Electric bikes are becoming more popular as people find new ways to exercise or reduce their carbon footprint. Read on to learn how they work and whether an e-bike suits your lifestyle. By Brian D. Smith Electric bicycles may seem like a 21st-century phenomenon, but in fact, the first e-bike patent was granted in the… Continue reading.

By Richard Biever “Don’t look back,” legendary baseball pitcher Satchel Paige used to advise. “Something might be gaining on you.” For most of us, that something is time. But in our headlong rush around life’s bases, a glance over the shoulder is sometimes appropriate. This is mine. This is my final issue as senior editor… Continue reading.

By Natalie Derrickson Catch a glimpse of the total solar eclipse or pick up a new pastime while exploring Indiana’s observatories. The zone of totality slices through the Hoosier state on April 8. Get a front-row seat with a visit to one of Indiana’s observatories open to the public. Holcomb Observatory and Planetarium Indianapolis A… Continue reading.

Knowing the right time to plant vegetables and herbs can be tricky. The following is a timeline from the Purdue University Department of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture to serve as a guide for when to plant.

Adding a vegetable garden is a great way to connect with nature, save a little money at the grocery store, and eat healthier. Here are some tips for adding a vegetable garden to your yard. SELECT A SITE When picking a spot for your future vegetables, choose a sunny spot, as most vegetables do best… Continue reading.

Like your house, your garden needs a good cleaning and some maintenance before the start of the new season. Here are some steps to get your garden and yard in top shape. CHECK YOUR TOOLS Go over your tools and make sure they are sharpened and oiled. Also, consider expanding or updating your garden tools…. Continue reading.

I don’t want to be a one-trick pony and only write about sports, but March feels like a time for basketball reflection. Like most Hoosier kids, my love of basketball began by playing pick-up games with an old hoop in my grandparents’ driveway. I cannot say I am the most athletically gifted person, but as… Continue reading.

The prospect of a new dog understandably sparks excitement, but don’t let those puppy dog eyes distract you from making a thoughtful decision. Consider these factors before you schedule your meet-and-greet with a potential new pooch.  Lifestyle How you go about your day pre-pup will shift once there’s a dog on duty. Assess your current… Continue reading.

Covering 236 square miles, Vanderburgh County is southwestern Indiana’s smallest county. Besides the city of Evansville, Vanderburgh County’s other incorporated municipality is Darmstadt, a small German-heritage town. Darmstadt’s 111-year-old International World War Peace Tree was brought over from Germany as a seedling in 1912. The linden tree was planted in 1918 on Darmstadt’s southwestern edge… Continue reading.

By Richard G. Biever  Last October, Tim and Heather Jarboe booked a campsite at Spring Mill State Park. The dates, April 5-9, are not primo times for catching even blooming redbuds and dogwoods in Indiana. But the couple from Athens, Georgia, is coming for a different display of nature. They reserved their front-row seat to… Continue reading.

Clean your clothes dryer’s lint trap every time you load the machine. A lint-free trap allows for better air circulation, which could mean your clothes will dry quicker. Wash clothes in cold water. You’ll not only save energy, but you’ll save water, too. Adjust load settings for smaller loads. And turn off the “heated dry”… Continue reading.

Eating carrots will improve your eyesight, cracking your knuckles leads to arthritis, watching too much TV will harm your vision. We’ve all heard the superstitions, but did you know there are also misconceptions about home energy use? Don’t be fooled by these common energy myths. MYTH: The higher the thermostat setting, the faster the home… Continue reading.