[Seasonal Topics]
Late-season snowstorms
Wednesday, February 28, 2007
It may be spring, but history says we may still get more snow
This year, much of Iowa has been hit with a late snowstorm or two. That has led us to wonder: How often and how badly has Iowa gotten socked in with late season snows? Read on to find out.
Waking up to a fresh blanket of snow in the midst of spring may seem peculiar, but stranger things have ha...
[Your Efficient, Comfortable, Safe Home]
Moldy problems
Sunday, July 29, 2007
To get rid of mold, get rid of moisture
Household mold gets a lot of bad press. It’s been linked to health problems, from asthma to neurological difficulties, and is unsightly and sometimes smelly. Know your enemy, the saying goes, and for an enemy, mold operates fairly simply. Preventing it is a matter of preventing excess moistu...
[Energy Efficiency]
Energy-efficient dishwashing
Wednesday, February 28, 2007
Newer, eco-friendly models keep dishes sparkling clean and use less water
Here’s some food for thought: The average American family of four uses 88,000 gallons of water a year. If you’re trying to cut back on water consumption (and energy consumption), the water used for washing dishes is one way to start. If you use a dishwasher, each load consumes 9-12 gallo...
[Seasonal Topics]
Daylight Saving Time
Wednesday, February 28, 2007
Are your appliances ready to spring forward early this year?
You’ve probably heard Daylight Saving Time has been extended an extra month this year. But did you realize some of your electrical devices may be affected as a result? As you schedule to spring your hour hands forward on March 11, learn how to prevent potential problems.
Computer: You...
[Energy Efficiency]
Tree-planting with a purpose
Wednesday, February 28, 2007
Decrease your heating and cooling costs by planting trees
Planting trees in the spring breathes new life into your landscape and infuses it with natural beauty. But did you know it can also save valuable energy, too? According to the U.S. Department of Energy, planting trees in specific locations conserves as much as 25% of household heating and energy cos...
[Safety]
Winter storm hazards
Wednesday, February 28, 2007
Take care, both indoors and out
With massive power outages due to winter ice and snow storms, it pays to be cautious.
Try to stay indoors, but if you must venture outside, be alert to the possibility of electrical hazards:
• Stay away from downed power lines and be alert to the possibility that tree limbs or debri...
[Home & Family]
Spring cleaning
Wednesday, February 28, 2007
Make a clean sweep of your winter-worn house
Fortunately, most guests don’t wear white gloves when they visit. Many of us would be in BIG trouble if that happened. But after a winter that made us want to hibernate under an afghan, it’s about time to spring forward and spruce up our homes.
Is your home cluttered or just a l...
[Tax Information]
Payback time
Wednesday, February 28, 2007
Uncle Sam may owe you for your long-distance calls
It’s not too late to get what’s coming to you this tax season. If you paid for long distance—including phone and Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) service—after Feb 28, 2003 and before Aug. 1, 2006, you’re eligible to receive a refund from the IRS on your 2006 tax ret...
[Holidays]
Little-known March holidays
Wednesday, February 28, 2007
Spring is coming, according to the swallows of Capistrano
There are reasons to celebrate during every month. Here are a few of March's highlights:
March 2: Read Across America
Dr. Seuss (Theodor Geisel) was born today in 1904. This year, the date also marks the 10th anniversary of Read Across America, a program of the National Education Associati...
[Just for Fun]
The Seven Wonders of the World
Wednesday, February 28, 2007
Vote for your favorite great structures
Wonders of the ancient world
Thinking of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World conjures up visions of ancient beauty, Herculean feats of engineering and construction, and the lost civilizations that constructed the amazing structures. All of the original seven wonders were located around the Medit...
[Recreation]
Home spa how-to
Wednesday, February 28, 2007
Kick off spring with a spa treatment ... in your own home
Everybody needs a bit of pampering after the long, hard winter. A trip to a day spa can be fun, or you may prefer to treat yourself in your own home. Whether you prefer flying solo or getting your girlfriends in on the fun, here’s how to make the experience relaxing and refreshing.
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