Florida Needs Water

South Florida made it on the news this morning on CNN.com and it would be a crime if I didn't report it! No, it wasn't for a voting crisis or illegal immigrants crossing any borders. According to CNN, we are unfortunately facing the strictest water restrictions...well...ever.

This is our 18th month in a dry spell and evidence of our lack of rain is everywhere. Browning grass, low lake water and a miserable sugar cane crop are attributes of South Florida agriculture at this time. CNN says, "Lake Okeechobee, the region's primary reservoir, is down to 9.3 feet above sea level -- less than half a foot above its record low. Farmers and the area's 600 golf courses must use 45 percent less water in the hardest-hit areas, and home sprinklers are restricted to once a week. Officials are comparing the drought to another in 2001 that caused an estimated $400 million in agricultural losses."

Florida agriculture is already suffering with a decrease in farms throughout the state, many local farmers hurt by the state Greenbelt Law. It is far too easy for companies to claim their lots as farms and benefit from tax breaks in my opinion. These laws aren't protecting the neighborhood farmer in West Palm Beach who simply wants to sell what he grows in his community.

Although rainclouds and thunder could be heard throughout the southern part of the state during the weekend, many parts didn't see a drop of rain. For those that did, it was sparse and may have only lasted minutes. CNN reports, "Voluntary water restrictions were recommended around the start of this year, and mandatory limits came in March. Tighter clamps were ordered in April, and last week the toughest restraints in history took effect in some areas, limiting home watering and cutting commercial use by almost half. Authorities hope the rainy season, which typically begins June 1, will wash away the trouble, but the area is so dry that even an average summer wouldn't break the drought."

It seems that this hurricane/rainy season may be welcomed with open arms for once. I know I don't appreciate rainstorms everyday at 3 p.m. but the way things have been going, I'm looking forward to them! Just leave out anything hurricane-related.

Gas Prices Rise in Florida and...everywhere

Just when you thought that refreshing $2.75 at the pump was here to stay, the next time you stopped at your local Chevron, the figure had jumped to a staggering $3.02. No, it's not a joke. This is the harsh reality in South Florida and across the United States.

AAA just put out a list of the top ten, most expensive states to buy gas in:

Most expensive:

• Florida: averaging $2.90 per gallon...I guess I live in a town where we're 12 cents above average...wonderful.
• Idaho: averaging $2.90 per gallon
• New Mexico: averaging $2.90 a gallon
• Arizona: averaging $2.97 per gallon
• Connecticut: averaging $2.98 a gallon
• New York: averaging $2.98 a gallon
• Nevada: averaging $3.11 per gallon
• Oregon: $3.12 a gallon
• Hawaii: $3.14 a gallon
• Washington: averaging $3.15 a gallon
• California: averaging $3.35 a gallon

Least expensive:

• Arkansas: averaging $2.74 a gallon
• Mississippi: averaging $2.74 a gallon
• Tennessee: averaging $2.74 a gallon
• Ohio: $2.72 a gallon
• Kentucky: $2.72 a gallon
• South Carolina: $2.72 a gallon
• Oklahoma: averaging $2.69 a gallon
• Missouri: averaging $2.68 a gallon
• New Jersey: $2.67 a gallon (my home-sweet-home...how I miss it..they even pump your gas for you)
• Minnesota: $2.67 a gallon

If your state is somewhere on these lists, I hope its the second one! It's going to be a pricy summer if these are the figures in April!

Ethanol 101

You've heard about it, but what exactly is ethanol? Well, according to Driving Ethanol, this chemical is really a fuel-alternative made from grains like corn or milo. There are many interesting facts related to this hot new commodity:

• There are 110+ ethanol plants in America
• 4.8 billion+ gallons of ethanol were produced in the US last year
• The U.S. ethanol industry supported the creation of over 160,000 jobs in all sectors of the economy in 2005, boosting household income by $6.7 billion.
• Ethanol is the highest-performance fuel on the market, with an octane rating of 113 in its pure form.
• Auto manufacturers approve, and even recommend, fuel enriched with up to 10% ethanol for all cars.
• 10% ethanol-enriched fuel reduces carbon monoxide better than any other gasoline — by as much as 30%.

Although the US is jumping on the bandwagon of ethanol production, Brazil still takes the lead in sugarcane ethanol production. Currently, there are 2 availabilities of ethanol:

• E10 - (10% ethanol / 90% gasoline) Widely available and approved for virtually every car on the road today.
• E85 - (85% ethanol / 15% gasoline) Gaining in popularity, E85 is the highest-octane fuel available and can be used only in Flexible Fuel Vehicles (FFVs).

