My Blog

Watch and see.................

circleoflogic — Sat, 22 Mar 2008 01:48:37 GMT

www.zeitgeistmovie.com

I conduct Solar Pathfinder Solar site Surveys

circleoflogic — Sat, 08 Mar 2008 01:45:45 GMT

I wanted to post this for many reasons but the most prudent is to explain to my clients what tools I use in my solar site surveys. The energy crisis of the late 1970s and the consequent boom in the solar industry brought about a need for reliable solar/shade analysis. In answer to this need, a brilliant engineer and his mathematician wife teamed up and invented the Solar Pathfinder™. Other inventors also tried to answer the same call for a solar site analysis instrument, but none surpassed the Pathfinder™ in its engineering, accuracy, ease of use, comprehensiveness in solar site data collection. The panoramic view of the site reflected on the surface of the transparent dome combines with the transmitted image of the underlying Sunpath Diagram to reveal the site’s solar potential for the year. The Solar Pathfinder™ can be used anytime of the day, anytime of the year, and in either cloudy or clear weather. One siting takes only minutes and one simple tracing becomes the permanent record for the solar data. Although originally engineered primarily for the solar industry, the Pathfinder™’s unique ability to give quick, accurate solar/shade information for the entire year has proven to be the instrument of choice in several different industries: Architecture, Ecological Studies, Engineering, Fisheries, Forestry, Golf Course Management, Landscaping, Realtors/Appraisers, Universities/Technical Schools, Utility Companies, etc. Please call me if you are in need of these services.

World Car Free Network

circleoflogic — Fri, 29 Feb 2008 23:30:39 GMT

World Carfree Network brings together organisations and individuals dedicated to promoting alternatives to car dependence and automobile-based planning at the international level and working to reduce the human impact on the natural environment while improving the quality of life for all.

CARFREE SEATTLE or should I say "gASSHole free" Seattle

circleoflogic — Fri, 29 Feb 2008 22:55:29 GMT

I love this site and the work that is done in the name of car free is great!! Way to go Rob!! CARFREE SEATTLE is but a small part of the global carfree movement, an ongoing campaign aimed at making automobiles obsolete in urban areas where population density favors mass transit and other more efficient and environmentally friendly modes of transportation, such as walking, bussing, cycling. Overuse of automobiles makes people lazy and antisocial. It also fosters a dependence on oil resources which has short-circuited America's foreign policy while totally screwing the environment. Any move away from auto dependency is a step towards sanity and sustainability. The future is in your hands. Your every action has an impact. Carpool, ride mass transit, walk, bike. The phasing out of the automobile is an evolutionary step. http://thinksmall.org/car-free/index.htm

Do you have a The Puget Sound Community Change (PSCC) card yet??

circleoflogic — Thu, 17 Jan 2008 00:13:06 GMT

The Puget Sound Community Change (PSCC) program facilitates a new economic model that offers tools to align our daily economic activities with our deepest human values. When you shop, the program generates money for local businesses and nonprofits. The program offers a way for citizen-consumers to make conscientious decisions about their spending that will affect how money circulates within our community. The program is transforming our communities for the better by changing the way we shop, the way we do business, and the way we support the causes we care about. HOW DOES IT WORK? Every time you use your Puget Sound Community Card at a participating merchant, a portion of each transaction is: returned to you as a cash reward donated to a local community based non-profit or school of your choice. We call this portion of the transaction a "Community Rebate" and it turns "consumers" into "savers and givers". PSCC is a winning program for all parties involved: a win for the business owner who makes the sale and creates customer loyalty, a win for the community card holder who retains cash for future purchases and a win for the non-profit organizations and schools that receives an unsolicited, unrestricted donation. The Puget Sound Community Card is free and is not used for payment. You pay for your purchase with any payment form accepted by the business. The community rebate amount you receive for transactions will vary from business to business. Most businesses are offering a 10% Community Rebate. Groceries stores are less. You can find out who is participating and what their Community Rebate is in the business directory. Cash rewards are recorded in your own account, and you will receive monthly e-statements detailing your total earned cash rebates as well as the total donations you generated for selected non-profits in your community. Your community has everything to gain when you shop locally and share locally with the Puget Sound Community Change Program.

