Selected Song: BEAUTIFUL DAY by U2
Although not the first company to do so, Dow Chemical is developing roof shingles containing photovoltaic cells that can be hammered with nails like ordinary shingles. The difference with Dow is that the company plans to bring it's product mainstream. Global Solar is also helping Dow in bringing this project to the light of day and their own their way in swaying potential markets due to the solar shingle installations taking half the time of conventional solar installations. Another competing company is United Solar Ovonic with its integrated solar cells not requiring glass covers, unlike like Dow's shingles, allowing Ovonic's product to have greater flexibility.
Daylight Saving Time is here again and will continue to brighten our days with every passing week. During this time, the longer hours of daylight reduces the need to use indoor lighting, therefore saving energy costs. DST was first used during World War I so that energy could be saved for war production. Then for World War II the use of DST was initiated once again by the Federal Government, requiring this of all the states.
Read more about DST
More on Solar Shingles
In my novel, Helen and The Hunter, there's a newly developed housing community that uses solar paneled roofs.
Sunday, March 14, 2010
Friday, March 12, 2010
Using Light to Disinfect Water
Selected Song: SHINE by Collective Soul
An international research team has developed a photocatalyst to disinfect water using sunlight or artificial light and even after the lights are turned off. While there have been variations of this technology, it's the newly developed photocatalyst that is activated using visible light, unlike UV rays, and causing the needed chemical reaction. Nanoparticles of palladium are involved in the disinfection process. Using the photocatalyst, after an hour of shining a halogen desk lamp over a high concentration of E. coli, the bacteria dropped from 10 million cells per liter to one cell per 10,000 liters. This test, also conducted in the dark, was a success. An advantage to its ability to disinfect quickly, is that large volumes of water could be cleaned by exposing the tainted water to light as it flowed through pipes.
Visit Using Light to Disinfect Water for a detailed explanation.
An international research team has developed a photocatalyst to disinfect water using sunlight or artificial light and even after the lights are turned off. While there have been variations of this technology, it's the newly developed photocatalyst that is activated using visible light, unlike UV rays, and causing the needed chemical reaction. Nanoparticles of palladium are involved in the disinfection process. Using the photocatalyst, after an hour of shining a halogen desk lamp over a high concentration of E. coli, the bacteria dropped from 10 million cells per liter to one cell per 10,000 liters. This test, also conducted in the dark, was a success. An advantage to its ability to disinfect quickly, is that large volumes of water could be cleaned by exposing the tainted water to light as it flowed through pipes.
Visit Using Light to Disinfect Water for a detailed explanation.
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Who's that Girl?
Selected Song: WHO'S THAT GIRL by Madonna
Characters have purpose in every story, but if their author doesn't give them direction or even traits that help to define who he or she is, then that character will be a silhouette. Active is definitely better than passive, in most cases, and the character needs to have drive, as they strive toward the goal that likely, and should, evades them. It's in this pursuit where the character gains and builds upon who they are and what they'll become by the end of the story. It can sometimes be difficult to distinguish one character from another due to each sharing similar attributes, however, at least one or two these should be exclusive to that character, therefore adding to the dynamic of the plot and throughout the story.
Of course, each character will be set apart by physical aspects, but these are not the qualities that make them who they are. Supporting characters might help in shaping the main character(s), but it's the specific and recognizable strengths and weaknesses that will ultimately prove who that person is and what they are and aren't willing to do to reach their goal(s). This is part of the character dynamic that compels the reader to continue reading, knowing that the author has done the job of bringing to life characters who can be trusted to be who they are, and not a copy of those around them. Giving a quirk or habit is the start toward shaping a character's personality and motivations that will grow into a more complex individual, preparing them for awaiting challenges.
The question to ask when creating and building a character is who are they and how best can they be portrayed. As the topic title asks, 'Who's that Girl?' and what's she about? Everything else will follow, and hopefully, so will the readers.
Characters have purpose in every story, but if their author doesn't give them direction or even traits that help to define who he or she is, then that character will be a silhouette. Active is definitely better than passive, in most cases, and the character needs to have drive, as they strive toward the goal that likely, and should, evades them. It's in this pursuit where the character gains and builds upon who they are and what they'll become by the end of the story. It can sometimes be difficult to distinguish one character from another due to each sharing similar attributes, however, at least one or two these should be exclusive to that character, therefore adding to the dynamic of the plot and throughout the story.
Of course, each character will be set apart by physical aspects, but these are not the qualities that make them who they are. Supporting characters might help in shaping the main character(s), but it's the specific and recognizable strengths and weaknesses that will ultimately prove who that person is and what they are and aren't willing to do to reach their goal(s). This is part of the character dynamic that compels the reader to continue reading, knowing that the author has done the job of bringing to life characters who can be trusted to be who they are, and not a copy of those around them. Giving a quirk or habit is the start toward shaping a character's personality and motivations that will grow into a more complex individual, preparing them for awaiting challenges.
The question to ask when creating and building a character is who are they and how best can they be portrayed. As the topic title asks, 'Who's that Girl?' and what's she about? Everything else will follow, and hopefully, so will the readers.
