Save money by saving energy - cnn money

Investing in energy-efficient home technology is like buying a home gym: Though you may be tempted by the promise of a long-term payoff, it's easy to be turned off by the upfront cost. "That's really what the challenge is — to move customers to action," says Stephen Cowell, CEO of Conservation Services Group, a company that works with utilities and conservation groups to improve energy efficiency.

You can overcome this inertia, however, by taking advantage of numerous strategies and programs that both ease the financial pain of energy-saving home improvements and make it possible to keep cool for the rest of the summer. Here's a sample of what's available:

 Federal help

Currently, you can get a federal tax credit for energy-efficient home improvements (such as sealing your house better to keep the cool air in): 10% of your cost, excluding labor, up to $500. The program expires at the end of the year. More advanced energy-efficient improvements – such as geothermal heat pumps, solar water heating, photovoltaic systems and small wind turbines – lead to a tax credit worth 30% of the cost, with no maximum credit. This arrangement lasts through 2016.

State funds

As part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, states were allocated money they could distribute to customers in the form of rebates on purchases of energy-efficient appliances. While most of the states have distributed their money and ended their rebates, you can still find an official list of states with active programs (or at least waiting lists). Beware of fake rebate websites. A total of 21 localities — states, territories and the District of Columbia — still have open programs. Massachusetts, for example, recently reinstated a rebate program covering room air conditioners and refrigerators.

Company discounts

In the hopes of drumming up business, private companies are cutting prices, too. Heating, ventilation and air conditioning manufacturer Lennox, for example, is running a promotion offeringup to $1,400 in rebates on selected systems this summer. It's also possible to find relevant discounts in Groupon's Home & Garden category, launched earlier this year and available in several cities.

Your local utility company is likely offering rebates linked to energy efficiency: Roughly two-thirds of Americans, estimates Cowell, have access to such a program. To find what your utility may be offering in the way of rebates or loans, you can start at the Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency (where you can also learn about other public and private programs). The summer-related products most often covered by utility-run rebate programs are air conditioners and pool pumps, says Cowell.

At home

Finally, some energy-efficient moves don't require much spending, or any at all, to save you money over the rest of the summer:

• Switch off your air conditioner in favor of ceiling fans or portable fans, which use less electricity and can make you feel five degrees cooler.

• If you are using an air conditioner, clean its vents and filters. Otherwise, your a/c will have less airflow and work inefficiently, according to Cash Money Life .

• For swimming pools used only on weekends, reduce the heater or heat pump thermostats around 10 degrees during the week, according to pool company Pentair Water. When you're using the pool, don't heat it above 78 degrees – a healthy temperature for recreational swimming.

source

http://moremoney.blogs.money.cnn.com/2011/07/31/save-money-saving-energy/

Dow Jones industrial average falls about 300 points

Stocks are plunging in another broad sell-off as investors grow concerned about an economic slowdown in the U.S. and Europe.

The Dow Jones industrial average was down around 300 points, erasing its gains this year. The index is now down more than 1,000 points from July 21. The Standard & Poor’s 500 index sank more than 3 percent, bringing it more than 10 percent below its recent high of 1,363 reached on April 29. A decline of 10 percent is considered to be a market correction.

The U.S. government said before the market opened that the number of people who applied for unemployment benefits for the first time edged only slightly lower last week to 400,000. That’s still above the 375,000 level that economist say indicates a healthy job market. It was the latest indication of weakness in the U.S. economy.

Stock trading has been volatile this week because of concerns that the U.S. economy is weakening. Manufacturing, consumer spending and hiring by private companies are below levels that are consistent with a healthy economy.

The financial markets also were apparently unmoved by the recently approved deal to raise the U.S. government’s debt ceiling and reduce the deficit, which came after weeks of highly contentious negotiations that brought the U.S. to the brink of a possible first-ever default.

General Motors Co. fell 2 percent despite beating analyst estimates. CVS Caremark fell nearly 4 percent after its revenue slipped last quarter.

Several national retailers are announcing July sales results throughout the day. Target, Gap Inc. and Macy’s each fell by more than 1 percent, in part because of concerns that consumers would further cut back shopping if the economy continues to slow down.

