Set-top boxes are the #1 household energy drain (Y! Green)

A recent study by the National Resources Defense Council (NRDC) finds that cable and digital recording devices are now "the single largest electricity drain in many American homes." The study found that "In 2010, set-top boxes in the United States consumed approximately 27 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity, which is equivalent to the annual output of nine average (500 MW) coal-fired power plants."

This power consumption translates to roughly $3 billion in annual electricity costs paid by consumers, as well as being responsible for the release of 16 million metric tons of CO2 emissions each year. Furthermore, according to the NRDC report, an average HD set-top cable box and HD-DVR uses more energy (446 kWh/year) than an average 21 cubic foot Energy Star refrigerator (415 kWh/year).

Even worse than the "standby drain" of electricity used by equipment in a supposedly "off" position, many of these television set-top boxes - which include cable and satellite equipment, digital video recorders (DVR), and the like - are on 24 hours a day. Power strips can be useful for turning off these vampire loads, but consumers are reluctant to use those when they want their DVRs to be able to record programs.

NRDC points out that these devices could be designed to be more energy efficient, but that the service companies who provide these to consumers feel little incentive to do so, since it is the end users who pay for that power use.

image: CC-BY 2.0 by Scott Thomson

via: New York Times

Source: http://us.rd.yahoo.com/dailynews/rss/environment/*http%3A//news.yahoo.com/s/ygreen/20110706/sc_ygreen/settopboxesarethe1householdenergydrain

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Plumbing Made Easy | Home Improvement Ideas

When you need to replace your hydronic radiant heating, it is important to use only quality materials, so the maintenance will be minimal and there?s no need of another major change. The PEX tubing is made of high density polyethylene, which makes it the perfect choice for a large variety of systems, including water piping, high tension insulation and chemical transportation. It is without a doubt, one of the most versatile materials and that?s why PEX plumbing solutions are very popular.

Depending on the nature of the project that you plan to undertake, you should choose between PEX tubing of one inch, half or even a quarter. In some cases you can use products that are as wide as 4 inches, but this is the exception and that?s why it is wise to do a little research before placing an order. Since the information about PEX-AL-PEX is abundant in the internet and the best shops can also be found in the online environment, you should have an easy task.

Tube, pipes and other PEX supplies usually contain cross-linked bond in the polymer structure, which is necessary in order to enhance some of the qualities that make such a versatile product. Increased resistance to both high and low temperatures, doubled by scratch and chemical resistance makes it such a good choice for chemical transport, or hot and cold water conveyance. High cables can be isolated by the PEX tubing solutions, and that?s because the conductor short-circuit rating is as high as 250 degrees C.

These special tubes are mostly used to PEX plumbing, and that?s where you need to know exactly which will be the size of end application. A specialist can quickly point out which is the right size of the pipe you will need and that?s why it is recommended to ask an expert first and not place an order right away. If you want to do it yourself, it is important to realize that the ? inch plumbing pipe is regarded as the most popular and used on a large scale to transport water from the manifold to plumbing fixtures.

Larger pipes of 3/4 , 1, and even 3.8 inches are recommended for water mains in those end applications that serve large residential homes. No matter what project have you signed up for, these plumbing solutions will meet and surpass your expectations and last a lifetime.

Source: http://www.liberilibri.com/plumbing-made-easy/

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Online Schooling -- Clever Choice For Smart People To Attain ...

Along with a number of educational facilities providing online education, it is now possible for individuals to earn increased degrees while effectively sustaining their perform schedules as well as safeguarding or their loved ones promises. Those who have certainly not accomplished their own substantial educational institutions or perhaps have omitted their education when they have been about 20, or people that desire to upgrade their own present educational requirements, on the internet education could be the supreme option for the kids.

Essentially the most promising facet of accredited classes online is which it offers more overall flexibility. Scheduling concerns and occasion have got confined pupils through filling out their particular education and have these a qualifications as well as amount. Are going to pleased to understand that online education made available from a lot of reputed universities and academic companies supplies the opportunity to have more flexible studying choices which in turn other conventional education packages can?t match.

