Bull or What? Are Air Fryers Really Healthier Than Microwaves and Stovetop Frying?

Hey "Indy Chicken Soupers", I've got a question for ya! Air fryers have exploded in popularity over the last few years, with many claiming they’re the healthier alternative to deep frying and even stovetop cooking. But is this fact or just hype? Let’s break it down and see where air fryers really stand when compared to microwaves, pan-frying, and traditional ovens. Plus, we’ll share which air fryer models are considered the best today.

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Are Air Fryers Really Healthier?

Compared to deep frying:
Yes—air fryers use hot circulating air and require little to no oil. A tablespoon of oil in an air fryer can replace cups of oil in a deep fryer. This means fewer calories, less fat, and lower risk of heart disease compared to traditional fried foods.

Compared to stovetop frying:
Still healthier. Pan-frying usually needs more oil, and food absorbs it while cooking. Air frying, on the other hand, gets the crispy texture with minimal grease. That said, stovetop cooking does allow for fresher seasonings and sauces.

Compared to microwaving:
Microwaves don’t add oil at all, so in some cases, microwaving can be just as “healthy.” However, microwaves don’t crisp food—air fryers provide texture while still keeping calorie counts low.

Compared to ovens:
Air fryers are basically mini convection ovens. They cook faster, use less energy, and produce crispier results. Nutritionally, they’re about the same as oven-baking, but with convenience on their side.

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Downsides of Air Fryers

• Portion size: Most air fryers have smaller baskets, so big meals may require multiple batches.
• Texture limits: While they crisp well, they can’t replicate the exact deep-fried crunch.
• Not a magic fix: Air-fried junk food is still junk food. The healthiness depends on what you put inside.

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Best Air Fryers in 2025

1. Ninja Foodi DualZone Air Fryer

• Two baskets for cooking different foods at once.
• Great for families and meal prepping.

2. Instant Vortex Plus 6-in-1

• Compact, affordable, and versatile.
• Crisp technology makes fries and wings extra crunchy.

3. Philips Premium XXL Air Fryer

• One of the originals with reliable performance.
• Larger capacity, ideal for whole chickens or family meals.

4. Cosori Pro LE Air Fryer

• Budget-friendly but high performance.
  
  
  
• Easy presets and sleek design.

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The Bottom Line

Air fryers are healthier than deep frying and stovetop frying, and they’re more satisfying than microwaving. They’re not a miracle tool, but they make it easier to enjoy crispy, lower-fat meals at home. If you want healthier fried-like food with less mess, an air fryer is a solid investment.

For families, the Ninja Foodi DualZone leads the pack. For budget-conscious buyers, Cosori Pro LE offers great value.

So—bull or what? Not bull. Air fryers live up to the hype when it comes to healthier, crispy cooking.

Go Bigger! trust me on this one.... BJ 

Swap 2 Simple Ingredients and Lose Weight and Become More Healthy !

 "Indy", Switch These 2 Things in Your Diet and Watch the Weight Come Off

When it comes to losing weight and improving overall health, sometimes the smallest changes can make the biggest difference. If you’ve been struggling to see results, consider swapping just two simple items in your diet:

✅ Sea salt instead of regular table salt
✅ Raw sugar instead of refined white sugar

These small changes may seem too easy to matter, but research and real-world results show they can kick-start better health and even help with weight management.

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1. Why Choose Sea Salt Over Table Salt?

Most people don’t realize that common table salt is highly processed. During that process, natural minerals are stripped away, and additives such as anti-caking agents are often introduced.

Sea salt, on the other hand, is typically less processed and retains trace minerals like magnesium, calcium, and potassium. While both salts contain sodium, sea salt offers a more natural balance that may help your body maintain hydration, reduce bloating, and support healthy digestion.

📸 Insert “Before” picture here: bloating and processed food lifestyle

📸 Insert “After” picture here: healthy plate sprinkled with sea salt

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2. Why Switch to Raw Sugar Instead of White?