According to DrivingEthanol.org, the state of Florida does not use ethanol-enriched fuel enough. A press release from EPIC says, “Florida has one of the nation’s fastest growing populations,” said Reece Nanfito, the senior director of marketing for EPIC. “The demand for fuel will obviously continue to grow in the state, so it is critical that Floridians have the opportunity to make a choice at the pump for a more stable, environmentally-friendly energy future.”

Today, ethanol is currently blended in 46% of our nation’s fuel supply with the majority of the fuel blended with 10% ethanol. Ethanol-enriched fuels need to be made available to the remaining 54%. In many cities, such as Tampa, consumers currently do not have access to purchase even a 10 percent ethanol blend, although it can be used in any of today’s cars.
If all consumers have the option to purchase a 10 percent ethanol blend by the end of 2009, the U.S. can anticipate offsetting the need for 14.5 billion of gallons of gasoline.

E10 is a blend of 90 percent gasoline and 10 percent ethanol and is approved for use in any vehicle built after 1980. E85 is a blend of 85 percent ethanol and 15 percent gasoline and can only be used in Flexible Fuel Vehicles (FFVs). There are more than 6 million FFVs on the road today.

Ethanol is a 100% renewable fuel, distilled from high-starch crops, primarily corn in the United States. By the end of 2007, nearly 140 plants will be producing approximately seven billion gallons of ethanol.

“Ethanol’s performance and environmental benefits resonate with consumers,” said Nanfito. “It may take time, but ethanol-enriched fuels need to a part of Florida’s energy future.”

The US Department of Energy says, "The Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990 mandated the sale of oxygenated fuels in areas with unhealthy levels of carbon monoxide. Since that time, there has been strong demand for ethanol as an oxygenate blended with gasoline. In the United States each year, approximately 2 billion gallons are added to gasoline to increase octane and improve the emissions quality of gasoline.

Blends of at least 85% ethanol are considered alternative fuels under the Energy Policy Act of 1992 (EPAct). E85, a blend of 85% ethanol and 15% gasoline, is used in flexible fuel vehicles (FFVs) that are currently offered by most major auto manufacturers. "

I think increased use of ethanol blends is a great idea and one that needs to be implemented by a government mandate. Since moving to Florida, I have noticed my allergies have gotten worse and I fear the air quality is not up-to-par with New Jersey's, where I previously lived. There are no annual automobile inspections required in Florida and this can take a toll on the air quality. I'm sure I'm not the only one who has driven down I-95 and seen a beat-up '82 Kia with a cloud of black smoke emitting from its engine, going 40 miles-per-hour down the highway.

These are problems that could be resolved through annual inspections as well as a law mandating the use of higher percentages of ethanol in our fuel.

It's Glamour*ous to be green

As much as I enjoy reporting environmental concerns, finding fuel deals and ranting on current events, I *am* a young woman and *do* enjoy fashion. To my surprise, the April 2007 issue of Glamour magazine devoted about 15 pages to a "how to save the planet" guide. Not only was it jam-packed with great information, I even learned a few things! Here are some useful tips that Glamour suggested in order to stop that thing called global warming:

• Look for "Energy Star"-stickered appliances and gadgets..they HAVE been tested and DO save energy.
• Those cleaning bottles you have in your cabinet may not necessarily be good for the environment. Windex? Mr. Clean? Try switching to brands like Seventh Generation and Mrs. Meyer's. Whole Foods also stocks a great line of natural products that won't pollute the groundwater. They may be pricy, but try switching just one of your usual products up with one from a safe, better-for-the-earth line.
• Buy produce at local farmer's markets. I cannot even begin to stress how important "buying local" really is. It helps the local economy, local agriculture, and even helps discourage the subsidization of farms in poorer nations who are practically robbed from by big agribusiness.
• Don't let that faucet drip, make sure you turn off all knobs when you are finished showering or brushing your teeth. If your toilet runs, call a plumber. You will save on your utilities bill while decreasing the need for water.
• Write a congressional representative at: www.nrdc.org/action to support legislation to end global warming and improve the Earth's resources.
• Ask for brown paper bags instead of plastic at the grocery store, or carry your own duffel bags to save on plastic.
• buy recycled paper products and greeting cards...my philosophy is, if there is more of a market for these products, more companies will be forced to recycle!
• Limit your dry-cleaning use. Glamour reported that about 85% of cleaners use Perc, a chemical that has been linked to cancer and pollution. Useful alternatives can be found on: earth911.org and findco2.com.

