As we have learned, some kinds of atoms contain loosely attached electrons. Electrons can be made to move easily from one atom to another. When those electrons move among the atoms of matter, a current of electricity is created.

Take a piece of wire. The electrons are passed from atom to atom, creating an electrical current from one end to the other. Electrons are very, very small. A single copper penny contains more than 10,000,000,000,000,000,000,000 (1x1022) electrons.

Electricity "flows" or moves through some things better than others do. The measurement of how well something conducts electricity is called its resistance.

Resistance in wire depends on how thick and how long it is, and what it's made of. The thickness of wire is called its gauge. The smaller the gauge, the bigger the wire. Some of the largest thicknesses of regular wire is gauge 1.

Different types of metal are used in making wire. You can have copper wire, aluminum wire, even steel wire. Each of these metals has a different resistance; how well the metal conducts electricity. The lower the resistance of a wire, the better it conducts electricity.

Copper is used in many wires because it has a lower resistance than many other metals. The wires in your walls, inside your lamps and elsewhere are usually copper.

A piece of metal can be made to act like a heater. When an electrical current occurs, the resistance causes friction and the friction causes heat. The higher the resistance, the hotter it can get. So, a coiled wire high in resistance, like the wire in a hair dryer, can be very hot.

Some things conduct electricity very poorly. These are called insulators. Rubber is a good insulator, and that's why rubber is used to cover wires in an electric cord. Glass is another good insulator. If you look at the end of a power line, you'll see that it is attached to some bumpy looking things. These are glass insulators. They keep the metal of the wires from touching the metal of the towers.

Another type of electrical energy is static electricity. Unlike current electricity that moves, static electricity stays in one place.

Try this experiment...

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The Energy Story - Chapter 3: Static Electricity ... ...

The Braves named former All-Star corner infielder Kevin Seitzer as their new hitting coach Monday, hiring him away from Toronto after an impressive season in his only year coaching Blue Jays hitters.

After Seitzer, 52, and the Blue Jays couldnt agree to terms this month on a new contract, the Braves moved quickly to hire the former two-time All-Star infielder after interviewing him and and at least a handful of other candidates. Longtime minor league hitting coach Jose Castro was named assistant hitting coach.

Seitzer coached a Toronto offense that ranked fourth in the American League in runs (723) and batting average (.259), second in OPS (.736) and home runs (177), and third in on-base percentage (.323) and slugging percentage (.414).

The Blue Jays were seventh or lower in each of those categories in 2013 except homers, where they ranked fourth.

Seitzer will be assisted by Castro, 56, a member of the Cubs major league coaching staff last season after 25 years as a minor league hitting coordinator or coach in four organizations including the Marlins, where he worked with current Braves manager Fredi Gonzalez. He was also Seattles interim major league hitting coach in 2008.

This is Fredis staff and he was actively involved throughout the process, John Hart, the Braves new president of baseball operations, said in a news release. With todays two additions, as well as Bo Porter as our new third-base coach, we feel that we have a put a great staff in place.

As recently as two weeks ago it was reported Seitzer would likely return for a second season with Toronto. But the sides had not been able to come to terms on a new deal, and the Braves and Hart hired him away from the Blue Jays.

Seitzer, 52, will be the Braves fourth hitting coach in six seasons. Terry Pendleton was reassigned to first-base coach after the 2010 season, Larry Parrish was fired after one season in the role in 2011, and Greg Walker stepped down this month after three seasons in charge of Braves hitters along with assistant hitting coach Scott Fletcher, who was let go.

Seitzer spent four seasons as Royals hitting coach through 2012 and had mixed results with a young team that operated under serious payroll constraints. He got a lot of credit for helping Alex Gordon get his career turned around in 2011, and for helping shortstop Alcides Escobar have a career-best season in 2012.

An All-Star with the Royals as a rookie in 1987 and the Brewers in 1995, Seitzer hit .295 with a .375 OBP and 74 homers in a 12-year playing career that ended with the the AL champion Indians in 1997, when Hart was Clevelands general manager.

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Seitzer hired as Braves hitting coach

"In talking to him a few times, [Seitzer] came across as a guy who had a good plan," Braves manager Fredi Gonzalez said. "He's organized and detailed. He's worked with different kinds of hitters. He has his own mindset or skill, and that's that he wants to keep the ball in the middle of the diamond. I think he was the perfect fit."