Monday, March 8, 2010
Jellicoe Road by Melina Marchetta
Selected Song: STAND IN THE RAIN by Superchick
Hardcover
419 pages
HarperTeen
ISBN: 9780061431852
Taylor, at age eleven, was abandoned by her mother at a 7-Eleven on Jellicoe Road. Now, 17, Taylor is a leader at the Jellicoe boarding school that is caught in a turf war between the townies and the cadets. When Hannah, who had taken care of her for the past six years and was like a parent and friend to her, leaves the school and no one tells Taylor why, she finds Hannah's journal and uses it to try and discover the mysteries of the past. Jellicoe Road has a cast of characters who have answers to both the present and the past in this intriguing and thought-provoking story of friendship, love and courage.
Hardcover
419 pages
HarperTeen
ISBN: 9780061431852
Taylor, at age eleven, was abandoned by her mother at a 7-Eleven on Jellicoe Road. Now, 17, Taylor is a leader at the Jellicoe boarding school that is caught in a turf war between the townies and the cadets. When Hannah, who had taken care of her for the past six years and was like a parent and friend to her, leaves the school and no one tells Taylor why, she finds Hannah's journal and uses it to try and discover the mysteries of the past. Jellicoe Road has a cast of characters who have answers to both the present and the past in this intriguing and thought-provoking story of friendship, love and courage.
Friday, March 5, 2010
Some of My Movie Synopses
Selected Song (Instrumental): AUTUMN MARATHON by Andrei Pavlovich Petrov
These are some of my short reviews/summaries that I wrote for the Weekend section of the Florida Times Union.
Sweeney Todd
Tim Burton’s malevolent film of macabre magnificence finds Benjamin Barker’s (Depp) family thrown into chaos by a sinister judge. Emerging years later, Sweeney Todd (Depp), vengeance incarnate, reclaims his barber’s blade and cuts through more than the hairs of those needing a good cut. Sweeney seeks justice with help from pie shop owner, eccentric Mrs. Lovett (Helena Bonham Carter). This atmospheric and musical marvel will captivate those who enjoyed Phantom of the Opera and Les Miserables.
Alvin and the Chipmunks
AVP: Requiem
John Rambo
John Rambo storms the big screen once again in this no-weapons-barred onslaught. After the Burmese army destroy a Thailand village and take missionaries hostage, Rambo and accompanying mercenaries are their only lifeline. With guns and intensity blazing against them, the Burmese have no chance in this one-man vendetta, but they never let their ammo cool down. It’s a film not for the faint of heart, but one for those with a spirit to preserve freedom.
There Will Be Blood
These are some of my short reviews/summaries that I wrote for the Weekend section of the Florida Times Union.
Sweeney Todd Tim Burton’s malevolent film of macabre magnificence finds Benjamin Barker’s (Depp) family thrown into chaos by a sinister judge. Emerging years later, Sweeney Todd (Depp), vengeance incarnate, reclaims his barber’s blade and cuts through more than the hairs of those needing a good cut. Sweeney seeks justice with help from pie shop owner, eccentric Mrs. Lovett (Helena Bonham Carter). This atmospheric and musical marvel will captivate those who enjoyed Phantom of the Opera and Les Miserables.
Alvin and the Chipmunks The chipmunk trio belt out a loud and proud performance on the big screen in this fantastic CGI rendition. Dave Seville (Jason Lee) is a music producer who finds himself the target of anything but success then finds his calling (Alvin!) in three dare-to-be-adorable “squirrels”–err–chipmunks. Dave embraces the role of manager, becomes protector from the villiany that is a corporate record label, and finally, yet reluctantly, relents to being a father figure.
AVP: RequiemInterstellar warfare descends on a Colorado town in this terrifyingly terrific sequel: AVP: Requiem. This killer thriller pits the aliens against a lone Predator whose objective is to eradicate the green gruesomes and by chance, human heartfelts. Loaded with all that is alien, Requiem infests the screen on an invasion from the forest into the sewers and inevitably into the sleepy town. The nightmare that ensues is one that even the National Guard cannot stop.
Atonement
Set in the 1930s English countryside, Atonement tells the story of an envious girl whose mislead by her own deceit when exposing a controversial tryst. The identity crisis separates her older sister from a young man, though the tides of time cannot keep them from drifting apart. Not even his enlisting in the war in place of imprisonment. A poignant film filled with moments of hope, adoration and one sister’s path to atonement.
AtonementSet in the 1930s English countryside, Atonement tells the story of an envious girl whose mislead by her own deceit when exposing a controversial tryst. The identity crisis separates her older sister from a young man, though the tides of time cannot keep them from drifting apart. Not even his enlisting in the war in place of imprisonment. A poignant film filled with moments of hope, adoration and one sister’s path to atonement.
John RamboJohn Rambo storms the big screen once again in this no-weapons-barred onslaught. After the Burmese army destroy a Thailand village and take missionaries hostage, Rambo and accompanying mercenaries are their only lifeline. With guns and intensity blazing against them, the Burmese have no chance in this one-man vendetta, but they never let their ammo cool down. It’s a film not for the faint of heart, but one for those with a spirit to preserve freedom.