All eyes set on ethanol

Amidst student protestors and members of the Landless Worker's Movement waving signs reading, "Out, Bush!" and colorful banners depicting a Bush, pseudo-Hitler illustration, negotiations were made and hands were shaken in the sugar-cane fields of Brazil.

It was only 2 weeks ago that President George W. Bush made his presence known in the country, as well as several other Latin American nations (excluding any affiliated with his number one fan, Hugo Chavez). Ethanol, a newly emerging, popular alternative fuel source was on his top agenda as he met with President Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula de Silva, Laura in tow.

In a CNN article taken from the Associated Press, "Bush arrives in Brazil amid protests," it states, "Bush arrived in South America's largest city in the evening on a mission intended to promote democracy, increased trade and cooperation on alternative fuels. Riot police fired tear gas and beat some protesters with batons after more than 6,000 people held a largely peaceful march through the financial district. And in the southern city of Porto Alegre, more than 500 people yelled, "Get out, imperialist!" as they burned an effigy of Bush outside a Citigroup Inc. bank branch."

Many in the Landless Worker's Movement feel their land will be exploited for the rich and corporate profit, yet again. Ethanol is a hot, new commodity everyone is tapping into this market. "Going green" can be used by even the most money-hungry, power-driven to portray their concern for the Third World, but can we at least leave the word "democracy" out of it? We all know that whenever a new land is invaded or people are pushed aside, it's always to promote democracy.

Bush even went so far as to respond to his warm welcome with a so-called appreciation for being able to visit a part of the world where people are able to express their opinions and have the freedom of speech. CNN says, White House spokesman Gordon Johndroe said Bush "enjoys traveling to thriving democracies where freedom of speech and expression are the law of the land." If only this rosy expression were a little more believable. Now, come on...we all know the man didn't travel to the Global South for a lesson in democracy. New Orleans was quite a democracy if I remember correctly...those folk simply wanted their voices heard.

Bush and the Brazilian president discussed ways to increase WTO influence, which include reduced tariffs on sugar-cane imports into the United States. Many Brazilian people fear Bush's Latin American visit may end up capitalizing on their natural resources, while they are left with none of the money and a destructed environment due to increased ethanol production.

How to save energy

I love "How-to" Lists, especially ones that will help save me cash while helping the environment. Here is a list of simple, how-to-save energy tips as compiled on an article on Energy Saving Trust:

1. Don't leave appliances on standby (think of that desktop that runs unused all day on your home desk that you don't see until 6 p.m. at night)

2. Install energy-saving bulbs (they last about 12 times longer AND save you about $10 on every electric bill)

3. Only boil the bare minimum of water you need (In other words, if you're going to boil up some spaghetti for dinner, you don't need a gallon of water, which takes longer to heat)

4. Insulate your attic or loft, so heat and air-conditioning don't go to waste.

5. Install cavity wall insulation (33% of heat lost is in un-insulated homes)

6. Upgrade or maintain your boiler.

7. Buy energy-saving appliances (they may be a little more pricey, but in the long run, they will greatly reduce your bills)

8. Reduce your thermostat by 1 degree. (It will save you about 10% on your energy bill)

9. Use cold water for laundry (You are using about 40% less electricity)

10. Don't drive the car on short trips (Ride a bike, carpool, walk if it's only a mile or two away)

Eco-friendly energy on oil companies' agendas?

When the names "Shell" and "Chevron" come to mind, somehow they don't ignite a sense of responsibility-driven, environmentally-concerned companies. We've all heard about the outright environmental abuse some of these Big Oil names have become involved in. But, maybe all of our concern is having some effect on their views...

In a recent article titled, "Oil companies discuss energy challenges," there are talks going on revolving around fuel-efficiency and alternative energy sources. "When some of the industry's top executives gather in Houston next week to discuss global energy challenges, finding new and more effective ways to produce oil and gas — as well as alternatives to fossil fuels — will dominate the discussion."

Go figure. It's almost like McDonalds is holding a summit on how to stop coronary heart disease.

The article goes on to say, "John Hofmeister, head of Royal Dutch Shell's U.S. arm, and James Mulva, ConocoPhillips' chairman and chief executive, are taking part in separate national speaking tours with other representatives of their companies, talking and listening at town hall meetings in places like Edwardsville, Ill., and Little Rock, Ark.

