Tuesday, August 20, 2013

Open Letter to Memphis City Council

Dear Memphis City Council,

Today you will be voting on whether to allow MLG&W to spend $10.15 Million to start implementing their plan for installing 60,000 "smart meters". This is just the down payment for a proposed $215 Million they say it will take for all MLGW customers to be converted to "smart meters".  I listened to the report by WREG New Channel 3 last night. 


"The News Channel 3 Investigators decided to separate fact from fiction, so we put the three types of meters MLGW currently uses to the test.

"This was a controlled test at an MLGW facility and News Channel 3 cameras recorded 24/7 to make sure nobody could tamper with the meters.

"Here’s how the meters record how much energy you use:

"First, the analog meter.

“'You have a stater, which calculates your consumption,' MLGW’s Anthony Wilson said.

"Digital and smart meters are similar.

"They read your energy use — also known as kilowatt hours — with capacitors.

"Smart Meters send usage information directly to MLGW.

"As of now, there’s no scientific proof smart meters cause health problems, although there’s also no proof they don’t.

"What News Channel 3 could prove is if the smart meter will force your bill to go up.

"In our week-long test, MLGW sent an extra heavy load through the system to simulate what an average customer uses in a month.

"The amount of energy the meters read rises in the video. You can also see the numbers are pretty similar on all three meters.

"We had them run non-stop for 96 hours. The results were as follows:

"Analog: 1:42:55
Digital: 1:43:40
Smart: 1:43:53

"What do those numbers really mean?

"With the analog meter, your bill would be $207.40

"The digital meter adds up to $205.09

"The smart meter would charge you $205.38

"All three numbers are within MLGW’s two percent margin of error.

"The smart meter also lets you monitor how much energy you’re using.

"You can also choose to sign up for a time of use program, which charges you different rates depending on when you’re using the most energy."


Kudos for the great propaganda piece for MLG&W.  I noticed that they left out several key items in their “test”.  They mentioned the time of use rates at the end.  ~the highlighted portion of the report"  Why didn’t they run the test with the current rates against the time of use rates? 

From the cut and paste document that MLG&W provided you with to answer those of us who contact you. 

Smart grid technology is another proven tool to help customers identify energy consumption and make improvements to lower their usage—while lowering their utility costs.” 

That statement implies that goal of MLG&W is to lower customer’s usage of power.  While you say that the time of use rates are optional at this time, what is going to happen when the carrot approach doesn’t work?  What is the stick going to be? 

Another quote from the MLG&W answer sheet;

Smart meters only indicate the amount of energy used every 15 minutes. They do not control appliances nor tell what a customer is watching on TV. The encrypted data only provides a reading and a meter number.”

One simple question; are these “smart meters” one way or two way communication devices?  Big difference.  Will they only be able to transmit data to MLG&W or will MLG&W ~or someone else~ be able to shut them off remotely or reprogram them remotely?  If MLG&W can reprogram or shut them off remotely, then this is the perfect “stick” in their stated objective of lower customer’s usage of power. 
I just received a reply from MLG&W via the WREG page regarding the two way communication of the Smart Meter.
MLGW  "Smart meters communicate with the utility once a day and, when needed, we can communicate with the meter to connect or disconnect service."

So these smart meters will have two way communication capabilities. 

Relating to your answer regarding our privacy; all one has to do is look at the recent revelations with the NSA and Edward Snowden to question how “private” the data that is collected from these meters will be. 

There was another CBS station that did an investigative report on "smart" meters in California. 


In this report, it talks about the utilities ability to "control your usage remotely"  See video at about 1:13 in the video.  "So if there's a heat wave, they can turn your air conditioning down from a distance."

I am asking you to tell MLG&W no today and instead let the voters of Memphis decide on Smart Meters.  I know that your MLG&W answer sheet says that MLG&W customers will be able to opt out and thus we will have a choice and a referendum is unnecessary.  What is MLG&W afraid of with a referendum?   

