Uncategorized

Toyota Accelerator Pedal Recall

Which models are affected by the recall/stop sale?
Toyota’s accelerator pedal recall and suspension of sales is confined to the following Toyota Division vehicles:
  • 2009-2010 RAV4,
  • 2009-2010 Corolla,
  • 2009-2010 Matrix,
  • 2005-2010 Avalon,
  • Certain 2007-2010 Camry
  • 2010 Highlander except hybrid models,
  • 2007-2010 Tundra,
  • 2008-2010 Sequoia
No Lexus Division or Scion vehicles are affected by these actions. Also not affected are Toyota Prius, Tacoma, Sienna, Venza, Solara, Yaris, 4Runner, FJ Cruiser, Land Cruiser, Highlander hybrids and select Camry models, including all Camry hybrids, which will remain for sale.
What is the condition that has prompted Toyota to take this action?
In rare instances, there is a possibility that certain accelerator pedal mechanisms may, mechanically stick in a partially depressed position or return slowly to the idle position.
What is the likelihood that my vehicle will experience this condition?
The condition is rare and does not occur suddenly. It can occur when the pedal mechanism becomes worn and, in certain conditions, the accelerator pedal may become harder to depress, slower to return or, in the worst case, stuck in a partially depressed position.
Are you continuing to investigate other models?
Toyota is confident that all models that contain the potentially sticking pedals have been identified.
Why has Toyota stopped selling the affected vehicles?
Until Toyota has finalized an appropriate remedy to address the potential for sticking accelerator pedals, a sales suspension is necessary.

Keeping you safe, here is link for more information on the Toyota Accelerator Pedal Recall.

Posted: January 28th, 2010 under Safety, Uncategorized, Vehicle.
Comments: none

During a Power Outage

Check your fuses or circuit breakers to rule out problems with electricity inside your home. If you’ve blown a fuse, replace it with a new one of the same amperage. If the breaker has tripped, reset it from “off” to “on.” If you’re unsure about fixing a fuse or circuit breaker, call an electrician.

Call your local energy provider to report an actual outage. Do not call 911 unless there is a real emergency.

For MidAmerican the number is 800-799-4443.

For Alliant Energy the number is 877-740-5050

Listen to radio reports. If the outage is widespread, use your radio to  monitor the outage restoration process.

Unplug computers, TVs, VCRs, and other sensitive appliances to avoid possible damage when electricity comes back on. When power resumes, reset clocks and check automatic alarms and timers. Plug in only essential items. Wait 10 minutes before connecting the rest to let the electrical system stabilize.

Turn off all but one of the lights that were on, so you will notice when electricity is restored.

Use a flashlight when it gets dark. Avoid candles because of the fire risk.

Turn off heat-producing appliances like electric irons and heaters to  prevent a fire in case no one is home when power is restored.

If you use a standby generator, make sure it has a  transfer switch. This switch will isolate your home circuits from power lines. A generator that does not have a transfer switch can back feed electricity into main power lines, causing a shock hazard for you and utility crews.

Be alert for carbon monoxide (CO) buildup from portable generators. Never run a portable generator inside or near a building.

Traffic lights and railroad crossings may not work. If you are in a car remind the driver to stop, look and listen for cross traffic.

Posted: January 21st, 2010 under Home, Safety, Uncategorized.
Comments: none

Life 101.9 Energy Efficiency Tip

It was our joy to talk with Scott Drzycimski from Alliant Energy today about how we can save money on our energy bills.

Scott Drzycimski

Scott Drzycimski Team Lead - Strategic Communications Interstate Power and Light Co., an Alliant Energy Company

TOPIC: PROGRAMMABLE THERMOSTATS

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

Do you remember those infomercials for some Ronco product, where they said, “Just set it…and forget it?  That’s exactly what you do with your programmable thermostat.  A lot of us have a set schedule – Church Sunday morning, kids to school, out the door for errands Monday through Friday, soccer games all day Saturday – so basically, what you do is to program the thermostat to match your life. You pick a comfortable temperature – and set the thermostat to be at that temperature when you’re normally at home and, when you’re not, you let it get colder during the winter and warmer during the summer.  That way, you’re not using the furnace to heat (or AC to cool) an empty house. Best of all, you don’t have to remember to turn the thermostat up or down when you leave the house and you can set it so you never notice that it got cold (or warm in summer) in your house while you were gone.

