Plainview Old Bethpage High School touring Italy

Plainview Old Bethpage John F. Kennedy High School’s Mixed Choir is touring Italy this February for ten days!  This choir is made up of 97 students in 9th-12th grade and is under the direction of Mr. Adam Paltrowitz.  The mixed choir is eager to perform from February 14th to February 23rd all over Italy and enrich themselves in the rich culture of the country. 

Stops include Venice, Florence, Pisa, Perugia, Assisi, Rome, and Vatican City.  The choir has dozens of songs to perform including Leonardo Dreams of his Flying Machine, Lux Arumque, Ave Maria, Jubilant Song, Come to Me My Love, Psalite, Fa Una Canzona, O Seh Shalom, O Ochi Manza Mia, and many others.  

Some of the Plainview Old Bethpage Mixed Choir’s performance venues include St. Peter’s Basilica, Tempio Maggiore di Roma, and the Music Institute in Lucca.  To hear some of the repertoire that the Mixed Choir is going to perform in Italy, come to their farewell concert on Thursday, February 8, 2007 at the Good Shepherd Church (99 Central Park Road in Plainview) from 7-8 pm.

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Contact:
Carrie Salmon
Plainview Old-Bethpage JFK High School
Mixed Choir Public Relations
(516) 448-4348

LIPA to Reduce Power Supply Charge by 4% Overall Bills to Drop 2%

Reduction Effective February 1st
LIPA to Hold Reduction Through 2007
Power Supply Charge Down 12.2% Since Jan. ‘06

Uniondale, NY - January 30, 2007 - Long Island Power Authority (LIPA) Chairman Kevin Law and LIPA’s Chief Executive Officer & President, Richard M. Kessel, today announced that starting February 1st LIPA’s Power Supply Charge will be reduced by an additional 4%, which will drop overall bills by 2%.

For a typical residential customer using 775 kilowatt hours (kWh) of electricity per month, the latest bill reduction will produce a monthly savings of $3.01 and total savings of $36.12 over a 12-month period.  A commercial customer using 8,800 kWh per month could see a savings of about $34 per month or $408 over 12 months.

Since last January, LIPA’s Power Supply Charge has been reduced by 12.2%, resulting in a total bill reduction of 6.4%, which saves a typical residential customer $10.14 per month or $121.68 per year.

“This is a step in the right direction,” Mr. Law said.  “Looking forward, LIPA needs to continue to do everything it can to lower the Power Supply Charge as much as possible as soon as possible.”
Mr. Kessel said that the reduction in LIPA’s bills, by lowering its Power Supply Charge, is made possible by recent drops in the costs for fuel and purchased power, and the prospect that these costs will remain lower going forward in 2007.

“I’m very pleased that were able to lower our bills again by reducing the Power Supply Charge,” said Mr. Kessel.  “The historic increases in the cost of oil and natural gas that forced LIPA to pass along some of those increases to customers have eased up a bit.  The recent reductions in those costs allow us to pass along these savings to our residential and commercial customers.”

Mr. Kessel noted that LIPA did not increase its bills last year and in fact reduced its Power Supply Charge by 8.2% during 2006.  When coupled with the latest reduction, LIPA has managed to lower its Power Supply Charge by 12.2% in the last year.”

“At the very least, our goal is to maintain the bill and power supply reduction through 2007,” said Mr. Law. “If oil and gas prices continue to drop in the months ahead, we will reduce the Power Supply Charge again.”

“It’s important for customers to understand that LIPA does not control the oil and natural gas markets, especially if there is a world-wide crisis.  LIPA merely passes on increases or decreases depending upon the market prices for oil and natural gas,” said Mr. Kessel.

Last year, LIPA provided its customers with a new billing statement configuration that segregated the charges for delivering electricity to customers and those for the commodity.  LIPA’s Delivery & System Charges cover costs associated with operating and maintaining LIPA’s electric Transmission and Distribution System.  The Power Supply Charges cover costs associated with the price of oil, natural gas and purchased power.

While LIPA is lowering its Power Supply Charge by 4%, its Delivery & System Charge, which has remained steady since May, 1998, will remain unchanged.

Customers who have any questions about their bills should call LIPA’s Customer Assistance Center at 1-800-490-0025.