Outlining his company's 35-city tour in Houston recently, Mulva acknowledged that he and others have traditionally done a poor job of conveying to the public how their businesses operate, the challenges they face, the advances they're making.

Often, consumers' main connection with oil companies comes from filling up their vehicles or, recently, reading headlines of record profits. For example, Exxon Mobil this month shattered its own record for the largest annual profit by any U.S. company, bringing in $39.5 billion. And ConocoPhillips reported its best-ever full-year earnings, $15.5 billion for 2006.

But what folks probably don't know, Mulva said, is U.S. oil companies have invested $11 billion in North America on renewable and other forms of energy in the past five years."

It goes on with, "Mulva called President Bush's proposal for expanding ethanol use to reduce gas consumption "very well motivated," but he said industry leaders "want a seat at the table" when state and federal officials set standards for the use and development of alternative energy sources. 'We believe very strongly the best way of meeting those metrics is to determine what they are and then let the industry ... come up with the resources and plans to meet those, (rather) than have mandates saying specifically, 'You have to do it this way and that," he said."

Pardon me, but we all know President Bush is NOT the environmental protector he wants to think he is...(see my blog post regarding Alaska). Therefore, whatever he proposes, I'm sure will be a bare minimum in actually being good for the Earth. Also, we have to remember that oil companies are corporations, and therefore, have one obligation: to maximize profit for their shareholders. No wonder Mulva mentioned that "the industry" should come up with guidelines regarding alternative-energy use. If bio-fuel and ethanol are not cost-effective, guess how long it will be before those ideas are thrown out? Nice try, Big Oil.

You might want to stock up on water...

because it may be gone in 73 years. If you thought that global warming thing was mere hype, think again. According to a Reuters article titled, "Millions to go hungry, waterless: climate report," a new global warming report mentions that, "By the end of the century, climate change will bring water scarcity to between 1.1 and 3.2 billion people as temperatures rise by 2 to 3 Celsius (3.6 to 4.8 Fahrenheit), a leaked draft of an Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) report said."

Fabulous. As if we want it any hotter here in South Florida, where this summer's temperatures hung out at a scorching 97*F for as long as I can remember.

"In Europe, glaciers would disappear from the central Alps, while some Pacific island nations would be hit hard by rising sea levels and more frequent tropical storms."

As we have all heard, polar bears have turned to cannibalism because of ice melting and starvation. The great tsunami that took hundreds of thousands of lives in the Asian region was catastrophic, but we hear nothing nowadays about relief efforts and what is being done to prevent further disasters of this sort. Everybody knows of Katrina, she's a household name now.

It is inevitable that this Earth is being slowly destroyed, but there are ways to slow the process down or revert it altogether. Why not recycle more so our oceans aren't as polluted anymore? Take your used batteries to battery-recycle locations instead of tossing them into your garbage cans and forgetting their consequences. Switch to cold water laundry cycles and turn the lights out when you leave the house.

All are things we can do everyday to help our struggling environment. Let's not let these haunting predictions come true..

What happens in Alaska won't just stay in Alaska...

I am deeply disturbed by a recent New York Times article, "Bush Mulls Resumed Energy Drilling Off Alaska" that discusses how President Bush is thinking of opening up Alaskan oceans for oil and gas companies to drill.

The article says, "President Bush is considering whether to lift the 17-year-old moratorium on energy drilling in the waters off southwestern Alaska, a White House spokeswoman said Sunday, which would allow oil and gas companies to try to tap into more than five trillion cubic feet of natural gas that lies beneath rich fishing grounds."

Bristol Bay would be an area where drilling would happen, obstructing the habitats of sea lions, endangered whales and sockeye salmon. Many environmental groups are fighting this possible decision. "There has been widespread speculation among environmental groups and fishing industry representatives that President Bush would end the moratorium during the lame-duck session of Congress, allowing the Interior Department to proceed with its plans to market oil and gas leases in the southern section of the bay, along the north coast of the Aleutian Islands."

By using one of the last natural resources in North America for political or economical gain, one of the most pristine ecosystems could become nothing but a platform for oil. I don't think President Bush or the Interior Department get what their plans would do to the environment. All they think about is the "estimated 11,500 jobs and net benefits of $7.7 billion." The article also says the Interior Department reported that 14 oil and gas companies support the possible plan for action.

