Evict That Home Energy Hog for Good (394) (NewsUSA) – In 1980, kitchen appliances accounted for nearly 44 percent of an average annual home’s energy consumption. With innovations in cooking, cleaning and preservation appliances, that figure is just above 10 percent today — and still dropping — much to the delight of consumers seeking green options throughout the home. In a recent Whirlpool Corporation survey fielded by Harris Interactive, 84 percent of consumers said that energy — not water or time — is most important to them when it comes to home appliance efficiency. Despite the significant gains in efficiency over the last 30 years, nearly 70 percent of consumers cited a kitchen appliance as the one that consumes the most energy on a day-to-day basis. “In the past, consumers did not need to look beyond the kitchen to find the home energy hog,” said J.B. Hoyt, Director, Regulatory Affairs and State Government Relations, Whirlpool Corporation. “Even today, cooking appliances are not ENERGY STAR qualified. However, recent innovations in appliance efficiency, particularly when it comes to the refrigerator and dishwasher, can really help consumers conserve resources.” For example, the Resource Saver Refrigerator from Whirlpool brand uses less energy than it takes to power a 60-watt light bulb, exceeding federal efficiency standards by 30 percent. Moreover, the Resource Saver Dishwasher uses one-third less water and energy than dishwashers manufactured before 2000. “Efficient appliances like these should help consumers save on their energy bills,” said Hoyt. “They are an important first step toward achieving an ‘eco-kitchen.’ However, homeowners also need to make sure to do their part to help.” Small lifestyle changes can help appliances run at peak efficiency and conserve energy. For example, running the dishwasher late at night can help consumers avoid peak hours, and keeping the refrigerator stocked and at the recommended temperature can save energy as well. Similarly, consumers can reduce energy when preparing a meal. Placing multiple foods in the oven can efficiently utilize heat, and selecting an appropriately sized pan for each burner can increase the efficiency of the range. Cooking appliances also feature innovations to help conserve energy. The Whirlpool range with Energy Save mode conserves electricity when the oven is not in use, while the over-the-range Velos microwave can cook up to 47 percent faster than a traditional thermal bake oven when in SpeedCook mode. To learn more about energy-efficient kitchen appliances, consumers can visit www.whirlpool.com.

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We recycle old appliances, Stoves, TVs, washing-machines, Computers, Dryers, refrigirators, electronics, and most household appliances, we pick-up for free. Please call if you have these items to be recyled: 919-803-4425 Area: or 919-324-8905 Garner, Raleigh, Cary NC. If no answer leave your details on voice mail. We will contact you and set-up a time of your convenience.

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Save Time and Money Buying Your Next Refrigerator (443) (NewsUSA) – Nearly everyone is more cautious with money these days, so major purchases are approached with additional consideration and planning. A new refrigerator, for example, can cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars and may be in your home for 10 or more years. So when it is necessary to replace, budget-focused consumers may first consider the purchase price. However, a refrigerator’s reliability, energy efficiency, usable features and ability to store more-affordable bulk foods are also important factors and can offset the initial cost. Since consumers are in the market for appliances so infrequently, the purchase process can easily become confusing and overwhelming. The tips and guidelines below will help even the most discerning and energy-minded shoppers navigate the showroom floor and identify a reliable refrigerator that will meet their needs. Compare the capacity and storage. Models with more shelves and bins have a greater surface area, which creates more space for fresh and frozen food deals bought in bulk. Consider a model that will not only fit everything, but will also provide easy access to the most-used items. The Maytag® ICE2O® refrigerator has a bottom mount freezer drawer that features a SmoothClose™ track system with heavy-duty ball bearing slides that can hold up to 120 pounds of food. The wide drawer can hold deli platters, while durable bins and four Spill-Catcher™ glass shelves help store food in an organized way. Look for the ENERGY STAR® label. The refrigerator consumes more energy than any other kitchen appliance. According to ENERGY STAR®, replacing a model from the 1980s with an ENERGY STAR-qualified model will offer a savings of $100 per year on utility bills, or $200 per year if the model is from the 1970s. Features such as a door alarm, power outage indicator, airtight door seals and easy-to-use temperature controls will help maintain a constant temperature and contribute to the efficiency rating. Consider the usability of the features. Add-on features can save time and money if they eliminate a cost or save a step. A removable ice bucket can be easily brought to the table or cooler. Filtered ice and water dispensers can help save money and the environment by preventing the disposal of plastic water bottles. Some of the newest refrigerators also have ice makers that produce smaller cubes that fit into refillable water bottles. Examine the hardware. How durable the handles are and how strong the hinges are will directly impact the life of the refrigerator. Open and close the door and drawers to test their strength, and look for heavy-duty stainless steel handles that will remain secure even in the most active households.

