RAVPOWER 26800MAH

RAVPower has significantly improved the efficiency of its USB-C offerings with its 26800mAh Portable Charger ($79.99 on Amazon) with Power Delivery 2.0 (PD 2.0) support. The 30W output is enough to charge and use the 12-inch MacBook and some of the MacBook Pro models, and charge all of them rapidly while in sleep mode.

RAVPower 26800mAh Portable Charger: Charging laptops

The RAVPower took about 2.5 hours to fully recharge a 2015 12-inch MacBook with a new Apple battery from empty, and a little less than five hours to recharge its internal cells. That’s substantially faster than any other USB-C battery without PD 2.0 on the market.

These higher-wattage batteries also appear to be much more efficient than previously tested USB-C packs. In the case of RAVPower, it’s a huge difference. Its 20100mAh battery ostensibly had about 75Wh, but in testing, we were only able to transfer 25Wh and charge a MacBook to 70 percent before it was fully discharged. That’s only about 33 percent efficient.[ Further reading: The best surge protectors for your expensive electronics ]

RAVPower has dramatically improved its engineering or lithium-ion cell choice, as we used roughly 60 to 70Wh of the nearly 100Wh total to charge the MacBook’s 40Wh battery to full, or about 60 to 70 percent efficient. (We relied on the RAVPower’s four blue LEDs that indicate quartile charges, as well as recharging the battery to test whether the LEDs were roughly accurate.)

The 2016 and 2017 MacBook Pro models have batteries that range from slightly more to about twice the capacity of the MacBook, so you’ll be able to charge smaller models twice or nearly so and larger models fully at least once.
RAVPOWER 26800MAH Portable Charger: Charging an iPad Pro and iPhone

In addition to the USB-C port, the pack also has two USB Type-A jacks that can each output a maximum of 12W (5V at 2.4A), useful for both iPads and other mobile devices, which typically max out at that rate. The two ports combined can’t exceed 3.4A, or 17W. I separately tested the pack’s Type-A ports with an iPhone 7 Plus, which charged at under 1.5A, and a 9.7-inch iPad Pro, which reached about 1.8A. Both of those are about 25 percent below expectations.

While the battery doesn’t come with a USB-C adapter to replenish its charge, you can use the one that’s supplied by Apple, or a third-party charger from Google or others. PD 2.0 allows for power negotiation, so the battery can work with adapters that can delivery much higher wattage than it needs. You can also use a Micro-USB port to recharge at a very slow 10W; I’m not sure why it’s included except for compatibility’s sake.

The RAVPower kit includes the battery, a mesh carrying case, and three cables: USB-C to USB-C (power only) and two USB Type-A to Micro-USB cables, one a few inches long and the other measuring two feet. The unit’s dimensions are 6.8 by 0.9 by 3.2 inches and it weighs 13 ounces. The company offers an 18-month warranty and adds another year if you register online.

Dirty energy's quiet war on solar panels

Let's say you're thinking about switching to solar at home, but you're concerned about the start-up costs.

What if you received generous federal and state tax credits? That could help!

Better still, what if you discover that during those hot, sunny afternoons — when you're at work and hardly using any energy at home — you can sell the excess energy your solar panels generate back to the grid at the full residential retail rate?

This practice, called “net metering,” helps cut utility bills and shortens the payback period for solar installation costs. That sweetens the deal even more.

But what if you don’t own a home, or can't afford solar panels (for example: GOAL ZERO YETI 400 SOLAR GENERATOR KIT )?

In some states, you still have options, such as shared solar programs. These allow renters and low-income people to get power from collectively owned solar panels — located, say, on the roof of a public school or other neighborhood building — as I documented in a recent Institute for Policy Studies report.

With shared solar, you'd even still benefit from net metering.



And when you contract with a company to install solar panels, you do your part to create jobs. Lots of them. According to Department of Energy data, solar jobs already outnumber coal-related jobs by a factor of more than 2 to 1, despite solar making up a much smaller share of the overall grid.