Seitzer became a candidate for the Atlanta job last week, when he was not able to come to terms on a renewal offer made by the Blue Jays, who employed him as their hitting coach this past season. The 52-year-old has ties to both Braves president John Schuerholz and John Hart, Atlanta's president of baseball operations. Schuerholz promoted Seitzer to make his Major League debut with the 1986 Royals, and Hart served as Cleveland's general manager as Seitzer played the final two seasons of his career for the Indians.

The Braves have also hired Juan Castro to serve as their assistant hitting coach. Castro, who worked with Gonzalez in the Marlins' organization, spent this past season as the Cubs' quality assurance coach. He has more than 25 years of experience as a hitting instructor at the Minor League level.

"It's a very exciting time for me," Seitzer said. "I'm going to miss Toronto very much and everybody that I worked with. But this is something I'm very excited about and looking forward to here in Atlanta."

Seitzer was blessed to spend the earliest days of his career playing alongside Brett, and he was reunited with the Hall of Famer while serving as the Royals' hitting coach for four seasons (2009-12). During one of his earliest days on Kansas City's coaching staff, Seitzer said he was shocked when Brett approximated he tried to pull the ball in just 2 percent of his career plate appearances.

Brett's approach mirrors the mindset of Seitzer, who has established himself as a hitting coach who attempts to fight against the urge his players might have to pull the ball. He consistently preaches the value of hitting the ball back up the middle and to the opposite field.

"The more guys try to stay in the middle of the field, it seems like the more home runs that they hit, the more they hit for extra-base hits and hit for power, better [slugging percentage] and better OPS," Seitzer said. "That generates more runs. Frankly, this is all about scoring more runs.

"I'm a big fan of a home run too. I might be the biggest fan on the planet in that I love homers. But I know how you get homers and how you don't get them. Going up and trying to hit homers is exactly the recipe for not only not hitting for power, but for not hitting for average and striking out more and walking less, and being in terrible hitting counts."

Seitzer's approach might prove beneficial to an aggressive, young Braves lineup that scored the National League's fourth-most runs in 2013 and then scored the second-fewest runs in the Majors in '14, when they hit 58 fewer home runs than they had the year before.

The Braves, who have produced the franchise's four-highest strikeout totals over the past four seasons, hit .251 with runners in scoring position in 2013, and .236 (third-worst mark in the Majors) this year.

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Braves bring in Seitzer to be hitting coach

Simplifying the Process of Buying New Windows

When you're not in the market for new replacement windows, it seems you're bombarded with junk mail, spam, and TV commercial pitches. But when you finally decide it's time to buy replacement windows, it's hard to know what to think. This industry has fooled consumers for years. Good news: you are in control. Why? Because so many companies are competing for your business.

Your Window-Buying Rights

Think the window companies are in charge? Think again. You've done your homework. You've researched window manufacturers. You've completed your Window Buyer's Checklist. Proudly wave your Window Buyer's Bill of Rights at those window companies and bring them to their knees.

Replacement Window Salesmen Are All Jerks

Of course they're not. But a large percentage of them are simply intent on monopolizing your dinner time with a hardsell sales pitch. Recently, though, I filled out this interest form because I needed two new replacement windows. The guy came. He was polite. He told me about their replacement windows and wrote out a quote. That was that. Simple and easy, and the guy was a real human being.

What is the Replacement Process?

You've braved the salesperson, been through the agonizing buying process, picked out a window style, and put down a deposit. Installers are coming tomorrow morning. What can you expect when the replacement process gets underway?

Wood, Vinyl, Aluminum, or Fiberglass Windows?

You've settled on the type of window glass. You've cleverly thwarted the salesperson's tricks and gimmicks. Now--the salesperson hits you with another question: what kind of window materials do you want?

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Replacement Windows - Replacement Window - Replacing ...

Del Val architecture meeting

George Kopec of Settembrino Architects presents renderings to replace the windows at Delaware Valley High School (Christine Lee | Hunterdon County Democrat)

ALEXANDRIA TOWNSHIP The Delaware Valley Board of Education heard about options for replacing windows in the building.