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We recycle old appliances, Stoves, TVs, washing-machines, Computers, Dryers, refrigirators, electronics, and most household appliances, we pick-up for free. Please call if you have these items to be recyled: 919-803-4425 Area: or 919-324-8905 Garner, Raleigh, Cary NC. If no answer leave your details on voice mail. We will contact you and set-up a time of your convenience.

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Sorting Out the Differences Between Front-Load and Top-Load Laundry (399) (NewsUSA) – What a difference a door makes — that’s what homeowners are discovering when shopping for new laundry appliances. Before deciding among different makes and models, the first decision for many shoppers is the choice between a top-load and a front-load washer. Top-Load Laundry Long the standard in American homes, top-load washers are still much like the original electric powered machines introduced in the 1920s in that they feature an agitator. Top-loaders submerge clothes in a full tub of water and rely on the agitator to twist and pull clothes through the soapy water. These two features are also the biggest drawbacks. Since the top-loader’s basin must completely fill with water, it can use up to 45 gallons of water per load. The agitator’s rough, jerking motion subjects clothes to added wear, tear and potential damage. The end result: top-loaders are cheaper to purchase, but cost more money to operate. Front-Load Laundry Instead of an agitator, front-load washing machines use sophisticated systems to gently flip and spin clothes through a shallow pool of water. This gentle tumbling motion helps lengthen the life of often-washed items and allows many models to safely clean silk, wool and other hand-washables. While front-load washers tend to cost more initially, their energy and water savings over the life of the machine will save more money over time. Even with the reduced water levels, front-loading machines are able to wash the same amount of laundry per load, if not more, due to the absence of a bulky agitator. Vision, the ENERGY STAR-qualified full-size front-load washer from Bosch, uses only 13 gallons of water for an average-sized load. Advanced energy-saving technology like EcoSmart uses a network of sensors and intelligent controls that continually analyze how full the load is and the suds level in the water. By automatically adjusting the water temperature, water level and rinse cycles, Vision minimizes the amount of water and energy to get clothes absolutely clean. In fact, Bosch is the most energy- and water-efficient brand of full-size front-load washers in the U.S. Front-load washers are known to reduce energy consumption by more than 40 percent but with features such as EcoAction, Vision’s energy usage is cut by an additional 20 percent. The end result: front-loaders are perfect for families looking to save on energy and water bills while machine washing a broad variety of laundry.

FREE APPLIANCE PICK-UP & RECYCLE

We recycle old appliances, Stoves, TVs, washing-machines, Computers, Dryers, refrigirators, electronics, and most household appliances, we pick-up for free. Please call if you have these items to be recyled: 919-803-4425 Area: or 919-324-4425 Garner, Raleigh, Cary NC. If no answer leave your details on voice mail. We will contact you and set-up a time of your convenience.

The power to stop diabetes is in your hands

(ARA) – The death rate from diabetes continues to climb. Since 1987, the death rate due to complications from diabetes increased by 45 percent, while death rates due to cancer, heart disease, and stroke have declined.

November is American Diabetes Month, a time to communicate the seriousness of diabetes and the importance of diabetes prevention and control. For years, the American Diabetes Association has used this month as an opportunity to raise awareness of the disease and its serious complications.

In 2009, the Association launched a national movement to Stop Diabetes – with the goal of gathering the support millions of Americans to help confront, fight and most importantly, stop diabetes. In keeping with the movement’s goal, the association encourages individuals to get involved by sharing, acting, learning and giving.

