When you watch the Weather Channel, there is always some bad weather somewhere. But, when a storms strikes close to home, it causes incredible stress. But, it is also an opportunity to bond with neighbors. When the Ice Storm of ‘98 stuck Maine, people lost power from 4 - 14 days during some of the year’s coldest weather. But, neighbors took generators and went door to door to raise the temperature in a house above freezing. Wood was carted around and batteries became a commodity that people shared with one another.

Hurricane Ike was a major event. For, those who watched it on television, we saw the reporters being blown in different directions. After it ended,  clear skies and billions of dollars in damage.  Just heard from a friend who lives in Houston. His comment….Our power just came on (6:21PM) Monday, after 10 days. We’re OK….NOW! 

Ten days without power is more than an adventure. It is my hope , like we did in Maine 10 years ago, that the ability of neighbors helping neighbors is one of the positives from Ike.  If you were impacted by Ike, I’d love to hear about how you survived and what has happened in your neighborhood (community) as a result.

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Hurricane Ike, Loss of Electricity, Neighbors

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Gas Mileage, Reduce Oil Consumption, Speed

In the early ’70s, gas prices skyrocketed from $.33 to $.60 per gallon and higher. Reports in Time Magazine (and elsewhere) indicated  that the world supply of oil was depleted and we’d have to take drastic steps to “survive”. Consumers switched to smaller and more energy efficient cars. We also reduced consumption of oil via a mandated reduction of the highway speed limits from 70 mpg to 55mph. When speeds were set at 70 mpg, it was not unheard of to drive 80+ mpg. At 55 mpg, people might stretch it to 70. But, the point (or theory) is that 55  mpg is the most efficient driving speed.

Since then, the speed limit is back to 70 mpg or higher in some western states. With drastically higher gas prices, the question is should we reduce speed limits to reduce gas consumption??  And, is 55  mpg the ideal speed or is it 60, 65 or other?  What are your thoughts? Were you driving in the 1970s. Are you willing to go slower to consume less gas and  reduce the demand and prices?  Love to hear your thoughts? Gas is currently $4.11 in Maine. What is it in your community?

Contact me at pgeiger@farmersalmanac.com.

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Conserve Energy, Gasoline, Driving Tips, Save Money

When I drove to Villanova University in the early 1970s, I’d pay $.33 per gallon for fuel. With a 10 gallon tank in my 1971 Chevy Vega - I’d usually spend around $3.00 for a tank. With any luck, I’d spend $20 to drive the 440 miles to college. Oh, those were the days - cheap fuel for cheap cars.

Times they are a changing. Just a hint of a problem and oil prices shoot up. Americans can’t get enough gas to satisfy their needs. With growing economies in China, India and elsewhere, and oil prices will continue to climb. So, what to do. Our government has failed to implement any meaningful energy policies. So, you and I have to be smart about the fuel we consume and maybe do some things differently. Like a diet that works, once you get into a routine, it feels good.

Here are 20 ways you can maximize your mileage and get the most miles for your money. Click below:

http://www.farmersalmanac.com/home_garden/a/20-ways-to-save-gas

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Oil Prices, Simple Life, Conserve Energy
Over the 191-year history of the Farmers’ Almanac, we have seen the good, the bad and the ugly. There have been Civil Wars, World Wars, depressions, recessions, and lots of great times in between. When you are in the midst of turmoil, it is hard to see the light at the end of the tunnel.
 
Our current predicament is not necessarily about oil prices,  but about a world that is populated with 7 billion people, and the  growing demand for limited resources. We have lived so long in a cheap energy, highly disposable world that it is hard to imagine some of the economic hardships that we are now facing. But in facing these new shortages and economic challenges, we have to realize that maybe some of our habits, collectively and individually have to change.

The Farmers’ Almanac has long championed the “simple life”. But, what does that mean to you?  Obviously, the idea of a simple life does NOT mean going back to the horse and buggy days. Rather, it is about  becoming less wasteful and more resourceful. It may be as simple as becoming green conscious and reorganizing our complex lives.
 
The Farmers’ Almanac has always advocated the simple theory of “Waste not, want not.” For almost two hundred years, the Almanac has shared thrifty tips on way to stretch your income at the grocery store, how to reuse materials and household items and ways to fix things rather than throw them away and buy new. The new edition is no different.

The 2009 Farmers’ Almanac is at the printers. It will be in stores later this summer. This edition will be packed with useful ideas on how to be green, how to conserve energy, save water and much more. We will be taking pre-orders for this edition very soon here on our site. Stay tuned for details.

Our partners at Farmers’ Almanac Television have rich programming that deals with this information in a very visual and entertaining way. Be sure to check out our videos online for a sampling of this inspiring, resourceful show.

Life may never be “simple”, but there are proven ways to make it a lot easier. If you found ways to conserve and simplify your life and want to share them with others, drop  me a note at pgeiger@farmersalmanac.com.
 

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Food Prices, Sustainable Living, Coupons, Raised Bed Garden

I am as concerned as anyone about the rising cost of fuel and food. Here are some tips to  keep your food budget under control:

   > Cook at home - it is cheaper than eating in a restaurant.

