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MARCH 2008 5

Member ofArkansas Press Association

Contact InformationEditorial & Advertising Offices:

One Cooperative WayLittle Rock, ARMailing Address:

P.O. Box 510Little Rock, AR 72203e-mail: ocox@aecc.com

(501) 570-2200

Periodicals postage paid at Little Rock,AR and at additional mailing offices.Postmaster: Send address changes to:

Rural ArkansasP.O. Box 510, Little Rock, AR 72203Members: Please send name of your

cooperative with mailing label.

Subscription Price:$7.00 per year for non-members

Acceptance of advertising by Rural Arkansas does not imply endorsement of the product or services

advertised by the publisher or the Electric Cooperatives of Arkansas.

Gary C. Voigt, President/CEO

Ouida H. CoxEditor

Rae RinehartAdministrative Assistant

Dixie RogersGraphic Designer

Officers

Chairman J.D. GleghornSalem

Vice Larry HellumsChairman BlythevilleSecretary Charles Burdine

VendorTreasurer Ronald Moore

Hamburg

Photographic & Art Credits

Cover Ouida Cox 7 A.C. Haralson

11 Mel Coleman, Bret Curry 13-16 Monica Hillman,

Patty Stewart28 Joe Neff Basore 29 Extension Service 30 Canolainfo, USA Rice

Federation, Angus Beef38 Curtis Warner 39 NRECA 42 Ouida Cox

An official publication of

Arkansas Electric Cooperatives, Inc.

Volume LXI, Number 5, March 2008

In s id e t h i s i s s u e

The Cover

A bright blue sky is the perfect backdrop for fluffy spring blossoms.

Departments

Comments . . . . . . . . . . .9

News briefs . . . . . . . . .10

Doug Rye says . . . . . . .20

Capitol Buzz . . . . . . . .21

Past-time . . . . . . . . . . .24

Family favorites . . . . . .28

Reflections . . . . . . . . . .32

Crossword puzzle . . . .34

Calendar of events . . .42

Features

7 On the Cossatot

13 Bargains galore

26 MRSA

29 Hoop-petticoat Daffodils

30 Two for one

33 Safety comes first at bath time

38 Running out of power

6 RURAL ARKANSAS

MARCH 2008 7

The National Park Servicedescribes this as “probably the mostchallenging whitewater rafting inthe state,” and there’s no better timeto take on the Cossatot River thannow through April. Sightseerers,campers, fisherman, hikers, rockhounds and photographers will alsofind a season for this stream.

Arkansas has more than 9,000miles of streams and a good deal ofthis mileage is perfect for floating –be it by canoe, johnboat, raft orkayak. The variety of Arkansas riverrafting adventures is remarkable,ranging from matchless trout fishingtrips and rugged whitewater raftingto peaceful river trips ideal for firsttimers.

For more information, searchArkansas.com for fishing, kayaking,canoeing and waterways. Use thedrop down menu to find seasons,access points, fishing tips, basiccharacteristics. You can also getinformation on each of the 18favorite waterways listed here: BigPiney Creek, Buffalo River, CaddoRiver, Cadron Creek, CossatotRiver, Crooked Creek, Eleven PointRiver, Illinois Bayou, Kings River,Little Missouri River, Little RedRiver, Mulberry River, OuachitaRiver, Saline River, Spring River,Strawberry River and White River.You won’t find descriptions of thestreams; these details are for you todiscover.

On theCossatot

8 RURAL ARKANSAS

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MARCH 2008 9

Going Green…the cooperatives started in the 1980s

In the late 1980s, the Arkansas Electric Cooperative Corporation (AECC) Board of Directors made a decisionto pursue the construction of run-of-the river hydroelectric generating stations along the Arkansas River. At thetime, the investment in the plants was viewed by some as a questionable economic decision as the power outputfrom the proposed facilities was somewhat small in relation to the investment.

During the board’s discussion over the construction of the hydroelectric plants, a point was made that theinvestment in these facilities was not for the current generation of cooperative members, but for the children andgrandchildren of members. Although the up-front costs were significant, the plants would more than pay forthemselves in the long run with energy savings related to fuel costs as the water to power the plants is free andabundant. With this in mind, the board moved AECC into the “Green Power” arena.

To date AECC has invested approximately $330 million in three hydroelectricgeneration stations. This represents about a third of the cooperative’s overallinvestment in power generation facilities. Going green was not an easy decision, butAECC’s board understood and still understands today the importance of protectingthe environment for present and future generations.

In 2008, AECC will celebrate the 20 year anniversary of the completion of itsfirst hydroelectric generating station-- the Clyde T. Ellis Hydroelectric GeneratingStation at Barling. AECC also operates two additional hydroelectric generationstations. They are the Carl S. Whillock Hydroelectric Generating Station at Morrilton and the ElectricCooperatives of Arkansas Generating Station near Dumas.

To further bolster the Green Power efforts, we are giving the 480,000 electric cooperative members across thestate an opportunity to invest in future green power projects and energy efficiency efforts. Your local electriccooperative is participating in a statewide Green Power program. The Electric Cooperatives of Arkansas are thefirst electric utilities in Arkansas to provide their members with an opportunity to voluntarily contribute funds thatwill be utilized to encourage the development of renewable energy sources and energy conservation in Arkansas.

This voluntary program is a simple method for members to assist in increasing the use of renewable energy. The cooperatives will continue to invest in energy efficiency and generation sources that provide our memberswith safe, reliable and environmentally friendly electricity. The Green Power program allows members to furtherinvest in protecting the environment and ensuring that Arkansas’ natural resources are preserved.

“Green power” is a term for electricity that is partially or entirely generated from environmentally preferablerenewable energy sources, such as solar, wind, biomass, methane gas – and, in this case – hydroelectric.

Members have the opportunity to support the Green Powerprogram and renewable energy by purchasing

green power in 100 kilowatt-hour increments. Under theprogram, a member may purchase 100 kilowatt-hours

of green power for $5 or other blocks up to 2,000kilowatt-hours for $100.

Your local electric cooperative’s wholesale powersupplier – AECC – made the decision to invest ingreen power more than 20 years ago. If you arewilling to support additional green power efforts,then AECC can make an even larger investmentfor future generations.

Doug WhiteVice President, Systems Services

Electric Cooperatives of Arkansas

If you are willing to supportadditional green power efforts,then AECC can make an evenlarger investment for futuregenerations.

new

sbrief

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10 RURAL ARKANSAS

Have a mold-free springMoisture from melting ice and snow can have an unexpected consequence: mold.Indoor humidity and leaky windows aren't the only ways moisture – which sets the stage for mold growth – can show up.

A poorly insulated roof can let in just as much moisture from the melting white stuff.Also, because warm air rises, a poorly ventilated home will allow a build-up of heat in the attic – just enough to warm

your roof's shingles and melt the bottom layer of snow or ice that could be sitting on your roof. When the water reaches theedge of the roof, it can refreeze and create a "dam." This traps the rest of the water. With nowhere to go, the moisture canseep down through shingles and into the house.

Prevent this by adding more insulation to your attic. Or invest in an electrical cable for the edge of your roof. This canmelt ice dams, letting water flow more freely off your roof.

Other ways to keep mold-producing moisture out of your home as it gets warmer outdoors.• If humidity is a problem in your home when it's warm outside, fight it. Pick up a humidity sensor at a home store. Use it

to monitor the relative humidity in your home (it should be less than 55 percent). Or buy small humidifiers to help solvethe problem.

• Replace rusty pipes to prevent water leaks. Insulate pipes for an extra layer of protection.• Install an exhaust fan in your kitchen and in each bathroom.• Condensation on windows is a telltale sign that your home is too humid. Seal windows with caulk and weatherstripping.

Unplug everything and save on your electrical billYour mother always told you to turn the lights off when

you leave a room. Add your TV, computer and cell phonecharger to that list.

Your fancy electronics are increasing your electric bill. A big-screen TV for example, can use as much electricity asa refrigerator.

Entertainment devices account for 60 percent of homeelectricity use. TVs, stereos, and all of your gadgets, guzzleless energy when they're turned off than when they'returned on.

Yet most appliances still use electricity when they'returned off. Even "standby mode" requires most appliancesleave some circuits on, waiting for the command to activate.

In fact, as much as 13 percent of home energy use mightbe from electronics on standby, estimates one study.

Your best bet for energy savings: Unplug them.