The Dow rose 30 points Wednesday — after being down 166 — to break an eight-day losing streak. Nine days would have been the longest since February 1978. The S&P 500 index rose 6 points and broke a seven-day streak.

source 

http://www.instantriverside.com/2011/08/dow-jones-industrial-average-falls-about-300-points/

ADAM SCOTT Wins Golf Tournament With Tiger Woods' Ex-Caddie

Adam Scott won the WGC-Bridgestone Invitational this afternoon with former Tiger Woods caddie Steve Williams on his bag ... while Tiger finished tied for 37th.

Afterward, Williams called it "the best win of my life."

Ouch.

source http://www.tmz.com/2011/08/07/adam-scott-bridgestone-invitational-world-golf-championship-tiger-woods-steve-williams-caddie/

How To Create An Optimum Low Cholesterol Nutrition Plan

Healthy levels of cholesterol and nutrition are closely related. Think about this: you can derive cholesterol lowering benefits from the food you eat! To do this, you basically have to understand which foods can increase your good cholesterol level and which ones decrease your bad cholesterol level. Once you gain awareness of optimal cholesterol nutrition you should stick to this type of diet long enough to gain results.

First tip: Expect your healthy eating change to be a positive experience.

A diet that is focused on providing meals that are healthy for both the heart and mind does not have to be bland. Healthy eating does not mean dishes should become less tasty and appetizing. It just means learning to eat smart and cutting back on those that may put your health at risk. Contrary to popular opinion, there are a variety of ways a person can still enjoy his favorite food even under a strict diet plan. Learning and understanding the importance of including fruits and vegetables in your diet, or eating foods rich in fiber, or limiting meat intake to at least three times a week is how you can best manage your cholesterol level.

For a person prone to cardiovascular diseases and other health risks, some strict dietary guidelines that can help maintain a healthy body weight is indeed important. In fact, this one of the most important decisions you need to make, that is, if you want to prolong your life. And who doesn't?

Learning to eat smart may take time for you to get used to. But the thing is, if you understand what the food you eat does to your body, and then its much easier for you to cope with the changes in your diet. You are doing yourself a big favor by knowing what it is you need to alter or cut back on.

Here are some top tips to use in creating a healthy cholesterol nutrition plan:

EATING MEAT

Meats and poultry, for instance, are foods which are not altogether harmful to your body. You still need these as they are very rich in protein and are essential to rebuilding your body tissues. But you can maybe learn to eat chicken without the skin or grill beef or pork often, instead of frying. This way, you keep your body from digesting unsaturated fat which in turn becomes bad cholesterol that could build up and then block your bloodstreams.

• BEEF: Best parts/cuts - chuck, sirloin & round. If you love eating beef choose lean meat instead of prime meat.
• PORK: Best parts/cut – tenderloin.

The recommended daily amount of meat consumption is about six ounces or less. Processed meat contains high amounts of saturated fat, so cut back on these. Duck meats are also rich in fat compared to turkey or chicken. Fish is a very good alternative to beef or pork as it is low in fat but very high in protein and other nutrients.

EATING DAIRY

Dairy choices makes food more flavorful and delicious but they are very rich in fat. If you are aiming to lower your cholesterol but enjoy drinking milk, allow yourself to gradually alter your milk drinking habit. Go for low-fat or fat-free. It’s the same with cheese lovers. There are plenty of variety of milk and cheese on the market today that offer low-fat alternatives, for the same flavor.

Substitute egg yolks for egg whites, since the white part contains less cholesterol.

EATING SWEET and SALTY FOODS

Snack foods and beverages are mixed with artificial flavoring that usually contain more sugar. Not only is this bad for your heart, the added calories, empty calories, in fact, is also bad for your weight.

Eating food with little sodium content allows you to manage your blood pressure better. Limit use of condiments like steak sauce, fish sauce or soy sauce as they are very high in sodium. While salt adds flavor to dishes, you can instead use herbs and seasoning for flavor when cooking.

Making use of these tips will make you realize that cholesterol and nutrition can go together but you just have to know how to maximize the nutrition content f the food you eat without getting all the bad cholesterol that goes with them.

source http://www.lowercholesterolnews.com/cholesterolnutrition.html

HDL And LDL Cholesterol: Why Distinguish?

Is high cholesterol bad for the body? Well, yes and no. You have to distinguish because there are 2 types: HDL and LDL cholesterol. One is good for the body while the other is bad for the body.