During the meeting on Oct. 27, the board heard three architectural rendering options for replacing the windows on three parts of the building by George Kopec from Settembrino Architects.

The first option would cost $1.9 to $2.1 million and would save 44 percent in energy costs. The second option costs $1.5 to $1.6 million and would save 87 percent in energy costs. The third option costs $1.7 to $1.8 million, also saving 87 percent in energy costs. The costs would include the window treatments.

Settembrino presented the board with a sample of the materials used for construction. After discussing the three options, the board chose option three as it was more energy and cost-effective.

Christine Lee may be reached at clee@njnpublishing.com. Follow her on Twitter @Cleespot. Find The Hunterdon County Democrat on Facebook.

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Delaware Valley board hears options for window replacement project

San Diego, Ca (PRWEB) October 27, 2014

BM Windows, the replacement window company that recently received the Anlin Window Systems Top Performer Award, has been selected by Anlin Window Systems to offer the companys new QuadraTherm window product. One of only a handful of top Anlin dealers in San Diego chosen to offer the QuadraTherm, BM Windows gives customers access to a new product that improves energy efficiency and exceeds 2014 Energy Star requirements.

Described by Anlin as the ultimate dual pane insulation system, the QuadraTherm is a line of dual pane insulated windows that improves efficiency, exceeds environmental standards and reduces heating and cooling costs. QuadraTherm windows from Anlin have a forty percent more energy efficient Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) and a thirty-four percent more energy efficient U-Factor compared to typical vinyl low emissivity, or Low-E, windows. Compared to the average triple pane vinyl window products, the QuadraTherm from Anlin Window Systems has a sixteen percent more efficient SHGC and an eight percent more efficient U-Factor.

For green building projects that are mandated to meet Energy Star requirements and for those that aim to be more environmentally responsible, the QuadraTherm window product goes beyond the Energy Star requirement. A QuadraTherm window from Anlin Window Systems has a thirty percent more energy efficient SHGC than Energy Star requires and a thirty-four percent more energy efficient U-Factor than Energy Star requires of windows.

Michal Bohm, owner of BM Windows says, we are pleased that Anlin Window Systems selected us among the San Diego replacement window companies to offer the new QuadraTherm dual pane insulated windows. Bohm says that adding the QuadraTherm to the list of products BM Windows offers allows the company to serve customers better. BM Windows has seen an increase in demand for replacement windows that are energy efficient and environmentally responsible. San Diego homeowners look for windows that meet the same high standards of design and performance that they expect throughout their homes. Bohm says the QuadraTherm will help his company meet that demand and more.

We are honored to be chosen by Anlin Window Systems and we are looking forward to bringing the QuadraTherm windows to San Diego homeowners who value energy efficiency and quality design, says Bohm. About BM Windows

BM Windows is a San Diego replacement window and door company specializing in vinyl retrofit products that perform well in coastal climates. The company was established with an unwavering commitment to customer satisfaction and follows a simple philosophy - deliver high quality products and service at affordable prices without the hassle of high pressure sales presentations. Learn more about BM Windows online at http://www.bmwindowsca.com/.

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BM Windows Selected as Southern California Dealer for Anlin Window Systems New QuadraTherm Windows

Since 1975 Area Heating & Cooling, Inc has worked hand in hand with the local contractors in Clark & Cowlitz County. We know what it takes to get your job done on time to keep your project moving. If you are a builder looking for a heating contractor to get your job done right and on time, call us for an estimate on your upcoming projects! We specialize in custom and spec homes.

Dear ENERGY STAR Leadership in Housing Awardee,

Congratulations! In recognition of your commitment to providing our nations homebuyers with ENERGY STAR certified homes, your company has earned a 2012 ENERGY STAR Leadership in Housing Award. This award recognizes your organizations work in promoting energy efficient construction and helping to protect the environment through its partnership with ENERGY STAR.

Despite the downturn in the housing market, it is clear that both home builders and home buyers are continuing to invest in high performing homes. To date, more than 1.3 million ENERGY STAR certified homes have been built with more than 127,000 constructed in 2011. All of this is thanks to the hard work and dedication by more than 5,400 active ENERGY STAR for New Homes partners!

