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- How to maximize the use of generators during power outages
For most users, the most suitable generators supply the same voltage and frequency that comes from power lines, according to Ken Hellevang, an agricultural engineer from the North Dakota State University Extension. Ensure that a transfer switch is available before using the machine and place the generator outdoors to prevent buildup of carbon dioxide inside any building. In deciding how much power you need, keep in mind motors generally need four times the power to start that they need to run. Iowa Farmer Today
(11/15)     
| Industry Buzz | | |
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- Column: Consider mature size when selecting plants
To reduce the need for pruning and trimming, consider the mature size of plants before including them in a landscape, Neil Sperry writes. Select shrubs that grow to a desirable width and height, and install garden beds that are proportional to the size of the house. Place trees and other plants far enough from the house to prevent damage to the foundation, Sperry writes. Fort Worth Star-Telegram (Texas)
(11/15)
| Economic Indicators | | |
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- Sandy sends U.S. jobless claims soaring
Disruption brought by Superstorm Sandy drove first-time unemployment claims to a seasonally adjusted 439,000, the most since April 2011, the U.S. Labor Department said. The 78,000 increase was the biggest one-week jump since Hurricane Katrina in 2005. Sandy's effects could reduce economic growth this quarter as much as a half percentage point, economists said. Reuters
(11/15), MarketWatch
(11/15)
- U.S. mortgage delinquencies at lowest level in nearly 4 years
In a sign that the so-called shadow inventory of U.S. homes overhanging the real estate market might not be as great as feared, the rate of seriously delinquent mortgages is now at its lowest level since the fourth quarter of 2008. "The drop of the shadow inventory is a real positive for the housing market because it reduces concerns that this backlog will be with us," said Michael Fratantoni, vice president of research and economics at the Mortgage Bankers Association. Bloomberg
(11/15)
| Inside & Out | | |
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- Goal-setting? You're doing it wrong
Most companies set simple, measurable goals such as increasing sales by a fixed percentage, writes Dana Theus. That's fine as far as it goes, but it's better to frame targets in a way that tells employees something about how they're supposed to set about achieving them. "Traditional business goal-setting ... lacks the information necessary to support the people who have to achieve it," Theus argues. SmartBrief/SmartBlog on Leadership
(11/13)
- Ornamental grasses can enliven the landscape year-round
Ornamental grasses can maintain visual interest in the landscape all year with their vibrant plumes that need less maintenance, Robert Zimmer writes. In this article, he enumerates a variety of ornamental grasses and discusses their growth habits. Do some research in selecting ornamental grasses for the landscape to avoid invasive species, Zimmer notes. The Post-Crescent (Appleton, Wis.)
(11/15)
| Policy Update | | |
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- Bernanke: Tight lending standards threaten housing market
Recovery of the U.S. housing market is being held back by lending standards that are too tight to make sense in this economy, Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke said. He said tighter standards were previously justified. "However, it seems likely at this point that the pendulum has swung too far the other way, and that overly tight lending standards may now be preventing creditworthy borrowers from buying homes, thereby slowing the revival in housing and impeding the economic recovery," Bernanke said. Reuters
(11/15), The Hill/On The Money blog
(11/15)
- Ruling upholds enforcement part of S.C. immigration law
A mandate that requires law enforcement in South Carolina to verify the immigration status of people they stop has been upheld by U.S. District Judge Richard Gergel. The decision springs from a lawsuit filed by the federal government and the American Civil Liberties Union against the state's immigration law last year. However, the ruling blocked a measure that would penalize people for not carrying immigration papers. The Wall Street Journal/The Associated Press
(11/15)
| Diversion | | |
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- "World's poorest president" offers a rich perspective on life
Uruguay President Jose Mujica has opted to live in a farmhouse on the outskirts of Montevideo instead of the state residence. He also gives 90% of his salary to charity, which amounts to nearly $12,000. "I'm called 'the poorest president,' but I don't feel poor. Poor people are those who only work to try to keep an expensive lifestyle, and always want more and more," Mujica said. BBC
(11/14)
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Outdoor Power Report: A quarterly update for OPEI members
OPEI's quarterly summary of issues and activities is now available. Read the report.
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 | One thing I am convinced more and more is true and that is this: The only way to be truly happy is to make others happy. When you realize that and take advantage of the fact, everything is made perfect."
--William Carlos Williams,
American poet and physician
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