Green

President Barack Obama and Energy Secretary Steven Chu announced new efficiency standards for light bulbs Monday afternoon, saying that the changes would result in more than $4 billion in savings for consumers per year, starting around 2012.

Today, President Barack Obama said that he is confident that the U.S. Senate will pass a sweeping energy and climate bill that narrowly passed the House last week.

On Friday, the American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009 (Waxman-Markey Climate Change bill) passed the U.S. House of Representatives, 219-212. The author of the bill, Representative Henry Waxman (D-CA) joined Montel on “Montel Across America” to discuss how the bill will help combat climate change, create jobs, and why Rush Limbaugh’s “climate change is a hoax” talking point is absurd.

You might be surprised to find that Vodka has a wide range of potential uses beyond the dirty martini. Check out our list of home rememdies that are very effective and less toxic than many of the chemical alternatives you might use for these tasks.

1. Treat Poison Ivy: Vodka will wash away the itchy urushiol oil.

2. Freshen Laundry: Vodka kills odor-causing bacteria, but doesn't leave a scent when dry. 

3. Shine Chrome, Glass and Porcelain Fixtures: Moisten a soft cloth with vodka and then work it out.

4. Preserve Flowers: Just add a few drops of vodka and a teaspoon of sugar to the water in your flower vase.

5. Insect Repellent: Pour a little vodka in a spray bottle and squirt on yourself as a repellent.

6. Soothe Jellyfish Stings: Vodka disinfects and alleviates the intensity of a jellyfish sting.

7. Get Shiny Hair: Add a bit of vodka to a 12-ounce bottle of shampoo for lush, healthier hair.

8. Clean Away Mold:  Spritz on moldy tile and then let sit for 15 minutes. Scrub away with an old toothbrush.

9. Make a Soothing Tincture: Fill a glass jar with fresh lavender flowers and top off with vodka. Seal with a lid and place in the sun for three days. 

10. Ease a Toothache: Swish a shot of vodka over the affected area. It can help disinfect, and should numb some of the pain in your gums.

And even more great stories from Air America

The Waxman-Markey Climate Change Bill, a.k.a. H.R. 2454, was narrowly passed by the U.S. House of Representatives today, 219-212.

Steny Hoyer, the Democratic House Majority Leader, predicts that his party will have the 218 votes needed to pass the Waxman-Markey Climate and Energy bill.