Refined white sugar goes through multiple steps of bleaching and chemical processing, leaving behind nothing but empty calories. This type of sugar spikes blood sugar levels increases cravings and contributes to weight gain.

Raw sugar, sometimes called turbinado or natural cane sugar, is less processed and still contains molasses, which gives it a slightly richer flavor and a small amount of minerals. While you should still use any sugar in moderation, raw sugar is a gentler alternative that may help curb sugar crashes and overeating.

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The Bottom Line

These swaps aren’t magic, but they’re practical and effective steps toward cleaner eating. By replacing highly processed ingredients with natural alternatives, you’re giving your body a better chance to balance itself—helping you drop unwanted pounds and boost your health over time.

✨ Small steps = big changes. Start today and let your new lifestyle build momentum! 

 BJ  

The 5 Best Plants for Growing Indoors in Indianapolis

 Hey Indy friends,

As the days grow shorter and the cold sets in, it’s the perfect time to cozy up with some indoor greenery. Houseplants not only brighten your living space but also help battle dry air and winter blues—something every Indianapolis resident can appreciate. Whether you’re a seasoned plant parent or just dipping your toes into the soil, here are five of the best indoor plants to grow in Indy—plus some seasonal care tips just for our Midwest weather.

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1. Snake Plant (Sansevieria)

Nicknamed the “unkillable plant,” the snake plant is perfect for Indy’s darker, shorter winter days. It thrives in low light and only needs water every 2–3 weeks.
🌬 Seasonal Tip: With indoor heating, let the soil dry out completely before watering—snake plants hate soggy roots.

2. Pothos (Devil’s Ivy)

This trailing beauty is great for shelves or hanging baskets. Pothos is forgiving if you forget to water and adapts to most light conditions.
🌬 Seasonal Tip: In winter, move pothos a little closer to a window to soak up weak sunlight. Rotate the pot every few weeks so it grows evenly.

3. Spider Plant

Pet-friendly and playful, the spider plant is known for sprouting “babies” you can repot or share. It loves bright, indirect light.
🌬 Seasonal Tip: Indianapolis homes get dry in winter, so give spider plants a light misting to keep their tips from browning.

4. Peace Lily

With its elegant white blooms and deep green leaves, the peace lily adds drama to any room. It’s great at signaling when it needs water by drooping slightly.
🌬 Seasonal Tip: Place peace lilies away from cold drafts (like doors or windows) since they’re sensitive to sudden temperature drops.

5. ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)

The ultimate low-maintenance plant. The ZZ thrives in low light and needs water only once a month.
🌬 Seasonal Tip: With Indy’s dry indoor air, wipe down ZZ leaves with a damp cloth once in a while—this keeps dust away and helps them “breathe.”

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✨ Why Indoor Plants Are Perfect for Indianapolis Residents

• Combat dry winter air caused by heating systems.

• Bring color and life indoors when skies are gray.

• Easy to care for even if you’re busy or traveling.

So whether you’re living in a Fountain Square loft, a Broad Ripple apartment, or a classic Meridian-Kessler home, these plants are the perfect companions to carry you through Indy’s winter months.

Until next time,
🌿 Indy Chicken Soup — warming up your home and heart, one story (and plant!) at a time. 

BJ

Where to buy- "Snakeroot Botanicals" Open 7 Days A Week 11-7pm 1054 Virgina Av Indianapolis Ind

Website: Here

Dick the Bruiser: The Life and Legacy of Wrestling’s “World’s Most Dangerous Wrestler”

When fans talk about the golden era of professional wrestling, one name always rumbles to the top: Dick the Bruiser. Known as the “World’s Most Dangerous Wrestler,” his tough-guy persona and real-life brawling ability made him a legend in the ring and beyond. From his early athletic days to his dominance in the wrestling world, Dick the Bruiser built a career that still inspires awe among wrestling fans today.

