This week’s reviews include an eclectic mix of short stories in Amor Towles’s “Table for Two” and septuagenarian sleuths in the Richard Osman’s “The Thursday Murder Club.” Sunday Books and Culture is edited by Vanessa Sekinger, a teacher and reading specialist. If you’d like to write reviews for the Advance, please send us an email. […]
ECONOMIC CENTS: HVAC Systems and Air Flow Go Hand-in-Hand
Dirty filters, built up air pressure cause for inefficiencies in many homes. by Bruce SallerGUEST WRITER The heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system works hard enough on both cool and warm days to keep people comfortable. Don’t make it work harder by restricting its airflow. A dirty air filter can reduce your system’s efficiency […]
Sunday Books & Culture for April 28, 2024
This week’s reviews include unusual Victorian history in Deanna Raybourn’s “A Grave Robbery” and maps for the Tolkien superfan in Brian Sibley’s “The Maps of Middle Earth.” A GRAVE ROBBERY by Deanna Raybourn Published by Berkley (March 12, 2024)Hardcover $28.00Audiobook $17.72 Reviewed by Penny A Parrish I learned something new when I read this book. […]
Environmental Cents – Transitioning from Natural Gas
Electric appliances can be a better option than natural gas appliances, but some number-crunching must be done to get the best deal and do what’s best for the environment. by Bruce SallerWRITER If your home uses natural gas, there are some energy-efficient ways to transition from gas to electricity. The process gets a bit tricky […]
Sunday Books & Culture
This week’s reviews include Huck Finn retold from Jim’s perspective and revelations from Alua Arthur, a ‘death doula,’ in “Briefly Perfectly Human.” JAMES by Percival Everett Published by Doubleday (March 19, 2024) Hardcover $18.41Audiobook $14.99 By Drew Gallagher We interrupt this review of James by Percival Everett for a public service announcement. As a reader […]
NO MOSS?
For hospital corporation, free clinic support ‘in perpetuity’ comes to an end after 20 years. (They’re keeping the building, too.) by Steve and Janet WatkinsPIE AND CHAI MAGAZINE Editor’s Note: This story was published in Pie and Chai magazine earlier this week and is reprinted here with permission. Mary Washington Healthcare CEO Mike McDermott says the Moss […]
Electric Vehicle Chargers
Electric chargers for EVs and PHEVs can be confusing to those not familiar with the nomenclature. Bruce Saller clears everything up in this week’s Environmental Cents. by Bruce SallerWRITER Last week we looked at electric vehicles, PHEVs, and hybrids, examining how they work as well as the pros and cons of each. As important as […]
Environmental Cents – Know Your Hybrids, PHEVs, and EVs
New-car sales of electric vehicles are surging. Just 2% about 5 years ago, today they make up 13% of new-car sales, and that number is going to grow. Considering buying one? Read on. by Bruce SallerWRITER According to the EPA, Transportation is the largest contributor to U.S greenhouse gas emissions, accounting for 28%. Passenger cars and pickup […]
Baltimore Bridge Collapse – Could It Happen Here?
The Francis Scott Key Bridge was in “Fair” Condition. How Many Local Bridges are in “Poor” Condition? by Hank SilverbergCORRESPONDENT The dramatic collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore last month has raised concern across the country about the condition of the nation’s bridges. That particular bridge was listed in “fair” condition, yet […]