Am I saving money or not? Will x device save me money on my energy bill? This is probably one of the most asked questions when it comes to performing upgrades on your house. There are so many "energy savings" devices out there, its hard to know what works, what doesn't, and the load of smoke they blow up your nose when trying to sell a product.
You see so many internet ads claiming this device will save x amount of money over time once you install it. Obviously I am not naming any products names, because there are too many of them out there, and some of these people are so blatantly obnoxious(I have seen them on youtube threaten to "knock their teeth out") that I don't feel like going to court or getting sued.
But, one thing the majority of them do is show you savings based off last years energy bill. Really, that's how they do it. Why is this a bad idea? Why does this not work? Well, for one thing there is no guarantee that for the month of march, in 2009 you used the exact same power as you did in march of 2010. Or 2008, or whatever year they fill like using. Power schemes change from year to year, as does energy usage, as does temperature and weather conditions. Maybe last year was really hot, or really cold and this year was really mild. Why don't they show you from 10 years ago? Or 5? I have seen many years a 18 to 20% difference in energy bills(power used not cost) from corresponding months, based on nothing but a fluke in weather extremes.
Long story short, using energy bills to compare or show savings is a faulty means of correlation. Look for verified lab testing on devices, because that is the ONLY means of proof there can be to identify savings. And make sure the testing was done by a recognized lab, not the manufacture in their garage(I have seen that as well). If this data isn't available, be sure and google the product for blogs or reports that have been published on the device. Or, ask your local utility. They are always willing to help, and many have a list of approved or verified devices that are proved to save energy.
Monday, February 22, 2010
Thursday, February 18, 2010
SAving Energy Through Being Smart
What's that you say? I can save energy by being smart? Well, yeah you can. And it won't cost you a dime.
Leaving the room? Turn off the light, the tv, the radio, the computer, or anything else plugged in that is consuming power.
Going to bed? Adjust the thermostat a bit, you don't need or want the temperature to be 70 degrees at night. Thats what blankets are for.
Use your head and some common sense, you will be great after its all said and done.
Leaving the room? Turn off the light, the tv, the radio, the computer, or anything else plugged in that is consuming power.
Going to bed? Adjust the thermostat a bit, you don't need or want the temperature to be 70 degrees at night. Thats what blankets are for.
Use your head and some common sense, you will be great after its all said and done.
Friday, January 22, 2010
Water Savings
In east Tennessee, we can go from drought to flood conditions in a weeks time. The old saying goes if you don't like the weather stick around a day or two, it will change.
However, rain is not something we should count on, as the drought a few years ago showed us. We need to plan for water for our gardens, flowers and small plants. The easiest and greenest way to do this is to set up a water capture system. It doesn't have to be fancy, and can be done without costing a cent. My great grandmother did it and I remember as a child wondering why bother when you can just turn on a faucet?
To do this effectively, you need to find a location(the more the merrier) where you have water run off during rain, such as a gutter, side of a barn, storage shed, etc. You place a bucket of some type(my great grandmother used a big barrel)in this area to collect the run off water. You will want to use some sort of mosquito net to cover it with, to ensure that you don't get over taken with mosquitos because of the standing water.
When it comes time to water your flower garden, you flower pots, your small vegetable plants, or other items, you simply get your water from the barrel, and use it for your watering needs. This saves you money on your water bill, reduces dependence on water from outside sources, and uses a resource that would otherwise be wasted.
However, rain is not something we should count on, as the drought a few years ago showed us. We need to plan for water for our gardens, flowers and small plants. The easiest and greenest way to do this is to set up a water capture system. It doesn't have to be fancy, and can be done without costing a cent. My great grandmother did it and I remember as a child wondering why bother when you can just turn on a faucet?
To do this effectively, you need to find a location(the more the merrier) where you have water run off during rain, such as a gutter, side of a barn, storage shed, etc. You place a bucket of some type(my great grandmother used a big barrel)in this area to collect the run off water. You will want to use some sort of mosquito net to cover it with, to ensure that you don't get over taken with mosquitos because of the standing water.