As of mid-September, more than 630,000 people had joined the movement. The Association’s goal is to gather 1 million supporters by the end of December. Tuesday Ross is one of these more than 630,000; Ross joined after being diagnosed with diabetes this year.

“My whole life has changed,” says Ross. “Diabetes truly alters your body, mind and soul, and puts such an emotional stress on you. I want to stop diabetes because I realize now that I have not been issued a death sentence. I watch what I eat and try to get exercise every day. I choose to fight this disease until there is a cure.”

The Stop Diabetes movement encourages individuals to get involved by sharing, acting, learning and giving. Here are ways to join the movement this November:

Share – Share your vision to stop diabetes by posting your video on stopdiabetes.com starting Oct. 15, 2010. Incorporate the hand as a symbol of the movement in a 30-second video online to show your passion and commitment to changing the future of diabetes. Once the video submissions are complete, the public will be able to vote for the most compelling video. The top three finalists will receive an Apple iPad and the winner will be part of a Stop Diabetes public service announcement. The contest is sponsored by VSP Vision Care.

Act – The future of diabetes is in your hands. Contact the American Diabetes Association to see how you can get involved.
* Text JOIN to 69866 to join the movement. Standard data and message rates apply.
* Become an advocate for the cause and receive alerts and critical information to help stop diabetes through your advocacy efforts.
* Attend a local community activity to learn more about diabetes and how you can stop it.
* Take control of your health. Request your free copy of “Top Five Ways to Stop Diabetes and Get Healthy Right Now!” or “What Can I Eat?” booklet.
* Download your own Check Up Checklist at stopdiabetes.com and bring it to your next health care provider’s visit.

Learn – Become a part of the movement by learning more about diabetes. Learn how to survive the holidays with the “Celebration Survival Guide.”

Give – The drive to stop diabetes cannot succeed without individuals dedicating time, effort and funds to support mission-critical activities in your neighborhood. You can get involved by visiting stopdiabetes.com or calling your local American Diabetes Office at (800) DIABETES.

The following companies have joined the movement to Stop Diabetes by conducting numerous activities during American Diabetes Month:  VSP Vision Care, Rite Aid Pharmacy, HearPO Corporation, Catherines Specialty Fashion Stores, Diet V8 Splash, Gold’s Gym, Nutrisystem D, T-Fal Cookware, Z Galleries, Walgreens and Verizon Wireless.  Visit diabetes.org/donate/promotions-that-give-back to learn more.

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Eight tax tips that will save you time and money

(ARA) – When all the holiday dust settles, tax time begins for millions of Americans. Regardless of when you file, follow these tips to make preparing your 2010 taxes easier.

1. Good record keeping cuts down time spent doing your taxes and may be required if you receive an Internal Revenue Service notice or are audited. Records should include information that impacts your federal tax return, including a copy of last year’s return.

2. Don’t procrastinate. Rushing encourages errors that can result in lost time and money, and ultimately a rejected return. If you haven’t kept good tax records, you’ll likely need extra time to find documents.

3. Hundreds of changes are made to federal tax law every year. Dedicating a few minutes to learning about major changes can save you money and time. At minimum, learn about the tax breaks still available in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, including credits for energy improvements to your home and “green” cars. Start with the IRS’ website at www.irs.gov and click on “Individuals.” You don’t have to be an accountant to understand the information. Do-it-yourself tax preparation solutions also offer helpful information; the “Tax Information” tab at www.taxact.com summarizes key changes for 2010 returns.

4. File and pay on time, or pay late fees and interest. While state deadlines vary, 2010 federal returns are due April 18, 2011, (April 15 is a federal holiday). Can’t file by then? File Form 4868 for a six-month filing extension and pay as much as of your taxes as possible by April 18 to minimize interest and penalties. If you can’t pay all of your tax bill totaling $25,000 or less, apply for a monthly payment agreement via Form 9465.