Plan for the future by upgrading to high-definition TVMarch is a big month for college basketball fans. Why not upgrade your old TV set to a new high-definition (HD) model.By this time next year, television broadcasters will shut off their old analog signals and replace them with a new digital

standard – mostly HD. Older televisions can't receive digital signals, and you'll need to get a special converter – or buy anew TV to pickup the programming.

Here's what you need to know before making the switch:• The federal government is requiring stations to make the switch by Feb. 17, 2009.• If you bought a TV after March 2007, you already have what you need to watch high-definition TV. Congress required

TV sets sold since then to include a digital tuner – called an ATSC tuner – that can pick up the new signals. If your oldTV has an NTSC tuner, you need to upgrade.

• Want to keep your non-digital television? Buy a $50 - $70 converter box from an electronics store. It will allow your oldTV to receive the new signals.

• The federal National Telecommunications and Information Administration is giving out $40 coupons to help owners ofolder TVs buy conversion boxes for their sets. You can get up to two coupons per household. For more information onthe program, visit http://www.ntia.doc.gov.

Trivia

MARCH 2008 11

• Beware the Ides of March. JuliusCaesar ignored that warning and youknow what happened to him.

• March Irish folklore surrounds St.Patrick’s Day. Not much of it isactually substantiated. Some of thislore includes the belief that Patrickraised people from the dead. He alsois said to have given a sermon from ahilltop that drove all the snakes fromIreland. Of course, no snakes wereever native to Ireland, and somepeople think this metaphor is for theconversion of the pagans. Throughoriginally a Catholic holy day, St.Patrick’s Day has evolved into more ofa secular holiday.

• Easter is the second sweetestholiday/season for candy sales, closelytrailing Halloween. Candy-filled Easterbaskets did not become popular untilthe late 1800s, when candy becameavailable from the growing number ofsmall candy manufacturers.

• The correct response to the Irishgreeting, “Top of the morning to you”is “And the rest of the day toyourself.”

• The silkworm’s silk comes out of itsmouth as a thread of gooey liquid, sothat nice silk blouse you spent afortune on is really just worm spit.

• The giant squid is the largest livingcreature without a backbone. It weighs up to 2.5 tons and grows upto 55 feet long. Each eye is a foot ormore in diameter.

• Two chapters in the Bible, 2 Kings 19and Isaiah 37 are alike almost forword.

• Often called the “wolves of the sea,”killer whales are the ocean’s mostintelligent predators. Like wolves,each pod of killer whales speak itsown dialect.

news

briefs

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onth

. . . . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . .A path of destruction

Late in the day February 5, a tornado swept diagonally across Arkansas,remaining on the ground a record-breaking 123 miles. Touching down nearAdkins and ending near Ash Flat, the F-4 classified tornado destroyedeverything in its path. The death toll in Arkansas was 13. Petit Jean Electricand North Arkansas Electric were hard hit. Distribution lines and poles weredestroyed along with countless homes and businesses. At the peak, thousandswere in the dark. Cooperative personnel and volunteers worked around theclock in true cooperative spirit assisting the homeless and restoring power.

The twisted wreckage of Rivertrail Inc. boat factory in Clinton – Petit Jean Electric.

Aerial view of the destruction of Zion – North Arkansas Electric.

Don’t empty your wallet whiledrying your clothes

Give your dryer – and your clothes – a longer life by treating yourappliance with care on laundry day. Here's how:

One simple chore can speed up drying time, cut your dryer's energy use,prevent a fire and prolong the life of your machine: Clean the lint filter afterevery use. Simply remove the lint. Tip: If soap and fabric softener have builtup on the screen, wash it with soap and water. Occasionally vacuum thechute that houses the filter.

• Use rigid, not flexible, duct work to help your dryer vent efficientlyand to comply with building codes. Unfasten the duct from the dryer once ayear and vacuum it.

• Lubricate the flap of the exhaust on the outside of your house once ayear. Use a vacuum or lint brush to clear the vent of lint so air can easily passthrough it. A clogged vent can cause a fire.

• Cut down on drying time if your clothes constantly come outwrinkled. That means you're over dying.

• Add dryer sheets before turning on the dryer. Tossing them in afterclothes are warm can stain the clothes.

12 RURAL ARKANSAS

Go home with memories. Plus a whole lot more.

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MARCH 2008 13

BARGAINSGALORE

By Jan Fie lder Zieg ler

Debbie Michael describes her entrepreneur husband Pauland herself as throwbacks to the “Hip” generation. Thecouple met when he came into her antique clothing store inNashville, Tennessee, looking for oddities, such as a stuffedpeacock she had bought from the old Roy Acuff museum.At the time, he was selling items to the T.G.I. Friday’srestaurants. They are, she says modestly, both collegedropouts, but fairly creative people. “For a mom-and-popstore” she adds, “we’re pretty informed.” Now, after 12years, they have three locations. The original has decorativeaccessories, rugs, and furniture from the far corners of theworld suggests this low-key characterization by “MissDebbie,” as the staff call her, is a huge understatement,almost as huge as the 30,000 sq. ft. storeon Hwy 165, tucked into Arkansas’extreme southeast corner, just a fewmiles from the Mississippi River.

The Paul Michael Company in LakeVillage positions itself as selling “betteraccessories at low prices.” It is apparentthe customers, each of whom ispersonally greeted upon entering thestore, agree with this claim.

They come, the thousands of customers large and small,from far and near. A surprising number are simply “stop-ins,” those on their way via the busy Hwy 165 to or fromGeorgia, Mississippi, Florida, Louisiana, Oklahoma orTexas. “You’d be surprised how this highway is theconnecting route to so many places,” Debbie explains.“Typically, people notice our store on their way tosomeplace, and stop in to look on the trip home.”

What they see that first stop is almost overwhelming inits breadth. Paul Michael Company features more than 100categories of items, mostly new, but some antiquities:indoor and outdoor furniture, including wall units, cabinets,tables, dining room sets and settees, as well as light fixtures,

Persian rugs, wall hangings, urns, pottery,baskets, tapestries old and new, lamps,clocks, candles, dried flowers arrange-ments, iron pieces, picture frames,hundreds of original oil paintings, andmore. Some of the items tend to be highend, but most carry surprisingly lowprice tags. “Our average price per item isabout $35, and the average sale is about$60,” Debbie points out.

Continued on next pagePaul and Debbie Michael

in China.

his pricing strategy is in keeping with what DebbieMichael calls their “constantly evolving” business philosophy,which at the moment is leading them to market to what shedescribes as America’s “disappearing” middle class. “We feellike the middle class is struggling—inflation, fuel costs, low

wages—somuch so thatwe arebecoming asociety likemuch of therest of theworld wherethere isbasically anupper and alower economicclass. We aretrying to servethe customer

base that can still afford certain things, but not like they usedto be able to do. They still want those things—like that$3,000 armoire, but they can’t afford it. They might be ableto buy it, though, for $1,500.”

In addition to the “stop-in” trade, the Paul Michael

Company, with an additional location in Monroe,Louisiana, claims as customers over 1,200 small retailers.These include the small gift shops, or antique shops,even the small drugstores with space devoted todecorative items. Those people come every month,Debbie explains. “They can’t afford or don’t need to buya whole case or maybe even a dozen items. They maybuy just one of a certain item. We try to listen to ourcustomers,” she adds.

That customer base is growing, with a new storeopening last year in Canton, Texas and they are activelylooking in Little Rock and Jackson, Mississippi for theright location. Paul Michael is already a monthlypresence in Canton at the “First Monday Trade Days”where they are one of the largest vendors at the popularmarket.

The couple has learned growth can be good, butcarries a price. Debbie remembers when their jewelrybusiness was up-and-coming, with great demand for herhusband’s highly successful 24-carat gold plated real leafpendants and the sterling silver heart, along with diamonds,turquoise and other pieces. Paul Michael’s Fine Jewelry, thebusiness name in the 80s, sold its products to Dillard’s.“That started when Dillard’s had 34 stores. We finally leftwhen Dillard’s had grown to over 200. I told him, ‘Paul, you

14 RURAL ARKANSAS

The Michaels wheeling and dealing fornew products.

T

MARCH 2008 15

could be the richest dead man in the grave.’ It waskilling him. So we got out.”

After a year or so, however, Dillard’s turned to Paulto supply Christmas items. One of the first was a goldangel from the Philippines, marketed with a “St.Michaels” label. This venture opened his eyesand sparked his interest in the potential forimporting and marketing decorative accessories.

