Did you know that nearly 30% of household energy loss occurs through poorly insulated windows and doors? This staggering figure highlights a frequently overlooked aspect of home maintenance that becomes especially critical as external conditions shift. Preparing your living space to handle these changes not only preserves comfort but also improves energy efficiency and safeguards your investment. Assessing and Enhancing Insulation The first step in readying your home involves a thorough evaluation of insulation. Walls, attics, basements, and crawl spaces often harbor weak points where heat escapes or cold infiltrates, leading to increased energy consumption and discomfort. Identifying Trouble Spots: Start by inspecting your attic insulation; the U.S. Department of Energy recommends an insulation level of R-38 or higher in colder regions. Look for compressed, damp, or missing insulation. Similarly, check basement and crawl space walls for gaps or cracks. Using a thermal imaging
Did you know that the first hour after waking up can influence your productivity, mood, and focus for the entire day? Research from the University of London found that individuals who follow a consistent morning routine tend to experience less stress and improved cognitive function throughout their day. For students and parents alike, creating a productive back-to-school morning routine can be the difference between a frantic rush and a calm, focused start. Establishing an effective morning routine is not just about waking up early—it’s about intentional habits that prepare both mind and body for the day ahead. Here are some essential strategies and practical tips to help craft a morning routine that fosters productivity, reduces stress, and supports academic success. Understanding the Importance of a Morning Routine A morning routine acts as a psychological anchor, providing structure and predictability. For students, especially those transitioning from a more relaxed
September 15 marks a day rich with historical significance, spanning diverse fields such as international diplomacy, science, culture, and sports. 1752: Britain Adopts the Gregorian Calendar Another significant event on September 15 occurred in 1752 when Great Britain and its colonies implemented the Gregorian calendar, replacing the Julian calendar. This adoption corrected a drift in the calendar system by skipping 11 days, so the day after September 2, 1752, became September 14, 1752. The calendar reform helped synchronize the British Empire’s timekeeping with much of Europe, facilitating international trade and communication. The change was met with some public confusion and resistance, but it ultimately standardized time measurement and remains in use today. 1916: The First Tank Battle in World War I September 15, 1916, saw the first significant use of tanks in combat during the Battle of the Somme in World War I. The British Army deployed these new armored vehicles
Bruce Springsteen fans got their first preview of Jeremy Allen White singing as The Boss in a new trailer for the much-anticipated film Springsteen: Deliver Me From Nowhere.The clip debuted…
New Foo Fighters drummer Ilan Rubin has shared an Instagram post reflecting on his first show with Dave Grohl and company."Last night with @foofighters could not have been a better…
Almost immediately after Missouri Republicans shut down debate last week to pass a newly gerrymandered congressional map, a pair of lawsuits were filed challenging its constitutionality. Meanwhile, a referendum campaign seeking to repeal the map got a major financial boost over the weekend — a $500,000 donation from a national dark-money organization. And a lawsuit […]
The Wentzville General Motors plant will experience temporary layoffs between Sept. 29 and Oct. 19 due to parts availability, affecting three shifts in various areas of the plant.
Long before the great TikTok moral panic of 2021 to 2024, you might recall that numerous members of Congress spent a solid decade freaking about another Chinese company: Chinese telecom equipment maker Huawei. The argument, made without much in the way of public evidence, was that Huawei was systematically using its network gear to spy on […]
Missouri educators report more social interaction. Students play games or read books instead of scrolling on social media. And handwritten notes are back.
The Post-Dispatch reviewed policies of 15 school districts in St. Louis and St. Charles counties. Most established blanket bans during the school day but varied in exceptions and disciplinary consequences.
Missouri’s three most recent former attorneys general — all of whom claim to be “constitutional conservatives” — tripped over themselves to out-racism each other while auditioning for Trump. This has not been good for Missouri. But it has worked out for the former AGs who have successfully used the office to get the hell out […]
ST. LOUIS - It'll be hot and a bit humid again Monday but temperatures will be a touch cooler than the weekend. We'll again see some spotty storms in the afternoon and early evening hours Monday but this activity looks to favor our western counties into central Missouri. We'll repeat this forecast again for Tuesday. [...]
Two conversations with STLPR reporters to better understand this moment in our region: Jason Rosenbaum on the conclusion of Missouri’s contentious special session on redistricting and making it harder to pass some constitutional amendments, and Chad Davis reports on where things stand ten years after the Ferguson Commission Report release.