Q. I have a small, portable one-room air conditioner that I've used for several years. Now, some of the grease has leaked from the rear of the unit onto the vinyl siding of my house. How do I clean it off?

A. Always try soap and water first or the cleaner that is recommended. Having said that, and because the grease you're describing is probably a petrochemical based material (not silicone), it can probably best be cleaned using something like gasoline or acetone.

First, make sure there are no flames or sparks nearby, and turn off and disconnect any nearby appliances that could spark while you're working. No smoking during this project.

Then, simply put a very small amount of gasoline onto the rag and wipe. The stain will disappear.
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Garden Calendar

FEB 16/17 Wight's Home and Garden: 5026 196th St. S.W. Lynnwood. 425-775-3636; wights.com.

11 a.m. -- Kids Thyme, Plant an Ivy Heart Topiary in a Red Bucket: Plant an Heart Shaped Ivy Topiary for someone special for Valentine's Day.

No-compromise mild hybrid car engine has a promising future

Several alternative technologies have been proposed to replace the car's internal combustion engine; some companies are already marketing hybrid gasoline/electric hybrids, though these have their shortcomings. Jon Severn reports on a mild hybrid that makes no compromises, yet it drastically cuts fuel consumption and emissions.

Most of us, as consumers of the automotive industry's products, would like to see the next generation of cars have improved performance, driveability that is better or no worse than what we have now, more gadgets, lower fuel consumption, and a price that is lower. Largely on our behalf, the industry and legislators would also like future vehicles to generate reduced emissions, though there is an ongoing argument over where the balance should be between CO2, NOx and, for diesel-engined cars, particulates; Europe and Japan agree rather more closely with each other than with the USA.

Schools’calendar familiar

Columbia Public Schools students would start the 2008-09 school year on Tuesday, Aug. 19, and would have the Nov. 4 presidential Election Day off under a calendar being proposed by the district.

The calendar essentially mirrors this school year, with a mid-August start date, a two-week winter break and a weeklong spring break. The calendar also has four built-in snow days that, if used, would require students to be in school until June 3, 2009.

The calendar would end first semester before the winter break, a schedule change implemented for the first time this year.

"We asked teachers on a survey if they liked the semester ending prior to the winter break, and they were just overwhelmingly supportive," Assistant Superintendent Lynn Barnett said. "Parents and children weve talked to have been very supportive of it, too, so it looks like something well continue."

The public can weigh in on the calendar through a survey posted on the districts Web site, www.columbia.k12.mo.us.