The majority of the on the internet certified courses call for which individuals need to full their own learning programs in just a short time cover which can range from A few months to a single 12 months. Fortunately they are required to comprehensive along with mail his or her projects along with immediate tuition assignments by means of messages. They can additionally handover their available tuition assignments in accordance with their own appropriateness and choose when you should sit for the exams. This way, it is easy for people to plan out their perform schedules and keep or their loved ones existence. An additional benefit regarding on-line education is that individuals will not have to travel remote areas to attend the particular lessons. They?re going to have the chance to comprehensive their education packages from the comfort of the particular benefits of their own homes.

There are lots of online tuition agency offering high quality understanding courses. Planet Education Authorities is just about the most dependable titles giving esteem education plans to be able to many individuals, professionals as well as regular folks worldwide. Actually the majority of the on the internet education corporations tend to be manage simply by private schools along with education businesses. Some of the academic plans have been developed specifically through famous educationalists also the training classes which are the main brick and mortar education sectors regarding traditional education companies. This involves that will accredited classes on the internet have similar type of credibility as well as benefit as any some other traditional learning corporations.

Since the education organizations providing on-line education are generally basically the main traditional education establishments, most of them meet the criteria regarding exact same kind of financial assistance as with additional instructional packages. Furthermore, almost all of the online understanding classes could possibly be more affordable when compared with academic plans that want bodily attendance of the pupils to seek knowledge as well as direction. Additionally, individuals are not necessary to cover monthly tuition fees, car parking fees, research laboratory fees, expenses regarding recreational activities, pupil ruling system fees, dinning and canteen expenses, net usages, and various some other costs as in conventional educational facilities.

Lastly, individuals are able to discover huge selection of diploma programs that exist by means of online education. A large number of mastering plans provide the same options as well as studying amenities to their on the web distant pupils as they provide community on location individuals.

Source: http://jawabali.com/reference/online-schooling-clever-choice-for-smart-people-to-attain-higher-qualification/

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NEA Passes Teacher-Evaluation Policy, With a Catch-22 on Test ...

posted by Loki on Jul.5.2011 at 1:37 pm

July 4, 2011

Stephen Sawchuk | Education Week

The National Education Association just approved a policy statement on teacher evaluation theoretically permitting use of standardized-test scores as one measure of teacher performance?but the union?s leaders underscored that no existing standardized tests currently meet the criteria for inclusion spelled out in the policy.

The move was urged by the union?s leaders as a way of putting forth a coherent vision for the place of evaluations in promoting teacher effectiveness. It amends all the union?s current resolutions dealing with teacher evaluations, support, and due process.

As Teacher Beat reported earlier, the union?s board of directors put many qualifications on the use of test scores in teacher evaluations even before delegates got a whack at the proposal.

In introducing the proposal, NEA Secretary-Treasurer Becky Pringle made it clear that the NEA?s main focus is on teacher improvement. ?The decision is whether we will define a truly high-quality evaluation and accountability system that honors our profession,? she said.

Given that no existing tests currently meet the requirements as stated, she said the union would engage in ?ongoing work to ensure they are created.?

On the convention floor, delegates added a few additional amendments. Let?s take a look at them:

? Objective evaluators must now ?be agreed to by the local affiliate,? which would, for example, not permit evaluators like the district-hired ?master educators? used by the District of Columbia?s IMPACT teacher-evaluation system.

? On tenure-granting (or as the union calls it ?career status?), the original proposal said that teachers after receiving two ?meets? or ?exceeds? ratings on evaluations should earn tenure. But the final version says tenure should be granted for a good evaluation ?at the end of their probationary period.?

? On top of all the other requirements, standardized tests used in evaluations would now have to be ?developmentally appropriate,? too.

Strong statements both pro and con during the debate on this item. Here?s a delegate from Michigan, speaking on behalf of his state?s delegation:

?It is disturbing that the largest labor union in the U.S., the largest teachers? union 3.2-million members is flipping on this position. ? Standardized tests narrow our curriculum. Standardized tests are not an accurate measure of teacher performance or student achievement.?

