| America Ferrera's stalker escape
America Ferrera has been driven out of her home because she is scared of stalkers. The 23-year-old actress - who plays clumsy PA Betty Suarez in hit US TV show 'Ugly Betty' - was advised by the programme's bosses to move into a more secure apartment after they realised how easy it would be for obsessed fans to get into her property. America said: "There was a big security issue. I was living in an apartment in Hollywood where the windows faced the street. I always left them open because there was an air conditioning unit hooked up to the outside. .
BobVila.com's Top 5 Energy-Saving Ideas for 2008
BOSTON, Jan. 15 /PRNewswire/ -- Home improvement expert Bob Vila has been on the presidential campaign trail talking about energy efficiency. His popular web site shares five earth-friendly projects -- both large and small -- for your home in 2008. 1. Use energy-saving appliances. Refrigerators, freezers, dishwashers, furnaces, heat pumps, air conditioning units and water heaters all have high- efficiency models. Before buying a new appliance, compare labels to find one that uses the least amount of energy and water with the lowest operating costs. Appliances with the Energy Star label are up to 50 percent more efficient than standard models, saving you up to 30 percent on your electric bill. "I've been promoting Energy Star appliances for over a decade," Bob Vila says, "and it still makes sense to invest in them because of the energy savings you'll get." 2.
Kids Huff Freon to Get High
CARBONDALE, Ill. - During these 'dog days of summer' air conditioning units are working overtime trying to keep homes and offices cooled down. But many of those air conditioning units are becoming the target of kids wanting to drain the freon gas from inside and inhale it, sometimes with deadly results. "They feel a euphoria, light-headiness and they may pass out. But it's that euphoria that they're going after. Unfortunately what these kids don't know is there is long term damage to the body from breathing in freon gas," said Doctor Donna Carney at Memorial Hospital of Carbondale. Authorities say the way the kids are using the gas to get high is by placing a plastic bag over their head. Then they fill the bag with freon gas. It's heavier than oxygen so it forces the oxygen out of the bag, leaving only the dangerous gas.
ComEd plans to push efforts that cut bills
ComEd customers may pay more for new conservation programs but could save in the long run, consumer advocates and the utility said Thursday. The Illinois Commerce Commission, which regulates ComEd, has approved energy efficiency programs proposed by ComEd, downstate utilities and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity. Different programs will roll out at different times. They include discounts on energy efficient light bulbs; the pick up and recycling of older, inefficient refrigerators; air conditioning "tune ups" and other measures designed to reduce energy consumption. ComEd said consumers overall could save roughly $155 million during the lifetime of the programs, possibly up to 10 years. That could save 1.2 megawatts of power, or enough to power 140,000 homes for one year, ComEd spokesman John Dewey said.
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