It will be almost two years since my last trip to Hannover, Germany. Germany was a very nice place to visit—very clean. It reminded me a bit of a place where I used to live as a kid. Many attractive farmlands. Beautiful architecture in places like Munster or Olsenburg. Many people commute on bikes.
The Autobahn was fun. In some sections, there were no speed limits. A lot of bikers passed by us, especially in the no-speed limit zone. The interesting part of the whole trip was how environmentally friendly the Germans were. I experienced self-cleaning toilets, and I saw many windmill farms.
I will talk about the self-cleaning toilets on another day. I actually took a video of the whole mechanism. However, the most fascinating part of the trip was looking at the windmill farms. From far away, they looked like they were the size of the light posts, but when we drove closer and closer, they were huge.
It all evolved from the original windmills, which were used for grain grinding or pumping water by means of wind energy and blades. I came across this European magazine called Power Engineering International. They happened to talk about the design and manufacture of the wind turbines; the most important part of the wind turbine is the bearing on which the blades rotate. The whole idea is to have as little friction as possible or no friction, so even little wind activity will move the blades and convert wind energy into electric power.
A quick fact: one of the largest bearing systems made by SKF for 5M wind turbines is 1.5 meters in diameter and weighs 2700 kg. Unfortunately, at times when we were driving through country roads, there was no wind, which meant no electric power was generated. In my opinion, the most effective location for the wind turbines is along the sea or ocean coasts. I would love to have one of those in my backyard. Don't forget the wind turbine maintenance costs, but then sell the electric power you don't use, and the costs will be recovered.
Today I have been tagged. I do have a few tags saved up for the right time, so if you tagged me before and have not seen results yet, don't worry. The New Year's Resolution tag needs to be executed now, as who would want to make New Year's resolutions in mid-year? I probably would, because it is never too late to change. This tag came from a lovely lady I got to know a while ago named Max, who is smart, beautiful, and full of energy. I really enjoy her blog posts, as they are written with the purpose of making us think more about life. You will be surprised at how addictive her posts are. Sometimes I find myself going back 2-3 times to comment on the same post, and then I look at her visitors like Livingsword from Life on the Blade. Oh boy, I've got some competition going. Well, she always returns to my blog until we narrow down our comments to two words, like "Thank You." Max, your hard work and visits are always appreciated.
What are my new year's RESOLUTIONS?
My new year's resolution is always the same: to stay healthy, live a healthy lifestyle, exercise, live a stress-free life, and, of course, care for the environment.
SPECIAL ACKNOWLEDGMENT
As you can see, most of my resolutions are towards a healthy body, mind, and soul and to care for the environment. So I would like to give a special acknowledgment to Will Taft and his very resourceful blog. Doing things better means knowing more and applying it, and that is what Will does for us. He goes out of his way to do research on topics that we should know more about. I suggest that even if you don't have much to say or comment back, please visit, read, and learn. Once you live a healthy lifestyle, believe me, you will never want to go the other way.
Hey, TAGGING TIME!
For this game, I would like to tag the following bloggers: JB from JB's Big World, Roger from Idaho Daily Photo, Max-e from the Max Files, and MedaM from colored garden Blog I don't know if telling everyone why is a requirement in the tagging game, but I always do. I will always tell you I don't know who found who, just like what came first, chicken or egg (mind you, the latest answer is the egg), but in the end it does not matter; all that matters is that we became 'the blogger friends'. Starting with JB, explore interesting views from an intelligent blogger cat; from Roger, get laughs for life; from Max-e, explore the southern end of Africa; and why not pay a visit to the coloured garden of MedaM. Enjoy!
~ Anna
The Autobahn was fun. In some sections, there were no speed limits. A lot of bikers passed by us, especially in the no-speed limit zone. The interesting part of the whole trip was how environmentally friendly the Germans were. I experienced self-cleaning toilets, and I saw many windmill farms.
I will talk about the self-cleaning toilets on another day. I actually took a video of the whole mechanism. However, the most fascinating part of the trip was looking at the windmill farms. From far away, they looked like they were the size of the light posts, but when we drove closer and closer, they were huge.
It all evolved from the original windmills, which were used for grain grinding or pumping water by means of wind energy and blades. I came across this European magazine called Power Engineering International. They happened to talk about the design and manufacture of the wind turbines; the most important part of the wind turbine is the bearing on which the blades rotate. The whole idea is to have as little friction as possible or no friction, so even little wind activity will move the blades and convert wind energy into electric power.