   > When shopping for food, plan a weekly menu and shop from a list.

   > Coupons - they are everywhere ( newspapers, online and in stores) but compare before buying.

   > Don’t shop on an empty stomach

   > Every store has a price per unit sticker on  shelves - sizes can be deceiving.

   > Buy generic brands - they cost less and the quality is usually comparable to national brands.  

   > Whenever possible, use a microwave. It costs less to cook and during the summer months, it keeps the kitchen cooler.

   > Rather than eating everything, eat until you are full. Save the rest for leftovers.

   > If you do eat out, bring leftovers home.

   > Speaking of leftovers, have a buffet once a week using all the leftovers.

   > Compare prices. Every store has lost leaders. Watch the fliers and go for the best bargains.

   > Consider growing your own vegetables. Go to our website for instructions on how to build a raised garden bed.

Yes, prices seem to be spiraling out of control. But, there are things we can do to get the most out of every dollar spent. Watch Farmers’ Almanac Television and go to www.farmersalmanac.com for additional sustainable living ideas. And,  share your ideas with me at pgeiger@farmersalmanac.com.

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One of the features of the 2008 Farmers’ Almanac was a contest to determine the couple who’s nuptials took place during the worst weather Mother Nature could toss their way. Our entries numbered 500 and we narrowed it down to the 10 most (exciting) unusual wedding weather stories. American has now spoken. Voting ended at midnight last night and we are verifying the results. Later this month we will announce the winning couples.

Thanks to everyone involved with this contest. From every bride and groom who submitted stories to the thousands who voted, it as been great fun. Royal Caribbean Cruise and LL Bean have provided prizes. We are grateful for their involvement. From the Today Show announcement to the local media that covered the home time “heroes”, the message spread from Coast to Coast. Now, stay tuned for the big announcement at the end of March.

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My Managing Editor, Sandi Duncan, lives n New Jersey. But, because of technology, we can work as editors, communicate with readers, connect with our friends at Farmers’ Almanac Television and do it with incredible speed and efficiency. We can do all this as long as the “systems” work.

In the 2006 Farmers;’ Almanac we dealt with the frustrations of scheduling service - phone, appliance repair, contractors, etc. The article took us through the trials and tribulations of getting a company to schedule and show up for an appointment ……and the consequences when they do not.

Fast forward to 2008 and Sandi’s DSL line is down which means no internet. The company that services this promised to be there Monday between 8am - 5pm, then 8am to 7pm, then Tuesday between 8am and 5pm and now we are into Wednesday - same story. The wait is bad enough but the hours of being put on hold and the frustration of not being able to move up the “chain” is unfortunate and regrettable. Sandi is not the first person to run into it because we heard from some people who told us they had to remain at home from 8am - 5pm and did so for 5 days (taking off from work).

In ‘08, this is absurd. Please read the article. Note our Service First Agreement. If you are kept waiting 30 minutes or more, we indicate that you are owed something for your troubles. I am not sure what happens when they are 2 - 3 or more days late. When you edit an almanac, the internet is your best friend. This isn’t a lawn tractor that might get used in three months. Shame on this service provider. You may hear more on this and the name of the vendor another day.

Here is the link

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The 2008 Farmers’ Almanac is calling for a Two-Faced Winter! In fact, we believe that this winter, Mother Nature may in fact reveal her split-personality! But what does this mean?

Well in the East and Great Lakes– be ready for lots of snow, and cold weather (including frosts into Florida) but for the West — not too bad, a bit mild especially after last year’s winter.

White Christmas in the East? Looks like a good possibility. How about skiing? New England, Mid-Atlantic States, and the Rockies look like they’ll have a good season.

If you like snow, stay to the East and if you don’t, go west!

The 2008 Farmers’ Almanac contains 16 months of weather forecasts. Pick up a copy today at your local stores or order a copy here.

Forecasting the weather is always a challenge. In fact, I believe it’s on of the ways that Nature reminds us that we can’t control everything. However, the Farmers’ Almanac has been predicting the weather for nearly 200 years. We take great pride in offering readers an outlook for the year ahead.

So if you live in the East you may want to stock up on snow shovels and wool sweaters, while in the West, you may be in for a less severe winter. Stay tuned…

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As we have indicate on our home page, we are officially releasing the 2008 Farmers’ Almanac on Monday, August 27th. Part of the process is getting books into stores throughout the US and Canada. Keep in mind that there are a number of different titles in stores and some of the names can be confusing if not misleading. So, if you want to know where to find us, go to our home page www.farmersalmanac.com. At the top of the page is an item in the ‘nac. Click and you can search for the closest store. If you still cannot find our publication, send me an e-mail. Or, you can shop online on our site and have it mailed within 24 hours. Our cover is green/ orange and carries my name….. shopper buy wise.