Toilet Lid Sink now thats an affordable grey water solution!

circleoflogic — Wed, 16 Jan 2008 23:36:14 GMT

I have used these in the past and it works great. And,... no the water does not come out of the toliet itself, it comes from the directly from the fresh water intake, the same water that people use to drink from and then it goes into the back of the toliet. It seaves lots of water and yes you can brush you teeth with this but one should spit inot the toliet instead of into the back of it just so one does not have to clean out the tank as often. TRY iT!!! Toilet Lid Sink With each flush of your commode, clean water that would otherwise go straight down the toilet is first routed up through a chrome gooseneck spigot to dispense pure water for hand washing. The Toilet Lid Sink installs easily without tools, is attractive for any bathroom and is a great space saver. Shuts off automatically. Porcelain-like white plastic replaces your existing tank top and adjusts to fit standard toilets up to 8in wide and 18-22in long. Built-in soap dish. Overhang varies up to 1.5in. Portion of each sale goes to the Natural Resources Defense Council for the protection of our nation�s water resources. http://pathtofreedom.com/peddlerswagon/homestead/ecogoods/toiletlidsink.shtml

Bright Idea!!

circleoflogic — Sun, 30 Dec 2007 00:33:04 GMT

Well if they are going to advertise at least they can work towards doing it in a sustainable way,... and might I say better than anyone else!!!!!!

Solatube Skylight Tubes

circleoflogic — Sat, 29 Dec 2007 01:55:26 GMT

The Solatube Daylighting skylight uses a reflective dome to catch light rays and direct them at any angle, regardless of the time of day. It then transports the trapped sunbeams down through a reflective tube into your desired area—think of you going down a waterslide. It's not rocket science, but definitely looks promising for those who have been skylight deprive

The Water Hog Rainwater catch sytems and Thermal water storage

circleoflogic — Sat, 29 Dec 2007 01:14:56 GMT

Waterhog Water Storage A Waterhog installation on a fence featuring the On-the-Wall optional wall mount. The Waterhog is a novel solution to the problem of rainwater or greywater storage in areas where space is at a premium. The Waterhog’s relative small size enables it to fit into many spaced previously not available to water tanks, while its modular design enables it to be extended and capacity increased bit by bit and in multiple locations around your house and property. The Waterhog’s narrow profile makes it the perfect water storage solution along side walls, down narrow passages and underneath decks and house structures. Being able to site flat, on its side or stand upright on its end the waterhog is adaptable to almost any situation. Waterhog Units The Waterhog is currently available individually with the colour being restricted to olive. Additionally there is an option wall-mounting kit, On-The-Wall designed specifically for the Waterhog tank to enable you to use existing structures as a mounting surface. Also available is an irrigation kit - comprised of an electric pump, timer and twenty meters of dripline. Water Storage Each Waterhog has a capacity of 183 Litres. The external dimensions of the Waterhogs are 1800mm x 500mm x 220mm. Groundhog Thermal Storage Houses of the Future - Groundhog in the Steel House. The Groundhog is designed purely to add thermal mass to a building. This means that the tanks is filled once, then permanently capped off. The Groundhog units do not connect to each other and do not store greywater for reuse. Groundhog is most effective when installed between floor joists immediately below the exposed floor surface. Groundhog Units Groundhog is sold in single units, with a minimum order of three. Each Groundhog consists of the plastic tank unit, which is coloured orange, an anti-algae tablet and a cap. Once the tank is installed it is filled with water on site using a hose or funnel. Once the tank is full the tablet is inserted into the tank and the hole is capped off with the cap provided. The Groundhog will weight approximately 200kg when full. Thermal Mass Groundhog is not made for potable use: you cannot store and then drink the water. For this purpose you would use Waterhog, which is made of certified potable plastic. The Waterhogs can also be used within the floor plane of a building. http://waterhog.com.au/

The Cool hunter is just that you always look for on the net

circleoflogic — Sat, 29 Dec 2007 00:57:01 GMT

If you want to dream a bit or need some visual imput for your daydreamin sessions then check this site out! They are a step ahead spotting and reporting on the most inspiring and creative posts in design, fashion, travel, lifestyle and more. As Coolhunter expands, they need your help in making this seamless transition while they create an enhanced Cool Hunter user experience. They are looking for an innovative web development company who has what it takes to bring new ideas to their growing http://www.thecoolhunter.net

"Ohhh to live beneath the tides ebb and see the first world order of things"

circleoflogic — Sat, 29 Dec 2007 00:18:23 GMT

Jelly-fish 45 floating house, About $2.6 million DREAMS of a cruisy life aboard a houseboat were never like this. Italian naval architect Giancarlo Zema's vision of living on and under water is the Jelly-fish 45. The floating structure stands 10 metres high (5.6 metres above sea level) and is 15 metres across with a spiral staircase linking five levels, accommodating study, bedrooms, kitchen, bathrooms and an observation deck three metres below the surface. There's room for six people: so if you all chip in, that's a shade more than $430,000 each, not including towing costs. Expected to go on sale by the end of the year. There is a plan for an underwayer dinning place on Lake Washington sometime in the future....... http://www.giancarlozema.com/ http://www.uwpresse.com/english/giancarlozema.htm

