[Energy Efficiency]
Pressure cookers: quick, easy, energy efficient
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
They’re no longer your grandma’s kitchen utensil.
What’s old is new again. You may remember the hissing and rocking of a pressure cooker or canner in your grandmother’s kitchen when growing up. You may also remember the danger of pressure build up or a steam release or the time it took for all the pressure to release naturally after the...
[Energy - General]
Protect your computer during a power outage
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Tips from a national expert and help from your electric cooperative.
National expert James Dulley answers a reader’s question.
Dear Jim: I added “smart house” computer controls to make my house more efficient. During even a brief power outage, settings are lost. Are there backup power supplies that don’t waste electricity and are big ones bet...
[Energy Efficiency]
A report on Iowa’s energy situation
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
We are producing more and more renewables, but we’re still not as efficient as we could be.
As Iowans, we take pride in many things about our great state: corn, the Hawkeyes and the Cyclones, the state fair, and much more. Something not many people pay attention to, however, is Iowa’s energy use. The energy situation in this country is getting more dire everyday, and we need to exami...
[Energy Efficiency]
Energy Star home improvements
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Remodeling with energy efficiency in mind yields multiple benefits.
Planning a home remodeling project? Incorporating Energy Star-recommended practices into your remodel can increase your home’s value, save you money on utility bills, and enhance your home’s overall comfort. Plus, you’ll know you’re doing your part to help the environment.
&...
[Our Community]
From veterinarian to vintner
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Careers aren’t so far apart.
It may seem that the careers of Dr. Ken Groninga—first a veterinarian and now a vintner —are about as divergent as they could be. But on close look, they really have a common thread, bringing pleasure to customers and caring for the “patients,” whether they are animals or gra...
[Recreation]
Fall camping: An energy-saving vacation
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Turn off the TV and head outdoors for a great time exploring Iowa.
There might not be any oceanside beaches or towering mountains in Iowa, but you can still have an adventurous, outdoor vacation. Many of Iowa’s vistas are worth taking a second (or third) look at. The best way to soak in Iowa’s autumn beauty? Camping.
Fall camping has been a mainstay of...
[Family Finances]
Freeze your credit
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
New law permits consumers to “freeze” or block sharing of their credit reports.
Iowans have a new tool to prevent identity theft—the legal right to tell the three major credit reporting agencies (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) to place a “freeze” or block on sharing their credit reports. A credit freeze prevents potential creditors and other third parties ...
[Energy Efficiency]
Saving energy at school
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Energy efficiency earns an A+ for strengthening schools—and the community.
Schools across the country are stepping up their energy-saving practices—and for good reason. Energy-efficient schools foster a more comfortable, healthy learning environment for students and teachers. Plus, money saved from lower energy bills can be put toward necessary classroom improvements...
[Seasonal Topics]
September 2008 holidays and special celebrations
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Get organized, and embrace autumn’s cozy evenings with some good books ...
September 1: Labor Day
Sure, we all love the long weekend, but what does Labor Day really mean and how did it come about? Labor Day was initiated by unions in 1882; Congress declared it an official holiday in 1894. The holiday's early history, like that of many, is disputed, but you can read all ab...
[Agriculture]
AgriWellness, Inc.
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
This Iowa-based organization aims to improve the quality of life for those in agriculture.
From farmers to fishers, the agricultural community is an essential part of society. But agricultural work is physically and emotionally demanding and often dangerous. It’s also unpredictable—whether it’s a tornado or flood, Mother Nature can wreak havoc when you least expect it, d...
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