Your blood plasma contains waxy white matter called cholesterol. There was a time when people saw all cholesterol as dangerous and bad as it is linked to many kinds of heart disease. Cholesterol is transported through the bloodstream and is a carrier of lipoproteins, which is what the body needs to restore tissues. But some other forms of cholesterol may cause harm to the body, as it does solidify easily. When it is transported inside the body, it may stay in the bloodstream and can cause blockages. This is what causes stroke or heart attacks. And this is why doctors advise everyone about the danger of high cholesterol.

Today however, doctors note that too little cholesterol in the body is also just as harmful. They now realize that cholesterol in fact contains complicated components, both good and bad. Two of the most common forms of cholesterol are HDL (High Density Lipoproteins) and LDL (Low Density Lipoproteins) and a distinction must be made for both in order to understand what the body needs to live in a healthy way.

LDL Cholesterol is often called the bad cholesterol. As its name suggests, it is a form that does not do very well in mobilizing inside the bloodstream and can also leave deposits that may narrow down the tiny blood capillary passage ways inside the body. LDL types are the ones that block the arteries. Many people have LDL forms of cholesterol in their bodies. It is, in fact, a fairly common occurrence. The danger though lies in the kind of mass or concentration it forms into when it begins to congest the arteries; more so when it inhibits nutrients from going through the other organs.

HDL Cholesterol, on the other hand, is the good type. It transports lipoproteins in the body with ease and are also known to sometimes push or remove the LDL cholesterol blocking the small arteries or capillaries. In a way, it functions to work against the bad cholesterol. At least a third of HDL cholesterol may be found in the blood, in spite of it being the smallest form in the lipoprotein family. The higher HDL count a person has, the better it is, in order to avoid heart disease. Studies have shown that men normally have lower HDL cholesterol levels, which is why they are more prone to heart attacks.

Determining how much HDL and LDL cholesterol you have in your body is done through a series of tests. You may be asked to skip meals before the tests are done and then blood samples will be drawn from you for this. Apart from testing your HDL and LDL cholesterol levels, you will be also screened for other procedures like a lipid profile. You may also have to undergo triglycerides test and a total cholesterol test.

Laboratory tests will often provide reports indicating the ratio of your total cholesterol content against the good type, HDL. And doctors will base their recommendations on this report.

If you are at risk and have a very high LDL cholesterol level, the diagnosis and prescription is easy and logical: you need to have a lifestyle change, such as quitting smoking, regular exercise or a new diet plan. On the other hand, if you have a very low HDL cholesterol level, treatment may come in form of drugs, to help increase your HDL cholesterol. A slight shift in your lifestyle may also be in order.

source http://www.lowercholesterolnews.com/hdlandldlcholesterol.html

Uncovering The Beneficial Link Between Flax Seed And Cholesterol

Several studies have indicated that there is a positive effect and benefit to eating flax seeds regularly against cholesterol levels. Flax seeds and cholesterol cannot go together because the first one lowers if not cancels the other. A good amount of flax seeds consumed by an individual can help reduce triglycerides (fats) and LDL cholesterols (bad cholesterol), which helps in eliminating problems relating to cardiovascular diseases.

Flax seeds carry abundant alpha-linolenic acids, essential omega-3 and dietary fibers. These are substances which the body does not produce on its own, and are therefore better obtained from other resources though proper diet. These nutrients are essential to helping the body reduce the risk of developing heart diseases and other threatening illnesses like cancer or lupus. The best thing is that flax send can also promote a healthy body weight.

As the body needs fats for tissue repair and development, more often than not, people are exposed to the saturated type of fat which is mostly ingested from the food people eat. And as countless of research and information campaigns have indicated, saturated fat, over time, increases all kinds of health risks. Flax seed poses an alternative to this since its seeds contain healthy fat components which are polyunsaturated. Additionally, flax seeds are easily and inexpensively obtainable. You can purchase these from any grocery store or health food store.

Benefits of Flax seed

First of all, people have been consuming flax for many centuries. Those living in the ancient period were the first to discover its health benefits and the fact that it can bring relief and treatment to certain discomforts or ailments. Further, when used for medication, flax poses no threat or side effects, which makes it all the more beneficial.

Its high alpha-linolenic acid and fiber content has made flax seed some sort of a wonder food because scientific research has proven that it can:

• Reduce LDL Cholesterol level
• Lower blood pressure
• Lower the amount of triglyceride
• Makes blood platelets less sticky and more solvent
• Aid in cancer treatment because it has anti-oxidant properties
• Helps in the regulation of bowel movements
• Helps in relieving discomfort caused by constipation

Flax seed is not just linked to obtaining good cholesterol. It is linked to good health in general.