LIPA’s Web site, www.lipower.org, has a wealth of information that can help customers save on their electricity costs by utilizing some easy-to-follow energy efficiency recommendations.

LIPA, a non-profit municipal electric utility, owns the retail electric Transmission and Distribution System on Long Island and provides electric service to over 1.1 million customers in Nassau and Suffolk counties and the Rockaway Peninsula in Queens. In terms of customers served, LIPA is the 3rd largest municipal electric utility in the nation
and the 6th largest in terms of electricity delivered. LIPA does not provide natural gas service or own any on-island electric generating assets.

LIPA Contact Information:
Media Relations: (516) 719-9892
Media Pager: (516) 525-LIPA
media.relations@lipower.org

LIPA News Center
http://www.lipower.org/newscenter

BROOKHAVEN, NY - 2/1/2007 - At the recommendation of the Department of Waste Management, the Town Board of the Town of Brookhaven has awarded an operating/marketing contract for the Brookhaven Materials Recycling Facility (MRF) on Horseblock Road in Yaphank to Hudson Baylor Corporation.  The MRF is projected to generate in excess of 40,000 tons of recyclable material annually.Hudson Baylor will commence operation of the Town-owned recycling facility on February 1, 2007.

Hudson Baylor Corporation, the Recycling Professionals, has been dedicated solely to recycling since its inception in 1983.  HBC operates 10 plants in three states, both as an owner-operator and contract operator for municipal
customers.  For more information of HBC please visit our website at www.hudsonbaylor.com.

CONTACT:
Straat Tenney
Business Development Coordinator
Hudson Baylor Corporation
Office: (845) 561-0160
Cell: (646) 283-2969
www.hudsonbaylor.com 

Press Release

Hampton Bays January 25, 2007 - The Miller Lite Beach Volleyball Leagues will kick off the 2007 summer season June 3-17 at 3 sites throughout Long Island. The leagues will have divisions for coed 3 and 6-player teams, any gender 4-player teams and male or female doubles teams. There will also be a Junior Davison, sponsored by Native Eyewear for boys and girls 8-18 years old. Leagues will be held as follows:

Cedar Beach, Babylon, NY  —-   Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday

E Quogue, NY ——-   Tuesday

Long Beach, NY   ——   Tuesday & Wednesday 

There will be divisions for players of all levels. Novice and intermediate players will compete in two separate 6-player divisions; while more experienced players will compete in the 2, 3 and 4-player divisions. Teams will play 3 to 6 games each night leading up to the Miller Lite Long Island Championships Sept. 15 at the Beach Hut, Cedar Beach in Babylon.

There will be Miller Lite player parties every night following play at local nightspots. Miller Lite will run contests and t-shirt giveaways after every league night for players and spectators. Individual players can be placed on teams on the first night of play. The league will be co-sponsored by Spirit Airlines, Venus Swimwear, Iron Horse Bikes, Atlantic City Convention & Visitor�s Authority, VolleyChick, Vincere Sand Socks, Spike Nashbar, Sweet Tomatoes, Rider Sandals, Gared Sports, Park & Sun net systems, Dig Magazine, Six Flags Great Adventure/Hurricane Harbor, Volleyball Magazine, and Sportime

Players needing to be placed on a team or captains needing rosters should contact East End Volleyball at 728-0397 or http://www.eevb.net/.

Event:                 
2007 Miller Lite Beach Volleyball Leagues
2, 3, 4, and 6-player teams.

Times:                
6 pm until dark

Format:     
Round robin play, 3 to 6 games per night followed by season ending championship tournament

Prizes:    
Merchandise prizes from sponsors Spirit Airlines, Venus Swimwear, Iron Horse Bikes, Atlantic City Convention & Visitor�s Authority, VolleyChick, Vincere Sand Socks, Spike Nashbar, Sweet Tomatoes, Rider Sandals, Gared Sports, Park & Sun net systems, Dig Magazine, Six Flags Great Adventure/Hurricane Harbor, Volleyball Magazine, and Sportime

Fee: $60/player

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Richard Heiles
East End Volleyball
PO Box 49
Hampton Bays, NY 11946
http://www.eevb.net/
631-728-0397 or 631-355-1293

Published Local Author Joe Beck Spreads Knowledge to College Writers through Upcoming Speaking Engagements

Bethpage NY (January 25th, 2007) Joe Beck’s career started as a journalist 20 years ago, and his evolution from freelance writer to full fledged author has taught him many things along the way. His newest endeavor is to teach what he’s learned to up and coming “neophyte” as he puts it, writers through his Jobec Literary Enterprises “Writing for Profit” speaking engagements. His core mission is to share the knowledge that comes with his vast experience in many facets of the profession to give students a jump start on achieving their goals.

