Every day is a new day and with that, a new opportunity.
EVERYONE is welcome and please join us each morning at 7:30 AM PACIFIC
to tell us what you're working on, share your show & tell, vent, whatever you want...
...this is an open thread. Nothing is off topic.
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Do you have any solar or wind power energy source where you live?
In California Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E) has to have 30% of electric energy produced from "green energy" by 2020, which means energy produced by both wind turbines and solar panels. California has 38,000,000 people. There is no way PG&E could possibly build enough wind and solar farms to accomplish this, so what is happening is third party companies that install solar panels are teaming up with PG&E to get individual homes set up. Currently we get many solicitations in the mail from these companies. What they do is look at your home from satellite images then tell you if your home is viable for solar panels. Ours they tell us is not. However they can see the roof of our home is in full sun in summer. What they don't get is the trees around our home are mostly deciduous and therefore the roof is in full sunlight in the winter too. I'll keep trying my best to get one of these companies to possibly put up solar panels.
What getting solar panels installed does for you (there are subsidies and incentives to do so) is guarantee a rate you'll pay for electricity in the future, no matter how much PG&E charges for it. There are tiers for the rate you'll pay depending upon when you get solar panels installed. From what I've gathered there are seven tiers...the lowest rate is $0.22 per kilowatt hour and it's designated for those in tier E7. If you get (as of now got) your panels up soon enough, you'll lock in that rate. But the quota for that tier is already filled, so any one getting solar panels from now on will have to pay a higher rate, currently tier E6...but that is still a great rate...a guaranteed low price per kilowatt hour.
What PG&E gets in return for making it financially easier for you to get solar panels installed is ----> any extra energy you don't use generated by your solar panels goes into their grid which will help make it so they comply by the new requirements.
Though we don't have solar panels (yet!) we do have a solar heated hot water system. Our system uses polyethylene glycol (PEG) which circulates up from our water heater to the solar panel then back down to the hot water heater. We have a 85 gallon heater which is more than plenty. On the days there is no sun we have a backup electrical system to heat our water as we have no natural gas provided by PG&E.
Does this help our energy costs? What do you think? Our normal electric bill is $85-90 per month which is our only utility bill.
Just last week we replaced our old solar panel from the late 1970's with a new one. Our old one was installed during Jimmy Carter's presidency when there were the first financial incentives for installing solar. Ronald Reagan ended that. Jimmy Carter installed solar panels on the White House. Ronald Reagan tore them down.
Our old solar panel had simply worn out and corroded to the point the glycol wouldn't circulated inside it any more. Our new panel is a fancy German model...and boy does it work! It is far far superior to our old one.
Here's the old panel. You can see the glass tubes inside it upon a reflective background. Each glass tube has a copper tube which runs inside it. The glycol circulates up and down through this continuous stitching of copper tubes from one glass tube to the next throughout the whole panel. Believe me, the glycol gets very hot. Polyethylene glycol is used instead of water so you don't have to worry about it freezing in winter...which would obviously destroy the whole thing:
Here's our new solar panel. It is covered in dark glass so you can't see inside, but it is a superior design compared to our old one. What you can see is the reflection of the great outdoors and some rain drops from the night before:
We have the panel positioned on metal rails at an angle that is the best compromise between where the sun is in the sky on the winter solstice and the summer solstice. It faces south-southwest in order to get the best sun during the day. The cat gets up on the roof and shreds the insulation on the tube which takes the heated glycol from the panel down to the water heater (I'll replace that insulation soon):
Here is the hot water heater itself. Inside it has two chambers...each is a separate water tank. The lower chamber gets heated up by solar energy or the electric backup. Water in the lower chamber is heated by hot glycol by way of a copper coil filled with it that wraps around the whole thing. When that water gets hot it goes into the upper chamber form which water then goes throughout our home:
The top of the outside of the heater has the pump (red) which circulates the glycol to the panel and back AND it has a big cylinder (that gray thing behind and to the left of the red pump in this pic) that creates a small vacuum to keep the stuff flowing by way of "pulling" the cool glycol back to the top of the tank after hot glycol enters the bottom of the tank and circulates around the lower water chamber to heat it. Then the red pump pumps it up to the panel and back down to the lower water chamber:
So, do you have any off the grid energy source where you live?