Gee, do you think the figure $7.7 billion may have something to do with those feelings?

My concern is that every last "open" space, whether it be oceans or wilderness, will be developed, drilled or destroyed all for money. While the government says it is to reduce our need for foreign oil, I say there are plenty of alternatives to traditional petroleum. Biodiesel, hybrid vehicles and electric cars are just a start.

If this plan for Alaska goes through, what's next? The Everglades?

Wal-Mart & gas prices...is there a correlation?

I found a very interesting story on Yahoo News reported through Reuters titled, "Gas prices still big concern for Walmart shoppers." This article centered around a survey that asked frequent Wal-Mart shoppers why they had visited the store less and forked over less cash to the superstore during the month of November.

The article says, "About 28 percent of Wal-Mart consumers said fluctuating gas prices had impacted their spending, according to Phil Rist, vice president of BigResearch, which conducted the survey for NRF, in a conference call on Friday. 'The real issue we are seeing is still the impact of gas prices. And even though gas prices are down from last year of post-Katrina of over $3 a gallon, they are still high and still fluctuating,'Rist said."

Wal-Mart reported that they had a 0.1 percent decrease in sales throughout November, a drop that hasn't been seen since 1996. I found this fact a bit startling, especially since Wal-Mart offers such low prices to its customers. However, I have never been a fan of the store personally and especially dislike it now after learning about its internal politics through Dr. Mark Frezzo's Sociology of the Marketplace class at Florida Atlantic University. I highly recommend anyone take this class if they are interested in how some corporations are assaulting social, economic and political institutions, as well as violating human rights around the world.

Wal-Mart is a case study our class learned about. This superstore ships and distributes all of its goods using its own warehouses and trucks. Outsourcing manufacturing to countries like China, extinguishing local competition and cutting employees' hours right before they can reach benefits are main reasons why I have negative feelings toward the superstore. The Reuters article says, "How much shoppers spend at the world's biggest retail store depends on how much money they make, Rist said. Wal-Mart regulars, on average, make $48,500 a year, $24,000 less than those who frequent Federated Department Stores Inc.'s Macy's and earn an average of $72,500 annually, Rist said."

So, apparently lower-income families shop at Wal-Mart to save money, but how come their sales decreased if gas prices were to blame? Wouldn't more people shop at Wal-Mart, including some in higher-income brackets, if gas prices were the real reason behind the store's decrease in sales?

The article goes on to say, "This year, fewer shoppers are going to discount retailers, while more are going to department stores, according to the survey." I don't know about you, but if I truly had a limited budget because of the high gas prices this year, Wal-Mart and its low prices wouldn't look so bad. Funny how shoppers are going to the mall and department stores more than the warehouse we call Wal-Mart. This leaves me wondering if there is really a correlation between fluctuating gas prices and the store's loss in revenue.

Maybe I'm a conspiracy theorist, but I hope the reason behind its loss in sales is because more people are realizing that while they may save a few dollars at the cashier, it may very well be at the expense of local community, the single mother in the blue smock getting minimum wage or the people slaving away in sweatshops in Indonesia.

Stop for South Florida gas here..

If you live in Boca Raton, try:

• Shell on Glades Road, East of the Turnpike: $2.29 a gallon
• BP at Glades Road & Butts Road: $2.29 a gallon
• Marathon on North Federal Highway: $2.29 a gallon

If you live in Delray Beach, try:

• Gas One at 4701 W. Atlantic Ave.: $2.26 a gallon
• Shell at Congress Avenue & Atlantic Avenue: $2.29 a gallon
• Mobil at Atlantic Avenue & Military Trail: $2.32 a gallon

If you live in Boynton Beach, try:

• Chevron at Hypoluxo & Military Trail: $2.27 a gallon
• BP at Hypoluxo & Military Trail: $2.27 a gallon
• Citgo at Hypoluxo & Lawrence Road: $2.29 a gallon

If you live in Deerfield Beach, try:

• Shell on Hillsboro Boulevard, East of I-95: $2.25 a gallon
• BP on Hillsboro Boulevard, East of I-95: $2.25 a gallon
• Chevron at 998 South Federal Highway: $2.25 a gallon

If you live in Pompano Beach, try:

• Valero at McNab & Cypress Road: $2.25 a gallon
• Sunoco at 5391 N. Federal Hwy: $2.29 a gallon
• Citgo at Powerline & Sample Road: $2.29 a gallon

If you live in Sunrise, try:

• Texaco on Oakland Park Boulevard, east of Nob Hill Road: $2.23 a gallon
• Shell at Oakland Park Boulevard & Pine Island: $2.28 a gallon

If you live in Coral Springs, try:

• Texaco at 8161 Wiles Road: $2.19 a gallon
• Citgo at 8100 Wiles Road: $2.19 a gallon
• Hess at Coral Springs Drive & Royal Palm: $2.24 a gallon

If you live in Fort Lauderdale, try:

• Marathon on SR84, east of I-95: $2.20 a gallon
• BP on Broward Boulevard, east of I-95: $2.26 a gallon
• Hess at Broward Boulevard & NW 7th Avenue: $2.28 a gallon

If you live in Davie, try:

• Cumberland Farms at Flamingo Road & SR 84: $2.25 a gallon

If you live in Plantation, try:

• Chevron at University & Peters: $2.21 a gallon
• Mobil at 1799 N. University Dr.: $2.23 a gallon

If you live in Miami, try:

• Citgo at SW 8th St & 87th Ave: $2.17 a gallon
• American at Bird Rd & 92nd Ave: $2.19 a gallon

All prices found on www.miamigasprices.com.

New trends in car-buying

While those giant Hummers and flashy Cadillac Escalades you see zipping around South Florida look like evidence of a rising trend in SUV sales, that is not the case.

In a Bankrate.com news article on Yahoo Finance, "Gas prices, interest rates spark big auto changes," it reports that as 2006 comes to an end, there is news that the "Big Three" automakers weren't who they used to be. "When you speak of the Big Three, it's no longer Ford, General Motors and DaimlerChrysler. In 2006, Toyota took over the No. 3 spot from DaimlerChrysler, selling an estimated 2.5 million vehicles in its Toyota, Scion and Lexus divisions."

I can see how Toyota is climbing in auto sales because my newest car is the 2007 Scion TC, which I absolutely love! If you look at television commercials, it is apparent that Scion is targeting the 18-34 crowd with glitzy commercials abound with hip-hop and techno music. If you go to the Muvico Palace 20 movie theater in Boca Raton, there are numerous Lexus commercials before the movie begins. No wonder Toyota is climbing its way up in the charts!

The article also points out that "2006 could be remembered as the year that sales of cars began to rebound against sales of trucks -- which include minivans, SUVs and pickups. The last time cars outsold trucks was 2001, when the split was 50.4 percent to 49.6 percent. That shift toward cars over trucks, combined with public perceptions of who builds the most reliable, fuel-efficient vehicles, accounted for the other major industry news for 2006: The sharp rise of Toyota."

Gas prices have been why many people in South Florida and the rest of the nation are making the transition to fuel-economy-friendly cars and hybrid vehicles. When prices were over $3 a gallon, it was bad news for SUV's and trucks. Ford and other prominent SUV manufacturers tried to combat this situation by offering extended warranties and other financial incentives. However, in the long run, it looks like cars gained back their popularity in 2006.

It's going up again

If you thought the $2.20 a gallon you paid at your local BP was a dream come true, don't get too excited. In an AP business article titled "Oil rises as gasoline supplies fall," reporter Madlen Read discusses how oil prices per barrel climbed to over $60 today. The cause has something to do with OPEC cutting its production costs and "assessed declines in U.S. gasoline and diesel fuel inventories."

According to the San Jose Mercury News, "What's up with this recent price blip? Violence in Nigeria, threats from members of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries to pump less oil and the oncoming winter with its demand for more heating oil. Some experts say prices fell so far so fast that they have to rebound upward. Others say there's a glut of oil available and that prices will not rise much." The article went on to describe how a colder-than-average winter that forecasters are predicting may also be playing a role in the increase of oil costs.

Yesterday's gubernatorial elections that pronounced Crist the winner may also have something to do with why prices are suddenly shooting up. It is no suprise to me that a day after Election Day, you see a rise in petroleum costs.

While it may not drop to 20 degrees in South Florida during the winter, surges in gas prices may apparently be linked to those who have to heat their homes throughout the winter season. I expect prices to rise a little and then skyrocket once we reach summertime.

Yahoo Autos goes green

The surge in popularity of environmentally-friendly- hybrid vehicles and the need for alternative energy sources has led Yahoo Autos to go green.

The Yahoo Autos Green Center lists the top four new cars that have earned a "green rating," as well as other information on fuel-efficiency. A question-and-answer box allows Yahoo visitors to discuss questions like, "Why doesn't the government allow electric cars that are better for the environment to be sold?" and other interesting topics.