Have a Great Day!

TNWAHM

P.S.  I will see you downtown. 
 
 

Thursday, August 8, 2013

Back-to-School Online Spa Sidewalk Sale


In August, moms are focused on getting their kids ready to go back-to-school.  Shopping for school supplies, new shoes, backpacks, clothes and now, add electronics, takes center stage for most families.  Many states even now have a tax-free weekend devoted to helping families save on those necessities for their students.

What about mom?  With all the stress that moms go through in getting ready for back-to-school, don't moms deserve some special pampering and a sale just for her?

Welcome to the Back-To-School Online Spa Sidewalk Sale.  Save 40 - 70% on your BeautiControl favorites ~or find some new favorites~  BeautiControl's mission is to bring spa quality treatments home to you because we know that going to the Spa is not always an option in our busy lives or a line item in our tight budgets.  Go ahead, shop in your PJ's.  We don't mind a bit.

Quantities are limited to what I have in stock.  You must either emailtweet or send me a message on Facebook to get the sale on your BeautiControl Spa Goodies.

Skinlogics Thermal Facial Scrub - Experience brighter, smoother, more hydrated skin delivered through the luxurious and relaxing benefits of a thermal masque and scrub in one. Savor the warming sensation as your pores are freed from clogging dirt and impurities that are swept away by gentle exfoliating beads.
Reg  $20  Sale $10


Rejuvenating Eye Treatment - See younger-looking eyes in less than 30 minutes. Platinum Regeneration Rejuvenating Eye Treatment delivers a powerful, concentrated, time-release dosage of advanced ingredients targeted to treat the delicate area around your eyes. After each application, you'll notice a visible reduction of fine lines, wrinkles and puffiness, plus a definite lightening in the appearance of dark circles and increased visible firmness around the eye area. Enjoy results for up to 24 hours.
Reg $42  Sale $17

Tight, Firm & Fill® Extreme Wrinkle Concentrate - Instantly targets lines and wrinkles with a 30% blend of our patent-pending triple peptide complex combined with other powerful age-fighting ingredients to reduce the appearance of even your deepest wrinkles.
Reg $40  Sale $16




Tight, Firm & Fill® Dermal Filling Moisture Masque - An ultra-rich creme masque allows you to saturate your skin with mega-moisturizers providing immediate results - making skin instantly feel more hydrated, nourished and firm.
Reg $40  Sale $16



Tight, Firm & Fill® Firming Neck Serum - This revolutionary serum tightens the loosened, gravity-prone skin around the neck. TFF Firming Neck Serum firms and tones the appearance of skin around the neck, reduces the appearance of lines and wrinkles in the neck area, reduces the appearance of fat and fluid accumulation and reduces the appearance of age spots.  BeautiCoach video about the benefits of TFF Firming Neck Serum
Reg $40  Sale $16

Tight, Firm & Fill® Eye Firming Serum - Lightweight serum that works immediately to reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and sagging skin under the eyes and on the eyelids.  An Instant Eye Lift.  Part of BeautiControl's Instant FaceLift.
Reg $44  Sale $17




Tight, Firm & Fill® Face Creme - Experience an immediate and long-lasting reduction in the appearance of wrinkles. Leaves skin looking smooth and firm with increase elasticity and luminosity. With consistent daily use, the patent-pending triple-action peptide complex creates an optimal environment for the skin to naturally produce collagen, the skin's building blocks of youth, so skin appears firmer.  Part of BeautiControl's Instant FaceLift.
Reg $52  Sale $21


Spa Resurface Microderm Abrasion for Face - Professional grade crystals deeply exfoliate the skin's surface to dramatically increase skin firmness and restore clarity.  Designed for use with facial buffer.  Part of BeautiControl's Instant FaceLift.
Reg $56  Sale $22
Buffer:  Reg $16  Sale $6