Joe’s resume is quite diversified; as a published scribe, his most recent work Staying Sane When you’re Buying or Selling Your Home (Co-Author, Da Capo Press 2007), is just the latest in his stellar career. He wrote The Ultimate Home and Property Maintenance Manual (McGraw-Hill 2005) and received co-author credits on 100 Of the Greatest Inventions of All Time (Citadel 2003).  He’s written novels such as Prescription for Murder and Suburban Sins, Plays like Saddam: The Musical and Short Stories including The Scanner and A Servant of the Truth. Joe has many other book proposals under his belt, and has written hundreds of articles as a free-lance writer for a variety of publications including The Long Islander, Schools in the Middle, and The Hispanic Outlook In Education. Joe earned a B.A in Journalism and an MS in Education, and has taught High School English and composition at Kingsborough College in Brooklyn. He’s a proud member of The Authors and Dramatists Guilds as well.

As you can clearly see, Joe’s experience makes him a hot commodity in the realm of paid speaking engagements. Recently, he has worked at several colleges, libraries and bookstores and is always open to discussions regarding such opportunities with other businesses.

Please contact joegail@yahoo.com for more information on booking Joe for a speaking engagement with your company or as a feature at your existing event now!

Press contact: Rick Eberle / PopCore PR / 516-729-6872 / rick@popcore.net

Contact:
Rick Eberle
PopCore PR
516-729-6872
rick@popcore.net

PV System Will Help Carle Place Schools Save on Electric Bill & Will Provide Education Opportunity for Students

Carle Place, NY - January 23, 2007 - The Long Island Power Authority (LIPA) and the Carle Place School District today dedicated the first photovoltaic (PV) solar power systems to be installed by a Long Island School district under LIPA’s Solar Pioneer Program.

The five PV systems installed by Johnson Controls/Rockmore Contracting total 49.54 kilowatts (kW) and will produce a total of approximately 57,500 kilowatt hours (kWh) of electricity annually, which will save the Carle Place School District and its taxpayers about $10,177 in electricity costs per year.

The solar power systems will also help reduce greenhouse gas emissions. By avoiding the use of fossil fuels to generate electricity, the avoided emissions over a 20-year period will be approximately 6,062 lbs of Sulfur Dioxide, 1,984 of Nitrous Oxide, and 1.5 million lbs of Carbon Dioxide.

By participating in LIPA’s Solar Pioneer Program, the Carle Place School District also received a $198,500 rebate, which will help offset some of the capital costs for installing the five PV systems.

“Because of their foresight and leadership, the Carle Place School District can now harness the energy of the sun to reduce its dependence on fossil fuels, lower its energy bills and protect the environment” said LIPA Chairman Richard M. Kessel. “LIPA hopes that Carle Place Schools will light the way for other municipal entities to make renewable energy part of their energy portfolio.”

W. Michael Mahoney, Carle Place Union Free School District Superintendent, noted that, “the solar system installation represents the District’s effort to save money by attracting LIPA rebates, cushioning the cost to taxpayers and reducing fossil fuel usage. When you include the opportunity to educate children about the benefits of alternative energy, the solar installation is a great example of a win-win circumstance.”

The Carle Place School District is also using the PV systems to educate students about solar energy and alternative energy resources. The PV installation includes a “story board” on the side of the school building upon which the solar panels are located that provides a description of all the systems’ components for the students to see.

To date, under its Solar Pioneer Program, LIPA has rebated over $22.9 million for the installation of approximately 859 PV systems Island-wide. That number breaks down to 778 residential and 44 commercial systems and 27 systems installed at educational, not-for-profit and Government facilities.

Additionally, there are 236 rebate applications pending for PV systems that are about to be installed.