Debbie remembers the days when the coupletraveled to retail shows all over the countryselling their wares. “These were the HolidayHome Fourth Quarter retail shows. We’d set upa booth and sell for four days. One fourthquarter we did thirteen different shows—fromCalifornia to Washington, D. C. to New Orleansand St. Louis, because Paul doesn’t know how todo anything in a small way,” she says. Now,however, other than the Canton market, thestore does only one retail show, in Houston.They are, she notes “the largest vendor—30,000sq. ft, 24 cash registers, fifty employees. We godown there in sixteen 18-wheelers. It’s a bigproduction.”

Also a “big production” is the Paul Michael’s annual“Scratch and Dent Sale,” held in late summer. “Hestarted having those sales when he was in the jewelry

business,” his wife explains. “Anytime you move large amounts ofmerchandise, some scratches ordamage will just happen, and thesame thing is true here.” In truefashion, her husband’s businesssavvy moved the concept to a newlevel. “Paul, being the kind ofthinker he is, wasn’t content to usejust our merchandise, so he went toother high-end suppliers and toldthem ‘Send us your scratched ordamaged items, and we’ll sell it foryou and split the money.’” Theevent will be held this year in thelarge warehouse at the back of PaulMichael Company in Lake Village.Preparation for the event takesweeks, months even. “We repair a lot of the things,”Debbie says. “Interior decoratorslove it. Maybe a table that had soldfor $300 has a cracked leg. Werepair it and sell it for $89. It’slike a treasure hunt! We send outcards so the first evening is byinvitation only, with the sale openthe public after that. The policeeven have to direct traffic.”

A large selection ofart to choose from.

One of the Paul MichaelCompany store fronts.

Mirrors, mirrors on thewall.

An array of pottery water fountains.

Continued on next page

Keeping the items coming consumes a great deal of Paul’s time, according tohis wife. “He travels to China or India two times a year, and of course to all themajor markets—there’s one in Germany, and also in New York, Dallas, and lotsof others. Every February he goes to a huge market in Canton (China, notTexas). Then on a return trip to China he will visit the factories and work outthe details of the purchase. You have to be an astute businessman and you haveto buy in volume—orders of 10,000 items maybe.” In some instances, the LakeVillage company actually ships to China raw materials—dried wood to serve asthe base of tables, for example—and then purchases the completed furniture forsale in their store. Wood, according to Debbie Michaels, is in short supply inChina as a result of extensive deforestation.

She observed that Asian markets are becoming more attuned to Western tastein decorative accessories, but cultural differencesremain. On a recent trip to Asia, Debbie recallsan “A-ha!” experience when she was sitting on thefloor with a local vendor examining pieces offabric. Debbie could see the promise of thetapestry in table runners or wall hangings, butwhen she tried to explain to the woman herconcepts of decorative pieces, the cultural dividewas evident. “This woman kept asking, ‘But whatis it for?’ I kept trying to explain that it was fordecoration, and suddenly I realized that her worldincludes things that have use, some practical function.Decoration, as I envision it, is not in her culturalunderstanding.”

Bridging new cultures while doing business is, in a sense,Paul’s heritage. His grandfather, S. A. Mansour, and otherfamily members, immigrated to the U. S. from Lebanon in theearly 1900s. “Paul’s grandfather and the oldest sister, Saleema,traveled the levee camps around here, selling basic need itemsto the men working on the levee after the Flood of 1927.” In fact, Mansour’s Department Store still lives in the memoriesof the older residents of Chicot County.

S.A. Mansour had five daughters,including Jewell (Paul’s mother) and theone Debbie calls “Aunt Isabel Mansour,”who still prepares the daily meal for thefamily. Their influence on her husbandhas been significant to the success of PaulMichael Company, Debbie concludes.“He grew up in a pretty matriarchalfamily—all those sisters and aunts. Paulhas a wonderful sense of style andfashion—he understands style.”

The Lake Village home of Paul andDebbie Michael is served by Ashley-Chicot Electric Cooperative.

A variety of pottery designs.

Angel statues, urns and accessories.

Paul Michael’s exclusive cuttingboard designs from antique wood.

A selection of oriental rugs fromaround the world.

MARCH 2008 17

18 RURAL ARKANSAS

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I bet the first thought thatyou had when you read the

title of this column was about marriage. Well, neverfear, guys! That’s not the topic as this monthly columnis always about energy efficiency.

I received several complimentary comments aboutlast month’s column, which taught you about Delta Tand the driving force. At the risk of ruining a goodthing, I want to go a little further with that topicbecause of its importance when analyzing the energyusage of a house. If you can understand these twocolumns, you might be ready to graduate to energyefficiency 201.

First, let’s do a little review about the Delta T, which Iwrote about last month. In February’s column (alsoavailable online at www.ecark.org) you learned howwarm air tries to get to the cold air until the tempera-tures are equal. This difference in temperaturesbetween the warm location and the cold location iscalled a Delta T. You also learned how humid air triesto get to drier air until they are equal. And, hopefullyby now you have a better understanding of why somehouses have “sweaty” windows and some have areaswhere mold and mildew are present.

A week before I wrote this current column, a drycold front came from the northwest and collided witha large mass of warm, humid air. As a result,tornadoes developed, which destroyed hundreds ofhouses in Arkansas and neighboring states. Tragically,numerous lives were also lost. That is an example ofa Delta T and driving force that we all could dowithout. By the way, if you know of families whosehomes were destroyed and plan to rebuild, ask themto call me at my office at 501-653-7931 and I willsend them my new house construction video for free.I want them to build new houses that are supercomfortable and super energy efficient. And, yes, Idefinitely suggest building safe rooms in new homes.

While some Delta T situations are awful, such asthose that produced the Feb. 5 tornadoes, not allDelta Ts are bad. Parts of the nation received muchneeded rain from these storms. Our food and watersupplies are also dependent on such rain. And if itwere not for the Delta T phenomenon, we wouldhave a difficult time cooling our house in the summer.Consider this. When the thermostat says that coolingis needed, your air conditioning unit sends warm,humid air through the cold coil. The air is cooled,condensation occurs in the coil and then trickles to adrip pan and through a little pipe to the outside of thehouse. The larger the Delta T, the better this systemworks. Geothermal systems, which use ground loopsto tap earth’s constant 58-degree temperature, havean advantage with the Delta T. That’s because ageothermal coil is simply colder than most other airconditioning coils as it is working from cool groundtemperatures and not the hot outside air. A regularair conditioning unit has an outside coil and on a hotsummer day, the fan in the outdoor coil is pulling hotoutside air across a coil in an effort to cool that coil. I have checked temperatures of that coil onnumerous occasions and found it to regularly be more115 degrees. I think that you all can understand thatthe heat transfer is better using cold groundwater in ageothermal unit than hot outside air from a standardair conditioning unit.

In addition to your air conditioning units, there areother things in the house that use Delta T in apositive way. Those include refrigerators, clothesdryers and water heaters, among others.

Well, that’s all for the Delta T. I do, however, have tosay something about marriage after all. A really kindlady once told a nice young couple that she thoughttheir marriage was made in heaven. The young manreplied, “So is thunder and lightning.”

Until next time, stay warm and enjoy the good effectsof the Delta T.

20 RURAL ARKANSAS

cut

your

utili

tybill

s Doug Rye says ...Lesson 5: Energy Efficiency 101: From theground upWhen opposites attract

MARCH 2008 21

As your Local Energy Partner, we encourage you to conserve where you can and make your own voice heard as well.Together we will make a difference.

Congress is preparing to address the issue of global warming,and, more specifically, greenhouse gases that some scientistsand environmentalists believe are causing a cycle of warming the earth is experiencing. According to the “experts”, carbon dioxide is the culprit, and therefore, steps must be taken toreduce the amount of carbon dioxide entering the earth’s atmosphere.

First, let’s understand: carbon dioxide is not a pollutant. It isthe natural by-product of decay in the forests and in your backyard when the leaves rot. It is one of the by-products ofcombustion. It is has always been with us. But scientists tell us that there is more of it in our atmosphere than everbefore.

�e transportation and electric industries are two major contributors of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, accordingto the scientists. With population growth and economicdevelopment comes the need for more cars, trucks and airplanes, and of course, more electric usage.

