Well, this cold snap is something else. I know if you watch or listen to the news, you have been reminded to cover or insulate your outside water lines. However, I'm reminding you again, did you do it?

As for conservation, water is still at drought levels. We can not let this become an out of site out of mind issue. We consume less water for our yards in winter, some water is replenished by rain, but our water account is so far overdrawn that it will take many storms to catch up.

We need to continue to be diligent and frugal with our water use. This should simply be our habit and ultimately our way of life.

Leaks are an easy way to lose lots of water and they are often easy to fix. One way to check for leaks is to follow these simple steps:

1. Turn off all water inside and outside, (not at the meter).
2. Read your meter.
3. Note your current reading
4. Wait 15 to 20 minutes and see if the meter has moved.
5. If the meter shows usage you probably have a leak.

Remember, these simple efforts add up and benefit your budget over time and the environment right now.

Well, I have not added anything here for almost a week. I have been running to catch up on a few things, meetings, site audits, etc...

One of the things I have committed a fair amount of time to is a new process for sharing some of our data here at the school district. I have configured a server that will eventually allow us to post information for general communications. There is a specific type of communication that this system is intended for, but as the system is not ready for kick off, I will have to share the subject later.

By creating systems like this, helping us move away from FAXing and paper delivery, to a more sophisticated PDF, JPG, email, internet based communication, we save a very large amount of paper. As we have been doing business as usual for many years, there is some adjustment to this style of thinking.

Who knows, we may start to create the truly paperless environment computers were supposed to help with over 20 years ago. We all need to focus on minimizing our paper use. An easy example: my email tag says "Save paper, don't print email." I recommend putting this or something similar on your email tag too.

Eventually we will all remind eachother enough times that we will change and ultimately reduce the amount of paper we use.

While Personal-Neo Urban Transport doesn't roll off the tongue, it seems car companies are going overboard trying to come up with catchy names, even for a concept car - (P-NUT). However, I like the look and the idea of a 3 seat vehicle. This could be perfect as a Taxi, or for someone who generally drives alone but needs an extra seat for a passenger now and then.

The idea is that the power plant is in the back, and is modular to accept gas, electric or hybrid engines. The three seat design places the driver front and center with passengers behind and legroom flanking the driver. Interesting.

I did not find any more details, but you can go over to Honda's website and see if there is more information now.

With the holiday season, packaging is abundant. How do you deal with all of it and not contribute to the environmental issues? A recent entry in Yahoo Green addresses just this issue.

Follow the related link to find out more.

click the image to enlarge.


Well, it is hard to ignore the advertising and the deals available. I have been asked many times which is better, LCD or Plasma and it is usually followed by a nod and "LCD right?"

Well, the question might be a little harder than just which is better. The total cost of ownership might be more useful for some people. Remember, it will depend on how much your TV is "on" that will decide how cost effective one is vs the other. Don't forget, a TV is a visual display device, how it looks to you is probably the most important.

Hopefully the two charts above will enlighten you when you are making a decision. I gathered the data from several sources including the EPA website, Greentoday, Engadget and the Plasma TV Buying Guide. Keep in mind that the above charts compare units that were made prior to the new energy regulations and represent the average of their categories, not one particular brand.

I hope this is helpful.