News & Society Videos
Energy Efficiency: Balancing Cost and Output
Methods and techniques that reduce the energy level required to produce the same level of service from the energy. The term energy efficiency means achieving more results from the same effort. Sometimes, efficiency can be translated into dollars and cents. It is measurable in terms of watts of visible light, or units of heat or degrees or cooling required.
Energy production has taken the path of attempting to produce more energy from the same components, as evidenced by nuclear power plants. This concept is the opposite of efficiency. Efficiency in energy usage studies how to get more benefit from existing energy sources.
Any entity that uses energy, whether it is an automobile, light bulb or huge manufacturing complex can be a target for reducing the amount of energy that is required to operate the entity. Installing skylights instead of additional light fixtures is efficiency at work. Making automobiles that get more miles per gallon is another way to make better use of energy. Trapping the heat from manufacturing processes and using it for building heat is another example of being energy efficient.
Efficient use of available energy helps to address the problem of dwindling resources and sky rocketing costs. New oil fields may be found beneath the earth’s crust, but they are still a finite energy source. By creating a more efficient use for oil, the reserves will last longer.
Since the 1970s, more effort has been expended in making building codes more energy conscious. Individual efforts are helpful but are less certain to create efficiency in the uses of energy. Studies have found that up to 75 percent of the energy used in the United States today could be eliminated through simple measures that are not costly or burdensome.
A three-fold process for increasing energy efficiency places efficiency first, use of renewable resources second and new fossil power sources in third place. The benefits are not only in non renewable resource protection, but in the cost per unit of electrical power produced and delivered. Ultimately, efficiency in both cost and service should be the goal of a technologically advanced and energy conscious society.
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The Complex Game Of Suburban Life
Most people in seemingly idyllic and ideal communities really live lives of…well, quiet desperation. Beneath the surface of peaceful and calm surroundings is a harsh, brutal world. It is in such places that the elements and principles of Darwinian evolution are applied in a social setting. There’s plenty of backstabbing, betrayed allegiances, deception, and manipulation. All of this is, of course, occurring under the pretenses of being “good neighbors” and “close acquaintances.” Underneath it all, some are inclined to believe, is the worst possible manifestation of social anxiety.
Social anxiety may not be the only cause of this unusual game of deception and counter-deception going on in seemingly quiet areas, but it is often cited as one of the main factors. Somehow, the competitive nature that is implanted in children finds ways to manifest itself, even in such peaceful and theoretically stress-free locales. In some cases, it is rather simple and unobtrusive, such as one housewife making a remark or two about her having a better husband or children than her neighbor. It could be safe to say the two are friends, but share a mild rivalry between them.
However, social anxiety can also lead to some actions that can be considered extreme and unsavory within the context of the communities they happen. While “Desperate Housewives” may simply be a TV show, the harsh fact is that one of the reasons for the show being a huge hit is that it rings true. Certainly, some of the story arcs and events are well-entrenched in the realm of extremity, but most suburban residents can feel the motivation behind them and empathize with characters and the often silly twists. In an interestingly large number of cases, some viewers have even mentioned that, as extreme as some actions have been, they had seriously considered doing such “desperate” deeds at one point or another.
Apart from the backstabbing, the suburban environment has sometimes led residents to develop a bit of status anxiety on the side. For one reason or another, certain residents of suburban areas (housewives seem particularly prone) become moderately obsessed with the idea of appearing as close to “ideal” as possible. This can result in some “anal-retentive” behavior and obsession with perfection.
In attempting to attain the image of “perfection” for whatever role they are most prominent in, some people develop an acute sensitivity to any perceived threat to their status. This status anxiety can also lead to some subtle hostility. Activities can range from making snide remarks about one person’s hospitality and hosting skills during a party to blatant sabotage of a rival’s rosebushes.
This status anxiety, combined with the social competitiveness, has created two things. First, it has made an excellent place to study the the validity of applying Darwinian evolution into a social setting. These sorts of environments serve as a near-perfect testing area to see individuals playing their social games in an attempt to secure a goal, though the goal can sometimes be “playing the game” in itself. Second, it shows just how deeply ingrained competition is in the current social environment. There is a mild horror at the realization that, even in such perfect situations and idyllic conditions, the dog-eat-dog mentality still finds a way to exercise itself.
Know the Facts About Cobra Insurance Extension
Are you one of the many Americans who have been laid off in recent months? Are you concerned about no longer having health insurance benefits for you and your family in addition to the loss of income? If so, you will want to know more about the COBRA Insurance plan provided by the federal government.