�e electric industry is entering a period of intense growthover the next 15 years to meet anticipated energy demands.Power plants must be built and transmission lines must beconstructed or else power blackouts and brown-outs could

become ordinary events.Electricity is a constant oflife, and truly a necessity tomaintain our active and healthy lifestyles.

So, how does Congress propose to address the issue of carbon emissions?

One alternative is to levy a tax on carbon to encourage you to use less of the things, like electricity and your family car,that cause carbon to be emitted. Congress would decide how high the tax needs to be to cause you to use less. For years some people have advocated raising the tax on gasoline to European standards to force less reliance on foreign oil by causing us to drive less. �e same logic would apply to reducing carbon in the atmosphere.

Where does the money go that is collected under a carbon tax? It could go toward developing new technologies toimprove efficiency in energy usage and thereby reducecarbon emissions. Or it could go to help poorer people pay their utility bills, or provide tax breaks to people who buy automobiles that are more fuel efficient. Or it could be used for any number of special interest projects that Congressmen like to bring home to their voters. Some would liken it toa transfer of wealth program.

A “cap and trade” approach is a little more complicated and appears to be more likely in the current Congress. SenatorsJoe Lieberman of Connecticut and John Warner of Virginia have the “hot hand” on this issue. �eir bill proposes tocreate a “cap and trade” program that would establish limits on carbon emissions based on a previous year, and “cap”annual emissions at that level. �en the federal governmentwould issue “carbon credits” to each industry based on a given emissions level to be achieved, and the industry could exceed its limits only if it purchased additional carbon credits from another holder of credits. �us, the level ofemissions in the United States would be fixed and only the holder of carbon credits could emit carbon dioxide.

�e czars of Wall Street are looking forward to the carbon market, and that’s where the “trade” portion of cap and trade comes into play. By purchasing credits from the federal government a venture capital firm could buy and sell credits to needy industries at windfall profit levels. �e supporters ofthe cap and trade approach to carbon reduction believe that marketforces will ultimately drive companies toward efficiencies andtechnologies geared toward reducing greenhouse gases.

Again, the cap and trade program creates massive wealthfor the federal government by tacking the costs to your electric bill. Where that money goes is a question you should be very interested in having answered. In a timewhen economists are signaling recession in our nation, in a time when the President and Congress are speedingeconomic stimulus legislation through the process, in a time when we are looking at a long-term commitment in Iraq,one has to wonder if this is the time to double electric bills for Arkansas’ ratepayers?

Carbon Tax or Cap and Trade?Carbon Tax or Cap and Trade?Either way, it costs you, the ratepayer.Either way, it costs you, the ratepayer.

“Again, the cap and “Again, the cap andtrade program creates trade program createsmassive wealth for the massive wealth for thefederal government by federal government bytacking the costs to tacking the costs toyour electric bill.”your electric bill.”

MARCH 2008 25

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26 RURAL ARKANSAS

Methicillin-resistantStaphylococcus aureus (MRSA) isoften referred to simply as “staph.”Years ago, a strain of staph emergedin hospitals that was resistant to thebroad spectrum antibioticscommonly used to treat it. DubbedMRSA. It was one of the firstgerms to outwit all but the mostpowerful drugs. MRSA infectioncan be fatal.

Staph bacteria are found in thenose or on the skin of about one-fourth to one-third of healthypeople. If you are carrying staphbut aren’t sick, you are said to be“colonized” but not infected withMRSA. Healthy people can becolonized with MRSA and have noill effects, however, they can passthe germ to others.

Staph bacteria are generallyharmless unless they enter the bodythrough a cut or other wound, andeven then they often cause onlyminor skin problems in healthypeople. But in the elderly andpeople who are ill or haveweakened immune systems,ordinary staph infections can causeserious illness.

In the early 1990s, a type ofMRSA began showing up in awider area. Today that form ofstaph, known as community-associated MRSA, is responsible formany serious skin and soft tissueinfections and for a serious form ofpneumonia.

Staph infections, includingMRSA, generally start as small redbumps that resemble pimples, boilsor spider bites. These can turn intopainful absesses that requiresurgical draining. Sometimes thebacteria remain on the skin, butthey can also go deep into the bodycausing life-threatening infectionsin surgical wounds, bones, jointsand the bloodstream, heart valvesand lungs.

Some staph bacteria are resistantto antibiotics. MRSA is a type of

Health notes

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staph that is resistant to antibioticscalled beta-lactams. They includemethicallim and other more commonantibiotics such as oxacillin, penicillunand amoxicillin. While 25 to 30percent of the population is colonizedwith staph, approximately one percentis colonized with MRSA. Althoughthe survival tactics of bacteriacontribute to antibiotic resistance,humans bear most of the responsi-bility for the problem. Leading casesof antibotic resistance include (1)unnecessary antibiotic use in humansand (2) antibiotics in food and water.

Because hospital and communitystrains of MRSA generally occur indifferent settings, the risk factors forthe two strains differ.

Risk factors for hospital-acquiredMRSA include:• A current or recent hospitalization• Residing in a long-term care facility.• Invasive devices• Recent antibiotic use

These are the main risk factors forcommunity-acquired MRSA:• Young age• Participating in contact sports• Sharing towels or athletic

equipment• Having a weakened immune system• Living in unsanitary or crowded

conditions• Close contact with health care

workers

How can you prevent staph orMRSA skin infection? Practice goodhygiene.

1. Keep your hands clean by washing thoroughly with soap and water or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

2. Keep cuts and scrapes clean and covered with a bandage until healed.

3. Avoid contact with other people’s wounds or bandages.

4. Avoid sharing personal items such as towels or razors.

5. Get tested.

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A native of Brinkley, Scarlett Basore remained in Northwest Arkansas after earninga degree in French from the U of A at Fayetteville. She taught school for 10 years andnow works as an onsite travel director for Maritz, Inc. of St. Louis. She is marriedto Joe Neff Basore, vice president of Cooper Communities and a board member ofCarroll Electric. He has two children, Kathryn Ann, a grad student at U.of A., andJoe Neff “Trae”, who is currently attending the Culinary Institute of America.Though the family loves gourmet dishes, they share family recipes they love to cook.

From Scarlett’s kitchen to yours

CHOCOLATE GRAVY

Heat milk in saucepan. In bowl, mix sugar, cocoa, flour andsalt. Stir in enough milk to make a smooth paste. Pour intowarm milk. Cook and stir over moderate heat until thickened.Add butter and vanilla. Serve over biscuits. A great brunchtreat. (From the depression days of Arkansas)

TEXAS CAVIAR

Mix everything together but the fresh cilantro. Place in a bowland chill 2 hours. Add cilantro and serve with chips. Veryhealthy!

PAW PAW’S CHILI

Brown meat, drain. Add all other ingredients. Simmer 1 hour.

CAROLYN’S “CROCKPOT” POT ROAST

Rub roast with garlic and pepper and brown in skillet on allsides. Add to crock pot with onions, grated carrots andtomatoes. Cook 12 hours on low or 6 hours on high.

KATHRYN’S SEASONED BURGERS

Combine ingredients; mix well. Shape into 4 patties. Grill 4-5minutes each side until done. Serves 4.

NEFF’S CORNBREAD FOR TWO

Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Mix dry ingredients thoroughly.Blend egg and buttermilk then mix with dry ingredientscompletely. Put butter in a 6 1/2 inch iron skillet and put inoven until butter is melted. Remove skillet; butter shouldcompletely coat the bottom and sides of the skillet. Pour thesmoking butter in cornbread mixture while stirring. Then pourcornbread mixture in skillet and place in the oven. Checkprogress with a toothpick, poor mans cake tester, and when itcomes out dry you are ready. Serves 2.

SPINACH SURPRISE

Cook spinach according to package; drain well, reserving 1 cupof the liquid. Set aside. Melt 1/4 cup butter in saucepan onlow; add onion and sauté. Add flour, stirring until smooth.Gradually add reserved liquid and milk over medium heat,stirring until thickened. Add cheese, Worcestershire andseasonings until melted, stirring. Combine spinach and sauceand pour into greased 10x13 baking dish. Combine breadcrumbs and melted butter; sprinkle over mixture. Bake at 350degrees for 30 minutes.

GRANDMOMMY’S HAMBURGER SOUP

Melt butter and sauté onion; add beef and brown. Addtomatoes, consommé and water. Add other ingredients. Coverand cook on low heat for 45 minutes. Sprinkle parmesan cheeseon top if desired. Serves 6-8.

