The activities continue on The NEWS’ 2010 Dealer Design product microsite. The product giveaway is in full swing, and the Readers’ Choice bracket competition is beginning to heat up.

So in mid-July when temps and humidity were soaring in the Midwest, my wife and I headed southeast to West Lafayette, Ind., where I was to attend the Purdue University conferences that involve the latest technologies in HVACR and building sustainability.

Last week I drove to Nashville for the birth of my first grandchild. While there I visited an area next to the Cumberland River, which flooded on May 2, killing 30 people and causing at $1 billion in damage

I’m a paperback pack rat. I am also a bit of a mystery fan. I am currently rereading one of the Sue Grafton mysteries featuring private investigator Kinsey Millhone. What caught my attention was a mention of PHCC.

Ding. Shut the car door. Ding. Fill the gas tank. These reminders are welcomed annoyances. They remind drivers of the standard maintenance tasks that will keep the vehicle running optimally.

Readers of this blog know that from time to time I have been writing about wind turbines as an alternative source of energy – particularly about the pros and cons of such technology. I’ve been particularly aware of the topic because of a proposal to build a large number of such turbines in the Southwest corner of the county where I live.

Here’s your chance to be part of something groundbreaking - the first all-green virtual conference and expo designed for readers of our print magazines, Web sites, eNewsletters and digital editions.

The Home Star bill, which was passed by the House of Representatives back in May, has been sitting around gathering dust in the Senate. But late last week, Senate leaders announced it may be included in a new energy bill, and suddenly Home Star is hot again.

There’s a new book out called “Losing Our Cool: Uncomfortable Truths About Our Air-Conditioned World (and Finding New Ways to Get Through the Summer)” by Stan Cox. Cox is trying to hype up his proposal to reduce American dependence on a/c, so he recently wrote an editorial in the Washington Post.

The Dealer Design Award winners have been announced, but the fun is not over quite yet. It’s time for you to vote for your favorite product. We have pitted the winning products against each other in a bracket style competition that allows you to decide who will be the Readers’ Choice champion.