There is also a gas-mileage-impact calculator that allows you to select the make of your car, the number of miles you drive and compare it to other vehicles' environmental emissions and fuel costs. Another interesting feature on the site is an alternative gas station locator, which allows you to search for stations that provide fuels like ethanol and biodiesel.

A technology section also compares these different forms of fuel and their pro's and con's. For example, compressed natural gas lets out less toxins than gasoline. This is an informative and useful site for anyone who may be interested in conserving energy, saving gas money or simply anyone who wants to lessen pollution from fuel emissions.

Cheap South Florida fuel

Curious about just how much prices have dropped at the pump? Here are your city's lowest gas prices, taken from www.miamigasprices.com.

If you live in Boca Raton:

• Chevron at Yamato Road & Congress Avenue: $2.39 a gallon
• Chevron at North Federal Highway & Spanish River Road: $2.39 a gallon
• BP at North Federal Highway & Spanish River Road: $2.39 a gallon

If you live in Boynton Beach:

• Citgo at Military Trail & Woolbright Road: $2.24 a gallon
• Citgo at Hypoluxo Road & Lawrence Road: $2.26 a gallon
• Hess at Hypoluxo Road & Military Trail: $2.27 a gallon

If you live in Delray Beach:

• Gas One at West Atlantic Avenue: $2.29 a gallon
• Hess at Military Trail and West Atlantic Avenue: $2.31 a gallon

If you live in Deerfield Beach:

• Citgo at Powerline and Hillsboro Boulevards: $2.20 a gallon
• Shell at Hillsboro Boulevard & Fourth Street: $2.22 a gallon
• Marathon at Powerline & Green Road: $2.23 a gallon

If you live in Pompano Beach:

• COSTCO at 1800 W. Sample Road: $2.16 a gallon
• Sunoco at McNab & Cypress Road: $2.22 a gallon
• Citgo at Powerline & Sample Road: $2.25 a gallon

If you live in Fort Lauderdale:

• Shell at Sunrise Boulevard & Powerline Road: $2.14 a gallon
• RaceTrac at State Road 84, east of I-95: $2.18 a gallon
• Hess at Broward Boulevard & northwest 7th Avenue: $2.23 a gallon
• BP on Broward Boulevard: $2.25 a gallon

If you live in Hollywood:

• Hess at 1840 N. Federal Hwy: $2.26 a gallon
• 7-Eleven at 4112 S. Ocean Dr.: $2.27 a gallon
• Sunoco at 3325 Pembroke Road: $2.33 a gallon

If you live in Plantation:

• Mobil at 1862 N. Nob Hill Road: $2.15 a gallon
• Chevron at University & Peters: $2.27 a gallon

If you live in Coral Springs:

• Texaco at 8161 Wiles Road: $2.23 a gallon
• U-Gas at Wiles Road & University Drive: $2.24 a gallon
• Shell at Lyons & Sample Road: $2.27 a gallon

If you live in Davie:

• U-Gas at 4997 Volunteer Road: $2.18 a gallon
• Shell at 14810 Griffin Road: $2.19 a gallon

If you live in Miami:

• Valero at 87th Street & Sunset: $2.15 a gallon
• RaceTrac at 17021 NW 27th Ave.: $2.17 a gallon
• Mobil at 9497 NW 7th Ave.: $2.19 a gallon
• BP at 1402 Collins Ave.: $2.39 a gallon
• Citgo at 331 23rd St.: $2.49 a gallon

Save on gas, shop more?

Here in South Florida, especially in Boca Raton where I live, people enjoy shopping. With great varieties such as Town Centre Mall in Boca Raton, Bal Harbour, the Aventura Mall, South Beach boutiques and the vintage shops along the Las Olas Riverfront, it is no wonder we love shopping!

A recent Investors Business Daily article called "Holiday Sales Should Be Strong As Low Gas Prices Spread Cheer" has a cheerful outlook on the rapidly-approaching holiday season. According to the article, "The average shopper expects to hike holiday spending by 7% this year, according to a National Retail Federation poll by BIGresearch."

The president of Retail Metrics told Investors Business Daily that increased wages, the lowest unemployment rate in over five years and the decrease in fuel costs will most likely increase the amount of money we spend during the holidays. I don't know about you, but filling my tank for about $25 now feels a whole lot better than the $36 it took a few months ago.

