The restorative power of nature is a recurrent theme in literature, music and art. And if ever Hoosiers could use a little restorative power, it’s right about now. If you are looking to get away this month, but maybe not to a crowded or far away place, Indiana offers a diverse group of public campgrounds…. Continue reading.
By B. Rosie Lerner As recovered COVID-19 patients were being wheeled from some Indiana hospitals to family members waiting to take them home this spring, they were cheered by hospital workers and serenaded with the eternally cheerful Beatles tune, “Here Comes the Sun.” You needn’t have experienced “a long cold lonely winter” — or spring… Continue reading.
Nearby lightning strikes are most often associated with power surges in your home’s wiring that can damage electronics and appliances. But smaller power surges — voltage increases above the intended level in the flow of electricity — are far more common and can happen at any time of day, regardless of weather. Surge protectors are… Continue reading.
The Fourth of July traditionally kicks off the height of summer travel season. For most American families, that means hitting the road. How fast the nation stretches and gets back on its feet after the pandemic hibernation is anyone’s guess. But whether you’re planning to shake off cabin fever now and cannonball into the travel… Continue reading.
By Richard G. Biever As president of her graduating class, Abby Bannon was expected to deliver the traditional speech welcoming classmates, family, faculty and friends to the 2020 Crawfordsville High School commencement in May. Instead, in a year that’s been anything but traditional, the talented singing/songwriting senior penned an ode for her classmates filled with… Continue reading.
Locally-owned, family friendly, convenient … and yummy food, of course. When we’re choosing a place to eat, these important considerations lead us to our eventual favorite restaurants. Papa’s Grill in Columbus ticks all those boxes — and some more, too. Established in 2008, Papa’s is tucked away in a small strip mall on State Road… Continue reading.
Tucked along the state’s southern contours amid the rolling hills of the Hoosier National Forest and the Ohio River, Perry County is one of Indiana’s best kept secrets. Almost three quarters of the county is within the southernmost boundaries of the National Forest which offers Perry County residents and visitors a variety of outdoor activities… Continue reading.
By Larry Edwards The benefits of electricity are all around us. From increased economic productivity, improved human health and safety to increased customer choice, the efficient use of electric energy has a positive impact on all of us. These electrical benefits are best seen when electricity is used efficiently. Through a diverse set of technologies,… Continue reading.
When you plug a lamp or an appliance into a socket, you expect to be able to turn it on. Sometimes, though, you’ll find that the outlet is “dead.” Before you call an electrician, check a few things out: Plug something different into the same outlet. It could be that the problem is with the… Continue reading.
You might plant shrubs and bushes to make your yard look nicer. They might also lower your energy bill. Careful landscape planning can help protect a house from summer’s hot sun and winter’s cold winds. Here’s a quick guide to saving energy through smart planting: Determine the climate in your community and even in your… Continue reading.
If just the thought of easing up on the air conditioning in the middle of a summer heat wave makes you sweat, consider this trick to save electricity: Go outside. Spend weekend days outdoors. Before you leave the house for the day, turn the a/c up a few degrees. No need to keep your house… Continue reading.
If it’s too hot to fire up the grill this July 4, then it’s too warm indoors to heat up the oven. The solution: Host an energy-free potluck for the holiday and ask each guest to bring a cold dish that does not require any cooking before the party or heating during the event. Some… Continue reading.