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| Selling? Buying? Renting? |
| Put the Real Estate pages of The Observer to work for you! |
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Cutting Your Home Electric Bill
And Improving Safety
Every month, the electric bill comes and every month many consumers ask, “How can I use this much
electricity?” Then the bill is paid while the next bill is being prepared.
Finding ways to cut electricity use – and electricity bills – has been a focus of energy experts for many years
and is becoming even more important as the cost of producing energy rises in most parts of the world.
Here are some ideas from the U.S. Department of Energy to reduce your electricity usage, improve safety and
keep a little more money for yourself.
Reduce Your Power Use
Perhaps the simplest way to “green” your electric use is to reduce it. Here are some quick and easy ways to
use less power.
•Turn off incandescent lights and televisions when you leave the room.
•Turn off fluorescent lights if you’re leaving the room for more than 15 minutes.
•Turn off LEDs if you’re leaving the room for more than 5 minutes.
•Unplug devices with power adapters (“wall warts”) when they are not in use. Wall warts use power whenever
they are plugged in, even if the device is turned off.
•Line-dry clothing instead of using a dryer.
•Don’t let computers and other electric devices go to “sleep.” This also sucks energy.
Change Your Light Bulbs
Swap out regular incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescent bulbs (CFLs) or light emitting diodes
(LEDs) to cut down on your electric bill. CFLs are fluorescent lights that can be screwed into traditional bulb
sockets and use only a quarter of the energy that an incandescent bulb uses. Plus, CFLs last for years-—
around 10,000 hours. LEDs are even more energy efficient than CFLs and are becoming more widely
available. They last around 100,000 hours and use around 90 percent less energy than incandescent bulbs.
Safety Suggestions For Extension Cords:
- Use extension cords only when necessary and only on a temporary basis.
- Use polarized extension cords with polarized appliances. Polarized plugs have one blade slightly wider than
the other and can only be inserted one way into the outlet. Polarization and grounding ensure that certain parts
of appliances that could have a higher risk of electric shock when they become live are instead connected to
the neutral, or grounded, side of the circuit. Such electrical products should only be used with polarized or
grounding type extension cords.
- Make sure cords do not dangle from the counter or table tops where they can be pulled down or tripped over.
- Replace cracked or worn extension cords with new. #16 gauge cords that have the listing, of a nationally-
recognized testing laboratory, safety closures, and other safety features.
- With cords lacking safety closures, cover any unused outlets with electrical tape or with plastic caps to
prevent the chance of a child making contact with the live circuit.
- Insert plugs fully so that no part of the prongs are exposed when the extension cord is in use.
- When disconnecting cords, pull the plug rather than the cord itself.
- Teach children not to play with plugs and outlets.
- Use only three-wire extension cords for appliances with three-prong plugs. Never remove the third (round or
U-shaped) prong, which is a safety feature designed to reduce the risk of shock and electrocution.
- In locations where furniture or beds may be pushed against an extension cord where the cord joins the plug,
use a special "angle extension cord," which is specifically designed for use in these instances.
- Check the plug and the body of the extension cord while the cord is in use. Noticeable warming of these
plastic parts is expected when cords are being used at their maximum rating, however, if the cord feels hot or if
there is a softening of the plastic, this is a warning that the plug wires or connections are failing and that the
extension cord should be discarded and replaced.
- Never use an extension cord while it is coiled or looped. Never cover any part of an extension cord with
newspapers, clothing, rugs, or any objects while the cord is in use. Never place an extension cord where it is
likely to be damaged by heavy furniture or foot traffic.
- Don't use staples or nails to attach extension cords to a baseboard or to another surface. This could damage
the cord and present a shock or fire hazard.
- Don't overload extension cords by plugging in appliances that draw a total of more watts than the rating of the
cord.
- Use special, heavy duty extension cords for high wattage appliances such as air conditioners, portable
electric heaters, and freezers.
- When using outdoor tools and appliances, use only extension cords labeled for outdoor use.
And Improving Safety
Every month, the electric bill comes and every month many consumers ask, “How can I use this much
electricity?” Then the bill is paid while the next bill is being prepared.
Finding ways to cut electricity use – and electricity bills – has been a focus of energy experts for many years
and is becoming even more important as the cost of producing energy rises in most parts of the world.
Here are some ideas from the U.S. Department of Energy to reduce your electricity usage, improve safety and
keep a little more money for yourself.
Reduce Your Power Use
Perhaps the simplest way to “green” your electric use is to reduce it. Here are some quick and easy ways to
use less power.
•Turn off incandescent lights and televisions when you leave the room.
•Turn off fluorescent lights if you’re leaving the room for more than 15 minutes.
•Turn off LEDs if you’re leaving the room for more than 5 minutes.
•Unplug devices with power adapters (“wall warts”) when they are not in use. Wall warts use power whenever
they are plugged in, even if the device is turned off.
•Line-dry clothing instead of using a dryer.
•Don’t let computers and other electric devices go to “sleep.” This also sucks energy.
