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Published: May 20, 2008 06:19 pm
Readers' Forum: May 21, 2008
Smarter gas use can save us money
I used to be one of those who jumped at a green light, wanted to pass everything ahead of me on the road, run a radar detector, etc. And I remember 25-cents per gallon gas too. I have done what I can to change my ways now. Yeah, I like to jump at a light now and then, but it comes with a price with $4 gas.
My tires are now maintained at near max pressure, air cleaner changed often, and I am going to remove that tool box out of my truck. It is filled with stuff nice to carry around that doesn’t get used.
On the road I run 55 instead of the 60 posted limit. Why? So far I have taken my truck (’93 Dakota) from around 15.5 MPG to near 18. Back in the day that might not have seemed like much for the effort, but at these prices it adds up.
I am also not making trips except when needed and then I schedule multiple stops to reduce total miles.
I get passed most of the time on Indiana 63. After all, the limit is 60 and if you are not running at least that or more, well I don’t know what the mindset is. I have noticed a few people are starting to catch up to me and then setting back there at 55 now.
I don’t know that I am setting any example here, but just maybe others are thinking like me and just for a mile or two are pondering their habits as well.
I groan when filling my tank and it would be great to afford a higher mpg vehicle, but that isn’t in the cards. I CAN do things to improve the economy of what I drive and reduce my trips.
The USA is not at a point like in the ’70s with the oil embargo and if you can afford the price then fill ’er up. But we all need to start balancing the freedom to do so with smarter use.
Check those tires, and air filters. Take all the junk out of the trunk. Combine trips. Put in your favorite tunes and slow down!
— Doyle Hudgens
West Terre Haute
Watching is not the same as doing
Several letters in the May 18 Readers’ Forum moved me to make some comments in reply.
Ms. Coleman attempts to comment about experience in regards to the Democratic candidates for president. Her analogy misses the mark though. Certainly it is better when traveling in snow to be riding with an experienced driver.
However, to claim Hillary is such a person when it comes to the presidency is like saying someone who has watched someone else drive in snow is then qualified to do so themselves. At the same time, if Bill Clinton is the example Hillary is using, it is more like saying someone who has watched someone else do it poorly, then is qualified to do it themselves.
Mr. Smitley makes similar comments regarding experience. Hillary has had her time on the stage and has done little that impresses me. Personally, give me someone with less experience but a better head on his shoulders. Sen. Obama has been more presidential in his run so far than Sens. Clinton, McCain or the current resident of 1600 Pennsylvania Ave.
Ms. Durbin makes eloquent points about the freedom of speech. However, just as one cannot cry out “fire” in a movie theater because of the disruption and unsafe conditions that can create, there are limits to free speech. One of those is that no political statements are allowed within a certain distance of polling places.
Moving away from the national scene, Mr. Helms commented on the new Republic trash containers. They were called an eyesore. Personally, I find them much more attractive than bags of trash that are often picked open by birds, raccoons, cats, dogs, etc. Also, they are easier to maneuver, with their wheels, than a loaded trash can with no wheels. They are rather tall though and a shorter can would be easier for a senior to utilize. A heavy bag can be troublesome to lift to the height needed to place it in the Republic containers.
There have been several comments regarding pick ups in the alley or street. Here the writers have been correct. One of the purposes of an alley is for trash pick up. There are too many cars parked on the street or traveling through town for the trucks to do their work from the street safely. If Republic cannot utilize the alleys and mean to clutter up the street with their trucks and cans, the city needs a different company doing the work.
— Dwayne Owens
Terre Haute
Low-paying jobs don’t help much
It’s a sad day when the headlines of the Terre Haute Pfizer’s plant closing is replaced with the joyous announcement of 600 low-paying jobs coming to Terre Haute. And if this isn’t insulting enough, the new jobs are related to a business that is being shut down because we all dislike the annoying and intrusive calls from telemarketers.
I challenge the editors and mostly the politicians of this community to make a sacrifice and survive on an income of $9 per hour. Try this for a month. Then just imagine the pain after three months when the bankers and utility companies are beating on your door because you made a decision to feed your family instead of paying the electric bill or mortgage.
I am not currently employed nor have I ever been employed at the Terre Haute Pfizer Plant.
— Bruce Thompson
Farmersburg
Great experience at Fitness Experts
Are you looking for that bikini body for summer? Do you just want to lose a few pounds or tone up? Do I have the place for you.
Fitness Experts, located at 811 Ohio St. in Terre Haute. I have been a member for a while now and like any new gym I felt uncomfortable. I did not know anyone there, I just felt very self-conscious. I still went in almost daily and did my workout session I had with my trainer Jen, who will make you work, but it has all been worth it.
After a while I got to know a few of the other trainers and a few of the clients. Going to the gym is not so bad now; they offer classes throughout the day such as Total Body, Group Power, Kickboxing and Yoga, plus several more.
I sampled many gyms before I became a member at Fitness Experts and never did I feel comfortable with them. It is nice to know that there are women and men who have the same issues that you do and completely understand what you are talking about, whether it is with food, such as emotional eating, or with the issues of working out.
If you are serious about getting healthy and having a great time doing it this is the place for you. The entire team is fabulous and I think you will enjoy your time with them. The morning classes that they offer really get you going for the day, so drop the kids off at school and head in for a wonderful workout that will make you feel like you have done something.
I want to thank Brian, Eileen, Laura, Jason, LT, and Jen for helping make my time there successful. You all are the best!
— Stacey Mason
Terre Haute
Save neighborhoods from deterioration
I sympathize with Anna Lee Chalos-McAleese (letter published May 9). Soon Collett Park residents will meet the same fate as those of us who live in the Deming area.
During the Anderson administration, Jamax was allowed to force us to move our trash to curbside for collection. Now some of the residents leave their trash at curbside 24/7. Our lovely street certainly is not the beautiful area that it once was.
Our City Council must pass an ordinance to be enforced so that our neighborhoods are saved from this deterioration. Otherwise these huge blue and gray containers will become a part of our landscaping.
— Joan Chervenko
Terre Haute
Alorica news no reason for joy
After losing Pfizer (really no fault of Terre Haute), is Alorica good news?
The turnover rate for call centers is high. Pay is based on mostly commission. We need manufacturing jobs. How about Gov. Daniels going to Mexico and getting back GE? That would impress me.
Hoosiers, don’t let propaganda like the Alorica news make you feel optimistic. All the good jobs have left the area and are still leaving the area.
— Stephen D. Woodcock
Terre Haute
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