You can receive Featurettes by e-mail daily, weekly or monthly by request. We can e-mail by your choice of topic or all stories as you may prefer. To make it even more convenient for editors to use our stories, NAPS has added an RSS syndication feed to our Web site. Simply hit the RSS button on our site for automated updates on available content. Please contact us to arrange to receive Featurettes in the format that works best for you at (800) 222-5551 or e-mail your request to us at printmedia@napsnet.com. We can provide Featurettes on CD-ROM or you can download it online at www.napsnet.com. Gary Lipton Media Relations Manager Phone: 1-(800)-222-5551 Fax: 1-(800)-990-4329 Web site: www. napsnet .com e-mail: printmedia@napsnet.com #2487 North American Precis Syndicate, Inc., 350 Fifth Avenue, 65th Floor, New York, N.Y. 10118-0110 Save On The Switch To Digital TV Geothermal Cuts Costs And Carbon Footprint (NAPSA)—For homeowners plagued by high energy costs or who are looking to take steps toward reducing their carbon footprint, sustainable, renewable, cost-effective energy is now readily available—literally, right beneath their feet. According to studies by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, geothermal heating and cooling, using the renewable solar heat energy stored in the Earth, is the most energy-efficient option available. The experts at WaterFurnace Renewable Energy say it’s also the most plentiful source of renewable energy and is available virtually anywhere in the United States. The sustainability and energy efficiency of geothermal systems come from the fact that the temperature just a few feet below ground remains almost constant throughout the year, regardless of climate. That’s because the ground absorbs and retains 47 percent of the sun’s energy. A geothermal heat pump uses a small-diameter pipe called an earth loop to reach this energy source and provide cooling in summer and heating in the winter without burning fossil fuels. Even noise pollution is avoided—the system’s sound level is similar to that of a refrigerator. (NAPSA)—For 50 years, entertainment has been delivered to your television as an analog signal. Now everything is going digital. Beginning February 17, 2009, the U.S. will shift to digital-only television broadcasts. As of that date, analog TVs that use antennae will need a digital-to-analog (DTA) converter box to continue receiving broadcasts. By choosing an E NERGY S TAR -qualified DTA converter box, you can save energy, save money and help fight global warming. For homeowners looking to reduce both energy costs and their carbon footprint, things are looking up as more and more are looking down—at the green, renewable geothermal energy lying right beneath their feet. Geothermal systems can also generate free heat for hot water in the summer months and provide tempered water for your water heater the rest of the time. It’s the greenest system available in more ways than one: Homeowners can reduce both their carbon footprint and their utility bills. The energy savings provided by a WaterFurnace Envision geothermal system, for example, can be as much as 70 percent when compared with a conventional system (natural gas, oil, electricity or propane fuel). For more information on energy-efficient geothermal heating and cooling, visit www.water furnace.com. Most home energy comes from power plants burning fossil fuels, which in turn creates greenhouse gas emissions that add to global warming. If all DTA converter boxes sold in the United States were E N E R G Y S TA R qualified, Americans would reduce greenhouse gases equal to the emissions from 1 million cars. Look for the ENERGY STAR label when you’re in the market for other electronic products, including TVs, DVD players, computers, printers and copiers. These products meet strict energy-efficiency guidelines set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and come with the same features and functions that standard products offer. For more information, visit www.energystar.gov/products. Fueling Kids For Sports (NAPSA)—Whether going all out for the soccer team or training for a dance performance, the energy needs of kids and teens are generally greater than adults. After all, they need nutrition for growth as well as sports performance and that energy largely comes from the foods they consume. Nutritious snacks that fuel the body for activity go a long way to helping young athletes perform at their best. Portable snacks before and after exercise to achieve a sustained energy boost are as close as your pantry. Sun-Maid Growers of California have made it especially easy for onthe-go families with a variety of premeasured boxes of Sun-Maid Natural Raisins and soon with new single-serve packages of golden raisins and dried cranberries. Each box is about 90 calories, an ideal serving size for a quick energy boost for older kids and teens. For very active sports such as football, basketball, hockey and soccer, keeping young athletes fueled before and after practice is essential. That’s not always easy when racing to the field after school. The answer can come from this on-thego snack. Protein from the nuts, whole grains and raisins for energy, and a touch of sweetness from honey are what make granola cups great for a pre- or postgame treat. For more dried fruit recipe ideas, visit www.sunmaid.com. On-The-Go Granola Cups 13⁄4 cups old-fashioned oats 1 ⁄4 cup finely chopped pecans 1 ⁄4 cup finely chopped almonds Handy, healthful snacks are easy to make and can help fuel on-thego young athletes. ⁄4 2 1 ⁄2 2 1 1 1 1 cup pumpkin seeds tablespoons sesame seeds cup maple syrup or honey tablespoons butter, melted large egg white teaspoon vanilla cup Sun-Maid Fruit Bits or Natural Raisins Preheat oven to 350F. Line 12-cup muffin tin with muffin papers. Spread oats, nuts and seeds on a rimmed baking sheet. Bake for 20 minutes or until fragrant and lightly toasted. Reduce oven temperature to 300F. Combine syrup or honey, butter, egg white and vanilla in large bowl. Add raisins or fruit bits and toasted mixture; stir well. Spoon 1⁄3 cup mixture into each muffin cup and pack firmly using bottom of flat measuring cup. Bake 40 minutes until well browned. Cool completely in pan. Makes 12 cups. Store in airtight container.