Don’t forget to check rebates and incentives offered by your energy provider.  For example Alliant Energy will reward your purchase with a $25 incentive check.  And, your expected savings, if installed and programmed properly, will pay you back for your purchase in a year or so.

WEB LINKS FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Alliant Energy PowerHouse TV’s information about programmable thermostats.

Alliant Energy’s Energy Efficiency Rewards/Rebates.

Posted: January 19th, 2010 under Energy Efficiency, Saving Money, Uncategorized.
Comments: none

Bebo Norman Auctions Priceless Guitar for Haiti Relief

From our conversation on the morning show, here are the details from Bebo Norman auctioning off one of his personal guitars in support of the relief effort in Haiti…

Click Here to View the Guitar on Ebay

“In response to the tragic events in Haiti, I am auctioning off a guitar from my personal collection. ALL PROCEEDS will be donated to the Haiti relief effort through Compassion International. To find out more about Compassion’s efforts in Haiti, go to http://www.compassion.com/. This is an incredible opportunity to own a beautiful guitar, but more importantly, to give to the people in Haiti who are so desperately in need.

This hand-made Everett Laurel Guitar is THE very first production guitar (Number 00-01) in the Laurel Series and was given to me as a personal gift from the builder himself, Kent Everett (Atlanta, GA). I honestly can’t place a value on this guitar since it is again, Number 00-01 in a very limited production (only 128 ever made) and has been in my personal guitar collection as one of my primary “songwriting guitars” for 10 years. I do know that this Laurel First Edition is solid Sitka topped with Rosewood back and sides, highly flamed Maple bindings, Maple rosette, and Rosewood fingerboard and bridge. This guitar has been the source of quite a few of my songs (“Nothing Without You,” “Try,” and “Borrow Mine”), spent one year on tour with me, and is in absolutely amazing condition. This guitar is priceless as far as I’m concerned. I have autographed the custom interior label next to the production number and Kent Everett’s custom wax seal that ensures authenticity. The only way I would even DREAM of letting this guitar go is for a cause as important as serving the people of Haiti and meeting them in their time of crisis.”

Also included:

- TKL hard case for the guitar

- 4 packs of Elixir Medium Guage Nanoweb guitar strings

- The ENTIRE Bebo Norman discography, autographed. Includes The Fabric of Verse (1996, Out of Print), Ten Thousand Days (1999), Big Blue Sky (2000), Myself When I Am Real (2002), Try (2004), Between the Dreaming and the Coming True (2006), Christmas from the Realms of Glory (2007), and Bebo Norman (2008).

Posted: January 19th, 2010 under Bebo Norman, Life 101.9 Artists, Uncategorized.
Comments: none

Life 101.9 Energy Efficiency Tip

There probably aren’t too many of us who want to use more energy or want to pay more for electricity or natural gas.  And certainly, most of us would like to be more energy efficient, but we can struggle with where to start.

Insulation, programmable thermostats, weather stripping, compact fluorescent bulbs, there are just so many ways to become more energy efficient…but what’s the best thing to do – what will make the biggest impact.

Scott Drizymski from Alliant Energy suggest starting out with an assessment of your specific situation.  Many utilities – including Alliant Energy– have programs where, if a home qualifies, we’ll send a certified energy expert out for an inspection. The auditor will identify ways for you to reduce your energy usage and give you estimates on how much the upgrades will cost. The auditor may even install some smaller energy-saving measures on the spot at no cost.

The best part is there’s no cost to customers of Alliant Energy and/or MidAmerican Energy for this service…those served by other utilities should check with their supplier for similar programs that may be available.

For more energy saving information or to schedule your home audit visit the following helpful links from Alliant Energy:

My Home Comfort Checkup: www.alliantenergy.com/mhcc.

Alliant Energy’s Energy Efficiency Rewards/Rebates: www.alliantenergy.com/rewards.

Posted: January 15th, 2010 under Uncategorized.
Comments: none

« Previous entries