Latest Updates on Kossack Regional Meet-Up News Below the New Day sunrise cloud
:: COMMUNITY BUILDING UPDATES ::
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Let's build communities!
Every region needs a meatspace community like SFKossacks.
We take care of each other in real life.
I urge YOU to take the lead and organize one in your region.
Please tell us about it if you do and we're here for advice.
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THINK GLOBALLY, ACT LOCALLY
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Click >>>HERE to see a list of all the regional Kossack groups that have organized for social and activism events. There are handy links to contact each organizer to join.
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>>>Instructions on HOW TO FORM A NEW DAILY KOS GROUP
:: Events Currently on the Books for ALL Kossacks ::
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Saturday, June 1st
Baja Arizona Kossacks 3rd Annual Picnic
TIME: 4:00 PM
LOCATION: ItsaMathJoke's home
out in the desert near Vail • Vail, AZ
ORGANIZER: Send Azazello a kosmail to attend.
RSVPs:
1. Azazello
2. Mrs. Z
3. ItsaMathJoke
4. rasbobbo
5. cosmic debris
6. DaNang65
7. drnatrl
8. sneakers563 et fam
9. Bisbonian
10. AZ Sphinx Moth
11. manyamile
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Maybees:
ramara
whataboutbob
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Latest diary: Baja Arizona Kossacks Open Thread
Saturday, June 1st
Atlanta Area Kossacks Kick-off Meet-up
TIME: 2:30 PM
LOCATION: Manuel's Tavern
602 N Highland Avenue Northeast • Atlanta
ORGANIZER: Send racheltracks a kosmail to attend.
RSVPs:
1. One Pissed Off Liberal
2. racheltracks
3. annrose
4. nawlinscate
5. Burned
6. treesrock
7. Grapes
8. jobird
9. prose and thorn
10. xxdr zombiexx
11. eeff
12. madmommy
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Maybees:
pragmaticidealist
Ashaman
lam2b2g
foresterbob
Lily O Lady
catwho
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Latest diary: Atlanta Meet-Up
Sunday, June 9th
Maryland, N Virginia, DC Kossacks Meet-up
TIME: TBD (afternoon? early evening?)
LOCATION: Union Station Food Court
50 Massachusetts Ave., NE • Washington, DC
ORGANIZER: Send JamieG from Md a kosmail to attend.
RSVPs:
1. JamieG from Md
2.
3.
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Maybees: |
Latest diary: MD/VA/DC meetup, June 9th
Saturday, June 15th
Los Angeles Kossacks Roll Out the Red Carpet for navajo
TIME: TBD
LOCATION: TBD
[Address?] • [City?]
ORGANIZER: Send Dave in Northridge a kosmail to attend.
RSVPs:
1. Dave in Northridge
2. navajo
3. jakedog42
4. azazello
5. Mrs. azazello
6. SanFernandoValleyMom
7. susans
8. otoelbc
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Maybees: |
Latest diary: [coming soon!]
June 20th - 23rd • REGISTER HERE • BOOK YOUR HOTEL!
These tables have been organized for our groups to connect during NN13 in the plenary sessions. This is where the opening and closing keynotes take place along with many noon-time-speaking events. Box lunches are sometimes provided and it's great to have a place reserved with familiar faces. If you're attending you're invited to start a table or sit at any of the established ones. Just let me know in the comments or send me a Kosmail. Please note: This is not assigned seating. You may sit at any of the reserved tables at any time. I plan to move around and mingle. There will be over 2500 people there so being able to find each other is nice.