California Wins Global Warming Clean Cars Lawsuit

circleoflogic — Thu, 27 Dec 2007 03:26:52 GMT

http://www.yourtv20.com/news/econews/12772497.html California Wins Global Warming Clean Cars Lawsuit Story Published: Dec 22, 2007 at 8:18 AM PST In a victory for clean air, a Califonia federal judge rejected an auto industry lawsuit challenging California’s landmark rules requiring automakers to build cars that emit less heat-trapping pollution. The decision means California and 16 other states poised to adopt its rules are just one step away from making a big dent in global warming emissions, according to the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), which joined in the lawsuit on behalf of the state. In his 57-page decision, Judge Anthony W. Ishii wrote that “both EPA and California... are equally empowered to promulgate regulations that limit the emissions of greenhouse gasses, principally carbon dioxide, from motor vehicles.” The ruling means that the last remaining hurdle for the state to implement the clean cars rules is for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to grant California routine permission to enforce them. EPA has granted the state permission to enforce its air pollution rules for cars more than 50 times in the past, but it has sat on California’s latest request for nearly two years, prompting the state to sue EPA in a separate lawsuit. “Today’s ruling affirms California’s legal right to clean its air and protect the health of its citizens,” said Fran Pavley, a senior climate advisor with the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) and former assemblywoman who wrote the 2002 landmark clean cars law, AB 1493. “The EPA should stop dragging its feet and give California the routine permission it needs to start enforcing the law.” Under federal law, California is the only state allowed to set its own vehicle emission standards. Other states have a choice between the federal rules or California’s stricter measures. Sixteen others states – Arizona, Connecticut, Colorado, Florida, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Utah, and Washington – are adopting California’s rules. Together with California, they account for 45 percent of the nation’s new vehicle sales. The auto industry lost its challenge in a similar lawsuit earlier this year in Vermont. California ’s clean cars standards will take effect in model year 2009 and ramp up to a 30 percent reduction in overall global warming emissions by model year 2016.

LivingWalls Make Ave Spaces Come to Life!

circleoflogic — Mon, 10 Dec 2007 00:59:55 GMT

I am going to be adding on to this Blog soon

Hello I am Uncle Sam and I am an Autoholic.......

circleoflogic — Mon, 03 Dec 2007 20:41:16 GMT

I have been fascinated by the slow up-hill climb that americans have taken towards driving an electric powered automobile. I have watched in complete awe the rising prices of gas and still see the proud and poor drive their gas machines everywhere. Weather it is to the local store (usually within 5-8 blocks of any place here in Seattle) or simply to work (an american ave of 7 miles ). One must ask themselves" Am I addicted to driving?" " Am I an autoholic?" But like many alcholohics that first step is by far the hardest step. I am not the first to bridge these two similar luxuries, in fact it has been a comparison as far back as the cars history. Will it take a 10 step program to change american's ways of moving around? Why? There are some many more varieties of "near cars than near beer available to the consumer and many with a lot of flare and style that the "gassholes" don't have. I have witnessed a few more bikes on the road and along with that have heard many more stories about bike accidents which is almost a contrived effort on behalf of our ME-dia. There is a new revolution waiting to change our whole economic and social political standard if we simple look at what there is to gain from changing out our engines. No pollution!- Well apparently the US is somehow still divided on this subject and until an ice burg crashes into the Seattle metropolitan downtown corridor still will be I guess. More Freedom- We would not get pulled over and we would be able to do those things we so love to do in our four wheeled closets!the music is far more superior and hell we could play guitar or a real trap set on the way to where ever. I bet this country would become a lot more tidy and ready to present themselves if we had more time on the way to anyplace. More $avings- The mere cost to operate an EV is many times cheaper than parking costs for an hour ($0.05-$0.10/charge)! Electric vehicles are divided into several groups and according to what kind of model one gets can pay almost no insurance compared to our wonderful "gashole" siblings. EV's are averaging in the $12,000-$20,000 which for what it does and the lessened cost of operation are quite good! FREE PARKING!!!! there are many places in the US that offer free parking spaces and free charging for EV's Higher Technology features- I am seeing a lot more Ev with collapsible streering columns meaning the day of hands free driving are getting ever so close to our mental bumper,...and why not! Why would anyone in the right mind want to be bogged down with the chore of driving when we could simple kick back and play ,..... well you fill in the rest for yourselves. The point is there are many ways to get around and being taken there is my preferred method I must admit and remember folks NO TICKETS WITH AUTOMATION DRIVING!!! NO MORE D.U.I.S, NO MORE INSURANCE TICKETS AND LOST LICENSES!!!! NO MORE CLASS DIVISION FOR TRANSPORTATION, LESS ACCIDENTS!! I must say that honestly I do think that this country will never have the guts to do this because quite frankly I really do believe that americans are in love with autocide and taxation, why else would they cling so tightly to their steering wheels? (remember to think about the obvious excuses people give when talking about alcoholics why they find it so tough to stop!) Why else would the legal system flood so many through it court system every day? And just what would become of our city budgets if we did not have all those lovely violations to rely on for cash revenue?? Just think what it might be like if people that have no chance of driving because of their unfortunate history could actually get to work?? Do you think that driving might be the last real thing that we feel we have control over? What a myth that is!! What is this nation driving towards? Japan and Europe have so much more tools available to them than we allow ourselves.Seems like pure hell to me!!