5. Do your taxes online or download tax preparation software, even if you have a complicated return or have never prepared your taxes. “Tax law can be complicated, but doing your own taxes doesn’t have to be,” says TaxACT spokesperson Jessi Dolmage. “The best solutions go well beyond completing tax forms and doing the math for you. They’re affordable, easy, identify potential tax-saving opportunities, alert you of possible errors and missing data, and provide answers if you have questions. They even help you strategize for next year.”

6. Do comparison shopping before choosing a tax preparation solution. Check out the free products. Are there fees for certain forms or to e-file? What help is free and what do you have to pay for? Will it walk you through tax implications of life changes? Can you import data? Are you guaranteed accuracy and a maximum refund? Can you try it risk-free? If you’re using a paid product, at what point in the process do you have to pay?

7. Electronically file. Nearly 70 percent of all federal returns were e-filed last year. Unlike paper filers, you’ll receive e-mail confirmation when the IRS receives and accepts or rejects your return, usually within 48 hours of e-filing. You’ll need last year’s adjusted gross income or your five-digit self-select e-file PIN used last year to e-file. If you’re claiming the First-time Homebuyer or Adoption Credit, the IRS requires you to mail certain documentation with your return.

8. Want your federal refund in as few as eight days? E-file and select direct deposit. You can track your refund status and receive your refund at least one week earlier than those requesting checks.

More tax tips and information can be found at www.irs.gov. TaxACT Free Federal Edition allows all taxpayers to prepare, print and e-file an IRS return free and offers free tax help via e-mail at www.taxact.com.

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(NAPSI)-Information that many older adults may greet warmly is just what types of energy assistance might be available to them. To help, the Eldercare Locator offers resources and tips:

• To find out about energy assistance programs, contact the Eldercare Locator at (800) 677-1116 or visit www.eldercare.gov and get connected with your local Area Agency on Aging.

• Take advantage of special heating assistance funds and no-cutoff eligibility programs from utility providers.

• Make sure your home is energy efficient. Information is available from the Environmental Protection Agency’s Energy Star program at www.energystar.gov.

• Get a free, helpful brochure, “Winter Warmth and Safety: Home Energy Tips for Older Adults,” by calling (800) 677-1116.

The Eldercare Locator is a public service of the U.S. Administration on Aging and is administered by the National Association of Area Agencies on Aging (n4a).

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(NAPSI)-If you have a warm spot for portable space heaters, you’re not alone. According to the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers, they’re used by more than 53 percent of Americans to supplement heating in their homes.

One reason may be that, as the Alliance to Save Energy points out, lowering your thermostat by just 1 degree in the heating season can save you 5 percent in heating costs. You can save hundreds of dollars in heating bills annually—an entire oil or gas bill, for many homeowners—if you simply turn down your central heating and turn on a portable heater in the room you’re in the most.

Home Heaters Today

Portable heaters are as safe to use as any kitchen appliance if used properly. They use the same amount of electricity as a coffee-maker, electric griddle or toaster oven. Numerous safety features include cool-touch handles and casings, devices to prevent overheating, and tip-over switches that automatically shut the heater off when tipped over. A few Honeywell heaters also offer an Auto-Off Safety Sensor that senses when an object gets too close and shuts the heater off until the object is removed-a great feature for active households with children or pets.

The digital controls, programmable thermostats and Energy-Smart controls on some Honeywell heaters help portable heaters use energy more efficiently while maintaining room comfort.

There are many designs—sleek towers, compact units or baseboard styles that fit into any home decor. They come with new features such as oscillation and 36- degree heating or with special finishes in many shades. For the nostalgic, the traditional radiator style is still available.

What Else You Can Do

Other ways to save on energy costs, the U.S. Department of Energy suggests, include:

• Caulk and weather-strip windows and exterior doors.

• Carefully select, install and use window treatments or coverings.

• Properly insulate and air-seal your home.

• Plant windbreaks—trees and shrubs—around your home.

See How You Can Save

For more information, including how much money portable heaters could save you, see www.honeywellheatsavings.com or call (800) 332-1110.

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The company will award four $1,500 projects, three $5,000 projects and three $10,000 projects.

