Laurie Thomson

Lifestyle

Solar Power V: Where does that leave us?

From the German experience, the expansion of photovoltaic solar power past 1-2% of total electricity demand has led to less nuclear, and more coal....

Community

Solar Power IV: The German Experience

Germany is widely considered the global leader in solar power, with over a third of the world's nameplate (peak) solar power capacity. Merkel’s government...

Lifestyle

Laundry Day

My wife and I enjoy our travels. Would that we could travel more; it is wonderful to see new places, meet interesting people, sample...

Community

Solar Power III: What You Need to Know in Five Easy Steps

We have discussed the basics of solar panel technology, given you some idea of their costs, and introduced the topic of efficiency. Today’s column...

Lifestyle

The Rose Shed

We were touring Northern California. It was absolutely grand. Sunny, comfortably warm; beautiful scenery, we couldn’t hope for more. At one time or another, we...

Community

Solar Power II: What you need to know in five parts.

Our first installment introduced the various types of solar panel. We will now examine their operating efficiency and costs. The efficiency of solar panels has...

Lifestyle

The Mark of a Good Hotel

My day started like many others before it; a travel day. My plane was scheduled for 10:30; three hours to Port Moresby, followed by...

Community

Solar Power I: What you need to know in five parts.

The global middle class is growing at an accelerating rate and people want their comforts. The need for more electrical power is undeniable. The...

Community

We Need Better River Management

Water issues are always a hot topic in the Cowichan Valley. Summertime water shortages are an ongoing concern. Should we raise the weir at Cowichan...

Community

Wildfire Preparation

Many are forecasting a third year in a row of dry conditions in the Cowichan Valley. With that comes the ever-present dangers of wildfires....

Lifestyle

Manage Investment Risk

Invest with your head, never your heart. No investment is completely risk-free, but some investments carry more risk than others. Generally, the higher the...

Lifestyle