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Maintain Your Solar System
Solar system specialist Glen Morris wears many hats. The Vice-President of the Australian Solar Council, a technical presenter at workshops and conferences, and contributor to Solar Progress Magazine (where we found this article). More recently Glen took on a role as guest lecturer at Swinburne University teaching Solar Power Systems and Grid Connect short courses. Between commitments he penned these insights into the importance of PV maintenance.
"Recently I had a group of students up at my place learning about installing off-grid renewable energy systems. One of their tasks was to mount some second-hand thin film modules onto the roof of my house. These modules been out in service for about four or five years and had collected some dust in use and subsequent storage. In numerous installation standards and guides for calculating the performance of a PV system we are told to allow 5% for dust and dirt derating. I thought I'd test the thesis. Washing with soapy water first gave about a 5% increase in performance under full midday sun but left a film of soap scum on the modules.
Subsequent hosing and mopping to remove the soap scum added another 5% performance, even after leaving the modules to warm up to normal operating temperatures. The overall outcome was a 10% gain by cleaning what looked like lightly dusted modules.
Maintenance of a PV system is far more than just cleaning though. Considering the investment in power generation that many have made, it is really about ensuring the financial productivity and safety of that system going forward. Apart from cleaning, other important tasks are checking for any physical damage, checking the performance of the system and inspecting the modules for any visible changes to the cells and module structure."
Some matters to consider:
- Confirm the system is working - compare commissioning records (if any) with actual performance. Remember that modules derate their power very slightly with age (usually <0.5%/year) but this may not be a linear process. Some modules have a very noticeable drop off in performance in their first year or so and then stabilise.
- Working at heights is dangerous. Consider engaging professionals to perform this task safely if you don't have the necessary skills and equipment.
- Before undertaking any physical checks or cleaning, turn off the system. An electrical fault on the system could make the modules or frame live.
- Perform visual checks first - are there any damaged cables, modules or isolators? If so, call your installer before commencing any further maintenance.
- Wash the modules with plain water – a long handled brush with a hose fitting can make this activity much safer - sometimes even from the ground or the roof edge.
- Wait for the panels to warm up again and recheck the performance. Cool panels produce more power and may give a false sense of gain if you're too quick in checking the change in output.
And finally, while cleaning your panels, take the opportunity to look closely at the PV modules. If you notice any changes to the colour or evenness of the modules it may be worth having your installer investigate further.
Some visual changes are harmless and just part of the natural aging of the modules but any evidence of overheating or "hot spots" are serious and the systems should be shut down immediately and professional advice sort.
Since the publication of the new PV array standard AS/NZS 5033 last year, it has become mandatory for all systems to provide user documentation that includes a maintenance schedule. Check that you have one and observe its recommendations. Remember that after the installer's workmanship warranty has expired the owner is responsible for the upkeep and safety of their electrical system.
SolarGreen offer a panel clean and system inspection service - why not enquire today: http://www.solargreen.net.au/contact-us.html