Netroots Nation 2013 in San Jose: Plenary Session Table Reservations
SFKossacks:
1. side pocket √
2. mrs. side pocket √
3. kimoconnor √
4. citisven
5. lineatus √
6. Cali Scribe
7. Glen the Plumber √
8. remembrance √
9. jotter √
10. aha aha √
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SFKossacks:
1. Lusty √
2. RainyDay √
3. norm √
4. catilinus √
5. Lorikeet √
6. madhaus
7. boatsie
8. maggiejean √
9. paradise50 √
10. smileycreek √
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SFKossacks:
1. Kamakhya √
2. dharmasyd √
3. Ebby
4. Bustergirl
5. BeninSC (Honorary)
6. sfbaytransplant
7. Senor Unoball
8. paradox
9. slouching √
10. shanikka
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SFKossacks:
1. edrie √
2. Jeff in CA
3. Mrs. Jeff in CA
4. mber √
5. Susie Raye √
6. vcmvo2 (Honorary)
7. N in Seattle (Honorary) √
8. dangoch √
9. timethief
10. ceebee7 √
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SFKossacks:
1. Malacandra
2. Cedwyn √
3. pixxer
4. Sreeizzle2012 (Honorary)
5. BentLiberal
6. LaughingPlanet
7.
8.
9.
10.
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Central Valley Kossacks:
1. tgypsy
2. Kestrel √
3. Caddis Fly √
4. Sychotic1
5. peregrine kate (honorary)
6. ProvokingMeaning (honorary)
7. mrsgoo √ (mrgoo √)
8. ToKnowWhy √
9. MaKettle √
10.
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Texas Kossacks:
1. nomandates √
2. texasmom √
3. texasdad √
4. doraphasia
5. krwheaton
6. TexMex √
7. cosette
8. mr. cosette
9. cosette jr.
10.
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Los Angeles Kossacks:
1. Shockwave
2. jakedog42 √
3. susans √
4. murphy
5. gmats
6. Susan
7. pucklady
8.
9.
10.
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NYC and beyond:
1. sidnora √
2. belinda ridgewood √
3. hayden
4. Todd Beeton
5. theroaringgirl
6. thankgodforairamerica √
7. devtob √
8. LuLu √
9. chicklet √
10.
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Community Quilt Project & NFTT:
1. Sara R √
2. winglion √
3. loggersbrat √
4. ramara (Arizona) √
5. Horace Boothroyd III √
6. linkage √
7. TexDem √
8. Velovixen √
9.
10.
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Military Community Members:
1. DaNang65
2. drnatrl
3. angelajean √
4. exlrrp (Maybe)
5. ccasas
6. llbear (Maybe)
7.
8.
9.
10.
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Cheers & Jeers Readers:
1. vicki √
2. Sharoney √
3. Spousal Unit √
4. brillig √
5. mik √
6. K1 √
7. cskendrick
8. Arenosa √
9. SanDiegoDem
10. PerfectStormer √
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Gay Men of ANY Certain Age:
1. gizmo59
2. gizmo59's partner?
3. Dave in Northridge √
4. Steveningen
5. scaboni?
6. cooper888 √
7. gotmooned √
8. FogCityJohn √
9. slksfca
10. sfbob √ (Plus TrapperSF √, dinner only)
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Native American Netroots:
1. navajo √
2. Meteor Blades
3. 4Freedom √
4. no way lack of brain
5. translatorpro √
6. Kitsap River √
7. Charles Curtis Stanley √
8. TheFatLadySings
9. TFLS's guest
10. TFLS's guest
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raines √
Those with the √ have RSVP'd for the dinner below, you can join us also.
Just say in the comments or Kosmail me.