Early Life and Football Background

Dick the Bruiser was born William Fritz Afflis on June 27, 1929, in Delphi, Indiana. Before he ever set foot in a wrestling ring, Afflis was already known for his brute strength and toughness. He attended Purdue University, where he excelled in football, eventually making it to the NFL. From 1951 to 1954, he played for the Green Bay Packers as an offensive lineman. His reputation for being rough on and off the field carried over seamlessly when he transitioned into professional wrestling.

Wrestling Career Highlights

Dick the Bruiser officially launched his wrestling career in the mid-1950s, quickly earning a reputation for being one of the toughest competitors around. His gravelly voice, barrel-chested frame, and no-nonsense fighting style fit perfectly with his nickname.

• Signature Style: Bruiser was famous for his hard-hitting brawls, wild punches, and an intimidating presence that made fans believe every fight was real.

• Championships: Throughout his career, he won numerous regional and world titles, particularly in the World Wrestling Association (WWA), the Indianapolis-based promotion he co-owned.

• Tag Team Success: One of his most iconic partnerships was with his cousin-in-law, The Crusher. Together, they became one of wrestling’s most feared and beloved tag teams.

• Wrestling Promoter: Beyond competing, Bruiser played a major role in promoting wrestling in the Midwest through the WWA, giving young talent—including future stars like Hulk Hogan—a platform early in their careers.

Personal Life and Legacy

Outside the ring, Dick the Bruiser was just as colorful. Known for his booming voice and commanding personality, he remained a larger-than-life figure even in retirement.

• Family: He married his wife Louise and together they had children, keeping family life relatively private despite his fame.

• Indianapolis Connection: Bruiser made Indianapolis his home, where his WWA promotion was a wrestling stronghold for decades. Fans across Indiana remember him as much a hometown hero as a national star.

• Passing: Dick the Bruiser passed away on November 10, 1991, at age 62, after suffering a heart attack while lifting weights at home—a fitting end for a man who lived and breathed strength.

Why Dick the Bruiser Still Matters

In today’s world of scripted storylines and high-flying wrestling moves, Dick the Bruiser stands as a reminder of when wrestling felt raw, gritty, and dangerous. He embodied toughness in and out of the ring, carving out a legacy as one of the sport’s true icons.

Whether remembered for his wild tag team matches with The Crusher, his time in the WWA, or his influence on future wrestling stars, Dick the Bruiser remains a cornerstone of wrestling history. His larger-than-life persona continues to inspire fans who crave the days when wrestling’s brawlers felt unstoppable.   BJ

 Dick The Bruiser in Action...................

Did You Wear One of These Watches Back in the 60's ?

 

The Glow of Radium Watches – Time’s Radioactive Secret

In the 1960s, the soft green glow of a wristwatch or bedside clock seemed like a marvel of modern science. Painted with radium-based luminescent paint, these timepieces gave off a gentle light that helped people read the hour at night. To many, it was a comforting innovation—a small glow of progress in the palm of your hand.

But behind the glow lay a silent danger. Radium, a radioactive element, exposed workers and consumers to serious health risks. The “Radium Girls,” factory workers who painted the dials, became infamous victims of radiation poisoning, suffering severe illnesses after being told the paint was harmless. For consumers, prolonged exposure to radium-based products increased the risk of cancer.

Today, radium watches are prized by collectors—but they’re also a reminder of how innovation can sometimes outpace safety.

Future Shock : Could today’s wearable tech—like smartwatches that constantly track our biometrics—become tomorrow’s cautionary tale?

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 Asbestos – The “Miracle Fiber” That Turned Deadly

For decades, asbestos was considered a miracle material. Fireproof, durable, and cheap, it was used in everything from insulation and floor tiles to shipbuilding and brake pads. Builders and homeowners alike hailed it as a wonder fiber that could withstand the harshest conditions.

But the very fibers that made asbestos strong also made it deadly. Tiny particles inhaled into the lungs could remain there for decades, leading to illnesses such as asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma. Entire industries fought to downplay these risks, even as workers and families suffered the consequences.

