Get 136 miles per gallon! June 25, 2010
Posted by nrhatch in Magick & Mystery, Sustainable Living.comments closed
Want to improve your “gas” mileage?
How about traveling from California to New York City on only 22 gallons . . . of water?!
Stanley Meyers (now deceased) claimed to have invented an electric fuel cell which would allow automobiles to run on water.
How much is his patent worth? Well, oil producing nations allegedly offered him a billion dollars for it.
In an interesting twist, the day after he signed a contract with the US Government, he died.
Of food poisoning at a Cracker Barrel restaurant.
Hmm . . .
For more details on his death: Inventor Dies Mysterious Death
Whether or not someone killed Stanley Meyers in 1998 because of his claimed invention, it’s now 12 years later and our government is still intent on permitting Big Oil to drill off shore rather than investing in renewable technology which is available.
Why is that??? Could it be . . . BP?
Demand Change:
For a post disputing Meyer’s claims: Stanley Meyer’s Water Fuel Cell
For more on Green Transportation alternatives: Inhabitat ~ Design Will Save The World * The Unicab EV for NYC * Green Packs ~ Transportation
Now, That’s My Kind of Milkshake! June 25, 2010
Posted by nrhatch in Animals, Gratitude, Happiness.comments closed
For a heart-warming story about a rescued Hereford who found her happy ending after spending the first two years of her life isolated in a 10 x10 foot enclosure:
This is how animals are meant to be treated ~ factory farming is overdue for an overhaul.
Aah . . . that’s better!
Related posts: The Truth Behind Meat Labels * Become A Voice of Compassion * Join a C.S.A. * Health Benefits From Greening Your Life * Got Milk? Toss It Out! * Freedom * All The Gory Details * Top Ten List ~ Vegetarian * Gradual Change * Do Ya Think They’re Sexy? * Go HSUS! * Bon Appetit!
Hurricanes: What’s Your Name? June 25, 2010
Posted by nrhatch in Nature.comments closed
Hurricane Season runs from June to November when water temps are most conducive to the formation of tropical depressions (winds up to 38 mph), tropical storms (winds from 39-73 mph), and hurricanes (winds of 74 mph and greater).
Meteorologists and emergency management experts agree that using short, distinctive given names for storms and hurricanes is quicker and less subject to error than other identification methods, especially when more than one storm is brewing at sea or preparing to make landfall.
Since 1953, Atlantic tropical storms have been named from lists originated by the National Hurricane Center (NHC).
The original list featured only women’s names.
In 1979, men’s names were added to alternate with women’s names.
Before the start of the season, weather experts prepare tracking charts with the 21 names to be assigned whenever tropical cyclones reach sustained wind speeds of 39 mph, or above.
If more than 21 named tropical storms occur in the Atlantic basin in a given year, additional storms take names from the Greek alphabet: Alpha, Beta, Gamma, Delta, etc.
For 2010, the 21 names waiting to be assigned to tropical storms yet to be born:
Alex * Bonnie * Colin * Danielle * Earl * Fiona * Gaston * Hermine * Igor * Julia * Karl * Lisa * Matthew * Nicole * Otto * Paula * Richard * Shary * Tomas * Virginie * Walter
Are you on the list????
Related posts: Hurricanes: Weathering The Storm * Hurricanes: Evacuation & Homecoming * Hurricanes ~ Other Tips & Resources
Hurricanes: Other Tips & Resources June 25, 2010
Posted by nrhatch in Health & Wellness, Nature.comments closed
Here are a few final tips and resources to help you Plan, Prepare, and Protect yourself from Hurricanes:
(1) NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) offers resources for planning, preparation, and recovery:
* Download a PDF Extreme Weather Information Sheet ~ available for the following states: Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Texas, US Virgin Islands
The laminated and waterproof NEWIS provides an ideal reference in the home, automobile, or boat. NCDDC verifies all contacts, phone numbers, and Web sites listed on each NEWIS annually.