The best chemical stain I have ever used!!!! LIVOS from GERMANY

circleoflogic — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 23:44:31 GMT

I recently help work on an amazing home in Madrona and had to finish with a stain I had not seen before and after reading the label and then using the product I am completely sold on this product as the best oil and stain on the market. Read about it and you will see why. LIVOS Phytochemistry of America, Inc. Tel: (508) 477-7955, Fax: (508) 477-7988 13 Steeple Street, PO Box 1740, Mashpee, MA 02649 Safe, non toxic, pesticide-free, linseed oil based paint formulas have low to nonexistent solvent/VOC levels and absolutely no synthetic additives. You can find it in Seattle at : Environmental Home Center 206-682-7332 or 206-682-8275 fax: 800-281-9785 1724 Fourth Avenue, S., Seattle, WA 98134 Natural carpet and building materials Here is what I could find What is it that distinguishes LIVOS? About NEWH Custom Gallery Employment Openings Upcoming Tradeshows Privacy Policy Livos Products: Primers Oils Waxes Stains Thinners Cleaners At the beginning of the seventies scientists and technicians started to develop paints and varnishes based on natural materials. The result of this pioneer work was the plantchemistry of which LIVOS, after the foundation of LIVOS Pflanzenchemie Forschungs- und Entwicklungsgesellschaft mbH & Co. KG, became the first worldwide industrial producer. The evolution of LIVOS has been distinguished by a great number of original developments. And LIVOS will also accept the challenge of plantchemistry in teh future: be it in research or development of innovative new products or in the constant improvements of existing products. The demands, that the company makes on itself are high: only products of excellent quality that are absolutely healthy and ecologically friendly,are given the LIVOS brand. What is plantchemistry? Green leaves turn red in autumn - a chemical process in plants, one of millions. The knowledge of that combined with research results and future-orientated technology has led to an independent form of chemistry. Thanks to LIVOS experience since 1974, LIVOS now has a sound knowledge in the field of plantchemistry which it is continuously extended and explored. More and more people are suffering from allergies and symptoms of irritation. All substances in LIVOS products have therefore been clearly declared since 1984. The user can decide for himself which substances to allow into his environment. Furthermore, in 1988, LIVOS became the first manufacturer to start the development of specialised products for allergy sufferers. LIVOS products are used successfully by industry as well as by craftsmen and handymen. Principles: • sustainable economic planning • closed recycling systems • high technical quality with ecologically flawless products • customer-focused operations • regeneration of the environment • consumer awareness and independence Health aspects of LIVOS products: • free of any harmful substances • no production of harmful vapours during application • no release of harmful gases from dried coat • harmonising effect on the room climate • antistatic effect, meaning a reduction of dust levels Technical aspects of LIVOS products: • simple to use with all usual application techniques • easy renewability • economical use • special effects made simple • easy care Ecological aspects of LIVOS products: • based on renewable raw materials • completely biologically degradable substances • harmless to humans, animals, plants even in direct contact • environment-friendly production • trouble-free recycling • friendly to humans, the environment and posterity

The First International Solar Sculpture Challenge

circleoflogic — Wed, 14 Nov 2007 20:05:18 GMT

Well as I mentioned at the GreenDrinks last night I would hereby like to set forth The first Solar sculpture challenge. This should be a very interesting challenge and what lies in stor for the winner is yet to be announced. I will say that I think there ought to be some standards that this challenge should follow : 1 There shall be no batteries in the structure. All the solar should be direct use. 2. I think the scultputre should be bigger than a breadbox 3. The art installation should remain in one place. (I can envision it moving around but I think it should not be a vehicle or that moves more than 10 feet from a basic spot) 4. The sculpture must incorporate either photovoltaic cells, solar flat pannels, solar thermal evacuated tubes, or wind mechanics or all of the the above mentioned to qualify for entry. 5. The structure sculpture must be placed in the city of Seattle by the Summer Solstice 2008 (June 20th 23:59pm 2008)= June 21 2008 Any information can be sent to Solarseattle@hotmail.com I am seeking out volunteers and any assistance possible for this event and more particually website help and design. I hope that we can spread the word and create some attention to this so any help with that would be wonderfully appreciated. I believe that a challenge such as this can only inspire more creative ways to show the planet that solar energy (no matter what form) has the ability to provide us with safe and simple power. Scott Allison solarseattle@hotmail.com 206.736.6298 VM "The only thing that can possibly stop solar energy might be a cloud....but only for a moment!"

