Sign Petition Regarding FERC Overregulation

We would like to ask that if you have not already done so, please go to We the People, a new feature on WhiteHouse.gov, and sign the petition regarding FERC Overregulation. If this petition gets 5,000 signatures by October 28, 2011, the White House will review it and respond!

If a petition gets enough support, the Obama Administration will issue an official response.

You can view and sign the petition here:

http://wh.gov/4V0

·         You must first register and then wait a few minutes for a verification e-mail.

·         When you get the verification e-mail, you will need to click on a link to confirm your registration (if you can’t click on this link, copy and paste it into your browser).

·         You will then be taken to the petition to be included.

Here's some more information about this petition:

CURB FERC regulations, which overreach and overregulate the shorelines of its hydroelectric projects.

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission is enforcing shoreline management rules decades after hydroelectric projects were first developed. Retroactive rules are irrational, without reason, or scientific basis. The burden of this regulation far out weights any public benefit. The impact on surrounding communities cannot be exaggerated as FERC rules are discouraging private investment, lowering property values, killing jobs, limiting access to project waters, inhibiting landowner’s ability to sell, violating Federal, State and local ordinances, and trampling on personal property rights. FERC is ignoring Executive Order 13563 and the 11 July 2011 supplemental order for Independent Agencies. Wise regulatory decisions depend on careful analysis of the likely consequences of regulation.

Thank you

Maintaining the yard through the winter!

This is the time when people start to want to stay indoors a bit more, especially when the temperatures significantly drop.

You can’t neglect your outdoor patios and decks, especially if you plan to sell soon. Buyers won’t want to see broken-wood decks or corroded wrought iron patio sets in your backyard.
The good news is that if you prepare ahead, you can save yourself time and money. Taking some good housekeeping steps now will allow you to step outside into the fresh spring air next year to a well-preserved outdoor space.
Where to begin? First, if your deck is looking a little worn and tired, make the necessary repairs now. Don’t wait until you can stick your foot through a board (like I did). That’s not only dangerous but it also mandates a quick fix.

Give your deck a good cleaning and sealing or staining before the weather gets too cold and wet to do this. Make sure you check for loose nails and get rid of any splintery edges by sanding them down. Seal with waterproofing sealants. For these, generally the weather has to be above 32 degrees F and 50 degrees F for sealing and stains, respectively, to work properly.

Put the clippers to work. Take a good look around your yard and decide which plants need to go. Many annuals may have been killed by frost and it’s time to clear them away. Keep your flowers keep them looking good by trimming away dead leaves. If you cut your plants back now it will cause them to grow and flower more effectively later on.

Add seasonal plants. You can still have some nice color in your yard if you get the right plants for your yard’s climate. Kale and ornamental cabbage are attractive. In warmer climates try primroses for winter color.
Use creative containers with your seasonal plants. Putting a perennial plant in a beautifully painted container can add style and allure to your patio all winter long.

Plant potted vegetables. Nothing’s better than fresh food especially when it comes from your own yard. There are some cool-weather vegetables that work well in pretty pots. Things like lettuce: kale, leaf, mustard, and Chinese cabbage are good for this. Also, don’t forget herbs; they’ll come in handy for the holiday dinners.

Get artsy. Making your yard look good in winter is also about what you leave outside. Those brightly colored throw pillows and rugs that worked great in summer, of course, should be brought inside. Instead get creative with lights that give a sparkle on a cold winter night. Hang plants with ornaments on them. Also, hang bird feeders to attract birds.

Taking a few simple steps to keep your deck, yard, and outdoor furniture in good condition will give you an easy progression into spring. And, if you’re listing your home for sale in the winter, these steps are sure to please buyers.