Many food product makers now recognize the benefits of flax seeds, such that it has become the special ingredient of products now sold in the market today. From breads to cookies and other breakfast treats or dessert fare, flax seeds are added to not only provide flavor but also to give the food its added nutritional value.

At the comforts of your own home, you may make use of flax seed in your own food preparations. Flax seeds are easily grounded using food processors or blender, and you can just add these to your cereals, salads or pancakes. Flax seeds carry a very mild nutty taste, which makes food even more flavorful. Add at least one tablespoon of grounded flax seeds in the juice or milk you drink daily, so you get your regular dose.

Eating the proper food as well as increasing physical activities combined with your daily flax intake is an effective way to combat a high LDL level.

source http://www.lowercholesterolnews.com/flaxseedandcholesterol.html

How Olive Oil Works With Cholesterol Levels

The common notion is that oil generally increases cholesterol levels. However, there seems to be an inversely proportional relationship between olive oil and cholesterol levels in the body particularly the bad cholesterol. This means that the more olive oil you take in, the greater your chances of ridding your body of LDL cholesterol. And the good thing is that olive oil reduces bad cholesterol but does not affect the level of your HDL cholesterol.

Medical findings show that the cholesterol content of food is at least responsible for an increase in blood HDL and LDL Cholesterol. One of the major methods used to cook and prepare food is by sautéing (which necessarily involves oil). By using olive oil to do this you prevent the oxidation of LDL cholesterol in your system thus lessening the chances of sticking to the walls of the arteries and thereby lessening your chances of developing heart disease.

It is an accepted fact that fats, especially the saturated ones, cause high cholesterol. And while saturated fats are mostly found in animal products, these are also present in oils (the same product you use daily for cooking and frying your favorite dishes). But you also have to distinguish here, because saturated fat is said to be high only in these types of cooking oils:

• Palm oil
• Vegetable oil
• Coconut oil
• Hydrogenated oil

But there is one source of oil which is said to have more positive and healthy effects and can be used effectively with foods that lower cholesterol.

If saturated fat increases the cholesterol level of the body, monounsaturated fat which is present in olive oil, is said to be good for the health. Olive oil also contains antioxidants making it good not only in reducing high cholesterol level but also in curbing heart disease.

So how does olive oil and cholesterol work? The more olive oil you include in your diet or menu, the more chances you have of controlling the bad cholesterol level otherwise known as LDL. On the other hand, olive oil increases your good cholesterol level also known as HDL.

Unlike other oils that can upset the stomach, olive oil is good for the stomach and has positive effects on people with stomach problems like ulcers. Like several cholesterol lowering herbs, olive oil excites and encourages the production and circulation of bile in the boy forcing bad cholesterol to immediately leave the system as soon as it gets in.

Studies show that people who take in as little as two tablespoon of virgin olive oil for a week have more antioxidants in their body (such as phenols) and have less bad cholesterol.

There are various types of olive oil:

• Virgin olive oil
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• Extra Light Olive Oil
• Pure Olive Oil

Of the four types, the best is the Extra Virgin Olive Oil because it is a product of the first pressing and is said to have undergone the least processing. This is the type of olive oil which is recommended for those who really want to reduce a high cholesterol level. However, all of the four types of olive oil are still high in monounsaturated fat.

It is advisable to consume foods that are fresh and has undergone no processing or at least little processing. However, if frying and sautéing cannot be avoided at all you should at least try to use olive oil to regulate the cholesterol levels in the body.

source http://www.lowercholesterolnews.com/oliveoilandcholesterol.html

Examining The Truth About Using Fish Oil To Lower Cholesterol Naturally

Can you resort to eating or taking in fish oil to lower cholesterol? This is a question which continues to hound the minds of people who continuously read reports on the benefits of eating fish.

Of course, there have been many claims that fish oil capsules or supplements can reduce high cholesterol levels but should you take this hook line and sinker? Or with a grain of salt? Is there truth to claims that fish oil can really lower cholesterol and can keep one from getting a heart attack?

There is diverse literature on cholesterol lowering vitamins that boast fish oil as one of their main ingredients. Some experts believe the efficacy of fish oil to lower cholesterol while others believe otherwise. But what does evidence say about this?