A quick fact: one of the largest bearing systems made by SKF for 5M wind turbines is 1.5 meters in diameter and weighs 2700 kg. Unfortunately, at times when we were driving through country roads, there was no wind, which meant no electric power was generated. In my opinion, the most effective location for the wind turbines is along the sea or ocean coasts. I would love to have one of those in my backyard. Don't forget the wind turbine maintenance costs, but then sell the electric power you don't use, and the costs will be recovered.
Today I have been tagged. I do have a few tags saved up for the right time, so if you tagged me before and have not seen results yet, don't worry. The New Year's Resolution tag needs to be executed now, as who would want to make New Year's resolutions in mid-year? I probably would, because it is never too late to change. This tag came from a lovely lady I got to know a while ago named Max, who is smart, beautiful, and full of energy. I really enjoy her blog posts, as they are written with the purpose of making us think more about life. You will be surprised at how addictive her posts are. Sometimes I find myself going back 2-3 times to comment on the same post, and then I look at her visitors like Livingsword from Life on the Blade. Oh boy, I've got some competition going. Well, she always returns to my blog until we narrow down our comments to two words, like "Thank You." Max, your hard work and visits are always appreciated.
What are my new year's RESOLUTIONS?
My new year's resolution is always the same: to stay healthy, live a healthy lifestyle, exercise, live a stress-free life, and, of course, care for the environment.
SPECIAL ACKNOWLEDGMENT
As you can see, most of my resolutions are towards a healthy body, mind, and soul and to care for the environment. So I would like to give a special acknowledgment to Will Taft and his very resourceful blog. Doing things better means knowing more and applying it, and that is what Will does for us. He goes out of his way to do research on topics that we should know more about. I suggest that even if you don't have much to say or comment back, please visit, read, and learn. Once you live a healthy lifestyle, believe me, you will never want to go the other way.
Hey, TAGGING TIME!
For this game, I would like to tag the following bloggers: JB from JB's Big World, Roger from Idaho Daily Photo, Max-e from the Max Files, and MedaM from colored garden Blog I don't know if telling everyone why is a requirement in the tagging game, but I always do. I will always tell you I don't know who found who, just like what came first, chicken or egg (mind you, the latest answer is the egg), but in the end it does not matter; all that matters is that we became 'the blogger friends'. Starting with JB, explore interesting views from an intelligent blogger cat; from Roger, get laughs for life; from Max-e, explore the southern end of Africa; and why not pay a visit to the coloured garden of MedaM. Enjoy!
~ Anna
Comments
I was waiting to see when you would do a new post. Nice windmills....did I mention that my mom's cousins live IN a windmill in Holland? I bet Germany was a great trip....mom has not been there yet.
I am so new to blogging....what is the tagging game? I am a smart cat, but not that smart yet. :^)
--JB
--JB
I have some stories with self-cleaning toilets LOL; but I will leave them for some other day LOL *nodding*! But I love the concept, it is so hygienic!
I haven't been to Germany yet, but my dad, and friends, say that it is very clean! It reminds me of Genéve, in Switzerland, so impecably clean: amazing! One is even afraid of breathing, afraid that its own germes will infect the air LOL LOL...
Oh, yes...wind power generation is very popular here, in Portugal, now...it is amazing the height of those posts: huuugeee! Of course I immediately start imagining that if one of those blades fall off, it will kill people *nodding*...
Those turbines would work just fine in my neighbourhood (it is very windy, all year round); the only problem is: it makes a bit of noise, doesn't it?
I think I prefer the sun-generated power: less noisy; and it is great for countries like Portugal, which has more than 300 days of sunshine per year! And you are right: we can sell any energy surplus...
Oh my...now I am blushing *embarrassed face* lol! What a lovely description oh my humble person: thank you *bowing*! LS is a great competitor LOL :D!
What a great New Year resolution!! "Live stress free life" - this is my favourite one (I am trying to conceil the fact that I am a sucker for exercising myself, and live a healthy lifestyle LOL LOL)! I swear I don't know the meaning of the word "stress"...
I will visit Will Taft then :)! Thank you so much for completing the tag, Anna *bowing*!