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Photographs are treasured items you want to hold on to for as long as possible. Careless handling, improper storage, and exposure to the elements can all ruin precious memories. Whether a 150-year-old Daguerrotype or a Kodak snapshot from a few years ago, all photos require care. Here are some tips to help make sure you don't lose these valuable artifacts.
The Kansas City Public Library is recognizing Preservation Week (April 24-30, 2011) with two special sessions on caring for your photos, both print and digital (because digital images can be lost, too).
This Saturday, April 16, at 11 a.m., Missouri Valley Special Collections Librarian Lucinda Adams leads a presentation on Caring for Print Photographs. The following Saturday, Digital Projects Manager Jordan Fields will lead a presentation on Preserving Digital Images. Both presentations are free; RSVP online to attend.
1. Maintain a Suitable Environment:
A suitable environment for photos is cool, dark, and dry, with an average temperate of 65 degrees Fahrenheit and a relative humidity in the range of 30 to 40 percent. Basements and attics are often not temperature controlled, and environmental changes can cause the emulsion to buckle and crack, the colors to fade or shift, and the likelihood of mildew to increase. As many Kansas Citians know, basements tend to flood, too. Avoid exposure to direct sunlight at all costs.
2. Don't Use Tape
If a photograph tears, don't use tape to fix it. Instead, leave the tear unmended and place the photo in a clear polyethylene envelope to prevent further damage.
3. Put Down the Pen
Writing on the backs of photographs is a good way to identify family members, locations, the date, and so forth, but do so only in the margin and only with a no. 2 pencil. Never use an ink pen. And be careful not to push too hard when writing. Mechanical pencils usually work best.
4. Choose the Right Album
If you want to have easy access to your photos by keeping them in an album, first, avoid albums that use adhesives to keep the pictures in place. Look instead for an album that holds photos on a polyethylene page. Another method is to store photos in acid-free paper boxes with acid-free paper dividers.
5. Be Careful About Cleaning
It's best not to attempt to clean photos, as images are produced by many different techniques, some of which require professional cleaning. Fortunately, most "dirt" that appears on photographs is not threatening to the survival of an image. When in doubt, consult a professional conservator.
6. Don't Display Really Old Photos
Original 19th and early 20th century photos are best tucked away in a fireproof safe. If you want to show them off, scan them and make reproductions.
7. Don't Wait for Future Generations
Start the identification process during preservation. Grab your mechanical pencil and gently write down everything you know on the backs of your photos, such as people, places, events, and dates.
For more information on caring for photos old and new, come to the 5th floor of the Central Library on Saturday, April 16, at 11 a.m. If you have questions, call the Missouri Valley Special Collections at 816.701.4500 or e-mail Lucinda Adams.

subset: commoncrawl


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The Ultimate Cream Tea Recipe
Any cookbook hoarders out there? You know who you are!
My own personal cookbook obsession explains why I was so excited to participate in the Food Blogger Cookbook Swap, hosted by Alyssa of www.EverydayMaven.com and Faith of http://www.anediblemosaic.com. These ladies are always coming up with fun and creative ways for food bloggers to connect. I also participated in their Food Blogger Prop Swap last summer.
Here's how the cookbook swap worked:
- I sent a cookbook to Shikha at Shikha La Mode
- Heather at Girlichef sent me this cookbook: Preserving, Made at Home by Dick & James Strawbridge (Thanks Heather – Love the cookbook!)
Then I chose a recipe from the cookbook to share on my blog. I settled on something sweet and budget-friendly. Something that I think you guys will enjoy making yourselves.
About The Recipe
After flipping through the cookbook that was sent to me, I quickly settled on a delicious looking recipe for The Ultimate Cream Tea. At first I was a little confused about what Cream Tea really is. A drink? A meal? A ritual?
Turns out, Cream Tea is a tea where clotted cream is served with scones. It's not high tea, which is a common misconception. It's its own thing. Correct me if I'm wrong, but if someone invited you over for cream tea, you could expect to get this.
But I digress. In all honesty, the American in me was reminded of strawberry shortcake when biting into these homemade biscuits. And even more so since I used whipped cream instead of clotted cream. My bad. Call them what you want. I call them delicious.
Here's a full list of all the bloggers who participated in the cookbook swap:
A Baker's House ● An Edible Mosaic ● avocado bravado ● Blue Kale Road ● Blueberries And Blessings ● Confessions of a Culinary Diva ● Create Amazing Meals ● Cucina Kristina ● Culinary Adventures with Camilla ● Cupcake Project ● Dinner is Served 1972 ● Done With Corn ● Eats Well With Others ● Everyday Maven ● Flour Me With Love ● From My Sweet Heart ● girlichef ● Great Food 360° ● Healthy. Delicious. ● I'm Gonna Cook That! ● Je Mange la Ville ● Karen's Kitchen Stories ● Kitchen Treaty ● Olive and Herb ● OnTheMove-In The Galley ● Our Best Bites ● Paleo Gone Sassy ● poet in the pantry ● Rhubarb and Honey ● Rocky Mountain Cooking ● Shikha la mode ● Shockingly Delicious ● Sifting Focus ● Spiceroots ● Spoonful of Flavor ● Tara's Multicultural Table ● The Not So Exciting Adventures of a Dabbler ● The Suburban Soapbox ● The Whole Family's Food
The Ultimate Cream Tea Recipe
As I noted above, I used whipped cream instead of clotted cream. I was less concerned with making cream tea that was authentic, and more concerned about making something delicious without spending a lot of money. Win!
Recipe note: To make superfine sugar at home, simply place sugar in the blender and pulse until the sugar becomes fine. Avoid processing to the point of getting powdered sugar!
- 3 1/3 cups self-rising flour (14 1/2 ounces)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 7 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into small cubes
- 2/3 cup superfine sugar
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 2 teaspoons vanilla
- 1 egg, beaten
- 2 tablespoons milk
- Clotted cream, for serving
- Strawberry jam, for serving
- Preheat oven to 425F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper (or grease and flour it). Place flour, salt, butter, and sugar in a mixing bowl. Using your fingertips, rub the mixture together until all of the butter is incorporated.
- In a separate mixing bowl, whisk buttermilk, vanilla, and most of the egg. Gradually pour the liquid mixture into the butter mixture, mixing with your hand. Be careful not to overmix.
- Place mixture on a clean floured work surface. Shape dough into a circle about 1 3/4 inches thick. Cut 6-centimeter circles out of the dough using a circular dough cutter or cookie cutter. Place on prepared baking sheet. Repeat with remaining dough.
- Combine remaining egg and milk. Brush the top of the dough with egg mixture.
- Bake for approximately 15 minutes, or until golden brown. Remove from baking sheet and place on a baking rack to cool slightly. Serve with clotted cream and jam.