The legacy of asbestos still lingers. Buildings across the world require costly remediation, and the health effects continue to be felt by those exposed decades ago.

Future Shock : What about modern “miracle materials” like nanotechnology or forever chemicals (PFAS)? Will we look back and see similar hidden dangers?

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 Leaded Gasoline – The Fuel That Poisoned the World

In the early 20th century, adding lead to gasoline was hailed as a breakthrough. It boosted engine performance, reduced knocking, and helped fuel the booming automotive industry. For decades, leaded gas-powered millions of cars, buses, and trucks around the world.

But there was a dark side. The fumes from leaded gasoline released toxic particles into the air, exposing entire populations to dangerous levels of lead. Studies eventually linked lead exposure to developmental problems in children, neurological damage, and a host of other health crises. Despite mounting evidence, oil companies fought to keep leaded gasoline on the market far longer than they should have.

It wasn’t until the 1970s and 80s that countries began phasing it out. By then, generations had already suffered its effects.

Future Shock : With electric vehicles on the rise, will the materials in today’s batteries—like lithium and cobalt—become tomorrow’s environmental hazard?

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 X-Ray Shoe Fitting Machines – Fashion Meets Radiation

In the mid-20th century, a trip to the shoe store often came with a futuristic perk: the X-ray shoe fitting machine. These bulky devices, also called fluoroscopes, let customers slip their feet inside and watch glowing images of their bones wiggling inside the shoes. Salesclerks used them to ensure a perfect fit, and kids loved the novelty of seeing their skeletons.

At the time, X-rays symbolized progress and cutting-edge technology. Doctors used them in hospitals, so why not in stores? Parents saw it as modern, safe, and even fun. What few realized, however, was that these machines exposed both customers and clerks to dangerous levels of radiation. Unlike medical X-rays, which were used sparingly, these shoe-fitting devices could be used repeatedly in a single visit.

By the 1950s and 60s, evidence began piling up that unnecessary exposure carried serious health risks, including burns, radiation damage to bone marrow, and an increased risk of cancer. Slowly, regulations phased them out, and by the 1970s, most had disappeared from shops.

Today, surviving machines are quirky museum pieces—a reminder of when “cool technology” blinded people to the dangers it carried.

Future Shock : Could today’s obsession with wearable health devices—like continuous glucose monitors or body scanners—be seen in hindsight as exposing us to hidden risks we don’t yet understand?

BJ 😟

The Best Smash Burger in Indianapolis

 

The Legend of "Workingman’s Friend":  Indy’s Smash Burger Icon

Origins & Atmosphere

Workingman’s Friend (originally Belmont Lunch) opened in 1918, founded by Louis “Louie” Stamatkin, a Macedonian immigrant. His small lunch counter catered largely to railroad workers and locals in the Belmont/Brookside area. 

Over the decades, it stayed in the same family. Today, Becky Stamatkin, Louie’s granddaughter, runs the place. 

The place has a no-frills, old school dive feel: cash only, worn-in booths, glass block windows, a classic grill, nostalgic charm. It’s not trying to be trendy—it is the trend. 

What Makes Their Smash Burger Special

• Technique: They form fresh ground chuck into balls, then cook them on a hot flat-top grill. Once they hit the griddle, they “smash” the patty down with a spatula. That creates a thin, crispy, edged crust—lacy, crunchy edges with rich browning (the Maillard reaction) balanced against juicier interior bits. 

• Simplicity: No over-the-top toppings. Typically, cheeseburger style with onion, maybe some classic condiments. The burger IS the thing. 

• Value & Character: The price is very reasonable (classic burgers under $10 in many cases), but more than that, people come for the vibe: historic, local, authentic. 

Accolades & Local Reputation

Workingman’s Friend has been repeatedly named the best burger in Indiana in various outlets:

• Thrillist and other “best burger in the state” type lists. 

• Food & Wine also praised it. 