Now, you asked me how to insert a scroll box in a post; it is quite simple: I will give you a code (but for that I will need an email address, cause I tried to send it through here, but it wasn't accepted *nodding*), then whenever you create a post, you go to your html edit and insert the code in the appropriate place; then go back to "compose" mode and insert whatever you wish in the box, and that is it! You can play with the borders, the colours in the code as you may and like :). If you have any questions please feel free to ask them to me :).
If you don't wish to send me an email address, I will think of a solution: but you shall have the code!
Cheers
Hugs, JJ
Best wishes to you,
Alan
So you have windmills too, that is nice. I think I only saw one in our area (Toronto), by the Lake Ontario, but not that big. I think there is more on the east and west coasts of Canada. The technology supposed to be quiet because they are trying to make those bearings frictionless, but never know - just the wind hitting the blades can probably generate some noise. However, I read somewhere that there is a lot of birds running into them and getting killed, so I see this as a issue.
Solar cells are good and and definitely quiet. I don't really know much about it now, but about 5 years ago, I know that large surface are is required. You definitely would have use for them in Portugal - so you got lot of sun, that is nice.
I think we really have good time blogging, and you really contribute a lot to blogging - all that is appreciated, and best I can do now is to give out reviews. You are very welcome.
I think we all chose serious resolutions, may be someone will break the ice and write something funny, lol. Yes stress always been hunting me, and I am getting better at it. Just tell me that I have to perform on the stage, and I will be stressed, so I think stress free is now good choice for me. I like your resolution too, but I drop by later so we can continue your story on your blog.
Thanks for the code, I will definitely use it.
Anna :)
Thanks for your kind comments about my site. You are one of those valuable commentators that add so much to what I write about.
I don't usually mind being tagged. If it interests me, I usually write about it. If not, I usually ignore it and that sometimes gets me in trouble! What I am often hesitant about is passing the tagging on to other people. It's just my personality, I guess, but I am a always concerned about ever pressuring people to do things. Probably why I have not made my millions yet. But I do end up having most people I meet as friends, so I value that more.
As far as New Year's resolutions. I have a post about mine, or lack there of that I should have up today or tomorrow. I fall into your category 4, but probably for reasons different than a lot of folks.
-Will
Thanks for the info on the windmills. There isn't such a technology available in my area, that I know of, and because of the population density of New York metro, it probably can't happen here. But it's worth looking into, and talking to our elected officials about it.
I too, seek to live a healthy lifestyle, but I definitely have to deal with a lot of stress, for a variety of reasons. Doing art and finding beauty in the world, help me minimize my stress, part of which comes from living in such a crowded area.
Thanks also, Anna, for recommending the other blogs to check out.
I meant to ask you, what kind of engineering are you involved in?
Happy New Year, dear Anna--I'm sending hugs your way!
Lynda
I am still not sure what to do.....I think I will try to figure it out.....my mom and I are not being too smart right now!
--JB
Speaking of birdie butts, my friend Andree had a post that was similar which was brought to my attention....funny and mathematical!
http://meeyauw.blogspot.com/2007/12/photo-hunters-long-and-birds-perch-on.html
--JB
I was offered a job with a windmill company recently, but I turned it down, although it sounded really cool.
I'm not sure why I didn't have a link to you on my site before, but I do now.
~Oswegan
I like your windmill photos and the story that goes with them.
Thanks for tagging me but I am afraid I don’t understand the rules. ….Copy from “*Start Copy Here*” through “*End Copy Here*” and post it. Before "*End Copy Here*"…. :-(
"I think I must have pressed the button five times, lol, it was so fascinating to watch, and at first try to figure out how it operates. It actually cleans the toilet rim with water, so you get the clean seat every time." - LOL I came across one here in Portugal, but it was a mess, cause I think it wasn't properly installed so here what happened: I was on my way to the club (this was a few years ago, before I started dating my fiancé) with a friend, and I felt like I had to pee; so we went to this theatre and asked the usher if we could use the wc, he indicated us the brand new ones lol. We got there, did our business, and when it was time to flush I pressed the button and at the same time I hear my friend screaming...naturally I looked up and asked what was going on...she said "the water from the toilet soaked me!" I started laughing, but then I felt that my trousers were wet LOL...the same had happened to me LOL LOL *nodding*! We had to dry the pants, it was a mess lol....