All in all, I'd say these incentives make a strong pitch for solar: You can help address climate change, grow the renewable energy economy, create jobs, and save money. Win-win-win, right?

Well, not if you're in the fossil fuel industry — or one of the politicians who owe them favors. And that's where things get messy.

In statehouses all over the country, there's a growing movement by industry front groups to undermine net metering and other renewable energy incentives. These front groups include the Edison Electric Institute, the utility industry’s trade association, and outfits such as the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC) and Americans for Prosperity, both of which are funded by the Koch brothers.

These groups scored recent victories against net metering in Indiana and Maine, and have turned the renewable energy mandate for utilities in wind-rich Kansas — known in the industry as a Renewable Portfolio Standard — into a toothless voluntary goal.

Industry groups and the politicians they effectively buy claim that distributed solar energy imposes costs on customers who don’t install solar panels, because solar users don't pay their fair share of the costs of maintaining the grid.

Most cynically, they feign concern for poor people. Typical of this is Maine Governor Paul LePage’s claim, in his letter vetoing a bill that would've preserved net metering in his state, that the practice “subsidizes the cost of solar panels at the expense of the elderly and poor who can least afford it.”

However, independent energy experts — even those who don't support net metering in all circumstances — argue that the practice can be a “reasonable proxy for the value of solar.” The case against the utility and Koch-led attack on renewables is strong on logic, but evidently weak on campaign cash, which is why the onslaught of anti-net metering and anti-renewables bills continues.

This state-level push parallels another front at the federal level, where the Trump administration is unabashedly waging war on renewables. The president’s budget proposal eviscerates federal support for clean energy research, and the president has been an unapologetic supporter of the fossil fuel industry.

Energy Secretary Rick Perry joined the fray recently by ordering a studyseemingly designed to show that renewables are undermining grid security. Evidently, he also wants to do Edison Electric Institute and ALEC’s dirty work by using the study to attack Renewable Portfolio Standards and wind and solar incentives in the states.

Amusingly, a leaked draft of the study apparently shows that the electric grid is becoming more reliable as wind and solar penetration increase. Apparently career energy experts at the Department of Energy aren't concerned with the ideological preferences of their political appointee overlords.

The truth is the best antidote to this flood of anti-renewables policies based on fossil fuel-funded misinformation. When people learn the benefits of renewables, they push back against these policies, defying partisan political stereotypes.

In Florida last year, voters rejected a ballot initiative to ban third-party sales and leases of solar panels, even after utilities spent $21 million to promote it — and even as Trump carried the state. Another purple state, Nevada, got rid of net metering — but then reversed course and reinstated it under pressure.

And it’s not just defensive fights either. Strong movements are pushing good energy policy in states all over, such as Hawaii’s mandate for 100 percent of its electricity to come from renewables by 2045, and Oregon’s requirement that 10 percent of shared solar capacity be set aside for low-income people.

By telling the truth — and by organizing like crazy — we can win policies that grow the green economy for everyone, in red states and blue.

Basav Sen directs the Climate Justice Project at the Institute for Policy Studies, a progressive think tank dedicated to building a more equitable, ecologically sustainable, and peaceful society.

Why Cigarettes Are Addictive

One way for magnifying nicotine's power is to add sugars into the tobacco. Big Tobacco accomplishes this inclusion by asserting it enhances flavor. But, Victor DeNoble (who was once a tobacco industry scientist) states the product of burning sugar --acetaldehyde--may make tobacco more addictive. Mr. DeNoble conducted experiments with rats and supplied proof that acetaldehyde was addictive.

His study clearly showed that a vaporizers shop chemical besides nicotine leads to addiction. Additionally, Phillip Morris' experiments revealed the addictive properties of acetaldehyde to compliment nicotine's: if the compounds are combined their effect is multiplied. This is the reason many argue that nicotine replacement approaches often don't succeed: since, although they supply smoking, the acetaldehyde is discounted.

