Team In-Hot-Water Update!

I just made up that team name – I think we have a different one, but I can’t remember what it is offhand. We’re making strong progress on our project! - Our plans and designs have been approved. - We have gathered and are in the process of assembling the frame for our panel structure. We should be done with our frame within the week, weather permitting. Left to do: - Refurbish the panels (clean glass, re-insulate, fix housing) - Check/fix plumbing, install panel pipes. - Check and streamline wiring.   As long as we stay on track, we should be finished well before the end of the block. We plan on using our remaining time to tackle the energy flow systems in the Student Lounge. This includes a diagram explaining how our solar hot water...

Natural Capitalism readings

The obscure we always see sooner or later; the obvious always seems to take a little longer. – Edward R. Murrow I’m rather fortunate – a few days before the block started, a friend had picked some some sustainability-themed books at a local second-hand store and gave them to me. Among them was Natural Capitalism, which I think I should read from front to back soon. While some fundamental assumptions about our civilization’s basic structure and momentum (specifically, their need for complete overhaul) aren’t addressed (at least, not in these readings), taken in their own light they are, again, head-to-desk obvious. Really, knowing these things, and then seeing how the mass of humanity continues to stumble about in such gross and...

You Should Read This Article

http://professorlonniegamble.com/uploads/Main/EfficientBeautifulLovins.pdf   I think I’m suppose to get into detail about my impressions of this reading – but all it really did was make me slam my fist on the desk and shout “YES! OF COURSE!” Then I get frustrated that things haven’t advanced as far as they should have. Then I re-commit myself to this direction in life. Then I get tired and head to bed.

Permaculture Talent Show Poem

 [We apparently have to have a talent show for our Permaculture class. Being rather talentless, I was somewhat inspired to write a poem (in a poor imitation of Blake). I don't write poems often (or at all), and again, this is obviously the first draft of a rough idea... but here ya go!] Machinated man-made wretched wasteland wrestled my weary mind and turned my awkward feet towards freedom’s golden lands heavy, old, unfortunate man-made-man I came to find no freedom’s land left to find, only dunes of golden sands Distraught and downtrodden I sat my ass upon a rock and asked the bright burning solar light above, ‘Where may man find relief for his flock and enter in God’s sheltering love?’ Sun came down, hard and heated and spoke not,...

Inner Nature, Outer Nature

I wonder why the word “nature” is used to describe such radically different things. One definition includes all the trees, rocks, grass, water, animals, sands… those places and things which are least touched by mankind. But another definition is used to describe the inner behavior of our own selves – our inner nature, what we are compelled to do, those things structured into our own nature. I would like to reverse these definitions, just to see what happens. What happens when we talk about the nature (behavior) of nature – how the trees behave, what the grass is compelled to do, how the streams react to the rain on an emotional level. What is the attitude of the forest? What bias does the prairie hold? Does the soil desire something, or is it...

Last Internship Blog Post Update Blog Internship. Post.

It’s been quite a ride. Before I get into the details, I just want to say for the record: Not only did I fulfill my internship objectives, I ended up doing far more than was originally planned. I believe everyone I worked with can attest to that. Internship success! We had a Board meeting today, the first one we’ve had since before I started my internship. I feel like it was a really positive meeting – everyone was expressing ideas and getting unified in vision on getting the SLC back on track, fixing up the SEED Center, and so on. My video and correspondence with the Board has been greatly welcomed – I’ve received a lot of positive feedback on my efforts, and I’d like to think that my strong message helped light a fire with...