When it comes time to water your flower garden, you flower pots, your small vegetable plants, or other items, you simply get your water from the barrel, and use it for your watering needs. This saves you money on your water bill, reduces dependence on water from outside sources, and uses a resource that would otherwise be wasted.
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Solar Factory Coming To Clinton
Just announced last night, there is a solar factory coming to Clinton TN. This is expected to bring in around 400-500 jobs.
This is exceedingly good news for 2 reasons. The first is more solar panels, more off grid support and energy. The second of course is more jobs.
However, dont get too excited yet. People still need to get into the solar idea. Right now, solar is a good supplement, but not the end all of energy solutions. Its best for homes as stand alone or back up power. Especially in east Tennessee, when some springs we can go almost a month with no actual sunlight.
Regardless, the full announcement will be coming this afternoon, so lets hope it spells good news for the people of east Tennessee.
This is exceedingly good news for 2 reasons. The first is more solar panels, more off grid support and energy. The second of course is more jobs.
However, dont get too excited yet. People still need to get into the solar idea. Right now, solar is a good supplement, but not the end all of energy solutions. Its best for homes as stand alone or back up power. Especially in east Tennessee, when some springs we can go almost a month with no actual sunlight.
Regardless, the full announcement will be coming this afternoon, so lets hope it spells good news for the people of east Tennessee.
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Drama Llama Strikes again
Ahh, to be a "celebrity" in this world would be amazing. Guest shows, talk circuit, people following your every move.
Being caught in lie after lie and still trying to blame everybody else. Poor Carrie Prejean, if only she would have had the common sense to not act offended when the past is released about her. For somebody claiming the moral high ground, she sure is taking the low road a lot lately. Lied about nude pictures, lied about a sex tape, insulted half the people in California. Actually, of all the things she has done, that is the one I respect from her. Sure her opinion on gay marriage pissed off half the world, but at least she was honest and true to herself over that.
Unfortunately, her honesty fell to the wayside on other details.
Oh, and she made quite the fool of herself on Larry King last night.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1R0a9xq6uek
Being caught in lie after lie and still trying to blame everybody else. Poor Carrie Prejean, if only she would have had the common sense to not act offended when the past is released about her. For somebody claiming the moral high ground, she sure is taking the low road a lot lately. Lied about nude pictures, lied about a sex tape, insulted half the people in California. Actually, of all the things she has done, that is the one I respect from her. Sure her opinion on gay marriage pissed off half the world, but at least she was honest and true to herself over that.
Unfortunately, her honesty fell to the wayside on other details.
Oh, and she made quite the fool of herself on Larry King last night.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1R0a9xq6uek
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Attn Car Dealers: Games you play
You would think after the beating the auto industry has received, that they would be a little less likely to be playing the same tired old games that turned people off in the past. Let me give you some advice on how to get more business, and how to not have people get mad and walk off the lot.
Advertisement. Advertising through online postings, your own websites, or even sites like craigslist greatly can increase your visibility. And I realize you want to the person to call or get on your lot so you can unload your sales pitch. However, one thing you must absolutely realize is people search online first. We will compare prices and models with other lots. If you don't have the following information, you won't even get a second glance.
Next step, when you get them in the lot, listen to what they say. Don't automatically have a car that is "perfect" for them. I will walk off and not look back once this crap starts. If you don't have what I want, be honest. I will ask you for your card and exchange information with you at that point because you were honest. If you try to sell me something I didn't ask for I am gone.
If for some reason you don't have the price on the car ( a big no-no) and I ask for a price, tell it to me. Don't give me a line about needing to ask your manager, or needing me to fill out some paperwork. Give me the price. There is a lot on Clinton Hwy I recently walked out on because nobody would tell me the price. I got a huge spill about it depends on the color of the sky at the time, and the polar alignment of Venus and Mars. Maybe it was something else, I tuned them out when they started their preprogrammed speech. The funny part was watching the sales manager come running out asking me to come back in. Anyway, neither here nor there but sales managers, makes sure your salesmen have updated price sheets.