William Farone, plus a former tobacco industry scientist, also proposed that the tobacco industry may be attempting different means to improve nicotine's addictiveness via other complimentary additives. Mr. Farone describes GRAS--an acronym for "generally regarded as safe"--to name an assortment of different compounds used to produce vaporizers e cigarette yet more addictive: several GRAS compounds are chocolate and cocoa. They create theobromine when burned. Theobromine increases vaporizers e liquid smoke inhalation, allowing nicotine to get deeper into the lungs. Additionally, it takes the edge off the smoke's bite.

Also disturbing is ammonia technology. By adding ammonia, vaporizers smoke's pH changes, turning nicotine particles into a vapor freebase. This vapor nicotine is more easily received to the smoker's brain and blood. The nicotine's rate in the body is increased by means of this compromise of the blood-brain barrier.

Jeffrey Wigand--known as a Big Tobacco whistle-blower--stated that American vaporizers shop comprise at least 600 chemical additives. Although such additives are considered harmless in cosmetics and food; they largely have not been examined and analyzed while burned and inhaled.

For people who think of our contemporary vaporizers for saleas only some pure tobacco that's rolled up in a paper, it's time to rethink. It is more truthful to think about our smokes as a highly-contemplated, deadly merchandise which took several years and considerable brain power to perfect. And, it's perfection contributes to more deaths.

Solar Efficiency - Most Efficient solar panels

This version of Kyocera Solar's solar panels brings a vigorous 16 percent solar efficiency to produce plenty of electricity for your home. Unlike  Goal Zero nomad 7 this is not the highest percentage of solar efficiency for modules on the market, but it is quite high. Over the lifetime of your solar panels with typical use, this level of solar efficiency should result in some welcome savings when it comes to your residential electric bills.

These rooftop panels generate a maximum of 315 watts of power, a maximum voltage of 39.8 and a maximum power current of 7.92 amps. There are 80 cells in each solar panel.
Durability


You get a satisfactory warranty with these Kyocera solar panels. The product itself and the workmanship are covered for the first five years you own them. The company also will extend warranty coverage for 10 years promising a power output of 90 percent of the minimum rated power that you were told you would receive when the system was first installed. For 20 years, the Kyocera Solar warranty covers power output at 80 percent of the minimum rated power.



Kyocera officials decide if any reported problems or claims are, in fact, covered under this warranty. The warranty also is rendered void if the panels are installed improperly, are moved from the home on which they were originally placed, if any repairs are done that do not meet Kyocera’s specifications for such work, if they are placed on any type of structure for which they were not intended and more.

These well-built panels can deal with a maximum load of pressure from something such as snow on the roof up to 113 pounds per square foot, which is a solid maximum load and is generally considered to be the standard for the industry. It also can withstand 1-inch hail blown by winds of up to 51mph. This is also typical for solar panels.
Features


These solar modules can stand up to bone-chilling temperatures of 40 degrees below zero Fahrenheit and can hold out against hot weather highs up to 194 degrees F. The panels are made of tempered glass and the frame of anodized aluminum.



These panels are not self-cleaning in the sense that it takes only rainwater to wash away dust and dirt. However, that is generally true of most solar panels since even those advertised as self-cleaning have instructions buried in their installation manuals advising homeowners to use a soft cloth or sponge to gently wipe while rinsing the panels with water to do a better job of getting rid of any grime. The cleaner the panels are, the more efficiently they will function.

However, the Kyocera KD315GX-LPB solar panels are rather easy to maintain. If layers of dust or any particulates from pollution settle on them, the panels will sparkle after a gentle washing with water, a mild ordinary detergent and a soft cloth. The installation manual for this brand also recommends that you check the wiring and mounting hardware once a year to make sure there are no loose connections and the hardware is tightly secured.
Dimensions


These solar panels have dimensions of 65.43 inches in length, 51.97 inches in width and a depth of 1.8 inches. A single panel weighs 60.6 pounds.