Don’t make the mistake of thinking that you don’t need health insurance. If your health insurance lapses, you may have a problem covering yourself and your family when you do get a new job. It is also not a good idea to ‘play the odds’ and hope that you will not need medical coverage; it is impossible to predict when accidents or illness may occur.
Qualifying for COBRA
Simply put, COBRA allows separated employees to purchase supplemental insurance coverage that spans the gap between jobs. The provider of the plan is the individual’s most recent employer. The benefit is provided to anyone who has been laid off, terminated for a reason not including gross misconduct, or had their status reduced to part-time, making him or her ineligible for health insurance coverage. Dependants that were included on the employer’s policy are also eligible.
If you lost your job between September 2008 and February 2009, you can still take advantage of COBRA health insurance benefits. The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) allows a further extension to anyone losing employment during this time period and who is still unemployed.
The Cost of COBRA Insurance Extension
Be aware that after separation from your employer, you will have to pay the entire health insurance premium out of your own pocket. However, there is some good news. For one, the cost is often less expensive than acquiring an individual insurance plan. The second piece of good news is that the federal government offers a subsidy to those who cannot afford the premium, up to 65%.
What Happens After Loss of a Job
It is your employer’s responsibility to report the separation and eligibility for COBRA benefits. There are various regulations that apply to determine who is eligible, what companies are required to offer COBRA, and what events qualify for the continued health insurance benefit. If you feel that you should be able to continue to receive coverage, you may want to consult with a company that can help you sort out the details.
You should also be aware that there are time limits in place. There is a 60-day period in which the separated employee can decide whether or not to receive continued health insurance coverage. After that, you will have 45 days to pay the initial premium.
In addition to federal regulations, each health insurance provider will have its own rules and requirements regarding how claims are filed. They also have the option of ruling you ineligible for plan benefits. If you are denied COBRA benefits, you have the option of protesting this assessment within 60 days. Of course dealing with an insurance company is never uncomplicated so this may be another instance when assistance is required
Many times there are special circumstances that apply to continued health insurance coverage through COBRA insurance extension. Luckily, you do not need to sort out all the issues, rules, regulations, and specifics yourself. There are resources available to help those who are entitled to the benefits receive them. See the website for more details.
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Skyrocketing Unemployment During Recession
When the recession hit, many of us watched the skyrocketing unemployment claims and thought, “Wow, I’m glad that’s not me!” Yet, here you are — through no fault of your own — unemployed, confused and lost. Perhaps you worked for the same employer for years and never thought you’d end up in this position. Or perhaps you just got your job, saw that light at the end of the tunnel, and now feel disillusioned. These unexpected events left many Americans searching for a way to carve out their own piece of the American Dream and never rely on a boss to pay them again. It’s true; it’s a great time to start an internet business if you know what you’re doing, of course. Here are some thoughts on how to proceed.
There are many different types of internet business ventures to consider. Some people prefer to go with what they know. Brent Bouchez, David Page and Nancy McNally all worked for top-tier ad agencies before forming their own marketing company targeting consumers 50 and older. Michelle DeAngelis worked at Bank of America for 15 years before branching off to do her own private consulting. By contrast, some internet business entrepreneurs decided to forego their past identities and follow a particular pursuit or passion. Ali Galgano transitioned from a corporate recruiter at Goldman Sachs to a seller of unique costume jewelry. Kelly Elvin went from being a corporate lawyer to a dog trainer. What matters most is that your home based business is something about which you are knowledgeable and passionate.
“If you don’t love to roll your sleeves up, it’s not a good jump,” cautions Monica Doss, director of the Kauffman Foundation’s FastTrac entrepreneur training program. She says that running an internet business is a lot of work and it’s common for people to follow their ambitions only to find that they actually enjoy working in corporate America more. “There’s no shame” in that, Doss says, simply stating that not everyone is built to be an entrepreneur. While there can be greater financial rewards in e-commerce marketing, there are also more expenses. Suddenly you become aware that every phone call, every drive to meet a client, every lunch, every fax — are all expenses. Initially you will need to adjust your lifestyle to accommodate the new income bracket and expenses. You may not be able to take that annual vacation to Florida or dine out as frequently anymore.
Ray Gaines, entrepreneur and author of Start Your Own Business, says that it usually takes about six months to get an internet business up and running, but it’s certainly worth the time and effort. “Surprisingly, a recession can provide opportunities for business startups, particularly as the proverbial green shoots appear and the wheels of industry start to churn again,” he says. “When the recovery begins, people and companies start to spend and look for suppliers. Those new businesses that have made their names known through good marketing during the downturn will be noticed.”
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