Change Your Light Bulbs
Swap out regular incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescent bulbs (CFLs) or light emitting diodes
(LEDs) to cut down on your electric bill. CFLs are fluorescent lights that can be screwed into traditional bulb
sockets and use only a quarter of the energy that an incandescent bulb uses. Plus, CFLs last for years-—
around 10,000 hours. LEDs are even more energy efficient than CFLs and are becoming more widely
available. They last around 100,000 hours and use around 90 percent less energy than incandescent bulbs.
Safety Suggestions For Extension Cords:
- Use extension cords only when necessary and only on a temporary basis.
- Use polarized extension cords with polarized appliances. Polarized plugs have one blade slightly wider than
the other and can only be inserted one way into the outlet. Polarization and grounding ensure that certain parts
of appliances that could have a higher risk of electric shock when they become live are instead connected to
the neutral, or grounded, side of the circuit. Such electrical products should only be used with polarized or
grounding type extension cords.
- Make sure cords do not dangle from the counter or table tops where they can be pulled down or tripped over.
- Replace cracked or worn extension cords with new. #16 gauge cords that have the listing, of a nationally-
recognized testing laboratory, safety closures, and other safety features.
- With cords lacking safety closures, cover any unused outlets with electrical tape or with plastic caps to
prevent the chance of a child making contact with the live circuit.
- Insert plugs fully so that no part of the prongs are exposed when the extension cord is in use.
- When disconnecting cords, pull the plug rather than the cord itself.
- Teach children not to play with plugs and outlets.
- Use only three-wire extension cords for appliances with three-prong plugs. Never remove the third (round or
U-shaped) prong, which is a safety feature designed to reduce the risk of shock and electrocution.
- In locations where furniture or beds may be pushed against an extension cord where the cord joins the plug,
use a special "angle extension cord," which is specifically designed for use in these instances.
- Check the plug and the body of the extension cord while the cord is in use. Noticeable warming of these
plastic parts is expected when cords are being used at their maximum rating, however, if the cord feels hot or if
there is a softening of the plastic, this is a warning that the plug wires or connections are failing and that the
extension cord should be discarded and replaced.
- Never use an extension cord while it is coiled or looped. Never cover any part of an extension cord with
newspapers, clothing, rugs, or any objects while the cord is in use. Never place an extension cord where it is
likely to be damaged by heavy furniture or foot traffic.
- Don't use staples or nails to attach extension cords to a baseboard or to another surface. This could damage
the cord and present a shock or fire hazard.
- Don't overload extension cords by plugging in appliances that draw a total of more watts than the rating of the
cord.
- Use special, heavy duty extension cords for high wattage appliances such as air conditioners, portable
electric heaters, and freezers.
- When using outdoor tools and appliances, use only extension cords labeled for outdoor use.
Swinging At Cat Ghaut
– A Golf Club, That Is
By Steve Thomas
Observer Nevis Editor
(Newcastle, Nevis) – Golf on Nevis conjures up images of greens and fairways set in exotic scenery, incredible
views in every direction, impeccable service and well-deserved refreshment when the round is over. It’s a
picture many associate with Four Seasons Nevis. It’s also a picture shared with Golf at Cat Ghaut, a
somewhat smaller, less swanky, somewhat more quirky course located a few minutes north of the airport.
Gat Ghaut Golf is a par 3, 12-hole course, with many other amenities, set on 15 acres that is also the home of
Peggy and Roger Staiger.
The Staigers have been coming here since for about a half-century and full-time residents for 12 years. Peggy,
86, and Roger, 87, have been married for 64 years and remain active, cheerful and outgoing. The pair is
originally from Collegeville, Pennsylvania in the U.S.
The Staigers married during World War II, when gas was rationed and most people found other ways to get
around.
“They say I married her for her bicycle,” Roger said.
They built their house in 1961-62 and, much to Roger’s amusement, it was praised as an outstanding
example “of East African Colonial” after it was displayed on an early home and garden tour.
Peggy clearly recalls what Nevis was like during their early visits, which were usually for two-weeks and how
far things have come since then.
“It’s much easier to shop. You can get a better meal together,” she said. “Everything is much easier today than
it was then. We didn’t have electricity back then.”
Communications have also changed.
“That’s something I like,” she said. “The computer link.”
She also praised health care on Nevis today.
“I think the medical care we get here is excellent. At the hospital, you get tender, loving care,” Peggy said.
The old days are also clear in Roger’s memory.
“When we came, it was a coal pot society. Everybody cooked in charcoal pots. The ghaut was denuded” of
trees, he said. The trees were cut to make charcoal. “The trees are growing again.”
For a person whose front yard – or back yard, depending on your take – is a golf course, Peggy has a surprise:
She’s not a golfer.
“I never got interested in golf. I’m an indoor person,” Peggy said.
The golf course was started by Roger about 20 years in the wake of a failed agricultural effort.
“I wanted to raise bananas,” Roger said, nodding at the golf course. “I had bananas all through here. Then we
had a drought and the bananas died. Then someone said, ‘Why don’t you put in a putting green?’ And that’s
how it started.”