• In “Taste Test: Indy’s Smashburger Boom” (May 2025), it’s included among the very top smash burger spots in the city. 

• Holdup a Minute !

Workingman’s Friend is iconic, but Indy has more than one strong smash. Here are several contenders, each with its own twist.

	Smash'd Burger Bar (Irvington) Classic Midwestern beef cheeseburger, plus creative monthly specials. Great atmosphere, waffle fries, consistent quality. Their claim: “best smashed burgers  in Indy” 10 Johnson Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46219 (317) 419-2894 Daredevil Hall They mix up premium meat blends (chuck + short rib + brisket), sometimes fancy toppings (avocado, bacon, even peanut butter). Broad menu, nice space. Great for when you want a splash‐up version of a smash.  2721 E 86th St Ste 180 Indianapolis, IN 46240 (317) 757-2888 Natural State Provision  Southern-inspired, relaxed bar/dive feel, solid classic smash with option for double, plus good sides. Ideal if you want something a bit more modern but still faithful to the smash style. 414 Dorman St Indianapolis, IN 46202 (317) 492-9887 One Trick Pony  Known for their “Old John” Diner-Style Burger, customizable toppings, multiple patties if you want more. Also, local touches like using regional producers. 9713 District N Dr Ste 1210 Fishers, IN 46037 (317) 953-6398 x 104
	BJ

When Predictions Went Wrong: The "Wildest" Future Forecasts That Never Happened

 

1. Y2K: The Digital Apocalypse That Never Happened

Remember the panic before the year 2000? Experts warned that computers would crash because they couldn’t handle the date rolling over from 1999 to 2000. Planes were supposed to fall out of the sky, banks were going to lose everyone’s money, and the world might collapse. Midnight struck…and nothing happened. The biggest disaster? People were stuck with basements full of canned beans.

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2. Flying Cars for Everyone by 2000

Since the 1950s, futurists promised we’d be zooming through the skies in personal flying cars by the year 2000. While we do have a few prototypes, most of us are still sitting in traffic, scrolling through our phones, and honking at slow drivers.

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3. The Paperless Office

Back in the 1970s, experts swore computers would eliminate the need for paper. Instead, printers, copiers, and fax machines made offices more paper-cluttered than ever. Ironically, “going paperless” is still a corporate buzzword today.

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4. Personal Jetpacks as Daily Commutes

Inventors in the 1960s promised that jetpacks would replace cars. While jetpacks do exist, they’re mostly for military testing or YouTube daredevils. For the rest of us? It’s still rush hour on the highway.

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5. Overpopulation Doom of the 1970s

Books like The Population Bomb warned that by the 1980s, the world would run out of food and collapse under the weight of too many people. Thankfully, advances in farming and food tech proved otherwise. Humanity survived—and now we have DoorDash.

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6. Food in Pill Form

Many futurists predicted we’d be eating meals in pill form by the 2000s. Instead of dinner as a capsule, food culture exploded—food delivery apps, cooking shows, craft beer, food trucks, and Instagrammable brunches. Turns out, nobody wants to give up pizza.

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7. Moon Cities by the 1980s

After Neil Armstrong’s giant leap in 1969, experts believed we’d soon have thriving colonies on the moon. Some even predicted moon vacations by the 1980s. Fast forward—no moon city, but at least billionaires are joyriding into orbit.

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8. Computers Too Big for Homes

In 1949, Popular Mechanics boldly predicted that “in the future, computers may weigh no more than 1.5 tons.” Today, the smartphone in your pocket is millions of times more powerful than those room-sized machines—and weighs less than a sandwich.

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9. The 15-Hour Workweek

Economist John Maynard Keynes predicted in the 1930s that technological progress would cut the workweek down to just 15 hours. Instead, most of us are still grinding away 40+ hours…with emails chasing us into the weekend.

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Final Thoughts

From food pills to moon cities, the future has always been more exciting in our imaginations than in reality. While predictions often miss the mark, they show us how creative—and sometimes hilariously wrong—human imagination can be.