Expect to see Sandi and me and an article about the new edition in newspapers on Monday morning. We will also be doing radio and TV interviews throughout the day for weeks to come. We will list appearances on our website starting Monday as well. If we are on a call in show in your town, don’t be shy call in and ask the “tough questions”.

Yesterday I mentioned the famed Abe Lincoln story using the 1857 Farmers’ Almanac to acquit a client of murder by utilizing the Farmers’ Almanac to dispute the claim of seeing the altercation by bright moon light. My blog pointed out that the astronomic conditions that existed on August 29, 1857 were the same last night. So, as a good trooper, I made note of the Moon position, lightness and agree with Abe, that the murder could not have been seen with the little light available at 11pm last night or on that fateful evening over a century ago. . I was surprised by the light in the early evening but as the moon moved, so did the ability to see any distance at all. Chalk one up for Abe.

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Thanks to John Jensenius of the National Weather Service, here are tips concerning Thunder and Lightning awareness.

SEVERE WEATHER AWARENESS - THUNDERSTORMS AND LIGHTNING…

Summertime is a good time for outdoor recreational activities. It is also the time of the year when thunderstorms are most likely. Thunderstorms can be beautiful, but they also can be deadly. Central Florida is the T & L center of the US with more storms than any other region of the country.

While many people think they are aware of the dangers of thunderstorms and lightning, the vast majority are not.

There are three basic ingredients needed for the formation of a thunderstorm. They include low-level moisture, an unstable atmosphere, and a trigger (a source of lift).

Low-level Moisture: This moisture is needed for cloud formation, growth, and the development of precipitation within the cloud.

Unstable Atmosphere: An unstable atmosphere allows warm, moist air near the ground to rise rapidly to higher levels in the atmosphere where temperatures are below freezing. An unstable atmosphere also allows air at higher levels in the atmosphere to sink to the ground level rapidly, bringing stronger winds from the higher levels to the ground.

A Trigger: Something to set the atmosphere in motion.

All three ingredients contribute to the formation of a thunderstorm.

In fact, as the magnitudes of these ingredients increase, so do the chances that a thunderstorms could become severe.

In the summertime, listen to the latest forecast and learn to recognize the signs that often precede thunderstorm development. Warm muggy air is a sign that ample low-level moisture is available for thunderstorm development. Towering cumulus clouds indicate an atmosphere that is, or is becoming, unstable. And, the trigger could be continued heating from the sun; an approaching front or sea breeze front; or a cooling of the upper atmosphere.

All thunderstorms go through various stages of growth and development. As a thunderstorm cloud continues to grow, snow and ice begin to form in the higher levels of the cloud where temperatures are below freezing, and electrical charges start to build up within the cloud. Negative electrical charges near the middle and base of the cloud cause a positive charge to build up on the ground under and near the thunderstorm. Finally, when the difference between these charges becomes to great, a giant atmospheric spark we call lightning occurs.

Lightning is an underrated killer, usually claiming its victims one at a time. Lightning also leaves many victims with serious life-long injuries. Lightning can strike as far as 10 miles from the side of the thunderstorm cloud. In fact, many lightning victims are struck either before the rain arrives or after the rain has ended. Most victims also report that at least a portion of the sky was blue when they were struck.

Although Maine and New Hampshire have less lightning than most states east of the Rocky Mountains, Maine ranks 8th highest in the country in terms of lightning casualties (per capita) and New Hampshire ranks 16th highest.

This summer, the National Weather Service will conduct a nationwide awareness campaign to reduce the number of deaths and injuries from lightning. Although more information on lightning and lightning safety will be provided during Lightning Safety Awareness Week, which will be during the week of June 25-29, here are some basic tips to help keep you and your family safe this summer.

WHILE INSIDE A HOME OR BUILDING

1. Avoid any contact with corded phones.

2. Avoid any contact with electrical or electronic equipment or cords that are plugged into the electrical system.

3. Avoid any contact with the plumbing system. Do not wash your hands, do not wash the dishes, do not take a shower, and do not do laundry.

4. Do not stand next to a concrete wall or lie on a concrete floor.

5. Stay away from windows, outside doorways, and porches.

TIPS WHILE OUTDOORS

1. Plan outside activities so that you minimize the risk of being caught outside in a thunderstorm.

2. If you hear thunder, move inside a safe shelter immediately. Generally, if you can hear the thunder, you’re within striking distance of the storm.

3. If the sky looks threatening, move inside immediately. Don’t wait for the first stroke of lightning. It could occur anywhere under or near the storm.

4. Stay inside a safe shelter for at least 30 minutes after the last rumble of thunder is heard. Many lightning victims are struck after the worst part of the storm has passed.

5. If you are caught outside in a thunderstorm and can’t reach a safe shelter, you can only minimize the your risk of being struck by lightning. If lightning strikes near you, it will most likely strike the tallest object in your immediate vicinity. First, don’t be the tallest object in the immediate vicinity, and don’t be near the tallest object. Second, get as low as possible to the ground, but minimize your contact with the ground. Do not lie on the ground.

Remember, when it comes to thunderstorm safety, your own actions determine your personal risk of being killed or seriously injured.

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