Archive for the 'Guest Blogger' Category

What’s the big idea?

kate snedeker 150x150 What’s the big idea?Back in the day, when time-on-hand outweighed kids-in-house, my husband started an idea book. He’s an engineer, and he filled the spiral-bound ledger with drawings and inventions that would some day make us a million dollars. I even offered a few ideas myself.

I opened it the other day and was startled to see we stopped thinking creatively several years ago (see above time/kid reference). But what we wrote when we had the energy was quite good.

Before I share, a caveat: someone else may have already invented these, but my voluminous research (okay, quick Google search) didn’t turn up anything, so we’ll claim credit.

A sampling from our book:

  • Solar-powered bridge warmer to eliminate ice build-up in winter
  • Microscopic transmitter to locate important items (jewelry, remote controls)
  • Desktop torchiere (one of those lamps that shoot light straight up)
  • Toddler utensils that change color with the temperature of the food
  • Drive-thru bagel shop (that was mine!)
  • Genius but still secret idea for point-of-sale at a supermarket (if you work for Marsh, Kroger or Whole Foods, contact me immediately—I’m about to save your business!)

Someday, when the kids are older, we’ll dust off the idea book. For now, I view it as a relic of a quieter, saner time.

What’s your million-dollar idea? And what’s keeping you from executing it?

Think. Read. Talk. Listen.

kristen fuhswells 150x150 Think. Read. Talk. Listen.October is Arts & Humanities Month, which means 31 days of thinking, reading, talking and listening—through which we can all create a stronger, more vibrant community. Here are five must-dos on my personal list:

IDADA (Indianapolis Downtown Arts and Dealers Association) First Friday tour. There’s no better way to spend a Friday night in Indy than to wander from gallery to studio to performance space. Start at our place—the Meredith Nicholson Home (1500 N. Delaware St.)—for a discussion about how schools can serve as catalysts for urban renewal.

Wallow in your Hoosier-ness. Indiana authors, artists, musicians and poets will showcase their talents at An Evening in Brown County on Sunday, Oct. 11. I’m looking forward to Hoosier wine and beer, plus tapas made from locally grown food. here.

Travel back in time. I’ll explore the religious and visual culture of 17th-century Spain and Latin America–for free. Sacred Spain: Art and Belief in the Spanish World, opens Oct. 11 at the Indianapolis Museum of Art. It features 80 works of art, including the legendary Crown of the Andes, an actual crown set with 450 emeralds.

Start a book club. If you’re like me and haven’t joined or started a club yet, it’s time. The Indiana Humanities Council will even lend you the books, for free.

Take a road trip. I’m planning to take advantage of the great weather and scenery that October offers and head north, south, east and west, knowing that wherever I go I’ll find a great museum or Hoosier landmark.

Check out the Indiana Humanities Council for a full 31-day guide to humanities events around Indiana.

Summer’s not over yet

amy vaughan 150x150 Summer’s not over yetSchool buses may be making the rounds, but there’s still plenty of summer left, and plenty of time to enjoy three of my favorite summer things.

I like a road trip to Bonge’s Tavern for tailgating, Perkinsville Pork and sugar cream cake. Over the years, I’ve been to Bonge’s many times with my husband. It’s unpretentious and in the middle of nowhere, but the food is out of this world.

Since I moved to Indianapolis, more than 15 years ago, I have been to at least one Symphony on the Prairie concert each summer. This year, it was Billy Joel; last year, the Beatles cover band. For me, Symphony on the Prairie is the best of an Indiana summer — a warm night, a cool breeze, a great picnic, a beautiful view of 100 acres of Indiana farmland, and kids playing on the hillside and dancing to the music.

With everything from the world’s largest boar to gourds shaped like David Letterman, the Indiana State Fair is my favorite Indiana spot in August. I visit the Dairy Barn for milkshakes and grilled cheese sandwiches, the Home Arts Building to admire the award-winning decorated cakes and the midway for a ride on the Ferris Wheel.

I’m not ready for summer to wind down. I think I can even squeeze in a last Indiana trip or two: Madison and French Lick are on my short list. What’s on yours?