American Energy Works: Chris

Chris’ story is one of opportunity – extended and accepted. The oil and natural gas company he works for as a liquid mud coordinator saw work ethic and rewarded it:

“My training is not in energy, engineering or science, but because I was willing to learn, was willing to work, they took me from having no skills to being someone who they’re not afraid to have train the new employees – people who are the future of this company.”

Chris is one of 9.2 million Americans working a job supported by the oil and natural gas industry. Check out his video:

Visit American Energy Works.org for more videos and information about the people who’re at work for America’s energy future.

View the original article here

Hailing the Chief’s Support for Natural Gas Development, Fracking

President Obama deserves credit for standing fast in his support for natural gas development through hydraulic fracturing – especially given the no-to-natural gas approach taken by some of his supporters in the environmental community, including the Sierra Club. Here’s the president on Monday in Cincinnati:

“… We’re moving in the right direction in terms of energy independence. Now, part of that is this boom in natural gas.  And this is something we should welcome, because not only are we blessed with incredible natural gas resources that are now accessible because of new technologies, but natural gas actually burns cleaner than some other fossil fuels, and is an ideal fuel -- energy source that we potentially can use for the next 100 years.  So I want to encourage natural gas production.  The key is to make sure that we do it safely and in a way that is environmentally sound.”

The president is spot on – and as a response to a negative question about natural gas, his remarks were all the more remarkable. Because of abundant, affordable gas, made accessible through fracking, the global energy balance could be shifting. The president continued:

“Now, you always hear these arguments that somehow there’s this huge contradiction between the environment and economic development, or the environment and energy production.  And the fact of the matter is that there are a lot of folks right now that are engaging in hydraulic fracking who are doing it safely.”

This also is true. The oil and natural gas industry has focused on making hydraulic fracturing safer and more efficient through a set of standards that guide operators, and it has worked with states to develop regulatory regimes tailored for their specific conditions. The president went on:

“The problem is, is that we haven’t established clear guidelines for how to do it safely, and informed the public so that neighbors know what’s going on, and your family, you can make sure that any industry that’s operating in your area, that they’re being responsible.”

Well, OK. The president is mistaken or misinformed on that point. Industry has been clear and detailed in developing the standards mentioned above. It also has supported FracFocus.org to create transparency about fracking itself – a website community members can use to learn where wells are being drilled in their area, as well as the chemicals being used in the fracking fluids themselves. The industry takes community engagement and support seriously and is committed to getting shale development right.

Back to the president:

“What we’ve said is, look, we are going to work with industry to establish best practices.  We are going to invest in the basic research and science required to make sure this is done safely and in a way that protects the public health.  And for responsible companies, they should be able to operate, make a profit, and we can all benefit and put people back to work."

Best practices, we’re on it, Mr. President. Industry also is supportive of new technologies to improve operations, including those to reduce or even eliminate water use during the fracking process. Shale energy is creating jobs, thousands of them, and boosting the economy.

View the original article here

Friends of Fracking and Natural Gas

Perhaps as important as the president of the United States acknowledging the importance of natural gas and hydraulic fracturing to America’s energy present (and future) is a sense that such support is pretty far and wide. Here’s a quick roundup of some notable friends of natural gas – affordable, abundant and creating jobs all across the country – with a nod to Energy In Depth’s Steve Everley for help in corralling the links.

U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown, D-Ohio:

“Shale development means economic development, and that’s exciting news for Ohio. It means tens of thousands of good-paying jobs across our state, all while helping to lower power costs for Ohio consumers. … We know that Ohio is home to countless innovative companies and a world-class workforce—now we need to ensure that energy companies arriving in the state are utilizing all that Ohio has to offer.”

Deputy Energy Secretary Daniel Poneman:

“The natural gas boom in the United States offers a tremendous opportunity to strengthen American energy security by drastically reducing our dependence on imported oil, while at the same time creating new U.S. jobs and industries. This is precisely why President Barack Obama is committed to safely and responsibly harnessing American oil and gas resources, and to developing the technologies that will unlock new domestic energy sources.”