LIPA’s Solar Pioneer rebates are currently available for residential and commercial customers at $3.75 per watt. School districts, not-for-profit 501c3 organizations and government entities within LIPA’s service area are eligible for an extra dollar per watt above the current LIPA Solar Pioneer rebate of $3.75 for a total of $4.75 per watt.

More School Districts around the Island are investigating the benefits of solar power as an electricity supply alternative. Two other school districts have applied for Solar Pioneer rebates to help lower energy
costs and to educate their students about solar energy.

For more information about LIPA’s Solar Pioneer Program go to http://www.lipower.org or call LIPA’s Infoline at 1-800-692-2626.

LIPA, a non-profit municipal electric utility, owns the retail electric Transmission and Distribution System on Long Island and provides electric service to over 1.1 million customers in Nassau and Suffolk counties and the Rockaway Peninsula in Queens. In terms of customers served, LIPA is the 3rd largest municipal electric utility in the nation
and the 6th largest in terms of electricity delivered. LIPA does not provide natural gas service or own any on-island electric generating assets.

LIPA Contact Information:
Media Relations: (516) 719-9892
Media Pager: (516) 525-LIPA
media.relations@lipower.org

LIPA News Center
http://www.lipower.org/newscenter

LIPA Solar Pioneer Program
http://www.lipower.org/solar

ACORN Tax Preparation Centers in
Hempstead, Central Islip and 90 Cities Nationwide

In association with the IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program, ACORN is operating free tax preparation centers for low- and moderate-income taxpayers in Nassau and Suffolk Counties this tax season.  A tax season opening event to celebrate the occasion will be held January 18th, 11:45 AM, LI ACORN office, 91 N. Franklin, Rm., 209, Hempstead. The event will be attended by local elected officials, representatives of LIPA and several banks, health insurance and food stamp enrollers and tax filers.

The ACORN Tax Preparation Center in Hempstead is one of 90 ACORN free tax preparation centers nationwide.

ACORN’s free service will help taxpayers who cannot afford to have their returns prepared through traditional paid preparers. The ACORN Free Tax Preparation Center can electronically file current year taxes and also provide fast refunds for those taxpayers who would like their refunds direct-deposited into their bank account, usually in as few as 10 days. In addition, Citibank, Bethpage Federal Credit Union and Washington Mutual will be on site to allow people to sign up for bank accounts. Food stamp and health insurance enrollers will also be on site.

The Hempstead center’s normal hours of operation will be Monday, Wednesday, Friday from 4-9PM and Saturday from 10AM-4PM through the end of the tax season.  In Suffolk County, the ACORN Tax Center will be open on Tuesday and Thursday nights starting in mid-February at Touro College in Central Islip.

“Across the county, ACORN will work to ensure that our lowest paid workers are getting the benefits they have earned,” said ACORN National President Maude Hurd.  “We are excited to be working with the IRS VITA program.”

Hurd said that ACORN will particularly focus its efforts on making sure that more eligible families are claiming their Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), which can be up to $4500 in tax credits each tax year. “The EITC is the federal government’s most successful antipoverty program,” she said. “Unfortunately, almost a quarter of all EITC eligible families do not claim their credit every year, amounting to more than 7 million families who could be missing out on over $12 billion in tax benefits. We are out to change that.”

The ACORN Free Tax Preparation Centers will spread the word about EITC through door-to-door outreach in low- and moderate-income communities across the country.

Nationally, ACORN helped its tax center clients claim over $17 million in EITC tax credits last year, as well as over $36 million in total refund dollars.

“The Long Island Power Authority (LIPA) is doing its part to help get the word out,” said LIPA Chairman Richard M. Kessel. “LIPA customers can find information regarding the ACORN Program at all eleven of LIPA’s Customer Service Centers in Nassau and Suffolk Counties. LIPA is proud to support this vital program for Long Island’s taxpayers,”

Ron Smith, Chief of Volunteer and Community Partnerships for the IRS SPEC program praised the pilot effort, saying “ACORN has been a valuable partner in mobilizing its army in the community for effective grassroots ‘word of mouth’ campaigns in several cities, and an outstanding partner in helping the VITA program impact the lives of our shared constituents in the cities they have been active.” Smith attributes ACORN’s success largely to its door-to-door operations that reach people in low-income and immigrant communities that have not been reached as effectively any
other way.

