SOLAR SHINE-INS By Lee Johnson After successful events like Seabrook '78 and SUN Day, we deserve a bit of rest, But only a bit. For now that we've got the momentum started toward a sane energy policy, we should keep on plugging away and speed it up, 2000 A,D, is not that far away, The only new thing I've been able to think of that we should do and one action I'd enjoy being a part of is a positive ,itting-in at potential sites for wind, solar and biomass power plants across the nation, We'd camp there demanding that construction on them be started immediately, and then help the arriving workers with volunteer pick-and-shovel work and pleasan tl y pi Y them wi th iced tea, coffee and sandwiches during site preparation, Perhaps, as Stevc Baer reminded us, we should start this at least on the Summer Solstice, which obviously has some real relation to any so-called "SUN Day" rathn than on May 3,1979, In any case, I envision a core group camping out at some quite scenic spots all summer, with larger and larger citizen turnout each weekend, Perhaps, at the wind power sites, we could even temporarily install a few small wind turbines in a symbolic wind-farm along a ridgetop and power some rock 'n roll or bluegrass bands singing prosolar songs. Taj Majal, you hear me? Most wind sites have lovely vistas from hilltops or on large open plains, Solar power plant sites include interesting desert terrain, And biomass? Well, just pick any large dairy farm, cattle feed lot or lumber clearcut. Among our goals at such encampments would be: • getting media coverage at specific local sites that the public can identify and relate to as part of an immediate available solar energy option ; • giving positive moral and political support to government officials, politicians, engineers, businesses, labor unions, scientists and others pushing for rapid installation of renewable energy power plants ; • volunteering physical lahar to construction workers, companies and government agencies charged with solar power plan t construction; providing on-site education on the arguments for solar plants to visitors and the media, Among the planning requirements J've thought of so far are: 1. Distance: Since you want to reach more than the core and weekenders, try to pick a site which is not only a potential solar site but also close enough to get television and other media coverage, Remember, this is largely symbolic, so don't get hung up in the academic cul-de-sac of feeling you must, in order to be real, be at the best site, Once the TV cameras are there you can show them on a map where there are many other even better sites! 2. Getting Permission: On federal land this should be no problem, as no politician or government bureaucrat is going to want to be known for busting up such a uniquely positive demonstration of the "will of the people." It would be polite, however, for the campers to keep the relevant regional officials in, say, Region X DOE's Seattle office, the Bureau of Land Management, or U.S. Forest Service, informed so they can look good to their higher-ups and, hopefully, approving or feeling unthreatened by such peaceful camp-ins. Be sure to check with state and local officials as well. In all cases, get across that you are engaging in a positive, non-destructive, even helpful, trespass on your government property. On private land, be sure to inquire first wi th owner and post a bond, if necessary, to cover any unintended damage to fields or fences. 3. Maps: Provide maps for weekenders and media on the back of a terse one-pager on why you're doing this, some details about the solar energy potential of the site, what that me~ns to the average citizen, how you expect people who arrIve to behave, and what they should bring with them. GOOD THINGS The Art ofJapanese Joinery, Kiyosi Seike, 1977, $8.95 from : John Weatherhill 149 Madison Ave. New York, NY 10016 Ask and you shall be given! Reviewing n. book on carpentry joints a couple of issues ago, we wished for one that showed them in more detail-how to make, their strengths and weaknesses, uses, etc. Our friend Gigi Coe sent us this in response-good photos and diagrams and explanations of 45 common Japanese joints. The first section on the genesis of Japanese joinery isn't particularly good, but the rest, on the joints themselves, is excellent. - TB
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