ANGEL’S DELIGHT

Melt chocolate chips; add water and sugar and stir. Add beatenegg yolks. Cook a little and then cool. Beat egg whites stiff andfold into the cooled chocolate. Add whipped cream and part oftorn pieces of angel food cake into a bowl. Fold in a portion ofthe chocolate mixture. Pour over pieces of cake already laid outin 9x13 pan. Pour remainder of chocolate on top andrefrigerate.

2 cups milk, plus some3/4 cup sugar

2 tablespoons cocoa2 heaping tablespoons flour

1/2 teasoon salt2 tablespoons butter1 teaspoon vanilla

28 RURAL ARKANSAS

1/2 onion, chopped1 green pepper, chopped1 bunch green onions,

chopped2 jalapeno peppers, chopped1 tablespoon minced garlic1 pint cherry tomatoes,

quartered1 (8 oz.) bottle zesty fat-

free Italian dressing

1 (15 oz.) can black beans, drained

1 (15 oz.) can black eyed peas, drained

1/2 teaspoon ground coriander

1 bunch chopped fresh cilantro

2 lbs. ground beef1 (15 oz.) can tomato sauce 1 (8 oz.) can Rotel tomatoes 4 cups water, plus if needed

1/2 onion, chopped1 1/2 oz. chili powder

1 tablespoon cumin1/2 teaspoon oregano

1 teaspoon paprika1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

1 teaspoon salt1 1/2 cans kidney beans

Roast, your choicePepper to taste

1 clove minced garlic

2 med. onions2 cups carrots, grated 1 large can tomatoes

1 lb. ground beef2 tablespoons chopped

green pepper1 tablespoon dried onion

flakes1 tablespoon prepared

horseradish

2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce

2 teaspoons prepared mustard

1/2 teaspoon chili powder1/4 teaspoon salt1/8 teaspoon pepper

4 10 oz. pkgs. frozen spinach 1/4 cup butter1/4 cup chopped onion1/4 cup all-purpose flour

1 cup evaporated milk1 lb. processed cheese

w/jalapenos, cubed

2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce

1/2 teaspoon celery salt1 1/2 teaspoons garlic salt

1/8 teaspoon red pepper1/2 cup fine bread crumbs

2 tablespoons melted butter

3 tablespoons butter1 med. onion, chopped1 1/2 lbs. ground beef1 (12 oz.) can tomatoes 3 (10 1/2 oz.)cans

consommé 2 cans water

4 med. carrots1 bay leaf2 celery tops6 sprigs parsley

1/2 teaspoon thyme10 peppercorns

1 tablespoon salt

1 1/2 tablespoons butter1 egg

1/2 cup buttermilk1/2 cup yellow cornmeal

1/8 teaspoon baking soda1/4 teaspoon salt1/2 teaspoon baking powder

1 large pkg. chocolate chips4 teaspoons hot water4 teaspoons sugar4 eggs, separated

1 pint whipped cream1 angel food cake, torn into

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Hoop-petticoatDaffodils

Hoop-petticoat Daffodil is adiminutive species growing from sea-levelhaunts in western France, across much ofSpain and Portugal in high mountainmeadows, to the North African AtlasMountains in Morocco where it grows at10,000 feet.

Its small half-inch diameter bulbsproduce narrow, rush-like deep greenleaves that grow from 6 to 12 incheslong. In mid-spring deep, yellow funnel-shaped flowers an inch or so across areproduced individually on scapes reaching8 to 10 inches tall. It’s one of the mostdelicate of the 50 narcissus species.

Hoop-petticoat Daffodil is suitable forgrowing in well-drained acidic sites witha good supply of springtime moistureand dry summers. Because of their tinysize, they should be massed together infront of the border or in a rock garden.They’re also easy to grow in small potsfor springtime forcing.— Extension Service

...TuesdaySpicy Ginger-Beef &Rice Soup with Lime3-4 medium green onions

3 cups reserved cookedmedium or long grain rice

2 (14-oz.) cans reduced-sodium beef broth

4 cups reserved Ginger-BeefStir Fry1 1/2 tablespoons gratedgingerroot

1/8 teaspoon dried pepper flakes1 medium lime, cut in wedges

Thinly slice whites of onions and setaside. Diagonally slice green oniontops and set aside separately.Place rice in microwave-safe bowl with1/4 cup water. Cover with plastic wrapand microwave on High 2 minutes oruntil heated through.In large saucepan, bring broth to boilover high heat. Add stir fry mixture,white part of onions, ginger andpepper flakes. Return to boil and thenremove from heat.Spoon equal amounts of soup into fourbowls, mounding 3/4 cup rice incenter of each. Top with remainingsliced onion greens. Serve with limewedges.TIP: To form a mound of rice,place serving of rice in custardcup, press down slightly andinvert over bowl. Makes 4servings.

Monday...Ginger-Beef Stir Fry

with Rice

2 lbs. boneless sirloin steak,about 3/4-inch thick, trimmed

1/4 cup light soy sauce 1 tablespoon cornstarch 1 tablespoon grated gingerroot

1/4 cup canola oil, divided1 1/2 cups matchstick-cut carrots

1 large onion, sliced 1 red bell pepper, cut into

strips1 1/2 cups (4 oz.) slicedmushrooms

2 garlic cloves, minced1 1/2 cups sugar snap or snowpeas

1/8 teaspoon dried pepperflakes, optional

6 cups hot cooked medium orlong grain rice

Cut beef in half lengthwise and thenslice thinly; set aside. Combine soysauce, cornstarch and ginger; stir untilcornstarch dissolves. Set aside.Heat large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Working in 3 batches, add 1tablespoon canola oil, coating bottomevenly. Add one-third of beef and cook1 minute or until browned, stirringconstantly. Remove from skillet and setaside. Repeat with remaining 2batches. Return skillet to heat; add remaining 1tablespoon canola oil. When hot, addcarrots, onion, bell pepper, mushroomsand garlic; stir-fry 3 minutes or untiltender-crisp.Add soy sauce mixture, beef, peas andpepper flakes to vegetables in skillet.Cook 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly,or until sauce thickens. Serve over hotrice. Makes 8 servings.

Tasty Meals

Wednesday...Southwestern Steak,Black Beans & Rice

2 lbs. boneless top sirloinsteak, about 3/4-inch thick,trimmed

1/4 cup canola oil, divided1 1/2 tablespoons chili powder

2 teaspoons ground cumin1 1/4 teaspoons salt, divided

2 medium lemons1 (10-oz.) can tomatoes and

green chilies, undrained1 (15-oz.) can black beans,

rinsed and drained6 cups hot cooked medium or

long grain rice1/4 cup chopped cilantro,

optional

Preheat grill or broiler. Rub both sidesof steak with 2 tablespoons canola oil.Mix chili powder, cumin and 1/2teaspoon salt; rub onto steak. Grill orbroil steak 10 minutes for medium-rare, turning halfway throughcooking, or to desired doneness. Placesteak on cutting board and let rest 5minutes before thinly slicing across thegrain; set aside.Meanwhile, grate 1 tablespoon lemonzest and combine with juice from twolemons and remaining 2 tablespoonscanola oil in large bowl. Addtomatoes, black beans andremaining 3/4 teaspoon saltand mix well. Add hot rice andtoss to blend.Place rice mixture on servingplatter and top with beef slices.Garnish with cilantro andadditional lemon wedges, ifdesired. Makes 8 servings“Two-for-One” shortcut:Reserve half the rice mixtureand steak for tomorrow.

Two-for-One...ThursdaySouthwestern Steak,Black Beans Wraps

2 tablespoons canola oil1 tablespoon lemon juice4 cups reserved Black Beans &

Rice8 (10-inch) sun-dried

tomato, spinach or flour tortillas2 cups reserved cooked, sliced

Southwestern Steak4 cups shredded lettuce1 cup salsa2 ripe medium avocados,

peeled, seeded and diced

In large bowl, combine canola oil andlemon juice. Add reserved Black Beans& Rice and toss gently to blend. Ifdesired, warm mixture in microwaveon High 2 to 3 minutes.Working with two tortillas at a time,warm tortillas in microwave on High15 seconds and place on cuttingboard. Spoon 1/2 cup of Black Beans& Rice down center of each tortilla.Top each with 1/4 cup sliced steak,1/2 cup lettuce, 2 tablespoons salsaand 1/4 cup avocado. Fold up bottomand wrap two sides over. Repeat.Makes 8 wraps.TIP: For lighter style wraps, use Bibblettuce leaves in place of tortillas.