Spa Resurface Multi-Acid Resurfacing Peel - Clinical strength multi-acid blend provides gentle, powerful exfoliation, revealing smoother, younger looking skin in minutes.  Part of BeautiControl's Instant FaceLift.
Reg $50  Sale $20






Cell Block-C® New Cell Protection SPF 20 - Protection means Prevention - this dual delivery system helps protect your skin from environmental aggressors like the sun's UVB rays, and helps prevent signs of aging by diminishing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, so your skin stays looking young, healthy and beautiful. Safe for all skin types.
Reg $30  Sale $15


BC Spa Solutions Radical Hydration Concentrate - Provides skin with an extra boost of moisture that can be incorporated into your skin care routine and added to daytime and/or nighttime moisturizer for those with more intense hydration needs.  This unique beauty oil that you can use on your face, in your hair, your hands, lips, and even when shaving your legs might be just what your skin has been missing.  Give it a try . . . your skin will love you for it.
Reg $30  Sale $15


BC Spa Solutions Under Eye Dark Circle & Puffiness Solution -
BC Spa Solutions Under Eye Dark Circle & Puffiness Solution contains a super-concentrated complex of caffeine and active botanicals, including Vitamin E, Cucumber and Coneflower, to help reduce the appearance of puffiness and dark circles. This formula is a lightweight serum packaged in a unique roller ball applicator for quick, easy use.
Reg $30  Sale $15

Spa Warming Trend Green Tea Masque - Warming Trend Green Tea Masque is a botanically-enriched masque that cleanses the skin of dirt, oil and residue. Self-heating and aromatherpeutic benefits moisturize the skin, leaving it softer, smoother and healthier looking.  Great for shaving your legs.
Reg $26  Sale $15


BC Spa Manicure Instant Manicure - BC Spa Manicure Instant Manicure softens and moisturizes your hands and cuticles with Dead Sea salts that gently exfoliate dead skin cells. You will experience the wonders of natural oils as they nourish, moisturize and protect your hands and nails.  One of BeautiControl's signature treatments.
Reg $28  Sale $17


BC Spa Manicure Cuticle Oil Pen - Your nails will look and feel their best, thanks to this luxurious, enriching oil that gently softens cuticles. Use the tip of the pen to push back your cuticles to experience everything this products has to offer.
Reg $16  Sale $8



BC Spa Pedicure Instant Pedicure Scrub - Gently revive the skin on your feet, and reinvigorate your senses with this peppermint foot scrub. Luxurious natural butters are combined with volcanic pumice to smooth and soften your skin.
Reg $22  Sale $13



BC Spa Pedicure Cooling Foot Salve - Revitalize tired, achy feet with this ultra-rich, cooling foot salve that moisturizes, nourishes and protects. Its blend of vitamins, emollients and peppermint oil lavishes skin with moisture.
Reg $22  Sale $13



Tierra Azul White Tea Bath Milk - Let relaxation wash over you as you dip into a bath infused with Tierra Azul White Tea Bath Milk. Settle into a warm bath and restore a feeling of wellness while you experience a creamy, soft infusion of white tea, sake extract and jojoba oil that transforms your bathing experience into an indulgent Spa ritual. Emerge feeling soothed and calm with skin that’s left moisturized and feeling silky smooth.
Reg $26  Sale $13

Dark Brown Sugar Instant Manicure - Dark Brown Sugar Instant Manicure adds a luscious layer of sweet sophistication to our best-selling Instant Manicure formula. With powerful exfoliation qualities and delicious scents of apple, fig, creamy coconut and soft, velvety musk, your hands will practically beg for this delicious indulgence.
Reg $28  Sale $9


There you have it; a Back-To-School Sale just for You, Mom.  You deserve it.  So after you get your kiddos ready for BTS, be sure and treat yourself.

Don't forget, to get these great deals, you must contact me through email, tweet or FaceBook.  And Hurry because supplies are limited.

Happy Spaing!