The real question is: which of today’s bold forecasts will make tomorrow’s list of “predictions gone wrong”?   BJ 😏

Why Are Chicken Wings So Expensive? The Real Reasons Behind the Price

 

If you’ve noticed the price of chicken wings climbing over the past few years, you’re not alone. Once considered a cheap snack, wings are now one of the priciest items on the menu at many bars and restaurants. So, what makes chicken wings so expensive today? Let’s break it down.

1. Limited Supply of Wings

Unlike chicken breasts or thighs, a chicken only has two wings. That means the supply is naturally limited. When demand skyrockets—especially during events like the Super Bowl—suppliers simply can’t keep up, which drives prices higher.

2. High Demand at Restaurants and Sports Bars

Chicken wings have become a game-day staple across the U.S. With their popularity as bar food, appetizer, and delivery item, restaurants compete heavily for supply. This high demand keeps prices inflated year-round.

3. Processing and Labor Costs

Chicken wings require extra processing compared to other cuts. They’re often split into “drumettes” and “flats,” seasoned, fried, and sauced—adding labor and packaging costs before they even reach your plate.

4. Rising Feed and Transportation Costs

The cost of raising chickens has gone up due to grain prices, fuel costs, and supply chain issues. Since wings are perishable, shipping and storage require fast, cold-chain logistics, which also adds to the overall expense.

5. Inflation and Market Trends

The pandemic caused a nationwide shortage of chicken wings, and while supply has stabilized, prices never really went back down. Add inflation to the mix, and restaurants are paying more—which they pass on to customers.

6. Popularity Over Other Cuts

Interestingly, other parts of the chicken remain more affordable. Wings, however, have developed a cultural popularity that far outweighs their actual supply. Consumers are willing to pay premium prices, and the market has adjusted accordingly.

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Final Thoughts

Chicken wings are expensive because of simple economics: high demand, limited supply, and increased costs across the board. So the next time you order a basket of wings at your favorite bar, you’ll know why you’re paying more—it’s not just about the chicken, it’s about the entire supply chain behind it.

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👉 Pro Tip: If you love wings but not the high price, try making them at home using whole chicken wings from the grocery store—they’re often cheaper than the pre-cut drumettes and flats.   BJ

 "I'm still buying um" 😉

Sherry Jackson: Inspiring a Love of Science at North Central High School

For more than two decades, Sherry Jackson has been a steady presence in the science wing at North Central High School. Now in her 23rd year with the Metropolitan School District of Washington Township, she teaches zoology as well as anatomy and physiology, guiding students through the same types of lessons that once ignited her own curiosity as a college student at Indiana University.

Her classes are hands-on and rigorous: students practice behavior studies, learn to recognize over 120 species of birds native to Indiana, perform dissections, and complete timed exams. While the work can feel daunting, Jackson says the sense of accomplishment students experience is unforgettable. She also uses these challenges as an opportunity to understand her students better.

“Zoology is fascinating to me,” Jackson said. “When you compare one animal to the next — and then relate those patterns back to humans — it sparks a curiosity that never goes away.”

A School That Feels Like Home

North Central has become more than just a workplace for Jackson. She describes it as a second home filled with colleagues who care deeply about both students and their craft. “We’re constantly learning from each other,” she explained. “It makes teaching here special.”

A Lifelong Calling

Jackson’s passion for education began long before she earned her teaching degree. As a child, she often played “school,” pretending to instruct her dolls and friends with old textbooks her mother brought home from her brother’s school. By the time she reached elementary school herself, she was already helping classmates with their lessons.

“I think the calling started early,” she said with a smile.

Passing on the Spark

Today, Jackson’s greatest joy comes from helping her students see the beauty of the natural world. Each lab, test, or field assignment is more than just coursework — it’s a chance for her to nurture curiosity and build confidence.

