryan Johnson, Yvette Roman, and Tec Petaja. Goodness gracious. We love Richard’s for some of the same reasons we love film and the South: they still take the time to do things the “old fashioned” way, like paying meticulous attention to every single frame, never applying “one size fits all” settings, and treating their clients as valuable instead of expendable. We think nothing sounds more Southern than that!

Veil and Bow as seen in V4

To close, we just wanted to send out a little public service announcement to every bride, no matter what sort of photographer you hired: get those photos off of your high-res disc and onto your walls! Gorgeous photos are meant to be lived with and appreciated every day, y’all! And when you do print those photos, make sure they’re the highest quality possible and printed on archival paper and all that goodness — your wedding photos are destined to be heirlooms passed down to your grandchildren, so treat them right! Unsurprisingly, we’re big fans of Richard Photo Lab’s printing options.

While you go run and grab that disc, we’ll be taking our own advice and ordering up the top picks from our survey. We’ll be sure to share a photo of our wall when we’re done!

emily Written with love by Emily
  1. avatar annabella charles reply

    I absolutely love this post!!! Especially encouraging brides to print their images. xoxo

  2. avatar Stacey reply

    Here here! So wonderful of you to call out film because it truly is an art and a differentiator in this industry! It’s important for couples to realize they’re still getting their photos delivered digitally, to share in all their favorite online ways, but your point about printing is so true too. Thanks for all that you do, Richard Photo Lab!

  3. avatar neal carpenter reply

    Returning to film has been one of the most rewarding things I’ve done for my business and art. I love film and can’t imagine shooting a wedding any other way. Thank you for helping to spread the word. Long live film.

  4. avatar Reggie reply

    This post is a breath of fresh air! Film is not a hipster / trend thing that will fade. Thanks ladies for en-lighting brides about film!

  5. avatar Josh Malahy reply

    Ah, the only people in the industry I love more than y’all are Bill and Brian at RPL! They aren’t just a photo lab, they are artists!

  6. avatar The Friday Fresh Squeeze | Floridian Weddings reply

    […] inspired wedding day shoot by Enna l Anne, Girls Night In on Glitter Guide. Wedding photography shot in film, we love it to! Paper pinwheels are so adorable and this DIY to make a paper pinwheel table runner […]

  7. avatar ali harper reply

    so lovely to read this post. and i think you said it best when you mentioned the “slowing down” aspect to film… it’s not just about the “look” that film delivers, but also being able to connect with my bride and groom… i love that i’m not looking at the back of my camera, but continually communicating with them while i’m shooting. and printing your portraits? yes please! it’s a win-win all around.

  8. avatar rylee hitchner | photographer reply

    i love you girls!

    this is all so true…. thank you for educating brides about the importance of professional prints & the beauty of film!

    thank you!

  9. avatar Wiley Valentine » Summer Glam reply

    […] Via { chair // dress // cocktail ring // rose watercolor // oysters // floral details […]

Southern Weddings reserves the right to delete comments which contain profanity or personal attacks or seek to promote a business unrelated to the post.  And remember: a good attitude is like kudzu – it spreads.  We love hearing your kind thoughts!

Reply to:


text:
Enter your email address:

Delivered by FeedBurner

Subscribe to Southwest Florida Forks

Add to Google Reader or Homepage

Thursday, January 2, 2014

Em-On's Thai Cafe

Em-On's Thai Cafe
southwest florida forks
is in the Green Tree Center in Naples, Fl.

southwest florida forks

It is located on the Southwest corner of Airport-Pulling and Immokalee roads. Em-On's has had the same owner and has been in the center for 20 years. In my book, this is a very good sign.

