•Solar cell
• No joke
• Unforgettable memories
Solar cell
I had a solar cell cap given to me. When I’m in the sun, a fan is turned on. In the shade or on a cloudy day it gets to rest. At times, even the human body will generate enough power to illuminate a light bulb. To ensure a continuity of energy flow alternate sources are available that will store and release the energy on demand as a battery or your electric utility outlet.
The wet-cell battery is the common example in which a somewhat reduced acid concentration uses lead alloy splines. In its vertical design, special vent plugs are used that will contain the acid mist and allow the free exit of the gases of oxygen and hydrogen. In a confined area a fire or explosion hazard exists.
The use of Superconducting Magnetic Energy Storage has a virtually unlimited cycle life and rapid discharge. The SMES differs in its ability to charge and then to discharge energy rapidly. It serves in applications that require repeated pulses of large amounts of active power for a short duration. It is useful to maintain the power flow for many commercial and industrial operations. As a strategic military use, SMES serves where steady state supply free of interruption is essential.
Suppliers cannot tell you the expected longevity for solar arrays. They tell you how easy it is to replace a grid segment. Also when you search on the Internet there are schemes whereby DIY (do it yourselfers) can install and save money.
The solar cell technology is now in its third generation of development. The major market is and has been the first generation of the silicon chip for which the yield efficiency is 10 percent.
The Kyocera Group of Yasu City, Japan, announced a new large-scale completely integrated solar cell manufacturing facility starting in 2009 with production yield 18.5 percent energy conversion efficiency.
The third generation developers are looking to a product of the order of 40 percent efficiency.
Spectrawatt, Inc. of Intel origin has created the “Fogey Island Bay Project.” In July, the company announced second round plans to boost the work force by 1,000 in eight years. The plan to make panels in Hillsboro. The design firm, and the technology heavy in the stage of development is asserted to make a third generation product.
It now may leave Oregon because it can’t find the financing to build the plant. The decision to apply the brakes was abrupt. It broke down with the State Economic Development officials over the tax breaks.
John L. Jones, Lihu‘e
No joke
One reason that our health insurance costs are so expensive is because of the hospitals’ ridiculous and abusive overcharging. I recently went to Wilcox Hospital emergency room for extreme pain in my shoulder.
After an hour of taking different tests, it was determined that my problem was an attack of gout. They handed me an aspirin to take and I left.
Here’s the big joke: the charges totaled $1,446.96 for one hour in the emergency room. The one aspirin that came from the pharmacy cost $22.05.
The bigger joke is this: drugs/self administered was $30.90. They actually charged me this absurd amount to give myself an aspirin.
I showed the bill to my retired doctor friend and he shook his head and said, “This is embarrassing.”
Chauncey Pa Sr., Kilauea
Unforgettable memories
Immaculate Conception 2009 kids took a roundtrip to O‘ahu for the marching parade in honoring of Father Damien. Everyone who participated in the parade got to meet new people from other Catholic Churches in Hawai‘i, and all the while learned about Father Damien the Saint. After the incredible exhaustion from our very long walk, the kids and adults got to have a very tasty meal at the park eating Bento lunches that were prepared for us.
After lunch, we made our way to Maryknoll Gym, holding holding a youth rally for all Catholics. We sand, performed dances, prayed and a lot more. Many Father’s taught valuable lessons that could inspire us to become anything we want to be. I believe that the most memorable lessons that we could inspire us, was shaking Bishop Larry Silva’s hand; it was an honor for him to take his time for us to do a Mass late at night.
And of course, when it comes to shopping, there’s no argument for that. On Sept. 25, our first destination was at the famous Ala Moana Shopping Center with all the various shopping places no one can resist. Continuing on Sept. 27, we made our way to Ice Palace where everyone got to feel the ice.
Some had the talent to skate, some had to use a walker at first, and some passed on the opportunity to skate. I’m sure everyone had a great time, it was also a great experience for those who couldn’t skate and those who never who had never been to an ice rink.
A few people fell down on the ice and were bruised and later we all went shopping at Pearl Ridge. Once again, another shopping center that we could not resist.
In conclusion, the memories we made on this trip are unforgettable. All the shopping, skating at Ice Palace, and visiting other places were a bonus. The real reason for traveling to Oahu was honoring Father Damien.
He’s the Saint that lived on Moloka‘i and helped people with their leprosy. All in all, it was very exciting. And I would like to encourage young adults to join their local Catholic Ministry programs.
Alexis-April Cadiz, Hanama‘ulu