Wednesday, June 19th
Cheers & Jeers - * New Day * Dinner
TIME: 5:30 PM
LOCATION: The Brit (Britannia Arms)
173 W. Santa Clara St. (walking distance from Conv. Center) • Downtown San Jose
Every year since 2007, Common Sense Mainer has organized a dinner for the readers of Cheers & Jeers who attend Netroots Nation. It has grown every year. Last year we had over 100 Kossacks attend. CSM always chooses a restaurant willing to handle a large crowd WITH SEPARATE CHECKS. (!?!) Yes, I know, hard to believe but it's worked the last several years. This year CSM has negotiated with The Brit for a special menu and separate checks are secured. If you'd like to join us please leave a comment in this diary and you'll be put on the RSVP list below. This year * New Day * and SFKossacks are co-hosting. All regional groups are invited to attend in addition to the loyal C&J following that Bill and Michael have.
ORGANIZER: Send navajo a kosmail to attend or leave a comment.
And the above event is followed by the official opening event featuring Howard Dean:
Wednesday, June 19th
Liquid Courage party to open NN13
Our friends at the Courage Campaign have announced that they’re throwing a party to open Netroots Nation 2013. Gov. Howard Dean will be there!
TIME: 7:30 - 9:30 PM
LOCATION: The Tech Museum
201 South Market St. (walking distance from Conv. Center) • Downtown San Jose
Arrive early on Wednesday to pick up your credentials at the Convention Center which will get you into the Liquid Courage event. You can let them know you're coming on their facebook page.
TheFatLadySings is working with Eric at Netroots Nation to try to assemble a fleet of power scooters and power chairs that can be reserved and rented by those who need them at a discount. We need to assess how many people will make use of this service. Please Kosmail TheFatLadySings with your needs for NN13.
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American Indian Caucus
DATE: Thursday, June 20th
TIME: 10:30 AM - 11:45 AM
ROOM: TBD
EVERYONE IS WELCOME!
You can let us know you're attending at our facebook event page.
linkage has volunteered to video record this event and we'll be able to provide it in our caucus recap.
Our speakers this year include:
Actor Michael Horse and Pennie Opal Plant: Michael was at Wounded Knee and participates heavily in the national American Indian Community. Pennie addressed the huge crowd at a climate change event in San Francisco this spring. Her activism focuses on protesting the Keystone XL pipeline.
Corrina Gould: A member of the Ohlone tribe that inhabited the East Bay before the European invaders. Corrina fights to protect Glen Cove (Sogorea Te), a sacred shellmound burial ground and village site on the Carquinez Strait in Vallejo, CA from development.
Native Vote:
Why Winning Indian Country Matters to You
DATE: Thursday, June 20th
TIME: 3:00 PM - 4:15 PM
ROOM: TBD
This panel of Native Vote organizers and strategists will engage participants on why winning Indian country is vital to all people, not just one demographic. How do the political and public policy interests of Native Vote intersect with larger voting blocs? How can progressives ensure that Native issues and the Native community are addressed and well-represented?
Moderator: Prairie Rose Seminole
Panelists: Peggy Flanagan, Kevin Killer and Meteor Blades
Community Quilt Project NN13 Flash Mob Photo
smileycreek is organizing and asking all Community Quilt recipients to bring their quilts to NN13. We'll assemble at a pre-designated location and time for a group photo with one of the NN13 professional photographers. It will be a group hug celebrating one of the most beloved community building projects we have here at Daily Kos with Sara R and winglion at the center of it. navajo and Glen the Plumber are going to scout out and select a location in advance for all to meet with their quilts for a memorable photo opportunity. Stay tuned.
Date: Saturday, June 22nd
Time: 6:00 PM after the closing keynote
Exact location: TBD
linkage has volunteered to video record this event and do interviews of the quilt owners.
1. paradise50
2. Dave in Northridge
3. remembrance
4. BeninSC
5. mimi
6. cskendrick
7. DaNang65
8. llbear (not attending, quilt only)
9. MsSpentYouth
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10. Smoh (not attending, quilt only)
11. slksfca
12. belinda ridgewood
13. Ebby
14. Bustergirl
15. Kitsap River
16. Charles Curtis Stanley
17. Dr. Lori (not attending, quilt only)
18.
