Q: DEAR TIM: The last major storm knocked out my electric power for days. I'm wondering if I should invest in a portable generator or a standby generator. What's the difference? How do you determine what size electric generator to purchase? Do you think I can install one myself? I'm pretty handy. -- Bonnie S., Burlington, Vt. A: DEAR BONNIE: Two months ago, Hurricane Ike passed through Cincinnati. It was a cloudless day with fierce sustained winds. My house lost power, and it wasn't restored for five days. Electricity is almost like oxygen in some ... (more)