Independence Day 2011

I heard that a $22 billion treasure was found in a temple in India. My cube-mate from India, Harshad, was interested to hear this but said it will probably be mostly stolen by the corrupt police. Ah, memories of Indonesia and the corruption I experienced. Most of Asia and Africa are rife with corruption and everyone there thinks of it as the status quo. Well, not all cops in the US are angels, but most have loads more integrity than police like this.

Corruption in America is quietly veiled in corporate and government boardrooms. The recession is the result of a remarkably similar act. People who are given the responsibility to guard our finances have stolen from us and we are supposed to look the other way. These people are subsidized by our goverment and allowed to survive, even thrive, as well as given more important positions due to their expertise. (Watch Inside Job for an in depth explanation of the financial crisis)

It is true that most Americans do not constantly live in fear of violence or opression from law enforcement. We are spared the fear because our corruption hides in the shadows like a thief. This thief only rears its ugly head when it needs further funding, and the public is more than willing to oblige, as long as we don't have to be afraid.

It's organic too!

Unless you are one of the engineering or political science species, my last post was probably a bit boring. I got a suggestion from a friend that I might be too technical.  This project will be organic, it will go through many changes during its life. While I know I don't exactly have throngs of visitors yet, I still realize that these thoughts are meant to be shared with others, like an audience. See I even remember English class terms. Nonetheless, thanks so much to the 41 visitors I did receive through curious Facebook friends.

I was excited to hear that Dow has developed a solar shingle. Not that the whole thing is all that amazing but it seems a perfect start to moving to a green economy, as well as becoming energy independent on your own. Of course no one is listing the price on these things but I think it's cool how they can be retrofit on to an existing roof just like laying the regular shingles.

Why am I so interested in solar panels and energy independence? I was inspired by the 19 hour traffic jam I sat in while trying to leave Houston during Hurricane Rita. I would have just stayed home if I had a secondary source of power. Enough to run the air conditioner and refrigerator and I'm good! Wouldn't it be nice to know that if the power went out you could rely on yourself?

Here in Houston we also have one of America's largest collections of "plants". Refineries, chemical plants, fabrication, shipping, blah, blah, blah....lots of industrial stuff. Since I work as an engineer in Houston, I get an inside look at some of the varied ways we collect energy and what it takes to do that.

I'm also sick of getting up at 5:45 every day, putting on the corporate uniform and giving someone else all of my good work. I want to make something that makes a difference and get up at 8 am, play with my boy and have breakfast with my wife. I'll work hard, I promise. I feel like I am asking someone for the chance to do this but I know it's me who has to take it. When that one idea pops into my head, watch out! I'm outta here!

The (actual) Beginning

I heard it was hard to write a blog. So now three and one-half years later I am starting post two and finally making the blog public. That little boy in my profile pic, as well as a bit of world travel have kept me busy.

I have a tattoo of a Chinese compass which was meant to remind me to balance all things in my life. Sometimes that is the greatest challenge I have. After almost three years of travel I am finally able to concentrate on myself, my family, and the possibility of starting a new business. My own company would allow me to grow a part of me that is lacking in the work I am now doing. While engineering can be creative, the artistic side is lacking. I need some more balance.

On the radio this morning I heard a story about how power reserves went below expected levels during higher than usual demand. Houston area officials asked for voluntary power usage reductions on Monday from industrial and residental customers from 3-7 pm. This is all caused by high temperatures, a drought and a possible shortfall in the energy system. The shortfall I am talking about is the growing consumption of power caused by the effects of consumer appetite for electrical appliances and global warming. OK, sorry for the liberal rant, but it's not all false.

The US EIA reported that while energy efficiency standards have reduced the amount of energy used in homes, the share of energy used by residential customers has doubled. This concerns me because the trend in energy resources seems to continue to favor corporations holding the reigns. The installed price per kW of residential solar just keeps dropping and yet the incentives from providers disappear daily. The responsibility of electricity generation can be shared by the consumer but the incentives need to be greater.

The past incentive programs have not been popular with consumers because more money is coming out of their immediate cash reserves. Requiring builders to include energy saving devices such as solar panels and on demand water heaters would create more jobs in manufacturing and service sectors and allow the consumer to spread the cost out over the life of the home. Incentives can be shared with the builders while creating jobs.

I don't profess to have the answers here, I just want to be one more advocate for cleaner energy for everyone. This type of energy is so accessible now that it would be a shame to delay moving to a greener economy.

Bumpy Road

A few weeks after Ian was born I got laid off at work. Boy does that company suck!!

(this was my second post four months later)