The dining area is very accommodating, with your choice of booths or tables.

southwest florida forks

They have a great lunch special, which runs from 11-3 Monday-Saturday day for $8.99. You will get a nice bowl of soup, a spring roll and an entree with white rice. Here is the menu. I apologize for the quality of the initial photo, but you can't be 100% all the time!

southwest florida forks

My dining companion (DC) decided to get one of the lunch specials. DC had Wonton Soup which looked very good.

southwest florida forks
DC does not like coconut milk, the Sine Qua Non of Thai Curries. DC opted for Prik-King-Gai which is a chicken stir fry with curry paste and vegetables. In this case, snow peas and carrots were used  It also came with a spring roll.

southwest florida forks
I have eaten here many times. The last time I was here I noticed a diner having a very good looking dish of Pad Thai. This is a stir fry dish with rice noodles, chicken, shrimp, Fish Sauce and peanuts among other things. What made this dish so appealing to me was the amount of shrimp in it.
southwest florida forks.
This particular dish is not part of the lunch special, but extra shrimp were only $3.00 more and it's quite enough to eat.

I have eaten here many times over the years and certainly would go back again.

Happy new year everyone,

another review on forks.

Em-On's Cafe
2364 Immokalee Rd.
Naples, FL 34110

Em-On's Thai Cafe on Urbanspoon
Post a Comment


text:
The Spatial {Query} Lab's mission is to make spatial technology, education, and information accessible to everyone.

While our current projects may seem quite different from each other, they all have the same overarching goal: accessibility.

Check out the latest news over in the News section. Feel free to Contact Us if you have any questions or comments.

The Spatial {Query} Lab is located at Texas A&M University - Corpus Christi, in sunny Corpus Christi, TX, USA.


text:
A Crowd of Quantum Entanglements

Phosphorus-in-silicon system could lead to quantum computers

In a flurry of research reports during the past six months, physicists have proven that silicon, the basis of computers today, could also be the best platform for tomorrow's quantum computers.

Such computers would use the quantum properties of atoms or molecules to perform calculations in a fraction of the time it would take conventional computers. However, so far only rudimentary quantum computers have been built, comprising only a few quantum bits (qubits) and built in exotic systems such as ion traps, cryogenically cooled superconductors, and optical tweezers.

Silicon could provide a useful path to systems with 100 or more qubits, say some scientists, because it would make quantum computers easily compatible with conventional ones. The silicon solution originated in 1998, when Bruce Kane, a physicist at the University of Maryland, in College Park, suggested making a qubit from the nuclear spin—a quantum property similar to magnetic moment—of the phosphorus atoms with which silicon is often doped.

In the past few months, researchers have reported progress in using the phosphorus-in-silicon system. In the latest development, a team of physicists led by John Morton of the University of Oxford reported that by using bursts of radio waves, they have managed to entangle the spins of 10 billion pairs of electrons and nuclei in a crystal of phosphorus-doped silicon. Entanglement is a phenomenon that allows quantum particles to be interlinked even if they are separated. It is used in quantum computing, along with another quantum phenomenon called superposition, to create qubits that can exist in many different states at the same time. The experiment is being hailed in the quantum computing community as a promising step toward silicon-based quantum computers.

According to Morton, the main advantages of his group's design are that it integrates easily with ordinary silicon circuits and that it produces qubits that last for a few seconds. In many other quantum systems, qubits last only milli- or microseconds, which makes it difficult to perform calculations.

Dane McCamey of the University of Sydney, whose research involves a similar system, says that what is important about Morton's work "is the generation of a large number of identical entangled pairs." McCamey and other experts, such as Stephen Lyon of Princeton, say these pairs could pave the way to a form of quantum computing where large entanglements are generated and then a series of precise measurements on individual qubits lead to massively parallel processing.

Though the Oxford experiment produced 10 billion sets of entangled pairs, the number that were usable as qubits was small, and that is unlikely to change soon.

Raymond Laflamme, executive director of the Institute for Quantum Computing at the University of Waterloo, in Ontario, Canada, cautions: "Some people are making the leap that we will have silicon quantum computers soon. We are on the right track, but the track is a long one."

About the Author

Saswato R. Das, author of the Update story on spintronic advances, contributes frequently to IEEE Spectrum. For one assignment, he interviewed science fiction writer Arthur C. Clarke. That 2008 interview turned out to be the futurist's last. "He was in poor health, but his mind was still very sharp," Das says. Based in New York City, Das has written for The Economist, Scientific American, and New Scientist.