I am seeking out a space to build a strawbale studio

circleoflogic — Wed, 31 Oct 2007 21:03:47 GMT

I have been looking for a place around Seattle and well to tell you the truth I think I am finished living in apartments!! I have decided that I want to build my own place. So here is what I am offering...I am looking to find a space or backyard that i can hold a strawbale workshop. I will charge $250-$500 to attend ( a few consecutive weekends) which will help eleminate a lot of the costs to you in exchange for a place to live for a year. After that you will have a studio for whatever you want. Does that sound good to you?Let me know

Vitual Solar Tour of Seattle and some of it power generators

circleoflogic — Mon, 08 Oct 2007 07:07:46 GMT

I want to share some of the Sun generators virtually that exist in Seattle and the Puget Sound region. The following links will take you to online sites that calculate the amount of energy made to date, today and shows other fun info too! Don't you want to have one of these too!! I can help you with that!! This blog will grow in time so check back from time to time. http://www.seattleu.edu/scieng/solar/PAGE5.htm

I think all combustions engines should become outlawed!!!

circleoflogic — Mon, 24 Sep 2007 23:58:15 GMT

I am not alone!!!! http://www.carbusters.org/index.php

Sustainable Education Internship Intsitute for solar Living

circleoflogic — Mon, 25 Jun 2007 04:49:35 GMT

well since I graduated from the Institute For Solar Living in Hopland Ca. 2002 I have been very much supportive of sustainable educational schools and internships. I thought that I would list a few that I have found. I hope they might be able to guide you towards a better future. Renewable Energy- Intsitute for solar Living http://www.solarliving.org/ Locatedd in the heart of the california wine country in Hopland ( about 2 hr north of SF). This is the mother of all renewable energy internships and why I say that is because ISL has many original folks that actually started the solar energy industry. I dont care what anyone says these folks are the tried and true old pros that created the industry as we know it today. John Shaffer created Real Goods and probably sold many of the first production models that are so well known today. ISl hosts Sol Fest every year and if you get to be an intern for them in the summer months then you can help run the festival. This internship is still FREE!! You simply write them and tell them why you want to be an intern. you live on the grounds and help assist workshops that are given and so you get to expereince a lot more than just a weekend workshop. I lived in the old Dome with solar PV and hot H2O. I wouldnt trade that experience for the world.

Dwellings to think about..........

circleoflogic — Mon, 28 May 2007 07:25:13 GMT

I was simply cruizing solar energy links from IXQUICK.COM and I found a quite amazing artist eco brothar that has some wild structures to share with the logical beings,...so I just had to post it. I hope your days and nites are filled with solutions more so than .............? Here is the link: http://www.calearth.org/khalili.htm Nader Khalili, California architect/author is the world renowned Iranian-American Earth Architecture teacher and innovator of the Geltaftan Earth-and-Fire System known as Ceramic Houses, and of the Superblock construction system. Khalili received his philosophy and architectural education in Iran, Turkey, and the United States. He has been a licensed architect in the State of California since 1970, and has practiced both in the U.S. and abroad. Since 1975 he has been involved with Earth Architecture and Third World Development, and is a U.N. (UNIDO) consultant for Earth Architecture, the Ceramic Houses and SuperBlock Technologies. In 1984 the award for "Excellence in Technology" went to him for the innovation of the Ceramic Houses system, from the California Council of the American Institute of Architects (CCAIA), and in 1987 Khalili's project "Housing for the Homeless: Research and Education" received a Certificate of Special Recognition from the U.N. International Year of Shelter for the Homeless and U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

TRIBE SHOULD SWITCH TO IXQUICK.COM INSTEAD of google.com spybot inc.