"The NRF poll found 61.6% of shoppers will hit department stores this holiday season, up from 53.1% in 2003. And 79% of adults ages 18 to 24 plan to shop in department stores for gifts, up from 72.9% last year and 65.9% in 2004. " That is good news for national retailers.

Gas prices down, airplane tickets up

Halloween is coming up in a few days and that means the holiday season is right around the corner. Before you know it, Thanksgiving will be here. Holiday season= lots of traveling. However, while a decrease in gas prices may help motorists going home for the holidays, those who choose to fly may not catch a break.

In a Yahoo News article titled "Gas Prices Down, Flight Costs Up," it discusses how fuel costs have gone down, but states, "Meanwhile, the average round-trip ticket to fly has climbed to about $434 dollars. Early booking for people making Thanksgiving and Christmas plans is ahead of last year's pace by about 45 percent."

Early booking and increased ticket prices are a reason to start booking those holiday-time tickets right now!

South Florida gas report

Yesterday's cover of the South-Florida Sun-Sentinel featured an article titled, "For now, panel shows commuters enjoy a break from high gas prices." The Sun-Sentinel has a gas panel compiled of 20 residents of Broward and Palm Beach County. They look for deals at gas stations and carpool to save money on fuel.

While lower gas prices are a relief, many people the Sun-Sentinel talked to aren't going to drastically change their spending habits. Lower prices are helping business owners like Mickie Donan who told the Sun-Sentinel, "Every little bit helps and these prices make an expansion more doable." Donan had planned an expansion for her coffee catering company which was hindered because of the price of gas.

Many people expect gas prices to rise after elections, closer to the holidays. Tony Murguia told the Sun-Sentinel, "This is like a temporary Band-Aid." This is a great way to describe a commodity such as petroleum that relies on the political climate for its prices: temporary.

Conflict in the Middle East and the upcoming elections are reasons why we cannot expect these low prices we are witnessing now to continue.

Did you know rain can burn gas?

I didn't either. In an article on MSN Autos titled "The truth about fuel economy ratings," reporter Ann Job exposes some of the secrets behind those fuel-economy-stickers that you see in your new car's windshield at the dealership. There is also useful information regarding how gas is really burned and why bad weather may lower your fuel-indicator more so than a drive on a sunny day.

Do you notice that you have way less miles-per-gallon than that sticker originally advertised? Job says, "The fuel economy estimates for new cars, provided in large black type on window stickers, can overstate fuel mileage by as much as 34 percent, according to the Bluewater Network. The network is a California-based environmental group that petitioned the U.S. government more than two years ago to change the way fuel mileage is calculated.
These estimates, mandated by the federal government starting in the 1970s, were never based on real-world driving. Instead, they're derived, sort of backhandedly, from emissions test procedures. And the process of developing the estimates has been updated only once, in 1985."

That means that these calculations were last updated the year I was born. I have been on the earth for 21 years and counting. Something doesn't seem right here.

Job says that real-road problems that drain your fuel tank like tire pressure, wheel alignment, use of air conditioning and bad weather are not accounted for in these emissions tests. "And drivers who manage their driving habits—accelerating gradually, driving smoothly and with care—can boost fuel economy as much as 20 percent compared to a more aggressive driving style, the EPA says. " Your fuel efficiency also depends on how you keep up with tire rotations, oil changes and other maintenance on your vehicles.

Gas prices at national low

Gas prices were all over the evening news with stories on CBS and NBC tonight. CBS reported that the national average of gas prices today is $2.23 a gallon, the lowest it has been since last Christmas. The Department of Energy came up with this number, which is $.81 lower than numbers in August.

CBS reporter Anthony Mason questions the correlation between lower prices at the pump and President Bush's popularity. Several citizens that were interviewed said they believe that if the economy is good, people will be swayed to vote Republican. While some are labeled conspiracy theorists for having this belief, it is not unreasonable to question why gas prices have suddenly dropped at such a time in the political world.

NBC Evening News also covered the drop in gas prices and one woman agrees, "It's pretty convenient now that elections are coming up." Reporter Kerry Sanders did a road trip story for NBC in which he drove from Massachusetts to Maine, documenting gas prices and people's thoughts on the drop in costs. One family stated that it was too expensive to travel this summer and now that fuel costs have dropped, they have more money to spend on weekend trips.

Sanders reported that he spent $43.44 on his road trip; a figure that would have been almost $60 if he went in the summer.