It was the start of something special. Golf at Cat Ghaut not only has 12 holes of golf to play, it has a croquet
course, horseshoes, a volleyball area and the Putty House, which has golf clubs, balls, tees, an honor bar ($5
for a cold Carib) and a restroom that discourages loitering. On top of everything else, the green fee is US$10 or
EC$25, an appreciable difference from another golf course found on Nevis.
In the garage behind the Putty House, Roger has a room for model trains that he runs with evident joy.
When people bring their children, the little ones love to see the trains, he said.
What really sets Cat Ghaut apart is a walking trail lined with a huge variety of colorful trees and plants that lines
the course. Many golfers and non-golfers like to visit just to walk the trail and there’s no fee for that.
The plants are raised by Roger and his assistants. He gives many of them away to people who want to spread
some beauty themselves.
“My mother was an excellent gardener and I think it rubbed off,” he said.
The enthusiasm of Roger and Peggy is contagious. Settling down on a bench under a mahogany tree planted
by Roger more than 40 years ago - following a trip to the honor bar – Roger explains all one really needs to
know about Cat Ghaut.
“I love this place. I love a place where people can come and be happy,” he said. Then, nodding toward the golf
course, he added with a smile, “It’s not really for professionals.”
– A Golf Club, That Is
By Steve Thomas
Observer Nevis Editor
(Newcastle, Nevis) – Golf on Nevis conjures up images of greens and fairways set in exotic scenery, incredible
views in every direction, impeccable service and well-deserved refreshment when the round is over. It’s a
picture many associate with Four Seasons Nevis. It’s also a picture shared with Golf at Cat Ghaut, a
somewhat smaller, less swanky, somewhat more quirky course located a few minutes north of the airport.
Gat Ghaut Golf is a par 3, 12-hole course, with many other amenities, set on 15 acres that is also the home of
Peggy and Roger Staiger.
The Staigers have been coming here since for about a half-century and full-time residents for 12 years. Peggy,
86, and Roger, 87, have been married for 64 years and remain active, cheerful and outgoing. The pair is
originally from Collegeville, Pennsylvania in the U.S.
The Staigers married during World War II, when gas was rationed and most people found other ways to get
around.
“They say I married her for her bicycle,” Roger said.
They built their house in 1961-62 and, much to Roger’s amusement, it was praised as an outstanding
example “of East African Colonial” after it was displayed on an early home and garden tour.
Peggy clearly recalls what Nevis was like during their early visits, which were usually for two-weeks and how
far things have come since then.
“It’s much easier to shop. You can get a better meal together,” she said. “Everything is much easier today than
it was then. We didn’t have electricity back then.”
Communications have also changed.
“That’s something I like,” she said. “The computer link.”
She also praised health care on Nevis today.
“I think the medical care we get here is excellent. At the hospital, you get tender, loving care,” Peggy said.
The old days are also clear in Roger’s memory.
“When we came, it was a coal pot society. Everybody cooked in charcoal pots. The ghaut was denuded” of
trees, he said. The trees were cut to make charcoal. “The trees are growing again.”
For a person whose front yard – or back yard, depending on your take – is a golf course, Peggy has a surprise:
She’s not a golfer.
“I never got interested in golf. I’m an indoor person,” Peggy said.
The golf course was started by Roger about 20 years in the wake of a failed agricultural effort.
“I wanted to raise bananas,” Roger said, nodding at the golf course. “I had bananas all through here. Then we
had a drought and the bananas died. Then someone said, ‘Why don’t you put in a putting green?’ And that’s
how it started.”
It was the start of something special. Golf at Cat Ghaut not only has 12 holes of golf to play, it has a croquet
course, horseshoes, a volleyball area and the Putty House, which has golf clubs, balls, tees, an honor bar ($5
for a cold Carib) and a restroom that discourages loitering. On top of everything else, the green fee is US$10 or
EC$25, an appreciable difference from another golf course found on Nevis.
In the garage behind the Putty House, Roger has a room for model trains that he runs with evident joy.
When people bring their children, the little ones love to see the trains, he said.
What really sets Cat Ghaut apart is a walking trail lined with a huge variety of colorful trees and plants that lines
the course. Many golfers and non-golfers like to visit just to walk the trail and there’s no fee for that.
The plants are raised by Roger and his assistants. He gives many of them away to people who want to spread
some beauty themselves.
“My mother was an excellent gardener and I think it rubbed off,” he said.
The enthusiasm of Roger and Peggy is contagious. Settling down on a bench under a mahogany tree planted
by Roger more than 40 years ago - following a trip to the honor bar – Roger explains all one really needs to
know about Cat Ghaut.
“I love this place. I love a place where people can come and be happy,” he said. Then, nodding toward the golf
course, he added with a smile, “It’s not really for professionals.”
(Above) One of the great views from a fairway at Cat
Ghaut.
(Left) The Staigers at Cat Ghaut today.
Ghaut.
(Left) The Staigers at Cat Ghaut today.