Questions? Call NCDDC Toll Free at 1-866-732-2382 or Email NCDDC@NOAA.GOV
* Download a map of Hurricane Strikes in the Continental US from 1950 – 2009. The chart includes: the names and dates of all storms, along with a table of Saffir-Simpson Category Ratings (from 1 to 5 with winds from 74 –> 155+ mph).
(2) If you need help preparing a Family Disaster Plan, visit Tampa Bay Prepares:
* 2010 Hurricane Guides are available on line
* print a guide to preparing a Disaster Supply Kit
* evaluate steps to protect your home, boat, and pets from loss
* get information and tips on protecting yourself from other natural disasters (floods, tornadoes, lightning), as well as from pandemics and terrorism
Now that you’re ready, relax.
Most things we worry about never happen anyway.
Aah . . . that’s better!
Related posts: Hurricanes: Weathering The Storm * Hurricanes: Evacuation & Homecoming
Hurricanes: Evacuation & Homecoming June 25, 2010
Posted by nrhatch in Health & Wellness, Home & Garden, Nature.comments closed
Unlike tornadoes, floods, and earthquakes (which often wreak havoc with little or no advance warning), hurricanes generally don’t sneak up on us.
Weather experts monitor each storm’s approach, predicting the expected track and gauging the level of wrath, giving residents time to prepare and, if necessary, evacuate to remove themselves from the path of destruction.
If you need to evacuate:
(1) Put everything you want to take with you near the front door so you can grab it and go ~ clothes, pet supplies, the 5 T’s, food, important papers, the local phone book, your personal address book, ID’s, wallets, etc.
(2) If you are going to a shelter, bring pillows, sleeping bags, comforters, lightweight folding chairs or cots, bath towels, wash cloths, and a few games or playing cards.
(3) Make sure that your destination is not within a zone ordered to evacuate.
(4) Let friends and relatives know where you are going. Check to make sure your neighbors have safe transportation out of the area.
(5) Fill the bathtub with water for washing and to flush toilets when you return. Fill clean containers with water for drinking and cooking when you return.
(6) Turn off gas, water, and electricity at their main valves and switches.
(7) Lock your windows and doors.
(8) Stay tuned to your local radio and television station for emergency broadcasts.
(9) If you are leaving a coastal area, move inland away from storm surge and inland flooding ~ but think tens of miles, not hundreds. Roads will be heavily congested and you should avoid being caught on the highway without a safe refuge if the storm takes a different track.
After the storm:
(1) Have valid ID ~ you will not be allowed back into your area without proof of residency.
(2) Avoid driving. Roads must be left clear for emergency vehicles. Don’t sightsee ~ you may be mistaken for a looter.
(3) Beware of snakes, insects, and animals driven to higher ground.
(4) Avoid downed or dangling utility wires.
(5) Enter your home with caution. Open windows and doors to ventilate the interior.
(6) If there is any evidence of flooding near your home, have an electrician inspect your home before turning on the breaker.
(7) Take photographs of all damage for insurance purposes. Make temporary repairs to prevent further damage from holes in roofs or walls.
(8) If the power has been out, check the blocks of ice left in the freezer. If they have melted and the food is warm, get a garbage bag and dump ALL the food. It is not safe to eat. If the blocks of ice are still solid, keep the freezer closed until power is restored and check again.
(9) Contact friends and relatives to let them know that you are safe. Keep calls short to keep phone lines open for emergency communications.
(10) Disinfect any tap water you drink or use for cooking or cleaning. You must purify the tap water until officials notify you of its safety. Bring water to a rolling boil for a full 10 minutes or use chemicals (eight drops of chlorine bleach or iodine per gallon) or water purification tablets, as directed. Let the water sit at least 10 minutes before using.
Water you saved in clean containers before the storm will be fine for 2-3 weeks. To be sure, add two drops of chlorine or iodine per gallon before drinking.
(11) Put flashlights in strategic places throughout the house for people to use after dark, or give each person a flashlight of their own.
(12) Use your portable radio and talk to neighbors who have returned to keep updated about clean up efforts and other important information.
Other thoughts, suggestions, and ideas . . . please comment below!
Related posts: Hurricanes: Weathering The Storm * Hurricanes ~ Other Tips & Resources
Spirit Lights The Way 