30 RURAL ARKANSAS

31MARCH 2008

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Far left: Madison, "All at once Isaw a host of golden daffodils" –Fronda Coldiron, Mabelvale

Near left: Reece, "It's rainingdaffodils" – Kaye Rankin, Conway

Far left: Drake Dodson & BillieMurray, "Fair daffodils, you hasteaway so soon" – D.M. Keith

Near left: Clifton Orek, "Trippingthrough the tulips" – Betty AnnMoulder, Walnut Ridge

Below: McKenzie amid early-blooming forsythia – Emma Jones,Wynne

ReflectionsEaster time in Rural Arkansas

Far left: Payton with Easter treats –Barbara Muilenburg, Boles

Near left: Austyn, "Daffodils take thewinds of March with beauty" – PearlCampbell

Far left: Taylor with his Easter menagerie– Shellia Smith, Lockesburg

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• To reduce the risk of scalding, set your home's water heater to a maximum of120 degrees. Hold your hand under the tap when the hot water alone is running.Uncomfortable? Your water heater is set too high.

• Keep electrical devices like hair dryers, curling irons and electric razors wellaway from the tub.

• Never leave a child unattended in the bathtub. Children can drown in just afew inches of water, and can easily topple into the tub while you're dashing out toanswer the phone or get a towel.

• Get supplies before filling the tub. Collect soap, towel, diaper, clothing andbath toys first. Place them where you can reach them easily.

• Place a soft, insulated cover over the faucet to guard against accidental bath-time burns and bumps. They're available at stores that sell baby supplies.

• Prevent bathtub slips and falls by placing a rubber mat in the tub or affixingnon-slip adhesive decals or strips to the bottom of the tub.

• Place a non-slip bath rug on the floor, near the tub, to safely secure wet feet.

34 RURAL ARKANSAS

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Options for Dual Fuel Ready models:Bio-Advantage® Wood Pellet and CornPower Burner, LP, NG or Fuel Oil Burner.

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6-MONTHRISKFREETRIAL!

36 RURAL ARKANSAS

Registered Black Beef Makers, Simmental, Angus, Sim-Angus. Bred for Calving ease. Extra Weaning Weights.Tommie and Margaret Williams 479-637-3710 Cell 479-637-6949

Work Clothes – Save 75% on quality work clothes. 6 pants + 6shirts $39.95. Men’s jeans 5 pair $25.00. Lined work jackets$9.95. Since 1968. 1-800-233-1853 Satisfaction Guaranteed!www.usedworkclothing.com

BULLS FOR SALE: 165 Bulls, 11 Breeds, Performance Testedat Green Springs Bull Test, Nevada, Mo. Bulls That Pass theTest Sell March 16, 2008 at Mo-Kan Livestock, Passaic, Mo.Individual Feed Efficiency data available, call 417-465-2240 forInformation and Sale Catalogs.

SPRING IS JUST AROUND THE CORNER! Include anattractive, quality-built gazebo in your yard-scape! WE CANHELP! Call CLASSIC GAZEBOS of Strawberry today at 870-844-5791 for brochures and pricing.Various styles and sizesavailable. Using only top quality components in our products,we are “COMMITTED TO CRAFTSMANSHIP!”

BLUEBERRIES Big plants with big berries. $15 each includesship. Northern and Southern Highbush varieties. More sizes,good deals in our free catalog. Highlander Nursery, 888-282-3705, PO Box 177, Pettigrew, AR 72752

Large round hay bales of corn residue $30.00 each atClarendon, Arkansas. (870) 747-1187

Buffalo and Elk, snack sticks, summer sausage and jerky, andmost cuts of frozen meats. All naturally raised. Shipped directlyto you. www.ratchfordexoticmeats.com 870-448-5179

Poultry

AMERICA’S OLDEST & LARGEST RARE BREEDHATCHERY. Quality and satisfaction since 1917. Over 140varieties of Baby Chicks, Bantams, Turkeys, Guineas, Peafowl,Game Birds, Waterfowl, Also Eggs, Incubators, Books,Equipment and Medications. Your #1 Supplier for Eggs, Meatand Exhibitions Poultry. BEAUTIFUL FREE COLORCATALOG. Call 1-800-456-3280 (24 Hours A Day) MurrayMcMurray Hatchery C 124 Webster City, Iowa 50595-0458WEBSITE: http://www.mcmurrayhatchery.com

FREE - 5 Exotic chicks or 3 ducks with 100 Frypan Special @$28.95 plus shipping. Also Cornish Cross, standard breeds,fancy chicks, ducks, geese, turkeys, bantams, guineas,pheasants, quail, supplies, video. Brochure. Cackle Hatchery-K, P.O. Box 529, Lebanon, MO 65536. 417-532-4581.www.cacklehatchery.com

White and Black Muscovies, Standard Bronze Turkeys, PilgrimGeese. Many breeds of baby chicks, ducklings, guineas, andgeese. Free Color Catalog. Telephone 405/257-1236.www.countryhatchery.net or write Country Hatchery, Box 747,Wewoka, Oklahoma.

Baby Chicks, Ducklings, Turkeys, Guineas, Geese, Peafowl,Quail, Pheasants. Free Color Catalog. Fast, Safe Shipments.Country Hatchery, Dept. RA, Wewoka, Oklahoma 74884

MiscellaneousAVON 1-800-411-6323 Earn extra income. Many options.Independent Representative.

WATKINS since 1868. Top ten home business. 350 productseveryone uses. Start under $60.00. Free catalog packet 1-800-352-5213

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NEW! GROW EXPENSIVE PLANTS, 2000% PROFIT, Earn to$50,000, free information. GROWBIZ, Box 3738-AR 03,COOKEVILLE, TN 38502, www.growbiz-abco.com

Long Distance phone rates for only 4.9 cents per minute. In-State and State-to-State, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. No monthly fee, no minimum. Call toll-free 866-728-5908

RUSTIC two-story CABINS in the Ozark Mountains at Gilbert.Call 870-688-9189 for brochure. www.buffaloriverbendcabins.com

The Farm MarketPer Word, One Time . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$1.22Per Word, Six Times at .97¢ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$5.81MINIMUM: $24.48 for one time; $115.95 for six ads at six times rate.WORDS IN CAPITALS: $1.78 per word.DEADLINE: All advertising must be in by the 10th of the month preceding publication. Prepaid only.

REDWORMS Special! Bedrun 2,000/$27.00 4,000/$47.00Postpaid with instructions. Halls Wormery 660 Lake Dam RDBlackwell TX 79506 325/743-2355 www.hallswormery.com

Put your old movies, slides or photos on videotape or DVD. Call888-609-9778 or visit my website www.transferguy.com

Got minerals? We put minerals in livestock and soil; why notourselves. Start for $14.95 check or money order. Jim Horton,PO Box 224, Marshall, AR 72650

For SaleSUSPENDERS WITH PATENTED “NO-SLIP” FREECATALOG (800) 700-4515 OR www.suspenders.com

LLAMAS! Sales, boarding, breeding. Pets, packers, showquality. Delivery and ongoing consultation.www.members.aol.com/Osage11437 Osage Llamas in NWArkansas. Visitors welcome. 479-643-2899

Red Cedar T & G logs and log siding “wholesale”. Call MillcreekLog Homes (since 1964). Melbourne AR 870-368-4746 www.millcreekredcedarloghomes.com

SPIRAL STAIRS, custom built, all steel, top qualityworkmanship, good prices. In business since 1971, brochure,some in stock, 479-451-8110, Pea Ridge, AR.www.braysiron.com

PLAY GOSPEL SONGS BY EAR. Piano, keyboard. 10 easylessons $12.95. “Learn Gospel Music.” Cording, runs, fills-$12.95. Both $24. Davidson, 6727RA Metcalf, ShawneeMission, Kansas 66204.

USED PORTABLE SAWMILLS! Buy/Sell. Call SawmillExchange 1-800-459-2148, 208-969-0007,http://www.sawmillexchange.com

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Home Study courses available. Call (800) 488-7570

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Get big Reds, big Buff White Rocks & huge SilverLaced Black Giants. Super healthy, easy-to-raise chicks for only $24.95 hundredplus 10 FREE. 50 for $15.95 pluspostage. To order call Toll FREE now! 1-866-365-0367. Visa, MastercCard or C.O.D.