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Previous: The Kanawha-Putnam Ad-Mailer, guest commentaries in The State Journal, published in: Anthology of Appalachian Writers Vol 2, Holler, awards from WV Writers Conference 2004, 2011.
Get The Message
There is a new trend around the world called upcycling. Upcycling is when you take something at the end of its design usefulness, and use it to create something different.
Make Your Own Holiday Luminaries
Luminaries are great for providing just a little touch of lighted decorations for your celebration. They are easy to make, using just a few things you have around the house.
Create Your New Look for Spring at Tracie's Beauty Cottage & Day Spa
Spring is just around the corner. If you've been thinking of updating your look, or just need to dump those winter blahs, stop by Tracie's Beauty Cottage & Day Spa.
Tan Station 2 - One Simple Stop, Many Special Services
Nestled between the Windfield Police Department and Curves, on Route 35 in Windfield, Tan Station 2 offers more than just tanning beds.
"Sew Many Things" for Quilters
Just 13 miles off I-79 on US 119, toward Spencer, nestled on the second floor of the Walton Thriftway, you will find Sew Many Things.....
American Made with Custom Finishing or DIY
Shopping for that special dining room or bedroom suite doesn't have to be a frustrating exercise in mediocrity.
A Delicious Alternative To Flowers Arrives in Teays Valley
If you are looking for something different to send for that special occasion, stop by the Scott Junction Shopping Plaza in Teays Valley ...
Lap Band(R) Reversible Weight Loss System (Pt 4)
In the final part of our Lap Band System series, we will review post-operative expectations, adjustments and anticipated weight loss.
Lap Band(R) Reversible Weight Loss System (Pt 3)
In this third part of our series, we review the pre-operative and operative process involved with the reversible Lap Band System.
Lap Band(R) Reversible Weight Loss System (pt 2)
In the first of our four part series, Dr. Ahmad Bali gave a general overview of the Lap Band system. In this second part, Dr. Bali provides some information ...
Lap Band(R) Reversible Weight Loss System (Pt 1)
If you are at your wit's end trying to keep your weight under control, you may want to consider the "no-cut, no-sew" alternative to gastric bypass ...
Appalachian Tire Products Teays Valley
"Let's wow 'em with our customer service@" That is the mantra of Brandon Huffman, the new store manager at Appalachian Tire Products Teays Valley.
AAA Partners with Disney Jan 26 10-2 for Disney Day Celebration!
AAA and Disney have teamed together to create a special day for you to play your 2008 Disney Vacation.
State of Emergency Requires More Public Information
The response to the water emergency in West Virginia is being bungled by a lack of leadership. It does not matter, at this point, whether the water is dangerous or not.
Pamper Yourself and Your Car
Time. Everyone is short on it. With the holidays approaching you need every advantage to save it.