For more information about the free tax preparation center, please call 516-481-6769.  General information about ACORN’s Free Tax Preparation Centers nationwide is available at www.taxprep.acorn.org.

# # # #
ACORN, the Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now, is the nation’s largest community organization of low- and moderate-income families, with over 250,000 member families organized into 850 neighborhood chapters in 103 cities across the country. Since 1970 ACORN has taken action and won victories on issues of concern to our members.  Our priorities include: better housing for first time homebuyers and tenants, living wages for low-wage workers, more
investment in our communities from banks and governments, and better public schools. We achieve these goals by building community organizations that have the power to win changes — through direct action, negotiation, legislation, and voter participation.

—————-

ACORN
91 N. Franklin, Rm. 209
Hempstead, NY 11550
Contact: Ann Sullivan 516-987-5853 c. 917-974-7814

ACORN Tax Preparation Center
Thursday, January 18th, 2007 11:45 AM
91 N. Franklin, Rm 209, Hempstead, NY

LIPA Line-Crews are Dispatched to Assist the Electric Power Restoration
Effort in Upstate New York

Uniondale, NY-January 16, 2007-A mid-winter storm blasted parts of the Nation’s Midwest and extended into the Northeast this weekend, bringing down trees and electric power lines.

The weight of accumulating ice on tree limbs and overhead electric lines has created widespread damage. The ice buildup as of Monday has knocked out electric service to about 80,000 customers in upstate New York.

In response to a request for assistance from National Grid, the Long Island Power Authority (LIPA) has dispatched six (6) line crews to the Albany area to assist in restoring service to National Grid customers. The six crews or 17 personnel are in route to the Albany area and are expected to be on site until Friday of this week.

“Lending a hand to other utilities during times of critical need is the right thing to do. It is absolutely vital to get electric service restored to area residents as quickly as possible,” said LIPA Chairman Richard M. Kessel. “LIPA is pleased to assist the residents of upstate New York through the electric utility mutual assistance program.”

LIPA, a non-profit municipal electric utility, owns the retail electric Transmission and Distribution System on Long Island and provides electric service to over 1.1 million customers in Nassau and Suffolk counties and the Rockaway Peninsula in Queens. In terms of customers served, LIPA is the 3rd largest municipal electric utility in the nation
and the 6th largest in terms of electricity delivered. LIPA does not provide natural gas service or own any on-island electric generating assets.

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LIPA Contact Information:
Media Relations: (516) 719-9892
Media Pager: (516) 525-LIPA
media.relations@lipower.org

LIPA News Center
http://www.lipower.org/newscenter

Quick Cash Auto “The New Kid on the Block”

Have you ever gone through the hassle of selling a car? Have you ever thought about how dangerous it is to invite strangers to your home? Did you know that many car thieves look in the classifieds to find their target vehicles? Do you realize how much money you’re just wasting on advertising? Well Quick Cash Auto has a solution for you. Their no hassle, no fuss approach has made them the leading car buying company in Suffolk Long Island. They promise to meet or beat any trade in price and they will buy any car, any condition, any time. It doesn’t matter if the car is leased or if money is owed on the car. Quick Cash Auto can provide immediate payment on the spot. By utilizing this proactive approach to buying automobiles, it looks like Quick Cash Auto could become the leading car buyer in New York State.

CEO, Brian Keegan started the company just over 1 year ago. He is a certified licensed dealer within New York State.  He is considered the, “New kid on the block” due to the fact, that within a short period of time he has become one of the leading car buyers in the Tri-State area. How has Brian Keegan done this, so fast? What are his goals, and where does he think Quick Cash Auto will be in a few years? In an interview with Brian Keegan: he states, ” The formula is very simple, by keeping our overhead low we are able to pay our customers the maximum value for their vehicles, Its that easy.” With this bold and refreshing approach you can see how Quick Cash Auto can be the biggest car buyer in all of New York and maybe the Nation, very soon. Brian states further, “Take the time to go to your dealer, let them see and test-drive your car, go to other car buying companies, then bring it to me. I will beat any price, by any dealer, or any car buying company, PERIOD.”

