Ubiquitous is a word that means "everywhere." We all know that there are lots of pigs in the world. Some good pigs like Wilbur in Charlotte's Web...and some bad pigs too, like the pigs in Orwell's Animal Farm. I have a picture of a beautiful Yorkshire hog diving off a board into a pretty county pond. The pig is smiling. He is a good pig. Good pigs are everywhere. Happy, friendly, useful pigs. And then there are the bad pigs. Remember when you mother admonished you? "Don't be a pig!" she'd command. She was telling you not to be selfish, and to think of other people. Your mom (and my mom) hoped that we would consider the feelings and rights of other people. This blog is about good things and bad things: good and bad things happening in Carroll County, good and bad books, good and bad food. Thanks for taking a look.

Local Solar Energy Tours this Weekend

Posted Tuesday, September 30, 2014, at 1:28 PM

A solar powered water treatment plant in Germany

The American Solar Energy Society (ASES) holds it's 19th annual National Solar Tour this weekend--October 4th and 5th--to celebrate and recognize the potential and current contribution that solar power makes toward energy independence and a cleaner environment. Three (3) local homes and businesses are on the tour this Saturday from 10 AM to 4 PM.

These homes and businesses are located at Jerry Landrum's Angel Falls Retreat Center at 259 CR 301, at "Mike's House" at 88 CR 326, and at the Caribe Restaurant in Eureka Springs at 309 West Van Buren. Property owners are participating in this "Open House" tour to show their friends and neighbors how they are using solar energy and solar efficiency to reduce monthly utility bills and help tackle climate change. They'll answer questions and provide you with their "hands-on," real-world experience about what it will cost in time and money for you to make the switch to solar energy.

The National Solar Energy Society holds this annual tour in conjunction with National Energy Awareness Month every October. More than 150,000 people are expected to participate nationwide and visit more than 5,000 solar energy sites.

ASES spokesman, the actor and environmental advocate Ed Begley Jr., says "Sustainable living is not only good for the planet, it's good for our wallets. The National Solar Tour offers families an opportunity to have meaningful conversations with friends and neighbors who're reaping the benefits of renewable energy and energy efficiency each and every day. It's a great way to get an up-close and personal perspective on how easy it can be to live the green life -- and how rewarding."

For specific details on how to make your home more energy efficient visit ASES's Home Basics page.