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DATES: Dec. 1, 2022 - May 14, 2023
TIMES: 10, 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.
PRICE: Included with membership or General Admission
Explore the Garden with an expert who will highlight the living collection of
*Docent tours are subject to availability, details will be posted onsite daily at the Cohn Gathering Area.
Tour size: 15 people
The Garden's Summer Camps are back! Register your child to one of three drop-off camps that will encourage the next generation of outdoor enthusiasts, conservationists and environmental scientists.


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White Sage & Lavender Incense Bricks
Burn to induce: Positivity, Calm, Relaxation and Purification.
Scent profile: Clean, and Sweet & Herbal
White Sage blended with Lavender is one of the best combinations that provides purification along with a calming effect that soothes the senses. Aromafume's White Sage & Lavender Incense Bricks are a beautiful combination of natural sage extracts and Therapeutic Grade Lavender essential oil that will deepen relaxation, cleanse and resonate positive energy.
Useful to debunk negative energies from spaces outside and within, White Sage & Lavender Incense bricks will relax your mind as well as purify the home. When burned, it diffuses a deep, earthy, sweet and inspiring scent that is perfect for relaxation, grounding & protection.
Use this low-smoke, non-toxic incense by placing a brick on the copper plate of our custom exotic burner and lighting a tea-light candle below it. Imbibe the diffusion of the rich blend and experience the magic.


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I was just wondering what are the licence terms on those types of wordpress themes.
Under what licence are they distributed? Can they be used for commercial purposes? Basically, my question is – if a theme is free, what am I allowed and not allowed to do with it?
I would like to know as much as possible


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June 8, 2011 at 5:55 PM
Well, I'm sure everyone was waiting to hear how my violin search had gone and it has gone well indeed! I'm now the proud owner of a John Johnson violin made in 1759 in London. I'm really happy to own this instrument and I really think that it is a violin that I will keep with me for a long while. It has a lot of great qualities and it's been really fun exploring it thus far. It reacts to bow speed, pressure and sounding point changes fairly differently from my old violin and it's been fun to explore those three variables.
Other than that, I'm going full steam ahead with my DMA audition repertoire and it's going fairly well. I had a lesson with Dr. Kim on Monday and it was nice to get some feedback. From here on out, I am having weekly lessons. I can play through the entire second movement of Barber without too many problems, now I just need to make it more musical. I'm only planning on spending another week on it and then I'm switching to the Bach Fugue, working solely on the third movement of Barber and getting the St. Saens in my fingers. I'm enjoying the challenge of learning all of the music and I'm glad my job is flexible enough to let me get as much practice time in as I want/need. I'm also working my way through some of the exercises in Basics; specifically the ones focused on intonation! My intonation is worlds better than it ever used to be but I must get it closer to perfection. Violinistically, this is going to be a great summer for me. I'm also doing a lot of scales work. Eventually, I'm going to need to start doing intervals as well. I don't do enough of that kind of work and it takes me longer to learn those passages in music. Another thing I need to work on is 4th finger vibrato. i used to have a pretty good one but it seems to have disappeared, so I'm working on getting it back and getting it stronger.
Yesterday, I spent a fair amount of time giving my website an update. I added a new page and updated all of the pictures. Some of them were really old and didn't match up with how I look now. I've lost quite a bit of weight and looking at those old pictures made me realize how different I looked in my recital versus the other photos of me performing. If you want, check it out at www.andrewpaa.com. I think it's a much better website now.
Currently, I'm trying to draw out students in the area I live in. There are actually quite a few violinists and it's hard to make them aware of your presence as a teacher when there isn't a music store in the town you live in. But, I keep trying anyway. :) In August I'll put an add in a few of the local papers again. It seemed to work last time.
Que bella ! I know you will be very pleased with your new gem. I can only imagine how it must feel to own , and be worthy of an instrument that fine. My wife and I are just beginners and are like new parents with our new student instrument. Good luck on all of your pieces , and cangratualtions again on your new acquisition.
At the Harp and Crown, Cheapside. I had a lovely small viola by Johnson from the same period. Alas it was stolen in NYC in 1967 and never recovered. Congratulations on your find. I hope you enjoy it for many years.
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text: Did you hear just how fun our Father Daughter Dance was last month? From the Candyland themed decorations to the desserts and table settings, this year's dance was truly sweet. We were pleased to host about 60 fathers and daughters for our Saturday dance. The girls were lovely, their dresses beautiful and it was wonderful to see the daughters recognized for the treasures they truly are. A special thank you, also, to our 5th and 6th grade boys, who helped serve and host during this event.


