Introduction - Brand new to list

[Brian Rich <science at west dot net>]

Hi everyone,
I'm brand new to this list. I live in Lompoc CA, and commute 60 miles
each way to and from work (my "day" job) in Santa Barbara. I'm 42, and I
have a wife and 4 children. By the end of the year, I'll have 5 kids, if
all goes well. I ride a commuter bus for that commute for two reasons: I
hate driving, I can do something else with that time (I love to read),
and I think it is good to support public transportation. And it's
cheaper. O.K., four reasons!

No, I did not set out to singlehandedly populate the Earth. But I love
and enjoy each and every one of my children. Parents out there will know
what "unconditional love" means.

We homeschool in an eclectic unschooling manner that seems to revolve
quite a bit around Girl Scout activities. My three oldest are all girls.
They are constantly terrorized by their 2 1/2 year old brother.

My oldest girl was accepted to go to Lake Michigan in the fall as a
"Wider Opportunity" in Girl Scouts. We are way behind in our fundraising
- any ideas? She may not be able to go unless we do something quick!

I have always been interested in science. I work (day job again) as an
optical engineer. My true calling is hobby science, for which I long ago
started a supply company, URL below. It is doing pretty well now, so in
a year or so I think I'll be able to drop the 60 mile commute and work
from home full time.

I am interested in building my own home. There's a good old book called
"Your Engineered House" that really inspired me. But I am also
interested in less permanent structures. Specifically geodesic domes and
other tent like structures. I am also interested in alternative energy,
human and solar powered conveyances (I need the exercise anyway ;) ) and
exactly how to efficiently cool a dome tent in the heat of the desert.

Why the desert? Because I want to buy some land some day, and that's
probably all I'll be able to afford!

I'm a wannabe Burning Man participant, but I've never made it out there.
I don't like direct sunlight - I much prefer a shady spot.

I like to make things, I have a large collection of technology bits and
pieces. It's been a dream of mine to open a small science museum,
perhaps near a major highway, and colocated with a campground so people
can spend a few days there and not pay a fortune to do so.

One of the most interesting authors I've been reading lately is Bruce
Sterling. His novel "Distraction" is awesome, but all of his works have
something that tickles me. It is all near-term Science Fiction, which I
like a lot. I believe the likes of [s.f. author Vernor] Vinge who tell
us we are heading for a technological singularity, beyond which point
all bets are off. I hope we make it through as a species. If I was
younger I would probably study molecular engineering, because that is
going to be where talented folks will be able to make huge
contributions. On of the neat things Sterling folded into Distraction
was this wired nomad culture. They were doing incredible things with
native materials - computer cases made from compressed plant fibers;
ultralight aircraft running on alcohol from fermented silage, homebrew
hacks to photosynthesis to turn it into a real power source, etc. I
wanna do that!

Actually, any burning at all, unless it's hydrogen, releases CO2 into
the atmosphere. That is good for plant life, but not necessarily good
for coastal communities. I believe we will be living with the results of
the greenhouse effect sooner than we think. I think it is ultimately
survivable, especially if you like warm weather (I don't).

Back to domes. Do any of you know of any multi-layer dome structures? I
think a double-walled dome, with reflecting mylar on the outside, would
insulate really well. maybe put bubble pack in the space between the
layers to kill the convection. Maybe someone makes aluminized bubble
pack sheeting? Maybe I ought to read the FAQ if there is one.

Is there anyone near me who has a dome they made, that i might visit? I
wouldn't take up much of your time. I'd also like any URLs from list
members.

Anyway, I am looking forward to learning from you guys. Talk soon!

-Brian
-----------------------------
Brian Wesley Rich
Santa Barbara Science
http://www.west.net/~science/