circleoflogic — Wed, 18 Apr 2007 07:51:09 GMT

OK! OK! OK! Google did put solar on its roof in CA, but NOT IN SEATTLE!! This is not the basis of my gripe about this company that hoards and sells your info. I WANT TRIBE TO SWITCH AND USE WWW.IXQUICK.COM..... WHY? Because they are in Holland and have a sworn policy to never devulge information about its users and .....they are surf board makers!!! If you ask me this is more like the Tribe kind of company . PLEASE LET TRIBE KNOW ABOUT THIS!!! Read this and then read the little bit about WWW.IXQUICK.COM Google CEO Eric Schmidt doesn't reveal much about himself on his home page. But spending 30 minutes on the Google search engine lets one discover that Schmidt, 50, was worth an estimated $1.5 billion last year. Earlier this year, he pulled in almost $90 million from sales of Google stock and made at least another $50 million selling shares in the past two months as the stock leaped to more than $300 a share. He and his wife Wendy live in the affluent town of Atherton, Calif., where, at a $10,000-a-plate political fund-raiser five years ago, presidential candidate Al Gore and his wife Tipper danced as Elton John belted out "Bennie and the Jets." Schmidt has also roamed the desert at the Burning Man art festival in Nevada, and is an avid amateur pilot. That such detailed personal information is so readily available on public Web sites makes most people uncomfortable. But it's nothing compared with the information Google collects and doesn't make public. What Google knows about you • Gmail -- The e-mail service offers two gigabytes of free storage and scans the content of messages to serve up context-related ads. • Cookies -- Google uses cookies, which are commonly used to link individual users with activities. • Desktop Search -- Google's Desktop Search lets users easily search files stored on their computer. • Web Accelerator -- The application speeds Web surfing by storing cached copies of Web pages you've visited; those page requests can include personal information. Assuming Schmidt uses his company's services, someone with access to Google's databases could find out what he writes in his e-mails and to whom he sends them, where he shops online or even what restaurants he's located via online maps. Like so many other Google users, his virtual life has been meticulously recorded. The fear, of course, is that hackers, zealous government investigators, or even a Google insider who falls short of the company's ethics standards could abuse that information. Google, some worry, is amassing a tempting record of personal information, and the onus is on the Mountain View, Calif., company to keep that information under wraps. Privacy advocates say information collected at Yahoo, Microsoft's MSN, Amazon.com's A-9 and other search and e-commerce companies poses similar risks. Indeed, many of those companies' business plans tend to mimic what Google is trying to do, and some are less careful with the data they collect. But Google, which has more than a 50 percent share of the U.S. search engine market, according to the latest data from WebSideStory, has become a lightning rod for privacy concerns because of its high profile and its unmatched impact on the Internet community. "Google is poised to trump Microsoft in its potential to invade privacy, and it's very hard for many consumers to get it because the Google brand name has so much trust," said Chris Hoofnagle of the Electronic Privacy Information Center. "But if you step back and look at the suite of products and how they are used, you realize Google can have a lot of personal information about individuals' Internet habits--e-mail, saving search history, images, personal information from (social network site) Orkut--it represents a significant threat to privacy." Kevin Bankston, staff attorney at the Electronic Frontier Foundation, said Google is amassing data that could create some of the most detailed individual profiles ever devised. "Your search history shows your associations, beliefs, perhaps your medical problems. The things you Google for define you," Bankston said. The Google record As is typical for search engines, Google retains log files that record search terms used, Web sites visited and the Internet Protocol address and browser type of the computer for every single search conducted through its Web site. In addition, search engines are collecting personally identifiable information in order to offer certain services. For instance, Gmail asks for name and e-mail address. By comparison, Yahoo's registration also asks for address, phone number, birth date, gender and occupation and may ask for home address and Social Security number for financial services. "It's data that's practically a printout of what's going on in your brain: What you are thinking of buying, who you talk to, what you talk about." --Kevin