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Date of Service:
Work Done on:
Class A - Gasoline
Service Performed:
Oil change and chassis lube
Evaluation of Service Performed:
It was time for some routine maintenance on our motorhome while
we were camped at a nearby KOA. We called Transwest
and they told us to bring it in-no appointment
necessary. I am particular about oil and filters,
so I had all of that with me. They performed the
required service within about an hour of arriving
which I thought was pretty good. No problems,
although I thought the charge of $70.00 for the
service was a little high.
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Wednesday, November 28, 2012
{Know Her}: "Our Thrill Seeker"
5 comments:
- AnonymousNovember 28, 2012 at 2:30 PM
I loved this post! You know how you can "like" things on facebook! I wanted to "like" every thrilling picture of her and every thrilling story you told about her! I laughed out loud at how she waved to the dinosaur and how she said that he was cute!! Haha...she is hilarious and so adorable! I love her bravery!! I want to be a bit more of a thrill seeker like Vienne!! :)ReplyDelete
- AnonymousNovember 28, 2012 at 10:41 PM
She was a little heroine! What a perfectly lovely little girl. I wish my kids would've known her. Thank you for sharing these beautiful pieces of her with us. She obviously felt very loved and full of joy, that she was able to be true to herself, without care. xoxoReplyDelete
- AnonymousNovember 28, 2012 at 11:06 PM
I especially love the dino pictures. My son wanted to see this exhibit soooo bad, only to run out of it crying hysterically. I love what you've captured on film, you are a talented photographer :)ReplyDelete
- AnonymousNovember 29, 2012 at 8:46 AM
Love you dear friend.ReplyDelete
Thanks for this post Jenny. Each one I get to know Vienne a little better. Aren't kids funny with their little quirks? I guess we all have them..ReplyDelete


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A release date slip-up on Nintendo of Europe's amiibo websites may have just revealed when Nintendo NX and The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild are coming out. Or it might have been an honest mistake. But since Nintendo still hasn't told us much of anything about NX aside from its March 2017 release date, I figured it was worth diving down the rabbit hole.
As of this writing, Nintendo UK and Nintendo France's amiibo sites both list a "04/03/2017" release date for the three planned Breath of the Wild amiibo (they show up as part of a random sample at the bottom of the page, as spotted on Reddit and NeoGAF): Archer Link, Rider Link, and Guardian. That's March 4, 2017, for my fellow US-style date readers. Amiibo generally come out on or after the release date of their associated game, which puts Breath of the Wild's release date on or before March 4, 2017 as well.
Nintendo has indicated that Breath of the Wild will be a release title for Nintendo NX (it will also hit Wii U as originally planned). Transitive property, ergo, vis a vis, et cetera: the release date for Nintendo NX is March 4, 2017. That's just math!
A few issues keep this from being one-hundred percent "a-ha!" material. First off, the amiibo release date could be a mix-up - it's a Saturday and Nintendo typically releases its products on Friday in Europe. Though if the company is going for one of those worldwide simultaneous releases that are all the rage these days, that's still plausible.
But even if the date is legit, Nintendo could simply be planning to release the Breath of the Wild amiibo before the game they're based on. They don't have to arrive simultaneously. And Breath of the Wild might not end up being an NX launch title. So yeah, a lot of leaps to make there. But this is the kind of red string we start threading around when Nintendo leaves us in an information drought about its new console for months at a time!
Seen something newsworthy? Tell us!