"I also saw something similar in Japan, but I did not wanted to take the risk. Toilet had all these buttons for everything, flushing, cleaning, heating, music etc, lol." - LOL LOL in my Health Club it was the same thing, but the toilet worked properly LOL...
"The technology supposed to be quiet because they are trying to make those bearings frictionless, but never know - just the wind hitting the blades can probably generate some noise." - yeah, it is the wind hitting against the blades...
"However, I read somewhere that there is a lot of birds running into them and getting killed, so I see this as a issue." - :0 really?! That is sad...
"Solar cells are good and and definitely quiet. I don't really know much about it now, but about 5 years ago, I know that large surface are is required. You definitely would have use for them in Portugal - so you got lot of sun, that is nice." - from what I heard now they have this cute tiny solar cells so that people can put in their balconies and generate power for their flats...
"I think we really have good time blogging, and you really contribute a lot to blogging - all that is appreciated, and best I can do now is to give out reviews. You are very welcome." - thanks, Anna :D! Bob paid a visit today, I am about to go over to his place and check him out :).
"I think we all chose serious resolutions, may be someone will break the ice and write something funny, lol." - LOL LOL I hear you! If you read a funny one let me know, ok :)?
"Yes stress always been hunting me, and I am getting better at it. Just tell me that I have to perform on the stage, and I will be stressed, so I think stress free is now good choice for me. I like your resolution too, but I drop by later so we can continue your story on your blog." - lol ah, you have stage fright...did you know that I used to perform in High School? I had drama classes, and at the end of each term we had to perform for the whole school. All right, we continue my resolution story in my blog lol :)
"Thanks for the code, I will definitely use it." - you are most welcome :D!
Cheers
Yes, those two needed to go because of the weak trunks. I was just waiting to hear the crack of wood whenever the wind picked up (although the windmills embrace the breeze.)
But fear not! New saplings will be planted come springtime. I can't deny the squirrels and birdies a place to nest and roost :)
And no problem about the acknowledgement, I learn from you a lot Will, even sometimes I know what I am talking about - the bottom line is I know basics, and you support with more details that is worth knowing more about.
You said: 'What I am often hesitant about is passing the tagging on to other people. It's just my personality, I guess, but I am a always concerned about ever pressuring people to do things.' - Will I hear you, I am hesitant too. I still have few to go, let me know if you are interested in that makes you happy, lol, just kidding. However, I will sometimes leave open tags, so bloggers have choice.
I will be interested to read your new years resolutions - I will check your blog later. Anna :)
No problem Lynda, windmills always fascinated me.
Hope you don't have to deal with too too much stress. I came to realization one day saying why, and I couldn't answer myself. The only thing I could come up was, I care, but then there are different approaches to take care of that - like reasons why thing happen the way they happen. Everything happens for a reason, and I find that stress is not helping me to make the right decisions.
To answer your questions, I have degree in mechanical engineering from University of Toronto, I graduated in 1995 and been working for 5 years and then 2 years for two different injection molding companies. One large corporation, and large small business. In the large corporation I got bored, and in the small business the owner wasn't really nice, and not reasonable at all. So I quit both at different times, now I work for myself, mainly engineering consulting - technical stuff like process set up, equipment/component design, data analysis, technical writing, some marketing, etc. - the list is endless. Sometimes I work with small business if time permits. Right now I work in the area of electronics. Being in control of my own single person business does help me to control my stress levels better, and I enjoy it. Mind you I need to escape sometimes from the tech world, thus the blogging and photography. So my life story is almost out, lol.
Thanks Lynda for your comments, and sending hugs your way too. Anna :)
Those turbines remind me of the turbines off Lake Erie Near Turkey Point, Ontario. You take lovely photos! :-)
Thanks for the info on solar cells, I think I am going to check it out. If I ever get to build my own house from scratch, I think I am going to go fully environmental - never know I just may end up with the tent, lol.
Thanks for visiting Bob, you will find him very interesting, he talks about the astronomy, but he also has really good sense of humor when he writes, where it makes more enjoyable to read and to learn faster.
Yes I have stage fright, but I found technique to let go, I just tell everyone up front that I am really paranoid, crack few jokes, and it almost feels like I had a shot of vodka (but I don't drink) and everything goes well afterwards. BTW I don't do any artistic performances, just technical stuff since it is my field.