Suffice it to say that medical researchers found out that people who were regularly on a fish diet (specifically mackerel and salmon) have lower incidence and risks of heart ailments. This is said to be a result of omega-3 fatty acids which are touted to be cholesterol lowering fats which are sometimes the ingredients of fish oil containing vitamins and supplements. Fish oil does not only increase good HDL cholesterol but it can also lower the triglycerides levels, thus preventing heart diseases.

While some experts accept the effectiveness of a fish diet in reducing heart ailments they do not however agree on the healing effects of fish oil vitamins and supplements. What is good about taking in fish oil, whether through the actual intake of fish or through supplements, is that it does not present any side effect.

So what are the benefits one can get out of eating fish?

• The possibility of increasing your HDL cholesterol level
• It is healthy as it is low in calories
• It can regulate your weight
• It does not contain saturated fat (unless of curse you fry it in coconut oil)
• It can also lower the level of blood pressure

However, the many positive effects of fish oil to lower cholesterol have been clouded by negative publicity about the dangers that one can possibly get from eating fish such as possible high mercury content which can lead to chronic poisoning. There are also other contaminants and pollutants that are very common in fish nowadays because of industrialization.

But if you are afraid of this then you have to weigh the risks of eating fish (and possibly get poisoned which is far out really except if you are living in a gold mining or processing area) or increasing your risks of an increased LDL cholesterol level and getting a heart problem.

Again, it is helpful to be aware that while the American Heart Association has accepted the cholesterol lowering effects fish oil, it does not however say the same for fish oil supplements pending a conclusive evidence of their healing powers especially as regards the prevention of heart ailments.


source http://www.lowercholesterolnews.com/fishoiltolowercholesterol.html

game - Lord of the Rings Online News - New Rise of Isengard Monster Play Screens

Turbine has released four new screenshots for the upcoming 'Rise of Isengard' expansion to The Lord of the Rings Online. The new shots give us a taste of monster play in the upcoming expansion.

The Lord of the Rings Online: Rise of Isengard will feature three new regions (Dunland, Gap of Rohan, and Isengard), a level cap bump to 75, and a new 24-man raid. Look for the expansion to go live on September 27th.

source http://www.mmorpg.com/gamelist.cfm/loadNews/21410

Colin Farrell Discusses His Son’s Angelman Syndrome

Colin Farrell appeared on Late Show With David Lettermanprevious night to promote his forthcoming motion picture, Fright Night, but in addition took a little time to give a shout out toCureAngelman.org and uncovered that 1 of his sons continues to be diagnosed with Angelman Syndrome.

Colin has two sons James, 7, and Henry, almost 2, and briefly talked about his family members with David Letterman. “James, just a quick shout out if I can, James has a condition called Angelman Syndrome and it only impacts 1 in 30,000 young children, they say,” Colin mentioned on Late Show. “So there is not that a lot funding because it does not benefit pharmaceutical companies, of course.”

The actor asked for any person to help by going to CureAngelman.org to assist donate and after that mentioned a tad much more about his son and the way he was diagnosed.

“It was actually when a doctor saw how happy he was,” Colin explained. “He was like, ‘Does he usually smile this a lot?’” James started strolling just quick of his 4th birthday and doesn’t have any verbal speech, but Colin made guaranteed to say that his boy is actually a “a really happy boy.”

Source :

What is Angelman Syndrome ?

According to MedicineNet, Angelman syndrome is a genetic disorder that causes developmental delay and neurological problems. The physician Harry Angelman first delineated the syndrome in 1965, when he described several children in his practice as having “flat heads, jerky movements, protruding tongues, and bouts of laughter.” Infants with Angelman syndrome appear normal at birth, but often have feeding problems in the first months of life and exhibit noticeable developmental delays by 6 to 12 months.

Angelman Syndrome Foundation3015 E. New York Street Suite A2265
Aurora, IL 60504
info@angelman.org
http://www.angelman.org
Tel:             630-978-4245      
            800-432-6435      
Fax: 630-978-7408

The Arc of the United States1010 Wayne Avenue Suite 650
Silver Spring, MD 20910
Info@thearc.org
http://www.thearc.org
Tel:             301-565-3842      
Fax: 301-565-3843 or -5342

source http://scarlett-journey.net/2011/08/07/colin-farrell-discusses-his-son%E2%80%99s-angelman-syndrome/