U.S. Rep. Mike Ross, D-Ark.:

“I’m a firm believer in natural gas. It already supplies almost one-fourth of all energy in the U.S. and we’re discovering more natural gas reserves every day thanks to newer, safer drilling techniques and technologies. Better yet, more than 98 percent of natural gas comes from right here in North America. … With the Fayetteville Shale in the northern part of (Arkansas) and the Haynesville Shale in the southern part, we have an abundant supply of clean, affordable energy to offer the world.”

Natural gas and fracking have support from strong environmentalists including …

U.S. Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Ore.:

“This is what I tell environmental folks: Natural gas is really important to a lot of renewables, solar and wind, ensuring that option is out there. … Natural gas is the cleanest of the fossil fuels, so you start with that as your basic proposition.”

U.S. Rep. Edward Markey, D-Mass.:

“I think environmentalists should want natural gas on the table as an option. When coal is also going to be considered for new electrical generation or an extension of the life of an existing coal-fired power plant, I think it would be wise for us to not take natural gas off the table.”

Gov. John Hickenlooper, D-Colo.:

“Like any industrial process, fracking has some risks but, really, if done properly, certainly out in the West, there is literally no risk — certainly much less than many industrial processes. … I love open space and wilderness, but we all drive cars, right? And we all need energy. We recognize that, along with education, energy is the other necessary component to lifting people out of poverty.”

That last point is so important. Energy development is the difference between modern and primitive civilization – facilitating greater freedom, mobility and opportunity for better, healthier lives.

Candidly, the choice offered by some opponents of natural gas and hydraulic fracturing isn’t between more responsible development and less; it’s between responsible development and NO development. It’s an extreme choice. As energy blogger Steve Maley posted a few weeks ago, “If you’re not a fan of natural gas you’re a fan of mud huts.”

The right choice is to safely and responsibly develop a resource that can play a major role in securing America’s energy future.

View the original article here

I'll Just Have A Salad – Weekly Weigh In

This week at Weight Watchers, I was expecting a good number.  I had a good week.  It’s amazing how that works.  You do the work, you get the results.  You don’t do the work, you don’t.  It’s not rocket Science people.  But, I still have ups and downs anyway!  So…this week I was expecting a good number and that is just what I got!

Yeah! A Good Week!

I was down 3.4 pounds!  YEAH!!!!!

It feels good to have good weeks!  My clothes feel better, I have more energy and I am in a better mood.  I just need to keep it going.

This week’s topic was all about salads.

How many times have we gone to a restaurant with friends and thought we would be good so we say, “I’ll just have a salad!”  Little did we know, we could be consuming more calories and fat than some people at the table ordering “unhealthy foods!”

We just need to be careful when choosing salads at a restaurant.  My advice would be to do the research AHEAD of going out to eat.  Then, there aren’t any surprises as to what you get when you order.

My favorite salad at any restaurant used to be the Chili’s Quesadilla Explosion salad.  I was doing so good because I was ordering a salad.  Well…my favorite salad has 1300 calories and 86 grams of fat!  It is a whopping 35 Weight Watchers points plus!  IN ONE SALAD!!!!!!!!!!!!

See what I mean?!?

Here are the Points Plus Values for some other salads at some Restaurants:

Applebee’s Bruschetta Chicken Salad, Regular (with dressing) – 30 points plusLonghorn’s Grilled Salmon Salad (no dressing)- 22 points plusOutback’s Aussie Chicken Cobb Salad Crispy (no dressing) – 22 points plusChili’s Caribbean Shrimp Salad (no dressing) – 16 points plusTaco Bell Cantina Bowl with Chicken(as served) – 14 points plusWendy’s Apple Pecan Salad (no dressing) – 9 points plusChick-fil-A Grilled Chicken Salad (no dressing) – 5 points plusSubway Black Forest Ham Salad (no dressing) – 3 points plus

NOTE:  Some of these do not include salad dressing.  Depending on the salad dressing you put on it, you should add the appropriate points plus for the dressing (which can really add up!)