RED TOP CHICK FARMSBox 100 Marietta, PA 17547

BACK YONDER, An Ozark ChronicleConway/Van Buren Co.

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38 RURAL ARKANSAS

By Nancy S. Grant and Jennifer TaylorWill our nation’s electric system continue to provide a

reliable, safe and affordable supply of power in comingyears? This question was asked most recently by the NorthAmerican Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC), aPrinceton, N.J.-based non-profit organization charged withmonitoring America’s power system reliability.

In October 2007, NERC published its annual Long-Term Reliability Assessment, which provides a forecast onhow much electric generating capacity will be availableduring the next decade. The report also estimates how muchelectricity people will use over that time.

The organization’s findings revealed that current plans tobuild power plants and high-voltage transmission lines lagbehind the expected growth in power consumption. Theyalso match a U.S. Department of Energy forecast thatdemand for electricity nationally will increase by 40 percentduring the next 22 years. Even if the country can dramati-cally increase efficiency and conservation programs—electricity demand over time will continue to grow as oureconomy and population grows.

NERC warned, “Demand for electricity is expected toincrease over the next 10 years by approximately 18 percentin the United States, but confirmed generation capacity willincrease by only 8.5 percent; expansion and strengthening ofthe transmission system [also] continues to lag demandgrowth and expansion of generating resources in mostareas.”

To fully grasp the impact of that statement, considerthese facts about generation, transmission and the demandfor electricity:

* Electricity can’t be stored—it must be used immediatelyand flow continuously. Electric energy generated at a powerplant flows through high-voltage transmission lines to

substations, where it is reduced to a lower voltage for safedistribution to homes and businesses. Reliability refers tothe availability of electricity when and where consumersneed it, without interruption.

* Not every power plant generates electricity all of thetime. Across the country on any given day, it is normal fornumerous plants to be shut down due to a broad range ofissues, such as scheduled maintenance, fuel availability orprice, or low water levels at a dam where a hydroelectricpower plant operates.

* High-voltage transmission lines carrying electricityfrom generating plants to distribution substations needregular and emergency maintenance. Vegetationmanagement to clear rights-of-way, or weather events, suchas ice storms or tornadoes, can interrupt the flow ofelectricity on these “power highways.”

For consumers to receive reliable electric service, a certainamount of extra capacity must always be available. NERChas stated that generation capacity margins should average15 percent or more. In other words, generation plantsshould be able to produce approximately 15 percent moreelectricity than consumers are expected to use during timesof peak demand—the electric utility industry’s equivalent ofrush-hour traffic. This helps ensure sufficient power in anemergency or if a specific power plant needs to be shutdown for service.

The NERC report also found that even if all powerplants under construction now are completed on time andbegin generating electricity in the amounts slated, and newconstruction ramps up according to plans now underway,generation capacity margins will drop below minimumreliability margin levels in certain areas of the United Stateswithin the next two to three years.

Running Out of PowerMore electricity needed to meet growing demand

MARCH 2008 39

Regions affected include California,Rocky Mountain states, New England,Texas, the Southwest and Midwest.Other parts of our country could face areliability gap a few years later. Inwestern Canada, the problem couldbecome apparent to consumers withintwo years.

In addition to the needed powersupply, transmission line capacity(what’s needed to deliver the power) isprojected to increase by a bit less than9 percent in the United States—and byjust 4.8 percent in Canada over thenext 10 years.

All of this means that a suddensurge in weather-caused disruptions ora batch of construction delays couldleave consumers facing immediate andrecurring disruptions in their supply ofelectricity.

Glenn English, CEO of theNational Rural Electric CooperativeAssociation based in Arlington, Va.,believes the NERC study shows thatthe nation’s lawmakers and regulatorsmust quickly come to grips with thedifficult challenges of meeting futureenergy demand.

“The generation and transmissionneeded to supply everyone withelectricity will get built,” says English.“Electric co-ops, as not-for-profit,consumer-owned utilities, have anobligation to serve. The issue is howwe manage rising costs associated notonly with the fuels needed to produceelectricity and construction materialslike steel, copper and concrete, butclimate change as well. Policymakersmust seek out solutions that arefeasible technologically and can besustained economically—remedies thatwill allow electric co-ops to continueproviding reliable, affordable power inan environmentally responsiblefashion.”

In its report, NERC examines othersignificant problems that could affectreliability. These include the need toattract well-trained younger workers toreplace the aging workforce of electricutility professionals and how to dealwith renewable energy concerns suchas intermittency—the fact that windonly blows about 40 percent of thetime and generally not on hot, humidweekdays in the summer when powerconsumption skyrockets, and the sun

doesn’t shine during nighttime hours.“Beginning now, start doing

everything you can to use electricitywisely,” NERC encouragesconsumers—such as turning off lightswhen not in use, replacing oldappliances and equipment with moreenergy-efficient models and managingelectricity use carefully.

Source: North American ElectricReliability Corporation, National RuralElectric Cooperative AssociationNancy S. Grant is a freelance writerbased near Louisville, KY, and is amember of the American Society ofJournalists and Authors. Jennifer Tayloris writer of consumer and cooperativeaffairs at the National Rural ElectricCooperative Association.

PLEASERESPONDPROMPTLY

( )Name (please print clearly) Telephone

Address Apt. No.

City State Zip

Email Address

*Plus a total of $7.99 shipping and service charges. Sales tax additional on shipments to Illinois. Please allow10 to 12 weeks for shipment after initial payment is received. All orders are subject to acceptance. Price ishigher in Canada.

9200 North Maryland Ave., Niles, Illinois 60714-1397

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†Offer good on new Auto-Delivery order only. Limit one per customer. WithAuto-Delivery, you automatically receive your 28-Day program once every 4weeks unless you cancel. You can cancel Auto-Delivery at any time, however forthis offer you must stay on Auto-Delivery for at least two consecutive 28-Dayprogram deliveries to receive the second free week. One additional free weekof food will be included with your first and second deliveries. Cannot becombined with any prior or current discount or offer.

©2008 NutriSystem, Inc. All rights reserved.

All meals are perfectlyportioned—there’s no counting!

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Apr 5: Arkansas County Home and GardenShow, Dewitt, 870-946-3272

Apr 5-6: Ozark Mountain Bike Festival, West Fork, 479-761-3325

Apr 5-6: Arkansas Orchid Show and Sale, Little Rock, 501-221-1217

Apr 5-12: Hogskin Holidays Festival, Hampton,870-798-2100

Apr 5-Nov 17: Fayetteville Farmer’s Market, 479-236-2910

Apr 8-12: The Wonder of Wildflowers, Wynne,870-238-9406

Apr 9-12: Turkey Track Pasture Pickin’, Waldron,479-637-4312

Apr 11-12: Antique Power Show, Sheridan, 501-776-4088

Apr 11-12: Air Field Reunion, Walnut Ridge, 800-584-5575

Apr 11-13 Ozark Wildflower Weekend, Bull Shoals,870-445-3629

Apr 12: “Spring in Saline” Flower Show & PlantSale, 501-888-1547

Apr 12: Pettigrew Day, 479-750-5165Apr 12: Community Wide Yard Sale, Salem,

870-895-5565Apr 12: Junior Fishing Contest, Star City,

870-628-4714Apr 12: Mtn. Home Car Swap Meet,

870-425-6575Apr 12-13: Wildflower Weekend, West Fork,

479-761-3325Apr 17-19: Arkansas Folk Festival, Mtn. View,

870-269-8068Apr 17-20: Art Escapes, Morrilton, 501-727-6220Apr 17-19: Jammers Jamboree, Otto, 501-895-2451Apr 18: Antique Tractors, Gentry,

479-736-5800Apr 18-19: StarDaze Festival, Star City,

870-628-3100

Apr 18-19: Carving In The Ozarks, EurekaSprings, 479-253-2080

Apr 18-19: Great Cotter Trout Festival, 870-492-4483

Apr 18-20: Artisians’ Market on the Square, Mtn. View, 888-679-2859

Apr 18-20: Ozark Folk Center Open House, Mtn. View, 870-269-3851

Apr 19: Plant Sale, Jasper, 870-428-5873Apr 19: Gumbo Fest Cook-Off,

West Memphis, 870-735-1134Apr 19: Spinach Festival, Alma, 479-632-4127Apr 19: Herbfest and Plant Sale, Mammoth

