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Blog Post

How Green Is Your Computer?

by MarilynG

Power consumption and sustainability methods being used locally were the focus of the 12th Annual University of Michigan Energy Fest. The Library’s Malletts Creek Branch’s green roof was highlighted. For suggestions on energy management and green computing, check out the web site of the host of the Energy Fest, the University of Michigan Utilities and Plant Engineering.

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Blog Post

Foreclosure Assistance

by Debbie G.

Local, state and federal agencies are providing assistance and information for homeowners having difficulty meeting their mortgage payments or facing foreclosure. Washtenaw County's Mortgage Foreclosure Prevention website gives you the names and phone numbers of the people in the Treasurer's Office that are trained and ready to help. There's plenty of online information at the site too. The state government's Office of Financial Services offers more tips for consumers. The FHA, Federal Housing Administration is launching the "FHASecure" refinancing program effective immediately and expects some 240,000 homeowners to qualify.

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Blog Post

Measuring Energy Consumption

by manz

Do you ever want to measure how much electricity something uses? With an energy meter you can find out just how much electricity your appliances are using. Simply plug the appliance or device into the meter, plug the meter into an outlet and then read the display. Sounds handy, doesn’t it? If this is of interest to you, the AADL has energy meters that you can check out for home use.

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Blog Post

Real Time Water Watching

by Debbie G.

How much water are you using at home? More than last year or last month? If you live in Ann Arbor you can now find out all kinds of info about your water usage and billing by following the My Property link on the City's web site. This new web service gives you daily, quarterly, monthly, multi-year usage charts and graphs. Notice a sudden spike in usage? A dripping faucet or leaky pipe may be the cause. Time for a plumbing repair book.

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Blog Post

Know before you buy

by Nicole R

Got your eye on a new grill? Replacing that old air conditioner? If you'd like to review the product information in Consumer Reports, the AADL can help - and you don't even need to leave home!

Library card holders can access full text articles from the magazine using the General OneFile database, accessible from the Research page. Once you're at the InfoTrac site, choose the Advanced Search screen to limit your search by publication and enter "Consumer Reports" into the publication title box.

Of course, if you’re coming to the library, you can still find the print copy of Consumer Reports at all of our branches.

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Blog Post

Who is this "Cerberus Capital Management," anyway?

by remnil

With DaimlerChrysler's recent sale of the Chrysler Group to Cerberus Capital Management, you may have been left with the same question I was: who on earth is Cerberus Capital Management?

Fortunately, AADL's fearless research databases (available on the research page) can help us out. The Business and Company Resource Center provides quick access to summaries, financial data, management information, and articles on thousands of companies, including Cerberus Capital Management. Check it out!

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Blog Post

Gas Prices Go for Broke

by Debbie G.

Getting the best deal on gas has never been more important and the MSN Local Gas Prices database will let you comparison shop without wasting fuel. If the “it could always be worse” argument helps, put in a San Francisco zip code (94102) after you’ve checked out Washtenaw County prices. The AAA Fuel Cost Calculator lets you determine how much your next road trip will cost. Michigan travel looks better and better.

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Blog Post

Consumer Auto Mania

by jimmyg

The 2007 Consumer Reports Annual April Auto Issue is now at the library. All locations have non-circulating copies.

This issue is jam-packed with lists of the best & worst vehicles for reliability, owner satisfaction, fuel economy, and performance.

As well as sections on:

The best vehicles for under $25,000.

Ratings for 258 recently tested vehicles.

Profiles of 250 models including pricing, reliability, and specifications.

Crash-test ratings and safety equipment for 250 vehicles.

The ten top picks of the year.

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Blog Post

Keep The Heat On

by Debbie G.

The State of Michigan has a new website, Be Winterwise, to assist qualifying seniors and low-income customers who may be eligible for help in paying heating bills. The 2007 Michigan Energy Assistance Directory, developed by the Coalition to Keep Michigan Warm, provides information on private and public programs that offer energy assistance, and a county by county listing of utilities, programs and resources available. There’s also energy savings tips for your home and energy efficient products lists.

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Blog Post

What is Assisted Living?

by iralax

With many people considering alternative housing for their loved ones, the category of "assisted living" turns out to be less clearly defined than many people would think. Linda Lawther, President and CEO of Michigan Center for Assisted Living, said it's only a marketing term in this state. It could refer to several types of housing, such as adult foster care, independent senior apartments, or homes for the aged. The Michigan Department of Human Services regulates licensed sites. Books like Elder Care and Choose the Right Long Term Care can help better educate consumers about this very important family and financial decision.