If you are wanting to plan ahead BEFORE going out to a restaurant, the internet can be a wonderful resource to find nutritional information.  On most of the websites in the salads above, it was VERY easy to find the nutrition information.

However, you have to be careful.  I went to California Pizza Kitchen’s website to look up information for my leader because she loves going there.  Well, their nutrition facts are tricky because they only give you saturated fat and not TOTAL fat.  The points will be way off if you don’t know the TOTAL fat grams.  I don’t know if they are trying to be sneaky or what but they didn’t pull one over on me!

I found a great article that shows you 15 Salads Worse than a Big Mac.  You definitely want to avoid these when eating out.

Salads are not always a bad choice when eating out.  Obviously they can be a great choice if you do your research ahead of time.  Just plan ahead so you aren’t shocked when you find out that your salad is not exactly a “healthy choice!”

What is your favorite, healthy salad when eating out?  Let’s share some good options so we all know what to choose next time!

Photo Credit

My name is Jennifer, I’m 35 and I currently live in a suburb outside of Atlanta. I live with my husband, Jason and Shi-tzu, Maggie. I enjoy spending time with my family and friends.
My full time job is teaching elementary school. My part time job is private tutoring after school for grades K-6. I have been on my weight loss journey my entire life but just began to take it seriously two years ago when I decided it was time to start a family. I didn’t want to be one of those people who others look and and say, “Is she pregnant or just really fat?” At the rate I was going, that question would certainly be asked. So, two years ago I joined Weight Watchers. Now, closing in on losing 100 pounds, my life is healthier and I am happier. Now…bring on the baby!
My blog is here for you to be inspired, learn something new, and hear all about all new products I try. Join me on this weight loss journey as I go through ups and downs, good and bad, and continue to take it one day at a time!

View the original article here

What I Love – Sesame Street Style

All around the blog world, people have been putting up things they love from A-Z.  Most recently I saw it on Hungry Meets Healthy (love her blog!)  Well, anytime there is a game to play, I’m in!

This reminds me of Sesame Street.  When I was little, I would watch it all the time.  What do I remember most about Sesame Street?  The letter of the day of course (well, and The Count-He was my fav!).

So, here are all the things I love from A-Z.

A- Avery.  aka The Midge.  She is such a great kid who is so freakin’ adorable!

Isn’t she the cutest?

B- Bananas.  I have a new found love for them frozen and in protein shakes.

C- Chocolate.

D-Dunkin’ Donuts.  Extra large with three sweet-n-lows and extra cream.  Makes the day start perfectly!

LOVE this car!

E- Eastvalley.  I loved it when I was little and I love it even more now.  What an amazing place to be.

F- Family.  From the Elys to the Swaffords to the Holmes.  I love them all!

G- Greek Yogurt.  Chobani Pineapple is my all time fav.  I just wish it wasn’t so high in Points Plus!

H- Haleigh, Hannah, and Hampton.  My sister’s children.  OMG-I love them!

Love these three kiddos!

I- It Sux To Be Fat.  And you.  Without this blog or your support, I don’t know where I would be.

J- Jesus and Jason.  They are both constants in my life.  No matter what is going on, they are there.  I am so thankful.

I love this man!

K- Kids.  Thank God considering I am a teacher.  Although, there are some teachers out there that don’t like kids.  Luckily, I don’t know any!

L- Laundry.  Every weekend.  I love doing laundry.  Yes, I am weird.  There is just something about having an empty laundry bin and clean clothes hung up.

M- Maggie, my Shih-tzu.  She is our doghter (dog+daughter=doghter).  Yes, we are freaks about our dog!

N- Newborns.

O- Opponents.  I am VERY competitive.  I love a good challenge and trying to beat other people.

P- Polar ft60.  My workouts wouldn’t be the same without my Polar.

Love my Polar!

Q- Quotes.  I love a good quote.  My favorite quote ever is, “Don’t give up what you want most for what you want in the moment!”

R- Races.  There is just something about a race that pumps me up.  The thrill of all the people, the excitement of everyone being there and then the finish line always rocks!

Love Races!

