Mobile blogging

My new toy; a Dell Mini 9 Inspiron Netbook computer which weighs about a kilogram.

Now I will be able to keep on blogging even when I am cycle touring or cruising in my yacht. The computer has an SD card slot so I can load and edit photos for uploading. The device plugged in is a 3G wireless modem, so I can access the Net anywhere there is a phone network.

Modern technology! I continue to be amazed.

My solar energy use

Over the last few days I have highlighted some of the uses of solar energy in South Australia. I will conclude by mentioning my solar devices.

A few years ago I replaced my in-roof hot water service with this on-roof solar hot water service. As with the solar panels for generating electricity for use in the house, the solar hot water systems like this attract government subsidies. Without these subsidies the costs would be prohibitive and so far the savings made have been minimal - but the environmental savings justify the installation.

This is my yacht and the solar panel mounted on the back keeps the batteries topped up; sufficient to keep a fridge running and to run lights and electronic devices on board and still be able to start the motor!

ABC Wednesdays - W for Windmills

Windmills are a common sight on properties all over Australia, pumping water to fill troughs and dams. In some areas they have become less important due to other available technologies; electric and petrol pumps and now solar powered pumps.

This is a windmill near Rawnsley Park in the Finders Ranges in northern South Australia.

Some people collect cars, some people collect stamps ..... but on our recent return journey from Canberra I spotted this yard - a windmill collection!

To find out more about ABC Wednesdays and see other participants' contributions go to the ABC Wednesdays' Anthology or to see direct links to their own sites go here using Mr Linky.

ETSA Festive Lights

The Electricity Trust of South Australia (ETSA) is once again illuminating their head office building at No 1 Anzac Highway; this has been a tradition for 25 years.

This year the display is quite different. This year they are using LED globes and LED 'rope' lighting which they anticipate will use only 5 percent of the energy used last year.

I have looked at the display in past years and often thought about the massive amount of energy being used; this use of new technology and the resulting reduction of energy use is a good move for the environment.

What's the time?

The annual clock setting task; each rear in October we wind our clocks forward one hour for daylight saving. This year for the first time South Australia has joined the eastern states by doing this on the first Sunday in October. Western Australia doesn't change until the end of the month.

During daylight saving Adelaide is GMT +10.5 hours. The eastern states are GMT +11, while Western Australia is GMT + 9 hours; at present it is still GMT +8 hours; 3 hours behind the eastern states.

Do I need to know all this? Not very often as I rarely need to contact people in the other states during business hours.

Did my computers know? Yes both my Windows XP computer and my Mac did the trick; thanks Microsoft and Apple. Oh I nearly forgot; Ubuntu Linux did the honours too.

Mobile Olympics

How cool is this; live Olympics TV on your mobile phone. Not that I am really obsessed with watching the Olympics, but just for the fun of it I subscribed; A$9.95 for the whole time the Olympics is on.

What time is it?

Daylight saving was extended by one week, but some electronic equipment did not know; and nor did some of their users!

There was confusion at the airport with delayed flights due to ticketing problems; confusion at taxi ranks and train stations. Most mobile phones changed and people believed them!

Thankfully I knew about the extension as it was published in the media. Also my computers knew about it as I do regular updates; not only was Microsoft on top of it, but so was Apple and Ubuntu Linux.

The unique ceramic clock photographed is in the kitchen of Encounter Centre at Victor Harbor.