The annual program recognizes individuals and organizations whose innovation, leadership, ingenuity and dedication to the management and protection of Earth’s most precious natural resource through improved landscape water efficiency raises the standard for outdoor water conservation.

After three years of honoring individuals and organizations for their completed projects, the program was revamped in 2010 to help fund future water conservation projects.

The interactive approach to this year’s program will help Rain Bird serve a broader range of projects that seek to intelligently manage water and preserve green spaces.

Past Winners

In 2009, The Intelligent Use of Water Award went to Naples Botanical Garden, Inc. in Naples, Florida, for its commitment to sustainable green building practices in the design of its gardens.

In 2008, Christopher Gray of Marvel Golf Club in Benton, Kentucky, demonstrated innovation for his proactive development and implementation of water conservation programs both on and off the golf course.

The first winner in 2007 was a five-acre garden near El Cajon, California, The Water Conservation Garden, that showcased water conservation through a series of themed gardens and robust educational programming.
Visit www.iuowawards.com for more information.
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Make your green renovation the envy of the neighborhood

(ARA) – What is it about “going green” that is so appealing? Even if it’s not your favorite color, going green can benefit the environment, your health and reduce energy consumption, as well as overall energy costs.

You may already recycle, use public transportation, buy local products or simply turn off the lights when you leave the room. While these simple practices can greatly reduce your overall impact on the environment, now is the perfect time to think about a total green renovation for your home.

If the cost of a project is holding you back, you still have time to take advantage of the 2009-2010 Federal Energy Tax Credit for making energy-related home improvements.

The tax credit allows homeowners to claim tax credits equal to 30 percent of product and installation costs – up to $1,500 – for qualified energy-related home improvements. It applies as a direct reduction of taxes owed. You’ll have to make a decision soon, because the 2009-2010 Energy Tax Credit expires at the end of this year.

The most helpful step you can take when transforming your home into a completely green living environment is planning. These tips can help green light a well-planned renovation:

* List your needs and goals before you do anything. Find a contractor who is skilled in traditional building trades and understands how to design projects to be energy-, water- and resource-efficient.

* Work with your builder on a master plan for your project. Think about downsizing your current space.

* Consider heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) needs by upgrading mechanical systems. A hybrid comfort system, like those from American Standard Heating & Air Conditioning, is ideal for a green renovation. A hybrid system alternates between two different energy sources depending upon temperature, settings and efficiency, making it one of the most efficient and flexible heating and cooling systems available.

* Design systems that minimize water use and maximize water distribution efficiency. Plan for future wiring and cabling needs when considering the lighting, electronics and appliances.

* Reuse old materials or take them to a company that accepts well-preserved demolition waste and intact building materials. Buy reclaimed material, such as reclaimed pine timbers, for flooring.

* Purchase materials that are durable, easy to maintain and will age gracefully. Research products that contain recycled content and are sourced locally.

Once you’ve completed your renovation it’s important to maintain your green renovation efforts so they last for years. The longer you stay a part of the green scene, the smaller your carbon footprint.

Hybrids aren’t just for cars anymore

A hybrid comfort system combines an electric heat pump with an oil or natural gas furnace for warmth and comfort for the cold nights, and effective, efficient cooling in the summer months. A heat pump doesn’t use up fuel making heat, it just moves it. With a hybrid system you have ultimate flexibility for greater efficiency in all seasons. To learn more, go to www.americanstandardair.com or contact your local independent American Standard Heating & Air Conditioning dealer who can help decide which components are right for your home’s energy sources.