S- Scheduling.  I am a BIG planner.  I need things scheduled and planned in order for me to function properly.  It is a weakness and a strength all rolled up in one.  Google Calendar keeps my hubby and I straight!

T- Teaching and Tutoring.  I love seeing children be successful in something they don’t think they are good at.  I love that three of my Math tutoring students got awards at the end of last year for “Most Improved Math.”  It shows I’m good at what I do.

U- Umbrellas.  I have naturally curly hair.  I straighten it every day.  Sometimes, it rains.  You figure it out!

V- Victorious.  I like to win.

W- Weight Watchers.  Where would I be without this program?  It has changed my life!

Jacynta and Kyle…two of Weight Watchers finest!

X- pibb X-tra Zero.  Yes, I cheated a bit on this one but this is my all time favorite drink.

Y- yurbuds.

LOVE these!

Z- Zip-lining.  I spent a summer at a Young Life camp in Colorado and did zip-lines.  It was a great summer.

There you have it.  My loves from A – Z.  Now, it’s your turn.  Tell me 5 things  you love and it can be from any letter of the alphabet.  If you are a blogger, do a post and link to your post in the comments!  Play along!

My name is Jennifer, I’m 35 and I currently live in a suburb outside of Atlanta. I live with my husband, Jason and Shi-tzu, Maggie. I enjoy spending time with my family and friends.
My full time job is teaching elementary school. My part time job is private tutoring after school for grades K-6. I have been on my weight loss journey my entire life but just began to take it seriously two years ago when I decided it was time to start a family. I didn’t want to be one of those people who others look and and say, “Is she pregnant or just really fat?” At the rate I was going, that question would certainly be asked. So, two years ago I joined Weight Watchers. Now, closing in on losing 100 pounds, my life is healthier and I am happier. Now…bring on the baby!
My blog is here for you to be inspired, learn something new, and hear all about all new products I try. Join me on this weight loss journey as I go through ups and downs, good and bad, and continue to take it one day at a time!

View the original article here

American Energy Works: Tanker Safety Officer

Janet DeCastro of Polar Tankers wanted a life at sea, so she entered the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy. One of the requirements for cadets was to go to sea for a year on a commercial vessel, and DeCastro’s assignment was aboard an oil tanker.

The experience has become a 24-year professional career – and is one of 9.2 million jobs supported by the oil and natural gas industry. In the video below, DeCastro talks about the ships on which she serves, and the role she plays ensuring safe delivery of oil and protection of the environment:

Visit American Energy Works.org for more videos and more stories from the people of the oil and natural gas industry, who are at work for America.

View the original article here

Friday Five: Video Edition

Hey friends! Happy Friday!

I made this video ages ago but never got around to uploading it. Other stuff was more important.

Not my favorite vlog ever, but I love all the stuff I got!

Naturally, LeahSweet Mama M

New Zealand people! Yay! :)

Korean BBQ restaurant with friendsChecking out a market or two Watching the Olympics!! :)Chicken fajitasLoads of jalapenos, at every meal (really)Kidney bean and corn salsaEgg sandwichSNOWBOARDING!Getting out of the house for a couple days (working at home is not my favorite)Roadtripping and seeing new things in New ZealandTaking JuJu to obedience schoolSleeping :)

Happy Friday! Enjoy your weekend!

Related posts:

Random Video FridayWeekend Fun & Our Wedding VideoFriday Five: Food From Strangers EditionFriday Five: Photos EditionVideo Doesn’t Lie, But I Do

View the original article here

Innovation: Making Energy Production Cleaner, More Efficient

When we wrote last week about technologies to mitigate water demands during hydraulic fracturing, we knew we’d find more examples of energy innovation for the simple fact that there’s a lot of innovating going on. Here’s a little bit about two other advances in the area of fracking waste water, as well as another company’s initiative to make the development of Canada’s oil sands cleaner and greener.

