HAVE AMERICANS GONE A/C CRAZY?
Have you ever brought an extra coat or blanket to the movie theater in case it was too frigid to tolerate? Have you ever put on a jacket just before you entered a grocery store in anticipation of a jarring drop in temperature? If so, then you’re far from alone. In one 2008 study, 88 percent of respondents stated they feel some stores are overcooled, and 76 percent said they bring extra layers to warm up in retail establishments from time to time. When you stop to think about this common trend of overcooling or overheating our buildings, you may begin to wonder why exactly you ever have to shiver indoors during this age of heating and A/C. Before air conditioning became a standard tool all over the country, men and women alike used to adapt their wardrobe more often to suit the weather. Of course, some people dress for the weather today, as well. But statistics show that many men wear roughly the same clothing every day — a suit or collared shirt, for example — while the average woman responds to the weather with her clothing much more and tends to don a cooler wardrobe in general, particularly in the summer. Many experts argue that the average business’s
thermostat is geared the same way today as it was when men dominated the workforce. Temperatures are set to accommodate a man in a full suit and tie, while women are left to freeze. But this “battle of the sexes” is only one facet of the issue. Today, the U.S. expends more energy on air conditioning than any other country in the world. There are dozens of cultural reasons for this, but most experts agree that one of the most prominent is Americans’ steadily rising inability to handle even moderate heat, due to persistent overuse of A/C. Anybody who went to a movie theater last summer can tell you that the cold temperatures indoors are overkill. That said, climate control has numerous benefits, such as increased productivity, decreased risk of heat-related deaths, and improved comfort overall. But as Hudson Valley temperatures rise in the coming months, it’s important to be conscientious of our A/C use both in our businesses and our homes — if only because it’s insane for everyone to be shivering while they’re at the office or the supermarket.
GRILLED RANCH POTATOES
HAVE A LAUGH!
If you want to be the hit of this year’s Memorial Day cookout, don’t overlook the star power of a well- made side dish. These smoky, tangy grilled potatoes will be the talk of the party. The best part is how easy they are to prep and make!
INGREDIENTS
• Ranch dressing for drizzling • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives • Bacon bits (optional) • Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 pounds baby potatoes, halved • 1/4 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil • Juice of 1/2 lemon • 1/2 packet ranch seasoning
DIRECTIONS 1. Heat grill to medium. In a large pan, toss potatoes with olive oil, lemon juice, and ranch seasoning. Season generously with salt and pepper. 2. Skewer potatoes. (If using wood skewers, be sure to soak in water an hour before grilling.) Grill until tender and lightly charred, about 15 minutes. 3. Drizzle with ranch dressing and garnish with chives and bacon bits.
Inspired by delish.com
3
845-256-6158
Made with FlippingBook - professional solution for displaying marketing and sales documents online