Thanks for commenting again, it was fun with this post. Anna :)
can see you are still doing your thing on this blog. I must say you don't know how much I love you but someday I can express my self, in all I Pray the power of God keeps you going my friend. I always appreciate your comments and visits, believe me everyone in my house knows about you and, the way you comment most times my husband and I discuss your great interest in this blog... that is why I can never take what you say lightly. and we do have an understanding I beleive whereby we share our thoughts. Just the other day I told my husband that no matter what I write that you must comment on it, that such dedication can only be found by God's special Grace. words cannot begin to express my apprecaition of you, I love you Anna
Godbless you in Jesus Mighty Name Amen.
I don't know what I would do without your input please keep them coming we are all Children of God and we need each other always.
Luv Always
Stayblessed
I also find solar power quite fascinating - anything that can generate energy without using up fossil fuels or polluting the air has my vote!
Kathy
I am glad you laughed :D...it was indeed a funny story LOL...
LOL LOL I am known for talking about odd issues...like toilets lol ;).
You are most welcome *bowing*. Yes, check it out..oh boy, you remind me of my dad: he is also always looking for info on mechanical stuff. LOL a tent is not bad, however in Canada it may be a bit difficult due to the cold lol. I think that all new houses should go fully environmental, it is so much healthier and clean (and in the long run: cheaper).
It's my pleasure to visit Bob; he discusses astronomy in a very interesting fashion; and since I am rather ignorant about it...I will go back to his site :). You are right: he does have a good sense of humour (which is extremely relevant) :).
Ah, so you do business presentations, eh? That is so cool...I used to do them in the University, and to me it was like performing (I used drama tecniques in order not to make mistakes, due to the nerves lol). LOL I don't drink either.
Don't mention it, dear; indeed it was great fun :)!
Cheers
Kathy, thanks for supporting the environment, and thanks for your comment. Anna :)
Yeah business presentations, more like technical presentations for businesses. School was fun, but in the real world you really have to be ready and know your stuff, and that is real challange.
Thanks Max for coming back. Anna :)
This is a first for me and I will respond later this week. New Year's resolutions...........mmmmm
lol yes, I thought so...dads usually have the mechanics genes :). Well, I can't say the same for my future nephews (from my younger brother) cause their dad is terrible when it comes to mechanics *nodding*.
"Tell you the truth, I never buy technology at its birth, I wait until it is proven that it is really working and I also wait for the price to go down - but sometimes I can be too sucked in (oh well)." - LOL I do the same. I always wait until I see how it goes, if people are happy with it or not, and specially I wait for the price to go down LOL....
"
Yeah business presentations, more like technical presentations for businesses. School was fun, but in the real world you really have to be ready and know your stuff, and that is real challange." - I know what you mean. But I was in Business school, and turned out to do something completely different, that is why I spoke of presentations in school. Now I don't do them anymore...
You are welcome, dear...well, now it is time for blog visits lol...
Cheers
I have been to Germany numerous times and seen the windmill farms there as well as in California….many find them to be an eyesore but I find them interesting to look at…
The autobahn is a lot of fun to drive on!!
Unfortunately as you mentioned they don’t create continuous power, and electricity can’t be stored…it has to be used when created so this make sit a bit unreliable…Yet it is something every area that can should take advantage of since it is clean.
We will probably be developing some large scale wind power areas along the BC coast over the next few years…
Thanks for the honorable mention in the article my friend; I don’t feel very worthy because of my tardy arrival!
You are so very sweet!
…and you have a great blog!!!
Yes it is kind of unfortunate about the way energy is stored, but hey that can be our next challenge, and I am sure with the knowledge and technology we have, they will eventually come up with something.
You said: 'Thanks for the honorable mention in the article my friend; I don’t feel very worthy because of my tardy arrival!' - don't worry, I will cover up for you, lol. Kidding aside, even if you arrived in few months, I will not change my opinion of you my friend. Thanks again for your always kind words, and it never crossed my mind about the blade, lol. Anna :)
I love traveling and Germany is a surprisingly good place to visit, of occurs it helps that my wife has family there….I enjoyed driving in Germany but I found Italy to be exhilarating to drive around, particularly in the northern mountains… :)
England actually has a massive plan to potentially put wind turbines around a large amount of their coast…
AS Max would say *bowing* ….
http://themaxefiles.blogspot.com/2008/01/reflecting-on-new-years-resolutions.html
I still need to learn how to put the html code in the comment box
Cheers