Halliburton says it has a suite of solutions to reduce the demand for fresh water in hydraulic fracturing operations, called H2-Forward. You can read more about it, here. Basically, it’s a process that allows drillers to reuse fracturing fluid. Halliburton:

"The service includes new technologies such as CleanWave service that is used to process fracturing flowback and produced water, resulting in a clean brine fully suitable for well site operations including drilling, fracturing and completion fluids. … The system, which can treat 20 bbl/minute, uses an electrical process that destabilizes and coagulates suspended colloidal matter in water. Easy scalability enables quickly treating large volumes of water in reserve and flowback pits and, depending on the operation, treating flowback and produced water in real-time during a fracturing operation. The CleanWave system removes up to 99% of total suspended solids, heavy metals, hydrocarbon and bacteria."

Meanwhile, Pennsylvania-based Epiphany Solar Water Systems’ main product is a system that uses solar power to clean fracking waste water. Consol Energy, which is active in the Marcellus Shale area, recently announced it is investing $500,000 in Epiphany and will run a test site for the purification system beginning next month.

Here’s Ephiphany’s description of its technology:

"Dirty water passes into the distillation unit and instantly vaporizes due to the intense heat focused on the distillation unit. During the vaporization process, any dissolved solids … separate, and living organisms (bacteria) are killed due the intense heat. The water vapor (now void or any impurities) continues to pass through the distillation unit. As the steam reaches colder stages it begins to condense back down into distilled water. From the output of the distillation unit then comes freshly distillated water, safe for consumption."

Calgary-based N-Solv Corporation is promoting a technology it says will reduce the amount of energy needed to produce bitumen from oil sands, while reducing greenhouse gas emissions 85 percent without using any water. A $60 million field test in Alberta is scheduled for next April. It uses warm solvents such as propane or butane to melt the bitumen deposits, which the company says is more efficient than using in-situ steam technology. You can read more about it on the company’s website, here.

View the original article here

American Energy Works: Driving Economic Growth

Energy-driven economic growth is more than theory in places like Mount Vernon, Ohio, and Chandlersville, about 60 miles to the southeast. Shale energy is building growth in both places – in different ways.

In Mount Vernon, Ariel Corporation is experiencing demand for the reciprocating gas compressors it manufactures, which are used to extract, process, transport, store and distribute natural gas from shale. In Chandlersville, Steve Addis and his wife own and operate Annie’s Restaurant, which is seeing an influx of workers who’re drilling new shale gas wells in the area. Both show how the oil and natural gas industry supports jobs beyond direct industry jobs.

More in this video:

Visit American Energy Works.org for more videos and information about the people who’re at work for America’s energy future.

View the original article here

Drop That Cocktail

For my first post as Fitness Magazine’s Fitterati, I wanted to inform everyone about the dangers in summer cocktails.  They are laden with so many calories.  And, who can stop at just one?!?  Not me!  In the article, I offer several alternatives that have much less calories than the traditional beverages.

I sure hope you will head over to Fitness Magazine and read my post.

CLICK HERE to read the article, Favorite Summer Drink Alternatives.

I would LOVE it if you would take the time to comment while you are over there and tell me YOUR favorite summer cocktail!

I am headed out to On the Border tonight with two of my friends and you better believe I will NOT be having a yummy Long Island Iced Tea or a Margarita!

Thanks for checking it out!

Happy Hump Day!

Watch out for hidden calories in cocktails!

My name is Jennifer, I’m 35 and I currently live in a suburb outside of Atlanta. I live with my husband, Jason and Shi-tzu, Maggie. I enjoy spending time with my family and friends.
My full time job is teaching elementary school. My part time job is private tutoring after school for grades K-6. I have been on my weight loss journey my entire life but just began to take it seriously two years ago when I decided it was time to start a family. I didn’t want to be one of those people who others look and and say, “Is she pregnant or just really fat?” At the rate I was going, that question would certainly be asked. So, two years ago I joined Weight Watchers. Now, closing in on losing 100 pounds, my life is healthier and I am happier. Now…bring on the baby!
My blog is here for you to be inspired, learn something new, and hear all about all new products I try. Join me on this weight loss journey as I go through ups and downs, good and bad, and continue to take it one day at a time!

View the original article here