Passive House vs Active House

October 1, 2020

Passive House is a building standard, originally developed in Germany and called Passivhaus, that reduces heating needs by an astonishing 90%. It was founded by Dr. Wolfgang Feist in 1996, and since then, it has spread to many countries including the United States. There are already more than 60,000 Passive Houses worldwide (as of 2016).

The Certified Passive House features walls, roof, and floor with significantly more insulation then conventional houses. Thermal bridges are limited to a minimum to reduce the heat loss. These houses often incorporate triple-pane windows instead of the standard double-pane versions. Passive House is extremely airtight and needs a ventilation system with heat recovery which brings balanced and continuous supply of fresh air into the house. The occupants can still open the windows for natural ventilation, if desired. As a result of all these components this home exhibits heating/cooling load reduction of 90% over traditional construction, and the costly heating and cooling systems can be eliminated, as well as the ductwork associated with them.

Passive House is heated by the accumulation of sun energy, the auxiliary heat from the electrical equipment, small point heat sources (depending on the climate), and the heat from the people who live in it.

Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s Advice for Living.

October 1, 2020

How fortunate I was to be alive and a lawyer when, for the first time in United States history, it became possible to urge, successfully, before legislatures and courts, the equal-citizenship stature of women and men as a fundamental constitutional principle. Feminists, caring men among them, had sought just that for generations. Until the late 1960s, however, society was not prepared to heed their plea.

What enabled me to take part in the effort to free our daughters and sons to achieve whatever their talents equipped them to accomplish, with no artificial barriers blocking their way? First, a mother who, by her example, made reading a delight and counseled me constantly to “be independent,” able to fend for myself, whatever fortune might have in store for me. Second, teachers who influenced or encouraged me in my growing-up years.

Ruth Bader Ginsburg, who served as an associate justice of the Supreme Court of the United States from 1993 to 2020, was the author, with Mary Hartnett and Wendy W. Williams, of the book “My Own Words,” from which this essay, published in the New York Times on October 1, 2016, is adapted.

Fed up? Outraged? Overwhelmed? You're not alone.

October 1, 2020

Established in 2020, O.SH!TT is born from one mother’s frustration, anger and a desire to scream out loud over the devastation caused by the pandemic, race/gender inequities, ongoing political corruption and the climate crisis, to name a few. Heartbroken, she sought solace and an opportunity to safely check-in, blow off steam and trade survival secrets with fellow moms she admired and trusted.

By simply creating the time and space, O.SH!TT invites all caring, beautiful and intelligent women to self-organize in small groups, garner strength and inspiration from one another (even in respectful disagreement), amplify their voices, and create a safe harbor of humor, hope and empathy in pursuit of a brighter future.

Make Your Voice Heard - Vote!

October 1, 2020

Every election is determined by the people who show up.

Election Day, November 3rd, is fast approaching. Visit informative websites such as rockthevote.org and vote.org for knowledge of key dates and deadlines and review your voter registration status.

Washington is a vote-by-mail state with early voting beginning October 14th. If you prefer to cast your vote at a voting center, there will be local facilities 18 days prior to Election Day.

Planning to vote is key to voting successfully! Make sure you know if you can vote early and/or by mail and don’t miss the deadlines! If you’re voting on election day, be sure to think about your schedule for the day. Will you need to vote in the morning? After class? In the evening after work? Will you need a ride to the polls? Does your neighbor? Plan to research your candidates and make a list of who you want to vote for ahead of time. Plan to encourage everyone—your partner, co-workers, newly 18-year-old nieces and nephews—to get registered to vote. Plan to make your voice heard!