Spring, 870-625-7364Apr 19-20: Antique Tractor Show, Damascus,

501-988-1354Apr 22-27: Fordyce on the Cotton Belt Festival,

870-352-2055Apr 25-26: Car Show/Swap, Gateway,

479-633-5029Apr 26: Rabbit Club Spring Show, Fayetteville,

479-599-9446Apr 25-27: Dogwood Festival, Siloam Springs,

479-524-6466Apr 25-27: Twin Rivers Festival, McNab,

870-722-4154Apr 25-27: Wildflower Weekend, Morrilton,

501-727-5441Apr 26-27: Springfest, Heber Springs,

501-362-2444Apr 26: Farmer’s Market on Saturdays,

Bentonville, 479-254-0254Apr 27: Sunday Gospel Concert, Mtn. View,

870-269-3851Apr 27: Spring Songfest, Springdale,

479-751-5441Apr 29: Arkansas Symphony Orchestra,

Little Rock, 501-666-1761Apr 29: River Market Farmers’ Market, Little

Rock, 501-375-2552

Calendar of EventsCalendar of Events

MARCH 2008 43

Watering chores,water bills! Sweating behind a roaring mower!Spraying poison chemicals and digging weeds...

Mow your zoysia lawn once a month–or less! It rewards you with weed-free beauty all summer long....you can end such lawn drudgery–here’s how!

Amazoy is the Trade Mark registered U.S.Patent Office for our Meyer Zoysia Grass.

WaysYourZoysiaGrassLawnSavesYouTime,Work,and Money!7

Meyer Zoysia Grass was perfected byU.S. Govt., released in cooperation with

U.S. Golf Association as a superior grass.

1Would you believe a lawn could be perfect when watered just once? In Iowa, the state’s biggestMen’s Garden club picked a zoysia lawn as “toplawn – nearly perfect.” Yet, this lawn had beenwatered only once all summer to August!

In PA, Mrs. M.R. Mitter wrote “I’ve neverwatered it, only when I put the plugs in...Lastsummer we had it mowed 2 times...When every-body’s lawns here are brown from drought, oursstays as green as ever.” That’s how zoysia lawnscut water bills and mowing! Now read on!

Plug in our zoysia grass and you’ll never have to spend money on grass seed again! Since youwon’t be buying seeds, you won’t need to dig andrake – then hope the seeds take root before birdseat them or the next hard rain washes them away.

whatever. Set 1” square plugs into holes in the soil1 foot apart, checkerboard style. Plugs spread todrive out old, unwanted growth, weeds included.Easy instructions with your order. If you can put a cork into a bottle, you can plug in Amazoy.

You can’t beat Amazoy as the low cost answer forhard-to-cover spots, play-worn areas, or to enderosion on slopes.

CUTS WATER BILLS ANDMOWING AS MUCH AS 2/3

“The hotter it gets, the better it grows!” Plug-in zoysia thrives in blistering heat, yet it won’t winter kill to 30˚ below zero. It just goes off itsgreen color after killing frosts, begins regainingits green color as temps. in the spring are consis-tently warm. Of course, this varies with climate.

Your established Amazoy lawn grows sothick, it simply stops crabgrass and summerweeds from germinating!

Since zoysia lawns resist insects AND diseases, you avoid the risk of exposingyour family or pets to weedkillers and pesticide poisons. Plug in Amazoy and savethe money, avoid the risks!

Endless Supply of Plug TransplantsTransplant plugs from established Amazoyas you desire – plugged area grows over toprovide all the plugs you’ll ever need.

Starting your lawn is easy with our pluggersthat cut away unwanted growth as they digholes for plugs. Both are light, but rugged tohelp save time, work and effort. The step-onplugger is also an invaluable transplant tool.

2 ENDS RE-SEEDING NEVER NEEDS REPLACEMENT

3 NO NEED TO DIG UP OLD GRASSPlant Amazoy in old lawn, new ground,

5 IT STAYS GREEN IN SPITE OFHEAT AND DROUGHT

4 FOR SLOPES, PLAY AREAS,AND BARE SPOTS

6 CHOKES OUT CRABGRASSAND WEEDS ALL SUMMER

www.ZoysiaFarms.com /mag

7 NO NEED TO SPEND MONEY ONDANGEROUS CHEMICALS

FREE! Exclusive Step-on or Amazoy PowerAuger with orders of 400 plugs or more.

Name

Address

City State

ZIP Phone

Write price of order here $

Md. residents add 6% tax $

Shipping & Handling (S&H) $

ENCLOSED TOTAL $

Mail to: Zoysia Farm Nurseries General Offices and Store3617 Old Taneytown Road, Taneytown, MD 21787

Card # Exp. Date

Payment method (check one)

� Check � MO� MasterCard� Visa

# PLUGS100

200

400

500

600

900

1000

PACK� Basic� 2 Basic Packs

+ 1 FREE� 4 Basic Packs

+ 2 FREE� 5 Basic Packs

+ 3 FREE� 6 Basic Packs

+ 4 FREE� 9 Basic Packs

+ 7 FREE� 10 Basic Packs

+ 9 FREE

# Free Plugs–

100

200

300

400

700

900

Free Bonus–

–

FreeStep-on Plugger

FreeStep-on Plugger

FreeStep-on PluggerFree-AmazoyPower AugerFree-AmazoyPower Auger

Retail Value$ 7.95

$ 23.85

$ 56.65

$ 72.55

$ 88.45

$ 152.15

$ 176.00

Your PRICE$ 7.95

$ 15.90

$31.80

$39.75

$47.70

$71.55

$79.50

Add S&H$ 2.50

$ 5.00

$ 7.50

$10.00

$12.50

$15.00

$17.50

SAVINGS–

30%40%42%44%50%54%

� Extra Step-on Plugger $8.95 � Extra Amazoy Power Auger™ for 3/8” Drill $24.95

Every Plug GUARANTEED TO GROWIN YOUR SOIL No Ifs, Ands Or Buts!

Read a guarantee no grass seed can match!Won’t Winter Kill. Amazoy has survivedtemperatures to 30° below zero!Won’t Heat Kill. When other grasses burn outin summer drought and heat, Amazoy remainsluxuriously green.Any plug failing to grow in 45 days will bereplaced FREE! To insure maximum freshness andviability, plugs are shipped not cut all the waythrough. Before planting, finish the separation withshears or knife. Our guarantee and planting methodare your assurance of lawn success backed by morethan five decades of specialized lawn experience!

© Zoysia Farm Nurseries 2008 3617 Old Taneytown Rd., Taneytown, MD 21787

Thrives from part shade to full sun.

Please send me guaranteed Amazoy as checked:

ORDER NOW!AND GET UP TO

900 PLUGS FREE!Dept. 5132

SAVEOVER50%

We ship all orders the same day plugs are packed at earliest correct planting time in your area.

NOT SHIPPED OUTSIDE USA or into WA or OR.

For more information or to sign up today, call your local electric cooperative or log on to www.ecark.org/greenpower.

100 kWh block200 kWh block400 kWh block

1,000 kWh block2,000 kWh block

100 kWh * $0.05200 kWh * $0.05400 kWh * $0.05

1,000 kWh * $0.052,000 kWh * $0.05

$5.00 monthly contribution$10.00 monthly contribution$20.00 monthly contribution$50.00 monthly contribution

$100.00 monthly contribution

Your Electric Cooperative and —Naturally.

Electric Cooperatives of Arkansas Hydropower Generating Station. Dumas, Arkansas

Just as they were pioneers in development of rural electrification, the Electric Cooperatives of Arkansas were also at the forefront of the renewable energy movement. Long before “green power” became a household phrase, the cooperatives began a commitment to develop hydropower along the Arkansas River to the fullest extent possible.

We have invested approximately $330 million—more than one third of our capital investment in generation capacity—to develop three hydropower plants that are harnessing the Arkansas River’s current to provide renewable energy. In addition, we own or co-

own other generation facilities, which meet or exceed environmental regulations and provide low-cost, clean energy to more than 480,000 members.

As we continue to look for additional innovative ways to provide our members with environmentally sound power resources, we are asking for your help. Developing renewable energy is expensive. To support this effort, we are offering a new

program in which you can contribute to the development of additional renewable energy resources, as well as further help spread the word about ways to use energy more efficiently.

EnrollNow!!!