Bankston, staff attorney, Electronic Frontier Foundation If search history, e-mail and registration information were combined, a company could see intimate details about a person's health, sex life, religion, financial status and buying preferences. It's "data that's practically a printout of what's going on in your brain: What you are thinking of buying, who you talk to, what you talk about," Bankston said. "It is an unprecedented amount of personal information, and these third parties (such as Google) have carte blanche control over that information." Google uses the log information to analyze traffic in order to prevent people from rigging search results, for blocking denial-of-service attacks and to improve search services, said Nicole Wong, associate general counsel at Google. Personally identifiable information that is required for consumers to register for and log in to Google services is not shared with any outside companies or used for marketing, according to Google's privacy policy, except with the consent of the user, or if outside "trusted" parties. GOOGLE SUCKS ASS!! NOW FOR THE GOOD GUYS!!! Alert: Keep Your Internet Searches Private Internet users were shocked to learn that the search queries of over 600,000 individuals were exposed online by AOL recently. Although the personal names of AOL users had been replaced with numbers, apparently for a research project, reporters and others were able to determine the identities of several people. Search terms revealed medical conditions, illegal activities, illicit interests, financial information, even Social Security numbers. The retention of search logs is a common practice of search engine companies, not only AOL, but also the other major services such as Google, MSN, Ask, and Yahoo. But a little-known search engine has made a name for itself by bucking the trend. Ixquick, a search engine based in the Netherlands, promises it will permanently delete all users’ personal search details from its log files. With this privacy policy, established in June 2006, Ixquick stands heads taller than its peers. www.ixquick.com To date, the other search engines store users’ search details for at least some time. Google, which is preferred by just under half of all users, stores search data indefinitely. Other popular search engines, including MSN, Ask, and Yahoo also have policies indicating that they store user data for an undefined period of time. When AOL released Internet search histories, the public realized that the search terms entered could tell a lot about the searcher. At least two user’s identities were revealed through search terms alone. The Washington Post reports that at least 190 users had entered their Social Security number into AOL’s search engine. Ixquick will delete a user’s IP address and has designed a cookie that will not identify an individual user. It says deletes all personal information within 48 hours. Switching to Ixquick does not mean you have to give up the other search engines. Ixquick is a metasearch engine, which means that it returns the top-ten results from multiple other search engines. It uses a star system to rank its results -- by awarding one star for every result that has been returned from another search engine. Thereby, the top search results are the ones that have been returned from the maximum number of search engines. The AOL situation is just the latest example of why data retention policies are a privacy risk for consumers. In December 2005, the U.S. government wanted data to support its proposed child pornography law. To get the necessary data, the government issued subpoenas to Google, Microsoft, Yahoo, and AOL asking for search histories and IP addresses. Google fought the subpoena, but eventually had to turn over Web site addresses that were returned by searches. At the time, the other search engines, which complied with the subpoena, claimed that no personal information was released by handing over the search histories to the government. The recent AOL incident shows how empty those statements were. What’s the lesson to be learned from this privacy meltdown? Relying on a search engine’s promise not to reveal your information may not protect your personal information. The best solution is to use online services that minimize data retention. If a search engine has no data, then a subpoena for personal search information is useless. You can search the Internet in private at www.ixquick.com At least two complaints have been filed with the Federal Trade Commission about AOL’s disclosure of search terms: Complaint of the World Privacy Forum (WPF), www.worldprivacyforum.org/pdf/WPF_FTCcomplaint8162006fswp.pdf Complaint of the Electronic Frontier Foundation, www.eff.org/Privacy/AOL/aol_ftc_complaint_final.pdf For tips on search engine privacy, read the WPF’s guide: www.worldprivacyforum.org/searchengineprivacytips.html.