And here?s Ken Swanson, president of the Illinois Education Association, speaking on behalf of the union?s board of directors, in favor of adoption:

?We act on many things every year at the RA. Some are somewhat trivial, some are important, some are profound. But occasionally we act on something that fundamentally charts the course of the organization and fundamentally changes the national debate about public education. This is one of those items. This is a change to get off of defense and start playing offense. ? Now it the moment, now is the opportunity. ? It is time to act. It is time for us to talk about what makes for effective teaching and effective evaluation.?

An interesting subtext also emerged during the debate. A few education support personnel were not happy that the statement does not reference how they should be evaluated.

Source: http://www.nje3.org/?p=5485

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A Few Of The Different Massages That You Can Get And The ...

Massages have actually been readily available for many years. The Roman leaders pampered them selves continually by way of routine bathing and treatment sessions.

If we were to journey to the Far East centuries past, we will have found the actual roots of the Hindu religion coming from India. It is here that Tantra was first established.

Without getting too involved, Tantra, as part of the Hindu faith, provides a rather sensual therapy which is known today as being the Tantric massage. This particular therapy is now increasingly popular these days in the Western world, and in case you intend to receive a Tantric massage, London could be the city to head to for this therapy.

The massage is actually a therapy that has a rather delicate touch, and it is given by one or a couple of masseuses. When there are two masseuses working alongside one another upon the recipient, this is what?s called a four hand massage. It is quite hard to find an organization that provides this particular massage to this particular level, and again for those who wanted to receive a four hand massage, London is among the only places under western culture in which you may find an authentic establishment of this therapy.

As we then travel south east out of India, we can travel towards Thailand. The Thai massage is among the most well-known international therapies, and interestingly, also originated from India. One way or another, the skill either migrated or grew to be more popular within Thailand. The Thai monks exercised this therapy widely.

They found out that there were in actual fact many health advantages linked to it, therefore it grew to become a significant element of Thai medicine throughout the centuries.

In today?s Western world, the standard or sports massage is becoming serious business, with numerous organisations available in cities and towns all over the western world. Day spa centres and health and fitness resorts charge lots of money offering this type of therapy, plus the advertising and marketing of the health benefits are among the major factors to the industries successes.

One thing is within the heart of all the various kinds of massages, and that is the health benefits which are acquired from the recipient. The major benefits that are received during a well executed session will be the ease of anxiety and stress.

The peace and tranquillity that is part and parcel of the massage provides an extremely soothing effect on one?s body. It is uncommon in the modern hectic world that we stop for long enough and focus in a way so as to benefit from the serenity and tranquillity which the massage offers.

The other important benefit will be the assisted blood flow which results from the massage. The effects of the massaging and touch from the therapist encourages flow of blood within the body. Our bodies never operate at 100% efficiency, and the massage effect on the blood circulation is improved, which results in oxygen along with nutrients being transported around the body to your various cells and tissues quicker and more effectively. The actual knock on effects together with associated health rewards are very present if a person exposes themselves to regular massage therapies

For those who have not necessarily thought of the benefits of a massage before, then you definitely should really do so. The actual pleasure and also enjoyment together with the peace and pleasure that comes as part of the session is quite amazing, so why not think about making a booking today at a centre in your area.

Hey there, My name?s Lana. I am an established Tantric Massage London based professional. I?ve been providing the highest quality of sensuous massage for several years. Please visit my site to learn more associated with what I offer http://www.lanastantric.co.uk

Source: http://articlesurprise.com/a-few-of-the-different-massages-that-you-can-get-and-the-associated-health-benefits/

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Restaurants for Sale, Restaurant News, Atlanta Restaurant Broker ...

Franchise resales are prime opportunities for E2 visa qualification. An expert restaurant broker explains how to buy a business on the path to U.S. citizenship.Expert restaurant broker, We Sell Restaurants announces the procurement of an E2 visa for their client in the acquisition of a franchise Pizza K ?restaurant in the Atlanta market. The buyer, Bruno Knezevic had this to say, "Excellent job by We Sell Restaurants. ?It was a really really good experience. ?I look forward to doing more business with We Sell Restaurants in the future."

