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Friday, August 15, 2008

Florida Power and Light

I am at my wits end!

During the hurricane season of 2005, we had a few storms that came through Hollywood, however, the big one was Wilma.

In the aftermath of Wilma, I did not have electrical power for 29 days.

Since the power has been returned, not one week as passed that I haven't lost power. Today was typical. Three power outages; all of them blinked completely off than right back on again. I'm sure that these outages were the cause of my washer/dryer going bad and it didn't help my old computer.

When I called Florida Power and Light (FPL), they tell me that they are aware of the problems that occur on my grid, however, at this time there are no plans to fix the problem due to rising repair costs.

I wish I had the money to install alternative power sources. I really only have one available to me. The City of Hollywood will not allow any wind turbine. Solar would help, but the cost for my home would be in the range of $40K

The rebate (up to $20K) that was promised to Floridians was not funded this year, the last year mandated by the US Congress, who went on their August vacation without passing an extension.

FPL has a monopoly on power in south Florida and they do not care. I can only hope that somewhere in the near future, someone can come up with an inexpensive way to power one's home and can clearly give one a choice between FPL and something else to supply power to South Florida Homes.

Wednesday, August 13, 2008

Learning iMovie

I have been learning to use iMovie that came with my iMAC. Below is my third try. For a clearer version, you can go to My Gallery listed on my Links on the right.

Tuesday, August 12, 2008

AIDS vaccine news

Full Story

This story pertains to the ever needed vaccine for the AIDS virus. This looks very promising.

A woman who has never shown symptoms of infection with the AIDS virus may hold the secret to defeating the virus, U.S. researchers said on Tuesday.

Infected at least 10 years ago by her husband, the woman is able somehow to naturally control the deadly and incurable virus -- even though her husband must take cocktails of strong HIV drugs to control his.

She is a so-called "elite suppressor," and studies of her immune cells have begun to offer clues to how her body does it, the team at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore said.

"This is the best evidence to date that elite suppressors can have fully pathogenic virus," said Dr. Joel Blankson, who led the study.

Monday, August 11, 2008

Cat, Dog, Rat ...

2008 Politics

After such a long primary, to tell you the truth, I'm totally worn out.

I have always been an Obama supportor and I continue to be.

The pundants on TV with their polls and editorial jabber, currently don't interest me. They are trying to tell me what I should think and I do not want any part of their game.

I'm ready and looking forward to the convention, so, until there is a VP candidate announcement, I will not remark on anything regarding National Politics on this blog.

Now local politics.. well.. we'll save that for another entry.

On CNN this am

From Florida's Orange Groves to your Tank

I am always amazed at the different ways people are finding to replace the US problemed fuel source.

Grocery Shopping Online

This is basically a new thing for me ... or atleast in the last 9 months. Except for tea, which I've ordered online for years, I have just started buying other foodstuffs online.

My tea purchases are with the English Tea Store. I've been a loyal customer of theirs for over 5 years. Quite a few of my holiday and birthday presents come from there. Their customer service is the best. If there is any question about my order, they do not hesitate to call be by phone. If any item is unavailable and is not on backorder, they email me before the order is sent out.

My current order with them was quite big, as I've had a lot of crazing in my mugs that I really never liked in the first place because they are so big. My dream has come true. They finally are offering a tea cup and saucer in assorted colors. See sample of cup/saucer set at right. The one shown is Cadet Blue. I also purchased Plum, Seafoam, Royal Blue, Forrest Green, Saharra, Coral and Burgandy. I cannot wait to throw away those old mugs I bought 2 years ago!

I will be making a link list on the blog of shopping sites that I use.

Greensburg

On May 4, 2007, a deadly tornado struck Greensburg, Kansas, ripping the town to shreds. Still, the spirit of the citizens of Greensburg are what make the journey most inspirational, as they are ordinary, everyday people of great character who choose to face adversity head on and create a better life for themselves and...

I have been watching this show, produced by Leonardo DiCaprio since it started in June. The 13-week mini-series follows the re-building of  Greensburg, KS after a deadly tornado ripped through town. 

After a lot of consideration, the city council, mayor and city manager decided to rebuild the city as a model for a "Green Future."

It has been very interesting how the people have coped with their dilemma and how their plight reflects the future of all us in US. It sheds light on the problems all of us currently have with building/remodeling green, power solutions and the costs of doing things a different way, but a way that will sustain them for years to come.

You can see Greensburg, the mini-series, on Planet Green at 9:00pm, Sunday nights. If you have DirecTV, the channel is  286.  There are also additional "Webisodes" on their website (click title above).

Sunday, August 10, 2008

The Metzger Quilt

I'm currently working on a Wedding gift in the form of a King sized Quilt.

After a costly error of cutting 9 yards of material 1/2 inch off, I've been reluctant to continue. That has to stop and I must get on the ball and do it. The happy couple is now married (July 3, '08) and are PG.

Will do updates here and on my Website. You can also see the wedding pictures there.

Let's try this again

I tried blogging once before and for some reason or another, I dropped the ball and got busy doing other things. It is with great hope that I will continue this time and get some of the things that infuriate the heck out of me out in the open.

I know my cat, Squeaky has had enough of my ranting and raving as I scream at the computer/TV late at night.

Blooms of Plunkett

Blooms of Plunkett
A Banana tree in the backyard in full bloom