Google has close G+ and as a consequence, the forum "Microsoft Access at Work" has been closed.  Google should either only release products they are committed to support or at least spin them off to another company whey a product does not suit their business model. Starting a platform where third parties have a big time commitment and then dropping it does not build confidence in using Google products.

 Bye...

Test post

Google has made changes and now this Blog is not available from an Iframe on Google Sites. Well Sites are still pretty awesome and free it always good!

The Battery and Regulator

Crown battery in Twinsburg had a marine battery for $100 that should suit the purpose.  I had been there once before but this time after following a detour on Highland road they were no longer in same location. Glad I had a my cell phone, a quick call to the headquarters and they were able to direct me to the new location a few doors down.

Unless you have a very small solar panel you can't just hot wire it in to the battery, you need a regulator. The regulator matches the output of the solar panel to the battery's requirements preventing overcharge and back-flow.

Here it is hooked to the battery only.  The lights on the left show solar power present, bulk charge mode, and the battery charge level (bottom 4 leds)

The top switch is for gel cells or lead acid.  I have the lead acid type which requires water to be added periodically.  The other switch changes the display from voltage (shown) to amperage or power flow.

Now Painted

Painted Beige

My Spring Solar Project

Solar panel in the new box/stand

EarthFest at the Berea fair grounds featured new energy technologies such as wind and solar power. Solar has been around for a while but I finally see a application that makes it work for me. For the past several years I have spent time camping in primitive camp grounds without electrical hookups. Cell phones, computers and tablet have become such an important part  life that going without power for even a few days is difficult.  Last year we brought a gas powered generator but running an engine is noisy and part of the camp experience is getting away from such distractions.

While still not cheap the prices a have come down to the point where it was worthwhile to look into doing this. The Grape Solar panel I bought is rated at 235 watts in full sun.  This should be enough power to charge all devices, power a computer and light the night with efficient led rope lights.

The challenges to overcome have been cost, weight and portability. The panel itself is about 45 pounds. so too much plywood would make it a back breaker.  So the box is made of 1x5 pine with some 1x2 slats on the back.  Originally I was going to have plywood doors that open, but after framing they would add a lot of weight.  When I was at Loews I saw some translucent blue PVC panels (think tin roof) that would be about the lightest way to protect the panel during transit. My guess is it only adds about 10 pounds.

The wood working is done, so today is painting day.  The box is bound to see some rain so this should help make it more water proof. Pics to follow.

Photos - Google+:

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Windows (h)8

When an experienced users has to Google "Shutdown Windows 8" you know something has gone terribly wrong in the design department.

Security Notice: Service-wide Password Reset | Evernote

Security Notice: Service-wide Password Reset | Evernote:
Evernote did the right thing and just reset everyone's password.  I remain a big fan!
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alone waiting

alone waiting:

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8 Rules For Creating A Passionate Work Culture | Fast Company

8 Rules For Creating A Passionate Work Culture | Fast Company:

Success requires many values be effect at the same time.  For example when to stick to the objective and tough it out in spite of obstacles vs. changing course and looking for another path to the goal. There is no single rule or simple solution to this, only experimentation and a constant feedback loop of learning that monitors results and make appropriate adjustments. This is the path to success.

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Is Google Chrome Now The Most Popular Desktop Web Browser? | TPM Idea Lab

I've been a fan for years now.  IE become far too cluttered and had a nasty penchant for allowing third party tool bars to be installed without notification.
Is Google Chrome Now The Most Popular Desktop Web Browser? | TPM Idea Lab:

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How do Access and SharePoint fit in together? | Microsoft Access with SQL Server Blog

Time to get up to date with changes in ways to enter and publish data on the web. Today it's using SharePoint as a platform to host an Access database. I'm sure there with be trade-off between quick to develop web forms and power.  But understanding where a product fits in the scheme of things is half the battle.

How do Access and SharePoint fit in together? | Microsoft Access with SQL Server Blog: "part of their workflow and not their livelihood. Likewise, it enables "

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How to fix any computer

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After installing Spotify app it popped up and starting playing some stupid music. Well that's OK but after trying to shut down the app it refused and continued to annoy me with a promotional song. I will never go near this virus again.

Garmin | Map Updates

Garmin | Map Updates:

Wow what a deal only $50 for a one time update to a $120 device. This should be no more than $10. I'd rather just buy a new one.

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Cleveland Ignites Job Growth With Rebuilding Project - NYTimes.com

It's great to read something positive about our region as least once in a while.

Cleveland Ignites Job Growth With Rebuilding Project - NYTimes.com:

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Knight-Ridder tablet computer looks just like iPad but it's 17 YEARS OLD | Mail Online

Amazing story about some visionary work done at Knight-Ridder news. Just as with the Xerox Park research, Jobs did not invent the technology from scratch but he did bring it to market.

It reminds me of Christopher Columbus 'discovering' America.

While he might not have been the first European here, he did a good marketing job when he got home.

Knight-Ridder tablet computer looks just like iPad but it's 17 YEARS OLD | Mail Online:

They really seemed to have it nailed down in the early 90s!

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Data may actually be safer in the cloud: report | ZDNet

Data may actually be safer in the cloud: report | ZDNet:


This sounded good but the comments posted on the blog must really give you pause. My thinking is: Use the cloud for low security data were collaboration is the primary concern, keep the rest local.

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Gmail - Chronos Hours - rayvalenti@gmail.com

Here is something that is really great about Google apps - the ability to send email updates to yourself or others.  This sample was generated by embedded code in a spreadsheet but you can also just specify that you would like notification when a document is updated.  It's a great way to stay on top of important business data.

A merger between AOL and Yahoo: You’ve got fail? — Tech News and Analysis

Yahoo is OK by me, don't use if for much, but AOL has earned the public's contempt.

A merger between AOL and Yahoo: You’ve got fail? — Tech News and Analysis:

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Discussions in Google Docs

If you can't get people to use Google Wave to store Google documents then just let the documents store the Wave. Google does not fool around when something does not catch on, they move on and fast. I always have problems getting anyone to do this sort of thing. Email is about all anyone understands so the best way to introduce a new collaboration system is to just wedge it into email