Franchise restaurant sales of existing businesses can be a primary way to qualify for the state department's E-2 visa as this transaction shows. ?Visit http://www.wesellrestaurants.com to learn how. ?Restaurants are often established businesses with good returns and multiple employees that meet the requirements for the visa. ?The E2 is a "treaty" visa and decisions are based on a substantial investment in a business in this country. There are a number of benefits to the visa outside of legal residency for the investor including an unlimited stay with two year extensions (as long as you maintain valid E2 status) and the ability to bring your dependents (spouse and unmarried children under the age of 21). In addition, the spouse may apply for employment as well.

The criteria to qualify a restaurant for the visa is time consuming and requires the skills of an expert restaurant broker. ?We Sell Restaurants had to qualify the financial criteria and manage the time line and requirements to "tie up" the business without a verified outcome (issuance of the visa is always dependent on the government). ?Restaurant broker Robin Gagnon had this to say, "There are many complexities in managing the buying process, selling process and simultaneously the government requirements of the visa. ?That's why only the most specialized and professional restaurant brokers can offer this service."

Anderson Peixoto, seller of the Pizza K franchise unit worked with the firm over the period of several months to complete the transaction and said, "We Sell Restaurants did a great job." ?The Pizza K franchise has several locations in the metro Atlanta area where they focus on pizzas offered to customers at a competitive price while maintaining the highest level of quality and freshness.

Restaurants for Sale, Restaurant Broker, Buy a Restaurant, Sell a Restaurant, Your Best Choice for Buying or Sell a Restaurant. www.wesellrestaurants.com Posts by author of must read book, Appetite for Acquisition, the definitive guide for anyone looking to enter the restaurant industry.

Source: http://wesellrestaurants.blogspot.com/2011/07/franchise-qualifies-for-e2-visa-with.html

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Beginning Your Personal Baseball League Is EASY | Articles Addicted

If in case you have all the time cherished the all American sport of baseball, why not start your individual baseball league? That is notably helpful if your area does not have its personal team. Contrary to what different folks assume, starting a league is comparatively easy. All you need is to have the right equipment reminiscent of a pitching machine, baseball gloves, bats, and uniform sets. You?ll be able to even begin by trying on the internet to check the many pitching machines that vary from one another.

But before you go and buy these provides, it?s important that you simply be certain your space doesn?t have its personal baseball league yet. In any other case, you may merely set up a recreational baseball league or even a workforce made up of youngsters so you possibly can teach them the significance of the sport. With a purpose to verify if your area has its own league, you can look through the local newspaper as there are a number of articles that spotlight the local baseball games of every league. Another choice is to ask around. By doing so, you may even get extra info on how you can type your personal team.

After you have cleared this matter, you can begin forming your personal league. You can start this by generating interest within the league you are organizing. In spite of everything, what good is a baseball league if there are no individuals who can play? For this, you possibly can put up ads that you?re holding baseball strive-outs. You shouldn?t restrict your source to solely your pals as there could be some strangers out there who share your passion with the sport. Not only that, there simply is likely to be some people who are actually good at baseball. The only way for you to see them is by holding try-outs. You may submit these commercials in your local health facilities or neighborhood message boards. An alternative choice is at hand them out to individuals you meet on the street.

While waiting for folks to try out for your new baseball league, it is best you begin looking for a spot where you may practice. The unhappy part to that is that you?ll be required some money for this. If you?re capable of sparing a couple of hundred dollars, you possibly can sponsor the use of the space. Otherwise, you?ll be able to ask members to pay a fraction of the fee so that the price of the baseball discipline is much less of a burden to you. Once you have turn into a local favorite, you simply would possibly get sponsors who are willing to pay on your baseball discipline utilization and even buy your league new uniforms and equipment.

When you?ve settled every thing, you could be certain that folks will come to try out in your baseball league. That is notably true if you?re already someone who people associate the sport with. Since they?ve religion that you could make them a collection of victorious games, they will hearken to you and be proud that they?re a part of a baseball league comparable to yours. The last thing it?s essential to know is to have fun!

Looking to find the best deal on Pitching Machines, then visit http://www.pitchingmachinereview.net to find the best advice onAtec Pitching Machine for you.

Source: http://articlesaddicted.com/recreation-sports/beginning-your-personal-baseball-league-is-easy

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