Can you say Burningman solar CAMP?

circleoflogic — Tue, 10 Apr 2007 03:09:25 GMT

I was cruzing thru some of my thousands of links as I do from time to time to see what kind of updayes have been published and what has been created and I seem to find the most incredible logic that seems to persits on a lot of the other corners of the planet and hopefully ours too sometime.....This one I found on the site of the solar powered boat that crossed Alantic not so long ago http://www.sun21.ch/index.php?id=121 called the Sun21. Amazing craft,...check it out. Anyway I saw what must be a tent bound for Burningman and if not I think It should be....It is called the SolarZelt which I think means solar tent but my interpretational skills are a bit americant-ized. Enjoy and dream I am busy with a cute Seattle girl right now....so Peace

In Case you ever wondered to just what level I exsist at well,....this is where I am at......PLEASE JOIN ME!!!

circleoflogic — Wed, 28 Feb 2007 07:22:38 GMT

I think that american standards need to strive towards this sort of commitment,..... Every school, hospital, wharehouse, mall, city hall, state office, every city function building every building that holds more than 100 people! Every building that has sun on it!!!! WHY NOT??? PLEASE TAKE THE TIME AND ENJOY EACH OF THESE SITES!! http://www.pvresources.com/en/top50pv.php#floriade

Control Room to do Live Earth Concert Series

circleoflogic — Wed, 28 Feb 2007 06:22:53 GMT

02.15.07 AL GORE, KEVIN WALL, PHARRELL, MANA, CAMERON DIAZ LAUNCH UNPRECEDENTED CAMPAIGN !!!! AL GORE, KEVIN WALL, PHARRELL, MANA, CAMERON DIAZ LAUNCH UNPRECEDENTED CAMPAIGN, CONCERT TO COMBAT CLIMATE CRISIS "Live Earth" Concerts in All 7 Continents to Reach Global Audience of Over 2 Billion Los Angeles, CA – Detailing a historic effort to engage billions of people across the globe, Kevin Wall, Al Gore, Pharrell Williams, Maná, Cameron Diaz, and the MSN Network today launched Save Our Selves (SOS) – The Campaign for a Climate in Crisis. The announcement was made at the California Science Center. SOS is designed to trigger a global movement to combat our climate crisis. It will reach people in every corner of the planet through television, film, radio, the Internet and Live Earth, a 24-hour concert on 7/7/07 across all 7 continents that will bring together more than 100 of the world’s top musical acts. Live Earth alone will engage an audience of more than 2 billion people through concert attendance and broadcasts. MSN has partnered with SOS to use its reach to make the Live Earth concerts available across the globe. The Live Earth audience, and the proceeds from the concerts, will create the foundation for a new, multi-year global effort to combat the climate crisis led by The Alliance for Climate Protection and its Chair, Vice President Al Gore. SOS was founded by Kevin Wall, who won an Emmy as Worldwide Executive Producer of Live 8. “Our climate crisis is the paramount challenge facing humanity. SOS is more than a global distress call. SOS will give the world the tools we need to answer that call with meaningful action. The most important part of SOS is how individuals, corporations, and governments respond,” Wall said. “Our climate crisis affects everyone, everywhere, and that’s who SOS is aimed at. Only a global response can conquer our climate crisis. SOS asks all people to Save Our Selves because only we can.” “In order to solve the Climate Crisis, we have to reach billions of people. We are launching SOS and Live Earth to begin a process of communication that will mobilize people all over the world to take action,” Gore said. “The Climate Crisis will only be stopped by an unprecedented and sustained global movement. We hope to jump-start that movement right here, right now, and take it to a new level on July 7, 2007.” “At MSN, we have the worldwide audience and the technology stage to help unite a global community around SOS and Live Earth,” said Joanne Bradford, corporate vice president and chief media officer of MSN. “Anyone around the world with an Internet connection will be able to come to MSN to view not just the concert events, but also an extensive collection of interactive media that will entertain, educate, inspire and ultimately drive change.” Wall announced 25 of the 100 top musical acts that have answered SOS’s call and are performing at Live Earth. SOS is also engaging other celebrities, CEOs, athletes, academics and government leaders to engage their constituencies. Please see that attached list of 25 artists. “More than 100 artists are performing at Live Earth and they’re all headliners. That’s what it takes to engage billions of people. We’re not just engaging fans of the Red Hot Chili Peppers and Snoop Dogg, or the Foo Fighters and Faith Hill. We’re engaging them and everyone in between,” Wall said. “We’ve been overwhelmed by the response from the artist community and are feverishly working out the logistics for all of the bands that want to be involved. Today we are announcing just the first 25 and will soon be announcing even more headliners who, for contractual reasons, cannot be announced today.” The campaign’s identity is based on SOS, the international Morse code distress signal: three dots, followed by three dashes, followed by three dots. SOS is the most urgent, universal message we have, and SOS will use that signal as a continuous distress call to prompt individuals, corporations and governments around the world to respond to our climate crisis with action. “SOS is creating an unmatched communications platform to take on an unparalleled crisis,” Wall said. “Our message must saturate the globe if we’re to succeed, and we will. In the US, we’re partnering with NBC-Universal and its networks. On satellite radio, we have SIRIUS and XM. In the UK, we’re partnering with the BBC. In Japan, we have a historic partnership with two broadcast partners. We have already secured television, Internet and wireless coverage in 120 countries, and the rest are soon to come.” Wall announced that Live Earth concerts will take place in Brazil, Shanghai, Japan, Johannesburg, London, Sydney, and the Eastern United States. Live Earth will be broadcast worldwide on MSN, which was the first sponsor to answer SOS’s call. MSN is one of the world’s most popular Internet destinations, and as such will allow the SOS campaign to have a global reach. MSN has services in over 42 markets and 21 languages, and more than 465 million people around the world visit MSN each month. Beginning today, people can go to http://liveearth.msn.com and begin participating in the global movement, and on 7/7/07, to watch the Live Earth concerts. Live Earth is being produced by Control Room [ http://www.controlroom.com/ ], of which Kevin Wall is the CEO. Control Room has produced and distributed more than 60 concerts since its founding a year and a half ago featuring Beyoncé, Madonna, Green Day, Dave Matthews Band, Keith Urban, James Blunt, Snoop Dogg, the Rolling Stones, among others. Its multi-partner network provides a global reach for live offerings through broadband, television, digital movie theatres and mobile phones throughout the U.S. and the world. Live Earth will implement a new Green Event Standard that will become the model for carbon neutral concerts and other live events in the future. The Green Event Standard is being developed in partnership with the U.S. Green Building Commission to create a way for venues to be LEED-approved. +++++++ Liveearth.org ! I CAN SEE A LOT OF SOLAR POSSIBILITIES HERE FOLKS!!! CALL ME AND LETS GO INSTALL SOME SOLAR FOR THEM !!