Well, how does he do it? After doing some research we can see that Brian puts a lot of time and effort into Internet marketing and using the Internet to resell his cars. He even has his own car lot, to hold the cars, to refurbish them and then resell them. The car lot is conveniently located on Montauk Highway, which is a main road in the town of Lindenhurst, with plenty of drive by traffic. There are a few cars on the lot right now, but they sell fast. The initial secret to his success could be from a company he started a few years back with a friend called, “Long Island Auto Find.” The combination of LongIslandAutoFind.com, and his new exclusive relationship with LongIslandExchange.com, has reemerged Brian Keegan, as one of the leading auto-traders on the Internet.  He states “If I do a quality job in refurbishing and marketing the vehicle, while maintaining honesty and integrity with my customers, I can sell the car for a higher price. If I know I can sell the car for a higher price, that means I can offer my customers more money for their automobile, and everyone is happy”. With his extensive technology background, and his deep knowledge of the Internet Brian has a clear advantage over other dealerships and other car buying companies.

Keep a close eye on Quick Cash Auto and Long Island Auto find. Quick Cash Auto is already the number 1 car buyer in Suffolk and their goal is to be number 1 nation wide. I think they could be the perfect solution for selling your vehicle quick, easy and hassle free. They will handle all of the paperwork, and just within a few short minutes you can have a check in hand with no fuss or haggling. All are welcome to stop by their office at 147 West Montauk Highway, Lindenhurst NY 11757. Or simply call them direct at 631-226-2952 and ask for the owner Brian Keegan. He will immediately respond to any messages you leave, and he will give you the most money for your car or truck, bottom line. So pick up the phone, and give them a call, what do you have to lose? I know whom I’m going to call when I’m ready to sell my car. If you want more information about “Quick Cash Auto” or “Long Island Auto Find” check out their websites and information below.

Quick Cash Auto,
Brian Keegan CEO
Licensed and Bonded in Accordance to New York State Regulations.
Endorsed by the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles.
Phone: 631-226-2952
Fax:    631-226-2953

Websites Include:
www.quickcashauto.com
www.longislandautofind.com
www.webuycheapcars.com

Visit LIPA’s Clean Energy Booth at L I Home & Garden Expo At Farmingdale University

Uniondale, NY-January 9, 2007- Did you know that something as simple as changing five light fixtures can save $60 a year in energy costs? Or by swapping out a 10-year-old air conditioner for an Energy Star model can save you $14 a year on your electric bill?

The Long Island Power Authority (LIPA) is ready with energy efficient solutions to help Long Islanders build electricity saving strategies into their upcoming spring home improvements. To help use electricity efficiently long term, save money and protect the environment, LIPA’s Clean Energy Initiative (CEI) info booth will be at the Long Island Home & Garden Expo Friday January 12th through Sunday January 14th at Farmingdale University.

Visitors to the booth will:
* Learn about rebates and incentives on EnergyStar-rated home appliances;
* Learn about solar, geothermal and cooling system rebates;
* Learn energy saving tips to help lower monthly electric bills.

“LIPA looks forward to home improvement shows and community festivals to provide an opportunity to meet with customers face-to-face and share information about LIPA’s CEI programs,” said LIPA Chairman Richard M. Kessel.  “I urge all Long Islanders to visit LIPA’s Clean Energy Information Booth and make energy conservation the blueprint of every home improvement project.”

The CEI is LIPA’s 10-year, $355-million dollar commitment to promote clean, renewable electric generation technologies and energy conservation and efficiency. Using electricity efficiently saves energy, saves money and protects the environment.

For more information on energy conservation and upcoming LIPA events, visit LIPA’s Web site, www.lipower.org.

LIPA, a non-profit municipal electric utility, owns the retail electric Transmission and Distribution System on Long Island and provides electric service to over 1.1 million customers in Nassau and Suffolk counties and the Rockaway Peninsula in Queens. In terms of customers served, LIPA is the 3rd largest municipal electric utility in the nation
and the 6th largest in terms of electricity delivered. LIPA does not provide natural gas service or own any on-island electric generating assets.

LIPA Contact Information:
Media Relations: (516) 719-9892
Media Pager: (516) 525-LIPA
media.relations@lipower.org

LIPA News Center
http://www.lipower.org/newscenter