There Will Be BloodDaniel Day-Lewis commands an engaging performance as an oil prospector, Daniel Plainview, in There Will Be Blood. Black gold surges through his veins, as he’s able to wield his words to match its lucrative persuasion for land owners. With the help of his boy, Mr. Plainview creates a profitable business worth protecting, even if it’s at his own oil-drenched and bloodied hands. Not since Gangs of New York has Lewis portrayed such an exceptional character.
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Racoons, Alice, and a Hatter Gone Mad
Selected Songs: THE LOOK by Roxette and VIEW TO A KILL by Duran Duran
I was searching through photos and saw some I had taken of a raccoon. I happened to take one with it's tongue out. That raccoon is either very thirsty or is laughing about raccoon attacks, at our (humans) expense (medical or otherwise) on behalf of his masked bandit buddies.
While creating this post I thought about how Alice from the Resident Evil movies infiltrated Raccoon City despite the Umbrella Corp. being in relentless pursuit. There's that look in her eye...staring daggers - while holding daggers. But that's Milla's movies: runnin', gunnin' and stunnin'.
I'm sure Alice found Raccoon City to be no wonderland, though that's the place Johnny Depp finds himself when playing the Mad Hatter in Tim Burton's whimsical remake of Alice in Wonderland.
That's right Johnny, Wonderland is that way. Beyond the chocolate waterfalls, over the green apple glade and past the Oompa Loompas into the land of...well he looks freaked enough as it is. Burton will tell him. Happy (or Mad?) Hatting!
I was searching through photos and saw some I had taken of a raccoon. I happened to take one with it's tongue out. That raccoon is either very thirsty or is laughing about raccoon attacks, at our (humans) expense (medical or otherwise) on behalf of his masked bandit buddies.
While creating this post I thought about how Alice from the Resident Evil movies infiltrated Raccoon City despite the Umbrella Corp. being in relentless pursuit. There's that look in her eye...staring daggers - while holding daggers. But that's Milla's movies: runnin', gunnin' and stunnin'.
I'm sure Alice found Raccoon City to be no wonderland, though that's the place Johnny Depp finds himself when playing the Mad Hatter in Tim Burton's whimsical remake of Alice in Wonderland.
That's right Johnny, Wonderland is that way. Beyond the chocolate waterfalls, over the green apple glade and past the Oompa Loompas into the land of...well he looks freaked enough as it is. Burton will tell him. Happy (or Mad?) Hatting!
Monday, March 1, 2010
A Laptop Theft, LeeLee/LeeLoo; Video
Selected Song: THIEVES by Lunic
I went to the community college to visit a friend and while in the library I learned (no not from books) of a guy who was there after having stolen a girl’s laptop from the previous week. How do I know it was a girl’s? The laptop was pink! So there the guy was sitting at a table near the wall using the computer. The campus police showed up and confronted the thief with the girl in company. She got her computer and the guy got a shiny pair of handcuffs. Crime doesn’t pay and I suppose you can’t put a price on idiocy either, given that the person returned to the crime scene with the stolen property. Seems like he needs to be educated in the school of higher learning.
I was drinking an orange Sobe the other day 
and thought of the actress LeeLee Sobieski and knowing that Sobe prints slogans beneath their bottle caps how could I not think of LeeLee Sobe’ski. So I decided to make my own (in Photoshop).
On the topic of LeeLee or LeeLoo, as in Milla Jovovich's character in The Fifth Element, I watched it once again on television despite having it on Blu-ray Disc. Then I got to thinking about how both actresses starred in two versions of the movie Joan of Arc. With Milla in Luc Besson’s version and LeeLee in a TV miniseries.
Milla’s movie characters can be fierce yet classy, but let either of these actresses try to face off against this class action hero:
I went to the community college to visit a friend and while in the library I learned (no not from books) of a guy who was there after having stolen a girl’s laptop from the previous week. How do I know it was a girl’s? The laptop was pink! So there the guy was sitting at a table near the wall using the computer. The campus police showed up and confronted the thief with the girl in company. She got her computer and the guy got a shiny pair of handcuffs. Crime doesn’t pay and I suppose you can’t put a price on idiocy either, given that the person returned to the crime scene with the stolen property. Seems like he needs to be educated in the school of higher learning.
I was drinking an orange Sobe the other day and thought of the actress LeeLee Sobieski and knowing that Sobe prints slogans beneath their bottle caps how could I not think of LeeLee Sobe’ski. So I decided to make my own (in Photoshop).
On the topic of LeeLee or LeeLoo, as in Milla Jovovich's character in The Fifth Element, I watched it once again on television despite having it on Blu-ray Disc. Then I got to thinking about how both actresses starred in two versions of the movie Joan of Arc. With Milla in Luc Besson’s version and LeeLee in a TV miniseries. Milla’s movie characters can be fierce yet classy, but let either of these actresses try to face off against this class action hero:
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