| Put Out the Light
I recall Aunt Caroline and Aunt MiMi, who was a home economics teacher, discussing how many watts the light bulbs should be. MiMi advised 60 watts to get the most lighting for the buck. We had two electrical outlets for the entire six rooms. At first all we needed juice for was lighting and a radio; no refrigerator, no electric mixer or other gadgetry. It was about the same on the farm. But there electricity also brought a new and smaller fridge so the big old wooden icebox could take a ride to the dump. Elated, Grandma cautioned me not to leave the new fridge’s door open to save the juice: "Don’t let the cold out." The electric bill was a few dollars a month. When at home we finally got a refrigerator, I got the same message. It was close the refrigerator door or put out the light.
Speaker talks energy savings
ESCANABA — Energy audits and energy-efficiency upgrades are a great way for businesses to save money as well as positively impact the environment, said a guest speaker at Escanaba's Economic Summit at city hall Wednesday. “Energy audits are a great investment because you need to learn, in all these areas, where you can save," said Kevin Cook, president of G-ENERGY and a board member of Michigan Green. Cook said right now is the “perfect storm of energy" because economics are really important, people are interested in the green movement, and businesses are seeking energy independence. “Energy's going to always be a major issue," he said. “It's a great way to save." Cook said energy audits are a way that businesses — including stores, restaurants, warehouses or industries — can save energy which results in bottom-line savings.
High court ruling on 401(k) suits to be tested in Charleston
It is estimated that 50 million employees have $2.7 trillion invested in 401(k) plans. Two lower courts, including the U.S. District Court in Charleston, disallowed LaRue's complaint. The Supreme Court agreed to hear arguments last year. In their ruling the justices agreed that LaRue, who lives in Texas, could sue to recover not only his losses but any profits he would have earned from that money. "It's a very, very big ruling, and actually it's more than I could have personally hoped for," said Greenville attorney Robert Hoskins, who helped represent LaRue in the appeal. Hoskins said the original case will 'go back to square one,' to where it was filed. 'What will happen is we will end up back in Charleston,' he said. LaRue filed the case in 2004 in federal court in Charleston, where DeWolff Boberg was incorporated and once had an office.
Trane Reports 2007 Record Results, Provides 2008 Outlook
PISCATAWAY, N.J., Jan. 29 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Trane Inc. (NYSE: TT) today announced fourth-quarter income from continuing operations (Trane Air Conditioning Systems and Services) of 32 cents per diluted share, down from 36 cents a year ago. Fourth-quarter 2006 results included a benefit of 10 cents related primarily to the sale of some operations in Australia and tax items. Adjusted income from continuing operations was 33 cents per diluted share, up 27 percent from 26 cents a year ago. Adjusted income excluded various costs and benefits that are detailed in the financial charts that follow this text. Sales from continuing operations were $1.82 billion, up 14.2 percent (up 11.9 percent in local currencies). Both the company's former Vehicle Control Systems (WABCO) and Bath and Kitchen segments are classified as discontinued operations.
Asset-based lenders notice business boost
These aren't exactly banner days for many financial companies, as mortgage lenders close their doors, investment bankers hemorrhage red ink and credit-card firms grapple with rising delinquencies.
But there are a few bright spots in the finance arena, and asset-based lenders occupy one of them.
These firms make business loans secured by accounts receivable, inventories, equipment and other assets, though usually not real estate. .
Police grab tagger with an eye for utility poles
A prolific 31-year-old tagger was arrested Thursday, Jan. 31, and hit with nearly three dozen criminal mischief charges in connection with graffiti nailed to utility poles across the city. Ryan Wendell Birkland was arrested by officers from Portland Police Bureau's Central Precinct Neighborhood Response Team. The graffiti began showing up on Portland General Electric poles several months ago. A similar style of graffiti resulted in $12,000 worth of damages to the Sherwood Field Water Tank in Washington Park. During the investigation, Officer Matt Miller, the bureau's graffiti investigator, received several tips about the graffiti that lead officers to Gallery 19, 1339 N.W. 19th Ave. Similar graffiti could be seen through the gallery's windows on display inside the building.
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