Assuming the buyer gets through all this, the next part is the haggling. I think a few people enjoy it, some go just to do it, personally I despise it. It takes forever, and a lot of running on the legs of the salesman running back and forth to the sales or finance manager. Personally I think they have a poker game going on in the back of the office, and its just an excuse to go play a hand. I can't give any advice on this, except when somebody starts to haggle, just take them to the decision maker and let them duke it out.
Dealers have received my advice, now buyers, here is some for you. If you are 2 months late on 6 credit cards, have 2 repossessions and a pending foreclosure, be honest with the salesman. Some lots have financing that can help, others don't. But if you lead the salesman on and waste his time, and their finance departments time, then they find out all this on your credit report, you lose all bargaining position. When you great the salesman, tell him what you are after(car, truck, etc) also tell him your financial standing, along with any positive( been on the job 12 years). Let the salesman know up front what they are looking at. It helps everybody for you to be honest.
Buying a car does not need to be a stressful endevour. Once you find a lot/salesperson you trust, it makes it easier. There are several lots I have been too that I haven't bought from, but because of the nice sales people and their business ethics, I will someday buy from.
Advertisement. Advertising through online postings, your own websites, or even sites like craigslist greatly can increase your visibility. And I realize you want to the person to call or get on your lot so you can unload your sales pitch. However, one thing you must absolutely realize is people search online first. We will compare prices and models with other lots. If you don't have the following information, you won't even get a second glance.
- Price Price Price! For the love of all that is shiny put the price of the car on there. I don't care what you think, or how you try to get cute, but putting "Ask for price in person" is not going to get me or most people to your lot. And when somebody calls and ask for the price, blowing them off with "its a value, not a price" just pisses me off. Its not a value, its a tool, its a car, its a price. Put it up there. If you are worried about your prices being higher then others, look at your business model and quit being greedy. A truck with 200k miles, dents and bangs all over it is not worth $9,000 no matter how you spin it.
- Mileage. Put the mileage on there. Low miles to you may not be low miles to the next person. Sometimes there is miles with no price, sometimes price with no miles. Both need to be clearly indicated.
- General information. Is it a manual or automatic? 4x4 or 2wd? V8 or V6? This is the very important information. Things like floor mats and options like that are not as important. That can be added or changed for little or no money, the others is a deal breaker.
Next step, when you get them in the lot, listen to what they say. Don't automatically have a car that is "perfect" for them. I will walk off and not look back once this crap starts. If you don't have what I want, be honest. I will ask you for your card and exchange information with you at that point because you were honest. If you try to sell me something I didn't ask for I am gone.
If for some reason you don't have the price on the car ( a big no-no) and I ask for a price, tell it to me. Don't give me a line about needing to ask your manager, or needing me to fill out some paperwork. Give me the price. There is a lot on Clinton Hwy I recently walked out on because nobody would tell me the price. I got a huge spill about it depends on the color of the sky at the time, and the polar alignment of Venus and Mars. Maybe it was something else, I tuned them out when they started their preprogrammed speech. The funny part was watching the sales manager come running out asking me to come back in. Anyway, neither here nor there but sales managers, makes sure your salesmen have updated price sheets.
Assuming the buyer gets through all this, the next part is the haggling. I think a few people enjoy it, some go just to do it, personally I despise it. It takes forever, and a lot of running on the legs of the salesman running back and forth to the sales or finance manager. Personally I think they have a poker game going on in the back of the office, and its just an excuse to go play a hand. I can't give any advice on this, except when somebody starts to haggle, just take them to the decision maker and let them duke it out.