Last year alone, with the help of ENERGY STAR and partners like you, Americans saved nearly $400 million on their utility bills, and avoided greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to that of more than 510,000 vehicles. We appreciate the contribution that your organization has made to help ENERGY STAR achieve this great level of success, and your continued partnership.

This year, EPA is proud to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the ENERGY STAR program. For two decades, ENERGY STAR has helped millions of Americans and thousands of businesses save energy, save money, and protect the climate. Over the past 20 years, Americans, with help from ENERGY STAR, have saved nearly $230 billion on utility bills and prevented more than 1.7 billion metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions.

Attached you will find a certificate recognizing you for your achievements in energy efficient new home construction. Please accept this as a token of our appreciation for your hard work and dedication to the ENERGY STAR Program. We will also be sending you a separate email that will includes a press-release template and marketing ideas for advertising your Leadership in Housing Award.

EPA is pleased to offer this certificate, in addition to the opportunity for partners to order their own plaques, if they so choose. Sponsoring organizations will also have the opportunity to order plaques on their local partners behalves as well. The organization name to appear on your plaque will be the same as that which is listed on your certificate, unless otherwise specified. Directions for purchasing one or more plaques on behalf of your organization will be sent in a separate message.

The Leadership in Housing Awardee page

The ENERGY STAR for New Homes Team

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Area Heating and Cooling Inc. - Air Conditioners, Heat ...

HOT SPRINGS, AR (News release) - The Arkansas Energy Office, a division of the Arkansas Economic Development Commission, will host a Weatherization Day event on Thursday, October 30, from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Hot Springs Farmers Market, 121 Orange Street, to showcase the benefits of the Arkansas Weatherization Program.

The event is free and open to the public. The Arkansas Weatherization Program utilizes advanced diagnostic technology, including a computerized energy audit, to determine the energy-efficiency needs of a house or mobile home, investing up to $6,902 to weather strip or replace doors and windows; caulk and seal cracks and holes; insulate walls, ceilings and attics; repair or replace heating and cooling systems; vent space heaters; retrofit furnaces; replace energy-inefficient refrigerators and electric water heaters; install smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and low-flow shower heads; and make other improvements to reduce air filtration.

Arkansass Weatherization Assistance Program is a great tool for individuals and families looking for cost-effective and manageable ways to make their homes more comfortable in extreme weather conditions, said J.D. Lowery, director of the Arkansas Energy Office. I encourage everyone interested in keeping warm this winter to come out and learn more about the Weatherization program along with basic tips anyone can implement to save money and conserve energy.

The Weatherization Assistance Program, established by the U.S. Department of Energy in 1976, is the nation's largest residential energy efficiency program. Its mission is to reduce energy costs for low income families, particularly for the elderly, people with disabilities and children by improving the energy efficiency of their homes while ensuring health and safety.

Since the inception of the program, more than $165 million has gone toward making 78,000 Arkansas homes more energy efficient, safe and healthy.

A study done by the University of Arkansas at Little Rock showed that more than 3,800 recipients in the past three years reduced their use of electricity an average of 1,562 kilowatt hours and of natural gas 106,000 cubic feet, generating a combined annual savings of more than $2.4 million.

The program is free for those who meet the following annual income guidelines:

Weatherization Day, celebrated in Arkansas since 2000, is part of the Weatherization Assistance Program conference, being held October 27-30 at Clarion on the Lake in Hot Springs. The conference targets agencies involved in residential energy efficiency. The emphasis is on quality performance. Four speakers - Rick Karg, Robert Scott, Rhett Eldridge and Bill Eckman - have been brought in to provide key information on new weatherization technologies.

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Weatherization Day Event Oct. 30 in Hot Springs

Kitchen Remodeling: The Story Behind The Transformation
You see our gorgeous Atlanta kitchen and bath renovations on http://www.AKAtlanta.com but you don #39;t always get the full story behind the remodel. Why did the...

By: AK Renovations

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Kitchen Remodeling: The Story Behind The Transformation - Video

Kitchen Remodeling in Fredericksburg VA | (540) 572-4638
Is there a kitchen or bath remodel in your future? We know that when these rooms start to look old and worn out, questions about what to do next come up. If ...

By: Vincent Renout

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Kitchen Remodeling in Fredericksburg VA | (540) 572-4638 - Video