“A house is made of walls and beams; a home is built with love and dreams.” -John A. Shedd
As promised, here are some ways to save money on your home utilities:
- Dynamic Pricing. There are two states that mandate that electricity prices vary based on peak vs. off-peak times, but more and more utilities are putting such programs in place on their own. If rates are discounted at night, then that would be the time to run your dishwasher and laundry machines. Your mobile devices could also be charged at this time, while you’re sleeping. According to some energy research groups, savings range from $60 to $240 per year.
- Use a film on your windows. Window insulation film, used on the inside or outside of your house windows can keep hot air inside during the winter and reduce rays from the sun entering the house in the summer. According to the Department of Energy, you can save from 10 to 15 percent on your energy bill a year.\
- Keep your oven door closed. Every time you open the oven door while cooking, the inside temperature can fall 25 degrees. This results in wasted energy to heat the oven back up. It’s smarter to use the oven light, or trust the oven timer.
I put my Grandma on speed dial. It’s called “Instagram”.
Next Monday, September 22, Rosh Hashana begins and it’s also the first day of Autumn. Time goes by fast when you’re having fun.
Scientists from London, England, are designing a new kind of road that naturally repairs itself. Inspired by the way trees heal, this project combines artificial intelligence and recycled plant materials to create asphalt that seals cracks on its own. Tiny spores filled with oils are hidden inside the surface, bursting open when damage begins and patching it without human help. Researchers use computer tools to study how the asphalt breaks and fixes itself, helping them to design smarter, stronger roads. The idea could save cities millions in pothole repairs and reduce dependence on petroleum-based asphalt. This self-mending pavement points to a greener future where even the streets look after themselves.
“The most dangerous phrase in the language is ‘We’ve always done it this way.’” -Grace Hopper
My first job was in an orange juice factory. They fired me because I couldn’t concentrate.
In case you didn’t know. Inside the U.S. White House is a 42-seat theater where presidents enjoy films with family, friends and special guests. It also serves as a quiet space to practice important speeches before addressing the country.
In the hills near Hverageroi, Iceland, a warm river winds through a landscape of mist and moss. This geothermal stream, called Reykjadalur, offers visitors a rare treat: a natural soak in water warmed by the Earth itself. As you walk the trail in, steam rises from bubbling pockets along the route, hinting at what’s to come. After a moderate hike, the river reaches a “just right” stretch, where wooden boardwalks help guide bathers in and out. The further upstream you go, the hotter it gets, so you can pick your perfect temperature. Locals have long known about this hidden spa, but clear signs now help new visitors enjoy it safely. It’s a hike, a hot bath, and a memory all in one.
“My life amounts to no more than one drop in a limitless ocean. Yet what is any ocean but a multitude of drops?” -David Mitchell
See you Out and About!
Norm Stutesman lives in Three Rivers. He receives mail at P.O. Box 103 in Three Rivers.