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FDA approves new dose of FASLODEX in the fight against metastatic breast cancer
(ARA) – For the approximately 155,000 women in the US who are currently living with metastatic breast cancer,₁ an effective treatment option may offer more disease control. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently approved a new dose of a medicine called FASLODEX^® (fulvestrant) Injection for postmenopausal women with hormone receptor-positive breast cancer whose disease has spread after treatment with antiestrogren medicine. FDA approval is based on a clinical study that showed FASLODEX 500 mg delayed breast cancer progression by 20 percent compared to the previously approved 250-mg dose and had a comparable safety profile.₂

“For women with metastatic breast cancer, the treatment approach centers on slowing the progression of cancer,” said Gershon Locker, MD, Senior Medical Director AstraZeneca Medical Affairs. “FASLODEX 250 mg has been an option for some patients for some time, and now we know that FASLODEX 500 mg is better at delaying that progression.”_2,3

In some breast cancers, the presence of estrogen causes the cancer cells to grow.₄ Called hormone receptor positive, this type of cancer may be responsive to medicines called hormonal treatments, which reduce or block the effects of estrogen.₅ FASLODEX is a type of hormonal treatment for metastatic breast cancer that works by attaching to estrogen receptors and changing their shape, blocking estrogen from binding to the receptors. In addition, FASLODEX causes a degradation (downregulation) of estrogen receptors._6,7

The study supports the use of FASLODEX (500 mg) to treat hormone receptor-positive metastatic breast cancer in postmenopausal women whose disease has returned or progressed following treatment with prior hormonal therapy. A 250-mg dose modification is recommended for women with moderate liver impairment.₂ Women should talk to their doctor for more information about the dosing regimen for FASLODEX.

For information about FASLODEX and support information for women living with metastatic breast cancer, please visit www.faslodex.com.

Important Safety Information About FASLODEX^® (fulvestrant) Injection

You should not receive FASLODEX if you have had an allergic reaction to any of the ingredients in FASLODEX. Symptoms of an allergic reaction to FASLODEX may include itching, swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat, or trouble breathing.

Because FASLODEX is administered directly into the muscle, you should tell your doctor if you have a blood disorder or are on anticoagulants (sometimes called blood thinners).

Also tell your doctor if you have liver problems.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant. FASLODEX can harm your unborn baby. Talk to your doctor about how to prevent pregnancy while receiving FASLODEX. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant or think you are pregnant while receiving FASLODEX.

The common side effects were: injection site pain, nausea, muscle, joint, and bone pain, headache, tiredness, hot flashes, vomiting, loss of appetite, weakness, cough, constipation, shortness of breath, and increased liver enzymes.

Approved Use For FASLODEX

FASLODEX is a prescription medicine used to treat hormone receptor-positive breast cancer in women who have gone through menopause whose disease has spread after treatment with antiestrogen medicine.

FASLODEX is a registered trademark of the AstraZeneca group of companies.

For more information, visit www.FASLODEX.com.

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1 Data on File. 266478. AZPLP. Wilmington, DE. 2 Di Leo A, Jerusalem G, Petruzelka L, et al. CONFIRM Phase III trial comparing fulvestrant 250 mg with fulvestrant
2 Di Leo A, Jerusalem G, Petruzelka L, et al. CONFIRM Phase III trial comparing fulvestrant 250 mg with fulvestrant 500 mg in postmenopausal women with estrogen receptor-positive advanced breast cancer [published online ahead of print September 20, 2010]. J Clin Oncol. 2010. http://jco.ascopubs.org/cgi/doi/10.1200/JCO.2010.28.8415. Accessed September 21, 2010.
3 Beslija, S, et al. Second consensus on medical treatment of metastatic breast cancer. Annals of Oncology. 2007; 18:215-225.
4 Harrell J, Dye W, Harvell D, Pinto M, et al: Estrogen Insensitivity in a Model of Estrogen Receptor-Positive Breast Cancer Lymph Node Metastasis. Cancer Research, 2007; 67: (21) November 1, 2007.
5 American Cancer Society. Detailed Guide: Breast Cancer. http://www.cancer.org/acs/groups/cid/documents/webcontent/003037-pdf.pdf. Updated September 24, 2010. Accessed June 29, 2010.
6 Carlson, RW. The History and Mechanism of Action of Fulvestrant. Clinical Breast Cancer. 2005; 6(Suppl. 1): S5-S8.
7 Howell, A. Is fulvestrant (”Faslodex”) just another selective estrogen receptor modulator? Int J Gynecol Cancer. 2006; 16(Suppl. 2): 521-523.

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