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Sunday, June 23rd
Post NN13 Birding Event
TIME: 11:00 AM (if this time is problematic notify lineatus)
LOCATION: TBD
TBD • TBD
ORGANIZER: Send lineatus a kosmail to attend.
RSVPs:
1. lineatus
2. Senor Unoball
3. peregrine kate
4. Kestrel
5. angelajean
6. Ebby
7. BCO Gal
8. Belinda Ridgewood
9. tgypsy
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Maybees: |
Latest diary: Dawn Chorus: Meet the locals!
"At Netroots Nation, we will try to introduce you to as many of them as possible. There will be an "official" birding trip on Sunday after things wrap up at the convention, but I'm up for early morning and lunchtime quick trips whenever it works. There's a lot to see within minutes of the convention center. Any local Kossacks who aren't able to attend NN13 are still welcome to join in any walks or trips - Kosmail me." [lineatus]
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June 27- June 30th
Glacier National Park Kossack EPIC Meetup!
TIME: 24/7
LOCATION: Glacier National Park
402 9th St W • Columbia Falls, Montana
ORGANIZER: Send arizonablue a kosmail to attend.
RSVPs:
1. BlueJessamine
2. arizonablue
3. Mr.arizonablue
4. Truman
5. Ojibwa - arriving for the weekend
6. MTmofo
7. figbash!
8. spottedbear
9. jakedog42
10. Oke
11. cooltraveler
12. Mr.cooltraveler
13. state of confusion
14. Lute the Norwegian
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15. Josh Blue
16. Thinking Fella
17. Blu Gal in DE
18. NormAl1792
19. winifred3
Maybees:
Joan McCarter
slksfca
Ed in Montana
BoiseBlue
BoiseBlue GF
Dave in Northridge
Timmethy
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Latest diary: Glacier National Park Check In! Glacier National Park Meetup - Part II w/ lodging and campground info!
New York Hudson Valley Kossacks
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boran2
Saturday, July 13th
NY Hudson Valley Kossacks' First Meet-up
TIME: NOON
LOCATION: Hudson House
2 Main Street • Cold Spring, NY
ORGANIZER: Send boran2 a kosmail to attend.
RSVPs:
1. boran2
2. thankgodforairamerica
3. betson08
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Maybees: |
Latest diary: [Coming soon!]
Thursday, July 18th
Phoenix Kossacks Meet-up for navajo
TIME: 6:30 PM
LOCATION: Rancho de Tia Rosa
3129 E. McKellips • Mesa
ORGANIZER: Send arizonablue a kosmail to attend.
navajo's in town one day, even though it's a Thursday we hope you can make it.
RSVPs:
1. arizonablue
2. Mr. arizonablue
3. navajo
4. Azazello
5. Mrs. Azazello
6. ninothemindboggler
7. Mrs. ninothemindboggler
8. thomask
9. mrs. thomask
10. BluejayRN
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Maybees:
Kane in CA
Kane in CA friend
cosmic debris
PSzymeczek
Mr PSzymeczek |
Latest diary: ATTN Phoenix Kossacks: Let's Welcome Navajo to the Valley of the Sun!
Saturday, July 20th
Dkos Asheville, North Carolina Kossacks Meet-up
TIME: 1:00 PM
LOCATION: The Bywater
796 Riverside Dr. • Asheville
ORGANIZER: Send randallt a kosmail to attend.
RSVPs:
1. Randallt
2. Otteray Scribe
3. davehouck
4. Joieau
5. SteelerGrrl
6. SteelerGuy
7. Captain Sham
8. Smiley7
9. Burns Lass
10. DawnN
11. Gordon20024
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Maybees:
eeff
Audri
gulfgal98
PearlJamSteelworker
Amy
Phil S 33
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Latest diary: DKos Asheville Open Thread 5/18/13: Frogs and tomatoes and snakes, oh my!
Send
navajo a kosmail if you post a diary about an event so we can update our round-up.
Okay. Floor's open.
Tell us what you are doing on this NEW DAY?