Dealers have received my advice, now buyers, here is some for you. If you are 2 months late on 6 credit cards, have 2 repossessions and a pending foreclosure, be honest with the salesman. Some lots have financing that can help, others don't. But if you lead the salesman on and waste his time, and their finance departments time, then they find out all this on your credit report, you lose all bargaining position. When you great the salesman, tell him what you are after(car, truck, etc) also tell him your financial standing, along with any positive( been on the job 12 years). Let the salesman know up front what they are looking at. It helps everybody for you to be honest.
Buying a car does not need to be a stressful endevour. Once you find a lot/salesperson you trust, it makes it easier. There are several lots I have been too that I haven't bought from, but because of the nice sales people and their business ethics, I will someday buy from.
- Preston at Lance Cunningham Ford. I have bought 2 cars from this gentleman, and the experience is always awesome
- Cars Etc in halls TN. I have yet to buy from here, but will at some point because they are upfront and honest in all the dealings I have had with them.
- Cogdill Dodge I have bought from before, and may again someday.
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Condemnation for Rape Watchers
By now most people have heard of the tragic gang rape that occurred in California. A girl was gang raped for over 2 hours outside of her school homecoming dance. Not only is this disgusting and tragic enough, what makes this even more horrifying is police believe up to 10 people stood around and watched it happen.
How dare you call yourselves human and watch this young juvenile girl get repeatedly raped. Police believe up to 4 or 5 actually raped her over the course of 2 hours, and that several people stood and watched and did nothing! Did nothing! Did none of you scum have a cell phone that you could have dialed 911 with? Did none of you bother to run to the school for help? Why are none of you coming forward now? How would you feel if that was your friend, your sister, your daughter and you found out about it?
Its horrible enough she was raped, even worse by multiple people, but even inconceivable that it all happened while people stood and watched, and even a couple may have participated as well. This is a sign of whats wrong with this country. If even one of you had any balls, or any courage this poor girl would not be in the shape she is in, and the dregs of society that did this would all be in jail now, or at least identified.
How do you sleep at night, or look yourself in the mirror? I hope none of you are sleeping at all, and every second of every day is filled with the horror of what you witnessed, and that your conscience has finally awoken and is making your life a living hell. You can ease it somewhat by coming forward and telling what you know!
Know that every problem this young girl suffers is your fault, know that every bruise, every second of mental anguish is your fault. You may not have done the deed, but you stood by and allowed it to happen, which is as bad as those who did the deed themselves.
Prayers go out to this young girl, her family and friend, and many hopes to the police investigating this that they will catch not only the participants, but the cowardly watchers as well. I hope the prosecuting attorney goes after them all.
How dare you call yourselves human and watch this young juvenile girl get repeatedly raped. Police believe up to 4 or 5 actually raped her over the course of 2 hours, and that several people stood and watched and did nothing! Did nothing! Did none of you scum have a cell phone that you could have dialed 911 with? Did none of you bother to run to the school for help? Why are none of you coming forward now? How would you feel if that was your friend, your sister, your daughter and you found out about it?
Its horrible enough she was raped, even worse by multiple people, but even inconceivable that it all happened while people stood and watched, and even a couple may have participated as well. This is a sign of whats wrong with this country. If even one of you had any balls, or any courage this poor girl would not be in the shape she is in, and the dregs of society that did this would all be in jail now, or at least identified.
How do you sleep at night, or look yourself in the mirror? I hope none of you are sleeping at all, and every second of every day is filled with the horror of what you witnessed, and that your conscience has finally awoken and is making your life a living hell. You can ease it somewhat by coming forward and telling what you know!
Know that every problem this young girl suffers is your fault, know that every bruise, every second of mental anguish is your fault. You may not have done the deed, but you stood by and allowed it to happen, which is as bad as those who did the deed themselves.
Prayers go out to this young girl, her family and friend, and many hopes to the police investigating this that they will catch not only the participants, but the cowardly watchers as well. I hope the prosecuting attorney goes after them all.
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