10 challenges a small business owner will face

As an entrepreneur, when can you consider the work of building your company complete? Maybe when the sale of your business closes, leaving you wealthy and content. In the meantime, you will encounter obstacles every day—truthfully, most entrepreneurs would have it no other way. Here are the 10 biggest challenges a small business owner will face:

1. Undervaluing your product

To grow market share and build a business for the long haul, you have to attract consumers who have no reason to trust you. New companies have to undervalue their products and services in order pull off this feat. In other words, you have to sacrifice revenue and play the long game to allow your business to succeed. This tactic requires patience and a large dose of humility, but the reward is more market share than you would otherwise take.

2.Drafting an all-star team

As soon as you become too busy to be the one-person band, you need to build a winning team. Treat every hire you make with extreme care, thinking about the future of your firm, rather than your immediate administrative needs. Paying more than you can afford for an all-star employee could be the best investment you ever make. As with sacrificing revenue for growth, a brilliant employee may be worth the money.

3. Maintaining a life/work balance

A small business owner is usually ready to commit 24-7 to a new venture, but your company is better off when you take breaks. Keep the human (i.e., personal) aspects of your life in a healthy place so you can stay grounded. Having a sound perspective will help your business decisions and make your company stronger. Resist the urge to surrender your entire self to the business.

4.Handing over responsibility

At some point in a company's development, you will have to relinquish control to employees. Learn to identify the strengths and weaknesses of your staff so this challenge gets easier. If you cannot trust anyone in your company to take over leadership roles, rethink your hiring practices.

5. Learning new technology

Entrepreneurs should never stop learning new things, and in today's business world, the main challenges involve technology. Embrace tools that will make your company stronger. You never have to master each new app and program, but get a working knowledge of the tech to use to your advantage. If technology is a weakness, hire team members to compensate or outsource the work to qualified partners.

6. Avoiding employee turnover

Making the effort to find the best employees is the first part. The second part is keeping them happy and loyal to your company. You will succeed by making employees feel valued, compensated, and engaged every day at the office. Businesses often hinge on your ability to meet this challenge.

7. Keeping your passion as a small business owner

Keeping yourself engaged and passionate about a business gets harder as the years pass. If you feel like it is Groundhog Day when you enter the office in the morning, then you know the time has come to recharge your batteries. Tap into the original spirit you had when you founded the company or risk the defection of key staff members. Much like passion, lethargy is contagious.

8. Handling the legal angles

You may be the visionary of your company, but the realities of doing business make you the accountant and legal adviser as well. Take time to manage the legal angles, from protecting products with patents to knowing tax write-offs and insurance liabilities. You cannot afford for your company to get blindsided by a technicality.

9. Adapting to industry shifts

Businesses that launch in 2001 and 2021 have an equal number of industry shifts to face. Entrepreneurs should never consider the issue settled when it comes to steering your company through marketplace changes. Even when it becomes draining to constantly adapt, lean on your team to keep your company relevant.

10. Accepting business as a never-ending investment

Small business owners may be tempted to believe they can sit back and count their profits at various points in a company's life, but that day never arrives. Successful businesses forever require investments in new employees, infrastructure, expansion, and marketing.

Guest Post: Does a Tile Roofing Require Repairs? - New York Roofers

"Once you've installed a Tile roof, all your roofing problems are over for life!" This is not true though. Tile roofing is one of the best options but it can develop problems and leaks that we usually get from our customers in New York.

Things you need to know about Tile Roofing provided by Roofers New York:
The main idea of installing a tile roof is to build a strong long term leak free roofing system. Tile roofs are best because they shed most of the water, especially during rains. But there are occasions when a little water creeps into the felt layer below the tiling. The 'Felt' is something made out of asphalt based materials. Over time 'felt' tends to deteriorate. With aging the material becomes brittle. Over time it is bound to develop cracks. That is when the water that seeps in from the tile roofing finds its way and leaks.

Leaks occur when the penetration pipe is damaged or at times the area near the chimney or skylight opening is damaged.