After 23 years in the classroom, she says her enthusiasm for science and teaching hasn’t dimmed. If anything, it’s stronger. “This is where I belong,” Jackson said.  BJ🏫

Famous Beers Brewed in Indiana: From Carling Black Label to Craft Beer Icons

 

Indiana may be known for basketball, racing, and pork tenderloin sandwiches, but the Hoosier State also has a long and surprising history with beer. From classic lagers that fueled generations to craft breweries that have achieved international fame, Indiana has made its mark on the brewing world. Here’s a look at the most famous beers brewed in Indiana, past and present.

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📜 The Early Years – Sterling Beer

Founded in 1863 in Evansville, Indiana, Sterling Beer quickly became a household name across southern Indiana and Kentucky. Known as the “Pride of Evansville,” it grew into one of the region’s largest breweries. For over a century, Sterling’s crisp lagers were staples at cookouts, taverns, and sporting events before the brewery finally closed in 1997. Even today, Sterling memorabilia and nostalgia remain strong among beer collectors and older Hoosiers.

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🍺 Mid-1900s – Carling Black Label and Champale

In 1953, Carling built a massive brewery in Hammond, Indiana, which would become one of the largest beer plants in the Midwest. For decades, Carling Black Label, a smooth and affordable lager, rolled off the production lines here, supplying beer lovers across the region.

Another product from the Hammond brewery was Champale, marketed as the “Champagne of Bottled Beers.” With its sweet and sparkling style, it was something different at the time and became a recognizable brand throughout the Midwest.

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🍻 Regional Favorites – Falls City and the Sterling Legacy

Even as national brands grew, Indiana drinkers held onto regional staples. Falls City Beer, brewed just across the river in Louisville, was deeply tied to Indiana taverns and sports bars. And while Sterling officially closed in the 1990s, the brand saw brief revival attempts and remains a nostalgic symbol of Indiana’s beer heritage.

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🍇 2000s – The Craft Beer Boom

Indiana joined the American craft beer revolution with breweries that quickly gained attention:

• Upland Brewing (Bloomington, founded 1998): Known for its wheat beers and award-winning sour ales, Upland became a cornerstone of Indiana craft beer.

• Three Floyds Brewing (Munster, founded 1996): Achieved international fame with Dark Lord, a massive Russian Imperial Stout released only on “Dark Lord Day,” an annual beer festival that draws fans from around the world.

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🌟 Today – Indiana’s Beer Leaders

The modern Hoosier beer scene is thriving, led by craft breweries with statewide and national reach:

• Sun King Brewing (Indianapolis, founded 2009): The state’s largest craft brewery, Sun King is best known for Sunlight Cream Ale and Wee Mac Scottish Ale, both staples at ballgames, restaurants, and local bars.

• Other Rising Breweries: Taxman (Bargersville), Daredevil (Speedway), and Metazoa (Indianapolis) continue to grow Indiana’s brewing reputation with innovative styles and strong community roots.

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🏆 Top 5 Famous Indiana Beers

For a quick look, here are the beers that defined Indiana’s brewing history:

1. Sterling Beer (Evansville, 1863–1997) – A southern Indiana classic and regional powerhouse.

2. Carling Black Label (Hammond, 1953–1980s) – Brewed in one of the Midwest’s largest beer plants.

3. Champale (Hammond, mid-1900s) – Marketed as the “Champagne of Bottled Beers.”

4. Three Floyds Dark Lord (Munster, 2000s–today) – Internationally famous cult stout.

5. Sun King Sunlight Cream Ale (Indianapolis, today) – A modern staple found across Indiana.

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🍻 Conclusion: A Legacy That Spans Generations

From the classic lagers of Sterling Beer and the Hammond-brewed Carling Black Label to the international acclaim of Three Floyds and the statewide dominance of Sun King, Indiana’s beer story blends nostalgia with innovation. Whether you’re sipping a retro brew in a vintage glass or enjoying the latest hazy IPA, Indiana’s brewing heritage is alive and well. 

Go have a cold one today! BJ