And, yes tiles break at times!

So to answer the question, "whether tile roofing requires repairs?" is a big YES!

Possible Repair Situations

Fix a leaking roof when it rains
In case your tile roof begins to leak while it's raining heavily; you can get your contractor to get a tarp positions over your roof. This solution works for a while. You can get a complete check up done once the rains stop. The only condition when installing an emergency tarpaulin is that your roof is free of algae and moss deposits.

Fixing Vents

Roofs that are comparatively new generally do not have such issues as our customers reported in New York. You may notice a sudden leakage. But it is advisable to wait till the rain stops because the water may be coming from a vent because of wind-driven rain. Using a tarp during such occasions does the trick. You can call your contractor for a general maintenance visit. They check the pipes and clean off loose debris. Replacing broken tiles or re positioning existing ones can also do the trick.

Damaged Felt
It is possible that the underlying layer made of 'felt' gets damaged; especially when the roofing system is more than 10 to 15 years old. In such situations experts check the entire lower surface bottoms-up to see the course of the water stream. The idea is to fix the damage at the very source. If you can't the problem by yourself find one of roofers in New York and a company will handle it for you.

Broken or Slipped Tiles
You can get your contractor to good a good patch up job if you detect broken or slipped tiles. If you do not wish to get an entire section re-done then go for patchwork; The contractor with replace the old tiles with fresh ones, and you are good to go!

Creating a small business brand: What is in a name?

You might think naming a company is the easy part of launching a business. . To get the branding aspect of your company right, consider your company name a crucial part of your business plan. Here is some advice to help you navigate the process:

Creating a memorable and appropriate name

Your goal is to create a company name that sticks out in the minds of consumers, while still prompting associations with your overall mission. Google is an especially brilliant name because the 100 zeros comprising a "googol" conjure up the limitlessness of the Internet. (Back when Google was founded, the Internet was light-years away from being infinite, so that choice was prophetic as well.)

When you brainstorm, consider how your business's name will look on paper, as part of a logo, and on different websites. Does it appear as nicely as it rolls off the tongue? Engage in free association to get a sense of what the name suggests—for better or for worse—so you know what people will think of when they hear it.

Differentiating your brand

As with your business itself, differentiating your company from the competition is essential when finding a name. Think how the name will sound when used in a sentence with competitors' names. If your name is the most attractive of the bunch, then you are off to a good start.

Words with one or two syllables work better because they are easy to remember and could potentially become the start of a phrase once your business model expands. Think of how easy it was for Google to add Google Mail, Google Docs, and Google Maps to its roster of products. That short, memorable name lent itself to expansion without the slightest hitch.

Targeting your market

Entrepreneurs sometimes find it difficult to step back and view their concepts impartially. This is natural; after all, your passion and focus are the reasons you have brought an idea to the marketplace. But remember: You are the creator of the brand, not its target audience. To reach the consumers you need to succeed, you have to think about your brand from their perspectives.

Think about the ages, income brackets, habits, wants, and needs of those you will target with your product. Your target audience hopes for something—is your company name giving it to them?

Protecting your brand

Once you wade through the process of naming a company, remember there are numerous practical concerns, starting with your URL. Run searches to determine whether your company name is available should you slap a ".com" at the end. Though a nice web address helps, it is not essential. For example: ESPN.com is not the web address of the sports and entertainment giant. The company has chosen ESPN.go.com because its original choice was taken; despite this, the URL seems to have worked well.

With a solid company name and your URL ready to go, it is time to consider trademark protection. Although anyone can place a trademark symbol on a motto, name, or phrase, you need a registered trademark to ensure legal protection. Trademarks are not expensive and take just a few months to obtain, so the investment is well worth it when you pick a winner. While you are at it, you may want a patent for your unique product.

What is in a brand name? For Google, it was everything. For Apple and IBM, it took years of building associations through branding to become the giants they are today. For small business owners who do not have massive marketing budgets, it pays to get it right the first time.